German car manufacturer, Audi has showcased its Sportback Concept car at the 10th Auto Expo 2010.

Audi Sportback concept is markedly futuristic car with its pronounced coupé-like silhouette and large rear hatch; 4.95 m long (16.24 ft), 1.93 m wide (6.33 ft) and only 1.40 m high (4.59 ft), Audi Sportback Concept is boldly progressive for the luxury class. Power is provided by the world’s cleanest diesel technology: the 3.0-liter V6 TDI clean diesel almost completely eliminates nitrogen oxides. And numerous measures to ensure top efficiency mean that the Audi Sportback concept is expected to achieve impressive fuel consumption figures of 5.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers.

Speaking at the unveiling of Audi Sportback Concept at Auto Expo 2010, Mr. Peter Schwarzenbauer, Board Member, Sales & Marketing, AUDI AG said, “Audi has shown exceptional promise since we began our India operations. We have grown from strength to strength in every facet of the business. Audi India will continue to play a pivotal role in the worldwide growth strategy of Audi AG. The Audi Sportback Concept car, which we have displayed at the Auto Expo, effectively demonstrates Audi’s future design vocabulary. We will continue to bring latest models from Audi to India. This is part of our commitment to the Indian customer.”

At Auto Expo 2010, BMW India launched the limited edition of the new BMW Gran Turismo in India.

Priced at Rs. 63,00,000 ex-showroom Delhi, only the elite few in India will have the opportunity to own one of the 100 exclusive limited edition BMW Gran Turismo.

BMW Gran Turismo is a completely new vehicle concept, adding a unique and distinctive model variant to BMW’s product line-up. The BMW Gran Turismo combines the benefits of a prestige sedan, a modern Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo (Grand Touring). A coupe-like, stretched and sleek roofline, proportions typical of BMW, four doors with frameless windows and a two-piece tailgate determine the stylish and elegant body design of the BMW Gran Turismo.

The generous interior offers luxurious comfort, a slightly elevated seating position for comfortable access to the vehicle, clear and superior all-round visibility of road conditions, and truly impressive variability. Powerful and efficient engines, as well as the eight-speed automatic transmission featured as standard, guarantee a supreme driving experience both dynamic and comfortable all in one.

The BMW Gran Turismo 3.0l D engine offers particular highlights in terms of all-round economy. Its latest-generation 3.0-litre straight-six diesel comes with an all-aluminium crankcase as well as common-rail direct fuel injection with piezo-injectors, delivers 180 kW/245 hp at 4,000 rpm, and gives the car average fuel consumption in the combined EU cycle of just 6.5 litres/100 kilometres, as well as a CO2 emission rating of just 173 grams per kilometre, both figures absolutely unique for a vehicle of this size and calibre.

The engine naturally fulfills the EU5 emission standard. In addition, the BMW Gran Turismo comes with an innovative eight-speed automatic transmission combining an extremely quick gearshift with maximum efficiency.

Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) today held the world premiere of the Honda New Small Concept car today, at the Auto Expo 2010.

This is the first the time when Honda has chosen India for the world premiere of a concept car.

Honda New Small Concept is a concept model of a new small sized vehicle which Honda is currently developing especially for India and other emerging nations.

Developed at Honda’s Automobile R&D center in Japan, the Honda New Small Concept is designed to be a family car with a capacity to seat 5 adult passengers. And a small car based on the Honda New Small Concept would be launched by 2011 in India.

Addressing the media during the world premiere of Honda New Small Concept, Mr. Koichi Kondo, Executive Vice President and Representative Director, Honda Motor Co. Ltd., said, “We are delighted to unveil the Honda New Small Concept at the 10th Auto Expo. India has been the hub for the compact car segment and is also the lead country for our research and development work on the New Small Concept. The new model based on this concept will be a global car with features to suit the needs of Indian customers. We plan to launch this car by 2011.”

Commenting on the unveiling of the New Honda Small Concept, Mr. M. Takedagawa, President and CEO, HSCI said, “This is a remarkable occasion for Honda as we unveil the Honda New Small Concept to the world. India is a focus market for Honda and the world premiere of the New Small Concept at the Auto Expo is a testimony to this fact.”