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    Husqvarna Electric Scooter Vektorr Concept Debuts – Based On Bajaj Chetak

    Husqvarna Electric Scooter Concept – VektorrHusqvarna has taken wraps off their electric scooter concept – Production version is scheduled to be launched next year
    A few days after revealing the E-Pilen electric motorcycle concept, Husqvarna has taken wraps of their electric scooter concept. Called Vektorr, this is a concept version of the upcoming electric scooter. Speaking about the scooter, Husqvarna says, it is “an eco-friendly offering that brings the future of personal urban transport into the present.”
    Not much has been revealed in terms of actual specs, dimensions or technology. What is mentioned as of now, is that this scooter has a top speed of 45 kmph and a ride range of up to 95 kms on full charge. Interestingly, there is no mention of swappable battery – a feature which was announced with the Husqvarna electric motorcycle concept.
    Husqvarna Vektorr Electric Scooter
    Speaking about the design, the new electric scooter carries on with Husqvarna’s design language. In the front, you have the circular headlight with circular LED DRL border. Husqvarna says, “The Vektorr Concept is the first electric scooter ever produced by Husqvarna Motorcycles and is aimed squarely at the urban commuter who demands a compact, stylish and effective personal transport solution to fit their busy lifestyle.”
    The seat is wide and long, enough for rider as well as pillion. Front as well as rear has a single spring suspension. In the front you have a disc brake while rear has a drum brake. Alloys look larger, production spec version could get 12 inch alloys.
    Husqvarna Electric Scooter Concept – Vektorr
    Based On Bajaj Chetak Platform
    Pierer Mobility, owners of KTM and Husqvarna had revealed in their report that the upcoming Husqvarna electric scooter will be based on Bajaj Chetak, which is currently on sale in India. The report also added that it will be made in India.
    Interestingly, the two scooters have many similarities. Bajaj Chetak too does not offer swappable battery option, has a similar range of 95 kms, has single spring suspension in the front and rear, has disc brake in front and drum brake at rear.
    Launch Timeline
    Husqvarna Vektorr Electric Scooter is expected to enter production sometime next year, at the Bajaj Auto plant near Pune. Bajaj is currently in the process of increasing production capacity for their KTM, Husqvarna and Chetak brands. Plan is to increase production by 5 lakh units annually, in the first phase.
    Husqvarna Electric Scooter Concept – Vektorr
    Launch of the Husqvarna electric scooter could first take place in Europe. After which, it will be launched in India. Expect price to be on the higher side. Recently, Bajaj increased price of their Chetak scooter, and it now retails at an ex-sh price of about Rs 1.45 lakhs. Once launched, it will rival the likes of Ather 450X and upcoming Ola Electric Scooter. More

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    2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Features, Powertrains, and Colors Detailed

    Hyundai has shared more details about the Santa Cruz pickup’s features, colors, and powertrains.The SE and SEL models have a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four, while the SEL Premium and Limited have a more powerful turbo version of that engine.Pricing has not yet been announced but the Santa Cruz is expected to go on sale this summer.Hyundai’s first pickup truck, the 2022 Santa Cruz, will come in four trim levels, six exterior colors, and with a choice of two available engines. Although we still don’t know how much it will cost, a configurator tool on Hyundai’s website provides some information on the four trims—SE, SEL, SEL Premium, and Limited—and what’s available for each model.

    The SE and SEL models come standard with front-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four engine with a claimed 190-plus horsepower. This provides 3500 pounds of towing capacity and a 1748-pound payload rating. An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard on the SE, while the SEL adds proximity-key entry, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, and blind-spot monitoring. All-wheel drive is optional.The higher SEL Premium and Limited models come with a more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four that Hyundai says will make 275-plus horsepower. Hyundai claims a tow rating of up to 5000 pounds with this engine. This powertrain uses an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and also comes with either standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The SEL Premium includes features such as LED headlights and automatic climate control, while the loaded Limited adds a premium audio system, a 10.3-inch infotainment screen, and cooled front seats.
    Exterior colors include Ice White, Phantom Black, Hampton Grey, Sage Gray, Blue Stone, and Desert Sand. So far we’ve only seen the Santa Cruz’s black interior color scheme but a light-colored interior is also likely to be offered.Hyundai is currently taking reservations for the Santa Cruz, which require a $100 deposit. More information, including pricing and EPA fuel-economy ratings, should be coming soon.
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    KTM 750 Duke, ADV Launch Next Year – To Be Made In China By CFMOTO

