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    in Bike

    RE Bobber 650, Himalayan 450 Spied Together – Cruising At 100+ Kmph

    New products like Bobber 650 and Himalayan 450 will help Royal Enfield maintain its dominance in middleweight motorcycle segmentRoyal Enfield Bobber 650 and Himalayan 450 spied togetherEven with more than 85% market share in middleweight segment, Royal Enfield doesn’t seem to be infected by a complacency bug. On the contrary, the Chennai-based manufacturer is working aggressively by launching new products at regular intervals. This approach has become all the more necessary with availability of new rival products such as those launched by the likes of Honda, Jawa, Yezdi and TVS. In the future, Royal Enfield is likely to face new challengers from Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj as well.Over the next five years, Royal Enfield will be launching an average of one new product every quarter. Things seem to be going as per plans so far, as Scram 411 and Hunter 350 have already been launched this year. Other upcoming Royal Enfield bikes include Himalayan 450 and Bobber 650, which were recently spotted on road test by happinessperkm.Himalayan 450 featuresHimalayan 450 has undergone some major transformations, helping achieve a design that’s a lot more pleasing to the eyes. As compared to the sharp profile used for Himalayan 411, new Himalayan has a more rounded appearance. While Himalayan 411 is hard to miss on the streets, new Himalayan 450 has a more agreeable design that can easily blend in the crowded streets.Another key change can be seen in the design of racks, which also get a rounded appearance. Rear racks seem to be missing on the test mule, which indicates that some of these components could be made optional. They could be offered as an accessory via the company’s MIY personalization platform. It makes sense, as not everyone may be planning long-distance touring on Himalayan 450.[embedded content][embedded content]Other changes that are evident include new fuel tank design, single-piece saddle, compact exhaust and longer front beak. Retro bits are largely the same such as round headlamp and rear view mirrors and wire-spoke wheels. Most significant upgrade will be the new 450cc motor, which is likely to generate around 40 bhp of max power and 45 Nm of peak torque.Bobber 650 featuresFor wide open roads, Royal Enfield Bobber 650 seems like the perfect cruising machine. Its large size exudes powerful vibes and the bulk keeps it firmly planted on the tarmac. Even when cruising at high speeds, absolutely no turbulence or vibrations are noticeable. Some key features of Bobber 650 include round headlamp and rear view mirrors, classic tear-drop shaped fuel tank, single-piece seat, dual chrome exhaust, broad rear mudguard and circular tail lamp and turn signals.Bobber 650 is equipped with dual instrument dials, something similar to that of Meteor 350. The smaller unit on the right is likely to be Tripper navigation screen. The bike has a comfortable riding stance with pulled back handlebar and forward-set footpegs. USD forks at front will make the rides a lot safer. While the test mule does not have a visor, it could be offered as an accessory.Powering Bobber 650 will be the 648cc parallel twin motor that makes 47.5 PS and 52 Nm. It is mated to a constant mesh 6-speed transmission. It is possible that some engine retuning may be done in line with Bobber 650’s cruising needs. The bike is expected to be launched at a price of around Rs 3 lakh to Rs 3.5 lakh. More

