More stories

  • in

    Porsche 911 GT3 RS Honors Carrera RS 2.7 with Special Edition

    Porsche will offer a special version of the new 2023 911 GT3 RS called the “Tribute to Carrera RS” package.It is painted in white and has Python Green accents, along with other visual touches.This will be offered only in the U.S. as part of the Exclusive Manufaktur customization program.Porsche loves to play up its rich heritage, and the newest version of the just-revealed 911 GT3 RS is meant to do just that. Called the Tribute to Carrera RS package, this special edition is visually inspired by the 1970s-era Carrera RS 2.7 that was the first RS-badged 911.

    To that end, the new GT3 RS is finished in white paint and has its wheels, side mirrors, and a few other exterior elements painted in Python Green. There’s also a large green stripe on the side with “GT3 RS” script in a slightly modernized version of the “Carrera” font from the original. The giant rear wing has “RS” logos in green on each end. The interior matches the white and green theme as well, with different stitching and other painted trim pieces.

    Porsche

    Porsche will offer this option only in the U.S. market, which it says is the “second home” of the 911. It’ll be part of the Exclusive Manufaktur customization program, and although Porsche hasn’t yet provided a price, we imagine it won’t be a cheap option on top of the GT3 RS’s $225,250 starting price (before gas-guzzler tax). It should be rare, too, as Porsche says it will have limited availability. More

  • in

    2023 Kia EV6 GT Confirmed for U.S. with 577 HP

    The Kia EV6 GT will go on sale in the U.S. later this year.It has 577 horsepower and an upgraded chassis to provide better performance than lesser versions of the EV.Kia claims it will get to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and that its top speed is 161 mph. The Kia EV6 is about to gain a far more powerful variant called the GT. With 577 horsepower, all-wheel-drive, and some heady performance claims, it will sit at the top of the EV6 lineup above the Light, Wind, and GT-Line trims. This model also likely previews much of what the upcoming N version of the related Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will offer. We’ve already driven the EV6 GT in Europe, and now we have confirmation of its U.S. specs ahead of its arrival on our shores later this year.

    Kia

    The EV6 GT’s front and rear electric motors provide a total of 577 horsepower and 546 pound-feet of torque. That’s a whole lot more than the current most powerful version of the EV6, the 320-hp dual-motor version. That model already got to 60 mph in an impressive 4.5 seconds in our testing, but the GT will be quicker still, and faster on the top end. Kia claims that the EV6 GT will get to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and go on to a top speed of 161 mph.

    The increased focus on power and performance hurts the EV6 GT’s range estimate, which sits at a paltry 206 miles. It has the same 77.4-kWh battery pack as other versions, but that’s 104 miles less than the longest-range version of the EV, the rear-wheel-drive Long Range model, EPA-rated at 310 miles. Even the EV6’s base model, the rear-wheel-drive version with the smaller 58.0-kWh battery pack, outpaces the GT with its 232-mile range rating.

    Kia

    Adaptive dampers, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, and larger front and rear brakes are standard on the GT. 21-inch wheels are wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, although Kia hasn’t specified if they’re summer tires or all-season rubber. There’s also a special set of drive modes that includes a Drift mode that directs more power to the rear wheels for powersliding antics. There are also newly available artificial sounds meant to make the EV’s soundtrack more dramatic.Inside, the main differences include sport seats, neon-green accents, and GT logos. The front and rear ends also have a slightly different look, although the GT isn’t all that easy to distinguish from the less powerful GT-Line version that also benefits from appearance tweaks over lesser models.

