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    in Electric Cars

    Nissan Leaf Electric Launch Planned For 18th Oct ?

    With 4W EV segment growing by the day, Nissan is looking at launching its acclaimed Leaf EV in IndiaNissan Leaf EVNissan Motor India has been doing reasonably well. Once on the brink of shutdown, is now stabilised by strategic launch of Magnite. Industry experts hail Magnite as the vehicle that saved Nissan’s existence in India. That same powertrain and platform combo was utilised by Renault to launch Kiger. Right now, Nissan only has Magnite as its top seller as the aging Kicks is pretty much at the end of its life cycle.Nissan also used to manufacture and sell Datsun products. But that didn’t work out well and Nissan pulled the plug on Datsun brand in 2022. But Nissan is in the news recently due to new development. This new development is in the form of a Save The Date invite for an event held in Delhi on 18th of October.Nissan Leaf Launch ?Not much has been revealed by the invite, except for the date and time. The boldest part of the invite, are two words – Move Beyond. This is a slogan Nissan has been using to market their new age cars, especially their electric vehicles.Speaking of new cars, Nissan has not been spied testing much these days. The only new Nissan car that has been doing test rounds recently, is the Leaf electric car. It is very likely that the event on 18th October in New Delhi will see the debut of Leaf in India.Nissan Leaf Electric India Launch On 18th Oct?We spotted a Nissan Leaf under testing here in India in April of this year. It was a red-coloured unit spotted in Delhi. However, Nissan Leaf test mules have been spotted in 2019 too. Nissan was toying with the idea of launching its Leaf here in India. But that has not happened yet. Speaking about the car itself, Leaf EV has a good reputation worldwide. With Leaf EV, Nissan has been among the early adopters in EV tech, unlike Toyota which is foraying into EVs recently.Specs & FeaturesLeaf will get an EM57 electric motor that draws its juice from a 40 kWh Li-ion battery pack. Nissan Leaf is capable of 146 bhp of power and 320 Nm of peak torque. It claims an estimated range of 240km on a single charge as per NEDC test cycles. Globally, Nissan offers two types of AC chargers with Leaf- a 3kW unit and a 6kW unit. The former takes 16 hours for the battery to replenish while the latter takes 8 hours.Nissan Leaf could be brought into the country via CBU route. Hence, Leaf is expected to be very well-kitted. Apart from the usual features like sunroof, touchscreen and all, Nissan Leaf is likely to pack cutting-edge tech like ProPilot (a single-lane autonomous driving) along with semi-autonomous driving systems. Nissan Leaf will offer an e-Pedal mode for one-pedal driving. A host of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) safety features like lane departure warning, blind-spot warning and emergency braking system, among many, are also likely to be in the kit.Competition could be from Nexon EV Max, which offers a 40 kWh battery and single motor configuration with similar power, torque and range figures. We also have MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona which are an upgrade over Nexon EV Max. BYD is also getting ready to launch their Atto 3 electric SUV. More

