Aurelia Butler

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    Hero Vida V1 Pro, V1 Coupe Global Debut – Europe, UK Launch Soon

    Hero Vida V1 Pro Global DebutThe Hero Vida V1 Pro and V1 Coupe unveiled at 2023 EICMA Show, boast twin removable batteries with 3.94 kWh capacity and 110 km real world rangeWith Vida sub-brand, Hero MotoCorp intends to expand its footprint to new markets and strengthen its position in existing ones. In that regard, Hero Vida V1 Pro and its Coupe model have debuted globally. The company targets Europe and UK as part of its global expansion and will introduce premium ICE 2W vehicles further down the line.Hero Vida V1 Pro, V1 Coupe Global DebutAt 2023 EICMA Show, Hero showcased two entirely new scooters yesterday – Xoom 160 and Xoom 125R. The latter is a sportier and flashier scooter from Hero in 125cc segment to rival TVS Ntorq. However, it is the former, that garners more interest as it debuts Hero’s all new 156cc liquid-cooled engine with i3S tech.There were other showcases too. Like Concept Lynx off-road electric bike and Concept Acro kids electric bike along with Concept 2.5R XTUNT that will spawn Xtreme 210R as its production version. Sticking with scooters, Hero showcased V1 Pro alongside Xoom 125 and Xoom 160 on the stage.Hero MotoCorp dived into electric 2W realm last year with Vida sub-brand. The company now intends to go global with its Vida lineup targeting Europe and UK markets. As of now, Hero is keen on entering Spain and France in Europe and UK. The company’s commercial operations will commence around mid-2024.Vida V1 Single SeatStarting with Vida electric scooter lineup, Hero will introduce more premium ICE scooters and motorcycles in these markets in the future. Premium products like Xpulse, Karizma XMR and upcoming Xtreme 210R, Xoom 160 and Xoom 125 will be under consideration. Hero has identified key distributors from these respective markets and commercial agreements should finalise soon enough.Vida V1 Coupe Unveiled at 2023 EICMAFor UK, Hero has selected MotoGB with 150+ dealer networks as its main distributor. Onex Group subsidiary Noria Motos and GD France will be Hero’s primary dealers in Spain and France respectively. Hero MotoCorp also unveiled Vida V1 Coupe with a unique FIY single and double-seat configuration option.This will allow for individual expression while keeping practicality intact. In terms of features, Vida V1 Pro comes equipped with twin removable batteries with a total capacity of 3.94 kWh, two-way throttle, keyless start, cruise control, riding modes, OTA updates, 7-inch touchscreen dashboard, full LED lighting and more.Hero Vida V1 Coupe unveiled at 2023 EICMA ShowWords from the manufacturerNiranjan Gupta, CEO, Hero MotoCorp said, “We are excited to showcase our latest products and technologies to our stakeholders here who have come from around the world. We are collaborating with highly credible partners in the UK, Spain, and France to start commercial operations in each of these markets by mid 2024.“We will first introduce our electric scooter VIDA V1 in these countries and then expand our offerings with high-capacity premium ICE motorcycles and scooters, which are showcased here. With our expertise in providing high-quality personal mobility solutions at accessible prices, we are confident that our new range of products will be appreciated by customers across geographies. Our aim is to “Innovate and Manufacture in India for the world” and we are changing gears to swiftly move ahead towards this target.” More

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    Hero 2.5R XTUNT Unveiled At 2023 EICMA – Upcoming Xtreme 210R

