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    Bajaj Sales September 2023 – Domestic CV Sales Soared By 60%

    Bajaj Pulsar NSThe most impressive part of Bajaj Sales September 2023 charts is the significant growth of the company’s CV portfolio in domestic marketThe Indian 2W and 3W giant, Bajaj Auto, registered a negligible amount of YoY de-growth in the month of September 2023. YoY de-growth for absolute total sales was just 1% and YTD de-growth for the same attribute was much less than that. The main glow-up for Bajaj Auto sales September 2023 was in CV segment in domestic market. The most recent launch was of Pulsar N150.Bajaj Sales September 2023The company is known for its motorcycles and Chetak electric scooters. In September 2023, Bajaj sold 2,02,510 2W vehicles and registered 9% YoY de-growth over 2,22,912 units sold a year ago, losing 20,402 units along the way in volume. Bajaj shipped 1,25,202 units last month and the sales almost evened out when opposed to 1,25,443 units sold last year.The YoY volume loss in 2W exports was just a mere 241 units. In total (Domestic + Exports), Bajaj sold 3,27,712 2W vehicles and saw numbers drop by 6% YoY as opposed to 3,48,355 units sold exactly a year before. Where CVs are concerned, Bajaj sold 50,683 units last month and registered a 60% YoY growth.This is Bajaj’s highest-ever domestic CV sales. However, CV exports didn’t reciprocate the same emotions as their domestic numbers. With 14,163 units shipped, Bajaj CV exports dropped by 3% YoY. In total (Domestic + Exports), there was a 40% YoY growth for Bajaj in CV space with 64,846 units sold, as opposed to 46,392 units sold in September 2022.Bajaj sales September 2023 – YoYIn total (2W + CV) Bajaj sold 2,53,193 units in domestic market and shipped 1,39,365 units in domestic and export markets respectively. This totaled to 3,92,558 units. YoY analysis showed a 1% de-growth in domestic, exports and total (Domestic + Exports), which is almost negligible. You can read Bajaj’s sales breakup of August 2023 here.YTD Sales September 2023The YTD numbers registered in Bajaj sales September 2023 charts are much more profound as they show a greater picture in buying trends and patterns. In 2W segment, Bajaj sold 10,48,251 units, which was 12% higher when compared to 9,35,552 units sold a year ago. Where 2W exports are concerned, Bajaj shipped 7,22,662 units.This was 22% lower than what Bajaj shipped between April and September 2022. In total, Bajaj’s YTD sales for 2W vehicles stood at 17,70,913 units, down by 5% as opposed to 18,66,192 units sold a year ago. In CV sales, it is evident that Bajaj has taken decent strides and the fruits of which are reflected in domestic sales.Bajaj sales September 2023 – YTDBajaj sold 2,30,861 units and more than doubled the numbers when compared to the 1,11,659 units sold last year. With 107% growth, Bajaj gained 1,19,202 units in volume in domestic CV sales. CV exports, however, saw 25% de-growth as numbers fell from 1,06,807 units sold last year to 79,586.Total CV sales (Domestic + Exports) stood at 3,10,447 units with an impressive 42% growth. In total (2W + CV), Bajaj sold 12,79,112 units in the domestic market with 22% growth and 8,02,248 shipped to export markets with 23% de-growth. Grand total almost balanced out with 20,81,360 units between April and September of 2023 and 20,84,658 units between April and September 2022. More

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    Aprilia RS 457 Exhaust Note Spied – Bassy Congruence