    Kia

    Kia hasn’t yet announced pricing for the GT, but we reckon it will start at over $60,000 given that a GT-Line costs $57,695. It will arrive at U.S. dealerships in the fourth quarter of this year.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. 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. More

  • in

    2023 Bajaj Pulsar N125 Spied – New 125cc Rival To Raider, Glamour

    After launching the new gen versions of Pulsar N250 and N160, Bajaj is now getting ready to launch N125 new gen2023 Bajaj Pulsar N125 SpiedBajaj is on the verge of restructuring the company’s Pulsar lineup. Launch of Pulsar F250, N250 and more recently the N160, reflects this. Bajaj has filed new trademarks for Pulsar Eleganz, Pulsar Elan and Twinner in India.Now, we have managed to get our hands on spy shots of Pulsar N125 under testing with heavy camouflage. A total of two test mules were spied together. They were spotted testing in Alibaug, Maharashtra, credits to Bhargav Mhatre. Let’s take a look at the new updates.2023 Bajaj Pulsar N125 SpiedFrom the looks of it, we can speculate that it is the Pulsar N125. We say this because it looks like it has a smaller 125cc mill. This engine might be shared with Pulsar 125 and Pulsar NS125. The engine also looks like it is only air-cooled as it doesn’t have any oil-cooling equipment installed on the motorcycle. It is expected to make around 11.6 bhp of power and 10.8 Nm of torque.In terms of looks, it looks similar to the recently launched Pulsar N160 and the bigger N250. As a result, the fuel tank and muscular shrouds look like they are identical to bigger Pulsar N250’s proportions making it look macho. The tail section is reminiscent of the Pulsar N160 and N250 with twin LED tail lights. But it gets an old-fashioned grab handle instead of the split unit on the former.2023 Bajaj Pulsar N125 SpiedOther similarities with Pulsar N160 include the same instrument cluster, projector headlight, LED DRLs, handlebars, turn indicators, mirrors, and a lot more. What about differences? You might ask. There are a few. Apart from a single-piece grab handle, Pulsar N125 test mule gets a single-piece seat, a small cowl above the instrument cluster, drum brake at the rear, skinny rear tyre, and a telescopic front suspension and not a lot more.The rider on the test bike seems to have a neutral seating position. Rider’s footpegs seem to be centrally set. This will provide an excellent rider’s triangle for city commutes as well as the occasional highway cruise.Launch Plans?Bajaj Auto seems to be expanding its 125cc portfolio. We recently spotted new CT 125X at a showroom recently. Then they have the Pulsar 125 and Pulsar NS125. At the pricier end of their 125cc range, we will get this, Pulsar N125, which might replace the existing Pulsar NS125. More info regarding this will be provided by Bajaj Auto in the coming months.Pulsar 125 is the second-highest selling 125cc motorcycle in India after the Honda Shine 125. But as seen in the sales charts, Pulsar’s 125cc lineup is declining slightly on MoM basis. Pulsar N125 might be enough to jump-start it back up, right? Exact pricing is not yet known. But Pulsar N125 is likely to cost around the same as NS125. When launched, it will compete with Honda CB Shine, TVS Raider, Hero Glamour and the likes. Pulsar N125 is likely to launch in 2023. More

