The new BMW X3 arrives in India next month

Bavarian Motor Works (BMW) plans to take advantage of the rising auto sales in India – hence, the expansion of its product range.

Every detail of the X3 emphasizes its agility, style and dynamism. Strong, elegant lines underscore its fascinating temperament and sporting ambition. From the powerful bonnet to the distinct rear, the X3's muscular proportions are hard to ignore. The almost completely body-coloured bumpers and the elevated seat position highlight its truly unmistakable character.

In India, the new BMW X3 will be available in the diesel version.

The X3 is expected to be launched on August 25^th, with two engine variants, 3 lt. inline six turbo and 2 lt. diesel mill engine variants. Audi Q5 and Mercedes Benz – Class GLK are expected to be the X3’s main rivals.

BMW, which was unclear about the CKD duty structure, said that the new X3 will be priced approximately around 42.2 lakhs INR. However, the price is expected to be lesser as the engines are built at the Chennai plant, which will allow BMW India to deal with the 10% CKD duty requirements.

Fiat India launches Diksha

A technical Skill development program by FIAT and Bombay Salesian Society

Fiat India Automobiles Ltd launches ‘Diksha’, an effort to provide educational avenues and technical training for the youth of the country. Fiat India has joined hands with Donbosco Vyawasaik Prashikshan Kendra, Pune for this initiative. The primary objective is to offer respectable livelihood to orphans, disadvantaged and poor students who otherwise are deprived of good educational facilities.

This initiative will use the immense knowledge, concentration and training available with Fiat to offer best vocational training to the students interested in making a career in the manufacturing world. With such a refined style of vocational training the students would be skilled to work in the automobile industry.

Speaking on this development, Mr. Rajeev Kapoor, President & CEO, Fiat India Automobiles Ltd said “Being one of the pioneers in the automobile industry we understand the changing dynamics of the manufacturing world and realise the need of upgrading the training facilities at the vocational centres so that we can churn out better skilled talent who could work in the high competitive sector. This initiative is our effort to enhance this process” 

Key role for Fiat India would be to support and improve the knowledge, capability, and competencies of trainers and teachers, provide company training internships for trainers and students and improve practical experience by providing its vehicles, components, workshop equipment, teaching material and also training aids. While Don Bosco will be responsible for selection of students, conducting the course and to get accreditation to all the courses from the Govt. of India and Fiat will provide on the job training at factory, in dealership net work and train the trainer program. 

The Program Diksha includes courses like: 

a) Multi Brand Basic Automobiles Awareness for 4 Wheelers: A short term programme of four months. There will be three batches in a year and each batch will have twenty five students.

b) Centre of Excellence: A long term programme of two years duration. The said programme and the syllabus shall be at par with the I.T.I. Courses available in the State. No of students per batch is twenty one students. 

Both the Programs will have accreditation from the National Council for Vocational Training – New Delhi and Joint Certification from FIAT and Don Bosco.

Fully Customized Jeep Wranger by West Coast Customs

The hard work continues at West Coast Customs, where they completely customized a Jeep Wrangler. The great part about it is that they documented the progress of the project and showcased it on their site. Here's some of the photos from start to finished...

Looking good guys...

Car Show Coverage: 2011 Dub Car Show: Chicago

The Dub Car Show Tour is still rolling strong, and this time they stopped off in Chicago. I've never been to Chicago, but after seeing these photos, I do want to go... for a car show. From what I can tell, Chicago does and have some super creative interiors.

Check out some of the photos...

Meguiars chose a gorgeous vehicle for their display...

Love the exterior...

He probably thought he was the hottest thing since sliced bread...

I've seen this car before at the Funkmaster Flex Car Show in Louisville.

*whistles* I would love to hear how great the sound is.

Why use a traditional box when you can use your imagination?

Waka loves the kids... and he has great taste in hats.

Although I do not care for the new tail lights on the Dodge Charger, I do love the fact that they smoked out the tail lights on this particular one.

A car show isn't a car show without a lowrider.

Looks perfect on a Jeep...

*whistles again*

Can't have a car show without a model...

... or more.

Gorgeous, even if the interior is orange.

For more photos, check out Dub Car Show: Chicago Gallery at Flickr.com

Another Mercedes Benz CL... This time, it's courtesy of Forgiato Wheels

Forgiato got their hands on some photos of a very gorgeous Mercedes Benz CL63 dubbed as the Batmobile. According to Gary, this CL63 has an extensive RennTech package as well as several exterior mods including blacked out grill, logos, lights, tints, and Forgiato wheels. The wheels are 22″ Aggio-ECL, all black.

I think I met my new lover....

Shaq's Porsche Pamamera Courtesy of West Coast Customs

Ryan and his crew at West Coast Customs just released photos of the gorgeous Porsche Panamera that they've customized for Shaquille O'Neal. Not only did they add some Modulare Forged Shoes on it, but they gave him some extra leg room so he can fit comfortably.

I'm noticing that the Porsche Panamera is the new celebrity car of the moment. But this one is gorgeous....

Mercedes Benz S63 courtesy of Hipnotic Wheels

Hipnotic Wheels released some photos of a Mercedes Benz S63 wearing some 20" Black Diamond RF1 Wheels...

BMW X6 xDrive30d Spotted

Spotted the white ghost swirling through the streets of Bangalore. The X6 is BMW’s latest production car in the crossover section and according to the company, it marks a new slot as the world’s first “sport activity vehicle”.

The xDrive30d is powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine with 180kW of power and 540Nm of torque, according to official BMW numbers. The X6 xDrive30d accelerates from 0-62 mph in 8.0 seconds and tops at 130mph/210kmh (137mph/220kmh with Dynamic Pack).

The X6 xDrive30d is fitted with a number of BMW EfficientDynamic technologies, which include low rolling resistance tyres and brake energy regeneration to improve the car's environmental credentials. It also includes 19-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed sports seats, a sports leather steering wheel and bi-xenon headlamps, as well as a number of items from the BMW ConnectedDrive suite of technologies. These include head-up display, rear view camera with Top View, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, high-beam assist, electrically-operated tailgate as well as front and rear parking sensors.

The ghost’s distinctive aggressive looks, athleticism and precision make it an extremely attractive vehicle.