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    in Bike

    LML Star Electric Scooter Spied Before Launch – Chetak, Ather Rival

    LML has filed multiple trademarks in India and the upcoming Star Electric Scooter will debut with two other EVs on 29th SepLML Star SpiedLohia Machinery Ltd (LML) is all set to make a comeback. While LML manufactured ICE-powered vehicles throughout its existence, the company is now re-inventing itself as an EV brand. Given the EV potential in India, we would say that it is the logical step for LML.EV segment is still young in India and LML has a chance to establish itself among first hitters, going forward. We have seen multiple trademarks registered by LML in India. Now, we have got our hands on the first-ever spy shots of LML’s maiden electric scooter for India.Likely to be called Star, it is a good-looking product. Pretty much up there in the segment, we would say. Eye-catchy design is likely to be LML Star’s forte in India. Not just that, sources tell Rushlane that it will be accompanied by two more 2W EVs on its debut on September 29th. Let’s take a look.LML Star Electric Scooter SpiedLooks like LML Star will take a clean and minimalist design approach. The straight lines and clean body panels reflect the same. But at the same time, it looks futuristic enough to strike as an EV and not a conventional scooter. It looks like it has potential to appeal to a wider consensus and hence translate into wider reach.New LML Star Electric Scooter SpiedLML Star electric scooter gets an LED DRL at the front apron. It is of dot pattern consisting of larger individual LEDs. Headlight is placed on top of the DRL and looks like a round housing and can also pack a projector unit. The front apron is finished in glossy black and gives LML Star, a unique look. It gets a squarish digital display placed on top of its handlebar to show various info.LML has tastefully integrated red bits into the design to add some visual flair too. This red highlight is found in the horizontal strip below its single-piece seat and also on its split grab rails. LML Star spied on what looks like its assembly line. Hence some of its wirings are still disconnected. But styling elements include LED turn indicators. This is where LML Star body bulges slightly and neatly flows into its thick floorboard. Speaking of the floorboard, this is where LML Star’s battery is housed, keeping the centre of gravity low.Specs & FeaturesLML Star comes with front and rear disc brakes, front telescopic suspension and a rear mono-shock. It looks like it gets a mid-mounted electric motor and drives the rear wheel via a chain drive. Like conventional scooters, LML Star is likely to get a single-sided swingarm designed in the form of a CVT housing.LML Electric New Names Registered – LML Star and LML HyperbikeThere is a high probability of it getting a hub motor too. Floorboard looks thick which would offer a knees-up riding position. If the whole battery is housed here, buyers can expect a sizeable boot under the seat too. LML Star spied, gets 3-spoke design alloy wheels that appear to be 10” in size and shod with conventional rubber.At the rear, we can also see a tyre hugger that is likely to house its rear number plate to keep the design tidy. LML Star will debut alongside two other EVs on September 29. Of which one is likely to be called Hyperbike. Battery specs and performance numbers are not yet revealed by LML and so are the features. It is likely to lock horns with upcoming Hero Vida and the likes. Upon launch it could rival the likes of Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, Ather, etc. More

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    Bajaj Sales Breakup Aug 2022 – Pulsar, Platina, CT, Avenger, Dominar