    Hero 2.5R XTUNT ConceptNovelty features on Hero 2.5R XTUNT Concept like follow-me drone and active aero tech are less likely to make it production modelAt 2023 EICMA Show, Hero made quite a spectacle by displaying two new scooters and a brand-new motorcycle concept. Called Concept 2.5R XTUNT, it caught our eyes at the show immediately. We couldn’t help but wonder, is this the concept for upcoming Xtreme 210R? This 2.5R XTUNT will be the primary inspiration for upcoming 210cc Xtreme street bike as revealed by comparison image below.Hero 2.5R XTUNT Unveiled At 2023 EICMAAccording to Hero MotoCorp, 2.5R XTUNT is designed to appeal new-age thrill-seekers and for riders craving urban adventure filled with adrenaline. Hero promises an unapologetic design, which translates to a wild appearance. Going by Hero’s words, Concept 2.5R XTUNT has a radical new design that screams aggression. With the Red and White colourway, it looks very nice too.Especially at the front where headlights look menacing with an animalistic appeal. A devilish LED DRL signature, sleek headlight bulbs and other bits that should appeal to the youth. Concept 2.5R XTUNT seeks a committed riding posture and an aggressive stance. Seat looks slightly taller and rear subframe is minimal. Production model will get a more conventional setup.Hero promises a lightweight chassis, powerful engine and advanced technology for pinpoint precise corner carving. The design is quite standout and will be the prominent aspect of buying decision when launched. It aims for next gen riders seeking thrill of adventure and urban freestyle.Hero 2.5R XTUNT Concept FasciaIn terms of componentry, the bike sports a lightweight trellis frame that looks a lot like new Karizma’s, USD telescopic front forks finished in Gold shade, rear mono-shock suspension, fatter slick tyres wrapped to fancy alloy wheels, an underbelly exhaust and engine protector finished in White. There is active aero tech and a follow-me drone at the back too, which are less likely to make it to production.Xtreme 210R is the production version of this motorcycleSpeaking of powertrain, it packs the same engine as Karizma XMR 210. Given the name Concept 2.5R XTUNT, we would reckon it is displacing around 250cc. The production version, however, is likely to have an identical powertrain setup as Karizma’s. Which is a  210cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled, 4V, DOHC engine packing 25 horses, mated to a 6-speed gearbox.Hero has already commenced testing of the production version of Concept 2.5R XTUNT in India. It bears similar design and overall silhouette and proportions with the spied test mules. The Xtreme 210R name is probable, considering Hero’s past naming strategies.Hero 2.5R XTUNT Concept compared with Xtreme 210R test mulesWhen launched, it will take on multiple rivals like KTM 200 Duke, Suzuki Gixxer 250 and the likes. Given that it is a Hero MotoCorp product, it will undercut the rivals significantly and given the positioning below Karizma XMR, we can expect a price point of around Rs. 1.7 lakh (ex-sh). More

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    Rimac Nevera Goes 171 MPH in Reverse, Sets New World Record

    The Rimac Nevera has just set a new world record for the fastest speed by a vehicle in reverse, at a testing facility in Germany. The record was set at the Automotive Testing Papenburg facility in Germany, where the Nevera reached an astounding top speed of 171.34 mph.It wasn’t that fast, but Car and Driver did execute a reverse-driving test in 2011 as part of our “Rental Car Olympics.”We love the sort of car-based shenanigans that make you scratch your head and just mutter “What were they thinking?” It’s that sort of harebrained thinking that drove us to pit four rental cars against one another in 2011, complete with a reverse hot lap. Spoiler alert: that Lincoln Town Car was bloody quick in reverse. It appears the engineers at Rimac share our passion for driving in reverse, as they have just set a new world record with the Nevera. Rimac brought the Nevera to the Automotive Testing Papenburg facility in Germany, where test driver Goran Drndak piloted the vehicle to an astonishingly fast 171.34 mph. In reverse. He described the experience as unnatural for the Nevera. “On the run itself, it definitely took some getting used to,” said Drndak. “You’re facing straight out backwards watching the scenery flash away from you faster and faster, feeling your neck pulled forwards in almost the same sensation you would normally get under heavy braking.” RimacAccording to the manufacturer, the extraordinary feat is made possible because the Nevera’s drivetrain doesn’t have a typical transmission. Instead, there are four individual motors that propel the car forward or backward, with no inherent limitations based on which direction they’re rotating. That means the same motors that propelled the Nevera to its world-record-setting 256 mph earlier this year are capable of providing the same thrust in reverse. The limiting factors instead become stability and aerodynamics. Rimac and Related ShenanigansThe Nevera’s chief engineer joked about how the idea for the record had come up during development. “It occurred to us during development that Nevera would probably be the world’s fastest car in reverse, but we kind of laughed it off,” said Matija Renić. “The aerodynamics, cooling, and stability hadn’t been engineered for traveling backwards at speed, after all.” Associate News EditorJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

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    Hero At 2023 EICMA Show – Xoom 160, Xoom 125 Unveiled

