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    in Motor News

    2024 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Microbus EV Will Debut March 9

    The 2024 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Microbus will be revealed on March 9, 2022. It will arrive in the United States in 2023 in its three-row passenger van configuration. Pricing is expected to start around $40,000, and both single- and dual-motor version should be available. The wait is almost over for the return of the Volkswagen bus. Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess announced via Twitter that the 2024 ID.Buzz Microbus will be revealed on March 9.
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    The ID.Buzz is inspired by the iconic Type 2 Microbus that was introduced in the 1950s, and its design will be appropriately retro. We’ve seen prototypes testing and VW revealed a glimpse of the production version last fall (pictured). It’ll be built on VW’s Modular Electric Drive (MEB) platform that currently underpins the ID.4 electric crossover on sale now in the States. We expect the ID.Buzz to offer a driving range of around 300 miles and both single- and dual-motor configurations providing rear- or all-wheel drive.

    Volkswagen

    We’ll only get a long-wheelbase passenger van version here in the U.S., and it will arrive in 2023 for the 2024 model year. It will offer three rows of seats that can be configured in multiple different ways—and they can even be removed. We expect pricing to start around $40,000 to make it competitive with other EV offerings. A commercial cargo version without windows will be sold in Europe. Check back here in March for more specs and details when the new electric Microbus makes its debut.
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    in Motor News

    Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Just Got the Lego Treatment

    The current Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is the most extreme machine ever to wear the iconic pony-car nameplate. Designed as a tool for both the dragway and the road course, the Shelby has more in common with the likes of Europe’s best sports cars than many of its fellow American-made cars. For those of us unable to get the real deal, the folks at Lego have just created a new GT500 kit for the masses.

    LEGO Technic Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 42138 Model Building Kit; Pull-Back Drag Race Car Toy for Ages 9+ (544 Pieces)

    LEGO
    amazon.com

    $49.99

    This plasticized muscle car is part of the Lego Technic series, which brings a greater focus on engineering and challenging designs than your typical Lego set. The Shelby is composed of 544 pieces, and measures in at just over 3.0 inches high, 10.5 inches long, and 4.5 inches wide when finished. The general shape of the model is unmistakably American muscle, though the Mustang’s front fascia proved difficult to accurately re-create out of bricks. The same can’t be said out back, as the rear end is perhaps the most authentic-looking section of the build. The thing does look like a GT500, though it certainly looks like one made of Lego bricks.

    Lego

    Building a model that looks the part wasn’t the only way Lego decided to honor the Shelby GT500. Among those 544 pieces are two pull-back motors that will allow the completed Lego GT500 to do some actual racing. As this is the modern era, the toy company has even integrated some unique virtual test tracks into its Lego Technic augmented reality app. These tracks feature unique challenges for the model drag racer in your life to complete. Lego states that the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 kit is intended for builders ages nine and up, and have the kit listed as item #42138 on its website. The Shelby is $49.99, which is a lot more affordable than some of the brand’s other automotive options. It’s also gotta be one of the cheapest ways to get your hands on a GT500 of any kind right about now.

    Lego

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  • 113 Shares119 Views

    in Motor News

    Mercedes EQXX Electric Powertrain Will Make Production, Company Promises

    Mercedes-Benz revealed its Vision EQXX concept as part of the CES technology show this week.The powertrain is notable for promising 620 miles of range thanks to a compact, energy-dense battery and motor, both of which Mercedes developed in-house.With 201 horsepower and a top speed limited to 87 mph, it diverges sharply from the Mercedes flagship image of the past.Mercedes has released more details about the pioneering powertrain in the Vision EQXX concept that was shown earlier this week, with the company confirming that the first car to use a version of the long-range EV powertrain will be in production by 2024.This is more than a concept car; it is a technology program,” chief technology officer Markus Schäfer told journalists in an online call after the unveiling. “All the elements on this car will make it into series production. The battery, for example, is an early prototype of the chemistry that you’re going to see in the new generation of concept cars.”

