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    Tesla Model S Plaid Track Package Unlocks 200-MPH Top Speed

    Tesla says it will offer a Track package for the Model S Plaid starting in June, meaning the car now claims to hit a top speed of 200 mph.The package adds carbon-ceramic brakes, new 20-inch aluminum wheels, and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires.The extra goodies cost $20,000, but the carbon-ceramic brakes can also be ordered on their own.Tesla is introducing a long-promised Track package for the Model S Plaid, vowing to finally unlock the electric sedan’s full performance capacity. The Tesla Model S Plaid sprinted to 60 mph in just 2.1 seconds in Car and Driver testing in 2021 but had been restricted from hitting its 200-mph top speed due to weak brakes, instead topping out at 162 mph. The addition of upgraded brakes follows the arrival of a Track mode last year that allowed adjustment of the stability control and improved cooling, among other changes.Tesla had promised a carbon-ceramic brake package since the Plaid’s launch in 2021 and claimed the package would be available last summer, although it’s unclear if Tesla ever installed the more powerful brakes on any cars. Now the upgrade is officially here, adding six-piston forged front calipers and four-piston forged rear calipers with high-performance pads. These clamp onto 16.1-inch carbon-silicon carbide front and rear rotors. Tesla also says the package includes “track-ready” brake fluid, and the carbon-ceramic brake kit can also be bought separately from the rest of the Track pack.More Tesla NewsAlong with brakes, the package adds new wheels and tires. The new aluminum forged wheels, which Tesla calls “Zero-G,” are wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires measuring 285/35R20 up front and 305/30R20 in the rear. The new brakes are also compatible with the 21-inch “Arachnid” wheels but not the 19-inch “Tempest” rollers.The price is listed by Tesla as “$15,000-$20,000.” We believe that the $15,000 tag nets you the carbon-ceramic brake kit on its own, while handing over the full $20,000 brings the full Track package including the wheels and tires, but Tesla hasn’t clarified. The Model S Plaid Track package will become available in June 2023, and can be retrofitted to 2021 and newer Plaid models.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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    GMC Hummer EV’s Omega Edition Brings Matte Paint, Special Graphics

    GMC has released a new special-edition version of the Hummer EV truck and SUV called the Omega edition.It has matte-blue paint and other visual tweaks and is based on the EV3X versions with the Extreme Off-Road package.The SUV starts at $139,995 and the pickup starts at $149,995, and they’ll only be available to current Hummer reservation holders at first.Now that the hubbub around the Hummer EV Edition 1 has faded, GMC is trying to drum up hype once again with a special edition for 2024 called the Omega. This appearance package is available for both the pickup and SUV models and includes an exclusive paint color, a few interesting exterior graphics, and standard equipment including the Extreme Off-Road Package and other goodies.Neptune Blue Matte paint is standard, and the Omega also has black badges, black 18-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and clear roof panels. Inside, there are different carpeted flooring inserts. The SUV’s spare-tire cover has a space-themed graphic, and the pickup gets a tailgate speaker.These special editions are based on the EV3X versions of the Hummer EV pickup and SUV. That means a three-motor powertrain with 1000-horsepower, and the Omega also comes standard with the Extreme Off-Road package that adds 35-inch tires, skid plates, assist steps, and underbody cameras. Hummer recently revealed range estimates for these new powertrain and chassis configurations, with the pickup estimated to go 329 miles on a charge and the SUV estimated to go 298 miles on a charge when equipped with the off-road pack.These trucks don’t come cheap, with the Omega SUV starting at $139,995 and the pickup at $149,995. That’s a whole lot more than the Hummer EV3X SUV with the Edition 1 package and the Extreme Off-Road package, which costs $110,595. If you’re willing to shell out for one of these Omega models, you’ll need to have an existing reservation for a Hummer EV—at least at first. GMC says that deliveries will start in the first half of 2024.More on the Hummer EVThis 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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    BMW Issues Stop Drive Warning on 90,000 Cars from 2000–2006

