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    2022 Mercedes EQA Brings Clean Looks, Electric Power to GLA-Class

    The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA is an electric derivative of the GLA that Daimler is unveiling today.
    In Europe, the EQA will offer 187 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque and is priced at the equivalent of $57,750.
    The EQA may or may not come to the U.S., depending on how Mercedes’s EV plans shake out, and if it does it is expected to bring a more powerful motor with as much as 280 horsepower.
    Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled the EQA, a member of a diverse family of Mercedes EQ electric vehicles. It’s just one of a full lineup that will be rolling out this year and next. Each is based on a conventional internal-combustion-engined Mercedes, from A-class to G-wagen, spearheaded by the EQC, a derivative of the GLC. The EQ family will grow with further models, such as the GLB-based EQB, followed by futuristic stand-alone models including the EQE and the EQS.

    Five Upcoming Mercedes EQ Electric Cars Previewed

    Mercedes EQS Electric Luxury Sedan Coming to U.S.

    Benz Is Bringing An Electric Sprinter to the U.S.

    The EQA, as a compact-crossover EV, may be a harbinger of Mercedes’s electric future, but actually, it looks rather clean and conventional. Stylistically, it is a GLA, but without any of the pseudo-sporty clutter, with a sweeping front end and horizontal light bar that is mirrored on its tail. Why can’t every GLA look like the EQA?
    In Europe, the EQA250 will launch with a front-mounted asynchronous motor that makes 187 horsepower and, more important, 277 pound-feet of torque that’s available from step-off. That’s a bit more than the GLA250, which is rated at 258 pound-feet but makes a superior 221 horsepower.

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    Mercedes-Benz

    Sadly, the EQA250 can’t hold a candle to the GLA250 when it comes to acceleration. According to Mercedes numbers, it takes about two seconds longer to reach the 60-mph mark, and it is governed at 100 mph in the interest of range, while the Europe-market GLA250 will carry on to 149 mph.
    When asked about plans to bring an EQA to the U.S., a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson told Car and Driver, “At this point the EQA is still being considered for the U.S. market.” If the EQA does come here, it could be fitted with a more powerful drivetrain. Mercedes has suggested there’ll be an EQA with all-wheel drive and around 280 horsepower. That sounds like fun to us; we do appreciate the instant torque of an EV, and a twin-motor EQA could be a serious performer.
    The 66.5-kWh batteries provide for a remarkable range of more than 300 miles in the European cycle, which, admittedly, tends to favor electrics. We believe that a range of 200 to 250 miles is realistic. Unfortunately, that range comes at a cost: The compact EQA250 weighs more than a six-cylinder, mild-hybrid S-class, which incidentally features all-wheel drive and has far better towing capacity.

    Future EVs: Every Electric Vehicle Coming Soon

    Inside, the EQA remains a close sibling of the GLA, and that’s a good thing since it is fitted with one of the most advanced user interfaces on the market. While we mourn the loss of the Mercedes twist-and-push-button input system of yore, there are plenty of other ways to enter the desired commands, including an ever improving voice control system.

    View Photos

    Mercedes-Benz

    For the EQA, Mercedes-Benz has tweaked the color and material selections, with optional rose gold applications and blue fabrics. Elegant and futuristic, the new look is sure to win over some customers that are on the fence about choosing an electric.
    The EQA will be built in both Germany and China. In Europe, the price of the EQA250 is only slightly higher than the GLA250’s, and that gap is more than offset by the subsidies and incentives granted by the government. Similar measures will be most welcome if, going forward, EVs are to make any progress on the U.S. market.

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    2021 Yamaha R15 Gets Updated With New Colours In Indonesia