    Image for referenceManufactured in China, KTM’s 750cc motorcycles could be offered at an affordable price point
    As part of their joint venture with China based CFMoto, KTM is currently developing an entirely new 750cc platform. The global unveil of these new KTM motorcycles is scheduled to take place by 2022.
    KTM has a partnership with CFMoto since 2011. The latter is responsible for importing and selling KTM motorcycles in China. In 2020, CFMoto also started manufacturing KTM motorcycles, as part of KTM’s expansion strategy in China. This partnership is something similar to the arrangement that KTM has with Bajaj in India.
    KTM 750cc motorcycles – what to expect
    Initially, the 750cc platform will be used to develop 750 Duke, 750 Adventure and 750 Supermoto. The 750 Duke will work as a replacement for 790 Duke, which is expected to be discontinued. KTM has already introduced the new 890 range, so 790cc range may no longer be required. KTM 750cc motorcycles will be positioned between the 890cc range and upcoming KTM 490cc parallel-twin range.
    The 490cc range will be manufactured in India by Bajaj at its production facility in Chakan, near Pune. It will serve the needs of both domestic markets and exports.
    KTM 790 Adventure at India Bike Week
    There’s still very little that’s known about KTM’s new 750cc range. In terms of pricing, KTM 750cc motorcycles could be relatively affordable in comparison to 790cc range. However, don’t expect KTM to cut down on features to reduce cost.
    Offering a range of high-tech features is one of the key USPs of KTM motorcycles. It’s unlikely that the company would want to compromise on that. However, it is possible that reduction in production costs may be passed on to customers in the form of lower prices.
    KTM 750cc range India launch
    It is not yet certain if KTM will introduce the new 750cc range in Indian market. However, going by the popularity of KTM bikes in India, the 750cc range could eventually make its way in the country. As of now, KTM is focused on smaller capacity 125cc, 200cc, 250cc and 390cc motorcycles. These have registered consistent numbers in both domestic sales and exports.
    In the domestic market, the primary volume generators for KTM are its 200cc, 125cc and 250cc motorcycles. In overseas markets, the preference is more for 390cc and 125cc motorcycles. Next on the agenda are KTM electric scooters, which will be based on Chetak platform. A new production facility is currently being built by Bajaj, which will be utilized for manufacturing KTM electric scooters. These are expected to be launched by 2022. More

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    Buy 'Fast & Furious 7' Lykan HyperSport Stunt Car, Get Its NFT for Free

    One of 10 W Motors Lykan HyperSport stunt cars used in the Fast & Furious 7 film are being auctioned as a physical object and its non-fungible token, or NFT, together.Early bidding starts May 6 at $100,000.The Lykan HyperSport stunt car is drivable, but its 770-hp powertain has been replaced by a smaller Porsche flat-six with a manual transmission. The W Motors Lykan HyperSport seen jumping between Abu Dhabi skyscrapers in Fast & Furious 7 is headed to auction. The winner at auction will receive both the actual car and its non-fungible token (NFT), which is a type of digital cryptocurrency (sort of). The live auction starts on May 11 at RubiX. Pre-bidding starts today at $100,000. Of the 10 Lykans used in filming, this is the only one remaining, and it still has its battle wounds.

    This particular Lykan, used as a stunt car, is of course not at all street legal. The steering-wheel airbag was removed for filming, as were the gauge cluster and the infotainment system. All that crazy Furious 7 stunt work wasn’t completely computer generated, and if you look closely, you’ll notice some bumps and bruises. Its mirrors, rear wheel center caps, and even part of the engine intake were all torn off during filming. If you think that’s crazy, you should see the Lykan they dropped from 60 feet. That one is also missing a few pieces.