    Aprilia RS4 57The 457cc parallel-twin engine on Aprilia RS 457 develops 47 bhp of power and weighs 175 kg – Boasting best-in-class power-to-weight ratioThe iconic Italian motorcycle brand, Aprilia, is set to enter the sub 500cc multi-cylinder motorcycle machine. Manufactured in India, Aprilia will sell RS 457 both here in the Asian subcontinent and in many global markets. Official TVC aired some time ago. Exhaust note is spied ahead of launch, revealing a loud and bassy note that will surely appeal to many.Aprilia RS 457 Exhaust Note – Best sounding twinner under 500cc?Sticking to its usual naming scheme, Aprilia has opted to go with a displacement number in its name. Aprilia RS 457 is positioned below RS 660 which is a fiercely popular middle-weight motorcycle in its global lineup. In the recent past, sub 500cc multi-cylinder motorcycle space has heated up.Yamaha R3 and MT-03 are inbound to rival Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Ninja 400. Recently launched Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R is a league above these motorcycles in terms of pricing, owing to its inline-four config. So, Aprilia RS 457 only has Yamaha R3 and Ninja brothers in its crosshair.Where single-cylinder sub 500cc fully faired motorcycles are concerned, upcoming KTM RC 390 with the new 399 cc engine may be another contender. Where single-cylinder bikes lack, however, is in the sound department. Sound from a multi-cylinder engine is a cut above the noise a single-cylinder engine makes.[embedded content]As revealed by recent spy video posted on Rushlane Spylane, Aprilia RS 457 has an exhilarating exhaust note. The sound may not be boomy, but has quite a bit of bass in it. Pitch goes higher as the engine speeds climb and gives out a sporty vibe. Aprilia has given RS 457 an underbelly exhaust, which might limit compatibility with aftermarket exhaust cans, without extensive modding.What does it pack?The 457cc parallel-twin engine might be quite free-revving too. However, Aprilia hasn’t revealed engine speeds as of yet. This engine develops 47 bhp of power and the bike weighs 170 kg wet. This should yield highest power-to-weight ratio as opposed to the rivals mentioned above. A 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch are on board.Aprilia is offering a fully digital instrument cluster that could feature smartphone connectivity too. Full LED lighting, wide 150-section rear tyre, USD telescopic front forks and rear mono-shock setup, single disc setup at both ends and committed riding posture are some of the highlight elements.Aprilia RS 457 ProfileAll the componentry are mated to a perimeter frame which is exposed and a part of overall aesthetics. The fairing shares similar DNA with bigger RS 660, which is a key strength. Aprilia RS 457 will be manufactured at Piaggio’s facility in Baramati and will be shipped to multiple global markets. Launch is expected soon. More

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    in Motor News

    Toyota Tacoma–Based Windansea Pickup Is a Weird—but OK—Flex

    Flex Automotive launched its first American dealership in San Diego in 2022, and it now has a U.S.-specific model with the Windansea pickup truck.Based on the third-generation Toyota Tacoma, the Windansea sports a boxier front end with circular headlights and steel bumpers.The Windansea starts at $52,800, but the price ultimately depends on the cost of the donor truck. If you have a nostalgic streak but don’t consider yourself a Luddite, the Flex Renoca Windansea may be the pickup truck for you. In 2022, Japan-based Flex Automotive announced plans to open its first U.S. showroom in San Diego, selling 1990s and 2000s Toyota Land Cruisers with a redesigned front clip that mimics the classic FJ60-series Land Cruiser from the 1980s. The firm also hinted it was planning a Tacoma-based model exclusively for the United States. Flex finally pulled the wraps off this retro-styled truck, which it calls the Windansea.Flex AutomotiveBuilt off of the third-generation Toyota Tacoma—launched for 2016 and ending with the 2023 model year due to the release of the redesigned 2024 Tacoma—the Windansea features a boxier front end that integrates a rectangular grille replete with Toyota’s classic font. A pair of squared-off headlight housings each contain a circular headlamp and a rectangular turn-signal lens. The steel bumper protrudes from the bodywork, and the Windansea rides on simple steel wheels. Flex AutomotiveFlex Automotive listed the powertrain for the Windnsea as the Tacoma’s optional 278-hp 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission, but the company notes that exact specifications depend on the individual donor vehicle. We imagine Flex Automotive won’t turn down a check for someone looking to give their four-cylinder or stick-shift Tacoma the Windansea treatment. There’s no evidence Flex Automotive’s touch extends past the bodywork.More Modern Throwback TrucksBuyers can choose from an array of options to spice up their Windansea. This includes items such as lift kits, bed racks, fog lights, and reupholstered seat options, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compatible head units for Windanseas based on older Tacomas without this tech. Other extras include side steps, an upgraded sound system, and WeatherTech floor mats. Flex says that the Windansea starts at $52,800, but the final price of this classic-looking modern pickup ultimately depends on the price paid for the donor vehicle and the extent of the truck’s customization.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Associate News EditorCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

