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    2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound Is a Lengthy Five-Seater

    The 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound joins the lineup with a starting price of $85,975.Despite its long wheelbase, the Outbound only seats five and replaces the rearmost side glass with panels.The regular 2024 Defender 130 adds an available 493-hp supercharged V-8, which also arrives as the Defender 110 P500.Land Rover—or should we say the recently rebranded JLR—is hard at work making the Defender SUV appeal to as many people as possible. Along with offering four-, six-, and eight-cylinder powertrains, the fancy off-roader is also available with two- and four-door body styles, including long (110) and longer (130) wheelbases. Now the 2024 Land Rover Defender family gets even bigger with the introduction of the 130 Outbound trim level as well as the expanded availability of V-8 power.Meet the Defender 130 OutboundThe thing about the Defender 130 is that it’s so long—about 16.5 feet overall—to make room for a third row of seats and commensurate cargo capacity. Well, the newly added Outbound variant only offers two rows with seating for five instead of the usual three for eight. The missing third row means there’s now nearly 50 inches of open floor space behind the second row. That open area translates to 47 cubic feet and expands to 89 cubes with the back seats stowed. A rubber floor mat that can be folded over the rear bumper for added scratch protection, extra cubbies and latch points, and (wait for it) a new cargo net are all part of the Outbound experience.JLRThe Defender 130 Outbound in these photos looks like something a Bond villain would take overlanding. However, underneath its rear side-mounted accessories is a color-matched panel that replaces the windows. It’s a unique touch that separates the Outbound from other 130 models. Paint colors are limited to Carpathian Grey, Fuji White, Eiger Gray, and Santorini Black. Land Rover also offers the latter two with a protective satin film for the princely sum of $5500.JLRA set of black 20-inch wheels mounted on Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac All-Terrain tires are standard on the Defender 130 Outbound. All-season rubber is available for no extra cost, and larger 22-inch rollers are optional too, but they cost $2400 and only come with all-seasons. Every Outbound is powered by Land Rover’s 395-hp 3.0-liter straight-six, which features an electric supercharger and a 48-volt hybrid system. The starting price for the new Outbound trim is $85,975.More V-8s and New Retro GraphicsFor 2024, more Land Rover Defenders can be equipped with a V-8. That’s because 130 models are now available with the supercharged 5.0-liter, which pumps out 493 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. The engine upgrade does require customers to choose between grey or black paint colors, but it brings exclusive quad exhaust tips too. Of course, it also comes with a hefty price hike, as the V-8 version of the 130 starts at $118,075.As shown on the Defender configurator.JLRFor Defender fans who prefer the shorter 110 model, it also adds the new 493-hp V-8 option, which joins the previously available 518-hp V-8. But we’re more interested in the new County appearance pack that can be had on 2024 Defender 110s. For just $600, customers can add retro graphics as well as contrasting colors on the roof and tailgate that are inspired by the original Defender County models. We’re especially smitten when the County pack is paired with the gloss-white steel wheels.Land Rover Defenders Tested!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 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 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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    1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick of the Day

    This Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG features a 302-hp 4.3-liter V-8 under its hood.Silver paint and a black interior emphasize this eight-cylinder C-class’s sleeper status.Bidding closes on Monday, May 1, 2023.For the 2024 model year, the Mercedes-AMG C63 loses its predecessor’s V-8 engine in favor of a complex turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. On the plus side, the new C63 still accelerates like a rocket. Alas, it comes at the expense of a hefty curb weight. Today’s pick from the auction site Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is a part of the Hearst Autos group—hearkens back to a simpler time at the three-pointed star. This 1999 C43 AMG marked the first time Mercedes fit a big V-8 into the small C-class sedan.Related StoriesToday, AMG slots neatly into Mercedes’s corporate structure, a neatly polished cog in a vast machine. In late 1997, when the C43 was first shown to the world, AMG Motorenbau und Entwicklungshesellschaft mbH was still its own entity (Mercedes would take a controlling interest in the tuning shop in 1999). Having previously built the six-cylinder C36 to compete with the BMW M3, the company now returned to its favorite activity: stuffing big V-8s in small cars.Bring a TrailerIn the case of the C43, AMG plucked the 4.3-liter V-8 from the Mercedes-Benz E430 mid-size sedan and fit it under the compact C-class’s hood. The folks at AMG hand-assembled each engine (one technician per V-8). Thanks to improvements to the big engine’s oil cooling and intakes, the C43 rolled off the line with a stable of 302 horses—27 more than an E430.The C43 may have lacked the handling grace of an M3. But what it fell short of in lateral dynamics, the little AMG-tuned C-class made up for with its V-8 engine’s melodious soundtrack and plentiful torque. Bring a TrailerThis particular C43 being auctioned off is a 1999 model painted in silver and fitted with a black interior, and it is the epitome of “speak softly and carry a big stick.” The C43 is all about subtlety, but those in the know won’t miss its big—for the era—17-inch monoblock wheels and moderately massaged fascias This example is particularly attractive due to its relatively low miles (a few ticks over 41,000 miles), all of which were put on during the car’s tenure with its original owner. The car also benefits from a clean CarFax report and a well-documented service history.Bring a TrailerFewer than 1500 C43s were produced for the United States over the course of three model years, which makes these AMGs relatively rare finds. In spite of this, these V-8 sedans still trade for relatively reasonable sums, with the most expensive C43 on Bring a Trailer (as of this writing) selling for $33,500. We figure it’s only a matter of time until the prices of W202 C43s rise as more collectors come to appreciate this German muscle car.Car and driverCar and driver Lettermark logoContributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

