Aurelia Butler

Latest story

100 Shares12 Views

How We'd Spec It: 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

by

The standard Chevrolet Corvette is an extremely capable sports car, with its 495-hp 6.2-liter V-8 shooting the coupe to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. But for 2023 Chevy has upped the ante by bringing back the Z06 badge on an even more focused Corvette. We have finally driven and tested the 2023 Corvette Z06, and it’s just as incredible as we had hoped. Not only does its naturally aspirated flat-plane-crank 5.5-liter V-8 produce a soul-stirring howl, but its whopping 670 horsepower helps the Z06 rocket to 60 mph in a mere 2.6 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds. After being blown away by the Z06’s performance, four of our editors decided to spec our ideal Z06s using Chevy’s online configurator, just in case we ever hit the jackpot. Here’s how we would build the Z06s of our dreams: Greg Fink’s $109,295 Chevrolet Corvette Z06ChevroletChevroletI’m a simple man, so it’s no surprise, then, that my 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 reflects this. Rather than spending extra coin on the likes of the 2LZ or 3LZ trims or the Z07 Performance package, I’m sticking to a bottom-of-the-barrel 1LZ model. Given that the entry-level Z06 includes niceties such as head-up display, power seats and steering column, and leather insides, there’s no real reason to spend the extra coin for the small, but largely insignificant, niceties the higher trims add to the mix. Admittedly, I was tempted to spring for the $8995 Z07 kit, but in the end, I really fail to see the point of the kit’s additional bits for a car that I would track only occasionally. Or I guess I ought to amend that by writing “a car that I’d plan to take to the track only occasionally if I actually had the means to afford a new Z06.”As is, the standard brakes, suspension setup, and tires offer plentiful performance for tearing up the twisting tarmac of some of the country’s most legendary public roads. Plus, I think the Z07’s additional carbon-fiber bits, especially its big rear wing, are a tad over the top for my taste. I much prefer the lower key looks of the Z06 sans the Z07 package. Not every option on the Z06 comes at a cost, though, and to better match my Z06 to my tastes I’d outfit it in a coat of Arctic White paint (replete with a body-color roof). Add in Adrenaline Red seats and interior decor, and my 670-hp Z06 coupe is both a looker and a relative bargain at $109,295 (which includes a $2600 gas-guzzler tax). —Greg FinkDavid Beard’s $142,175 Chevrolet Corvette Z06ChevroletChevroletGood things come to those who wait. We’ve patiently waited for the eighth-generation Corvette Z06, and now we can tell you: It’s not good, it’s great. My build focuses on all-out canyon-destroying and racetrack-slaying performance. The foundation for my Z06 begins with the $109,295 1LZ trim, as the creature comforts of heated seats, wireless device charging, and driver safety systems will not be needed.From there, it’s all business. The Z07 package’s carbon-ceramic rotors, gooey Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, specific suspension calibration, and massive rear wing are a must for $8995. Going Z07 also requires the aggressive carbon-fiber aero package, and for that I’ll spend extra to get the exposed carbon pieces. There goes another $10,495. The money saved by sticking with the base trim will fund the exposed carbon-fiber wheels for $11,995. Add the torso-holding Competition Sport seats for $995 and the no-cost Ceramic Matrix Gray paint, and my ultimate time-attack Corvette Z06 comes in at $142,175, the cheapest way to get the highest level of performance. —David BeardJack Fitzgerald’s $144,080 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 ConvertibleChevroletChevroletI know what you’re thinking: “$144,000 for a Corvette? This guy has lost his mind.” To you I say—go experience the Z06 achieving its 8600-rpm redline and get back to me. I’ll wait. Having windows and a roof won’t exactly cut out the howl sent forth from the Z06’s newfangled flat-plane V-8, but it will do it the disservice of hindering even a single decibel. For that reason, I would have my Z06 in the admittedly expensive but entirely justifiable convertible format.As a proud Wisconsinite, I’ll have my Z06 finished in the superb Elkhart Lake Blue Metallic paint, please and thanks. After careful deliberation I chose not to option the $12,000 carbon wheels and instead stuck with the standard setup. Instead, I would happily shell out the additional cash required for the $8995 Z07 Performance package, which in turn requires the addition of carbon flash-painted components for an additional $2995. Moving inside the Vette, I opted for the $8700 2LZ trim level for extra creature comforts like heated and cooled seats. Since flashy is sort of the name of the game here, I would spend the $695 needed to replace the standard black interior with Adrenaline Red leather. Even at its eye-watering $144,080 price, my Z06 still comes in well below what you’d pay for a used Ferrari 458—with the bonus of a full extra liter of displacement to boot. —Jack FitzgeraldCaleb Miller’s $149,515 Chevrolet Corvette Z06ChevroletChevroletThe new 2023 Corvette Z06 is a beast when it comes to performance, so I wanted my Vette to look the part. I started off with the $119,150 top-spec 3LZ trim, which includes a steering wheel with carbon-fiber trim and shift paddles, a leather-wrapped instrument panel and doors, a suede microfiber headliner, and the more track-focused GT2 seats. The seats are also heated and ventilated—critical for life in Michigan—and there’s a 14-speaker Bose sound system from the 2LZ trim.I then had my Z06 painted in the eye-catching Red Mist Metallic tintcoat for $995, and spent a further $995 on a transparent roof panel to help the Z06’s cabin feel a bit airier. I don’t want passersby to mistake my Z06 for a “normal” Corvette, so I added the $8995 Z07 Performance package, which brings carbon-ceramic brakes, grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, and more extreme aero with a chunky rear wing and dive planes above the front splitter. These add-ons would be crucial for the occasional track day, and the package also necessitates spending an extra $10,495 to get the exposed-carbon-fiber look that lets everyone know just how extreme my Z06 is. I also added showy bronze wheels for $3795 and matched them with a Natural tan-colored leather interior. All told, my Z06 cost a whopping $149,515, but given just how sharp and satisfying the Z06 is to drive, it would be well worth the money. —Caleb MillerThis content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