  • in

    Top 10 Two Wheelers July 2022 – Splendor, Activa, Pulsar, Jupiter

    Two wheeler sales in July 2022 picked up pace posting an increase of 27.92 percent on a YoY basisImage – RyT 2 KNOwTop 10 two wheeler sales in July 2022 showed some improvement both on a YoY and MoM basis. Sales increased to 9,98,599 units in July 2022, up from 7,81,242 units sold in July 2021. This was a 2,17,357 unit volume growth. Sales of top 10 two wheelers in June 2022 had stood at 7,90,346 units relating to a 2,08,253 unit volume growth.There have been several factors that have been promoting this growth over the past few months as economic activity steers ahead across the country. There has been a marked improvement in supply chains while normal monsoons, increase in rural activity and the upcoming festive season have also had a major role to play in improving the sentiments of buyers.Top 10 Two Wheeler Sales July 2022Out of the 10 best-selling two wheeler models, 6 posted a YoY de-growth while 4 bikes saw a notable YoY growth. Leading the list was Hero Splendor with 2,50,409 units sold in the past month. This was a 0.15 percent YoY de-growth over 2,50,794 units sold in July 2021. Hero Splendor commanded a 25.08 percent market share. In July 2022, the company has introduced the Splendor Canvas Black Edition at Rs 77,430 which will boost sales of this model even further.Honda Activa was at No. 2. Sales increased 31.21 percent to 2,13,807 units from 1,62,956 units sold in July 2021. This was a 50,851 unit volume growth with the Activa commanding a 21.41 percent share. Honda has also launched the Activa Premium Edition at Rs 75,400.Top 10 Two Wheelers July 2022Next in line was the Honda CB Shine. Sales dipped 1.26 percent on a YoY basis in July 2022 to 1,14,663 units, down from 1,16,128 units sold in July 2021. Currently holding a 11.48 percent share, the CB Shine continues to be the top selling 125cc bike in the country.Bajaj Pulsar, Hero HF Deluxe, TVS JupiterTop 10 2W sales list also included the Bajaj Pulsar at No. 4 posting a 56.55 percent YoY growth to 1,01,905 units in July 2022, up from 65,094 units sold in July 2021. This was a 36,811 unit volume growth. Marking an 8.33 percent YoY de-growth, Hero HF Deluxe saw sales of 97,451 units in the past month, down from 1,06,304 units sold in July 2021.TVS Jupiter at No. 6 had a 62.52 percent YoY increase in sales in July 2022 to 62,094 units, from 38,209 units sold in July 2021. The Jupiter holds a 6.22 percent share on this list and the Jupiter along with the Ntorq continued to be best-selling scooters from TVS. Sales of the Bajaj Platina also dipped YoY to 48,484 units in July 2022, down 11.21 percent as against 54,606 units sold in July 2021. In July 2022, Bajaj Auto increased prices across range and the Platina is now priced from Rs 66,298 to Rs 69,216.Top 10 2WheelersJul-22Jul-21Growth % YoY1. Hero Splendor2,50,4092,50,794-0.152. Honda Activa2,13,8071,62,95631.213. Honda CB Shine1,14,6631,16,128-1.264. Bajaj Pulsar1,01,90565,09456.555. Hero HF Deluxe97,4511,06,304-8.336. TVS Jupiter62,09438,20962.517. Bajaj Platina48,48454,606-11.218. Suzuki Access41,44046,985-11.809. Honda Dio36,22920,60475.8310. TVS XL32,11749,279-34.83Total9,98,5997,81,24227.82Sales also dipped YoY for the Suzuki Access scooter with an 11.80 percent YoY de-growth to 41,440 units sold in the past month, down from 46,985 units sold in July 2021. It was followed by the Honda Dio scooter which has posted the most growth as compared to any other model on this list. Sales stood at 36,229 units in July 2022, up 75.83 percent from 20,604 units sold in July 2021.Trailing the list at No 10 was the TVS XL with a 34.83 percent YoY de-growth to 32,117 units in July 2022, down from 49,279 units sold in July 2021 leading to a dip in volumes by 17,162 units. More