    BMW issued an urgent “Do Not Drive” warning for 90,000 vehicles built between 2000 and 2006, that fall under a recall for defective Takata air bags.The recall affects the 3-series and 5-series, including the M3 and M5, as well as the first-generation X5.Drivers are urged not to use affected vehicles until a fix is implemented, as the airbags can become dangerous even in minor crashes.BMW has issued an urgent “Do Not Drive” warning for owners of roughly 90,000 vehicles built between 2000 and 2006. The affected vehicles are outfitted with defective Takata airbags, which have a high likelihood of failure in the event of a crash. The recall affects 3-series models built from 2000-2006, including the E46-generation M3, and 5-series sedans built from 2000-2003, including the E39 M5, as well as X5 SUVs built from 2000-2004. In the event of a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the airbags have “an extremely high probability of failure.” If the inflators rupture, metal fragments may eject towards the driver and cause serious harm. “These inflators are two decades old now and, with every day that passes, they become even more dangerous as they can rupture even in a minor crash,” said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman.More on Takata AirbagsBMW is asking owners to immediately check if their vehicle has an open Takata recall, (which they can do here) and to stop driving their vehicle if it does. The replacement parts are available, and owners of defective vehicles are being urged to contact their dealership immediately for a free repair, and free towing or mobile repair. 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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    200cc To 500cc Motorcycle Sales March 2023 – Classic, Hunter, Pulsar, KTM, CB350

    Image – Rider AKBGrowth in sales was reported both on YoY and MoM basis with the RE Classic 350 and Hunter 350 commanding a major portion of total sales
    Demand for larger capacity bikes in the 200-500cc segment is on the rise. Motorcycles in the 200-500cc segment have seen a 6.82 percent YoY growth in March 2023. Sales stood at 76,873 units in March 2023 as against 71,962 units sold in March 2022. This was a volume growth of 4,911 units. Sales of bikes in this segment also improved MoM by 0.55 percent over 76,449 units sold in Feb 2023.
    It was RE Classic that led the segment in March 2023 with a 31.83 percent share on this list despite a YoY and MoM de-growth. Sales in the said month stood at 24,466 units down 25.17 percent as against 32,694 units sold in March 2022. MoM sales also fell by 10.91 percent over 27,461 units sold in Feb 2023. More recently Classic 350 Bobber has been doing the test rounds with launch date scheduled in the coming months.
    200-500cc Bike Sales March 2023 – RE Classic, Hunter Lead Segment
    Also from Royal Enfield stables was Hunter 350. Sales stood at 10,824 units in March 2023, down 16.26 percent from 12,925 units sold in Feb 2023. RE Hunter 350 currently commands a 14.08 percent share on this list. A relatively recent entry on this list, Hunter 350 has already amassed sales of 1 lakh units in 6 months of launch.
    At No. 3 was Bajaj Pulsar 220-250cc which saw a YoY and MoM growth of 261.28 percent and 88.96 percent respectively. There had been 9,144 units sold in March 2023 as against 2,531 units sold in March 2022 while in Feb 2023 sales had stood at 4,839 units. Market share currently stands at 11.89 percent. The boost in Pulsar sales is thanks to the re-launch of the 220F.
    200cc to 500cc Motorcycle sales March 2023
    Sales of RE Bullet 350 also improved by 3.77 percent YoY to 8,595 units in March 2023 from 8,283 units sold in March 2022 while MoM sales were higher by 4.41 percent from 8,232 units sold in Feb 2023. Also from the RE stables was the Meteor 350 (6,211 units) and Electra 350 (3,374 units) though each of these posted YoY and MoM decline in sales.
    200cc to 500cc Motorcycle sales March 2023
    Honda Hness 350 sales dipped to 2,904 units in March 2023 from 3,406 units sold in March 2022 relating to a 14.74 percent YoY de-growth. However, sales improved by 810.34 percent on MoM basis from just 319 units sold in Feb 2023. Sales fell YoY and MoM for the Himalayan by 49.61 percent and 7.32 percent respectively to 2,633 units.
    There were the two KTM models – 250 and 350cc on this list down at Nos. 9 and 10 respectively. Both these models have seen growth in demand to 1,715 units and 1,208 units in March 2023. Especially talking about the KTM 390, sales improved by a massive 120700 percent YoY from just 1 unit sold in Feb 2023.
    200cc to 500cc Motorcycle sales March 2023
    Sales in sub-1,000 unit range March 2023
    The list also included bikes in the 200-500cc range where sales stood at sub-1,000 units in March 2023. It was the Dominar 400 (820 units), Dominar 250 (643 units), Apache 310 (410 units) and Avenger 220 (380 units). Out of these it was the Dominar 400 and Avenger 220 that reported YoY and MoM growth in demand while each of these saw a MoM increase in sales in March 2023.  
    Lower down the order was also the Ninja 300 (153 units), Husqvarna 250 (126 units) and Ninja 400 (14 units). There was also the Jawa / Yezdi (retail sales) which stood at 3,253 units in March 2023, down 23.73 percent over 4,265 units sold in March 2022 but an increase of 3.07 percent MoM from 3,156 units sold in Feb 2023. More