    Bajaj Auto domestic sales increased by 48.95 percent YoY while exports fell 36.50 percentImage – MRD VlogsBajaj Auto Limited has reported total sales (domestic + exports) at 3,41,083 units in August 2022, down from 3,29,877 units sold in August 2021. The two wheeler major has seen a 48.95 percent growth in domestic sales to 2,29,121 units in the past month, up from 1,53,828 units sold in August 2021 while exports dipped 36.40 percent from 1,76,049 units shipped in August 2021 to 1,11,962 units in August 2022.Bajaj Pulsar was the most popular bike in the company lineup in domestic markets while it was the Boxer that commanded most sales globally. Bajaj Auto had launched the new Pulsar N160 in June 2022 and now gears up for the new 2022 Bajaj Pulsar N150 with the latter spied on test in a near production format.Bajaj Sales Breakup Aug 2022In domestic markets it was the Bajaj Pulsar that headed the sales charts with 99,987 units sold in the month of August 2022, up 76.61 percent when compared to 56,615 units sold in August 2021. This was a 43,373 unit volume growth with a 43.64 percent share.Close behind, at No. 2 was the Bajaj Pulsar with 97,135 units sold in August 2022, up 46.94 percent over 66,107 units sold in August 2021. This was a 31,028 unit volume growth with a 42.39 percent share. In the Pulsar lineup, it was the Pulsar 125 that claimed the most attention with sales of 53,153 units, up 62.75 percent from 32,659 units sold in August 2021. There were 28,335 units of Pulsar 150cc and 14,994 units of Pulsar 160 to Pulsar 200 also sold last month along with 653 units of Pulsar 250.Bajaj Sales Breakup Aug 2022Bajaj CT sales stood at 24,094 units in August 2022 with a 9.35 percent YoY de-growth over 26,578 units sold in August 2021. This was a 2,484 unit volume de-growth. CT 110 sales stood at 15,047 units down 43.39percent YoY from 26,578 units sold in August 2021 while CT 125 sales stood at 9,047 units. It was in August 2022 that Bajaj Auto launched the new CT 125X at Rs 71,354 (ex-showroom Delhi).Avenger sales increased 42.78 percent YoY to 3,928 units from 2,751 units sold in August 2021 while there was outstanding demand for the Chetak of which 2,762 units were sold in the past month, up from 364 units sold in August 2021. Sales of the Dominar dipped 14.01 percent to 1,215 units in August 2022 from 1,413 units sold in the same month of the previous year. It was the Dominar 250 that recorded sales of 633 units while there were 582 units of the Dominar 400 sold in the past month.Bajaj Exports August 2022Bajaj Exports registered a 36.40 percent YoY decline with most models experiencing de-growth except for the CT and Discover. Bajaj Boxer saw the highest sales at 45,668 units, down 56.75 percent from 1,05,594 units sold in August 2021. This was a 59,926 unit volume de-growth with a 40.79 percent share. In the boxer range, it was the 110cc model that commanded the most attention in global markets with 28,208 units sold, down 66.31 percent from 83,732 units sold in August 2021.There were also 14,460 units of the Boxer 150cc sold along with 3,000 units of Boxer 125.Bajaj Exports Breakup Aug 2022Bajaj CT exports improved by 54.99 percent YoY to 27,834 units from 17,958 units exported in August 2021. The CT commands a 24.865 percent share and saw its 125cc model in higher demand at 15,734 units exported when compared to 9,796 units of CT 110cc and 2,304 units of CT 150cc exported in the past month.Pulsar exports dipped 37.27 percent to 21,480 units from 34,243 units sold in August 2021. This was a 12,763 unit volume de-growth with a 19.19 percent share. In the Pulsar range, exports stood at Pulsar 200 (12,175 units), Pulsar 150 (6,528 units) and Pulsar 250 (1,014 units) each posting a YoY de-growth. Discover exports increased by 16.10 percent to 9,632 units from 11,480 units sold in August 2022 with Discover 125 seeing exports of 6,392 units along with 3,240 units of Discover 110. Dominar (4,010 units), Platina (2,460 units) and Avenger (878 units) each posted a YoY de-growth in August 2022. More

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    in Motor News

    Faraday Future FF 91 Officially Rated at 381 Miles of Electric Range

    Faraday Future has earned an official EPA range figure for its first vehicle, the FF 91, and showed the certification letter to Car and Driver to prove it.The FF 91 is rated at 381 miles of range, an increase over the initial 378-mile estimate thanks to a larger 142.0-kWh battery than the original 130.0-kWh unit.The FF 91 was first revealed in 2017, and the top-spec Futurist model could cost around $200,000.When EV startup Faraday Future revealed a “production intent” version of its first vehicle, the FF 91, earlier this year and announced that production was set to start in the third quarter of 2022, we were skeptical. Faraday Future has struggled to get the FF 91 onto the road since first unveiling the crossover in 2017, and in July the company stated that it would yet again need to push back deliveries as it sought to raise more capital. But now the California-based automaker is one step closer to getting its FF 91 into the hands of customers, receiving an official EPA range rating for its electric crossover. Faraday FutureThe FF 91, which now seems on track to be sold for the 2023 or 2024 model year, is rated at 381 miles of range. This is higher than the previous 378-mile estimate that Faraday Future had quoted, but the company also told us that the range figure was achieved with a 142.0-kWh battery; previously the FF 91 was said to employ a 130.0-kWh battery. This also bests what will be its closest competitors should the FF 91 reach production, with the Tesla Model X topping out at 348 miles of range. Faraday FutureFaraday Future’s press release also specifies that the rating only applies to the FF 91 Futurist, which will represent the top of the model line and could crest $200,000, according to the company. While the range rating is not yet visible on the public EPA fuel economy website, Faraday Future provided Car and Driver with a copy of the certification letter sent by the government agency.More EV StartupsAccording to the letter, the range rating will only apply to vehicles built before January 1, 2024, and if the FF 91 is further delayed, the startup will have to get it re-certified. The FF 91 is powered by three electric motors—one up front and two at the rear—good for a combined 1050 horsepower, providing a claimed sprint to 60 mph in less than 2.4 seconds. At 206.9 inches long, the FF 91 is just a hair shorter than a Mercedes-Benz S-class, and it features a futuristic interior design. The company still needs to raise more funds before the FF 91 can begin production at Faraday Future’s plant in Hanford, California, but the EPA certification shows the automaker is moving forward and could convince potential investors to fork over that much-needed cash.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.This content is imported from OpenWeb. 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

