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    TVS Apache 200 Racing Edition – New Colour, Improved Safety

    TVS Apache 200 Racing EditionTVS has a diversified portfolio in Colombia including commuter bikes, Apache range and scooters like NtorqAligning with local tastes and preferences, TVS has introduced Special Edition Racing variants of its bikes in Colombia. A few days back, TVS had introduced the Racing variant of Raider premium commuting bike. Now, it’s Apache RTR 200 4V that has received the Racing variant.TVS Special Edition Racing variants get sportier styling, new colour and some additional equipment. Overall objective is to achieve a more rugged profile for these bikes. TVS Special Edition Racing variants can have higher preference among the young generation.TVS Apache 200 Racing Edition – what’s new?One of the key highlights is a new California Gray Red colour scheme. This is the only colour option available with the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Racing variant. The colour theme has a mix of grey and black elements, along with red highlights. Grey is focused at the front section, as seen on the headlamp cowl, front fender, fuel tank and engine guard.Rest of the bike wears a blacked-out look including the engine and exhaust canister. Red highlights are used across the headlamp casing, fuel tank and seat section. Wheels too get the red treatment on the sides. Overall styling seems modest and not overly flamboyant. Surely, more exciting colour themes could have been used for TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Special Edition Racing variant. Such possibilities may be explored in the future.TVS Apache 200 Racing EditionTVS Apache 200 Racing Edition is based on the top-spec Apache RTR 200 4V. Users will benefit from new equipment such as hand guards, flyscreen, radiator protector, crash guard and front disk brake calliper cover.Other features are the same as that of the standard version. TVS Apache RTR 200 4V has claw-styled LED headlamp, LED position lamps with unique fang design, race-inspired digital speedometer, 0-60 timer, top speed recorder, race-inspired graphics, upswept exhaust and Eurogrip Protorq SR radial tyres.TVS Apache 200 Racing Edition performanceEngine is the same, as used with standard Apache RTR 200 4V variant. It is a 197.75cc, Euro-3 compliant, single-cylinder, oil cooled unit that makes 20.5 PS of max power and 18.1 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Other hardware specs are the same as the standard variant.TVS Apache RTR 200 4V has a double cradle split synchro stiff frame, suspended on telescopic front forks and monoshock rear suspension. The bike has 17-inch wheels at both ends. Braking duties are performed by 270 mm and 240 mm petal disc brakes at front and rear.While TVS has launched the Special Edition Racing variant of Apache RTR 200 4V in Colombia, it is unlikely to make it here. In comparison, the Raider Racing Special Edition variant could be launched in India. However, an exact timeline for launch is not available. More

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    BMW Motorrad Working On Rear Wheel Steering On Motorcycles