    Hero Xoom 160 UnveiledAt 2023 EICMA Show in Milan, Italy, Hero MotoCorp went in heavy with two new scooter showcases – Xoom 160 and Xoom 125India’s largest 2W manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, just took the veil off two new scooters at 2023 EICMA Show, Milan. These are all new motorcycles that will make it to production soon after the testing phase. The main attraction was Hero’s new Xoom 160 ADV maxi scooter, along with Xoom 125.Hero Xoom 160 – SUV of 2WFor a very long time, Hero lacked a premium scooter with a higher displacement engine with higher performance. That quest ends now, as Hero has just unveiled its first-ever 160cc scooter in the form of Xoom 160. After teasing it a couple of times, Hero fully unveiled Xoom 160 at 2023 EICMA Show in Milan, Italy.Xoom 160 is a far more premium product than any scooter that came out of Hero’s stables. This could mean export potential to various global markets including Europe, where Hero has a presence. We see this philosophy in the way Hero has built this machine. Components look high quality and the fit and finish, seem to be among the best of Hero product.Hero calls it “SUV of 2W” and “Champion Of Off-beat Rides”. Given Hero’s extensive expertise in rallying and off-roading, we would wager that rough-road ability will be the best, among any scooter on sale in India. The 160cc engine is the key strength for Xoom 160, mated to a CVT.Hero Xoom 160 FasciaThis pits it directly against Yamaha Aerox 155. Other notable elements with Xoom 160 are twin-pod headlights, all LED lighting, a tall windscreen, a non-step-through floorboard with a spine-mounted fuel tank, large under-seat storage, decent mm ground clearance, TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth, music and navigation control, block-pattern tyres, ergonomic seating, rear luggage rack, optional top box and more.There is single-channel ABS too with a single disc brake setup at both ends. Hero Xoom 160 looks production ready and launch could happen in 2024.Hero Xoom 125R Premium Scooter – Ntorq RivalWhen Hero launched Xoom 110 scooter in India, many wondered why was it not a 125cc scooter? Well, Hero has got your back. At 2023 EICMA Show, the company unveiled Xoom 125, which will primarily rival TVS’ Ntorq 125, hailed as segment-best. Hero has not stuck its 125cc engine on Xoom and called it a day.Hero Xoom 125 UnveiledIn fact, Xoom 125 looks like a much more premium version of Xoom 110. Maybe Hero has export intentions with this scooter. Hero needed a 125cc sporty premium scooter, pronto. We say premium because it has quite an upmarket and feistier appeal when compared to Xoom 110. The LED headlights are sleeker and have a more appealing DRL signature.Turn indicators are LEDs, character lines and contours with front, rear and sides that are a lot more sophisticated and look expensive and tedious to manufacture. Fully digital instrument cluster is all-new and has Bluetooth and navigation support. There are useful storage pockets behind apron as well. More

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    Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Special Editions With Fairing Showcased At EICMA

    Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Special EditionsAt 2023 EICMA Show, there were two Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Special Editions displayed, where one of them had a handsome bikini fairingIndia’s de facto classic motorcycle manufacturer, Royal Enfield, has quite an extensive 350cc motorcycle range. Even though they are all very similar, Royal Enfield has successfully carved out distinct differences that define their character. Hunter 350 is by far the sportiest of all the 350s. At 2023 EICMA Show, Hunter 350 got even sportier with new Special Colour Editions.Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Special EditionsHunter 350 is one of the best selling 350cc motorcycles in India, after Classic 350. The motorcycle has quite an appeal, being the lightest and the most affordable Royal Enfield on sale. It has a scrambler-esque appeal and is quite sporty in its design. It primarily rivals TVS Ronin in India.Taking this formula and exponentially increase the appeal, we get vastly different visual machines. At 2023 EICMA Show, there were two Special Editions of Hunter 350 showcased and one of them had a cool fairing and a whole Cafe- Racer appearance that currently Royal Enfield is lacking in 350cc space.Main highlights of this machine are its fairing and attractive colour scheme. Starting with fairing, it is a semi fairing that extends slightly below its fuel tank. This build gets lower clip-on handlebars that will necessitate quite a lean. Front fairing extends over the instrument console, and provides decent wind protection. Seat and rear subframe are completely new and scream Cafe Racer.Hunter 350 Special Edition With FairingInstrument cluster is now centrally mounted, unlike before. For the top half of the motorcycle, there is an interesting White and Pink colourway and for lower half, there is a dark Grey and Neon Yellow. Wheels get aero covers and there is an aftermarket free-flowing full system exhaust along with slick tyres for maximum track performance.King Nerd 350The second Special Edition of Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is called King Nerd 350. This build doesn’t go on a componentry-replacing rampage. So, most of the components are identical to stock motorcycles. That said, this edition is more of an artistic and stylistic enhancement that displays individual personality. For starters, there is a Grey base coat a flashy Orange for contrast.Contrast, it does. Fuel tank has artistic expressions in the form of patterns, also seen on custom rear subframe and rear cowl. Seat gets Orange horizontal stripes and below seat, there is a leather add-on with Orange contrast that should hold a water bottle perfectly. Handy while on the go. With King Nerd 350, tyres have been upsized too.Royal Enfield King Nerd 350Wheels get aero covers along with a headlights cowl that reminds me of Royal Enfield’s own Scram 411. This cowl has a contrast Orange bezel that looks very youthful. The same King Nerd 350 is also displayed in another colourway, where Orange is replaced with Neon Yellow. More

