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    2025 Nissan Z Isn’t More Expensive and Adds an Iconic Paint Color

    The 2025 Nissan Z’s prices are the same as last year, making it a bargain compared with the Toyota GR Supra, which costs about $13K more to start.The Z offers three new exterior color options, including a pair of two-tone choices and the iconic Bayside Blue from the R34 Nissan GT-R. The base-model Z still starts at $44,110, with the Performance and NISMO trims starting at $54,110 and $66,890, respectively.While you can no longer order a new GT-R, Nissan will still sell you another sports car, and it’s not more expensive than last year’s model. Along with pricing details, we’ve learned the 2025 Nissan Z is now available with a trio of fresh color options, including a truly iconic shade. No Price Hikes, Hooray!For 2025, the Z still starts at $44,110. That’s a helluva deal compared with its chief rival, the 2025 Toyota GR Supra, which dropped the standard turbo four that previously had a $47,575 initial ask. Now, the GR Supra 3.0 with the 382-hp turbocharged straight-six starts at $57,385. For about $13K less, the entry-level Nissan Z comes with rear-wheel drive and a 400-hp twin-turbo six, not to mention an optional six-speed manual. The Z’s mid-tier Performance trim, which starts at $54,110, comes with additional go-fast bits such as a limited-slip rear differential, Bridgestone Potenza S007 high-performance tires, and upgraded brakes. Even the most expensive track-focused Z NISMO, which ups output to 420 horsepower, features a sportier suspension and wears racier bodywork. It starts at $66,890, just like last year. While the Supra has been the mainstream choice and the winner of our comparison test between the two models, it is also now the far more expensive option.NissanNissanThree new exterior color options have also been added to the Z’s seven existing hues. Two of them are split-tone options, including one that pairs a Pearl White tri-coat with a Super Black roof, and the other couples a Solid Red shade with the same blacked-out canopy. The third new exterior paint color should excite any longtime Nissan fans, as it isn’t a new color at all. The Z can now be ordered in Bayside Blue, one of the most iconic Nissan paint colors of all time, which first appeared on the R34-generation GT-R before also being made available on the most recent R35 GT-R. With the GT-R now cruising the great Bayshore Route in the sky, the not-so-subtle tribute is a nice gesture by Nissan. And between its performance-to-price quotient and new paint options, the latest Z looks more attractive than before.More for Your Z FixAustin’s car fixation began at a young age and at 1:64 scale. Eventually, Hot Wheels weren’t cutting it anymore, so he developed an obsession with his father’s full-sized 1965 Ford Mustang instead. Desperate to break into the automotive industry, he bartered his way into a job at a local BMW dealership by promising to stop hurling nerdy technical facts at the salesmen who came into the neighboring coffee shop where he worked.

    That was also around the time when he started writing automotive reviews, news articles, and technical guides for a number of local and international publications. Now at Car and Driver, Austin brings more than 10 years of experience in the automotive industry and an all-so-common love-hate relationship with German engineering to the table. More

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    Best Cars for Uber Black: Window Shop with Car and Driver

    On this week’s Window Shop, we embark on a mission to find the best cars for Uber Black. This challenge came from a viewer and proved to be somewhat difficult, given a budget of $20,000 and the rather tight restrictions of Uber’s vehicle requirements for this premium service. Eligible vehicles have to have a black exterior and a black leather interior and be less than five years old (though some 2019 model vehicles are eligible).As usual, our contestants took a wide variety of strategies for this task, and the resulting range of vehicles proved to be entertaining. Yours truly started off with a subdued long-wheelbase Swedish luxury sedan. Then, senior editor Elana Scherr took a sharp left turn with her sporty Italian SUV, which may not have a very big back seat but would no doubt impress riders with its fancy-sounding name. Executive editor K.C. Colwell was up next and found an impressively trimmed flagship sedan from an unlikely source. Contributor Jonathon Ramsey went the more traditional route with a rather anonymous SUV that nonetheless boasted both a luxury badge and a third row of seats, possibly opening it up for UberXL duty as well. And editor-in-chief Tony Quiroga presented a self-described “cynical” choice that was quite literally a former livery vehicle.We don’t want to give away too many spoilers, but this episode did feature a fun twist ending with a tiebreaker and an impromptu special guest. So we implore you to stick around until the bitter end and share your thoughts on which vehicle you thought was the winner.More Window ShoppingDespite 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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    Nissan GT-R Order Books Close in Japan, Is This Goodbye for Good?

