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    in Bike

    Honda CB650R E-Clutch Variant Teased – Launch Soon

    Honda Cb650R E-Clutch VariantAcross multiple global markets, the E-Clutch option is already available with Honda CB650R and its faired sibling CBR650R
    To unlock even more fun and engaging riding experiences, Honda will be introducing the E-Clutch with CB650R and CBR650R in India. The E-Clutch tech was first unveiled at the 2023 EICMA, making it the first of its kind to support both automatic and manual clutch operations. Similar technologies have been developed by other brands such as BMW Motorrad, KTM and Yamaha.
    Honda CB650R E-Clutch – How it works?
    With the E-Clutch, users need not use the clutch while starting or stopping the bike or when shifting gears. This unlocks a more hassle-free ride experience. Honda E-Clutch also allows riders the freedom to manually operate the clutch whenever they want. This is essentially like the best of both worlds, catering to the individual preferences of all riders.
    Honda E-Clutch setup adds approximately 2.8 kg extra weight. The standard clutch and transmission components are retained to allow manual operations. Various systems such as an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), actuators and sensors work together to operate the E-Clutch. At the time of starting the bike, the E-Clutch engages automatically with the throttle input to avoid engine stalls.
    Honda Cb650R E-Clutch Variant Teased
    During gear shifts, the E-Clutch engages and disengages automatically, ensuring smooth operations. While slowing the bike to a stop, the E-Clutch disengages automatically to prevent stalls. Honda CB650R E-Clutch benefits both new and experienced riders. With the E-Clutch, new riders no longer have to worry about engine stalls.
    Moreover, they can focus more on other operations such as throttle, steering and braking. In case of experienced riders, automatic clutch operation reduces fatigue, especially during slow-moving heavy traffic. In aggressive riding scenarios, the quick-shifter performance is enhanced with the E-Clutch. Users who need a tactile feel can choose manual mode whenever they want.
    Powertrain, specs
    Apart from the E-Clutch, there won’t be any other changes to Honda CB650R. Powering the bike is a 649cc, inline 4, liquid-cooled DOHC engine that generates 94 hp and 63 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Suspension setup comprises Showa SFF USD forks at front and a mono-shock damper with 10-stage adjustable preload at the rear. The bike has 17-inch wheels at both ends, wrapped in 120/70 front and 180/55 rear tyres.
    Honda Cb650R E-Clutch Variant
    Braking setup comprises a 310 mm x 4.5 mm double disc with a 4-piston calliper at front and a 240 mm x 5 mm single disc with single-piston calliper at the rear. The bike has a seat height of 810 mm and a ground clearance of 150 mm. Tech kit includes a 5-inch TFT instrument display with Bluetooth connectivity.
    Honda CB650R E-Clutch Price
    With the E-Clutch, Honda CB650R is expected to command a premium of around Rs 25k to Rs 30k. The standard model is available at a starting price of Rs 9.20 lakh. The faired sibling, CBR650R, will also witness a similar price hike with the E-Clutch update. The standard CBR650R is priced at Rs 9.99 lakh. More

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    in Electric Cars

    MG Windsor Pro Bookings Open – First 8,000 Buyers Get Intro Prices

    MG Windsor Pro
    JSW MG Motor India is expanding their portfolio to take home the best-selling electric car manufacturer tag, which is currently in Tata Motors’ hands. Specifically, they’re expanding Windsor’s variant lineup to include a new and better-equipped Windsor Pro, which was launched recently.
    Only the first 8,000 customers will get the rather attractive introductory pricing offered with Windsor Pro. Bookings for this vehicle have commenced and buyers can reserve themselves a better-equipped version of India’s best-selling electric vehicle.
    MG Windsor Pro Bookings Open
    With the launch of Windsor Pro, JSW MG Motor India is on a mission to etch its name in India’s electric vehicle landscape. The company seems to have heard feedback from buyers and then improved upon what was already established as the country’s best-selling electric car for some time now.
    MG Windsor Pro Interiors
    Introductory price of Windsor Pro is Rs 17.49 lakh (Ex-sh) without any battery rental programs for the first 8,000 buyers. With BaaS (Battery as a Service) program, one can buy a Windsor Pro for Rs 12.49 lakh and Rs 4.5 per kilometre driven as battery rental fees. This has proved to be a game changer, differentiating MG from other EV makers operating in India.
    Windsor Pro is based on Essence Pro trim level and it gets three new colours – Celadon Blue, Glaze Red and Aurora Silver. Except for the new colours the only new change you can spot in a Windsor Pro from a standard Windsor is the new alloy wheel design and an ADAS badge on the tailgate. That is because MG Windsor Pro now comes with Level-2 ADAS suite.
    Added features
    Other notable changes with Windsor Pro are the addition of V2L (Vehicle to Load) and V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle) features, which were not on offer with standard Windsor. Then there’s the larger 52.9 kWh battery pack, with a max range increased to 449 km on a single charge. This is a welcome addition and will attract more buyers towards Windsor Pro.
    MG Windsor Pro Interiors
    The main change on the inside is that MG is offering a dual-tone Black and Ivory theme. Seat upholstery is now Ivory shade which might be hard to keep clean, but is much cooler than a Black seat. Ventilated front seats, 2,700 mm wheelbase, 135-degree reclining rear seats, electrically operated tailgate and more. More