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    in Electric Cars

    Mahindra Electric SUVs To Get Volkswagen Battery System, Electric Drivetrain

    Mahindra’s new INGLO platform means that it is IN-dian by heart and is GLO-bal in standardsMahindra INGLO Platform for upcoming Electric SUVs. Image – Thomas SchmallMahindra electric SUVs under BE range and XUV range will dominate Indian 4-wheeled EV space in the near future. While most manufacturers offer downgraded products in India when compared to global-spec models, Mahindra is aiming to offer global-spec cars right from the get go. That’s what GLO in INGLO signifies.But what is this INGLO platform? How is it global-spec worthy? Is it really designed by Mahindra? Did Mahindra only source the LFP battery cells or the entire powertrain? Is upcoming XUV400 electric based on INGLO? Well, hold your horses. We’ll break it down for ya.Mahindra Electric SUVTake a guess at what is common between Audi’s Q4 e-tron, Q4 Sportback e-tron, Q5 e-tron and Cupra’s Born, upcoming Urban Rebel and Tavascan, Skoda’s Enyaq iV, Enyaq Coupe iV and Volkswagen’s ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.6, ID. Buzz, and ID. Buzz Cargo? Not just them, Ford’s upcoming two electric crossovers for the old continent (Europe) and also Mahindra’s XUV.e8, XUV.e9, BE.05, BE.07 and lastly, BE.09.On the surface, you can immediately say that all of them are EVs. You’re half right. Under the skin, they all have the same MEB platform developed by Volkswagen. MEB platform or Modularer E-Antriebs-Baukasten is a modular and scalable EV platform developed by VW Group. MEB platform was made available to other manufacturers to procure under licensing and Mahindra is the second customer after Ford.Volkswagen plans to provide Mahindra with Electric Drivetrain as well as Battery SystemThere are two types of MEB platforms, one for passenger cars and the other for UVs that can take heavier cargo like pickup trucks or LCVs. Mahindra has revealed that they are using MEB components sourced from Volkswagen. But they aren’t specifying what exactly are the components used on new Mahindra electric SUV range.VW Group Board of Management member and CEO of VW Group Components, Thomas Schmall, revealed that VW Group is providing Mahindra with electric drives, battery systems and also VW’s unified cells. He also revealed that they have partnered up with Mahindra to supply MEB components to over a million (10 lakh) vehicles over the platform’s lifetime.What Do MEB Components Include?Schmall says that VW will explore further potential areas of cooperation with Mahindra including vehicle projects, local cell manufacturing and charging solutions such as VW’s Flexpoles too as a broader strategic alliance to accelerate the electrification of the Indian automotive market is the common goal for both the companies.Mahindra INGLO SUVs Powered By Volkswagen Battery System, Electric DrivetrainGoing by Schmall’s statement, Mahindra has procured electric drives, battery systems and unified cells. Electric drives mean that Mahindra seems to have obtained APP310 motor which is VW’s proprietary PMDC motor which MEB platform supports. The number 310 means that it will have 310 Nm of peak torque.It also gets a 1-speed gearbox handling all of the motor’s speed range. Along with this gearbox, APP310 motor only weighs 90 kg. Coming to battery systems, means a complete energy storage system. It includes all the battery modules along with the individual battery cells, BMS (Battery Management System), integrated thermal sensing and monitoring systems and also the algorithms and software. Mahindra may have procured some or all of these.Lastly, unified cells are again VW’s proprietary prismatic battery platform. It boasts three main chemistries within, they are LFP based for entry-level vehicles, Manganese based for high-volume vehicles and Nickel based for premium and high-end cars. Mahindra has revealed that they have procured LFP cells.Implications Of Mahindra-VW Venture In IndiaVW-Mahindra cooperation comes as a massive boost to the future of Indian electric four-wheeler market as it facilitates localization of one of the most important modular global EV architectures. Global technology benefited from attractive Indian cost structure will emerge as a highly competitive package for both domestic and international markets.Moreover, we hope to see a whole array of locally produced MEB-based Skoda and VW models at the right price bracket in the medium term once Mahindra is done setting up its supply chain system for critical components. Synergies between the two in vehicle projects could further make things interesting. Looking at Mahindra, other manufacturers are also likely to at least consider VW’s cost-effective, modular and scalable MEB EV platform.  More

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    in Motor News

    Ford Maverick Ready for Overlanding with $7700 GFC Platform Camper

    Aftermarket supplier GFC has designed a platform camper specifically for the Ford Maverick that costs $7700.The platform camper features a 7.5-foot-tall, pop-up living area and a 50-inch-by-90-inch sleeping surface with a foam mattress.GFC says the entire unit weighs 255 pounds and fits within the outline of the Maverick’s truck bed.The Ford Maverick is an excellent little pickup truck, with a useful 4.5-foot cargo box and an affordable price tag that starts just north of $22,000. Now, aftermarket supplier GFC gives Maverick owners the opportunity to pursue their overlanding fantasies with a new $7700 platform camper.Specifically designed for Ford’s tiniest truck, the GFC platform camper has a sleep surface that measures 50 inches wide and 90 inches long. Along with a two-layer foam mattress, it also features a 7.5-foot-tall, pop-up living space. All of this fits within the outline of the truck’s bed, and—measured above the roof-mounted antenna—it adds 6.5 inches to the Maverick’s overall height when closed.