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    Royal Enfield HIM-E Electric Himalayan Unveiled With Himalayan Rally Edition

    Royal Enfield HIM-E UnveiledAs opposed to the ADVs of the past, Royal Enfield HIM-E electric Himalayan testbed shows sustainable explorations on two wheels for the futureIconic motorcycle manufacturer, Royal Enfield, has been taking significant strides to expand its portfolio. We recently saw the launch of Bullet 350 and Himalayan 450 will launch in the coming days. Now, Royal Enfield is taking steps in an all-new zero-emission direction by unveiling Electric Himalayan Testbed at 2023 EICMA Show in Milan, Italy.Royal Enfield HIM-E Electric Himalayan TestbedThis is the hot stuff from Royal Enfield’s booth at 2023 EICMA Show. The new Electric Himalayan Testbed is to demonstrate what an electric Royal Enfield motorcycle could look like in the future. With this concept, Royal Enfield is actively pursuing sustainable explorations for future motorcycles. Not only sustainability, HIM-E boasts better performance at high altitudes as it doesn’t require oxygen to combust.Being a spiritual home for Royal Enfield, Himalayas have been a calling for the brand. And, a major inspiration for developing Himalayan 411. Over the past seven years, Himalayan has been a global phenomenon in affordable adventure touring. Royal Enfield’s Electric Mobility team had been tasked with carving a creative yet, quintessentially Royal Enfield product.This way, purpose and innovation meet with RE’s DNA. According to company, Electric Himalayan is not to cram as many batteries as possible in one motorcycle. But to allow rider to soak in the music of silence. So, a rider hears more of his surroundings and less of their motorcycle. Something which is not possible with regular Himalayan.Royal Enfield HIM-E powertrainWe can see that the main battery is a primary stress member of the frame. It looks robust and has a Spartan appeal. Round headlights, tall windscreen, gold-finished USD telescopic front forks, Ohlins rear mono-shock suspension, Red-finished frame, single-piece seat that even extends over its tank, custom cast swingarm, RE logo on motor casing, HIM-E branding on side panels are notable elements.Royal Enfield Himalayan Rally Edition Showcased at EICMAThe brand has a massive fan following with a slew of 350cc motorcycles and a few 650cc products. Now, its product portfolio will be expanded to incorporate a brand new platform with Sherpa 450 engine. This platform has debuted with the new Royal Enfield Himalayan. At 2023 EICMA Show, Royal Enfield showcased Rally Edition of new Himalayan.With Rally Edition, Royal Enfield Himalayan is made slightly sleeker, especially at the rear. There is a new sub frame that looks much cleaner and minimal. Seat is flatter and there is no rack as well. Exhaust looks much beefier than regular Himalayan and adds to overall macho appeal of this off-road machine.Royal Enfield Himalayan Rally EditionThe body panel covering this rear subframe is also brand new and it has RALLY lettering too. Another highlight is knuckle guards that look sturdy and designed to take a beating. It also dons other accessories that we have detailed before. More

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    Honda XRE 300 Sahara Revives Iconic Nameplate – CB300F Based ADV For India?