  • in

    New Ola S1 Electric Scooter Vs S1 PRO, Ather, Chetak, iQube – Specs

    Ola S1 gets the same frame, body, design, most of its features, and other hardware as the pricier S1 ProOla S1 Electric ScooterOla has had one of the most successful electric scooter lineups. When we say lineups, we mean S1 and S1 pro electric scooters that were supposed to launch on 15th August last year. But when reality struck, Ola resorted to just launching S1 Pro and slating S1 for another date. Ola did this in an attempt to first sell its flagship feature-loaded product to create a baseline and to draw more customers.That another date came exactly a year after S1 Pro was launched in India and in yesterday’s event, S1 was launched. Due to rise in production costs, Ola S1 Pro now costs around Rs. 1.4 lakh depending upon the city and state government subsidies. So, a Rs. 1 lakh electric scooter was paramount for Ola as competition from Ather, TVS, Chetak and Simple Energy is intensifying by the day. Hence Ola S1 launched.Heck, even Honda is coming to this electric scooter segment with an Electric Activa. Honda’s entry into this segment will definitely disrupt it. Because of its battery swapping tech, Honda’s electric scooter would cost significantly less as batteries are rented and not owned. Also, the battery can be swapped to a fully charged one in a minute.Ola S1 Vs RivalsAt a passing glance, S1 is virtually indistinguishable from S1 Pro. But S1 Pro gets a large 3.9 kWh battery while S1 only makes do with a 3 kWh pack. The motor still makes the same 5.5 kW peak power and 58 Nm torque. But with the smaller battery, range is also reduced. S1 can now cover 141 km while S1 Pro is certified with 181 km. This is nothing when compared to up to 300 km on Simple One. Both iQube and 450X gen 3 offer around 140 km certified range while Chetak only gets 95 km.New Ola S1 Vs RivalsDespite the arrival of Simple One, both S1 and S1 Pro still make the highest continuous power of this comparo at 5,500W. Followed by TVS iQube rated at 4,400W and Chetak at 4,080W. In terms of rated power, Ather is middle of the road at 3,300W. When it comes to peak torque, though, Simple One absolutely decimates its rivals with 72 Nm. Followed by 58 Nm with both S1 and S1 Pro, 33 Nm of iQube, 26 Nm of 450X gen3 and lastly, we have Chetak with just 16 Nm.New Ola S1 Vs RivalsWhen it comes to flexing battery sizes, there’s no beating Simple One and iQube as both of their battery packs cross the 4 kWh mark. Simple One gets a 3.3 kWh fixed battery as well as an optional removable 1.5 kWh battery too taking the total capacity to 4.8 kWh. Top-spec iQube gets a fixed 4.56 kWh battery. Followed by S1 Pro with 3.9 kWh, 450X gen 3 with 3.7 kWh. While both Chetak and S1 get a 3 kWh battery pack.Speed & SpecsThe comparo doesn’t end there. Even though the Simple One has the most torque, it is not the fastest. That crown still goes to Ola S1 Pro which can touch 115 km/h. Then comes Simple One with 105 km/h followed by S1 with 90 km/h, iQube with 82 km/h, while both 450X gen3 and Chetak can touch 80 km/h.New Ola S1 Vs RivalsWhen we look at the weight, Chetak is the heaviest at 132 kg, followed by iQube with 128 kg, both Ola S1 and S1 Pro weigh around 125 kg and then comes 450X weighing at 111.6 kg and Simple One being the lightest at 110 kg. Of this bunch, Chetak seems to be the most uninspiring as it doesn’t get any gizmos that others get and also is lagging behind rivals in almost every aspect. Prices for EVs vary from city to city and state subsidies which vary across states. Visit the company’s websites for final pricing. More

  • in

    Acura Will Bring Back the ZDX Name for Its First EV

    Acura has announced that its first electric vehicle will be named ZDX.It’s a joint venture with General Motors and powered by Ultium batteries.The Acura ZDX features styling cues from the Precision EV concept.Acura is on a revival kick as of late, resurrecting the cherished Integra title for its compact sedan after a 20-year hiatus. Now Acura is at it again as it dusts off an unlikely nameplate for its first electric model: the ZDX. Built from 2010 to 2013, the original ZDX was a delightful, impractical oddball that struggled to find an audience. While it rode on an SUV chassis, its cargo space was extremely compromised by its swoopy fastback proportions.