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    in Electric Cars

    Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e Lower Variants Might Get Larger 79kWh Battery

    Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9eOne of India’s leading car manufacturers, Mahindra Auto, is charging (pun intended) into the country’s electric vehicle segment. Recently launched BE 6 and XEV 9e have yielded excellent results for the brand, but they can always achieve more. That’s probably the reason why Mahindra is considering expanding variant lineup of BE 6 and XEV 9e.
    These new variants will reportedly be based on lower trim levels of BE 6 and XEV 9e, but pack the larger 79 kWh battery pack that is currently only offered with the higher trim levels. That could change soon as the lower trims of BE 6 and XEV 9e might also get the option of the larger battery pack.
    BE 6 and XEV 9e Variants
    As things stand, Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e are offered in Pack One, Pack One Above, Pack Two, Pack Three Select and Pack Three trim levels. Deliveries of Pack Three have commenced, while bookings for all trim levels have been opened. Deliveries of Pack Three Select will start in June, Pack Two in July, Pack One Above and Pack One in August.
    Since deliveries began in March 2025, Mahindra has sold 6,300+ units of BE 6 and XEV 9e. As revealed by the company, more than 75% of total bookings are for the top-spec Pack Three trim. This may be because buyers who are smitten by BE 6 and XEV 9e know that only Pack Three deliveries have commenced.
    Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e Prices
    This lean in the bookings towards Pack Three could also be due to the fact that it is solely offered with the larger 79 kWh battery pack that promises up to 683 km or 500+ km in real world. A recent report reveals that customers have been asking for an extended range from larger 79 kWh battery pack in lower variants.
    New variants incoming?
    This shift in priority from features and creature comforts to driving range is really interesting. This might shift the perspectives for Mahindra which might consider launching a 79 kWh battery pack with lower trim levels to make a higher range accessible to a larger audience. This may also boost sales for the brand and position it as India’s best-selling EV brand, up from #3 position in April 2025.
    Since Pack Two and Pack One variants are not on display, it is proving rather tough to convert footfall into the showroom into bookings. This could change once deliveries of said trims start or display units start to reach showrooms. Once launched, 79 kWh battery variants of Pack One and Pack Two might bring more volumes for the brand than Pack Three is currently bringing.
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    BMW F 450 GS Spied In Karnataka – To Be Made By TVS?

    BMW F 450 GS Spied In KarnatakaWith the G 310 GS discontinued, the BMW F 450 GS becomes the new entry-level model in the brand’s highly celebrated GS family
    After it was showcased as a concept at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo, the BMW F 450 GS has been spotted on road tests in Karnataka state, India, for the first time. In an earlier statement, BMW had stated that the production version will be a close match to the near-production-ready concept. Let’s explore some of the key features seen with the test models.
    BMW F 450 GS Spied – Styling and features
    Spy shots show Kannada boards, confirming that the testing was being done in Karnataka. This suggests that TVS Motor might be testing these units and it aligns with the speculations that TVS is handling the production side of things. While heavily camouflaged, some of the signature features such as raised front fender, USD forks in golden finish and a tall windscreen are evident.
    BMW F 450 GS Spotted
    While the concept had a high-mounted exhaust, the test mules can be seen with an upswept exhaust. This placement is more practical as mounting the side panniers becomes easier. The test vehicle can also be seen with a top case. While the concept was presented with cross-wire-spoke wheels, the test mules can be seen with alloy wheels. These appear to be the same units as were used with the now discontinued G 310 GS.
    BMW had earlier mentioned that changes for the production model could include different options for the wheels. However, the 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel sizes might be the same across all options. The alloy wheels onboard these test mules look like they’re wrapped in Eurogrip Duratrail EB+ tyres.
    BMW F 450 GS Spotted
    BMW F 450 GS will have the same design DNA, as seen with the larger R 1300 GS. The concept model came with an exciting colour scheme, combining shades of blue, white and red. This is something similar to that of the Trophy version of the BMW R 1300 GS. One can expect similar colour options with the production model. These colours highlight the key characteristics of BMW GS bikes such as top-notch performance, quality and off-roading capabilities.
    BMW F 450 GS – Performance, specs
    With the F 450 GS, BMW has focused on creating a truly versatile machine that can seamlessly handle both road and off-road environments. Speculations suggest that the bike utilizes an entirely new twin-cylinder inline engine, unlocking 48 hp allowed for A2 class license holders across Europe. The engine is designed to be lightweight and compact with the use of special materials such as magnesium. The bike is expected to be offered with a 6-speed gearbox.
    BMW F 450 GS Spotted
    Chassis and other components are designed to meet the 175 kg minimum weight requirement of A2 class. Suspension setup may comprise fully-adjustable USD forks at front and a preload-adjustable mono-shock with load-dependent damping at the rear. Both ends have a single-disc brake setup and dual-channel ABS will be standard. Tech kit includes a 6.5-inch TFT with Bluetooth connectivity for navigation, calls and notifications.
    Expected rider aids include cornering ABS, configurable riding modes and traction control. BMW F 450 GS is expected to be launched in India later this year or in early 2026. Launch price could be around Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. In India, the BMW F 450 GS will be locally made by TVS and will take on rivals such as KTM 390 Adventure and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.
    BMW F 450 GS Spotted
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    in Motor News

