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    Listen to Toyota GR Yaris with Stock Internals Make Nearly 500 HP on a Dyno

    Going by horsepower per liter, the Toyota GR Yaris has one of the most powerful production engines currently on the market. Its 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-three is rated at an incredible 268 horsepower straight from the factory. While that sounds incredibly high-strung, it seems the engine has a whole lot more left on the table, even with mostly stock internals.

    Motive Garage and and Powertune Australia wanted to see just how far they could push the GR Yaris’s tiny three-cylinder before cracking it open to swap out things like cams, pistons, and rods, upgrading everything from the turbo to the MAF sensor to the fueling system. The only real mechanical update within the engine is new valve springs. With everything maxed out, the team was able to squeeze an incredible 473 hp to the wheels on a hub dyno. That number makes it the most powerful GR Yaris on the planet (that we know of, anyway). The tuners have yet to test the car at the drag strip, but expect it to munch the quarter-mile in the 10-second range and eclipse a 130-mph trap speed.

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    2023 Mazda CX-50 Joins the CX-5 as Another Stylish SUV

    The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a new crossover model that joins the lineup and looks to be similar in size to the CX-5.It will offer the same 2.5-liter and turbo 2.5-liter inline-four engine options as most other Mazda models, with a hybrid coming later.The CX-50 will be built in the U.S. and is set to go on sale in the spring of 2022.Mazda’s newest crossover, the 2023 CX-50, looks to capture the same successful formula as its existing SUVs: attractive looks, a luxurious interior, and—we hope—an engaging driving experience. While Mazda isn’t providing dimensions, it appears to be similar in size to the CX-5, giving Mazda yet another entrant in the popular compact-crossover segment. Although the two models will be sold alongside each other for the time being, we expect the CX-50 to eventually replace the CX-5, much like what happened with the smaller CX-30 and the CX-3.

    Mazda is pitching the CX-50 as more of an off-road-oriented SUV with higher ground clearance than the CX-5 and available rugged-style accessories, but it is still a unibody crossover and based on the same transverse architecture as the Mazda 3 and CX-30. Mazda says it’s slightly longer than the CX-5 and claims that it has more room for rear-seat passengers. Mazda’s upcoming longitudinal architecture and inline-six engine won’t arrive until the larger CX-70 and CX-90 crossovers make their debut.
    The CX-50’s styling plays up this rugged angle with lots of black plastic cladding around the wheel wells, front and rear bumper trim meant to look like skid plates, and black and silver wheels. It’s also available in a trendy tan exterior color called Zircon Sand, and the models pictured here feature accessories including a roof rack, hood graphics, and optional all-terrain tires. Apart from these add-ons, we like the handsome, squared-off shape and the modern-looking headlights and taillights and think the CX-50 looks even better than the already stylish CX-5.The familiar 2.5-liter inline-four will be under the hood, both in naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms that will likely produce around the same 187 hp and 250 hp as they do in the CX-5. All-wheel drive will be standard equipment, and a six-speed automatic transmission pairs with both engines. A hybrid model will join the lineup later, but Mazda isn’t yet sharing details on that powertrain other than saying it will feature a Toyota hybrid setup. Otherwise, Mazda claims that there are no parts shared between the CX-50 and the smaller Toyota Corolla Cross that’s built in the same factory.The CX-50 is a five-seater, and from what we can see of the interior it looks to feature a similar dashboard design as other Mazda models. A touchscreen mounted on the upper part of the dash is controlled by a knob on the center console. The more expensive trim levels feature plush materials such as leather upholstery, available in a nice shade of brown, and a panoramic sunroof will be optional. Like other Mazdas, we expect the CX-50’s cabin to trend closer to the luxury end of the spectrum than many of its mainstream competitors, including the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
    The CX-50 will offer a new drive-mode selector that includes off-road and towing modes in addition to the Sport mode that is offered on most current Mazdas. These settings adjust features such as throttle response, steering feedback, and the tuning of Mazda’s G-vectoring control system.Mazda hasn’t yet released pricing for the CX-50, but we expect it to cost a bit more than the CX-5, which starts at $27,945 with all-wheel drive. It will be built at Mazda’s new factory in Alabama that is shared with Toyota and will start production in 2022, going on sale in the spring.
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    Hero Could Launch New Electric Scooters, Motorcycles Under VIDA Brand