    Cognizant of this legacy, Acura stressed that this new ZDX would provide versatility and utility that’s more in line with the current Acura RDX and MDX SUVs. Though no photos yet exist of the ZDX, its styling and proportions will borrow heavily from the Precision EV concept, an MDX-sized vehicle that features a spacious, upright greenhouse. The ZDX rides on a platform developed in conjunction with General Motors and powered by GM’s Ultium battery packs. This scalable EV platform offers multiple motor and battery configurations, and provides a range of up to 450 miles. Acura hasn’t provided any additional technical details, but we predict the launch edition Type S variant will feature a dual-motor AWD setup and larger battery, with FWD base models to follow. It’s highly unlikely that Acura will offer a RWD version. Acura says that the ZDX will arrive in calendar-year 2024. More

  • in

    Lincoln Model L100 Concept Is an Autonomous Ultra-Luxury EV

    Lincoln pulled the wraps off of the Model L100 concept at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.The big concept car is an autonomous grand tourer with an emphasis on the passenger experience.The Model L100 celebrates the 100th anniversary of Ford Motor’s purchase of Lincoln.Depending on who you ask, Lincoln is celebrating either its 100th anniversary or its 105th. Ford Motor Company prefers the former, as the Blue Oval purchased the luxury brand from Henry Leland in June of 1922. The latter year, however, marks the date of Lincoln’s actual founding.

    At its inception, Lincoln strictly produced aircraft engines for the United States government. However, by September 1920, the company kicked off production of its first car: the Model L. Maybe this is the date to mark Lincoln’s anniversary, then? In that case, this means 2022 marks the brand’s 102nd anniversary. No matter, Lincoln has declared 2022 its 100th anniversary, and the American luxury brand is gifting itself a concept car in honor of this occasion. The Model L100 concept shares its ethos with the aforementioned Model L.
    Like Cadillac’s upcoming Celestiq, the Model L100 is a massive machine that prioritizes personal luxury above all else. Unlike the Celestiq, which previews a forthcoming production model, the Model L100 is purely a concept car. We doubt features such as the big grand tourer’s two rearward opening doors, as well as its glass canopy roof that raises to further ease egress and ingress, have any chance of seeing the light of day. Nor do we foresee its autonomous driving capability going into production anytime soon.The Model L100 concept instead presents itself as a vision of a future Lincoln hopes it—and to some degree, society—will be able to achieve. There’s no steering wheel or pedals. Instead, those within the Model L100 let the car do the driving. Should the need to override the Model L100’s autonomous driving arise, then passengers can use a miniature model of the car (what Lincoln calls a “chess piece”) that rests on a center-console screen (the “chessboard”) to accelerate, stop, and steer the vehicle.
    With driving largely removed from the equation, Lincoln’s design team was able to create a cabin that caters primarily to the passenger experience. This includes a front seating space capable of switching between a typical forward-facing position or a more sociable, but also potentially more nauseating, rearward-facing position that allows front and rear passengers to face one another. A massive floorboard-mounted screen helps set the cabin ambiance, as well, with the display projecting the likes of clouds to create a more serene setting.Though the Model L100’s interior caters toward a fantastical future, the exterior design is far more realistic. While we wager the open-glass frunk area—replete with a 3D-printed greyhound ornament mounted below—and massive wheel covers may serve as concept-car fancy, we think the basic design and decor of the Model L100 are set to influence Lincoln models in the not-so-distant future.We hope this is the case, at least, as the aerodynamic shape, wide rear haunches, Kammback rear end, and complex but understated surface treatment make for a compelling combination. It certainly helps that Lincoln’s design team refrained from fitting the Model L100 with an overabundance of decorative exterior pieces. Instead, the Model L100’s body panels are largely free of fuss. A big Apple MacBook-inspired Lincoln badge residing on the car’s front end, not to mention another Lincoln star on each front fender, reminds passersby what type of vehicle they’re looking at.
    Befitting its futuristic nature, Lincoln designed the Model L100 concept with the intention of fitting a hub-mounted electric motor at each wheel, with power to those motors coming courtesy of a solid-state battery built into the structure. Although solid-state batteries do not power any electric vehicle sold today, the technology is due to power future EVs within the next few years. Many of the features of the Lincoln Model L100 concept may not arrive for years or decades to come. Nevertheless, we expect the car’s basic styling and some of its more practical fanciful features to make their way to future Lincoln vehicles. Who knows? Maybe the Model L100 will even inspire Lincoln to build and sell an ultra-luxury electric vehicle, too. The brand’s done it before with the Model L, after all. Now may be the time for Lincoln to prepare to produce such a model once again.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. 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. More