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    in Motor News

    2024 Chevy Silverado HD Trucks Get Fresh Mugs, Flashier Interiors

    The 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD get a facelift, and most models receive a ritzier interior with bigger screens.Gas-fed models now have a 10-speed automatic transmission, and diesel models make 470 horses (up 25) and 975 pound-feet of torque (up 65).The ’24 Silverado HD twins will go into production in the first half of 2023, with the first-ever ZR2 version also eventually joining the lineup.Chevy’s big pickup trucks—the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD—are getting refreshed for the 2024 model year. Along with new facial features, most trim levels benefit from a flashier interior design that first debuted on the half-ton Silverado about a year ago. The improvements to the 2024 Chevy Silverado HD trucks are more than skin deep, though.More on Chevy’s Heavy-Duty TruckNew Transmission, Mightier DieselSure, the facelift and redesigned cabin help Chevy’s heavy-duty pickups stay looking fresh, but the bottom line is that the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD are built for work duty. That’s where their updated powertrains come into play. The standard gas-fed 6.6-liter V-8 is unchanged, meaning it makes the same 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque as its predecessor. However, it now pairs with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission instead of a six-speed automatic. Chevy says the gasser’s new gearbox helps the engine make better use of its peak power. For 2024, gas-burning Silverado HDs also have a higher Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which rises from 24,000 to 26,000 pounds.The optional Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V-8 continues with the same Allison 10-speed automatic, but its output gets a significant uptick. It now makes 470 horsepower (up from 445) and 975 pound-feet of torque (up from 910). Chevy says the increases result from updates to the control architecture, combustion system, and turbocharger, which are also said to help provide up to 25 percent more low-end torque and improve efficiency. However, we don’t know how the updates will affect fuel economy since the trucks are exempt from EPA testing and the company isn’t currently sharing estimates. What we do know is that the 2024 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD still have max tow ratings of 22,500 and 36,000 pounds, respectively.Fresh Face, Flashier InteriorFor 2024, the supersize Silverados all wear new mugs, from the base-level Work Truck to the top-of-the-line High Country. Along with the newly designed grille and C-shaped LED lighting elements, the LTZ and High Country trim levels feature new dual-projector headlights with animated sequences for when the driver approaches or walks away from the trucks. Chevy also supplies the ’24 Silverado HD with new wheel options, including chrome 20-inch wheels for the LTZ as well as polished 18-inchers and all-terrain tires for the dual-rear-axle 3500HD. Plus, a set of 20-inch off-road tires can now be had with certain packages. The Midnight Edition, a blacked-out appearance package, is also now available on the High Country for the first time.Inside, heavy-duty Silverados adopt a new dashboard design with prominent digital displays. While the updated layout and tech features aren’t offered on the Work Truck or Custom trim levels, they’re standard on the LT model and up. The setup includes a configurable 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen with Google-based software and apps. The updated interior also brings a revised center console with a wireless charger and more space for cupholders. The fanciest Silverado models have real leather-wrapped surfaces and genuine wood accents. Exclusively on the High Country, there’s a new Nightshift Blue interior option with all the top-notch materials.The Silverado HD trucks also benefit from better driver assists. The list includes adaptive cruise control that works while pulling a trailer, and the blind-spot monitor now has an extended range while trailering. Plus, there’s a new alert that lets users know if they exceed the truck’s GCWR, and the available camera view that uses technology to essentially make a trailer transparent has been enhanced to work with fifth-wheel and gooseneck setups. ZR2, Coming to a Silverado HD Near YouThe 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD will go on sale in the first half of 2023. The company says it’ll share pricing closer to their on-sale date. Chevy also today announced that the heavy-duty Silverado will be getting a version of the off-road-ready ZR2 model for the first time ever, but it’ll launch sometime after the regular trucks. 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.This content is imported from OpenWeb. 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