    Image for reference. Hero Splendor converted into Electric motorcycleNew Hero MotoCorp electric scooter is getting ready for launch next year – It has been designed and developed at the company’s R&D centre in Jaipur, Rajasthan
    The entire global automotive industry is shifting towards electric mobility and the transition has started to take rapid steps. In India too, multiple new offerings in the electric vehicle space have been launched already, especially in the two-wheeler segment.
    However, the largest player in the two-wheeler segment hasn’t yet forayed into electric mobility. That said, Hero MotoCorp will soon be launching its first electric vehicle and some fresh details regarding the upcoming battery-powered two-wheeler have surfaced online. As we already know, this two-wheeler is expected to be launched by March 2022.
    Hero MotoCorp VIDA Electric
    Hero MotoCorp cannot use the ‘Hero’ brand for its upcoming battery-powered vehicles since Hero Electric, a separate EV manufacturing entity, holds exclusive rights for this brand in the EV segment. They are expected to launch an all new sub-brand, under which they will sell their range of upcoming electric scooters and motorcycles.
    Recently, Hero MotoCorp has registered multiple names with the name VIDA. The names that have been registered by Hero MotoCorp include – VIDA Electric, VIDA EV, VIDA Mobility, VIDA MotoCorp, VIDA Scooters and VIDA Motorcycles.
    Hero MotoCorp VIDA Electric
    It is likely that Hero will start its EV journey with an e-scooter which could be launched the first product under their ‘Vida Electric’ brand. The bikemaker has filed a trademark for this brand which is likely to serve as a sub-brand catering to only battery-powered vehicles.
    To be built in Chittoor
    The upcoming e-scooter will be manufactured at the company’s latest manufacturing facility located in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. Images of the upcoming e-scooter were leaked on the internet after Hero MotoCorp live-streamed its 10th anniversary celebration in August this year.
    Aptly called Garden Factory for its eco-friendly and sustainable manufacturing practices, this plant will provide an integrated ecosystem for Battery Pack Manufacturing and Testing, Vehicle Assembly, and Vehicle End of Line Testing (EOL). It is also the youngest facility of Hero which started operations in March 2020.
    Gogoro Electric Scooter. Hero MotoCorp has partnered with Gogoro.
    Gogoro & Battery Swapping Tech
    From the images leaked earlier, the e-scooter didn’t seem to share any noticeable element with Gogoro electric scooters. For the uninitiated, Gogoro is a Taiwan-based EV manufacturer with whom Hero MotoCorp has announced a partnership earlier this year. Through this joint venture, the Indian bikemaker could make use of battery swapping technology of Gogoro in its upcoming electric two-wheelers.
    The upcoming Hero Vida electric scooter will sport a more conventional design unlike the ones offered by Gogoro. Some striking highlights of the Hero e-scooter are a single-sided rear suspension and a seemingly mid-mounted motor, Unlike Gogoro electric scooters, the e-scooter from Hero MotoCorp misses out on double-sided swingarms.
    The Hero e-scooter gets black embellishments on the handlebar, side and rear fenders and floorboard which give it a dual-tone colour theme that looks very sporty. Other notable styling highlights include a long split seat, a short flyscreen and curvy bodywork. The pillion seat is detachable which is intended for use in last-mile services. More

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    Honda Grazia 125cc Scooter MotoGP Colour Edition Launch Price Rs 87k