    The new battery’s enhanced energy density is thanks to next-generation silcon carbide anodes that Mercedes has developed in-house, allowing the EQXX to store similar energy to the range-topping EQS’s 107.8-kWh pack in a space 50 percent smaller. Mercedes is planning to use the same technology for smaller capacity packs as well, which will be lighter and cheaper, but the company’s engineers also insist that the EQXX’s claimed 620-mile range will be achievable under everyday conditions rather than just simulated testing. “It is 1000 km on real streets, so the WLTP range [the way Europe measures electric range] will be even higher,” Eva Greiner, the drive system’s chief engineer, said. We’re promised that the Vision EQXX will be sent into the real world to prove its ability to deliver those numbers.Mercedes-Made MotorWe’ve also learned that the ultra-efficient 201-hp motor that turns the EQXX’s rear wheels is a radial flux unit that has been developed in-house by Mercedes based on the technology that it is already using. Work on it predated the company’s recent acquisition of Yasa, a British manufacturer of high-performance axial flux motors. Merc’s next generation of compact EVs will use this newly developed radial flux unit, with Schäfer confirming the plan is to also offer all-wheel drive by adding a second motor; we presume axial flux motors will therefore be reserved for higher-performance models. The EQXX (and production cars that will share its powertrain) have been designed for efficiency rather than outright speed, but even using a single motor Greiner says it can run from zero to 62 mph in a respectable 7.0 seconds, although the concept’s top speed is limited to just 87 mph.

    The relatively modest output of the new motor is also what allows the battery pack to use air cooling rather than liquid cooling. This might look technically retrograde compared to the wider EV market, where almost all cars now use liquid cooling (the Nissan Leaf being the notable holdout). But careful temperature management through what is described as a cooling plate on the base of the cell pack means the EQXX can do without the use of a more energy-intensive cooling system, part of its impressively frugal six-mile-per-kWh consumption. That’s about 50 percent better than the longest-range Tesla, the 405-mile Model S, which gets roughly four miles per kWh.Despite air cooling, Schäfer promises the new powertrain can still support respectably rapid charging speeds, with the targeted ability to support rates that will able to add at least 186 miles of range in 15 minutes by the time production versions reach the market. He also makes the point that if you have a 600-mile plus battery pack, you won’t need to worry about charging it nearly so often.
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  • 113 Shares149 Views

    in Motor News

    Goodyear Reveals Sustainable Tire Concept and Tests Airless Tire

    Goodyear’s tire prototype is made 70 percent from sustainable materials, the first step towards the company’s goal of a 100 percent sustainable tire by 2030.New materials were developed for the tire, including polyester from recycled plastic bottles and surplus soybean oil.Goodyear will also start testing an airless tire on delivery robots at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.Concepts including the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX and Chrysler Airflow headlined the 2022 CES technology show this year, but tire manufacturer Goodyear also made two announcements that could have big implications for the future of driving. Goodyear unveiled a tire that is made 70 percent from sustainable materials and also announced that it will begin testing an airless tire on small delivery robots. In 2020, Goodyear set a goal to create a tire constructed entirely from sustainable materials by 2030, and this new tire prototype is the first major step towards that ambition. The sustainable materials in the tire help reduce Goodyear’s reliance on petroleum-based products. Carbon black—which reinforces and lengthens the life of the tire compound—is traditionally made by burning petroleum, but instead Goodyear created carbon blacks from methane, carbon dioxide, and plant-based oil, resulting in fewer carbon emissions in the production process.

    Goodyear also utilized surplus soybean oil from the food and animal feed industries to help keep the tire’s rubber flexible in changing temperatures. Silica, meanwhile, is needed to boost grip and lower fuel consumption, so Goodyear created a new form of silica made from a byproduct of rice processing, called rice husk ash, that often ends up in landfills. Goodyear also crafted tire cords by recycling the polyester found in plastic bottles. The sustainable tire is only a demonstration product for now, but Goodyear’s developments bode well for the future.