More stories

  • 138 Shares18 Views

    in Motor News

    Maximizing Chevrolet Corvette Z06/Z07 Track Pack Cornering: Here's the Secret Sauce

    Most days, when the weather cooperates, you can find members of our testing team at one or another of our test facilities running all manner of vehicles through our extensive test regimen. One of the tests that we subject almost all vehicles to is skidpad cornering performance, which ascertains maximum lateral acceleration—the maximum steady state cornering gs that a vehicle can attain, an average of an entire lap while turning both left and right. Our testers do hundreds of skidpad tests each year, they’re experts at it, and they virtually always match or exceed any claims provided to us by manufacturers about how hard their vehicles will corner. Which is why we were puzzled when we couldn’t come close to the Corvette engineering group’s max-lat claims for the Z06 with the Z07 track package, which includes the latest gummy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires.Marc Urbano|Car and DriverThe Corvette engineers told us that the new Z07-equipped Z06 would hold on to the tarmac up to 1.22 g on a 300-foot-diameter skidpad like we typically use, and we had no reason to doubt their number as they are, like us, meticulous testers. But we only saw 1.16 g—a significant difference and well below the company’s estimate. It was an even worse cornering number than we measured on the previous-generation front-engine C7 Z06/Z07, which hung on for 1.19 g. What’s more, we’d just also run a 2023 Z06 convertible without the Z07 package on the skidpad, and its Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires had hung on up to 1.12 g, a big improvement over the base C8 Stingray’s 1.03-g performance, one you can feel in your neck muscles. What was going on here? All the Latest DetailsOnly after the Z07 Vette left our possession did Chevy tell us the secret sauce that unlocks its full cornering capability. For all of our performance testing, which includes skidpad runs, we adjust tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations that are printed on the placard located on the door jamb or B-pillar, or in the owner’s manual. If there are multiple choices, we’ll use the high-speed, low-load specification. Oddly, the Z07’s placard required the Cup 2s to be set at 35 psi cold, some 5 psi higher than the base Z06’s tire pressure. Since the tires on the two versions of the Z06 are the same size, we wondered if something was off. That had us digging deep into the Z06 owner’s manual where we discovered a well-hidden suggestion: owners should lower the Cup 2 R’s tire pressure all the way down to 24 psi for maximum cornering on the track. Huh? It took discussions with both the Corvette engineers and engineers from tire-maker Michelin to fully explain the situation. The reason the Cup 2 tires are supposed to be run on the street at 35 psi instead of the base tires’ 30 psi has nothing to do with handling, ride, or fuel economy but rather wet-weather traction. The Cup 2s have so little tread depth—the outboard half of their tread is essentially slick, like a full-on racing tire—that they have trouble shedding water. Pumping the tire up that extra 5 psi crowns the tread enough to make a significant improvement in their grip when the road is wet according to the Vette engineers. But it turns out that, counterintuitively, these newest Cup 2 Rs deliver maximum dry road grip at the lower 24-psi pressure. These Cup 2 Rs are the latest iteration of Michelin’s hottest street-legal track rubber. The Michelin man on site at the Z06 track event showed us a cutaway Cup 2R carcass, which revealed a recent discovery by the company. Previously, the radial belts that undergird the tread rubber were laid-on flat and straight across from one of the tires’ shoulders to the other. But Michelin discovered that putting a slight wave into the belts acts like the corrugations in cardboard, stiffening the tire’s tread area that contacts the road and keeping it flatter in cornering. That change and some revisions to the tread compound not only enables the tire to potentially provide slightly more grip, but also dramatically different performance over the course of a track session. The grip of previous Cup 2s was well known for dropping off from its lofty peak after only a couple of laps; these new ones are said to be able to maintain their grip, and hence constant lap times, through session after session. We will no doubt appreciate that capability when we run the Z06 with the latest Cup 2 Rs at our annual Lightning Lap event. But we wish we had been tipped off about the inflation-pressure information hidden in the Z06’s owner’s manual, so that we could have delivered representative cornering test results for the Z07 track-pack model. After all, cornering grip numbers are not only important on the track; they’re a proof point for ultra-high-performance carmakers and enthusiasts alike. We’ll just have to get another Z07 back in the office as soon as possible to rerun our skidpad test. We could think of much worse ways to spend an afternoon. This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