  • in

    An Electric Acura Is Coming, and the Precision EV Concept Previews It

    The Acura Precision EV Concept provides a glimpse of the styling direction for future Acura models. It’s an evolution of the 2016 Precision Concept design language, with a focus on electrification. The dual-mode cockpit is designed for both performance and autonomous driving situations.When Acura’s original Precision Concept debuted in 2016, it provided a visual roadmap for every future model. Staying true to that promise has resulted in today’s cohesive-looking lineup. Now, that established aesthetic is getting a glow-up in the form of the Acura’s Precision EV concept. Much of the styling seen here will debut shortly on an all-electric Acura SUV, slated to use GM’s Ultium battery platform, that is set to go into production as a 2024 model.
    The overall design goal of the Precision EV Concept is to demonstrate the flexibility of an EV future by reinterpreting current Acura styling cues rather than outright reinventing them. Nowhere is this more evident than the front fascia, where a dazzling light show plays across an illuminated version of the familiar pentagon-shaped grille. While the previous Precision concept was a sedan, the new one’s SUV shape is also a nod to changing consumer tastes, though Acura insists future styling cues will easily translate to other bodystyles as well.

    In evolving this theme, Acura designers were said to be inspired by the chiseled contours of luxury powerboats. We particularly like the sweeping character line reminiscent of a V-shaped hull’s tumblehome. It looks best from a front-three-quarters angle as it arcs gracefully from the rear of the body up to the A-pillar, transitioning into a powerful crease along the hood. Less visually appealing is the unmoored chrome strip atop the glass, whose presence feels like an afterthought. Dipping below the prow reveals a set of light clusters at both ends of the vehicle. They project a chaotic menagerie of shapes whose pattern is also echoed in the spokes of the 23-inch wheels. Acura calls the theme “Particle Glitch,” which evokes images of circuitry gone awry. We find the name to be a whimsical yet odd choice for such a tech-focused concept. Seeing as how these lower detailing elements would be submerged under a powerboat’s waterline, perhaps it’s Acura’s subversively clever way of continuing the nautical theme.Inside the cockpit, Acura’s next-generation cabin tech is represented by a curved, transparent touchscreen atop the dash, accompanied by a smaller transparent display in front of the driver. A yoke-style steering wheel contains a cluster of knobs and dials along its hub.
    Since the future of electrification suggests both increased performance and the promise of autonomous driving, Acura created two distinct cockpit experiences which respectively cater to each end of this spectrum. “Instinctive Drive” brings out your inner F1 champion by enveloping the space in a cacophony of red lighting and racy engine sounds. In “Spiritual Lounge,” the steering wheel and pedals retract, both displays go fully transparent, and the seats recline. As passengers are whisked to their destination, soothing scents and sounds waft through the cabin while oceanic imagery projects dreamily onto the surfaces. What’s the opposite of a sensory deprivation tank again?In developing this split personality, principal designer Gypsy Modina talked about creating an environment that was capable of immersing all five senses, though we’re curious how taste factors into the equation. It could be the use of 100 percent biomass leather on the seats, which admittedly did look pretty appetizing. In addition to a study in extremes, the interior is also an exploration of sustainable materials which still convey a premium feel. Recycled aluminum and plastic are used liberally throughout the cockpit.While it’s unlikely that many of the interior features will reach production anytime soon, the exterior design of the Precision EV Concept hints very strongly to a roadgoing model in the near future.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. 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. More