Road Strikers

AC decided it needed to move on from the Cobra - and decided that an upmarket GT was what it needed to go chasing Ferrari and Maserati buyers. It was an interesting car, and one of a very popular breed - British engineering, Italian styling and American muscle. Think Jensen Interceptor and Gordon Keeble. The AC 428 was built on a six-inch extended Cobra chassis clothed in bodywork – steel this time – by Frua from Turin. Although it looks similar to the Maserati Mistral, the AC 428 shared now external panels, and only the door handles and glass frames were shared between the two. The 7.0-litre V8 came from the Ford Galaxie, and was used in some Cobras. The convertible 428 shared the coupe's phenomenal performer, enjoying a sub-6.0sec 0-60mph times even in more popular automatic form. All 428s benefited from an excellent chassis and suspension set-up, meaning that it had neutral handling and excellent steering. But the 428 ended up being too expensive and not special enough - the co

The Greyhound was a straightforward extension of the Aceca theme, and like its smaller sister, it's a stylish and dignified tourer. But with the additional benefits of four-seats, it's also rather useful. Like te Aceca, the Greyhound has an aluminium body and a tubular-frame chassis, and it's also fitted with all the same engine choices, though in reality most ordered used the Bristol straight-six, either in 2.0- or 2.2-litre form. No more than three are thought to have received the Ruddsport Zephyr 2.6. A full list of the engines fitted to the Greyhound shows just how familiar they are - escpecially to AC enthusiasts, as they'd all been used in the Ace and Aceca already. The all straight-six line-up included the 1991cc 75bhp AC Cars engine; the BMW-derived Bristol OHV engine in 125bhp 1971cc and 2216cc 105bhp form; and the 2553cc Ford Zephyr, which was capable of packing up to 170bhp Rudd Sport form. Three Greyhounds were left-hand drive; the rest were right-hand driv

The closed versions of many great sports cars are often forgotten. And if not forgotten, they lag behind the roadster version in popularity and market value. This is certainly true of the Jaguar XKs and E-Types, the Alfa Giuliettas and Porsche 356s. Many people don't even realize there was a coupe version of the MGA, Lotus Elan or the AC Ace. Strictly speaking, the AC fixed-head coupe wasn't an Ace at all. It was an Aceca. Visually, the Aceca and its more popular roadster sibling were quite similar from nose to scuttle, but the similarities ended there. The Aceca used a curved windscreen, much wider doors, an elegantly sloping fastback roof and downswept rear fenders that culminated in small but graceful fins. Luggage space was vastly increased by the use of a top-hinged liftgate. The car featured full-width bumpers front and rear, instead of the Ace's vestigial bumperettes. Inside, the Aceca was more opulently finished. Although both open and closed cars were trimmed in

The all new AC Ace arrived in 1953, designed by talented AC engineer John Tojeiro. The Ace used the old 1991cc AC engine which it shared with the ageing 2 Litre model, although performance was still reasonable. The cars distinctive body was produced in aluminium and looked similar to contemporary Ferrari models, it would also form the basis for the legendary Cobra in years to come. AC Ace is an automobile from AC Cars.  The Ace featured a lightweight chassis with a Bristol six-cylinder engine with 3 downdraft carburettors producing 120 horsepower. Due to its light weight (about 1650 pounds) and advanced suspension, the car had good performance and handling. The car raced at Le Mans in 1957 and 1958. When Bristol ceased building their 6-cylinder engine in 1961 the owner, Charles Hurlock, was approached by Carroll Shelby to use a Ford V8 in the Ace chassis, producing the AC Cobra in 1962. Production of the Ace ended the same year. The ACE also was manufactured with an AC built 2 liter

AC was another British manufacturer which resumed car production after world war two using a development of its pre-war products. Given that AC's cars were quality low-volume items anyway, and their appeal translated into the new era pretty effectively.  The 2-litre in two-door saloon and touring form was, powered by its gently sporting 2.0-litre six-cylinder engine, formed the heart of the range. A four-door was added to the range in 1953, by which time the already ageing triple-carb AC engine’s output had risen from 74bhp to 85bhp. Bodies were built the traditional way - aluminium over a wood frame and steel chassis; suspension also harks back to days past with solid axles and transverse leaf springs at each end of the car. At least the dampers are hydraulic: an AC first. Cable rear brakes are fitted to early cars, with an all-hydraulic system from 1951. The DHC (drophead coupe) version of the saloon was in production for just one year, so few were built and all went for export