  • 100 Shares12 Views

    in Motor News

    How We'd Spec It: 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

    The standard Chevrolet Corvette is an extremely capable sports car, with its 495-hp 6.2-liter V-8 shooting the coupe to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. But for 2023 Chevy has upped the ante by bringing back the Z06 badge on an even more focused Corvette. We have finally driven and tested the 2023 Corvette Z06, and it’s just as incredible as we had hoped. Not only does its naturally aspirated flat-plane-crank 5.5-liter V-8 produce a soul-stirring howl, but its whopping 670 horsepower helps the Z06 rocket to 60 mph in a mere 2.6 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds. After being blown away by the Z06’s performance, four of our editors decided to spec our ideal Z06s using Chevy’s online configurator, just in case we ever hit the jackpot. Here’s how we would build the Z06s of our dreams: Greg Fink’s $109,295 Chevrolet Corvette Z06ChevroletChevroletI’m a simple man, so it’s no surprise, then, that my 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 reflects this. Rather than spending extra coin on the likes of the 2LZ or 3LZ trims or the Z07 Performance package, I’m sticking to a bottom-of-the-barrel 1LZ model. Given that the entry-level Z06 includes niceties such as head-up display, power seats and steering column, and leather insides, there’s no real reason to spend the extra coin for the small, but largely insignificant, niceties the higher trims add to the mix. Admittedly, I was tempted to spring for the $8995 Z07 kit, but in the end, I really fail to see the point of the kit’s additional bits for a car that I would track only occasionally. Or I guess I ought to amend that by writing “a car that I’d plan to take to the track only occasionally if I actually had the means to afford a new Z06.”As is, the standard brakes, suspension setup, and tires offer plentiful performance for tearing up the twisting tarmac of some of the country’s most legendary public roads. Plus, I think the Z07’s additional carbon-fiber bits, especially its big rear wing, are a tad over the top for my taste. I much prefer the lower key looks of the Z06 sans the Z07 package. Not every option on the Z06 comes at a cost, though, and to better match my Z06 to my tastes I’d outfit it in a coat of Arctic White paint (replete with a body-color roof). Add in Adrenaline Red seats and interior decor, and my 670-hp Z06 coupe is both a looker and a relative bargain at $109,295 (which includes a $2600 gas-guzzler tax). —Greg FinkDavid Beard’s $142,175 Chevrolet Corvette Z06ChevroletChevroletGood things come to those who wait. We’ve patiently waited for the eighth-generation Corvette Z06, and now we can tell you: It’s not good, it’s great. My build focuses on all-out canyon-destroying and racetrack-slaying performance. The foundation for my Z06 begins with the $109,295 1LZ trim, as the creature comforts of heated seats, wireless device charging, and driver safety systems will not be needed.From there, it’s all business. The Z07 package’s carbon-ceramic rotors, gooey Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, specific suspension calibration, and massive rear wing are a must for $8995. Going Z07 also requires the aggressive carbon-fiber aero package, and for that I’ll spend extra to get the exposed carbon pieces. There goes another $10,495. The money saved by sticking with the base trim will fund the exposed carbon-fiber wheels for $11,995. Add the torso-holding Competition Sport seats for $995 and the no-cost Ceramic Matrix Gray paint, and my ultimate time-attack Corvette Z06 comes in at $142,175, the cheapest way to get the highest level of performance. —David BeardJack Fitzgerald’s $144,080 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 ConvertibleChevroletChevroletI know what you’re thinking: “$144,000 for a Corvette? This guy has lost his mind.” To you I say—go experience the Z06 achieving its 8600-rpm redline and get back to me. I’ll wait. Having windows and a roof won’t exactly cut out the howl sent forth from the Z06’s newfangled flat-plane V-8, but it will do it the disservice of hindering even a single decibel. For that reason, I would have my Z06 in the admittedly expensive but entirely justifiable convertible format.As a proud Wisconsinite, I’ll have my Z06 finished in the superb Elkhart Lake Blue Metallic paint, please and thanks. After careful deliberation I chose not to option the $12,000 carbon wheels and instead stuck with the standard setup. Instead, I would happily shell out the additional cash required for the $8995 Z07 Performance package, which in turn requires the addition of carbon flash-painted components for an additional $2995. Moving inside the Vette, I opted for the $8700 2LZ trim level for extra creature comforts like heated and cooled seats. Since flashy is sort of the name of the game here, I would spend the $695 needed to replace the standard black interior with Adrenaline Red leather. Even at its eye-watering $144,080 price, my Z06 still comes in well below what you’d pay for a used Ferrari 458—with the bonus of a full extra liter of displacement to boot. —Jack FitzgeraldCaleb Miller’s $149,515 Chevrolet Corvette Z06ChevroletChevroletThe new 2023 Corvette Z06 is a beast when it comes to performance, so I wanted my Vette to look the part. I started off with the $119,150 top-spec 3LZ trim, which includes a steering wheel with carbon-fiber trim and shift paddles, a leather-wrapped instrument panel and doors, a suede microfiber headliner, and the more track-focused GT2 seats. The seats are also heated and ventilated—critical for life in Michigan—and there’s a 14-speaker Bose sound system from the 2LZ trim.I then had my Z06 painted in the eye-catching Red Mist Metallic tintcoat for $995, and spent a further $995 on a transparent roof panel to help the Z06’s cabin feel a bit airier. I don’t want passersby to mistake my Z06 for a “normal” Corvette, so I added the $8995 Z07 Performance package, which brings carbon-ceramic brakes, grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, and more extreme aero with a chunky rear wing and dive planes above the front splitter. These add-ons would be crucial for the occasional track day, and the package also necessitates spending an extra $10,495 to get the exposed-carbon-fiber look that lets everyone know just how extreme my Z06 is. I also added showy bronze wheels for $3795 and matched them with a Natural tan-colored leather interior. All told, my Z06 cost a whopping $149,515, but given just how sharp and satisfying the Z06 is to drive, it would be well worth the money. —Caleb MillerThis content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