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    Electric Two-Seat Caterham on the Way: Report

    Caterham is working on a new two-seat electric sports car, according to a report by Autocar.According to the report, the new sports car is completely unrelated to the Seven, though it will share a lot of the same characteristics. The car is being designed by Anthony Jannarelly, a designer best known for the W Motors Lykan HyperSport.Caterham is only months away from revealing a new two-seat electric sports car, according to a report by Autocar. The British publication spoke with Caterham’s lead designer, Anthony Jannarelly, who is best known for the his work on the W Motors Lykan HyperSport.The project has advanced quickly, with Autocar reporting that it was “just an idea in people’s heads” in September and that now a design reveal is imminent. Switching from a front-mounted internal combustion engine to an electric powertrain opens the door for Caterham to evolve, something Jannarelly emphasized to Autocar. As he put it, the intent is to “please the existing Caterham fans while also trying to reach another type of audience.””The principle is always lightness,” Jannarelly explained. “And the driving pleasure is a consequence of this lightness. The key words are always simplicity, lightness, and driving joy.”CaterhamExpect a Fresh LookAccording to Autocar, Caterham CEO Bob Laishley previously confirmed the new EV will hit the manufacturer’s ideological pillars but will also distinguish itself from the Seven. That means that besides the cars sharing the basic two-seat design and simple cabin, we shouldn’t expect too many other similarities. Switching to an EV powertrain will allow for new styling cues, and possibly a more compact structure. One thing we do know for sure (because Jannarelly confirmed it to Autocar) is that the unnamed future car will not feature the same elongated hood design that the Seven uses, and it could take on a more traditional sports-car shape.Laishley also got into a bit more detail on the construction of the new car, even hinting at a potential roof. “Like the Seven, it will have a steel spaceframe—but a different one—because they’re easy to modify in production if you need to,” he said to Autocar. More on Caterham”A Pure EV from the Start”It will have a six-panel enveloping body in aluminium or carbon fiber: two sills, two doors, plus clamshell openings front and rear. It will be prettier and more modern than a Seven—those will be big points of distinction—and maybe it will have a roof. We’re designing it as a pure EV from the start, with rear drive only.”Caterham hasn’t given any firm notion of when we should expect to learn more, but according to this report, a production version could come as soon as 2026 with design concepts and prototypes being shown in as little as a few months. Caterham generally doesn’t list its prices online, but we feel confident in saying that the EV will run a premium over the Seven lineup. 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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    2W Retail Sales April 2023 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Suzuki, RE, Yamaha