    Image for illustration purpose.The new rear wheel steering patents from BMW Motorrad might aid in tighter turns, motorsport, stunt riding and potentially, aerodynamics tooBMW Motorrad, the motorcycle division of BMW, has patented rear-wheel steering technology for motorcycles. BMW showcased rear wheel steering with chain driven, belt driven and shaft driven motorcycle layouts. The main intention seems to be achieving a lower turning circle and enhanced handling and motorsport.You must have seen Hyundai’s e-Corner system demonstrated on an Ioniq 5. Will motorcycles get to do all that too? Let’s take a look.BMW Motorrad working on rear wheel steering on motorcyclesWe can see a couple of use cases. For example, BMW patented this tech with sketches of a cruiser bike. Maybe BMW got this idea after they launched the R 18 cruiser range. Makes perfect sense as a cruiser has a long wheelbase, large rake angle, and small trail angle. These make maneuverability an absolute nightmare.This is where this rear-wheel steering setup comes into play the most. BMW patents mention potential gains in aerodynamics. They can cover the front wheel now. Given that it has a lower steering angle as some of the task is handed to the rear wheel as well. The patent also mentions rear wheel steering benefits in motorsports when the front wheel is in the air.BMW Motorrad’s electrical rear steeringAccording to BMW, rear wheel steering will provide improved steerability when riding on the rear wheel with the steerable front wheel in the air. This wheelie aspect will definitely impress Character Ali from Dhoom 1. BMW has an electric motorcycle patent too. Both the electric bike and rear wheel steering are yet to hit production.BMW Mtorrad’s connected double sided rear steeringLimitations of such a mechanismApart from complexity, cost, weight and maintenance, I can think of some other potential issues with this system from an engineer’s perspective. Primary of them is swingarm strength as BMW’s patented rear wheel steering mechanisms will replace conventional swingarms.A rider turns motorcycles with lean and shift of body mass to make a turn. This is what we are used to till now. Making the shift to a new steering method is like fighting with your instincts and muscle memory. We might need a lot of time to transition to riding this new motorcycle steering mechanism than what we’re currently used to.BMW Mtorrad’s connected single sided rear steeringPeople who use counter-steering methods (example, steering right to turn left) can adapt to this new steering system better. But counter-steering folks are very very few. Also, stuntmen who drag and drift a lot and off-road riders who lock rear wheels to steer motorcycles, can quickly adapt to this new mechanism.BMW’s patents reveal multiple methods to achieve this rear wheel steering. There were double-sided and single-side mechanisms with physical linkages to the handlebar for steering inputs. Also, there was one patent with electrical assistance for rear wheel steering too, which negates physical linkages as it can take steering input from a steering position sensor like in a car. More

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    Volvo EX30 Reveals More Glimpses of Its Interesting-Looking Interior

    Volvo has shown more images of the EX30 before its reveal next week, revealing that the cabin will feature just a single 12.3-inch center screen.The cabin will also include a sound bar spanning the entire dashboard, freeing up space on the doors for extra storage.The interior will be decked out in renewable materials, from flax to wool to recycled denim.The Volvo EX30, first teased earlier this month, is set to be unveiled next week and will occupy the smaller end of Volvo’s increasingly electrified lineup. Ahead of the full reveal, Volvo has offered a few more tastes of what to expect from the new electric crossover, showing glimpses of the exterior and interior design. VolvoThe new images show sharply creased bodywork and distinctive LED lights, with the headlights adopting Volvo’s established “Thor’s hammer” look as seen on the EX90. The taillights also echo the larger electric SUV, with a C-shaped section beneath a vertical element. The interior looks minimalist, with a mostly empty dashboard centered around a single screen, measuring 12.3 inches. A “calm” mode will see the screen display only the most important information, and the infotainment system will include built-in voice commands via Google Assistant and navigation from Google Maps. However, the EX30 will also become the first Volvo with wireless Apple CarPlay, and the system will be capable of 5G connectivity. VolvoThe interior will feature a sound bar inspired by the type you might find in your living room, stretching across the width of the dashboard. The sound bar can be paired with an upgraded Harmon Kardon system and Volvo says that by putting multiple speakers within one housing, they’ve cut back on the amount of wiring and other materials used. The sound bar also means there aren’t speakers in the doors, allowing for extra storage space, while the window switches also migrate from the doors to the center console. The glovebox has moved, now slotting in below the center screen, and the cupholders will also retract to free up space. The rear passengers get access to a sliding storage bin as well, while Volvo says a guide integrated into the tailgate shows what sizes of cargo will fit in the trunk. More Future VolvosVolvo is touting the use of recycled and renewable materials, and calls the different interior themes “rooms.” One cabin theme will center around denim, using waste from the denim recycling process, and other materials will include flax and a wool blend that features 70 percent recycled polyester. Recycled plastic will also be used throughout, including Nordico, a material that comes from PET water bottles. The EX30 will debut on June 7, with U.S. reservations opening up the same day. Sales should kick off next year.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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    Hero MotoCorp Sales Breakup April 2023 – Splendor, Passion, Xoom, Destini