  • 138 Shares11 Views

    in Bike

    Royal Enfield Sales Sep 2022 – Classic, Hunter, Meteor, 650 Twins

    Royal Enfield reports positive growth in every segment except one, and total sales now cross 82,000 markImage by Bullet TowerWhen compared to last month, Royal Enfield has outdone itself. Last month, they had crossed the 70,000 mark in terms of total sales. But in September 2022, that figure is 82,000+. With Classic, Hunter, Meteor, Bullet and 650 Twins pushing sales forward like clockwork.Below 350cc segment is RE’s stronghold. And with the launch of Hunter 350, the company has fortified this segment even further. With 74,206 units sold, this segment grew by 190% YoY with a volume gain of a staggering 48,686 units over 25,520 units sold in September 2021.Royal Enfield Sales September 2022This segment forms a 90.39% share of total Royal Enfield sales. It registered 19.23% MoM growth with 62,236 units sold in August 2022 and saw a volume gain of 11,970 units. RE offers Hunter, Bullet, Electra, Classic and Meteor in this setment.Above 350cc segment saw a slight drop in sales as it sold 8,009 units in September 2021. With just 7,891 units sold in September 2022, 350+cc segment saw 1.47% drop in sales YoY and gained 0.19% MoM with 7,876 units sold in August 2022. In this segment, RE sells Himalayan 411 and 650 Twins.Royal Enfield Sales September 2022With 73,646 units sold in India, RE gained 46,413 units in terms of volume YoY with just 27,233 units sold in September 2021. Domestic sales registered a 170.43% growth YoY and 17.10% MoM with a volume gain of 10,754 units over 62,892 units sold in August 2022.Domestic sales account for 89.71% share of total sales. Exports account for 10.29% of total sales. With 8,451 units shipped, RE registered a 34.23% YoY growth over 6,296 units shipped in September 2021. Exports saw volume growth of 2,155 units YoY. With 7,220 units sold in August 2022, Royal Enfield registered a 17.05% growth MoM.When domestic sales and exports are added, Royal Enfield pushed out a total of 82,097 units in September 2022 with a volume gain of 48,568 units YoY with just 33,529 units sold last year. Their total sales registered a 144.85% growth YoY and 17.09% growth, MoM, with 11,985 units volume gain MoM over 70,112 units sold in August 2022.Royal Enfield Q3 AnalysisRE sold 1,83,067 units in Q3 2022. The company registered a 29.60% YoY growth. With 41,815 units volume growth over 1,41,252 units sold in Q3 of 2021. However, with 1,57,642 units pushed out in Q2 of 2022, we can see a rise of 16.13% QoQ with 25,425 units volume growth. Royal Enfield scores a green in all the segments in its back drop, except for the above 350cc segment which comprises Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 and is likely to be accompanied soon by a Meteor 650, Scrambler 650 and more. More