    2021 Yamaha R15
    One of the best selling fully faired motorcycle in the 150 cc segment, R15 V3 has now been updated

    Aiming to provide more customization options to customers and fend off competition from 2021 Honda CBR150R, Yamaha Indonesia has introduced new colours for its popular R15 motorcycle. As may be recalled, Honda CBR150R was launched in the second week of January.
    The motorcycle has received a range of visual updates, which could help attract more customers. Yamaha has responded by adding three colour options for R15 – Metallic Blue, Matte Silver and Matte Black.
    Yamaha R15 2021 new colours (Indonesia)
    The Metallic Blue shade comes with a glossy finish, which enhances the motorcycle’s sporty profile. Parts that have the blue shade include headlamp cowl, fuel tank, fairing and alloy wheels.
    The blue shade makes an exciting contrast with blacked out elements such as side panels, rear view mirrors and exhaust pipe. Golden coloured USD front forks further add to the motorcycle’s gorgeous looks. In the Indian market, Yamaha YZR R15 is offered in Racing Blue colour, which is different from the Metallic Blue shade launched in Indonesia.
    2021 Yamaha R15 New Colours
    Talking about the Matte Silver option, the new shade makes a much sober contrast against the black coloured elements of the motorcycle. The set of components that have the matte silver shade is the same as that of Metallic Blue colour theme.
    The only difference is that the alloy wheels carry an entirely distinct yellow shade. Use of three contrasting colours looks radical, but it may not suit everyone’s taste. The golden USD forks further complicate the overall aesthetics of this bike.
    In the Indian market, R15 has Thunder Grey shade, which is much darker than the matte silver colour introduced in Indonesia. The Indian version has red graphics and wheel rims, which are visually more appealing.
    2021 Yamaha R15
    The third colour option for R15 introduced in Indonesia is Matte Black, which is essentially an all-black theme. It gives the motorcycle a bold and intimidating persona, which is likely to attract a sizeable number of buyers. This is probably the best colour option that creates the most appealing contrast with the golden coloured USD forks.
    In the Indian market, R15 has the Dark Knight shade. It has an all-black profile and comes with contrasting white graphics. The black shade looks a bit lighter as compared to the Matte Black colour introduced for R15 in Indonesia.
    2021 Yamaha R15
    2021 Yamaha R15 engine
    Apart from the new colour options, 2021 Yamaha R15 in Indonesia does not offer any other updates. Engine is the same as earlier, a 155cc engine with VVA tech that is capable of generating max power of 19.3 ps and max toque of 14.7 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox.
    As compared to 2021 Honda CBR150R that is available at a starting price of IDR 39.3 million (approx. INR 2.05 lakh), 2021 Yamaha R15 works out cheaper at IDR 37.08 million (approx. INR 1.93 lakh). In the Indian market, Yamaha R15 V3.0 is available at a starting price of Rs 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). More

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    Honda CB350 Launched In Japan As GB350 – Cheaper Than India

    2021 Honda GB350
    In spite of importing the CB 350 from India as a CBU, the Japan price of the motorcycle is lower than the one on sale in India

    After its unveil earlier this month, Honda CB350 has been launched in the company’s home market Japan. It gets a new name GB350 in Japan and is priced at 268,000 yen (approx. Rs 1.89 lakh). GB350 will be made in India and exported to Japan as CBUs.
    In Japan, the motorcycle will be offered in only one variant, which is the top variant. In India, CB350 is available in DLX and DLX Pro variants. They are priced at Rs 1,86,500 and Rs 1,92,500, respectively (both ex-showroom). This makes the CB350 on sale in Japan, cheaper than the one on sale in India by about Rs 2,500 – in spite of the fact that it is made in India and exported to Japan as CBU.
    Please note that the India prices are the new prices that were notified earlier this month. Original launch price of CB350 DLX and DLX Pro was Rs 1.85 lakh and Rs 1.90 lakh, ex-sh, respectively.
    Honda GB350 design and styling
    Except the change in name, GB350 is the same as CB350 that is sold in the Indian market. The motorcycle utilizes a combo of retro styling and modern features such as full LED headlamp and LED winkers. The dual-tone fuel tank with broad ‘Honda’ badging adds to the motorcycle’s visual appeal. Chrome elements have been used liberally on the motorcycle, which give it a regal look and feel.
    Honda CB350 in Japan. Image – Young Machine
    Honda GB350 key features
    Honda CB350 packs in a range of segment-first features. One of these is Honda Smartphone Voice Control System (HSVCS), which lets users connect and access their smartphones via Bluetooth. There are dedicated buttons on the handlebar, which can be used to access text messages, phone calls, weather information, music playback and navigation.
    Other segment first features include assist and slipper clutch, Honda selectable torque control, average and real time mileage display, battery voltage meter, gear position indicator, and distance to empty.
    Honda GB350 engine
    CB350 is BS6 compliant, which is equivalent to Euro 5 emission norms. As such, Honda does not need to carry out any updates in the engine for the Japanese market. All other equipment and features of GB350 will be the same as CB350.
    Honda CB350 is powered by a 348 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that is capable of generating 21 bhp of max power at 5500 rpm and 30 Nm of max torque at 3,000 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
    As compared to Royal Enfield’s signature thumping exhaust note, CB350 has a crispier and refined exhaust note. It would appeal to a mature audience who do not wish to be too loud on the streets.
    Honda CB350 utilizes a half-duplex cradle frame with telescopic front forks and twin hydraulic rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by 310 mm and 240 mm disc at the front and rear, respectively. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. More

