The year of 2016 saw many new launches that include segment shakers such as the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Tiago, Toyota Innova Crysta and Bajaj V15. The last month of the year is also equally exiting for auto enthusiasts, since Bajaj Auto will launch its most powerful motorcycle in December. Nissan just launched its iconic sports cars, the GT-R recently, while some other powerful cars are also in the pipeline for this month. We have all the dope on the new cars and bikes launching rest of December.
Bajaj Dominar 400
Bajaj Dominar 400 is the next big thing from the Pune-based automaker and launch has been confirmed on 15th. Unveiled as Pulsar CS400 at the Auto Expo 2014, Dominar 400 will become the flagship product and it will be Bajaj Auto's first entrant in the cruiser sport segment. Dominar 400 will be powered by a 373cc petrol motor that is expected to generate 41bhp of power and 30Nm of torque mated to six-speed transmission. The engine is tried and tested in KTM 390 Duke while the state of tune might be different for Dominar 400. The motorcycle is expected to have ABS or Anti-lock Braking System as an option. Price for the motorcycle is rumoured to start from Rs 1.60 lakh.
Bajaj V12
Bajaj Auto will add new entrant to the V platform. The V12 will be the younger sibling of the popular V15 that Bajaj Auto launched in March. The V15 uses metal of the dismantled INS Vikrant — India's first aircraft carrier — in the fuel tank. Bajaj Auto has confirmed that the V12 will be priced at Rs 56,200, ex-showroom Delhi. The V12 will bear similar styling of the V15. Bajaj will continue to use a small amount of metal from the dismantled INS Vikrant on the V12. The younger sibling will also retain removable rear cowl, a unique feature of V brand that sports café racer style.
Benelli Tornado 302
The fully faired sibling of TNT 300, Benelli Tornado 302 has been rumoured for December launch. The Tornado 302, which is likely to be called the 302R in India, has been undergoing testing on the Indian roads for some time. Built on a trestle frame, the Tornado 302 will be powered by an in-line two-cylinder four-stroke four-valve DOHC engine that develops 36bhp at 12,000rpm and 27Nm at 9,000 rpm. The engine will be mated to a six-speed transmission and the bike reportedly has a top speed of over 170kmph. The motorcycle will be the second most affordable motorcycle of the DSK Benelli.
Volvo V40 facelift
Volvo globally unveiled its bestselling V40 hatchback and V40 Cross Country in the new avatar in line with the new design language of the company in February. India launch of this facelift is expected by the end of December. The updated version comes with new grille meshes and new 'Thor's Hammer' headlights, which we have seen in the new XC90 SUV and the S90 sedan. The exterior update includes the addition of two new colours, Amazon Blue and Denim Blue, in addition to the currently available colours. The new upholstery of the car is christened City Weave.
Mercedes-AMG C43
Mercedes-Benz India will launch yet another AMG model on 14 December. The AMG C43 is the 13th offering of the company in 2016 in India, is the third AMG product of the year after AMG GLE 43 Coupe and the AMG SLC 43. To be positioned between Mercedes-Benz C 200 and the eccentric AMG C 63 S, the AMG C43 will draw power from a 3.0L V6 biturbo, which can churn out 357bhp at 5500-6000 rpm and torque of 521Nm at 2000-4000 rpm. Mercedes AMG C43 can sprint from 0-100 kmph in 4.7 seconds before attaining a top speed of 250 kmph. The transmission in the sedan will be taken care of by a 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic and will come with AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
Mini Clubman
BMW owned Mini brand will launch the all-new Clubman in India on December 15. Once launched, the Clubman will become largest Mini on sale in the country. It is essentially a large estate model from the British carmaker. The Clubman comes with large, single-frame grille, oval headlamps and clamshell bonnet, all in line with other Mini models. It will feature vertically split doors at the rear. The Clubman, for international market is offered with a choice of a 1.5-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre petrol or diesel engine, mated to manual or automatic gearboxes. India-spec is also expected with same powertrains barring manual gearbox options.