    W Motors

    W Motors

    The 780-hp twin-turbo flat-six tuned by RUF has been replaced by a smaller 245-hp flat-six, likely from a Porsche Boxster or Cayman. A manual transmission was also added. It’s still a pretty kickass piece of movie memorabilia, and creative minds could modify the actual car into one of the most unique sim-racing rigs ever. You can’t funge with the NFT, however.
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    If you’re confused about NFTs, you aren’t alone. Think of an NFT like a digital Hot Wheels car. Say there’s just one. It’s packaged inside a proverbial encrypted box of sorts, you can only access it digitally, and no, you’ll never get to play with it. You aren’t given any physical object, just a code with a bunch of numbers. It’s part virtual art, part bragging chip, which can be sold later as cryptocurrency on a digital ledger, better known as a blockchain.

    NFTs are similar to bitcoin, only the value of each NFT grows independently. So, while each bitcoin cryptocurrency is worth $57,500 as of this writing, the NFT that is the NBA highlight of Golden State Warriors player Steph Curry sinking a three-point shot is currently worth $45,000, whereas Chicago Bulls player Zach LaVine’s dunk on Oklahoma City is only worth $1000. Sorry, Zach. Sure, you can watch these clips on YouTube for free, but you’ll have to pay big to own the officially licensed NBA original. It all sounds crazy, but consider how much imagery and art you’ve already encountered today exists only in a virtual cloud.So why would anyone buy an NFT? For starters, an NFT of a car isn’t something you have to wash, gas, find replacement parts for, or worry about an Uber driver in a Kia Soul trading paint with. It never rots, but you’ll never drive it. And to be fair, there are plenty of car collectors that don’t daily-drive each car they own. Sure, Jay Leno has nearly enough cars to drive a different one each day for a year, but it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever catch Jeff Gordon’s 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in the Burger King drive-through. It’s sponsored by Pepsi, after all. That being said, we’d still take the car over the expensive GIF.Unlike most NFTs though, this auction wins both the actual car and the NFT together. Which one do you think will last longer, the internet or the stunt car?
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    Revolt Electric Motorcycles Bookings Closed As Demand Increases

    Revolt RV400RattanIndia backed Revolt has paused accepting any fresh bookings on its website following overwhelming response from the consumers for the RV 300 and RV 400
    RattanIndia has recently marked its entry into the two wheeler EV space through investment in Revolt Intellicorp Pvt Ltd. The company has noted high demand for its two electric bikes RV 300 and RV 400 and have hence stopped accepting any further bookings on the company website.
    The company will re-open bookings once current orders are met. The new acquisition will see the company old 50 percent stake in Revolt while Rajiv Rattan will be Chairman of the board of Revolt.
    Revolt has its production set up in Manesar in Haryana and presence in Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. The company produces two electric bikes the RV 300 and RV 400, both of which offer a range of 150 kms on single charge, a top speed of 100 km/h and have battery charging time of 4 hours. The company offers a warranty of 1,50,000 kms on the 3.24 kWh battery, the highest offered by any other two wheeler electric vehicle maker in the country.
    Revolt Intellicorp Expansion Plans
    Revolt has announced fresh capital investment to expand both its distributor and service network to 35 cities across India. This investment of Rs.150 crores funding from RattanIndia Enterprises Limited will go a long way in not only expanding the company foot print across India but also in other South Asian markets.
    Revolt RV400 electric motorcycle image for reference.
    Revolt electric motorcycle RV400 prices increased to Rs 1.04 lakh are priced at Rs.95,000 and Rs.1.19 lakhs via a one-time payment plan while a monthly payment plan is also on offer with total payments working out to a bit more. Following the price hike, booking amount and EMI plans for the RV300 start at Rs. 7,199 and Rs. 3,174, respectively while the RV400 can be booked for Rs. 7,999 with EMIs at Rs 4,399.
    RV 300 is the smaller of the two electric bikes. It rides on a 1,350mm long wheelbase, down 30mm as compared to that seen on the RV 400. It also has a lower has a kerb weight down 7 kgs as compared to the 101 kg weight of the RV 400 but offers a higher range as offered by the RV 400.
    In Eco mode, the bike is capable of 180 kms on single charge while in Normal and Sport mode, this goes down to 110 km and 80 km respectively. Top speed is however lower at 65 km/h. RV 400 boasts of a compact design. It receives adjustable foot pegs and plastic surrounds on its headlamp. It gets a bolt on sub frame, USD fork and monoshock and disc brakes.
    ARAI claims a range of 156 kms for the RV 400. The RV 300 and RV400 are the country’s first AI enabled electric two wheeler offerings and do not have any direct rivals. More