    New Honda Grazia 125cc In MotoGP ColoursHonda Grazia 125 Repsol Honda Team Edition gets vibrant orange coloured accents to add a sportier stance
    Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) has just launched the Grazia 125 in their official Repsol Honda Team colours in India. It is seen with vibrant orange coloured accents, the signature colour of Honda MotoGP team, across its wheel rims for a sportier appeal which will instantly appeal to racing fans in the country. Grazia 125 Repsol Honda Team Edition is priced at Rs 87,138 (ex-showroom, Gurugram).
    Mr. Atsushi Ogata, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd said, “Repsol Honda racing team infuses the spirit of competing in the extreme challenge on the racetrack. With rich legacy paving the way for Honda’s bright future in racing, we are delighted to unveil the Grazia125 Repsol Honda Team Edition for racing enthusiasts in India.”
    Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director, Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “The unveiling of Grazia125 Repsol Honda Team Edition brings the spirit of racing, catching the fascination of MotoGP fans yet again. Its sportier looks and trademark orange, red & white scheme of smart graphics teamed up with a sporty engine makes it an irresistible package for racing enthusiasts.”
    Honda Grazia 125 – More details
    Honda Grazia 125, which received an overhaul in 2020 with BS6 update, is offered in the highly competitive 125cc segment. It is priced from Rs 76,823 -84,148 (ex-showroom Delhi) and is a sportier alternative to the Activa 125. All prices are ex-sh.
    New Honda Grazia 125cc In MotoGP Colours
    It comes in with a bold design and advanced technology among which are Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) engine and Idling Stop System and Enhanced Smart Power (eSP). It also gets rider comforts among which are features such as LED DC headlamp, multi-function switch and an integrated passing switch.
    Features are also extended to side stand indicator with engine-cut off, intelligent instrument display, 3-step adjustable rear suspension and front telescopic suspension. Honda Grazia competes with the TVS NTorq 125, Hero Maestro Edge, Aprilia SR 125 and the Yamaha Fascino 125 FI Hybrid.
    Honda Plans Electric Two-wheeler for India
    Like its other counterparts Bajaj, TVS and Hero MotorCorp, HMSI also plans to enter the electric two wheeler segment. It will bring out its first electric two-wheeler in the next financial year. A Honda Benly e electric scooter has been spied testing at the ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) facility in Pune earlier this year.
    The Benly e was showcased in 2019 at Tokyo Motor Show and has been positioned as an electric two-wheeler for commercial use. Honda sells four different models of the Benly e in Japan and in other global markets that include the Benly e I, Benly e I Pro, Benly e II and Benly e II Pro.
    The Benly will come in with LED headlamps, a digital instrument cluster and accessory power socket. It will get a flat rear deck and large basket in the front. The e-scooter will sport reverse assist function and ride on 12 inch tyre in the front and 10 inch tyre at the rear. As on date, Benly e I and I Pro are powered by a 2.8 kW electric motor offering 13 Nm peak torque. Benly e II and II Pro come in with a 4.2 kW electric motor generating 15 Nm peak torque. More

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    Electric Car Sales India H1 FY 2021 – Nexon, MG ZS, Tigor, Kona, Verito

    Image – Its Sumit kumarElectric car sales in India during April to September 2021 saw a 234 percent YoY increase with Tata Nexon EV being the best-selling model in this segment
    Ever increasing price of fuel, increased preference for zero emission vehicles coupled with subsidies and benefits offered by State and Central Governments under the FAME II initiative, has resulted in an increased demand for electric passenger vehicles.
    However, the electric passenger vehicle segment is still in its nascent stage. This segment commands less than 1 percent of total PV sales in India but demand is growing by leaps and bounds. With just a few automakers having entered this segment, sales figures for the first half of FY2022 (6,261 units) have already surpassed EV sales in all of FY2021 which had stood at 5,905 units.
    Electric Car Sales India H1 FY 2022
    Taking into account the first half of this calendar year, April – September 2021, total EV sales of these automakers stood at 6,261 units, up 234 percent over 1,872 units sold in the April to September 2020 period. This was a difference of 4,389 units. Leaders in this segment include automakers such as Tata Motors (Nexon and Tigor EV), MG Motors (ZS EV), Hyundai (Kona) and Mahindra (Verito).
    Tata Motors has been dominating the EV space with its two models Nexon EV and Tigor EV. The company also has the Xpres T EV, however, this electric sedan is exclusively for fleet customers. These account for over 70 percent of electric vehicles sold during the 6 month period of 2021.
    Electric Car Sales India FY 2021 / 2022
    The company has reached a 7 month total of 6,005 units and expects to surpass the 10,000 unit mark to set a new record in the EV segment this year. Last month, Tata Motors also revealed plan to launch ten more electric cars in India over next five years. An amount of Rs 7,500 crore has been raised for this venture and out of these ten EVs being planned at least seven cars will be launched over the next four years.
    Tata Nexon EV Tops List
    Nexon EV was the best-selling model in this segment, commanding a 58 percent market share. Total sales from April-September 2021 stood at 3,618 units, up 214 percent of 2,466 units over 1,152 units sold during the April-September 2020 period.
    MG ZS EV was at No. 2 with 1,789 units sold in the April-September 2021 period, an increase of 250 percent or 1,278 units over just 511 units sold during the same 6 month period last year. The MG ZS EV commands a 29 percent share.
    At No. 3 was Tata Tigor EV with sales of 801 units in April-September 2021, up 701 percent from 100 units sold in the April-September 2020 period. Commanding a 13 percent market share, the Tigor EV got updated earlier this year with a better battery and updated features. This 5 seater sedan available in 4 variants and in a price range of Rs. 11.99 – 13.14 lakh.
    Even as Hyundai Cars India was the forerunner in this segment with its Kona electric launched ahead of all others, sales have not been encouraging. Hyundai Kona sales have dipped 50 percent from 101 units sold in April-September 2020 to 51 units in the same period of this year. Trailing the list of electric passenger vehicles was the Mahindra Verito with just 2 units sold in the April to September 2021 period, down from 8 units sold in the same period of 2020 relating to a 75 percent de-growth. More

