It was rumored that Nissan/Renault was serious about fielding a low-priced competitor to the $2,500 USD Tata Nano, and the automaker made it official today by announcing a plan to produce an equally inexpensive car called the ULC in conjunction with Indian automaker Bajaj Auto. The two companies are forming a joint-venture to produce the ULC, which will be built at an all-new facility in Chakan, India at an initial rate of 400,000 units per year. The Tata Nano has no need for concern just yet, as the ULC isn't scheduled to go on sale until early 2011 in India and then even later in export countries. We're doubtful that the U.S. is among those export considerations, but parts of Europe will likely see the ULC not long after the Nano arrives in their market.
Faralli and Mantazzi aren't through reinterpreting classically handsome design cues and proportions. Their Antas GT will appear in the upcoming Speed Racer movie, and while that car is a mash-up of Morgan, Talbot-Lago, classic Alfas and even a touch of Bugatti, the firm's new ride, the Vulca, goes in a different direction. The V12 Vulca is still an homage to the past in a curvaceous and muscular fasion, but it's more infused with Ferrari and Aston Martin, and even hints of C2 and C3 Corvette than its stablemate.
There are only ten copies planned, which is a prudent move as a possible economic implosion could take the wind out of the sails of the market for cars like these. The 2+2 rides on its own chassis, rather than borrowing from Maserati's Quattorporte like the Antas. More than one 12-pot is offered, starting with a 6.0 liter unit and topping out with a 7.5 liter top dog laying down about 600 HP. While the Vulca will undoubtedly be thrilling with its 12-cylinder powerplants, the aluminum coachwork is so beautiful that it could be powered by an Iron Duke for all we cared.
Dual-clutch transmissions are washing over the automotive industry like a wave, and Renault could be the next to hang ten. The French automaker intends to use more efficient transmissions – specifically DCTs and CVTs – to help meet its emissions-reducing targets.
Although Renault could easily borrow the continuously-variable transmission from its corporate cousin Nissan, the speculation is that it could also develop its own dual-clutch gearbox. Although Nissan uses one in the new GT-R, it's outsourced from Borg-Warner. If Renault did develop its own DCT, it would likely employ lighter-weight dry clutches, and would join the growing list of carmakers with DCTs that will soon include Fiat, Volvo, BMW and, of course, Volkswagen.