    Hero SplendorIt was a 7.30 percent YoY decline in 2 wheeler retail sales in April 2023 while the segment also saw a de-growth in terms of MoM retail sales
    Two wheeler retail sales in April 2023 has seen a YoY decline by 7.30 percent. This segment was impacted due to new OBD 2 emission standards being made mandatory from 1st April 2023 which also resulted in automakers resorting to increase in prices. Untimely rains damaged crops, thus raising concerns for farmers which in turn had an adverse effect on sales.
    Total two wheeler retail sales stood at 12,29,911 units in April 2023, down 7.30 percent from 13,26,773 units sold in April 2022. It was also a MoM de-growth from 14,45,867 units sold in March 2023. Two leading two wheeler OEMs Hero MotoCorp and Honda posted a YoY de-growth while sales of TVS Motor, Bajaj Auto and Suzuki improved on a YoY basis.
    Two Wheeler Retail Sales April 2023
    Hero MotoCorp sales dipped to 4,10,947 units in the past month, down from 4,55,287 units sold in April 2022. This took market share down to 33.41 percent in April 2023, from 34.32 percent held in April 2022. Honda two wheeler sales also dipped in April 2023 to 2,44,044 units, down from 2,94,952 units sold in April 2022.
    At No. 3 was TVS Motors with a YoY sales growth to 2,08,266 units in April 2023 from 1,95,773 units sold in April 2022. Market share improved to 16.93 percent from 14.76 percent YoY. The TVS iQube e-scooter has been particularly instrumental in these increased sales causing the company to boost production from this month onwards to cater to this added demand.
    Two Wheeler Retail Sales April 2023 vs April 2022 – YoY Analysis
    Bajaj Auto retail sales also improved on a YoY basis to 1,46,172 units from 1,40,602 units sold in April 2022. Currently commanding a market share of 11.88 percent, Bajaj Auto is set to expand the Chetak lineup in 2023. Chetak electric scooter, which is listed under Chetak Technologies Limited, had 370 units sold last month. It is set to see production increase to over 10,000 units from June 2023.
    Two Wheeler Retail Sales April 2023 vs Mar 2023 – MoM Analysis
    Retail sales of Suzuki Motorcycles went up to 61,660 units in April 2023 from 44,897 units sold in April 2022. This took market share up to 5.01 percent from 3.38 percent YoY. Royal Enfield sales also saw a YoY growth to 60,799 units in April 2023 from 49,257 units sold in April 2022 while sales of Yamaha Motors dipped to 38,065 units in the past month from 43,987 units sold in April 2022.
    Electric 2W Retail Sales April 2023
    In the electric two wheeler segment, it was Ola Electric that was the largest EV maker with the most retail sales last month. Ola sales improved to 21,882 units in April 2023 from 12,708 units sold in April 2022. Market share improved to 1.78 percent from 0.96 percent YoY. Ola sells S1, S1 Air and S1 Pro electric scooters in India. Retail sales of Ampere Vehicles also increased to 8,318 units in April 2023 from 6,540 units sold in April 2022.
    Two Wheeler Retail Sales April 2023
    Lower down the list was Ather Energy with retail sales of 7,746 units, up from 2,451 units sold in April 2022. Sales of Hero Electric dipped to 3,331 units in the past month from 6,578 units sold in April 2022. Okinawa also noted significantly lower YoY sales to 3,216 units in April 2023 from 11,010 units sold in April 2022. Ather, Ola, Hero MotoCorp and TVS had overcharged customers to the tune of over Rs 300 crores. They will now be making refunds.
    Piaggio sales also fell to 2,945 units in the past month from 4,701 units sold in the same month of the previous year. Classic Legends sales dipped to 2,274 units in April 2023 from 3,718 units sold in April 2022 and there was Okaya EV on this list with 1,562 units sold in the past month. Retail sales of other two wheeler makers, that also included electric vehicles, accounted for 8,684 units in the past month, down from 54,312 units sold in April 2022. More

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    The Future is Simple: Simple One eScooter Is The One For You?

    Simple One electric scooter production startsSimple One eScooter: Sustainable, Safe, and Stylish. The Final Countdown – Launch on May 23, 2023
    Indian manufacturer, Simple Energy has begun production of its highly anticipated Simple One eScooter. The first Simple One unit rolled out today at the Tamil Nadu manufacturing facility. Official launch is scheduled on May 23, 2023.
    One of the most significant features of Simple One is its extended ride range, which addresses the common issue of range anxiety. By offering one of the most extensive ranges among electric two-wheelers, Simple Energy presents a major selling point. An aspect that fans faster adoption of electric vehicles in India.
    Simplify Your Life with Simple Energy’s Simple One eScooter
    Customers have been eagerly waiting for the Simple One. By month end, they will finally have access to its advanced features and benefits. This includes an advanced battery pack that meets the highest safety standards. The company refers to Simple One as the safest e-scooter available on the market.
    By prioritising safety in design and production of the battery pack, Simple Energy provides a trustworthy option for customers. This can be an instant hit with customers who factor in safety in their purchase decisions.
    Simple One electric scooter production starts
    A New Era of Sustainable Transportation: Simple Energy’s Simple One eScooter Set to Launch
    Simple One also boasts several advanced features that set it apart from its competitors. They include faster speeds, improved aesthetics, advanced battery systems, and powertrains that meet the highest safety standards. This combination of features offers a sustainable transportation option. It also addresses common concerns related to electric vehicles such as safety, performance, and range.
    Committed to being a frontrunner in India’s EV, and clean energy industry, Simple Energy lays emphasis on research and development. The company plans to expand its product line and introduce more sustainable transportation options to the Indian market. A move that helps meet rising demand for electric vehicles while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns rising from traditional fossil-fueled transportation. The Indian e2W industry has reported several months of sales uptick in recent times.
    Simple One: The Two-Wheeler That Will Make You Say Goodbye to Gas
    For customers who’ve waited for long, Simple One eScooter is presented as a sustainable transportation option. With launch near, it’ll soon be clear what sets Simple One apart from its competitors.
    Customers will receive detailed information about delivery schedules soon. Alongside, the showcase will detail specs and features. Considering the strong customer support the brand has relied on through its extended delay in launch, One can expect much activity by month end. More

