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    in Motor News

    Best Sounding Cars: Window Shop with Car and Driver

    Of the five known human senses, hearing is one of the top three. Sound is a critical element in enjoying any vehicle, even when that vehicle is renowned for its quietness. A vehicle doesn’t need to be loud to sound great, but it’s okay if a vehicle that sounds great is also loud. All that is predicate to this episode of Car and Driver’s continuing series of hit-or-miss videos, Window Shop.So this time the core group of hardcore Window Shoppers went hunting for the best-sounding vehicles available online for $50,000 or less. Would it be throaty V-8s? Lilting straight-sixes? Glorious V-12s? Or maybe it would be some electric with faked sounds? After all, no one cares too much about genuineness. Right?Join editor-in-chief Tony Quiroga (KEEEEEEY-ROW-GHA), executive editor K.C. Colwell (COAL-WELL), senior editor Elana Scherr (FER-SHER), contributor Jonathan Ramsey (RAM-C) and Road & Track senior editor John Pearley Huffman (JAWN) as they go spelunking through the caverns of the Dark Web in search of machines that sound great. The choices are eclectic and, no, none of them are electric.After another irregular interval, there will be another episode. We swear.More Window ShoppingSenior EditorJohn Pearley Huffman has been writing about cars since 1990 and is getting okay at it. Besides Car and Driver, his work has appeared in the New York Times and more than 100 automotive publications and websites. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara, he still lives near that campus with his wife and two children. He owns a pair of Toyota Tundras and two Siberian huskies. He used to have a Nova and a Camaro. More

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    in Motor News

    BMW XM Label Red Set Pikes Peak Record after June Crash

    The BMW XM Label Red set a class record for hybrid-electric SUVs at the Pikes Peak hill climb course in Colorado Springs.After crashing during the June hill climb event, Matt Mullins returned in September to make the run in an officially certified time of 10:48:60.The new time set by Mullins beats the 2018 Bentley Bentayga’s race-day record by nearly 1.5 seconds.On Tuesday, June 27, 2023, Matt Mullins lined up for the 101st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb competition. His chariot? The first-ever BMW XM Label Red. The new SUV is BMW’s most powerful production vehicle ever, producing 738 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. That’s more than enough to conquer the 156 turns on the hill climb course. Unfortunately for BMW—and for Matt Mullins—his first attempt ended with him going off the track and hitting a tree. That put an end to BMW’s hopes of setting a new official race-day record with the Label Red. Second ChancesIn September, BMW and Mullins returned to the course to set a new official record for hybrid-electric SUVs. Mullins raced the Label Red up the nearly 5000 feet of elevation gain in a new best time of 10:48:60. Reminiscent of the camouflaged Lamborghini Urus Performante that posted a time of 10:32.064 in August 2022, Mullins’ second run was made after the official hill climb. Therefore it won’t count towards the race-day records, but it still counts as an officially certified course run.BMWThe new time means the Label Red is nearly 1.5 seconds quicker than the 2018 Bentley Bentayga that currently holds the race-day, production-SUV record with a time of 10:49.902. To see behind the scenes of a competition like Pikes Peak, BMW sent a camera crew to document Mullins and the team throughout the attempts. The result is a two-part documentary that follows the initial heartbreak of Mullins’ crash in June, followed by the ecstasy of achieving their shared goal in September. The first and second parts can be found on the BMW USA YouTube channel. More BMW XMThis 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.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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    2024 Acura RDX Ditches Front-Wheel Drive and Goes AWD Only

    The 2024 Acura RDX no longer comes standard with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is now obligatory.Without FWD, the RDX’s base price rises from $42,945 last year to $45,245. That’s a $2300 price hike.The mid-tier Technology and A-Spec trims now cost $2700 more, while the top-spec Advance trim costs $500 more.All-wheel drive is a popular option on new cars that offer it. However, when front-wheel drive comes standard, it usually provides a decent discount. Take, for example, the 2023 Acura RDX that started at $42,945 with FWD, which provided a $2200 savings versus opting for the brand’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Now, RDX shoppers have no choice except to accept the latter system and pay a couple thousand dollars more.RDX Now AWD OnlyWith all-wheel-drive models most likely making up the vast majority of RDX sales, it makes sense for Acura to ditch the front-drive configuration. However, there’s no doubt that the decision diminishes the luxury compact SUV’s value proposition, which helped it stand out versus ritzier rivals such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-class.The entry-level RDX with AWD now starts at $45,245, which is $2300 more than before. An extra $2700 is added to the base price of the Technology and A-Spec trims; they start at $47,895 and $50,895, respectively. The top-of-the-line Advanced only costs $500 more than before, starting at $53,045. Of course, it was previously only offered with AWD.The 2024 Acura RDX still only features a single powertrain, a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. We tested a 2022 model with SH-AWD, and it scampered to 60 mph in a tidy 6.2 seconds. It also returned 26 mpg on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, matching its EPA highway estimate. We’ve never tested a front-drive RDX from the current generation.Extra Acura RDX 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