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    in Motor News

    Porsche Creates Two Cayman GT4 RS–Derived ‘Sonderwusch’ Cars

    Porsche and Tag Heuer created a pair of bespoke 718 Cayman GT4 RS models to honor the Carrera Panamericana rally race in Mexico.The pairing is part of Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program—which means special request in German—which allows customers to create things like the recent Pixar-inspired Porsche Sally special based on the 911 Carrera GTS. The cars are intended to invoke design elements from the Porsche 550 Coupe, which two customer teams raced in the 1953 running of the Carrera Panamericana rally. When you have a stable full of historical racing cars as big as Porsche’s, you’re sure to have customers who want a modern take on classical favorites. The manufacturer’s newest examples are a pair of custom-made 718 Cayman GT4 RS models produced in conjunction with Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer. The pair is part of Porsche’s Sonderwunsch “special request” customization program and were built to commemorate the 70 years since two customer teams took part in the Carrera Panamericana rally in Mexico. PorscheThe cars are painted in Le Mans Silver Metallic, a special color in the Porsche history books, which was created for the 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition, and references the paint on the 1951 Le Mans winning 356 SL Coupe. The cars are distinguished from one another with the racing numbers 152 and 154 painted onto the doors and roofs of the respective models. Inside the special editions, the seats and door pulls are finished in Guards Red, while stitching on the steering wheel and dashboard is done in the signature red, white, and green colors of the Mexican flag. The door guards and the cup-holder panel are milled with a special “GT4 RS Panamericana Special” insignia, and the floormats proudly announce that each car is a product of the Sonderwunsch program. In addition to the hood and rear wing side plates, the Tag Heuer logo is embossed on the center armrest to mark the partnership. Car and DriverPerhaps the coolest addition to the Panamericana Special is the Tag Heuer stopwatch module in the center console of the 154 car. The clocks were designed and made by Tag Heuer exclusively for this project and are not available otherwise. According to Porsche, the left clock that displays the time has the typical Heuer Carrera Design, while the piece on the right is a stopwatch with a scale that helps the driver maintain the average speed during rallies. More on the 718 Cayman GT4 RSCar 154 will be driven in the first and second stages of this year’s Carrera Panamericana by actor Patrick Dempsey, while car 152 is slated to be auctioned for charity in early 2024. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.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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    TVS MotoSoul 3.0 Festival Dates Announced – 8th And 9th Dec 2023, Goa

    TVS MotoSoul 3.0 Festival AnnouncedThis is the third season of the Motorcycle Festival which will be held on 8th and 9th December, 2023 at Vagator Hill Top, GoaTVS Motor Company has announced dates for the 3rd season of MotoSoul. The said festival will be held on 8th and 9th December at Vagator Hill Top in Goa. This is the third season of this motorcycle event which in the past has celebrated the spirit of motorcycling by drawing the attention of biking aficionados in the country who can come together to celebrate their passion for riding along with music, racing, and tech talks.TVS MotoSoul 3.0 – Key HighlightsIt may be remembered that the 1st TVS MotoSoul was held in 2019. Its following events had to be cancelled due to the pandemic while earlier this year the 2nd event was held from March 3-4, 2023, and was also held at Hilltop Vagator in Goa. The two-day event, MotoSoul 3.0 will see events such as dirt track racing, slow racing, and built-to-race competitions along with BMX biking, stunt competitions and flat track racing.The festival will also comprise tattoo booths while this year the company has also organized Tech Dialogues wherein riders can share experiences and exchange ideas in terms of rides and their biking experiences. The third season of this mega motorcycling extravaganza will showcase custom-built TVS Apache motorcycles and Ronin bikes.The company has organized several challenges and stunt competitions, BMX biking challenges, a skateboarding arena and a virtual reality experience zone which will also be a part of this festival. Entertainment will be in the form of a DJ night while cuisines have been planned and will be across a diverse range of cultures and regions in India.TVS Motor has also organized Tech Dialogues wherein motorcycles and racers can share their experiences while it will also consist of interactive sessions with maestros from both racing and biking communities. For the more experienced riders, an experience zone will be set up wherein riders can perform wheelies and stoppies in controlled areas. It will also consist of a virtual realm with TVS Apache games and a simulator zone.TVS Motor Company will also unveil new products from the Apache and Ronin range at the MotoSoul 3.0 along with a host of gears, merchandise and accessories and showcase the TVS Custom Garage.TVS MotoSoul 3.0 – To Celebrate the Spirit of MotorcyclingVimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company has this to say about the upcoming MotoSoul 3.0 event. “TVS Motosoul has become synonymous with celebrating the spirit of motorcycling and is known for its commitment to fostering a vibrant and passionate community of riders. With each edition, the event has grown bigger and better, offering an unmatched platform for riders to come together, share experiences, and immerse in the world of motorcycling.We are dedicated to more than just motorcycles, and are committed to nurturing a thriving community of riders. We are stoked to be back with TVS MotoSoul 3.0 that will rescript their journey with unparalleled experiences backed by a vibrant and colourful theme set around the festival this time, beautifully translating the free-spirited essence of motorcyclists. We are confident that our endeavor of democratizing such experiences for our customers and enthusiasts will transpire into one of the biggest celebration of riders and riding communities through TVS Motosoul 3.0,” More