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    TVS Subsidiary Norton Powers New Zongshen Cyclone RX6

    Zongshen Cyclone RX6Zongshen Cyclone RX6 will be available in two derivatives- a touring friendly variant and an off-road biased model
    Global automotive collaborations have led to the advent of some of the finest products in the past. Mutual sharing of resources, knowledge and technology has mostly been beneficial for the auto world. This has become more prevalent in recent times. The most recent example being Zongshen Cyclone RX6.
    The adventure tourer made its debut in its final production form in the recently concluded 2021 Shanghai Motor Show. The biggest highlight though is a Norton-derived 650cc parallel-twin engine which powers Cyclone RX6. Back in 2017, the iconic British brand inked a deal with its Chinese counterpart of sharing the 650cc twin between each other.
    Powertrain Specs
    Getting into details, the bike is propelled by a 650cc, DOHC, twin-cam, four-valve parallel-twin which returns an output of 70 bhp and 62 Nm of peak torque. This puts it in the same region as Kawasaki Versys 650, Yamaha Tracer 700 and Suzuki V-Strom 650. However, it still generates 14 horses less than Norton’s own Atlas Ranger and Atlas Nomad Scramblers. The twin-can parallel-twin motor is itself derived from a 12,000cc V4 which propels Norton’s V4 RR superbike.
    Design & Features
    Coming to its design, RX6 looks like a typical adventure bike with a lanky physique of a tourer. It gets signature styling elements of contemporary ADV models such as a large front fairing,a beefy 21-litre fuel tank and a windscreen. The seats are flat and there is also provision for mounting one’s luggage and also receives a side-slung exhaust and option saddlebags for touring purposes.
    Zongshen Cyclone RX6
    It comes with plenty of creature comforts such as a color TFT dashboard, electronically adjustable windscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, full LED lighting with a twin-pod LED headlight and keyless ignition along with a bunch of electronic aids.
    Mechanical Setup
    Hardware configuration of the ADV comprises a suspension setup that features upside-down forks from Kayaba and an asymmetrically mounted mono-shock at rear. Cyclone RX6 will be made available in two trims. First, a touring variant that features a touring-oriented suspension and 17-inch cast alloy rims shod by Pirelli tyres.
    The other being an off-road biased model which comes with extra suspension travel and wire-spoke wheels. Braking duties are handled by Nissin-sourced petal-type twin rotors at front and a single disc at the back. Safety net is provided by a dual-channel ABS. It tips the weighing scales at 245kg.
    Zongshen Cyclone RX6
    Prices for Cyclone RX6 will be revealed in the coming days as it goes on sale in China. It is expected to arrive in European markets at a later stage as a Norton branded model, however, an India launch looks very unlikely. It is to be pointed out that Norton Motorcycles is now is a fully-owned subsidiary of TVS Motor Company. More

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    KTM 125 Duke Based Husqvarna 125cc Motorcycle Production Starts