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    in Motor News

    2023 Toyota Lineup Overview: Sporty GR Models, New Crown, and More

    Toyota’s most highly anticipated 2023 vehicles include two enthusiast specials: a manual-transmission GR Supra and the GR Corolla. Three pedals are a no-cost option for the Supra 3.0, and there’s an A91-MT Edition with appearance tweaks that will be limited to 500 units, while the GR Corolla channels its rallying sibling.GR CorollaToyotaGR Supra Manual ToyotaThe bZ4X gives Toyota an entry into the mainstream electric-SUV segment. Co-developed with the Subaru Solterra, the Toyota differentiates itself by offering both single-and dual-motor versions, with the front-wheel-drive base model producing 201 horsepower, and the all-wheel-drive upgrade bumping output to 214 horsepower. EPA range is 222 to 252 miles on a charge.The Avalon is dead, and its replacement is a new large sedan called the Crown. At launch later this year, customers will choose between two all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrains: a 340-hp Hybrid Max or a base 236-hp model. The roomy sedan starts at about $40,000.New and Updated ModelsThe Sequoia full-size SUV follows its Tundra pickup sibling with a long-overdue refresh. Unlike the pickup, the body-on-frame SUV gets only the 437-hp i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, consisting of a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6, one AC motor, and a 10-speed auto. A nonhybrid version of the engine is available on the pickup. Both the Tundra and the smaller Tacoma receive new SX appearance packages.A new Prius is on its way but hasn’t been revealed yet. Word is it’s significantly more stylish than before (which won’t take much) and more efficient too.The Highlander swaps its 3.5-liter V-6 for a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four that’s less powerful (265 horsepower versus 295) but more torquey (309 pound-feet versus 263 for the six). The non-GR Corolla is facelifted and drops its base 1.8-liter engine, meaning the 169-hp 2.0-liter is now standard. The Corolla hybrid sedan now offers all-wheel drive, and its Corolla Cross SUV sibling also adds an all-wheel-drive hybrid model with 194 horsepower and a claimed 37 mpg combined.The RAV4 Woodland Edition adds rugged styling to the hybrid model, the Venza gains a blacked-out Nightshade package, and the Camry now offers bronze wheels for its own Nightshade treatment. Toyota is also celebrating some anniversaries with cosmetic special editions: GR86’s 10th Anniversary Special Edition, Sienna’s 25th Anniversary Edition, and 4Runner’s 40th Anniversary Special Edition. The fuel-cell Mirai and the C-HR are unchanged.Anniversary EditionsThis content is imported from OpenWeb. 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