    The order books on the R35-generation Nissan GT-R have officially closed in Japan.With no replacement in sight and Nissan’s shaky financials, this might be it for the sports car also known as “Godzilla.”It also wouldn’t be the first time the GT-R has had a long pause between generations.The thump you just heard was the closing of the order book for the Nissan GT-R, and it sounds worryingly authoritative. According to a statement posted on Nissan’s Japanese home website, no more orders are being taken for the production of the R35-generation GT-R. Either you already have your name on the list, or you can’t get one.Given that Nissan brought back the Z after a short hiatus, there might be a tendency not to worry about it. Plenty of nameplates go away and then return a few years later. In fact, such a situation happened with the Skyline GT-R between the “Kenmeri” GT-R of 1973 and the R32-chassis GT-R of 1989. (Side note: if you’re a real GT-R otaku, only the R32 is supposed to get the Godzilla nickname.)However, with that particular 13-year pause, some other hot Skylines filled the gap, whereas the R35-chassis GT-R is a standalone car. And, while Nissan has previously confirmed that there will be a next generation of both the GT-R and the Z, it did so at last year’s New York auto show, when the financial picture for the company was not so dire. The current situation, including ending merger talks with Honda, does not look so good. What precious R&D dollars are available need to go towards keeping mainline products competitive rather than an expensive performance flagship.The R35 chassis is so old that JDM versions actually now qualify to be imported into Canada under the country’s 15-year rules (we have to wait 25 years in the United States). Nissan tweaked the car here and there over its production run, including many special editions, but it’s worth noting that there were only three years of the previous R34. When the R35 first debuted, it was a monster. In its last years, it was starting to look like something of an atomic-breath dinosaur, still very fast but also faded. Beyond concepts, Nissan doesn’t seem to have an heir waiting in the wings.Still, there’s hope to be found. At the heart of the Z’s rebirth was none other than Hiroshi Tamura, who shepherded the R35 into existence. Tamura-san is such a huge fan of the GT-R that he still has the R32 Skyline GT-R that he’s owned since he was in his 20s. Even when the accounting department turns off the faucet, the enthusiasts working at a company can manage to keep things moving.For now, at least, the Nissan GT-R is officially dormant, if not indeed dead. Nissan will continue to build the cars that have been ordered, and then it’s curtains for the iconic sports car. Here’s hoping it’s not goodbye forever.More GT-R ReadingBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

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    Mahindra Revises EV Charging Policy After Customer Feedback

    Mahindra XEV 9e. Image – Ahemad RiderMahindra has announced a significant update to its EV charging policy for the upcoming BE 6 and XUV 9e electric SUVs. Initially, the price of these vehicles did not include the charger and installation costs, with customers required to pay an additional Rs 50,000 for a 7.2 kW charger or Rs 75,000 for an 11.2 kW charger. However, after reviewing customer feedback, Mahindra has revised its policy, offering more flexibility to buyers.
    New Policy: Charger Installation No Longer Mandatory in Select Cases
    While Mahindra continues to recommend using company-certified chargers for optimal safety and performance, customers can now opt out of the mandatory charger installation under the following conditions:
    1. Lack of Provision for Private Chargers – Customers who do not have the necessary infrastructure at their residence or office to install a private charger can now forgo the installation.
    2. Existing Compatible Charger – If a customer already owns a charger that meets Mahindra’s safety standards, they will not be required to purchase a new one.
    3. Multiple Mahindra EVs in One Household – Families that own two or more Mahindra electric SUVs can share a single charging point instead of installing multiple chargers.
    Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e Prices
    BE6 and XEV 9e Deliveries Start This Month
    After creating a bookings record last month, Mahindra BE 6 and XUV 9e are set to redefine the electric SUV segment in India, with deliveries starting in a few days. The BE 6, featuring a futuristic coupe-SUV design, promises a blend of bold styling, advanced technology, and a high-performance electric powertrain.
    Meanwhile, the XUV 9e, positioned as a rugged yet sophisticated electric SUV, carries Mahindra’s signature design language with enhanced aerodynamics and cutting-edge EV capabilities. Both models are expected to offer impressive range, fast-charging options, and a host of smart connectivity features, reinforcing Mahindra’s commitment to shaping the future of sustainable mobility. Initially, only top variants will be delivered while lower variants delivery will take place later. Mahindra aims to sell 5,000 units monthly in the first phase. More

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    KTM Duke 160 and RC 160 Launch Planned – To Take On Yamaha MT15, R15