AC first joined forces with Zagato in 1957 when the latter designed the one off AC Ace Bristol Zagato sports car, a pure racing GT Berlinetta. It was designed with the characteristic Zagato roof, containing two bubbles for crash helmets, and a 2 litre, straight six engine. The AC 378 GT Zagato sports car was based on the Zagato Perana Z-One, launched in 2009 at the Geneva Motor Show. In 2012, Superformance teamed up with AC, and the Perana was relaunched as the AC 378 GT Zagato, and priced at £90,000. It was powered by a 6.2 litre, V8 engine, sourced from the Chevrolet Corvette C6, with a six speed gearbox, and developed 434 bhp at 5900 rpm, and 430 ft/lbs of torque at 4600 rpm. This produced a top speed of 185 mph, a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 secs, and a 0-100 mph time of 8.9 secs. It was offered as a fixed head coupe, with a roadster to follow. The cockpit’s layout was based on Zagatos minimalist design philosophy, and production began later in 2012. The space frame chassis incorporated

More than just an everyday crossover, the Cherokee brings a measure of ruggedness to the party in the way only a Jeep can. A 180-hp inline-four is standard; a 271-hp V-6 or a 270-hp turbo four are optional. A nine-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard; four-wheel drive is optional. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Trailhawk version appeals to off-roaders. There’s a maximum of 55 cubic feet of cargo room; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard; navigation is optional.

The Jeep Renegade is a small compact SUV from the American SUV maker and will make it to India late 2017. The new small SUV will feature both petrol and diesel engines and should be priced around the Rs 18-25 lakh range when launched. The new Jeep Renegade should be a popular car in India because of its heritage and design. Talking about design, the Jeep Renegade harks back to the original Willy’s Jeep with its slatted grille and recessed headlamps. The front bumper receives a tough skid plate on the bottom and separate fog lamps. At the rear, the old school design continues with the square tail lamps that look like the fuel jerry cans that used to go on to the older World War 2 jeeps. The Renegade also gets a set of tough looking 17-inch wheels and large tyres that help its stance along with a set of squared-off wheel arches. In terms of interior design, Jeep has given customers the option of customizing the Renegade in various different combinations. That said, the standard car wil

If you think that the Grand Cherokee SRT with its 475-horsepower, 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 is bonkers in all the right ways, then the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk will have you in stitches. It stretches the concept of a performance SUV to its absolute maximum and will go on sale late in 2017. The name Trackhawk might sound familiar -- Jeep released an off-road-oriented version of the Grand Cherokee last year called the Trailhawk. That one was designed to go further off-road than any other Grand Cherokee before it. This one is designed to go faster on the road (or the track). Exterior The front of the Trackhawk features Jeep's signature seven-slot grille and has extensive modifications to feed air to the thirsty engine and cooling systems, such as removing the foglights to optimize airflow. On the sculpted hood are dual heat extractors that both look cool and aid with cooling. Other unique styling touches beyond the hood include side sill cladding, body-colored wheel flares