  • 138 Shares

    in Bike

    Suzuki Access New Colour Launch – Dual Tone Green And White

    Access 125 gets a 124cc engine that makes 8.6 bhp of power and 10 Nm of torque with decent frugalitySuzuki Access Solid Ice Green/ Pearl Mirage White125cc is one of the most competitive segments in scooters. Many often consider TVS Ntorq as the benchmark in this segment. But that is for people seeking thrills and performance. For many, Suzuki Access 125 strikes most things right. With a right mix of efficiency, performance, and looks, Access 125 is one of the most popular scooters in 125cc space.Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), today launched a new exciting colour variant for its popular scooter, Suzuki Access 125. The ‘Solid Ice Green / Pearl Mirage White’ colour has been introduced for Suzuki Access 125 Ride Connect and Special Editions. The new colour will join the existing range to appeal to a broader customer base. This is the first time Suzuki Access has gotten a dual-tone colour theme. At the peak of festive season, Suzuki hopes to push sales further with the help of this new colour option.Suzuki Access New ColourThis dual-tone colour theme is made up of Solid Ice Green and Pearl Mirage White. Solid Ice Green takes up most of the surface. Including centre part of its front apron, headlight cowl, front fender, and side panels. Pearl Mirage White is found on either side of front apron, and on the panels at the floorboard.To contrast this new dual-tone theme, Suzuki has also given a brown coloured seat cover that pops and accentuates this new colour. Access 125 gets an external fuel filler cap finished in chrome which adds convenience. Access 125 gets round ORVMs that are also finished in chrome.Suzuki Access New ColourSpeaking on the occasion, Mr. Satoshi Uchida, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “As we step into the festive month, we are pleased to launch a new exciting colour variant for Suzuki Access 125 to further add to festivities. Idea is to offer refreshed, vibrant and youthful colour options for the customers to choose from. Suzuki Access 125 has proved its mettle in India and is considered to be a success story as it has managed to win people’s hearts across the country.”Specs & PricingSuzuki Access new colour is only offered with Ride Connect Edition and Special Edition. Ride Connect Edition comes with a Bluetooth-enabled digital console. It enables features such as turn-by-turn navigation, incoming call, SMS and WhatsApp Alert display, missed call and unread SMS alert, speed exceeding warning, phone battery level display and estimated time of arrival.Solid Ice Green / Pearl Mirage White colour with Ride Connect Edition is offered with a choice of drum brakes with alloy wheels priced at Rs. 85,200. Upgrading to disc brakes with alloy wheels costs Rs. 87,200. Solid Ice Green / Pearl Mirage White colour is also offered with Suzuki Access 125 Special Edition which only gets a disc brake version. It is priced at Rs. 83,000 (all prices ex-sh, Delhi).Suzuki Access Solid Ice Green/ Pearl Mirage WhiteSuzuki Access new colour seems to be a tempting proposition and is expected to draw customers during festive season. In terms of rivals, Suzuki Access 125 competes with TVS Jupiter 125, Honda Activa 125, Yamaha Fascino 125, TVS Ntorq 125, Yamaha RayZR, Hero Maestro Edge 125 and Suzuki’s own Avenis 125. More