    Goodyear

    Along with the eco-friendly tire prototype, Goodyear announced a test program for a non-pneumatic, or airless, tire. The tire will be tested by Starship Technologies, which builds and operates more than 1000 last-mile autonomous robots that deliver packages and food. The airless tire is meant to extend tire life and decrease maintenance for Starship’s fleet, and the testing will take place at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. This is not the first time we’ve seen airless tires, with Michelin testing its own version on Chevy Bolts back in 2019.
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  • 138 Shares149 Views

    in Electric Cars

    New Sony 7 Seater Electric SUV Debuts – Could Enter Production

    Sony 7 Seater Electric SUVIf and when launched, the Vision-S 02 electric SUV from Sony would lock horns with Tesla Model Y crossover
    Electric mobility is the future of vehicular movement across the world. This has presented an opportunity to all brands across various industries to be part of the ongoing electric vehicle (EV) revolution which will see the advent of many path-breaking technologies in coming years.
    Many technology companies who have had expertise in electronic goods and appliances are now planning to step into EV manufacturing. One of the major brands being Sony which presented its first electric car- the Vision-S Concept back in early 2020.
    Sony 7 Seater Electric SUV Concept
    The Japanese technology giant has now previewed its second concept electric car in the form of Vision-S 02. Unlike Vision-S which is an electric sedan, Vision-S 02 is an electric SUV and both EV concepts were recently presented at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
    Sony even started testing road-legal prototypes of Vision-S around the same time last year, however, it has been reported that the electric sedan is unlikely to reach production stage. On the other hand, speculations are rife that Vision-S 02 could reach production at some point in the future. The electric SUV is based on the same platform as its sedan sibling and gets a four- as well as a seven-seat layout.
    Sony 7 Seater Electric SUV
    Sony Vision-S 02: Exterior Highlights
    The crossover measures 4,895mm in length, 1,930mm in width and 1,651mm in height which puts it in the same ballpark as Tesla Model Y. In the concept form, Vision-S 02 weighs 2,480kg. On the outset, Vision-S 02 looks very futuristic, as most upcoming premium born electric vehicles do. Upfront, the closed-off nose and eye-shaped headlights give it a quirky look.
    A sloping roofline gives it a proper Coupe SUV appeal. Other exterior highlights such as a sculpted bonnet, a wide air dam and a dual-tone paint scheme accentuate its sporty nature. Side profile is dominated by highlights such as designer 20-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out B-pillars and flush door handles. Instead of ORVMs, Vision-S 02 benefits from camera lenses.
    The rear end of the Sony 7 Seater Electric SUV gets a raked windscreen thanks to a sloping roofline and a long stripe of LED taillamp running across the width of tailgate. The design language used by Sony on Vision-S 02 resonates with that from Porsche. Interiors of the new Sony electric SUV boasts minimalism but is loaded with all modern technologies available. The most unique highlight is a fully digital dashboard with a three-screen layout.
    Sony 7 Seater Electric SUV
    Features & Specs
    The panoramic infotainment interface could also be used for video playback or for playing video games via a remote connection to a Sony Playstation gaming console. Other features include a three-dimensional audio system, a panoramic glass roof and most importantly Level 2+ driver assistance systems.
    Powering Vision-S 02 are two electric motors, one on each axle, with a combined output of 536 bhp – sending power to all four wheels. However, the brand has yet to reveal specs regarding its battery configuration and range. Sony has revealed that the upcoming electric crossover will be marketed and retailed under a new operating company called Sony Mobility Inc. which will debut around March-May this year. More

  • 150 Shares189 Views

    in Bike

    Two Wheeler Sales Dec 2021 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Royal Enfield