    KTM 125 Duke – Image for illustration
    In a major shift for its entry-level lineup, KTM is set to discontinue the 125 Duke and RC 125 in India, replacing them with more powerful 160cc versions. This strategic move is aimed at taking on Yamaha’s 155cc offerings, the R15 V4 and MT-15, which together contribute to a sizeable 20,000-unit monthly sales figure.
    More Power, Same Aggressive Styling
    The upcoming KTM 160 Duke and RC 160 will borrow heavily from their 200cc siblings in terms of design and equipment. The 160 Duke will retain the aggressive stance of the 200 Duke, while the RC 160 will follow the styling cues of the RC 200 and RC 390, featuring a sharper, more aerodynamic fairing. Both bikes will be underpinned by KTM’s trademark trellis frame and are expected to come equipped with 43mm USD forks, monoshock suspension, dual-channel ABS, and a digital LCD instrument cluster.
    A new 160cc engine, derived from the 200 Duke’s motor, will power these bikes. The output is expected to be around 19-20hp, marking a significant jump from the 14.5hp produced by the outgoing 125cc models. This also gives KTM an edge over Yamaha’s 155cc liquid-cooled engine, which delivers 18.4hp.
    Pricing & Launch Timeline
    While pricing will likely remain competitive against Yamaha’s R15 V4 (Rs 1.83-2.1 lakh) and MT-15 (Rs 1.69-1.74 lakh), KTM is unlikely to undercut these models significantly, considering that the 125 Duke already retails at Rs 1.81 lakh and the RC 125 at Rs 1.92 lakh.
    The KTM 160 Duke and RC 160 are expected to launch by mid-2025, ahead of the festive season. The RC 160 could debut alongside the Duke or follow soon after. With a bump in power and more premium features, KTM’s latest offering aims to provide better value and a stronger alternative in the growing 150-160cc segment.
    Bajaj Statement – “We would like to clarify that neither KTM nor Bajaj Auto has officially announced this news. It is a case of misinformation and is unrelated to KTM’s financial restructuring.”
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    Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept Debuts – 250 Km Range, 2027 Launch

    Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept DebutsWith the advent of electric vehicles, Volkswagen is jumping on the train and aims to launch its most affordable EV by 2027. Volkswagen’s smallest and most affordable electric car was previewed in the form of ID.Every1 Concept. It aims to launch in 2027 and revolutionise electric car scene in Europe.
    Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept
    The production version of Volkswagen ID.Every1 is likely to be called ID.1, which has been teased by VW. It will be the smallest among VW’s Electric Urban Car Family and it will bring affordability into the equation. It will sit below ID.2, which was previewed as ID.2all Concept. Production-spec ID.1 is said to be a direct replacement of VW Up.
    Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept
    ID.Every1, as the name suggests, is supposed to be a mass market offering. It is supposed to be “from Europe, for Europe”, as per VW. Where design is concerned, VW has nailed it. Personally, I think ID.Every1 Concept looks very human-like as though it is a character from Disney’s Cars franchise and it will probably start talking anytime now.
    It has eye-shaped headlight setup with an intricate LED pattern, which is connected by a Black applique with illuminated VW logo in the middle. Below these headlights, we have vertical LED DRLs and a lower grill finished in Black that looks like the mouth of a face. Accentuating this further, is wraparound effect on A Pillars and curvaceous bonnet shape.
    Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept
    Side profile shows curvaceous design approach too, unlike VW’s typical lines. Partially sculpted wheel arches, flush door handles and large 19-inch alloy wheels are notable here. While the concept looks like it has frameless windows, production-spec ID.1 will have conventional design for doors and windows.
    Rear design replicates that of its fascia with LED tail lights and vertical LED brake lights below them. We can’t help but notice that rear design looks slightly like that of a Honda Brio. We can also see that the roof has an interesting design and so does ID.Every1’s roof spoiler.
    Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept Interiors
    Minimalist and Futuristic Interiors
    On the inside, Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept shows a minimalist approach. However, there are still quite a lot of physical buttons seen below the free-standing infotainment screen that control audio and climate. Instrument screen is rather small on this concept and is expected to be more conventional in production model.
    This will strictly be a four-seater as ID.Every1 Concept measures just 3,880 mm long and proportionately narrow. It gets a 2-spoke steering wheel, a portable Bluetooth speaker between both front passengers and the centre console is mounted on a rail to be slid front and back between 1st and 2nd row passengers.
    Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept Interiors
    Battery specs are not revealed, but Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept is powered by a new 95 bhp motor and the company promised 130 km/h top speed and 250 km range. It will be FWD only and it is expected to have a small battery to achieve the affordable price tag. Launch is likely in 2027. More

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    Ultraviolette Tesseract 20k Pre-Bookings in 48 Hours – Introductory Price Offer Extended