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    in Bike

    Hero Vida Electric Scooter Launch Teaser – More Than A Scooter

    All new Hero Vida Electric scooter will be launched on 7th October – First official teaser outImage for illustration purpose.Coming from India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Vida electric scooter was one of the most awaited launches this year. Even more so, as this will be the first electric two-wheeler to be launched by the company.Hero MotoCorp has plans to launch multiple EV products as well as related services in the coming years. This is evident in the various trademark names registered such as Vida Mobility, Vida Electric, Vida MotoCorp, Vida EV, Vida Motorcycles and Vida Scooters.Hero Vida Electric Scooter LaunchVida electric scooter was scheduled for launch on July 1. However, due to ongoing global shortage of auto components such as semiconductors, launch had to be delayed. As Hero MotoCorp does not want to create issues like delay in deliveries, launch of Vida EV will now take place on 7th October.In recent past, several EV companies have had to face consumers’ ire due to delay in deliveries. Hero MotoCorp does not want to create any such hassles for customers. It is better to delay the launch than to take bookings and keep customers waiting. Ahead of launch, Hero MotoCorp has shared the first official launch teaser of their new Vida electric scooter.[embedded content][embedded content]Vida electric scooter USPsThings like affordability and reliability are synonymous with Hero MotoCorp. These benefits are likely to be made available for Vida range of EVs as well. Not many details about the scooter are available at this point of time, as the company has managed to keep things tightly under wraps. However, it is likely that Vida electric scooter will have a sporty design, along with a range of utilitarian features.Powering the Hero Vida Electric scooter could be a mid-ship mounted motor that sends power to the rear wheels via a belt drive system. The scooter is likely to get 12-inch and 10-inch alloy wheels at front and rear, respectively. Suspension system will comprise telescopic forks at front and a swingarm unit at rear.Unlike Ola, Ather, Chetak, iQube, etc. that utilize non-removable battery packs, Vida electric scooter is likely to get removable battery option. Hero MotoCorp has partnered with Gogoro, a Taiwan-based company that specializes in building and maintaining battery swapping infrastructure.While battery swapping is hugely popular in Taiwan, it remains to be seen if it can be successfully executed in India. From consumers’ perspective, battery swapping offers multiple benefits such as reduced cost of ownership. Also, wait time for battery refuelling is reduced and customers don’t have to worry about things like battery maintenance and replacement. More

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    KTM RC 200, RC 390 MotoGP Edition Launched – Price Same

    Along with functional and performance upgrades, KTM has introduced new colour options for its bikes at regular intervalsKTM RC 390 MotoGP EditionEarlier this month, KTM had announced new colours for the entire Duke range in India. In case of KTM RC 390, two new colour options were introduced for the 2022 model, earlier this year in May. Existing colour options for RC 390 are Factory Racing Blue and Electronic Orange. RC 200 has colour options of Ebony Black and Metallic Silver.While existing colour options for RC 200 and RC 390 are pretty good, the new MotoGP is in a different league altogether. MotoGP editions are quite popular here and a similar response can be expected with the MotoGP edition of KTM RC 200 and RC 390. In case of RC 390, the bike also gets a new colour option.KTM RC 200, RC 390 MotoGP editionMotoGP editions of RC 200 and 390 will borrow their livery from KTM RC16 that had made its debut in 2017. The MotoGP shades creates an exciting theme that’s a real treat for the eyes. It also resonates with the sense of power and performance associated with both these brands.It was expected that MotoGP editions of KTM RC 200 and 390 will be available at a slightly premium pricing. But that is not the case. They are priced the same as standard KTM RC 200 and RC 390. KTM RC 390 GP: Rs. 3,16,070 (Ex-SR Delhi) and KTM RC 200 GP: Rs. 2,14,688 (Ex-SR Delhi). KTM had not increased prices when its Dukes had received new colour options.KTM Prices Sep 2022Apart from the visual upgrade, there are no other changes to KTM RC 200 and 390. RC 200 is powered by a 199.5 cc liquid cooled motor that makes 25 PS of max power and 19.2 Nm of peak torque. RC 390 has a 373.27 cc motor that churns out 43.5 PS and 37 Nm.Sumeet Narang, President (Probiking), Bajaj Auto Ltd.: “The fully faired KTM RC motorcycles have a strong and growing contribution to the KTM portfolio. The next-gen KTM RC range has brought in younger and performance focused customers, helping us strengthen our position in the premium performance motorcycle segment. The special GP edition launched today complements the aggressive performance bias of the motorcycle with a livery that showcases its racing genes.”Other MotoGP editions to considerAs MotoGP editions are preferred by enthusiasts, several other OEMs such as Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki have introduced their respective versions over the years. Yamaha has an association with Monster Energy. Yamaha currently offers MotoGP Monster Energy edition for RayZR 125Fi, Aerox 155, MT15 2.0 and R15. 2022 Yamaha Aerox MotoGP Monster Energy edition was launched recently at Rs 1.41 lakh.Honda has Repsol MotoGP edition, which was introduced for Honda Grazia 125cc scooter in 2021. Internationally, Honda had introduced Repsol edition for CBR150R a few months back. Suzuki has MotoGP livery for Gixxer SF250, which was introduced in 2019. A lot more options are available in international markets. More