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    2022 Toyota Camry Adds Nightshade Hybrid, New Color Options

    The bestselling passenger car in the U.S. isn’t going anywhere. The Toyota Camry is now available with 18 distinct trim/powertrain combinations and new paint and trim options.This model year refresh adds the existing Nightshade trim to the hybrid powertrain and an exclusive color to the Camry TRD: two-tone Cavalry Blue with a Midnight Black Metallic roof.The 2022 Camry starts at $26,320 for the front-wheel-drive version and $28,405 for the hybrid.Toyota regularly sells more Camrys in the U.S. than it does of all Lexus models combined. In 2020, for example, it sold 294,348 Camrys and 275,041 Lexus vehicles, and the difference was even larger in 2019. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the automaker is sprucing up the decades-long bestselling passenger car for the 2022 model year.

    For 2022, the Camry will get a Nightshade edition for the hybrid model as well as new exterior paints. In Toyota’s nomenclature, Nightshade refers to trims that feature black wheels, accents, and badging. For the Camry SE Hybrid Nightshade, that means 18-inch black wheels, a black shark-fin antenna, and black window trim, badging, door handles, and mirror caps. The Nightshade trim was previously available for nonhybrid Camrys.Toyota debuted the sporty Camry TRD version in 2020 and sold it with an exclusive color—Ice Edge—last year. For 2022, Ice Edge joins the lineup of available exterior colors for non-TRD trims while the Camry TRD gets a new exclusive color: two-tone Cavalry Blue with a Midnight Black Metallic roof. As before, the 2022 Camry TRD comes with a direct-injected, 301-hp DOHC 3.5-liter V-6 and an eight-speed automatic transmission inside a vehicle outfitted with an aerodynamic body kit and a gloss-black front grille. All powertrain options for the 2022 Camry match those available in the 2021 version.The addition of Ice Edge to the standard lineup of paint options means Galactic Aqua went away but XSE grades of the 2022 Camry can still be had with two-tone body and roof color combinations. Supersonic Red, Wind Chill Pearl, and Celestial Silver Metallic can be paired with a Midnight Black Metallic roof and a rear spoiler.

    Toyota

    All of the changes Toyota made for 2022 means that the Camry can now be purchased in 18 different trims. As before, there are three trims with the V-6 engine (XLE, XSE, TRD), five each with the four-cylinder in front- and all-wheel-drive versions (LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade, and XSE), and five hybrid trims (LE, XLE, SE, the new SE Nightshade option, and XSE). The different Camry trims feature distinctive front ends so that those in the know can tell them apart at a glance. The only way to tell from the outside that a 2022 Camry has a hybrid powertrain is from the simple hybrid badging on the trunklid.All 2022 Camrys will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+,which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection that also detects bicycles in daytime, as well as automated emergency braking. Available safety features include full-speed dynamic radar cruise control and intelligent clearance sonar with rear cross-traffic braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Other convenience options include a cold-weather package (contents differ depending on trim level), a 7.0-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster and a 10-inch color head-up display.For 2022, the Camry starts at $26,320 for the FWD LE trim while the AWD models start at $27,720 and the hybrid starts at $28,405.
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    40-Person Teenage Gang Blamed for Rash of Ohio-Area Car Break-Ins

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    An increase in car break-ins and thefts in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana has alarmed citizens this fall.Officials in the area have blamed a supposedly organized gang of youthful car burglars that numbers at least 40 people across the tri-state area. Of note, however, is that most of the attacked vehicles were left unlocked, and/or in open garages, some with the keys and valuables visible inside, begging the question: Why don’t people lock their cars?One Monday evening this fall, Bridgetta Tomarchio was lounging inside her Cincinnati-area home, as the family’s Audi Q7 sat parked in the driveway. The next time she checked for the SUV, reported FOX 19 Now, it was gone. When she contacted police to report the theft, Tomarchio says they knew just whom to blame—the “Glacier Gang,” a crew of young car burglars that is said to run about 40 people deep. Authorities across the tri-state area not only held this youthful gang responsible for an uptick of area car thefts that dates to summer, they declared the group a public menace.