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    Lotus Type 135 Is an EV Worth Waiting For

    The Lotus Emira has only just launched, but work is already advancing on the all-electric model that ultimately will replace it. Currently known only by the internal design code Type 135, the two-seat sports car will be clearly aimed at the bit of the market the British manufacturer is most associated with. Basically, it’s an EV successor to the Elan and Elise.Whereas Lotus plans to engineer its SUVs and sedan in Germany and produce them in China, the brand is developing the Type 135 in the U.K. and intends to produce the model at its longtime home in Hethel, initially alongside the Emira. The sports car will be the first model to use Lotus’s new LEVA platform—that’s Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture—that combines a bonded-aluminum structure with a so-called “chest battery” mounted behind the passenger compartment rather than under the floor. A cast-aluminum subframe behind it serves as the mounting point for the control-arm rear suspension and the motor. Looking Forward at LotusLotus insiders say the Type 135 will use a single axial-flux motor producing up to 470 horsepower and driving the rear wheels. Power will come courtesy of a 66.4-kWh battery pack. The LEVA platform will also support a brawnier twin-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration, but that’s being reserved for a larger and more expensive model. Simplified, with Added LightnessThe Type 135 version will be the lightest and simplest—two classic Lotus qualities. Although the mass of the battery pack means it will weigh more than its gasoline-powered predecessors, the Type 135 is still anticipated to come in at less than 3300 pounds. It will launch as a coupe in 2025, later followed by a roadster. Renault subsidiary Alpine is also planning to use the LEVA platform as the basis for its next-generation electric sports car, one that the company hopes to sell in the States. Philippe Krief, Ferrari’s recently departed R&D boss, will develop that version, so we can experience the same core package in two different guises.As for the name, that could be hiding in plain sight, given the British brand’s need to start every model with the letter E. Add that to LEVA and you get Eleva, which means “to raise” in several Romance languages.Car and driverCar and driver Lettermark logoEuropean EditorMike Duff has been writing about the auto industry for two decades and calls the UK home, although he normally lives life on the road. He loves old cars and adventure in unlikely places, with career highlights including driving to Chernobyl in a Lada. More

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    Simple ONE Launch by Simple Energy – Counting Down to May 23, 2023

    Simple One Electric Scooter Launch DateBreaking the Paradox: Simple ONE – A Premium Affordable electric scooter – countdown to launch – May 23, 2023
    Simple Energy, a new player in the electric vehicle and clean energy space, has announced the launch of its highly anticipated electric two-wheeler, the Simple ONE, on May 23, 2023, in Bangalore. The manufacturer aims to offer a high-quality product with premium features and technology, while keeping the price point affordable for Indian consumers. Delivery of Simple One electric scooters are expected to start soon after launch.
    The phrase “premium affordable EV” might seem paradoxical, but in the case of the Simple ONE, it could be justified. The company intends to disrupt the market with a compelling alternative to conventional two-wheelers that run on fossil fuels. Its unique value proposition offers high-quality premium features at an affordable price point, making electric mobility accessible to a wider audience.
    Fastest, Safest, Longest range – Simple One e-scooter
    The company has emphasized performance and safety in the Simple ONE. It has used superlatives such as “fastest,” “safest,” and “longest” to describe the product, indicating that it will be a top-performing electric scooter. Although exact numbers for speed, range, and safety features are not provided, the company has placed a high emphasis on ensuring that the Simple ONE stands out in terms of performance and safety features.
    The battery pack of the Simple ONE is said to meet safety standards, highlighting the company’s commitment to safety. The claim of the “longest range” is significant as it addresses the issue of range anxiety, making it attractive to customers who prioritize performance and safety when making purchasing decisions for their electric two-wheelers.