    Ford Raising Prices on Three Mexico-Built Models Due to Tariffs

    Starting July 5, Ford will officially start raising prices on three Mexico-built models as a result of the Trump administration’s tariffs.The raised prices will hit the Bronco Sport, Maverick (pictured above), and Mustang Mach-E, all three of which Ford builds in Mexico.A Ford spokesperson confirmed the news to Car and Driver but also said that the automaker isn’t passing the full cost of the tariffs on to customers. Ford will raise prices on three Mexico-made cars as a result of the Trump administration’s tariff on vehicles built outside the United States, according to a report from Reuters. A spokesperson from Ford confirmed the news to Car and Driver and said that the increases will affect vehicles built after May 2 but won’t go into effect until after July 4. Following the holiday, Ford is planning to sunset its current “From America, For America” employee pricing program, which opens employee pricing to everyone. Ford2025 Ford Bronco Sport.Prices on the Bronco Sport, Maverick, and Mustang Mach-E, all three of which Ford builds in Mexico, will see increases. The Ford spokesperson said the price hikes are part of the brand’s “usual” mid-year pricing changes, “combined with some tariffs we are facing. We have not passed on the full cost of tariffs to our customers.” As the price changes don’t affect vehicles built before May 2, they shouldn’t have an impact on the price of cars already on dealer lots. Ford2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E.The extent of the price increases isn’t totally clear yet. According to the Reuters report, an internal dealer memo reflects price increases as much as $2000, though the report doesn’t make it clear which model will see that change. The Ford representative who spoke with Car and Driver referenced smaller changes and pointed to a $600 price hike for the Bronco Sport Heritage as well as a $700 price hike for the Maverick XLT AWD. More on FordJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

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    in Motor News

    Volvo Recalls 413K Cars over Bad Backup Camera, Polestar Involved Too

    Volvo is recalling over 413,000 models due to a faulty backup camera, which can be fixed with a software update. The massive recall involves pre-2026 Volvo models, including the S60, S90, V60, V90, XC40, XC60, and XC90, with Google built-in software.Every Polestar 2 is also involved in a similar recall, which also requires a software update.A boatload of newer Volvo models could have a problem with their backup cameras, specifically that they won’t display a rearview image when put into reverse. The remedy requires a simple software update, however, that still means that 413,151 Volvo owners will have to visit their dealers. Polestar 2 owners are also on the hook.Michael Simari|Car and DriverVolvo says the backup-camera problem affects all pre-2026 models with Google built-in infotainment software. That’s according to recall documents Volvo submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Of course, the exact model years differ between each vehicle based on when they adopted the Google interface. The list below provides specifics:2023–2025 Volvo S602022–2025 Volvo S902023–2025 Volvo V60/V60 Cross Country2022 Volvo V90/2022–2025 V90 Cross Country2021–2025 Volvo XC402022–2025 Volvo XC602023–2025 Volvo XC90Marc Urbano|Car and DriverWhile Volvo has stopped funding Polestar, the two Swedish brands are still collaborating. The Polestar 2 EV is also currently involved in a backup-camera-related recall, though the recall documents Polestar submitted to the NHTSA don’t specify if it’s related to the same Google software. Instead, Polestar chalks it up to a “synchronization error” between the camera and the video display. As a result, every Polestar 2 sold in the United States (27,816 models) is being recalled. Polestar has also ended production of the 2, making 2025 its final model year.Related StoriesEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