    Hero SplendorHero MotoCorp had the Splendor as its best-selling model in domestic markets while it was HF Deluxe that attracted most attention globallyHero MotoCorp has been seeing lackluster sales over the past few months. While the company posted YoY and MoM de-growth in March 2023, sales in the past month continued to be in the red on a YoY basis, both in domestic and export markets. Domestic sales stood at 23,86,173 units in April 2023, a 3.08 percent YoY de-growth from 3,98,464 units sold in April 2022. This was a 12,291 unit dip in volume.Total sales (domestic + exports) in April 2023 stood at 3,96,096 units, down from 4,18,595 units sold in April 2022. It was also a significant de-growth in MoM sales which had stood at 5,19,342 units in March 2023.  However, the company has extensive plans ahead.Hero MotoCorp Sales Breakup April 2023Hero Splendor topped the sales list with 2,65,225 units sold last month and was the only model in the company portfolio to post positive sales. This was a 13.30 percent YoY growth from 2,34,085 units sold in April 2022 relating to a 31,140 unit volume growth while the Splendor commands a 68.68 percent share on this list. Hero Splendor was the best-selling motorcycle in April 2023 commanding a 36.30 percent share.At No. 2 was HF Deluxe with 78,700 units sold last month, down 21.77 percent from 1,00,601 units sold in April 2022. Hero HF Deluxe faces the recently launched Honda Shine 100 in its segment which could have resulted in lower sales.Hero MotoCorp sales April 2023Sales of Hero Glamour also fell 42.09 percent YoY to 12,042 units from 20,796 units sold in April 2022. The new Xoom scooter added 11,938 units to company sales in the past month. However, sales of Destini dipped 32.76 percent to 6,039 units in April 2023 from 8,981 units sold in April 2022. YoY sales de-growth was also seen in the case of Hero Pleasure which fell by 52.65 percent to 5,826 units in the past month from 12,303 units sold in April 2022.Hero MotoCorp sales April 2023Sales list also included Hero Passion (3,620 units), Maestro (1,221 units), Xtreme 160/200 (626 units) and Xpulse 200 (576 units) along with the Vida of which 360 units were sold last month. Each of these models have posted YoY de-growth. The Vida electric scooter has recently undergone a price cut following which Vida V1 Plus is priced at Rs 1,19,900 whereas Vida V1 Pro carries a price tag of Rs 1,39,900. These prices include FAME II subsidy and portable charger.Hero MotoCorp Exports April 2023Exports of Hero MotoCorp also fell YoY by 50.71 percent to 9,923 units in April 2023 from 20,131 units exported in April 2022. All but the Hero Maestro has seen a YoY dip in demand. It was HF Deluxe that commanded most attention in global markets despite a 29.85 percent YoY fall in exports. In total, there were 3,958 units of HF Deluxe shipped last month, down from 5,642 units shipped in April 2022. Hero HF Deluxe currently commands a 39.89 percent share.Maestro exports increased by 239.68 percent YoY to 1,892 units in April 2023 from just 557 units shipped in April 2022. Hero Hunk was at No. 3 on the export list with 1,501 units shipped last month, down 66.61 percent from 4,495 units shipped in April 2022. It was followed by the Splendor with a 66.46 percent YoY de-growth to 1,420 units while Glamour exports also fell by 77.20 percent to 648 units in the past month. Hero Xpulse 200 also posted a YoY de-growth of 78.70 percent in April 2023 from 2,361 units sold in April 2022 while there was just 1 unit of the Xoom scooter shipped last month. More

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    Classic 350 Reactions In Japan – Real Appreciation Or Just Being Nice?