    Wrong buddy.
    — Suhas Rajkumar (@suhasrajkumar) April 26, 2023

    Simple Energy’s Simple ONE: Bringing a New Wave of Innovation to Electric Two-Wheelers
    The launch of the Simple ONE is a significant step towards starting business for Simple Energy. The electric two-wheeler has been eagerly awaited by customers who have been waiting for months since booking their orders. With this launch, Simple Energy aims to cater to the growing demand for electric two-wheelers in India and meet the needs of growing electric scooter demand.
    It remains to be seen how the market will respond to this new offering, and whether it can carve out a niche for itself in the highly competitive Indian EV market. However, the launch of the Simple ONE is a promising step towards making electric mobility accessible and affordable to a wider audience.
    Simple Energy’s Simple ONE: The Next Big Thing in Indian Electric Two-Wheeler Market
    Suhas Rajkumar, Founder & CEO, of Simple Energy, said, “When we set out to make the Simple ONE, our aim was to provide to our valued customers a product that matches up to the level of the global players. To that end, we have spent the last 2 years vigorously testing our product in the most demanding conditions and ensuring that the result is the best in the business.
    With the official confirmation on the launch of Simple ONE, we would also like to announce that we are the first OEM to comply with the Automotive Industry Standards (AIS) 156 amendment 3 that ensures greater battery safety. Simple ONE is now faster, improved on aesthetics, on battery systems and powertrains and offers unmatched safety. We have successfully addressed the issues during testing and are confident that our product will stand true to the wait.” More

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    TVS Sales Breakup March 2023 – Jupiter, Apache, Ntorq, iQube, XL 100

    New TVS Apache 160TVS has registered YoY growth in domestic two wheeler sales in March 2023 while exports fell significantly
    TVS Motor Company registered a growth of 4.76 percent in two wheeler sales (domestic + exports) in March 2023. Total sales increased from 2,90,810 units sold in March 2022 to 3,05,371 units in March 2023. It was the TVS Jupiter that found most demand in domestic markets while it was the Star City 125 that commanded the export list. There were a total of 2,40,780 units sold in March 2023, relating to a 22.25 percent YoY growth when compared to 1,96,956 units sold in March 2022. This was a 43,824 unit volume growth.
    TVS Jupiter was the highest selling model in the company lineup in domestic markets. Sales surged 5.48 percent YoY to 58,874 units in March 2023 from 55,813 units sold in March 2022. This related to a volume growth of 3,061 units with the Jupiter commanding a 24.45 percent share. TVS Jupiter was also the second best-selling scooter in FY 2023 after the Honda Activa, with 7,29,546 units sold in FY 2023.
    TVS Sales Breakup March 2023 – Jupiter No 1
    At No. 2 was the TVS XL100 moped saw its sales dip 2.22 percent YoY to 36,814 units in March 2023 from 37,649 units sold in March 2022. It was followed by the TVS Apache with a 32.02 percent YoY growth to 36,226 units in the past month from 27,439 units sold in the same month a year ago. It was a 155.62 percent YoY growth for the TVS Raider of which the company sold 31,002 units in March 2023 from 12,128 units sold in March 2022. This was a difference of 18,874 units with the Raider commanding a 12.88 percent share on this list.
    TVS Ntorq sales also improved by 14.52 percent YoY to 27,284 units in March 2023 but the highest percentage growth was seen for the TVS iQube that increased by 754.03 percent YoY. Sales of the iQube stood at 15,364 units in March 2023 from 1,799 units sold in March 2022. This was the 5th consecutive month that the iQube Electric has registered sales above 10,000 units.
    TVS Domestic Sales 2W – March 2023
    TVS also posted YoY sales growth for the Sport (13,158 units) and Pep+ (8,330 units) by 14.06 percent and 38.28 percent respectively. However, thereafter, each of the models saw lower sales. Radeon sales dipped 14.39 percent to 8,186 units while Zest sales were down by 35.66 percent to 3,201 units. Star City sales fell by 66.31 percent to 1,931 units and RR310 fell by 13.68 percent to 410 units in March 2023.
    TVS Domestic Sales 2W – March 2023
    TVS Exports dip in March 2023
     Exports fell 31.18 percent in March 2023 to 64,591 units, down from 93,854 units exported in March 2022. This was a volume de-growth of 29,263 units. It was the TVS Star City 125 that topped the export list in March 2023 with 27,136 units shipped, down 22.92 percent from 35,206 units exported in March 2022. The Star City 125 currently commands a 42.01 percent share on this list.
    Jupiter exports stood at 9,132 units with a 14.14 percent share. It was followed by the Ntorq with a 132.27 percent YoY growth to 5,370 units in March 2023, up from 2,312 units sold in March 2022. YoY exports dipped for the Apache (5,036 units) and Sport (3,855 units) by 51.28 percent and 23.42 percent respectively. Raider exports also fell by 52.20 percent YoY to 3,346 units in March 2023 from 7,000 units exported in March 2022.
    TVS Exports 2W – March 2023
    TVS Wego exports were at 1,262 units while Victor also posted a YoY growth of 133.33 percent to 1,120 units from 480 units sold in March 2022. TVS XL exports were at 678 units while RR310 exports improved by 50 percent to 90 units from 60 units shipped in March 2022. More