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    in Bike

    TVS Confirms Norton Motorcycles India Launch By 2025 End

    Norton Motorcycles India Launch
    Five years after TVS Motor acquired the iconic British motorcycle brand, Norton Motorcycles, the company has deemed it fit to finally launch it in India. The company has revealed an estimate time frame for Norton Motorcycles to launch in India to rival other retro classic motorcycle brands like Royal Enfield, Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Jawa and Yezdi among others.
    Norton Motorcycles India Launch
    The iconic British motorcycle brand, Norton Motorcycles, has been a popular choice among buyers who are looking for a retro treat. Currently, the company offers three motorcycles – Commando 961, V4SV and V4CR. The prices for these motorcycles range from around Rs 20 lakh and Rs 50 lakh.
    Norton Commando 961
    Norton Motorcycles was acquired by TVS Motor around five years ago and it has been a highly anticipated launch since this acquirement. Now, TVS Motor has confirmed that Norton Motorcycles will be introduced in India by the end of the year 2025. Probably via the CBU route, now that India-UK free trade agreement is expected to bring automotive tariffs from 100% to 10%, under a quota.
    These three aforementioned motorcycles might launch initially through CBU route and serve as Halo products for Norton Motorcycles in India to set foot in the ground. These will be shipped into our market from the company’s facility in Solihull, UK. Soon, we should expect local manufacturing of smaller-capacity motorcycles to compete in the 350cc-450cc motorcycle segment.
    Norton V4CR
    What to expect?
    Speculations suggest that Norton Motorcycles is branching out its operations and is developing two new platforms. One of these will displace around 450cc (probably a single-cylinder unit) which should act as its most affordable offering. Second motorcycle could be a middle-weight offering that might displace around 650cc (probably a twin-cylinder unit).
    With the historic India-UK FTA (Free Trade Agreement), both nations are poised to boost trade and revenue. This FTA will benefit British automakers too as tariffs could be reduced to just 10% down from around 100%. While the small-capacity motorcycles look like a foggy future, the launch of Commando 961 or V4SV or V4CR or all or some by 2025 end is more likely.
    Norton V4SV
    TVS Motor acquired Norton Motorcycles for around Rs 153 Cr, which looks like a relatively small sum in the grand scheme of things. There has been a significant investment of around Rs 1,000 Cr from TVS and the roadmap is set to launch six new motorcycles by 2027 end. More

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    2025 Triumph Scrambler 400X Launched – New Colour, Slight Price Revision

    2025 Triumph Scrambler 400X
    Triumph’s 400 lineup has been gaining more and more popularity in the Indian market. The company is currently one of the notable players in the high-performance single-cylinder 350cc to 450cc motorcycle range. For 2025, Triumph has just updated the Scrambler 400X which now gets a new shade of Red along with a slight price revision. Let’s take a closer look.
    2025 Triumph Scrambler 400X Launched
    With the launch of Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X in India, Triumph Motorcycles entered a new price bracket that it never operated in before. With a strong value for money quotient, Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X quickly emerged as a desirable retro-styled motorcycle with a lot more performance than the popular 350cc offerings from Royal Enfield.
    The most expensive offering in the 400 range by Triumph, is Scrambler 400X. This motorcycle has been updated for MY25 version with a new colourway. Called Lava Red Satin, this new colourway looks a lot more appealing and premium. It replaces the current Volcanic Red and Phantom Black colourway.
    While it looks the same as images published by Triumph’s social media handles, it looks like it will get a matte finish. Hence the word Satin in its name. 2025 Triumph Scrambler 400X gets a slight price hike too. It is now priced at Rs 2.67 lakh (Ex-sh), which is a price increment of Rs 758 (Ex-sh).
    2025 Triumph Scrambler 400X
    Any other changes?
    Other colourways offered with Scrambler 400X are carried over. These include Matt Khaki Green / Fusion White, Pearl Metallic White / Phantom Black and Phantom Black / Silver Ice. Other than the new colour and revised price tag, there don’t seem to be any other changes with 2025 Scrambler 400X.
    It continues to be powered by a 398cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4V/cyl single-cylinder TR Series engine. This engine is capable of delivering 40 bhp of peak power and 37 Nm of peak torque, mated to a slipper clutch and a 6-speed gearbox. It rivals other Scrambler motorcycles like Royal Enfield’s Scram 440, Honda CB350 RS, Yezdi Scrambler and others.
    Also read – More off-road worthy Triumph Scrambler 400XC in the works More