    “They are aggressive and violent,” juvenile court Judge Joseph Kirby reportedly warned in an email to colleagues in the Warren County system a week earlier. “One youth who is alleged to have a terminal illness has vowed to ‘go out in a blaze of glory.’ Everybody needs to remain vigilant and exercise care.” This was after police in Northern Kentucky cautioned residents about a band of thieves targeting every town in the area, and a sheriff’s deputy was struck by a stolen SUV whose driver, a juvenile, was allegedly fleeing police.
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    From there, the story quickly morphed into a social media sensation, with reports of six or more car thefts on a single night in one area. The only thing more alarming than these reported crimes was, well, the lack of tangible evidence for this so-called Glacier Gang—a name surely inspired by artist Gucci Mane, but somehow seeming more fit for a rogue band of radical environmentalists than a Fast and Furious crew.Consider: The Cincinnati Enquirer couldn’t verify the email attributed to Kirby through him or the Warren County court system, or match social claims about that night of six stolen cars with police records. “We have no known affiliation or title to this group,” said Lt. Philip Ridgell, who represents the same county sheriff’s department as the officer who was struck by the stolen car. (His injuries were non-life-threatening.) More likely, the thefts are symptom of a much bigger problem: owners leaving their keys inside their cars. A recent New York Times report found that car thefts, after a near four-decade drop-off, have jumped up in large part because owners are making it easier than ever for bored teens to go for illegal joyrides—leaving law enforcement struggling to keep up with a deluge of cases.Even Tomarchio herself admits to having left her keys in the car, telling Fox 19 that they “were in a jacket pocket that was hanging on the SUV’s mirror, which she had forgotten about.” It was recovered 24 hours later near downtown Cincinnati, with little out of place besides the overpowering stench of marijuana. “We got too comfortable,” she said. Evidently, the leap from complacency to conjuring a well-organized gang of teen car bandits isn’t long enough.
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    Ola Electric Scooter New Variant Likely To Be Priced In Activa, Jupiter Range

    Ola electric scooterThe new affordable iteration of Ola S1 e-scooter will be followed by a new electric motorcycle
    Ola is planning to launch an assault in the electric mobility space by expanding its lineup with multiple battery-powered two-wheelers in the near future. The company is even intending to foray into the passenger vehicle segment and has reportedly hired key personnel for development of an electric car.
    The next big launch from the Bengaluru-based EV manufacturer is another electric scooter that will be more affordable than the current S1 range. According to a new report, Ola is developing a new e-scooter that will be positioned below S1 and would be the entry-level model in the company’s two-wheeler lineup. It is likely to be called Ola Series S. Ola has already registered the name.
    Less in power, range
    This new e-scooter is most likely to be based on the same S1 series and could miss out on certain features to make it more cost-friendly. The most effective way to cut costs is to replace the current 3kWh battery in S1 with a lower-rated battery. This battery could send energy to an electric motor with a smaller capacity. This would also result in more conservative performance as well as a lower single-charge range.
    Even with more modest battery and motor specifications, the new e-scooter is expected to offer a range of around 100km on a single charge along with a top speed of around 75-80 kmph. However, it is too early to speculate exact numbers from the powertrain.
    Ola Series S could be the name of this new upcoming electric scooter
    Ola Series S Electric Scooter – Modest equipment
    Ola is also expected to cut down on some features such as a touchscreen display, cruise control, speakers and keyless ignition. Other premium goodies such as remote boot lock/unlock, proximity lock/unlock, voice assistant, Wifi connectivity and geo-fencing are likely to be given a miss. The new scooter might ride on simple steel wheels instead of 12-inch alloys in the current models.
    The prie of this new Ola Scooter variant will also be less. Current base variant of Ola electric scoter S1 is under Rs 1 lakh, which goes down further with FAME-II and state subsidies. The upcoming cheaper version of Ola electric scooter is expected to be priced in the Rs 70k to Rs 80k range, making it a direct rival to India’s best selling scooters Honda Activa, TVS Jupiter – in terms of price range.
    Ola S1, S1 Pro Specs
    Currently Ola Electric is offering two scooters- S1 and S1 Pro which share most of the underpinnings including the same permanent magnet motor between each other. The former is powered by a 2.98kWh battery pack while the latter features a larger 3.97kWh battery. Peak output in both models is rated at 8.5 kW (11.4 bhp) and 58 Nm. While S1 returns a range of 121km, the more premium S1 Pro returns 181km on a full charge.
    Top speed on S1 is restricted at 90 kmph whereas S1 Pro can reach a top speed of 115 kmph. It takes 4 hours and 48 minutes for the smaller battery pack and 6.5 hours for the larger battery pack to get fully charged using a standard AC charger. On using Ola’s fast charger, it could replenish a 75km range for 18 minutes of charging. While S1 weighs 121kg, S1 Pro tips the scales at 125kg.
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