Know all about the new Baleno RS!
Maruti Suzuki today began accepting bookings for its new Baleno RS. The new version of company's premium hatchback will be launched here on March 3. For those who are unaware, the Maruti Baleno RS is a power-packed version of the regular hatchback which is coming in with an all-new 1.0L BoosterJet motor under its hood. This type of engine - a turbocharged petrol setup - is a first for Maruti. This 3-cylinder motor is a downsized version of the 1.2-liter K-12B motor that powers the Swift and the regular Baleno petrol. However, changes between both units are way more than just slicing off a cylinder, it's a 3-cylinder unit, and combining a turbocharger.
The BoosterJet engine uses new high-pressure fuel pump, 6-nozzle injectors as against 4-nozzle in K12B, hydraulic lash adjusters over conventional tappet valves, upgraded intake manifold and a single sleeve (integrated) exhaust manifold to spin up the turbocharger efficiently. Apart from these, piston design has also been made different for optimum combustion. An air-to-air intercooler has also been installed. And to steer away the possibility of excessive heat due to turbocharged operations, a bigger radiator has been employed.
Due to higher compression ratio and combustion pressure, cylinder block has been made stronger against 1.2-liter K-Series engine's. All these mechanical refinements have resulted a power output of 100 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 150 Nm of torque between 1750 and 4,500 rpm, delivered to front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox.
These figures may not make you jump out of your couch but the point to be noted here is the Baleno RS tips the scales at just 950 kg. This makes it deliver an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 104 PS/ton! Put it against the much-beloved, needless to call it RS' arch-rival, Polo GT TSI's 94 PS/ton figure and the sultry character of the Baleno RS becomes apparent. The Baleno RS should be able to finish 0-100 kmph sprint in around 9 seconds.
Other than this, the new Baleno RS comes with disc brake at both ends besides having re-tuned suspension; biased towards stiffness for improved high-speed and corner stability. On the exterior front, the car has got black alloy wheels, though they appear a tad weird given the pattern is similar to the one find in the regular version. The new model has also got redesigned bumpers and subtle side-body skirts. Both these elements exuding sporty character of the Baleno RS. Interior remains untouched.
Maruti Baleno RS will hit showrooms in top-end variant, Alpha, guise only. Dealers have begin accepting bookings at Rs 11,000, and promising to deliver the car within 3 weeks from launch. To give rivals some sleepless nights, Maruti is expected to launch the new Baleno RS at a luring "introductory" price tag; somewhere in the range of 8.5 lakhs!
Stay tuned for more updates! - Indianhoods.com