The year 2016 is about to end and the Indian automotive industry saw many new car launches across the segment. Out of the all, some were mass segment cars and some were performance-oriented models. We have listed down the five most powerful cars launched in 2016 that have impressed us with its performance figures
The Ford Mustang right-hand drive was long due for India and the carmaker introduced the iconic muscle car in India at a starting price of Rs 65 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi this year. The Ford Mustang is sold through the CBU route and is the only muscle car available in the country.
Powering the Mustang is Ford’s naturally aspirated 5.0 litre V8 petrol engine that generates 395 hp of power and 515 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. In order to enhance the driving experience, the four-seater muscle car is equipped with an advanced braking system that distributes brake force between front and rear wheels and prevents the wheels from locking. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS) go hand-in-hand adding to the spirited driving experience
The Ford Mustang also lets the driver switch between different driving modes on the dash to adjust its Selectable Drive to Normal, Sport+, Track,, Snow or Wet. In the Normal mode, the car delivers the best balance of comfort and handling, while the Sport+ mode is for more throttle response and a stiffer ride quality, which is best suited for home. The Track mode further enhance the limits of the car on the track and Snow/Wet mode is good for slippery and low-traction road conditions.
Audi RS7 Sportback Performance
The Audi RS7 Sportback was launched in 2015 and now the company has added the Performance version of the car in its model lineup. The Audi RS7 Sportback Performance carries a price tag of Rs 1.59 crore, ex-showroom, Delhi. The RS7 Performance is equipped with Audi’s Cylinder on Demand (COD) system that improves fuel efficiency.
Under the bonnet, the Audi RS7 Sportback Performance has a 4.0 litre TFSI Bi-turbo, V8 engine, which produces 605 hp of power and 750 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.7 seconds achieving a top speed of 307 kmph. For more torque, Audi has offered the RS7 Performance with an ‘Overboost function’ that increases the torque from 700Nm to 750Nm. All the power from the engine is sent to Audi’s Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.
In addition, the RS7 Performance also features cruise control, Audi drive select with different modes, comfort, auto, dynamic and individual. The car is also equipped with independent electronically controlled adaptive air suspension and Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) in three selectable stages.
The latest offering in the Nissan India’s stable is the GT-R, which is priced at Rs Rs 1.99 crore, ex-showroom, Delhi. The supercar gets mid-mounted hand-built 3.8 litre V6 twin turbocharged engine developing 562 hp of power and 637 of torque, mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch sequential transmission. The Nissan GT-R reaches from zero to 100 kmph in under 3 seconds and has a top speed of 311 kmph. The GT-R is offered with different driving modes, – Normal Mode, Race mode and Snow mode.
Compared to the previous model, the new Nissan GT-R has better aerodynamics due to the reduced Coefficient of Drag of 0.26. In addition, the C-pillar has been redesigned to prevent vortex formation which could have resulted in less performance had it not been looked into.
The handcrafted seat upholstery of the GT-R ensures a reduced noise level inside the cabin. The interiors boast of a Bose audio system with 11 speakers and Black, Red, Ivory or Tan touring leather seats and trims. The Nissan GT-R is also equipped with features like Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, Traction Control System (TCS), ABS with EBD and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
After many rumours and speculations, Jeep launched the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler Unlimited in India in August, 2016. The Grand Cherokee is available in three variants, the Summit priced at Rs 1.03 crore, Limited at Rs 93.64 lakh and the high-performance SRT that carries a price tag of Rs 1.12 crore.
Under the hood, the Grand Cherokee SRT gets a 6.4 litre, HEMI V8 petrol engine that churns out 470 hp and 624 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. The engine is channelised to a Quadra-Trac Active On Demand four-wheel drive system. It gets Brembo high-performance Anti-Lock Brakes, Selec-Track traction control and Ready Alert Braking. The last technology mentioned helps the driver during emergency braking by using sensors from the camera and radar of the Forward Collision Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control systems.
Volkswagen Polo GTI
One of the most affordable performance cars in India is the three-door Volkswagen Polo GTI. The Polo GTI competes with the Fiat Punto Abarth and is powered by a 1.8 litre TSI petrol engine, developed by Audi. The engine generates 189 hp of power and 250 Nm of peak torque and is mated to a 7-speed automatic DSG gearbox. The car can sprint from 0 to 100kmph in 7.2 seconds and has a top speed of 233 km/h. The Polo GTI is equipped with disc brakes with red painted callipers at both the axles.
At a price tag of Rs 25.99 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi, the Polo GTI is also packed to the hilt with safety features such as 6 airbags, ABS, Hill Hold and ESP (Electronic stability control). Volkswagen sells the GTI as a CBU unit and is available in limited numbers.