    GFC

    What’s also neat about the GFC camper is that it has a modular floor with a removable section that creates a pass-through so you can stand in the truck bed and use the other section as a desk. Plus, the roof itself is made of a translucent composite material that’s said to reflect the sun and turn direct light into diffuse light. Likewise, GFC says it provides insulation, too. If people want to hang items such as an awning or lights, the platform has racks that extend from the aluminum frame. There are also three separate side panels that can be individually raised and locked.

    GFC

    How heavy is the add-on camper unit? GFC says it weighs 255 pounds. Subtract that from the Maverick’s 1500-pound payload rating, and owners can use the remaining 1245-pound capacity for camping gear or whatever else they want. GFC also says the roof of the platform can support up to 500 pounds, and the camper portion can be opened as long as it’s supporting 75 pounds or less.For those looking to buy a GFC platform camper for their Maverick, the company says it can be available as soon as eight weeks. GFC also offers to install the camper at its facility in Bozeman, Montana, but it’s unclear if that costs extra. A GFC spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to our request for clarification. For those who want it shipped and installed on-site within the next six months, they’ll have to pay $750 if they live in the west region, $850 in the midwest, and $1000 in the east, and fuel costs can affect that price, per the company’s website.
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    in Motor News

    Ford Mustang Mach-E Price Up $3000 to $8100 as Order Banks Reopen

    Citing “significant material cost increases” and “rapidly evolving market conditions,” Ford announced increased pricing on the 2023 model year Mustang Mach-E as order banks reopen for the popular EV.There are some added features to come with the price increase, notably two new color choices, newly standard driver-assist technology, and a small increase in range.Orders for the 2023 Mach-E will reopen on Tuesday, August 30. Customers with unscheduled orders for 2022 models will be offered conversion to a 2023 model order.Ford announced updated pricing for the Mustang Mach-E, which will see increases across the lineup. The entry-level Select RWD trim level equipped with standard range will increase by $3000, while the top-end GT AWD trim equipped with the extended-range battery will increase by $7900. Destination charges have been raised by $200. According to a release from Ford, starting this fall, Premium models equipped with all-wheel drive will see EPA-estimated range figures increase by 13 miles to an estimated 290 miles. During our 75 mph highway range test, which we conducted prior to this update, the Mach-E with the long-range battery made it 250 miles on a single charge.

    Ford

    Ford is bringing two new colors to the lineup, Carbonized Gray Metallic and Vapor Blue Metallic, which replace outgoing Dark Matter Gray Metallic and Iced Blue Silver Metallic. The Nite Pony package will also be available to order for Premium models with the extended battery and for GT Performance edition Mach-Es. As partial recompense for the increased price, Ford is adding the Co-Pilot360 driver assist package as a standard suite of features throughout the Mach-E lineup. Co-Pilot360 includes safety features including precollision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping, and auto high-beams. The Select trim model will gain access to a 90-day trial period of BlueCruise hands-free driving, but the owner will need to pay to enable it beyond that 90-day period.
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    in Motor News

    Video: We Had a Close Call While Driving the 2023 Ferrari Daytona SP3

    Perhaps the greatest advancement of the modern Ferrari is that you don’t need to drive it a billion miles per hour in order to enjoy it. While superlative speeds are easily accessible with an 829-hp V-12 and relatively low weight of the 2023 Ferrari Daytona SP3, reaching for them brings considerable danger to your license, if not the safety of everyone on the road around you.