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    2024 Skoda Electric Small Car (XUV400 Rival), Compact EV SUV Teased

    Skoda Electric Car Launch PlansSkoda has revealed details about their upcoming electric cars and SUVs – These includes a small electric car of 4.1m length and compact electric SUV of 4.5m length
    Skoda has extensive plans to expand its electric vehicle range in the coming 5-7 years. The new electric line-up will include three new SUVs, an estate car and two new Enyaq models. This complete range of electric vehicles will cover Small, Compact, Combi, and Space styles along with facelifted versions of the Enyaq, Enyaq Coupe and the Elroq Crossover.
    Apart from the new lineup of electric vehicles, late last year, Skoda had also announced a new brand identity. It includes a new logo and brand identity which is part of the automaker’s Strategy 2030. The new logo is two dimensional as against the older three dimensional design, thus making it easier to recognize and print. The new logo will be seen on the front and rear of all cars and will start appearing on all new Skoda models from 2024.
    New Compact Electric SUV and Small Electric Car
    Of the 6 new electric cars that have been announced, the two that have the highest probability of making it to India are the Compact Electric SUV called Elroq and yet to be named small electric car. New Skoda Elroq EV will be 4.5m in length while the small electric car will be 4.1m in length.
    Based on the company’s Modern Solid design theme, the Elroq will get a tough front end named Tech Deck, squared off wheel arches and large skid plates at the front and rear. It is expected to receive a 77kWh battery pack offering a range of around 480 kms.
    Skoda Compact Electric SUV – 4.5m length
    Next in line is the ‘Small’ SUV from Skoda set for launch in 2025. Coming in a sub-compact SUV stance, the model will measure 4.1 meters in length and will be priced around €25,000 / US$ 27,432 / INR 22,48,900. It will take on the likes of Nexon EV and XUV400, if launched in India.
    Skoda Small Electric Car – 4.1m length
    Skoda Combi and Space SUV by 2026
    The Skoda Combi concept will replace the Octavia which is one of the company’s best-selling wagons in Europe. The Combi electric will measure 4700mm in length. The Space SUV is also expected to make its debut in 2026 as the company’s flagship model. It will measure 4900mm in length thus making it around 200mm longer than the Kodiaq SUV. The Skoda Space was previewed as the Vision 7S electric SUV and is directed towards buyers with larger families. It is claimed to draw power via an 89 kWh battery pack with a claimed driving range of 600kms.
    Skoda Enyaq and Enyaq Coupe is also a part of the company’s set of electric vehicles planned for launch. These two models were launched in 2020 and 2022 respectively but are due for a mid-life facelift in 2025, sporting the brand’s new design language. Both these models will continue to be produced at the Skoda plant in Mladá Boleslav in Czechia.
    Skoda Electric Car Launch Plans
    Along with these electric vehicles, Skoda has also announced that the Octavia, Kamiq and Scala will be updated with new designs. The Kamiq and Scala are set for launch later this year, while the updated Octavia will arrive in 2024. More

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    Honda Shine 100 Specs Leak – Less Power Than Splendor Plus