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is the top petrol variant in the Grand Cherokee lineup and is priced at Rs. 1.12 crore (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad). This base variant comes with an engine putting out 468.5bhp@6250rpm and 624Nm@4100rpm of max power and max torque respectively. The gasoline motor comes mated to 8 Speed Automatic transmission which is quite a joy to use. Jeep claims an average of 5.5 kmpl for this top SRT variant and with the healthy ground clearance of 206mm.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit is the top diesel variant in the Grand Cherokee lineup and is priced at Rs. 1.03 crore (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad). This base variant comes with an engine putting out 239.6bhp@3600rpm and 570Nm@2000rpm of max power and max torque respectively. The gasoline motor comes mated to 8 Speed Automatic transmission which is quite a joy to us e. Jeep claims an average of 12.8 kmpl for this top Summit variant and with the healthy ground clearance of 206mm.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is the base diesel variant in the Grand Cherokee lineup and is priced at Rs. 93.65 lakh (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad). This base variant comes with an engine putting out 239.6bhp@3600rpm and 570Nm@2000rpm of max power and max torque respectively. The gasoline motor comes mated to 8 Speed Automatic transmission which is quite a joy to use. Jeep claims an average of 12.8 kmpl for this base Limited variant and with the healthy ground clearance of 206mm.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Petrol is the base petrol variant in the Grand Cherokee lineup and is priced at Rs. 75.15 lakh (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad). This base variant comes with an engine putting out 285.6bhp@6350rpm and 347Nm@4300rpm of max power and max torque respectively. The gasoline motor comes mated to 5 Speed Automatic transmission which is quite a j oy to use. Jeep claims an average of 12.8 kmpl for this base Summit Petrol variant and with the healthy ground clearance of 206mm.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Unlimited 4x4 is the base diesel variant in the Wrangler Unlimited lineup and is priced at Rs. 71.59 lakh (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad). This base variant comes with an engine putting out 197.2bhp@3600rpm and 460Nm@1600-2600rpm of max power and max torque respectively. The gasoline motor comes mated to 5 Speed Automatic transmission which i s quite a joy to use. Jeep claims an average of 12.1 kmpl for this base Unlimited 4x4 variant and with the healthy ground clearance of 186mm.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 3.6 4X4 is the base petrol variant in the Wrangler Unlimited lineup and is priced at Rs. 56.00 lakh (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad). This base variant comes with an engine putting out 245bhp@6350rpm and 347Nm@4300rpm of max power and max torque respectively. The gasoline motor comes mated to 5 Speed Automatic transmission which is quite a joy to use. Jeep claims an average of 9.5 kmpl for this base 3.6 4X4 variant and with the healthy ground clearance of 186mm.

The iconic American SUV maker has brought the legendary Wrangler to India as a completely built unit. The Wrangler is known for its off-roading might and rugged build and is practically a go anywhere car. Launched in 1986, the Wrangler is currently in its fourth iteration. Being the spiritual successor of the Willy’s Jeep, the Wrangler carries the signature vertically slatted fascia along with the twin headlamps and the jutting wheel arches. While the commoners might mistake it for the Mahindra Thar, the sheer size of the Wrangler Unlimited would put all doubts to rest. The Wrangler is all about utility and toughness and these traits are apparent in the way the interior has been designed. The whole look may be quite utilitarian but Jeep has added modern touches in the form of comprehensive instruments, a touch screen display, steering mounted controls, climate control and the lot. It gets air-conditioning, manually adjustable front seats and leather interiors which are premium. The

Jeep Compass 2.0 Limited Option 4X4 is the mid diesel variant in the Compass lineup and is priced at Rs. 21.91 lakh (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad). This base variant comes with an engine putting out 170bhp@3750rpm and 350Nm@1750-2500rpm of max power and max torque respectively. The gasoline motor comes mated to 6 Speed Manual transmission which is quite a joy to use. Jeep clai ms an average of 16.3 kmpl for this mid 2.0 Limited Option 4X4 variant and with the healthy ground clearance of 178mm.

Jeep Compass 2.0 Limited 4X4 is the mid diesel variant in the Compass lineup and is priced at Rs. 21.17 lakh (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad). This base variant comes with an engine putting out 170bhp@3750rpm and 350Nm@1750-2500rpm of max power and max torque respectively. The gasoline motor comes mated to 6 Speed Manual transmission which is quite a joy to use. Jeep claims an a verage of 16.3 kmpl for this mid 2.0 Limited 4X4 variant and with the healthy ground clearance of 178mm.

Jeep Compass 1.4 Limited Option is the top petrol variant in the Compass lineup and is priced at Rs. 20.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad). This base variant comes with an engine putting out 160bhp@3750rpm and 250Nm@1750-2500rpm of max power and max torque respectively. The gasoline motor comes mated to 7 Speed Automatic transmission which is quite a joy to use. Jeep claim s an average of 16 kmpl for this top 1.4 Limited Option variant and with the healthy ground clearance of 178mm.