    This video comes from our recent review of the SP3 in the Netherlands, where we drove for a few hours on public roads before heading to Circuit Zandvoort, home of the Dutch Grand Prix, for a handful of low-speed laps. The generally flat topography of the country and the immense popularity of biking there mean that opportunities for speed are few and ill advised. That’s not to say the drive was uneventful. Straight as the roads may be, they are also narrow. And often used by tractors. The SP3’s 80.7-inch width makes it wider than a Ford F-150, and this combination led to several exceptionally close encounters, one of which is shown at the beginning of this video. Fortunately, the encounters never went past close. And though the speeds remained low, we found much to enjoy from the SP3’s steering, engine response, and ride quality. Watch the video for more details and read our review for more information. More

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    in Motor News

    Kia EV9 SUV Shown Testing ahead of Early 2023 Debut

    Kia announced the reveal of the EV9 electric SUV will happen in the first quarter of 2023.Kia has yet to confirm that the EV9 will come to the U.S., but we believe it will.New images show the production EV9 testing in camouflage, and it looks very similar to the concept shown in 2021.UPDATE 8/25/22, 4:25 p.m.: Kia confirmed to Car and Driver that the EV9 will go on sale in the United States in the second half of 2023.This spring, Kia confirmed that the EV9 concept first seen at the Los Angeles auto show in November 2021 would go into production sometime in 2023. Now the Korean automaker has revealed that the electric full-size crossover will have its global debut in the first quarter of next year. Kia also published a series of photos of the production EV9 undergoing testing.

    Kia

    Kia has yet to confirm that the EV9 will be available in the United States. Since it’s a large SUV and because the concept was unveiled at an American auto show, we believe the EV9 will make it stateside, although it will likely go on sale in Europe first. We have reached out to Kia for comment and will update this story if we receive a confirmation.

    The new images show the EV9 testing at Kia’s Namyang R&D facility in South Korea. Kia says the EV9 has gone up against a four-wheel-drive climbing hill, rough terrain track, deep-water wading test, and a cobblestone road to evaluate ride comfort. The EV9 has also been assessed on a high-speed circuit and tracks that test the handling in low-friction scenarios. While we can only see the front end of the EV9, it looks very similar to the concept, with vertical headlights and two horizontal trim pieces. The body itself is less chunky than the concept’s, but the upwards kink on the window line has carried over. Kia says that the EV9 will become the brand’s flagship model when it arrives in 2023.
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    in Bike

    New Bajaj CT125X Launch Price Rs 71k – Rs 5k More Than CT110X

    Although Bajaj has 125cc Pulsar, a dedicated 125cc commuter will have better capabilities against rivals like Hero Super Splendor and Honda CB ShineImage – Auto Travel TechEarlier, Bajaj used to have 125cc commuters such as Discover 125 and XCD125. However, these were discontinued due to stricter emission norms. Bajaj does sell Discover in international markets, but it’s not available here. While Bajaj has done well to trim its portfolio, somehow the 125cc commuter segment was given a miss.With 125cc commuter bikes registering strong growth, Bajaj is looking to make a re-entry into this space. The company’s newest commuter is CT125X, which has now been launched. It has also started arriving at dealerships.While it stays focused on utility, Bajaj CT125X also packs in some sporty, premium features. An optimal blend of utility and aesthetics ensures a unique profile and allows improved competencies against rivals.Bajaj CT125X featuresCore design philosophy for CT125X is quite the same as used for CT 110X. Several of the features are common across both bikes. It includes the round headlamp, metal guards on the headlamp and fork gaiters for a sportier look and feel, V-shaped DRL, compact visor, rubber tank pads for extra comfort, large belly pan for engine protection and strong side crash guard with rubber grips.New Bajaj CT125X LaunchIn terms of utility, the bike has a dedicated rack at the rear. The flat seat design seems comfy and could also double up as a platform to carry some extra load. Another utility comes in the form of a USB charging port, which is located in the cockpit area. A cover has been provided for the USB port, which should keep it safe from dust, water and humidity.The bike has been equipped with a conventional dual dial analogue instrument console. It has a halogen headlamp, turn signals and tail lamp. Suspension system comprises standard telescopic forks at front and dual rear shock absorbers. While drum brakes will be standard, there could be variants with front disc and rear drum combo.Bajaj CT125X performanceIn domestic market, Bajaj currently has only Pulsar in 125cc segment. Its commuter range has Platina 100cc and 110cc and CT110X. Engine used for Bajaj CT125X is the same as that of Pulsar 125 and Pulsar NS125. The 124.4cc, twin spark motor generates 11.8 PS of max power at 8,500 rpm and 10.8 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.Like earlier commuters from Bajaj, CT125X is among the most affordable in its segment. The bike seems to have potential and could emerge as a formidable rival in this space. It is priced from Rs 71,354, ex-sh Delhi. This is about Rs 5k more than its 110cc sibling CT110X.  It will be interesting to see how much of an impact CT125X has in this space, in relation to other 125cc commuters such as Honda Shine, Hero Glamour, Hero Super Splendor and Honda SP 125. More