    New Sahara alongside OG SaharaWith a similar powertrain setup as CB300F in India, Honda XRE 300 Sahara could be a game changer for the company’s Big Wing lineupHonda, a 2W juggernaut of the world, is currently one of the largest 2W manufacturers in India. The company has not seen good reception to its premium motorcycles range sold through Big Wing dealerships. Can a new ADV fix that? Is that ADV, Honda XRE 300 Sahara? With engine from CB300F? Sounds like a fitting proposition, though.Honda XRE 300 Sahara UnveiledThe Japanese 2W manufacturer has seen little success with its Big Wing products in India. Two motorcycles underwent significant price revisions for that very reason. We’re talking about Honda CB300F and CB300R that shed Rs. 59K and Rs. 37K respectively. The prospect of an ADV under Rs. 2 lakh sold via Big Wing dealerships might prove to be a good strategy.In Brazil, Honda has confirmed it is reviving Sahara nameplate with its XRE 300. There are not a lot of details revealed about this bike. But, 2024 Honda XRE 300 Sahara will be showcased physically this month, with a launch slated in Brazil sometime in 2024. As of now, Honda has released two images of upcoming XRE 300 Sahara.As seen in the images, XRE 300 Sahara pays tribute to the classic NX 350 Sahara of the 90s. The OG Honda Sahara derived its mechanicals from XLX 350R. Instead of naked off-roader appeal with a beak, OG Sahara packed a handsome fairing with a square headlight. A somewhat similar concept is implied in the new Sahara.Honda XRE 300 Sahara designBased on Honda’s XRE 300, it misses out on the front beak, knobby off-road tyres, and the whole off-roady vibe. Instead, Sahara brings along a more handsome fairing, integrated frame sliders (fairing protectors), a much taller windscreen, Metzeler Karoo Street block-pattern tyres, a black-painted box-section swingarm and more.All of these combined, lend it a touring bike appeal with good off-road hardware in the form of long travel suspension, wire-spoke wheels, up-swept exhaust, comfy seating, relaxed ergonomics, and more. Not a lot is revealed by Honda, in terms of features and creature comforts.Powertrains, specs and launchLooks are on the handsome side. The overall bikini fairing is appealing and has integrated turn indicators like OG Sahara. Only, this time they’re LEDs. With design, the new Sahara draws inspiration from its flagship ADV, Africa Twin. Where specs are concerned, Honda XRE 300 Sahara might have comparable dimensions and wheelbase to regular XRE 300.As per powertrain, it looks similar to Honda Twister on sale in Brazil. In India, a similar engine is seen on CB300F which recently got a massive price cut. In the CB300F, this oil-cooled single-cylinder engine makes around 24 bhp and 25 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox and slipper clutch.Honda has not revealed launch intentions in India. But we would reckon Honda XRE 300 Sahara would be a good bet for India. Considering the uproar in ADV segment around Rs. 2 lakh where TVS is likely to launch RR 310 based Apache RTX line. More

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    2025 Ram 1500 RHO Is a Six-Cylinder TRX with 540 HP

    The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO will succeed the mighty TRX, trading that truck’s 702-hp supercharged V-8 for a twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six with 540 horses.Despite a sizable power disadvantage, the RHO will inherit the TRX’s wide body, beefier frame, long-travel suspension, and chunky off-road tires. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis said the TRX nameplate is getting shelved, and it likely won’t return unless a more powerful powertrain is available—perhaps an electric one?What’s worse? A world where six-cylinder Ram TRXs exist or one where V-8 TRXs have gone extinct. Both answers will likely appeal to different audiences, and since Ram doesn’t want to offend either side (read: relinquish market share), it’s simply releasing a new version of the high-performance pickup truck under a different name and with a less powerful engine.RHO Replaces the TRXThink of the upcoming Ram 1500 RHO as the TRX’s alter ego. Instead of having a 702-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 under its hood, the RHO has a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 540 horsepower. That’s the same power produced by the high-output Hurricane engine now available on the refreshed 2025 Ram 1500. Others will note that power figure is a significant 162 ponies shy of the outgoing truck’s beloved Hellcat engine, which will become a fossil after the 2024 model year.2024 Ram TRX Final Edition.StellantisMeanwhile, the TRX nameplate is going on the shelf. That’s according to Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, who recently told a group of reporters that a next-gen TRX would only return with more power. He also said the RHO’s horsepower deficit is the reason it’s not called a TRX. Still, just because the new truck won’t accelerate or sound like the old one doesn’t mean it can’t be a seriously fun off-roader. Although we don’t have any specific details, Kuniskis told Car and Driver the RHO will have the same equipment as the TRX, albeit with a retuned suspension. That suggests the new version will continue with chunky 35-inch all-terrain tires, a reinforced frame, and a foot of suspension travel. The RHO will also inherit a wider body than the normal Ram 1500, and it will surely have some revised exterior elements and new interior tech courtesy of the regular truck’s facelift.Next TRX?The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO will go on sale sometime in the third quarter of next year. Between now and then we should get information on pricing. Kuniskis mentioned that it’ll be less expensive than the retired TRX, which last started at $97,485. That brings us back to wondering when we might see Ram’s high-powered truck return to action, especially with the 700-hp Ford F-150 Raptor R now solely controlling the off-road-truck throne. Since we know the TRX name won’t come back without at least 703 horses, and since Stellantis isn’t making anymore V-8s for Ram to use, the only logical thing left would be a TRX based on the new plug-in-hybrid Ramcharger or the electric Ram 1500 REV. Each make 650-plus horsepower, meaning it probably wouldn’t take much to surpass 703 or possibly higher.Extra TRX ReadingThis 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.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More