Jeep Compass 2.0 Limited is the mid diesel variant in the Compass lineup and is priced at Rs. 19.91 lakh (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad). This base variant comes with an engine putting out 170bhp@3750rpm and 350Nm@1750-2500rpm of max power and max torque respectively. The gasoline motor comes mated to 6 Speed Manual transmission which is quite a joy to use. Jeep claims an avera ge of 17.1 kmpl for this mid 2.0 Limited variant and with the healthy ground clearance of 178mm.

Jeep Compass 1.4 Limited is the mid petrol variant in the Compass lineup and is priced at Rs. 19.55 lakh (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad). This base variant comes with an engine putting out 160bhp@3750rpm and 250Nm@1750-2500rpm of max power and max torque respectively. The gasoline motor comes mated to 7 Speed Automatic transmission which is quite a joy to use. Jeep claims an av erage of 16 kmpl for this mid 1.4 Limited variant and with the healthy ground clearance of 178mm.

Jeep Compass 2.0 Limited Option is the mid diesel variant in the Compass lineup and is priced at Rs. 19.40 lakh (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad). This base variant comes with an engine putting out 170bhp@3750rpm and 350Nm@1750-2500rpm of max power and max torque respectively. The gasoline motor comes mated to 6 Speed Manual transmission which is quite a joy to use. Jeep claims a n average of 17.1 kmpl for this mid 2.0 Limited Option variant and with the healthy ground clearance of 178mm.

Jeep Compass 2.0 Longitude Option is the mid diesel variant in the Compass lineup and is priced at Rs. 18.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad). This base variant comes with an engine putting out 170bhp@3750rpm and 350Nm@1750-2500rpm of max power and max torque respectively. The gasoline motor comes mated to 6 Speed Manual transmission which is quite a joy to use. Jeep claims an average of 17.1 kmpl for this mid 2.0 Longitude Option variant and with the healthy ground clearance of 178mm.

Jeep Compass 2.0 Longitude is the mid diesel variant in the Compass lineup and is priced at Rs. 17.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad). This base variant comes with an engine putting out 170bhp@3750rpm and 350Nm@1750-2500rpm of max power and max torque respectively. The gasoline motor comes mated to 6 Speed Manual transmission which is quite a joy to use. Jeep claims an ave rage of 17.1 kmpl for this mid 2.0 Longitude variant and with the healthy ground clearance of 178mm.

Jeep Compass 2.0 Sport is the base diesel variant in the Compass lineup and is priced at Rs. 16.26 lakh (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad). This base variant comes with an engine putting out 170bhp@3750rpm and 350Nm@1750-2500rpm of max power and max torque respectively. The gasoline motor comes mated to 6 Speed Manual transmission which is quite a joy to use. Jeep claims an averag e of 17.1 kmpl for this base 2.0 Sport variant and with the healthy ground clearance of 178mm.

Jeep Compass 1.4 Sport is the base petrol variant in the Compass lineup and is priced at Rs. 15.14 lakh (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad). This base variant comes with an engine putting out 160bhp@3750rpm and 250Nm@1750-2500rpm of max power and max torque respectively. The gasoline motor comes mated to 6 Speed Manual transmission which is quite a joy to use. Jeep claims an averag e of 16 kmpl for this base 1.4 Sport variant and with the healthy ground clearance of 178mm.

The Jeep Compass was launched in India in July last year and in just a few months it has become one of India's favourite SUVs. The prices for the most affordable Jeep in India start from Rs 15.16 lakh for the petrol base while the top-end diesel is priced at Rs 21.91 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The biggest appeal of the Compass apart from its off-roading capabilities is that it gets the Jeep brand within reach for alarge portion of the car buying population. The Compass measures 4395mm long, 1818mm wide, 1640mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2636mm. The five-seater SUV rides on 18-inch alloy wheels (in its top-spec Limited variant) and gets features such as bi-xenon projector headlamps, LED daytime running lamps and a two-tone paint scheme. The interiors feature a black and white colour theme, and get goodies such as a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a 6-speaker sound system and dual-zone climate control. On the safety front, the top-spe