  • 138 Shares16 Views

    in Motor News

    2024 Maserati GranTurismo Returns with Some Radical Changes, Same Sex Appeal

    The 2024 Maserati GranTurismo returns for a new generation, bringing a prettier body that has to be seen to be appreciated.The GT also has radically different powertrains, trading its old naturally aspirated V-8 for a new twin-turbo V-6 and adding an EV variant.Maserati bestows the new GranTurismo with a beautifully appointed interior and lots of modern-day tech features.It’s been a minute since we’ve seen a new Maserati GranTurismo. Not just because the Italian 2+2 grand tourer has been on hiatus since 2019, but also because the last version had bones that dated back to the George W. Bush administration. That changes with the debut of the 2024 GranTurismo, which rides on an entirely new platform and shares nary a body panel with its predecessor. And if you haven’t heard, the redesigned GT is also a vessel for Maserati’s first-ever all-electric model, dubbed the Folgore.A Subtly Sexier Beast A passing glance at the redesigned GranTurismo reveals sexy styling that’s reminiscent of the model it replaces. Sure, the new car doesn’t look radically different in pictures, but we had the opportunity to see the coupe up close and personal at Maserati’s studio in Turin, Italy, where its evolutionary makeover made more of an impact. Believe us when we say its redrawn body lines, shapelier curves, and longer and wider proportions are positively drool-worthy, especially when they’re coated in a sparkling red paint called Rosso GranTurismo. The Folgore was also present, with its aero-optimized lower front fascia and specially designed wheels separating it from its gas-fed counterpart.The GT’s headlights are the most noticeable new visual detail, as they sit vertically versus horizontally. It’s the same look worn by the Maserati MC20 supercar, which also appears to have inspired the smoother, rounder shape of the GranTurismo’s grille with its new 3D-printed Trident logo. Opposite the restyled taillights out back, the hood has recessed creases running from the car’s snout towards its cowl. The hood also converges with the front fenders, creating a clamshell design. Note the three portholes on the GT’s front flanks are smaller and appear to sit higher than before, too. On the Folgore, the upper trim on the portholes is illuminated. Radically Different beneath the SkinMaserati might not have strayed very far from the last GT’s design language, but it has made radical changes elsewhere. Unlike its rear-wheel-drive-only predecessor, every GranTurismo has an all-wheel-drive system with an electronic locking rear diff. The old Ferrari-built naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V-8—with its 454 horsepower—is also gone. It’s been replaced by Maserati’s own twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, known as Nettuno, which debuted on the MC20. However, the GT version has been detuned, features cylinder deactivation, and uses a wet-sump oil system rather than a more exotic dry-sump setup.The GranTurismo’s engine pairs with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and is rated at 483 horsepower on the entry-level Modena and 542 hp on the higher-performance Trofeo. How quick are they? Well, Maserati estimates the Modena will hit 62 mph in 3.9 seconds and the Trofeo will do the deed in 3.5 ticks. That’s about a full second quicker than before. The two also have claimed top speeds of 188 and 199 mph, respectively.Every Maserati GranTurismo has a double-wishbone front suspension with a multilink rear setup. Air springs and adaptive dampers are also standard. The suspenders buoy 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels, with a staggered set of tires that measure 265/30 up front and 295/30 in back. Stopping power is provided by Brembo, with six-piston fixed front calipers and four-pot fixed rear clampers.Folgore AheadThanks to its new modular platform, the GranTurismo has been designed from the start to be an EV. The Folgore features an 800-volt electrical architecture, and it’s said to allow DC fast-charging speeds of up to 270 kW. The electrified grand tourer has a T-shaped battery pack that was designed in-house, doesn’t impact the car’s packaging, and has a usable capacity of 83.0 kWh. We don’t yet know its estimated range, but Maserati claims it’ll go over 250 miles per charge. Since that figure is based on the European WLTP test cycle, we’re guessing its actual EPA range will be in the neighborhood of 210 miles.MaseratiMaseratiThe Folgore features three electric motors; one powers the front axle and the other two are decoupled, meaning they individually power each rear wheel. Together the trio generates a combined 750 horsepower. There’s also a selectable drive mode that sends power solely to the rear rollers. Electric donuts, anyone? Maserati estimates the Folgore will accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 2.7 seconds and from zero to 124 mph in 8.8 ticks. We’re told this performance is repeatable and that the EV has a top speed of 199 mph.Get inside the GTUnfortunately, Maserati isn’t ready to show the world what the inside of the new GranTurismo looks like, so you’ll have to use your imagination until it’s revealed. We’re told the design is inspired by the MC20 and newly introduced Maserati Grecale compact SUV. With that said, it’s pretty easy to imagine the GT having a similar aesthetic as those models. Expect extravagant materials and impeccable craftsmanship too. Adults forced to sit in the rear seats will have a bit more legroom than before, with Maserati saying it added about 1.8 inches of legroom back there. The GranTurismo enters the digital era with a configurable 12.2-inch digital gauge cluster. The trademark timepiece that traditionally sits at the center of the dash remains, except now it’s digital and features interchangeable faces. There’s an Android-based infotainment system that runs through a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard; Amazon Alexa voice controls are also part of the package. Along with the main display, there’s a separate 8.8-inch touchscreen that likely provides controls for the climate system and such, as in the Grecale. Audiophiles should appreciate the Sonus Faber stereo, which includes a standard 14-speaker, 860-watt configuration or a 19-speaker, 1195-watt setup. The new GranTurismo has a host of driver assists, such as a 360-degree camera system, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.Modern Maserati ReviewsHow Much Will It Cost?As before, the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo will be available in two body styles: coupe and convertible (a.k.a. GranCabrio). While droptop versions of both the gas and electric variants will be offered, neither will be available when the car launches, and they might not arrive until the 2025 model year. Maserati is expected to announce official pricing closer to the car’s U.S. launch in the second quarter of next year. The Modena’s base price will likely start just under $200,000. The Trofeo will obviously be more expensive, as will the electric Folgore, which will arrive sometime after the two gas-powered versions go on sale.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