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    Hero MotoCorp Sales 5.35 Lakh In September 2023 – Splendor, Pleasure, Passion

    Hero Karizma XMR 210In September 2023, Hero MotoCorp recorded sales growth both across the motorcycle and scooter segments and also where domestic sales and exports were concernedIndia’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp has seen increased demand in September 2023 as the country is in the midst of the festive season. A favourable monsoon, increased disposable income and other positive economic factors have also led to this increase in sales. Vehicles like Splendor, Passion and Pleasure remain some of the most popular.Hero MotoCorp Sales September 2023Despite strong competition in this segment, sales of Hero MotoCorp were also boosted due to the company’s resilience in adapting to market dynamics and bringing in new products in line with consumer preferences thus allowing the company to hold on to its strong market share.The company’s total sales (motorcycles + scooters) (domestic sales + exports) growth stood at 3 percent to 5,36,499 units when compared to sales of 519,980 units in September 2023 while it was also a MoM growth from 4,88,717 units sold in August 2023.Hero MotoCorp motorcycle sales in September 2023 improved to 4,94,270 units, up from 4,80,237 units sold in September 2022.  This related to a 14,033 units volume growth. On a YTD basis, motorcycle sales fell to 25,69,688 units in the FY24 period from 26,38,618 units sold in the same period last year.Hero MotoCorp Sales September 2023Scooter sales have also grown YoY to 42,229 units in September 2023 from 39,743 units sold in September 2022 while YTD FY24 scooter sales stood at 1,99,412 units, up from 1,79,743 units sold during the FY23 period. Total domestic sales stood at 5,19,789 units in September 2023 from 5,07,690 units sold in September 2022 while YTD sales fell to 26,81,190 units in the FY24 period from 27,17,280 units sold in FY23.Exports also grew YoY but dipped on a YTD basis. With a strong global presence, the company shipped 16,710 units in September 2023 as against 12,290 units exported in September 2022 while YTD exports fell to 87,910 units in the FY24 period from 1,01,081 units exported in FY23.Hero MotoCorp Upcoming launchesThis took total sales to 5,36,499 units in September 2023 from 5,19,980 units sold in September 2022 while YTD sales dipped to 27,69,100 units in the FY24 period from 28,18,361 units sold in the same period last year.Following the recent launch of the Karizma XMR in India, Hero MotoCorp is also expanding its current portfolio. The company has been actively testing the Xpulse 210 and Xtreme 210 range. Test models of these adventure bikes have been spied doing the rounds along with the new Hero Xtreme 440. Hero Xtreme 440 could be launched sometime early next year and will borrow its overall makeup from the Harley-Davidson X440. More

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    in Electric Cars

    BYD Seal Launched In Thailand From 1.32 Million Baht (Rs. 30 Lakh)