    Classic 350 Reactions In JapanWhile there’s limited knowledge about Royal Enfield brand in Japan, the bike itself has received positive reactions from peopleWith its timeless design, Royal Enfield bikes have found respect, admiration and appreciation across the globe. Evidence to that is a recent video posted by Ajay Pandey. It’s actually a collection of reactions to Royal Enfield Classic 350 by Japanese people.It’s heartening to see that positive reactions have come from biking enthusiasts as well as folks with little or no knowledge about overseas motorcycle brands. The reactions have been collected over a period of around 7 months, from the time when the bike was purchased. Royal Enfield in Japan sells most of popular bikes such as Classic 350, Hunter 350, Meteor 350, Himalayan, Scram 411, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650.Reactions to Classic 350 in JapanJust curious – Some people were completely unaware that a bike like Classic 350 exists on the planet. People were naturally curious to know which brand it was and other details. Classic 350 has a truly unique profile in comparison to commonly used bikes in Japan from Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki.While people were curious, they maintained their distance and avoided touching the bike. There weren’t any attempts to mount the bike or request to take it for a spin. Seems quite formal behaviour and could be part of the local culture.[embedded content]Design and colour – Some reactions are about the bike’s retro design and the unique army colour. One individual actually says that he had wanted to buy the Classic 350. Due to the size of the bike, it was mistaken as a 500cc bike. Interesting to see that guys riding Moto Guzzi, Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha bikes were impressed by the design and styling of Classic 350.Best thing ever seen – An old Japanese man was so impressed with Classic 350 that he said it was the best thing he had ever seen in his life. He had read about Royal Enfield in magazines, but this was the first time he was actually seeing it in real life. The old man had some detective skills as well, as he could tell that the bike had not been driven in rain. He was also impressed by the bike’s heavy profile, weighing at around 200 kg.Team RE will be delightedThese reactions are a true delight for all those who are part of Royal Enfield ecosystem. It includes the millions of Royal Enfield fans in the country and across the globe. It gives more energy to team Royal Enfield to continue their good work and expand their global footprint.While Japanese people are impressed with Classic 350, one wonders how they will react to other Royal Enfield bikes. Especially the new generation bikes like Meteor 350, Hunter 350 and Super Meteor 650. And what about other Made-In-India bikes like Jawa, Yezdi and BSA? Seems like there’s scope for a lot more interesting reactions to homegrown bikes. More

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    2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Doesn’t Cost Much More Than the Highlander

    Toyota has released pricing for the 2024 Grand Highlander SUV.A larger version of the Highlander, the Grand Highlander starts at $44,405 and ranges up to nearly $60,000 for the loaded version with the Hybrid Max powertrain.The Grand Highlander will start arriving at dealerships this summer.How much extra will you pay for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander’s extra space compared with its non-Grand sibling? As it turns out, not that much. Pricing for the new three-row SUV starts just a bit higher than its smaller equivalent. With a base price of $44,405 for the front-wheel-drive XLE model, the Grand Highlander starts $1050 higher than the equivalent Highlander XLE.The Grand Highlander’s standard engine, like in the Highlander, is a 265-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four. All-wheel drive costs $1600 extra on both the XLE and Limited ($47,860) models and is standard on the Platinum trim ($53,545). The XLE and Limited models are also available with a 243-hp hybrid powertrain that also commands a $1600 premium. It too comes standard with front-wheel drive and is available with all-wheel drive as an option. Toyota claims that the hybrid offers a big MPG bump: 36 mpg combined, compared with the gas model’s 24 mpg combined.We Drive the Grand HighlanderThe top dog in the Grand Highlander lineup—exclusive to the Grand—is the Hybrid Max setup. It combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four with electric motors for a total of 362 horsepower. In terms of fuel economy, it fits between the standard gas and hybrid models with a claimed combined EPA estimate of 27 mpg. This all-wheel-drive-only configuration is offered only on the Limited and Platinum and carries a significant price premium. The Limited Hybrid Max starts at $55,375 and the Platinum Hybrid Max is $59,460. This brings it well beyond the realm of the Highlander, but it’s not unheard of in the three-row SUV segment, as competitors such as the Mazda CX-90 and Jeep Grand Cherokee L reach well into the $60,000 range.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.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

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    The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Has Easter Eggs: Here Are a Few We Found