    Ultraviolette TesseractUltraviolette, the maker of India’s fastest motorcycle, has witnessed an unprecedented surge in demand for its latest offering, the Tesseract. Within just 48 hours of its unveiling, the “World’s Most Advanced Scooter” has received over 20,000 pre-bookings, marking a significant milestone in India’s electric mobility landscape.
    Introductory Price Extended for First 50,000 Buyers
    Owing to the overwhelming response, Ultraviolette has extended the special introductory price of Rs 1.2 lakh for the first 50,000 bookings. This move aligns with the company’s commitment to making high-performance EV technology more accessible to Indian consumers.
    Ultraviolette Tesseract
    Expressing gratitude for the enthusiastic reception, Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-founder of Ultraviolette, stated: “We are absolutely thrilled by the response to the Tesseract from across India. The overwhelming demand in such a short span is a testament to the trust and excitement that our customers have in Ultraviolette’s vision for the future of mobility. The Tesseract represents a paradigm shift in mobility, and with this incredible momentum we are excited to redefine the riding experience for customers in the segment.”
    Tesseract – Redefining Electric Mobility
    The Ultraviolette Tesseract has captivated enthusiasts with its futuristic combat helicopter-inspired design, integrated radar and dashcam, 20 bhp peak power, and an IDC-certified range of 261 km. The scooter’s rapid acceleration and advanced features set a new benchmark in the electric two-wheeler space.
    Ultraviolette Tesseract
    Customers can continue to pre-book the Tesseract at the Rs 1.2 lakh introductory price via Ultraviolette’s official website, until the first 50,000 reservations are completed. Similarly, enthusiasts looking to experience the ultimate “funduro” ride can secure their Shockwave before the next pricing tier kicks in.
    Ultraviolette Shockwave
    Shockwave Motorcycle Garners Rapid Bookings
    Alongside the Tesseract’s success, Ultraviolette’s Shockwave electric enduro motorcycle has also gained immense traction. Within 24 hours of opening bookings, the first 1,000 units were sold out. This lightweight, off-road-focused machine, priced at an introductory Rs 1,49,999, is designed to deliver the raw thrill of the two-stroke era, reimagined for the future. Given the overwhelming interest, Ultraviolette has now extended this special pricing to the next 1,000 pre-bookings.
    With record-breaking demand across both scooters and motorcycles, Ultraviolette is setting new benchmarks in India’s high-performance electric two-wheeler segment. More

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    2025 Honda CBR250RR Debuts With New Colour – 42 Bhp, 25 Nm

    2025 Honda CBR250RRHonda is a world renowned motorcycle manufacturer and has an extremely vast portfolio, many of which are not on sale in India for feasibility reasons. One such motorcycle is CBR250RR, which has been patented in India in early 2023. Now, this motorcycle has been updated to MY25 version with subtle updates. Let’s take a look.
    2025 Honda CBR250RR Debuts
    Indian motorcycle market used to get the Honda CBR250R, a single-cylinder quarter-litre motorcycle. However, Honda also has a more hardcore quarter-litre offering in the form of CBR250RR. More R’s in the name directly means more sportiness, more performance and more race-worthiness in Honda’s nomenclature.
    2025 Honda CBR250RR
    CBR250RR has been patented in India, but it looks like it was more of an IP protection exercise than launch intention. However, CBR250RR is a popular motorcycle among motorcycling enthusiasts across the world. For 2025, Honda has subtly updated its quarter-litre pocket rocket with a new colourway.
    Speaking of colours, Honda is offering three in total – Grand Prix Red, Pearl Glare White and Matte Buret Silver. Where pricing is concerned, Matte Buret Silver has been priced at JPY 902,000 (approx Rs 5.32 lakh), while Grand Prix Red and Pearl Glare White colourways are priced at JPY 940,500 (approx Rs 5.55 lakh).
    2025 Honda CBR250RR
    What else is new?
    Design continues to be aerodynamic with a sharp fairing inspired by company’s flagship CBR1000RR-R Fireblade. LED headlights, LED DRLs, an aerodynamic windscreen, fairing-mounted ORVMs, LED blinkers, chiseled fuel tank, low-set clip-on handlebars, premium switchgear, split seats, a digital instrument cluster are notable elements.
    Componentry includes USD telescopic Showa SFF-BP forks in Gold shade, rear mono-shock setup, single-petal disc at either ends with dual-channel ABS, 17-inch alloy wheels, 110-section front and 140-section rear tyres, dual-barrel exhaust and 14.5L fuel tank are highlights. All these are mounted on a potent chassis that boasts a kerb weight of 168 kg.
    2025 Honda CBR250RR
    Powering this motorcycle is a 249cc parallel twin-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC 4V/cyl engine that is capable of developing a peak power of 42 PS at 13,500 RPM and a peak torque of 25 Nm at 10,750 RPM, mated to a slipper clutch, 6-speed gearbox and a quick shifter. We hope Honda launch this motorcycle in India. If it does, it will take on motorcycle with similar performance like Aprilia RS 457 and Yamaha R3. 
    2025 Honda CBR250RR More