  • 113 Shares28 Views

    in Bike

    Bajaj Sales September 2022 – Pulsar, Dominar, Chetak, Platina

    Bajaj Auto registered a 32% growth YoY in domestic market, with sales dropping 33% YoY in exports and a 2% drop overallBajaj Sales September 2022Indian auto giant, Bajaj Auto Limited saw good growth in the domestic market. However, it falls in the red when exports are accounted for. Due to this, total overall sales also fall in the red. This holds true for both September 2022 and even sales numbers YTD. Popular Bajaj products include Pulsar, Dominar, Chetak, Platina, CT series and more. These products drive sales well in domestic market.When we take 2W sales Bajaj pushes out strong numbers. With 2,22,912 units sold in September 2022 over 1,73,945 units sold in September 2021, Bajaj records 28% growth YoY. Volume gain turns out to be 48,967 units. When it comes to exports, Bajaj products are not well received in September 2022.With just 1,25,443 units shipped in September 2022 over 1,87,091 units shipped in September 2021. With this decline, Bajaj registered a 33% drop in sales YoY. Volume loss stood at 61,648 units. When taken as a total, Bajaj loses 12,681 units in volume and registered a 4% drop in sales YoY.Bajaj Sales September 2022Commercial vehicle sales stood at 31,752 units domestically and saw a good 73% growth YoY. Volume gain was 13,349 units. CV exports stood at 16,640 units over 22,582 units in September 2021. This led to a 35% drop YoY and when domestic and exports are totaled, Bajaj saw 13% growth YoY with volume growth of 5,407 units.Bajaj Monthly Sales September 2022Total 2W+CV sales stood at 2,54,664 units domestically and 1,40,083 units in global markets. Bajaj registers 32% growth YoY domestically and a drop of 33% YoY in exports. Total 2W+CV sales stood at 3,94,747 units and saw a 2% drop in sales YoY with a drop in volume of 7,274 units.When it comes to YTD figures, domestic sales stood at 9,35,552 units in Apr-Sep 2022 and over 8,30,700 units in Apr-Sep 2021 with volume growth of 13% YoY. The same trends are seen that followed September 2022 sales. Bajaj saw a drop in sales of 15% YoY with just 9,30,640 units sold over 10,98,520 units sold in Apr-Sep 2021. When domestic and exports are added up, due to the large drop in exports, Bajaj’s total domestic+exports also takes a hit of 3% YoY. We saw similar trends last month too.Commercial Vehicle YTDDomestic commercial vehicle sales YTD stood at 1,11,659 units and registered a good 90% YoY growth with just 58,653 units sold in Apr-Sep 2021. This is by far the highest growth Bajaj Auto Limited has registered. But exports soared with just 1,06,807 units sold over 1,62,548 units sold in Apr-Sep 2021 and saw a 34% drop YoY. When combined Bajaj saw just a 1% drop in sales YTD.Bajaj YTD Sales September 2022Total 2W+CV sales YTD stood at 10,47,211 units and registered an 18% growth YoY domestically. Volume gain stood at 1,57,858 units. Exports saw a decline of 18% YoY with just 10,37,447 units shipped in 2022 and over 12,61,068 units in 2021. When domestic and export figures are combined, Bajaj witnessed a decline of 3% YoY with 20,84,658 units pushed out in 2022 over 21,50,421 units pushed out in 2021. Bajaj’s India portfolio is going strong like usual. However, the company has to stress more on appealing to global markets. More