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    Honda Shine 100 Vs Splendor Vs Platina – Best 100cc Motorcycle?

    Honda Shine 100Newest entrant in this space is Honda Shine 100 and it undercuts both Hero Splendor and Bajaj Platina in terms of pricing
    Prospect of a 100cc offering is an enticing one. In the recent past, 100cc motorcycles have gotten better. So much so that 110cc and 125cc motorcycles are playing catch-up. This is why recently spotted Hero Passion Xpro might not be launching in India. Honda aims to make it big in this highly competitive 100cc segment with the new Shine 100.
    Is it the new best budget motorcycle? Does it have what it takes to take on Hero MotoCorp with 3 lakh+ 100cc motorcycles sold monthly? Honda Shine 100 costs Rs. 64,900, undercutting Bajaj Platina 100 costing Rs. 65,856 and Splendor+ XTEC costing Rs. 78,251. That said, regular Splendor+ without XTEC starts from Rs. 73,481 and 100cc rudimentary HF line starts from Rs. 57,238 (all prices ex-sh, Delhi).
    Honda Shine 100 Vs Rivals – Pricing is half the picture
    Shine 100 boasts a price advantage. But one look at the specifications and features list along with experience-enhancing attributes is enough to understand why Splendor sells as much. For starters, Splendor+ generates the highest power at 7.91 bhp and is a fairly high-revving engine too. Platina 100 is torquiest at 8.3 Nm.
    All three motorcycles get kick and electric self-starter options along with a 4-speed gearbox. Honda is yet to reveal fuel efficiency figures, while Splendor+ and Platina 100 claim ARAI fuel efficiency figures of 70 and 75 km/l respectively. Splendor+ is the only one to get stop/start tech. Dimensions are close to each other. But Platina 100 is the longest, tallest and has the longest wheelbase and highest ground clearance at 200mm. Widest of this bunch is Shine 100.
    Honda Shine 100 Vs Hero Splendor Vs Bajaj Platina 100
    Because of its 200mm ground clearance, Platina 100 has the tallest heat height too. Also, Platina 100 gets the largest fuel tank at 11L and it is by far the heaviest at 117 kg. Shine 100 weighs just 99 kg. Even though all motorcycles get alloy wheels, Splendor+ is the only one to offer tubeless tyres and wheel size is 18” too, as opposed to 17” on Shine 100 and Platina 100.
    None offer disc brake option, but Hero equips both front and rear with larger 130mm drum brake, while others get a 110m drum at the rear. Conventional telescopic suspension at front and twin shock absorbers at the rear are common between all three.
    Most feature-loaded among 100cc motorcycles
    Halogen bulbs in headlights, tail lights and turn indicators are common practices in this segment and price point. That said, LED DRLs are a trendy and new addition to this space. Both Splendor+ and Platina 100 get it, while Shine 100 doesn’t. Platina 100 and Shine 100 lack digital instrumentation even as an option. While Splendor+ XTEC offers a fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity as well.
    Honda Shine 100 Colours
    Splendor+ is the only one to offer a USB charging socket too. Honda Shine 100 and Splendor+ get a side stand indicator with an engine cutoff feature as well. Additionally, Splendor+ gets a bank angle sensor that will turn off the engine when the motorcycle falls, which is a nice touch. Given that Hero’s 100cc offerings are both the most affordable and the most feature-rich, there is a motorcycle for everyone. Despite new opponents, Hero MotoCorp is likely to dominate this 100cc space for a long time. More