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    in Bike

    Hero ADV Maxi Scooter To Be Unveiled At 2023 EICMA Alongside Vida V1

    Hero ADV Maxi Scooter to be unveiled at 2023 EICMA alongside Vida V1 ProThere is a small probability of Hero ADV maxi scooter getting Xtreme 160R 4V’s 163.2cc oil-cooled engine, detuned to make 15 bhp and 14 NmIndia’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, seems to be eyeing India’s premium scooter market. Hero is taking decent strides in that regard by working on two new premium scooters that have been patented and one spotted testing. However, there’s more to the story as Hero is teasing three scooters to be unveiled at 2023 EICMA show.Hero Unveiling Three Scooters At 2023 EICMAThe prospect of a new ADV maxi scooter from Hero MotoCorp is enticing. The other two scooters flanking this new vehicle in Hero’s latest teaser are Vida V1 with a single seat and twin seat layouts. This is a clear indication that Hero is taking Vida V1 Pro global, eyeing multiple markets.As of now, Hero Vida V1 Pro electric scooter is offered with a twin removable battery setup boasting a multitude of features and creature comforts. In total Vida V1 Pro packs a 3.94 kWh battery (combined) promising 110 km of real-world range and a top speed of 80 km/h.Customisable DIY seating, a 7-inch TFT display, LED projector headlights, and DC fast charging are some of its highlight features. Creature comforts include keyless start and go, cruise control, 2-way intelligent throttle, multiple ride modes with a custom setting and others.Hero Vida V1 Electric ScooterHero ADV maxi scooter – The star of the showApart from the two Vida V1 Pro scooters in the teaser above, Hero is also showcasing an ADV style maxi scooter. The company has already patented this design in India. Looking at it from the front alongside Vida scooters, it looks massive and makes its presence known.There is a tall windscreen too, that adds to visual drama of this machine and offers some level of wind protection. Going by recent windscreens by Hero, this one is likely to be adjustable too, by a small margin. We can see a dual headlight setup that wouldn’t look out of place on a big bike.Design patents reveal a tiny beak-like element too, amplifying its ADV roots more. Wheels look like they are 14 inches in size, contributing to the overall stance. Front suspension is in the form of RSU telescopic forks and seems to be long-travel ones. Rear gets a twin shock absorber setup. The swingarm-mounted engine looks unlike any other Hero scooter.Hero maxi scooter patantedYamaha Aerox 155 RivalThis leads to speculations suggesting Hero ADV maxi scooter may get Xtreme 160R 4V’s single-cylinder unit displacing 163.2cc and boasts a 4V head and active oil cooling. Performance figures of around 15 bhp and 14 Nm are sufficient, a slight detune from Xtreme 160R 4V’s setup. This way, Hero can take on Yamaha Aerox 155, enjoying quite a niche.When launched, it will be Hero’s first non-step-through scooter in modern times. There will be a center spine that could house scooter’s fuel tank, liberating quite a lot of space in under-seat storage. If priced around Rs. 1.2 lakh (ex-sh), it will undercut Yamaha Aerox 155 by up to Rs. 27,000 and will be sold at Hero’s new Premia dealerships. More

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    Honda 2W October 2023 Sales – Breaking Down the Numbers

    New Honda ActivaHonda 2W October 2023 Sales Report – Diving into the NumbersIn October 2023, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) displayed robust performance in the two-wheeler market. And as expected, reported steady sales for their 2W range.In terms of domestic sales, Honda 2W reported 4,62,747 units sold in October 2023. Comparing this to the previous year, there was a notable increase of 36,778 units. Representing an impressive 8.63 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth. This surge further solidified domestic dominance, which captured a substantial 93.89. percent share of total sales.Honda 2W sales Oct 2023Honda 2W’s Global Reach in October 2023On the international front, Honda 2W’s export numbers improved. They exported 30,137 units in October 2023, marking a substantial increase of 6,715 units compared to October 2022, reflecting 28.67 percent YoY growth. An expanding global reach, which contributed to 6.11 percent share of total HMSI sales.Summing up the domestic and international figures, total sales for Honda 2W in October 2023 stood at 4,92,884 units, a significant year-on-year growth of 9.68 percent. These larger than life numbers underscore their position as an industry leader in scooter sales.Honda 2W vs. September 2023: Sales ShowdownWhen it comes to month-on-month performance, it’s essential to note that Honda 2W reported a slight dip in domestic sales from September 2023. This stood at a difference of -29,055 units, equivalent to a -5.91 percent month-on-month (MoM) decline. Sales fell from 4,91,802 units. On the export front, they encountered a -14.37% MoM decrease, exporting 5,059 units fewer than the previous month, totalling 30,137 units.Honda 2W reported a total sales figure of 4,92,884 units in October 2023, with a -6.47 percent MoM decline. Mainly due to the domestic market’s performance. Total MoM sales fell from 5,26,998 units. Nonetheless, they continue to exhibit a strong market share, maintaining their position as a robust and reliable player in the two-wheeler industry. More