    We covered the reveal of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma extensively. And yet, we still managed to miss a few little details about the Japanese automaker’s redesigned mid-size pickup. Specifically, we ignored the truck’s handful of Easter eggs. With the help of a Toyota representative and a pre-production Tacoma TRD PreRunner, we stumbled upon three such treats the brand fits on the truck as a means of pleasing keen-eyed observers. We know there are more, though, so 2024 Tacoma owners ought to keep a vigilant eye out for additional hidden messages that Toyota’s placed about the truck. These three Easter eggs, however, should help you get started on your search.Taco MountainsGreg S. Fink|Car and DriverYou’ll have to squint to see it, but what you’re looking at is a mountain range that Toyota’s pinned to the 2024 Tacoma’s front windshield. It’s a fitting design element for a truck that shares its name with Tacoma, Washington—a city with a mountainous skyline.A Rainier TacomaGreg S. Fink|Car and DriverStamped onto the 2024 Tacoma’s left headlight’s mounting point to the truck’s body are the numbers 46.853 and -121.76. These aren’t just any numbers, though; they’re coordinates to a location positioned just a little northwest of Mt. Rainier. What exactly you’ll find at these coordinates is anyone’s guess, but we hope those who venture there on a Tuesday are at least met with some Tacos.QR You?Greg S. Fink|Car and DriverSee those dots on that plastic piece on the side of the dashboard? Those aren’t just random pinholes, but Morse code. And according to Toyota’s PR team, it reads “Accessory Ready.” Production Tacomas will also include a QR code on this panel. Scan it, and you’ll be taken to a website with dimensions to 3D print accessories, including a lantern and toolkit.More on the New TacomaSenior EditorDespite their shared last name, Greg Fink is not related to Ed “Big Daddy” Roth’s infamous Rat Fink. Both Finks, however, are known for their love of cars, car culture, and—strangely—monogrammed one-piece bathing suits. Greg’s career in the media industry goes back more than a decade. His previous experience includes stints as an editor at publications such as U.S. News & World Report, The Huffington Post, Motor1.com, and MotorTrend. More

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    Report: Kia Confirms Pickup Truck Heading to Australia in 2025

    Reports suggest that Kia is planning to sell a new pickup truck in Australia starting in 2025.According to Drive, the manufacturer confirmed the news in a confidential meeting with dealers.We’re not sure if it will come to the U.S., but it could rival the Ford Ranger in global markets.Kia is preparing to launch a new pickup truck—at least in Australia. According to a report by Australian publication Drive, Kia told dealers to expect a “genuine and serious rival” to the mid-size Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger trucks, both of which are popular down under. While we’re not sure about the truck’s U.S. prospects, we’re curious to hear more about this new crew-cab model that’s slated for a sales launch in 2025.Dealers were informed the internal model code for the new truck is “TK”, but the official name hasn’t been announced yet. They were also reportedly told that the truck will have a new ladder-frame chassis and that it will utilize a diesel engine. This significantly narrows down the list of potential engines, as Kia and Hyundai only offer a few diesels in global markets. The four-cylinder diesel from the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe could be an option, along with the 3.0-liter inline-six diesel in foreign versions of the Genesis GV80.More Truck StuffUnlike the 2004 KCV4 Mojave concept pictured at top, the new truck will likely look much more like the other mid-sized trucks on the road now. Spy photos on Drive show a tall and flat front end, with a crew-cab configuration. Despite offering more information to its Australian dealers, the manufacturer is staying tight-lipped beyond simple confirmation that the truck exists when talking to media. “Kia is currently developing a future pickup truck model that will be highly capable and fit for purpose. Additional details will be confirmed in due course,” Kia told Drive. As things stand now, we’re not sure if Hyundai would consider building its own version of this new truck. It currently offers the Santa Cruz pickup in the U.S., but that’s a smaller unibody truck that shares its platform with other Hyundai crossovers.We’ll have to wait a bit longer to see what’s in store for Kia’s forthcoming Australia-market truck, as it likely won’t debut until more than a year from now at the earliest. As for the possibility of it coming to the U.S., we wouldn’t hold our breath, but a Kia entry into the hot mid-size truck segment here—which includes the recently redesigned Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevy Colorado—could shake things up in an interesting way.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