    Honda Shine 100In addition to Hero Splendor Plus, Honda Shine 100 will also rival other 100cc bikes such as HF Deluxe and Bajaj Platina 100
    For several years, Hero Splendor Plus has dominated the entry-level 100cc commuter motorcycle segment. Platina 100 has also been there all along, but its sales are no match for Splendor Plus. Now, there’s a new challenger in the form of Honda Shine 100. Whether it can dethrone Splendor Plus remains to be seen.
    Honda Shine 100 was launched in March 2023 at a starting price of Rs 64,900. At this price point, it is positioned between HF Deluxe and Splendor Plus. Bookings are currently open for Shine 100 and deliveries are expected to commence from May 2023. Ahead of that, some new details about the bike have been revealed via type approval certificate.
    Honda Shine 100 homologated – specs leak
    Powering Honda Shine 100 is a 98.98 cc motor that generates 5.43 kw or 7.28 hp of peak power. In comparison, Splendor Plus has a 97.2 cc engine that makes 5.9 kW or 7.91 hp. While Shine 100 has slightly less power output, it remains to be seen how much difference it makes in real driving conditions.
    The type approval certificate does not reveal torque numbers. It is likely to be close to that of Splendor that churns out 8.05 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. One of the key reasons why Splendor is popular is that the bike offers a near-perfect combination of fuel efficiency and agile performance. Honda will probably be looking to achieve something similar with Shine 100.
    Honda Shine 100 Specs Leak
    Based on teasers, it is clear that fuel efficiency is one of the focus areas for Shine 100. The bike could deliver a mileage of around 65 kmpl, which is almost the same as that of Splendor Plus. Many consider Bajaj Platina 100 as the most fuel efficient 100cc bike, delivering around 70-75 kmpl. However, results will vary based on driving conditions, age and condition of bike, riding style, etc.
    Honda Shine 100 has GVW (gross vehicle weight) of 269 kg. The bike is 1,955 mm long, 754 mm wide and 1,050 mm tall. Wheelbase is 1,245 mm. These numbers are quite close to that of Splendor, which measures 2000 X 720 X 1052 mm (Length X Width X height) and has a wheelbase of 1,236 mm. Shine 100 has ground clearance of 168 mm, as compared to 165 mm of Splendor Plus. Seat height is almost the same at 786 mm for Shine 100 and 785 mm for Splendor.
    Can Shine 100 become the top selling commuter bike?
    In terms of pricing, Shine 100 has a clear advantage over Splendor Plus. Earlier, people who could not afford Splendor would usually consider HF Deluxe, Platina 100 or HF 100. Perceptually, quite a few consumers may now look at Shine 100 as the next best alternative to Splendor.
    And based on its performance and fuel efficiency, Shine 100 can even emerge as the most preferred 100cc commuter. It will be interesting to see how the 100cc commuter segment shapes up after the arrival of Honda Shine 100. More

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    Honda to Build a New EV on Its Own Platform in 2025

    Honda announced plans to sell a new EV model in North America starting in 2025.Unlike the 2024 Prologue, which uses GM’s EV platform, this car will use Honda’s own EV architecture.It’s described as a “mid- to large-size” vehicle, but we don’t have any details on its name or specs.Honda is currently relying on General Motors to get its new electric SUV to market, but the Japanese automaker is working on its own EV platforms as well. While the 2024 Prologue uses GM’s Ultium battery platform, Honda has just announced that a second electric model using Honda’s proprietary platform will follow in 2025 for North America. It’s described as a “mid-to large-size” EV and will use Honda’s new electric platform, called e:Architecture.We strongly suspect that this EV will be some sort of SUV, possibly even a three-row crossover to slot in above the two-row, five-seat Prologue. While Honda hasn’t released any images or illustrations indicating this model’s styling, pictured at top is one of the company’s Chinese EV concepts that’s part of Honda’s e:N lineup specific to that market. Although Honda’s China-market EVs, including this e:N SUV concept, use a separate platform called e:N Architecture W, there may be some shared components. Honda could also decide to share this EV design language globally, even if the new e:Architecture-based model will be for the North American market.More on Honda EVsWe think it’s likely that the Prologue, plus its Acura sibling the ZDX, will be sold alongside this new Honda-developed model for some time. Honda and GM’s partnership won’t simply be a temporary stop-gap measure, because the two automakers have already announced further collaboration for a “new series” of electric compact SUVs that will be sold in the U.S. starting in 2027. Honda has also promised two electric sports cars but didn’t provide a timeline for their arrival.Either way, it’s clear that Honda’s EV plans are ramping up as the company embarks on its quest to sell only electric and fuel-cell vehicles by 2040. The company’s interim goals for North America are for electric models to make up 40 percent of Honda’s sales by 2030, 80 percent by 2035, and 100 percent by 2040.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