    BYD Seal sedanPrimary highlight elements for BYD Seal electric sedan are the 82.5 kWh battery, 530 bhp, 670 Nm and a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.8 secondsThe Chinese EV juggernaut, BYD, has launched Seal electric sedan in Thailand. The starting price is very attractive and poses a tempting proposition. BYD Seal launched in Thailand, costs between 1.325 million Baht and 1.599 million Baht for base Dynamic RWD variant and top-spec Performance AWD variant respectively.BYD Seal Launched In ThailandWith today’s currency exchange rates, Thai pricing translates to a bracket ranging between Rs. 30 lakh and Rs. 36 lakh in India. This is stellar pricing for what BYD Seal offers as a package in terms of range, performance, features and size. This vehicle is of particular importance for us there is a very good probability of it launching in India.BYD currently has two vehicles on sale in India – E6 and Atto 3. The company’s official website already features BYD Seal sedan. The car went live on Indian website some time ago. However, BYD hasn’t launched it in India and the pricing hasn’t been announced yet. We hope Indian pricing is close to Thai pricing. In Thailand, BYD gathered 1,104 bookings in just an hour.This is a 4800 mm long sedan with 1875 mm width and 1460 mm height and a 2920 mm long wheelbase. Seal electric sedan shares its e-Platform 3.0 platform with Atto 3 and Dolphin. The battery cells in this platform double up as car’s structure too. Base Dynamic RWD variant packs a smaller 61.4 kWh battery with a single 204 bhp electric motor, driving rear wheels.BYD Seal Electric dashboardRange for base variant is 510 km on a single charge and it costs 1.325 million Baht (Rs. 30 lakh). Mid-spec Premium RWD brings a larger 82.5 kWh battery and the longest range of the bunch at 650 km. Premium RWD is still a single-motor layout as the name indicates, but is capable of 313 bhp. It costs 1.449 million Baht (Rs. 32.7 lakh).530 bhp, 670 Nm, AWD, 0-100 km/h in 3.8 secondsThe top-spec Performance AWD is the most powerful variant of Seal. Performance attributes include an impressive 50:50 weight distribution, dual motor layout with AWD, 530 bhp of combined power, 670 Nm of combined torque and a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.8 seconds. This dual motor layout draws power from the same 82.5 kWh battery as Premium RWD variant.At just 580 km from a single charge, range is slightly less than single motor Premium RWD variant. Exterior design takes inspiration from Porsche Taycan and the sloping coupe roofline looks sophisticated too. On the inside, BYD Seal electric sedan brings a unison between practicality and high-tech appeal.BYD Seal Electric live on India websiteThe flowing lines on the dashboard remind us of Lexus LS sedan and the rotating instrument screen is noteworthy. Because of taxation between nations, BYD Seal costs just Rs. 4.5 lakh more than Chinese prices. However, BYD Seal costs EUR 50,990 in Europe (Rs. 45 lakh) and 296,800 Reals in Brazil (Rs. 49 lakh). Indian pricing could go way higher than that. Primary rivals include Kia EV6 GT AWD and BMW i4. More

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    2024 Lexus TX Pricing Ranges from $55K up to $76K

    The 2024 Lexus TX350 starts at $55,050, and the TX500h hybrid starts at $69,350.The TX550h+ plug-in hybrid will likely be even more expensive.Lexus says the TX350 and TX500h are on sale now and the plug-in hybrid will arrive in early 2024.Lexus has announced ambitious pricing for the new 2024 TX, as the three-row SUV will start at $55,000 for the TX350 and ranges up to over $76,000 for a loaded TX500h F Sport Performance hybrid model. That’s considerably more than the previous RX L, and thousands more than the starting prices of rival mid-size luxury SUVs such as the Infiniti QX60 and Cadillac XT6. We don’t even yet know pricing for the eventual TX550h+ plug-in hybrid, but that might top $80,000 given that it’s the most powerful version in the lineup.The front-wheel-drive TX350 model, which has a 275-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four, carries a base price of $55,050 and gets more expensive as you opt for the better-equipped Premium ($58,450) and Luxury ($60,950) trim levels. All-wheel drive costs $1600 extra.More on New Lexus ModelsPony up to the $69,350 TX500h and you get standard all-wheel drive thanks to a hybrid setup that includes the same turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four plus electric motors. It produces 366 horsepower in total and essentially the same setup found in the related Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. The TX500h comes standard with F Sport Performance upgrades including adaptive dampers and several appearance tweaks. It also offers a more expensive trim level with extra kit, the $72,650 TX500h F Sport Performance Luxury (say that two times fast).Lexus says the TX350 and TX500h models are reaching dealerships already, while the TX550h+ will go on sale in early 2024. Pricing for that model will be announced later on.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More