    New Bajaj PulsarThe two wheeler segment in India has posted 9.43 percent de-growth during December 2021 with only Royal Enfield noting increased demand
    Top 5 two wheeler makers in India have revealed their wholesales for December 2021. It may be seen that Hero, Bajaj, TVS and Honda have each posted a YoY de-growth while Royal Enfield sales increased 6.88 percent. On a MoM basis, it was Hero and Royal Enfield that saw better results.
    Two-wheeler buyers in India are turning a serious eye towards EVs to the extent that two wheeler segment is finding it difficult to keep up with increased demand being seen across the electric segment. Sales in the past month dipped 9.43 percent to 12,46,383 units, down from 13,76,180 units sold in December 2020. On a MoM basis as well, there was a de-growth of 2.49 percent from 12,78,224 units sold in November 2021.
    Two Wheeler Sales Dec 2021 – Total, Domestic, Exports
    Hero MotoCorp led the list of best-selling 5 two wheeler makers with sales of 3,94,862 units in the past month, down 11.73 percent over 4,47,335 units sold in December 2020. On a MoM basis, Hero sales increased 12.84 percent from 3,49,943 units sold in November 2021.
    In terms of domestic sales, Hero sold 3,74,485 units last month, down 11.89 percent from 4,25,033 units sold in December 2020. Exports were down 9.03 percent to 20,288 units from 22,302 units sold in December 2020 while MoM exports dipped 0.48 percent from 20,191 units shipped in November 2021.
    Two Wheeler Sales Dec 2021 – Total Sales
    Bajaj Auto followed at No. 2 with total sales at 3,18,769 units, down 5.85 percent over 3,38,584 units sold in December 2020 and down 5.82 percent from 3,38,473 units sold in November 2021. Domestic sales of Bajaj Auto dipped only marginally by 0.82 percent to 1,27,593 units, down from 1,28,642 units sold in December 2020.
    MoM sales however, suffered a greater decline by 11.98 percent from 1,44,953 units sold in November 2021. Exports on the other hand dipped 8.94 percent to 1,91,176 units in December 2021 from 2,09,942 units shipped in December 2020 and down 0.72 percent over 1,92,565 units shipped in November 2021.
    TVS, Honda, Royal Enfield
    TVS Motor wholesales stood at 2,35,392 units in the past month. This was a de-growth of 8.85 percent over 2,58,23 units sold in December 2020 and an 8.71 percent MoM de-growth from 2,57,863 units sold in November 2021. Domestic sales also suffered a de-growth at 17.04 percent on a YoY basis and at 16.58 percent MoM. However, exports increased 8.98 percent YoY to 88,,629 units in December 2021 from 81,327 units shipped in December 2020 and by 7.12 percent from 82,736 units exported in November 2021.
    Two Wheeler Sales Dec 2021 – Domestic
    At No.4 in terms of two wheeler wholesales was Honda with a 14.98 percent YoY de-growth to 2,23,621 units from 2,63,027 units sold in December 2020. It was also a 20.24 percent MoM de-growth over 2,80,381 units sold in November 2021. Honda has posted a YoY and MoM de-growth both in the case of domestic sales and exports during the past month. The company is also embarking in its electric journey and Honda has announced that it will introduce three electric two-wheelers in global markets by 2024.
    At No. 5 was Royal Enfield posting a 6.88 percent YoY and 43 percent MoM growth in wholesales to 73,739 units. RE has also seen promising domestic sales and exports in the past month specifically in case of the Classic 350, Meteor, 650 Twins, Himalayan.
    Two Wheeler Sales Dec 2021 – Exports
    Even as its YoY domestic sales dipped marginally by 0.47 percent, its MoM deliveries in domestic markets increased 45.41 percent to 65,187 units from 44,830 units sold in November 2021. Exports surged 144.13 percent YoY to 8,552 units in December 2021, up from 3,503 units shipped in December 2020 and 142.82 percent from 3,522 units shipped in November 2021. More

  • 125 Shares179 Views

    in Bike

    2022 Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Homologated – Gets More Power

    Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterShortage of imported components could be among the reasons for introducing more localization for Chetak
    Launched in January 2020, Bajaj Chetak electric scooter comes with USPs such as elegant design, sprightly colour options, metal body, connected tech and keyless start. However, as the pandemic began soon after its launch, Chetak wasn’t really able to unlock its full potential. Even now, shortage of semiconductor chips and other parts is being felt across the auto industry.
    2022 Bajaj Chetak with increased localization
    Things are expected to improve in future, as Bajaj is working on a new version of Chetak. It will have increased localization, which will reduce dependence on imported components. As revealed in Type Approval Certificate, one of the key changes is a new, more powerful motor. It generates 4.2kW of peak output and 4.0kW of max continuous output.
    In comparison, current Chetak model is powered by a Bosch-sourced motor. It makes 4.08kW of peak power and 3.8kW of peak continuous output. It is likely that other key components such as battery pack could also witness a higher level of localization. With the Type Approval Certificate in place, new Chetak could be launched soon.
    More affordable Chetak?
    One thing that’s not clear is whether 2022 Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter will be more affordable than the current model. Usually, a higher level of localization helps to reduce production costs. Chetak can benefit from reduced pricing, as there’s intense competition in electric scooter space. There are multiple products that are not only cheaper, but also claim better performance and range than Chetak.
    2022 Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Homologated
    Bajaj Chetak is currently one of the costliest electric scooters in its class. Even with FAME subsidy, starting price is close to Rs 1.48 lakh in Delhi. At this price, it will be challenging to generate high sale volumes.
    For most buyers, a price of around Rs 1 lakh (including FAME subsidy) will be far more agreeable. TVS iQube is a good example, which is priced at Rs 1.01 lakh in Delhi (inclusive of FAME II subsidy). iQube and Chetak are not very different in terms of performance, range and top speed.
    One can also consider Ola S1 electric scooter, which is available for under Rs 1 lakh in several states. In Delhi, Ola S1 can be purchased at Rs 85,009 (effective ex-showroom including FAME II subsidy). It has better numbers (claimed) such as top speed of 90 kmph and range of 121 km.
    Bajaj new EV plant
    To strengthen its presence in EV space, Bajaj is currently building a new EV plant in Pune. The location is the same where original petrol-powered Chetak was once manufactured. New Bajaj EV plant is being built at an investment of Rs 300 crore (approx. USD 40 million). When working at full capacity, the plant will be able to manufacture 5 lakh EVs per year.
    EVs to be manufactured at the new plant include scooters, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Apart from Chetak, Husqvarna electric scooter and motorcycles will also be manufactured at this facility. EVs manufactured here will cater to both domestic and international markets. More

  • 138 Shares199 Views

    in Electric Cars

    2022 Tata Nexon Electric Spied – Gets Larger Battery, Longer Range

    2022 Tata Nexon ElectricTata Motors will launch updated Nexon Electric with a larger battery pack this year – It would offer a higher range of around 400km on a single charge
    Range anxiety in electric vehicles (EVs) is a major concern among automobile buyers, especially in India where charging infrastructure is yet to gain widespread prominence. In addition, initial cost of an EV is a lot higher than conventional IC engine-powered vehicles which makes them unfavourable by most buyers in major parts of the country.
    However, EVs do have the benefit of low running costs in comparison to their petrol and diesel counterparts. For this, EVs have to provide a certain range in order to make it a profitable proposition for buyers. Nexon EV is one of the most sought-after EVs in the passenger car segment in India.
    2022 Tata Nexon Electric Spied
    Despite so many positives, the electric SUV has one major drawback in the form of its range. Nexon EV offers a range of 312km on a single charge which may seem decent on paper but its real-world range stands at around 180-200 kms. This might be very less for consumers who often cover long-distance journeys in a car or for those who commute long distances on a daily basis.
    To address this issue, Tata Motors will be updating Nexon Electric with a larger battery pack that will offer a greater range on a full charge. A test mule of the same has now been spotted somewhere in Pune. Images are credit to TechTalk Teardown. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Snehal Praveen for sharing the update.
    [embedded content]
    2022 Tata Nexon EV- Exterior Details
    Prototype caught in the camera was seen wearing a full-body camouflage although there wasn’t any noticeable clue of any change from images. It gets the same front fascia with a sealed Tata’s Humanity line faux grille which are flanked by dual-beam LED headlamps on each side with integrated LED DRLs.
    It also rolls on new 16 inch dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels. Side profile also remains intact will sloping Coupe-like roofline and roof rails. Rear end of the electric SUV has not been shown in the latest spy shots but it is unlikely the company will provide any noticeable change on this side.
    Features & Specs on offer
    In terms of features, it will be offered with gizmos such as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system enabled with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a semi-digital instrument cluster with a 7-inch TFT display, auto LED headlights, auto climate control and connected car technology.
    2022 Tata Nexon Electric Spied In Pune
    Interiors are also expected to remain identical. Tata will, however, make some calibration changes to the powertrain and software with the addition of a new battery pack. Safety kit will include standard features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchors and cornering stability control.
    Currently, Nexon Electric is powered by the brand’s Ziptron EV powertrain technology which draws energy from a 30.2kWh lithium-ion battery. This powertrain returns an output of 127 bhp and 245 Nm of torque. The battery gets an 8-year standard warranty. In its current avatar, Nexon EV is priced between Rs 14.24 lakh and Rs 16.85 lakh (ex-showroom). More