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    Ducati Bengaluru Ex-Employee Arrested For Cheating Customers – Rs 5 Crore Scam

    Ducati BengaluruThe theft came to light following several complaints from customers stating their inability to register their bikes with the RTORakesh, a 38 year old ex-employee of the Ducati Bengaluru Showroom has been arrested on charges of having cheated the company to the tune of Rs 5 crores. Rakesh, a resident of Kukatpally at Ranga Reddy district in Andhra Pradesh, worked at the VST Ducati bike showroom for 5 years holding a post of Head of Operations. He had resigned on October 20th, just 3 weeks prior to his arrest.Fraud Comes to Light during Customer Complaints and AuditAs per the complaint registered, Rakesh has embezzled the company of Rs 5 crores. He sold a total of 21 bikes during the period July 2019 and September 2022. However, none of the sales were recorded in the company record books and nor was the amount collected from the sale of these bikes, collectively priced at around Rs 5.2 crores, deposited in company bank accounts.In his complaint, CN Mahesh, General Manager of the company stated that Rakesh had collected the amount from 21 customers and deposited the same in various bank accounts which also included one in the name of ‘Office Facility Suppliers’.The fraud was discovered following complaints from several buyers who brought their bikes back to the showroom on complaints that they could not get them registered with the RTO. An audit also brought to light the fact that there were a total of 21 such Ducati bikes sold by Rakesh, collected money from the buyers but deposited only a part of it in the company’s account while diverting the rest.The audit conducted by the company found that these included 9 Ducati Panigale, 3 Multistrada, 4 Diavel, 2 Monster, a Desert X, a Scrambler and a Streetfighter. Each of these bikes carry a price tag between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 40 lakh.Suspect Arrested but Insiders could also be involvedThough a complaint was registered and the suspect has been arrested, the police are also looking at another angle wherein some other insiders could be involved in the scam. The company should have followed certain procedures of sale such as inventory of bikes received, sales and delivery notes along with invoice details which should have been sent to the RTO. An inquiry is also being conducted into verifying authenticity of invoices while Mukesh the General Manager of VST Ducati bike showroom was not available for comment.Ducati offers 22 bikes in India which are categories into sports, cruiser, sport-naked, café racers and adventure tourers. The company is also planning launch of new models Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro, Scrambler 800 Urban Motard and V21 L. More recently, Ducati introduced the world’s most powerful and highest revving single-cylinder engine. This 659cc, single-cylinder engine has been named the Superquadro which means the super square. More

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    Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono Unveiled – 659cc, 84.5hp, 162Kg!