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    2021 BMW G 310 R And G 310 GS Get A Price Hike Of Rs 5k

    2021 BMW G310 GS
    BMW 310 twins improves company sales, and continue to be price positive in 2021

    BMW Motorrad India reported 6.66 percent sales growth in 2020. Motorcycle sales crossed 2.5k units, up from about 2.4k units. Sales grew significantly in Q4 (October – December) 2020, up 51 percent over Q4 2019. No doubt, sales was dominated by demand for new BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS motorcycles. The duo accounted for over 80 percent of total sales.
    At the time, Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, ‘In a particularly tough year, BMW Motorrad once again delivered a stellar performance against all odds and became the number one selling premium motorcycle brand. Our aim is to continuously grow the BMW Motorrad community and culture here in India and we will keep delivering on that promise.”
    New BMW G310 R was launched early in October 2020 at a price of Rs 2.45 lakhs. And G310 GS at a price of Rs 2.85 lakhs (ex-sh prices). This meant both bikes were cheaper than KTM Duke 390 and 390 ADV (respectively) in India. The price proposition was a winning one, and the manufacturer’s new launches garnered solid demand.
    BS6 BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS
    There were no BMW G310s on sale since April to October 2020. Sales for both bikes were inadvertently halted for a period until they were made BS6 compliant. Alongwith emission compliancy, the manufacturer added features, curated financial offers, and introduced the bikes at an attractive price point.
    BMW G310 R
    To the extent, that BS4 versions purchased earlier proved to be more expensive than the BS6 models launched in October 2020. In its latest avatar, the bikes were cheaper by more than half a lakh. BS4 G310R was last listed at a retail price of Rs 2.99 lakh, and BS4 310GS at Rs 3.49 lakh (ex-sh prices).
    The company hasn’t explicitly stated what changes were incorporated to reduce price tags on the BS6 units, but the decision has served them well. The idea behind the smaller cc bikes was always to improve market share and cater to a wider customer base. A feasible price point helps drive that quest home.
    Latest Price Hike
    BMW Group India had towards December end announced a price hike, wef January 4, 2021. Following a price hike for MY21 motorcycles, the new bikes are still considerably price friendly as compared to price tags from a year earlier.
    Following a price revision for BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS motorcycles, both bikes are now costlier by 5 grands. G 310 R is listed at a price of Rs 2.50 lakh, and G 310 GS at Rs 2.90 lakh. All prices are ex-sh, India. With price points continuing to be favourable, BMW Motorrad India may already have secured a competitive run for 2021. More

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    2021 Porsche Taycan's New RWD Base Model Is Way Cheaper

    Porsche has introduced a new rear-wheel-drive base model to the Taycan electric sedan lineup.
    The new Taycan is powered by a standard 79.2-kWh battery and a rear permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor that makes 402 horsepower, though a 93.4-kWh battery is an option.
    The base Taycan starts at $81,250, and its EPA-estimated range will be announced by spring.
    Porsche has added an entry-level Taycan model with rear-wheel drive to its electric sedan lineup, and it will arrive in the U.S. in the spring starting at $81,250. The base model shares its rear motor with the $105,150 all-wheel-drive 4S model, and it’s also 215 pounds lighter.

    Porsche

    The base Taycan is equipped with a 79.2-kWh battery pack and permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor that powers the rear axle and produces 402 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. A 93.4-kWh battery is also available that increases output to 469 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Porsche claims a zero-to-60-mph sprint of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph for both configurations. The top-dog Taycan Turbo S has 750 horsepower and reached 60 mph in 2.4 seconds during Car and Driver testing.