  • 163 Shares28 Views

    in Bike

    Yamaha India Trackday At BIC – For R3, R15, MT15, FZ, Aerox Owners

    Yamaha Track Day event at Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida is being organized as part of the company’s Call of the Blue brand campaignFile photoAs part of its Call of the Blue campaign, Yamaha India has been organizing a number of events for its customers and enthusiasts. Primary objective is to strengthen bonds with customers and make them aware about Yamaha’s racing heritage.After covering cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata, the Call of the Blue campaign is heading towards Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida. Yamaha Track Day event at BIC will be held on October 9th. Earlier this year, Yamaha had organized Track Day events in Chennai and Coimbatore. The upcoming event at BIC will be on the same lines.Good opportunityWhile everyday commutes and highway cruising can be fun, the experience of a racetrack is in a different league altogether. That is exactly what Yamaha aims to unlock for its customers. The experience is set to be a lot more exhilarating this time, as the Track Day event is being held at Buddh International Circuit. It is India’s finest circuit and has the distinction of hosting Formula One Indian Grand Prix. Next year, it will be hosting the first MotoGP race in India.Measuring 5.125 km, BIC racetrack has witnessed top speed of 324.2 kmph. Fastest lap time recorded for a Formula One car was 1 minute, 24.178 seconds, achieved by Sebastian Vettel in the inaugural qualifying session in 2011. BIC has received appreciation from drivers like Lewis Hamilton, who had stated that the experience was similar to the classic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.Yamaha India Track Day At BICRegistrations openCall of the Blue Track Day event at BIC is free for Yamaha fans and customers. Registrations are required for enthusiasts who want to get a feel of track racing. Track ride registration are currently open and will cost Rs 2,000. A limited number of slots will be available and bookings will be registered based on first come, first serve basis.Yamaha customers with YZF-R3, YZF-R15, MT-15, FZ Range and AEROX 155 will be eligible for track ride registration. Interested folks will have to submit all the details such as vehicle information, driving license number, mobile number, etc. Participants will be provided with relevant riding gear for use during the track ride. All participants will get welcome kit, comprising facemask, lanyard and t-shirt.Track rides will be conducted in batches, with a time limit of 30 minutes. This includes riding and briefing session. Apart from the track ride, other exciting activities will also be organized at the event. Enthusiasts can take part in drag race, gymkhana ride and slow speed balancing.Yamaha Track Days have been hugely successful, with enthusiasts lining up in significant numbers. A similar response can be expected at the Track Day event at BIC. Such events are a dream come true for enthusiasts. It can also work as an inspiration and provide a realistic view to youngsters aiming for a professional racing career. More

  • 125 Shares22 Views

    in Bike

    Hero MotoCorp Sales Sep 2022 – Splendor, Passion, Deluxe, Maestro

    Hero MotoCorp registered a double-digit growth of 14.42% from April to September period over vehicles sold in the same period last yearSuper Splendor Black EditionHero MotoCorp sold more than 28 lakh units in the first six months of the Financial Year (April-September) 2022-23. This is a double-digit growth of 14.42% over the corresponding period of the previous fiscal (FY ’22) when the Company had sold more than 24 lakh units.The Indian motorcycle giant pushed out 519,980 units of motorcycles and scooters in September 2022. Sequentially, this translates into a growth of 12.4% MoM over the month of August 2022, when Hero had only sold 462,608 units. However, when we take the sales numbers that Hero crunched in September 2021, we see a slight drop in sales.Total sales in September 2021 were 5,30,346 units with a volume loss of 10,366 units, Hero registered a 1.95% YoY drop and 12.40% MoM growth. Motorcycle sales stood at 4,80,237 units this month with a 1.88% drop in sales YoY with a 9,180 units volume drop and a 6.54% growth MoM. But, motorcycle sales account for 92.36% of total Hero sales.Hero MotoCorp Sales Sep 2022Hero scooters saw 39,743 units sold in total with a 2.90% drop in sales YoY. However, scooters register a 234.88% growth MoM which is staggering. Top selling Hero scooters include Maestro, Destini. Hero’s domestic sales thrived while exports dragged it down. Domestically, Hero registered 0.44% growth YoY and 17.85% growth MoM. But with only 12,290 units shipped in total, Hero exports hit the ground with a 50.61% YoY drop and a 61.36% MoM drop.Hero Sales – September 2022Motorcycles are Hero’s forte with a 92.36% share in the company’s total sales. Top selling motorcycles from Hero include Splendor, HF Deluxe, Passion, Xtreme, Xpulse, etc. While scooters only enjoy 7.64% of the total sales. It can also be seen that Hero is bleeding red when it comes to exports. Hero’s exports only account for 2.36% of total volume pushed. While domestic sales account for 97.64% of total volume pushed out of their factories.Hero MotoCorp YTD salesWhen it comes to Year To Date analysis, Hero fares relatively better. With 28,18,361 units pushed out, Hero registered a 14.42% YoY growth with 3,55,231 units gained YoY. Out of this figure, 26,38,618 units are motorcycles which gained 3,44,877 units YoY and registered 15.04% growth YoY. Scooters account for 1,79,743 units and register 6.11% growth YoY with 10,354 units volume growth.Hero’s sales stand strong domestically at 27,17,280 units YTD with 4,10,766 units of volume gain and register a 17.81% YoY growth. But, as we said earlier, Hero loses precious ground when it comes to exports. With just 1,01,081 units shipped YTD. Hero lost 35.46% of sales YoY.The company is geared up to launch its first electric vehicle, VIDA – Powered by Hero on October 7, 2022. This move by Hero was much needed as the company needed to establish its roots strongly in the ever-growing 2W EV segment. With a US$60 million investment in Cali-based Zero Motorcycles, a partnership with Gogoro and Ather Energy, Hero is hoping to emerge as an EV giant in the near future. More