    Ducati Hypermotard 698 MonoThe 659cc single-cylinder engine on Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono generates up to 84.5 bhp pf peak power with a race-only Termignoni exhaustUsually not the name that springs while conversing single-cylinder motorcycles, Ducati has stepped into this arena after more than half a century. The motorcycle Ducati’s new 659cc single-cylinder unit will debut is the Hypermotard 698 Mono. Ahead of launch, specs and details of this highly-anticipated launch have surfaced on the internet.Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono unveiledCurrently known for its slew of V2s and V4s, the Italian marque is stepping into single-cylinder production motorcycle realm with Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono. The last single-cylinder motorcycle that Ducati ever made was Supermano in 1993, which was a race-only machine.With Hypermotard 698 Mono, Ducati’s portfolio turns much more profound and diverse, including both single and multi-cylinder machines. On the surface, Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono will primarily rival KTM 690 SMCR and its Swedish counterpart Husqvarna 701 Supermoto along with GasGas SM700.Ducati’s new 659cc single-cylinder engine features squarish proportions. Hence the name Superquadro Mono. Lightness and compactness were among Ducati’s primary objectives. It features tech like horizontal cylinders and Desmodromic valve operation, 116mm piston from 1299 Panigale’s V-twin motor.Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono wheelieAll of these have allowed Ducati’s new 659cc single-cylinder engine to eke out a peak power output of 77.5 bhp at 9,750 RPM. The engine redlines all the way to 10,250 RPM. With a track-only Termignoni exhaust, peak power can go till 84.5 bhp as well. These power figures can easily dwarf rival single-cylinder machines.Hardware and componentryA lighter engine is mated to a lighter frame to keep the overall weight low. Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono comes equipped with a steel trellis frame that only weighs 7.2 kg. With rest of the componentry on board, Hypermotard 698 Mono weighs 151 kg dry and 162 kg with a full tank. Low weight ensures a high power-to-weight ratio too.Overall appeal and stance of the motorcycle are quintessentially Hypermotard but shrunk to slightly smaller proportions. Up front, we can see a handsome headlight unit with fang-like LED DRLs along with a functional beak, LED turn indicators and knuckle guards. Suspension duties are handled by Marzocchi 45mm fully adjustable USD telescopic forks with 215 mm travel and a Sachs rear mono-shock unit with 240 mm travel.Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono drifting17-inch cast alloy wheels get 120/70 front and 160/60 rear tyres from Pirelli. These are Diablo Rosso IV, known for their grip, traction and track performance. Dropping anchor on Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono is Brembo’s hardware with M4.32 calipers at the front biting into a single 330 mm disc and at the rear, there is a single 240 mm disc.The bike even gets Ducati’s extensive rider aids with an advanced IMU. These include launch control, engine brake control, adjustable wheelie control, traction control, 4-level ABS, cornering ABS along with wheelie assist function on optional Ducati Performance software patch. There is a bi-directional quick-shifter and a 3.8-inch TFT dashboard as well.There will be another version of Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono for riders with a restricted license in select markets. This version will pack a friendlier 43.5 bhp and 49 Nm. More

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    in Electric Cars

    Tata Avinya To Get JLR EMA Platform – Major Gains In Range, Safety, Performance

    Tata Avinya production spec RenderAided by JLR’s EMA platform, Tata Avinya will spawn a new range of truly world-class EVsTo improve competencies, Tata Motors has been focusing on increasing synergies between its subsidiaries. A relevant example is Harrier and Safari, which have benefited immensely from JLR’s D8 platform. And now, something similar is being targeted for upcoming Avinya electric SUV.Avinya to get JLR’s EMA platformAs may be recalled, Tata has created an entirely new business subsidiary named Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd (TPEM) to focus exclusively on EVs. This will allow the company to handle the tough competition that is expected in EV space in the coming years. To give it more strength, a collaboration has been formed between Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd (TPEM) and Jaguar Land Rover Plc (JLR). The latter is also a fully-owned subsidiary of Tata Motors. The collaboration will ensure that upcoming Avinya and other EVs based on that platform can be launched within the targeted time frame.Tata AVINYA Electric ConceptAs part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two firms, JLR will be licensing its Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) platform to TPEM. For the services and technology sharing, TPEM will be paying a royalty fee to JLR. It will cover sharing of manufacturing know-hows, electrical architecture, battery pack and electric drive unit.JLR’s EMA platform will play a key role in expediting the development of TPEM’s ‘premium pure electric’ vehicles series ‘Avinya’. In addition to the MoU, the two firms will also sign an Engineering Services Agreement (ESA). This will take care of any change content requirements that TPEM may have for the first vehicle development.New Tata AvinyaJLR’s EMA platform – key benefitsTPEM’s collaboration with JLR is a step in the right direction. It will allow significant reduction in the development cost of Avinya range of EVs. JLR is ahead in the game and transferring the know-how and technology to another Tata subsidiary makes sense. It will enable Avinya series EVs to be globally competitive and future proof.Talking about JLR’s EMA platform, it will be used for JLR’s next generation of ‘pure electric’ mid-sized SUVs for international markets. These are scheduled to be launched from 2025 onwards. The EMA platform has been developed to offer a range of benefits. It includes significant gains across interior space, connectivity, comfort, software, over the air capabilities and advanced electrical and electronic (E&E) architecture. EMA platform will utilize a highly integrated propulsion system, comprising cell to pack battery technology, battery management and charging system. It will be able to deliver world class range and vehicle efficiency.With JLR’s assistance, TPEM will be able expedite its entry into the high-end EV segment. The advanced E&E architecture developed by JLR supports upgrades to L2+ autonomy, carrying all advanced connectivity, comfort and convenience features. TPEM will also gain in terms of faster adoption of safety (5-star EuroNCAP), Features Over the Air (FOTA), Software Over the Air (SOTA) and ultrafast charging systems for high performance vehicles. More