    Image for referenceIn the initial phase, the manufactured units will be entirely exported to European markets
    As of now, Husqvarna offers only Vitpilen 250 and Svartpilen 250 in the Indian market. Bajaj manufactures Husqvarna 201 and 401 cc motorcycles at the same facility. But these are currently meant only for exports. Svartpilen 125 is the newest addition, which could be introduced in the Indian market at a later date.
    Earlier this year in February, Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 was launched in Europe. Hungary was among the first country to get it, where it was offered at a starting price of HUF 1.64 million (approx. Rs 4.02 lakh). The entry-level Husqvarna is imported from India as completely built-up (CBU) units.
    It is expected that Vitpilen 125 will also be added to the list of Husqvarna motorcycles being manufactured by Bajaj at its Chakan production centre. Vitpilen 125 will head to European markets first.
    Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 design and features
    In terms of looks, Svartpilen 125 is almost identical to its bigger siblings. The bike features retro-modern design and comes with sleek bodywork. Some key features include round LED headlamp, LED DRL ring around the headlamp, minimal body panels, LCD instrument cluster, bronze engine cover, and low profile seat.
    Husqvarna Svartpilen 125
    The 17-inch wheels are wire-spoke units that are shod with dual sport tyres at both ends. The bike offers a comfortable, upright riding stance, which makes it suitable for city streets as well as mild off-road environments.
    Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 engine and specs
    Svartpilen 125 will borrow its engine and most other hardware from KTM 125 Duke. The 124.7cc, liquid cooled, DOHC motor is capable of generating 15 hp of max power at 9,500 rpm and 12 Nm of max torque at 7,500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission. Top speed is around 100 kmph.
    The bike utilizes a powder coated steel trellis frame, suspended on 43mm WP Apex USD forks at front and WP Apex monoshock rear suspension with 5-step preload adjustability. Braking duties are performed by 320 mm disc at the front and 230 mm disc at the rear. Callipers used are ByBre four-piston at the front and ByBre single-piston, floating type at the rear. Dual-channel Bosch ABS is offered as standard.
    Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 India launch
    Considering the immense interest in entry-level performance biking segment in the country, Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 could be introduced in the Indian market. It could be positioned as a relatively affordable option as compared to KTM 125 Duke. The latter is currently offered at a starting price of Rs 1.62 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Husqvarna has followed the same strategy for its 250cc twins that are priced lower than KTM 250 Duke. More

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    New Car Prices Are Skyrocketing This Spring

    Buyers are paying more for new cars as average transaction prices rise. Ford cited an average transaction price of $43,600 in April.This is the result of low inventory and high demand for new vehicles causing automakers to reduce incentives.Price-conscious shoppers may want to find segments where supply is higher.The combination of strong demand for new cars and tight inventories is creating a perfect storm of high vehicle prices. Many buyers in 2021 are paying more for new vehicles compared with last year as incentive spending drops and average transaction prices (ATP) rise, and this trend could increase as the global microchip shortage continues to affect production for many models.

    According to Cox Automotive, new-vehicle inventory was down 25 percent compared with this time last year at the start of April and could soon be down by as much as 40 percent. At the same time, nearly all automakers are reporting strong sales numbers through the first few months of 2021. With fewer vehicles on dealer lots but strong consumer appetites for new cars, automakers are rolling out fewer incentives; in other words, you won’t find much cash on the hood. Cox Automotive said that incentive spending fell by nearly 16 percent during the first quarter. Measured as a percentage of average transaction prices, incentives dipped below 10 percent for the first time since 2016.General Motors said that its transaction prices rose by an average of $3500 per vehicle in the first quarter of 2021. Ford claimed that its high average transaction price of $43,600 in April 2021 was driven by a greater mix of more expensive SUV and truck models, which now comprise 94 percent of its sales since the company dropped most of its passenger-car models. It used the example of the Bronco Sport compact SUV to show how this switch has benefitted the company, as the Bronco Sport’s average transaction price (ATP) of $31,800 in April was considerably higher than the out-of-production Fusion mid-size sedan’s $22,600 ATP.

    While this shift may boost automakers’ bottom lines, it’s not so good for value-minded consumers. With used-car prices also on the rise, price-sensitive shoppers in need of a vehicle are facing a tough market. “It’s getting more difficult for shoppers to find excellent deals,” noted Charlie Chesbrough, Cox Automotive senior economist. “If price is the ultimate driver, shoppers might be wise to focus on segments of the market where inventory is healthier.” Cox’s data indicates that compact and mid-size cars and subcompact SUVs may have better supply, which means there could be better deals to be had.How long will these higher prices last? We don’t know, but surely not forever. Reuters reported that many auto executives, including GM CEO Mary Barra, believe that the chip shortage will worsen in the second quarter of 2021, which could further impact inventories and drive prices even higher. The bottleneck is expected to improve in the second half of the year, at which point the supply and demand could start to balance out. If you can hold off on your new-vehicle purchase for a few more months, your wallet might thank you.
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