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    in Bike

    ETryst 350 Electric Motorcycle Launch Price Rs 1.55 L – Range 140 Km

    Pure ETRYST 350 offers a top speed of 85 km/h and is capable of a 140 km range on single chargePureEV ETryst Electric Motorcycle LaunchedPure EV, better known for its EPluto 7G electric scooter, has launched its first electric motorcycle in the country. Called Etryst 350, this is a part of the company’s Make-in-India policy and it goes on to become its flagship motorcycle.Designed, developed and manufactured in India at the company’s plant in Hyderabad, the new ETRYST 350 is priced at Rs 1,54,999 (ex-showroom). Currently being offered on sale only across metros and Tier I cities in India, the new electric motorcycle will later go on sale through each of the company’s 100 dealerships across India.Pure ETRYST 350Pure ETRYST 300 motorcycle was initially slated for launch in August 2021. The situation prevalent in the country at that time caused delays. However, exactly one year later, this new electric motorcycle has been launched in India to stake its claim among some of the more established offerings in this segment.Pure ETRYST 350 is an all-electric motorcycle. It commands a top speed of 85 km/h, offers a range of 140 kms on full charge and its 3.5 kWh battery, which is AIS 156 compliant, is capable of power and torque on par with premium ICE motorcycles on sale in India. The battery has also been developed in-house by Pure EV.PureEV ETryst Electric Motorcycle LaunchedDesigned to take on tough road conditions, the ETRYST 350 adapts well to terrain across the country. It is ideally suited for daily commutes and will compete well with other existing 150 cc premium ICE motorcycles currently on sale in India. Pure EV is offering the new ETRYST 350 with a 5 year/50,000 km warranty for its battery. It targets a younger generation of buyers in the country who not only seek a more economical and high performance mode of travel but also care for the environment.PureEV ETryst Electric Motorcycle LaunchedPure ETRYST 300 electric motorcycle is offered in a choice of 3 colours – Red, Black and Blue. It will find itself competing with the other popular electric motorcycles currently on sale in India. These include Revolt RV400 (Rs. 1.24 Lakh), Tork Kratos (Rs. 1.22 Lakh) and Oben Rorr (Rs. 1.02 Lakh) besides the Kabira Mobility KM 3000 (Rs. 1.26 Lakh).Pure EV Sales in IndiaPure EV was at N0. 6 on the list of electric vehicle sales in H1 2022 after Okinawa, Hero Electric, Ola, Ampere and Ather. It saw sales of 9,531 units during the months of January to June 2022 with a 3.96 percent market share. Its flagship PURE EPluto 7G premium electric scooter has contributed most numbers to total sales.This high speed scooter comes in at a base price of Rs 88,874 (ex-showroom). It is offered in a total of 6 colour options and gets its power via a 1.5kW nominal and 2.2kW peak BLDC motor powered by a 60V 2.5kWh portable battery. It is capable of a top speed of 60 km/h and a range of 90-120 kms. It gets disc and drum brakes at the front and rear respectively along with an electronic assisted braking system. PURE EV EPluto 7G competes against the likes of Okinawa Praise and Ampere Magnus Pro. More