    Porsche Taycan vs. Tesla Model S: The Test

    Porsche Taycan Beats Model S in Max-Charging Test

    Porsche Taycan Costs a Lot More than Tesla Model S

    Both units support DC fast charging, and regenerative braking is standard. Porsche didn’t release range estimates, so we don’t yet know how close this rear-wheel-drive base Taycan comes to the Tesla Model S. However, the heavier Taycan 4S with the same 79.2-kWh battery achieves only 199 miles of range. With the 93.4-kWh battery, its EPA-estimated range is 227 miles, the longest of any Taycan. The cheapest Model S currently available, the Long Range Plus, costs $10,630 less than the base Taycan and has an EPA-estimated 402 miles of range.

    Porsche

    Porsche’s adaptive dampers are standard across the board, including the base model, with an air suspension available. A set of 19-inch silver Taycan aero wheels with black calipers (pictured above) are standard on the base Taycan, while the 4S model is differentiated by polished wheels with black spokes and red brakes. The 20- and 21-inch wheels are also available on the base model.
    Standard tech includes Apple CarPlay capability, Apple Music, Plug and Charge automatic payments, over-the-air updates, and three years of free Electrify America charging, plus a 19.2-kWh onboard charger and a head-up display. The 2021 Porsche Taycan is available to order now and will arrive in the U.S. in the spring.
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    Chevy Bolt, Bolt EUV Unveiling Announced for Feb. 14 in Latest Teaser

    Chevrolet will unveil the 2022 Bolt EV and Bolt EUV on February 14 with the help of Walt Disney World.
    In a video about the news, the automaker teased an image of the back of the Bolt EUV.
    The 2022 Bolt and Bolt EUV will be available this summer and are part of GM’s huge electrification strategy.
    Nothing says romance like cuddling up on Valentine’s Day in front of the computer and watching two Chevy Bolts be unveiled with some help from Walt Disney World. That may be what GM was going for as it announced today that it would unveil the 2022 Chevy Bolt and 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV electric vehicles on February 14.
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    The announcement was accompanied by a video of the little girl who unleashes Tinker Bell’s sorcery upon the street lights of a neighborhood while sitting in the back of the Bolt EUV. Before the conclusion where the city is lit up by the magic following the Bolt EUV, the rear end of the EV is shown off. In the image, we get our best look at the tailgate and rear lights. As expected, the EUV crossover seems taller than the current Bolt. In August, GM released a silhouette teaser that shows off the relative size difference of the two upcoming vehicles.

    GM Teases 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV with Video Clip

    Chevy Bolt EUV Signature Lights Teased

    Chevy Shares Video of 2022 Bolt EUV’s Interior

    How Disney will play a part in the unveiling isn’t yet clear. The release accompanying the video does mention that the unveiling will “show how magic can take place when the imagination is electrified.” So it’s probably a good idea to expect a lot more Tinker Bell when the two vehicles are finally shown off in full to the public.
    GM has been teasing images of the Bolt and Bolt EUV for months ahead of the February event. The automaker has been building hype not only for these vehicles but for its overall electrification plan to launch 30 new electric vehicles by 2025. The EV push even resulted in the recent redesign of the automaker’s logo, which sort of looks like a plug going into a wall. GM says the blue color is meant to represent “the clean skies of a zero-emissions future.”
    The 2022 Bolt and Bolt EUV are both scheduled to be available this summer.
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    GM, Microsoft Team Up to Bring Cruise Robotaxis to the Street

    Microsoft is partnering with GM to help bring the automaker’s robotaxi startup Cruise’s autonomous vehicles to the road.
    The partnership is part of a wider investment and would see GM and Cruise use Microsoft’s Azure cloud and Edge computing platforms.
    A year ago Cruise unveiled its Origin autonomous shuttle and recently completed its first autonomous drive in San Francisco without a safety driver behind the wheel.
    Bringing self-driving shuttles to the streets clearly takes a village. Today Microsoft announced that it will be investing in and supplying technology to GM’s Cruise robotaxi service. Microsoft will be part of a group of investors, including Honda, that put more than $2 billion into Cruise, bringing the post-money valuation of the company up to $30 billion.

    Cruise Automation Unveils Self-Driving Vehicle

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    NAVYA’s Autonomous Vehicles Help Coronavirus Docs

    On the technology front, Cruise will use Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform and the company’s Edge computing platform to power the back end of the startup’s self-driving shuttles. By leveraging the power of Microsoft’s tech, Cruise will be able to scale much quicker than if it tried to build these systems on its own.
    The partnership also makes Microsoft a GM preferred cloud partner as the automaker scales up its artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities. “Microsoft will help us accelerate the commercialization of Cruise’s all-electric self-driving vehicles and help GM realize even more benefits from cloud computing as we launch 30 new electric vehicles globally by 2025 and create new businesses and services to drive growth,” said GM CEO Mary Barra in a statement.
    Cloud platforms and accompanying technologies allow companies to offload the processing power needed to tackle intensive tasks like AI and machine learning that make self-driving technology possible. “As Cruise and GM’s preferred cloud, we will apply the power of Azure to help them scale and make autonomous transportation mainstream,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a statement.

    Cruise

    But it’s not just about building a vehicle that drives on its own, GM also stated that the automaker will “explore opportunities with Microsoft to streamline operations across digital supply chains, foster productivity, and bring new mobility services to customers faster.”
    Cruise has been testing its fleet of specially outfitted Chevy Bolt EVs on the streets of San Francisco since 2016 as it tries to crack the self-driving problem. Recently, the company completed its first drive in the city without a driver behind the wheel in one of those Bolts. In January of 2020, it unveiled its Origin autonomous shuttle that will be the commercialization of these efforts. The vehicle will be built by GM at its Detroit-Hamtramck plant which has been renamed Factory Zero.
    For now, there’s no word on when the Cruise Origin will be on the streets offering up driverless rides to passengers powered by Microsoft’s services. What we do know is that GM is not alone in its efforts to offer up robotaxis. Amazon, Cadillac, and other companies with self-driving tiny buses are also trying to figure out ways to eventually transport us around town without a human behind the wheel.
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    It’s Official: Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group Are Now Stellantis

    FCA and PSA Group have completed the merger announced in 2020, creating Stellantis, now the fourth-biggest automaker in the world by volume.
    Stellantis becomes the operator of 14 different brands, including Chrysler, Fiat, Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, and Citroën.
    The merger will allow the two companies to reduce research and development costs, particularly as the companies move toward electrification.
    PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) have officially merged to create Stellantis, bringing together 14 vehicle brands across the globe. With the completion of a merger that has been in the works for more than a year, Stellantis becomes the fourth-biggest automaker in the world by volume and third-biggest by revenue. Now under the Stellantis umbrella are Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Lancia, and Maserati—thanks to FCA—as well as Citroën, DS, Opel, Peugeot, and Vauxhall, thanks to PSA.

    FCA and Peugeot’s New Company Name: Stellantis

    What FCA/PSA Merger Will Mean for U.S. Car Buyers

    Stellantis will be headquartered in Amsterdam and will have operation centers in France, Italy, and the United States. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares—the former CEO of PSA—said in a press conference today that this merger will allow the two companies to combine forces to create “highly effective” sibling cars as well as give the various brands the opportunity to rebound and grow.
    Currently, it’s unclear whether or not some of the 14 brands will be cut from the Stellantis portfolio; Tavares wouldn’t specify today. Nonetheless, questions have been raised on whether both Fiat and Chrysler will survive the merger, as both have struggled in recent years. And in the case of Peugeot, its return to the U.S. is now uncertain; in early 2019, it had been reported that Peugeot would return to American roads by 2026.
    A focal point for the new company is electrification and the number of electrified vehicles in its lineup. Currently, Stellantis has 29 electrified vehicles on the market—including both fully electric and hybrid vehicles—and will offer 39 by the end of 2021. Then, by 2025, Stellantis companies will produce “one electrified model for every newly launched global model,” the company said at a press conference today.
    Plans for the merger were first announced in October 2019 but were delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. Now that it has gone through, former FCA CEO Mike Manley will head operations in North America for Stellantis. The merger, according to Tavares, will save the two companies $6.1 billion in the coming years; 80 percent of those savings will be realized before 2025, Tavares said.
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