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    Kia Forte Gets Handsome Refresh for 2022

    Kia is giving its compact Forte sedan a makeover for 2022 that includes updated exterior styling, new wheel designs, and updated tech.Inside, a larger 10.3-inch infotainment display is now available as an option, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard.The 2022 Forte is priced starting just over $20,000 and will be on sale soon, Kia said. Who says small sedans are dead? Not Kia. For 2022, the Korean automaker has freshened its Forte compact car with fresh styling and more tech to keep it in competition with new entrants such as the new 2022 Honda Civic and the updated 2022 Volkswagen Jetta.
    Styling updates for the Forte this year include a revised upper grille that’s narrower than before as well as updated exterior lighting elements, reworked front and rear bumpers, new wheel designs, and a newly available trunklid spoiler. On GT and GT-Line trims, new LED fog lamps are recessed into the lower grille; those models also come with unique LED taillights.

    Inside, the Forte is upgraded with new center console design that ditches the old manual parking brake for an electronic one, freeing up more space for storage. Faux-leather upholstery is now an option, as is a rear-seat USB port for charging smartphones. An 8.0-inch infotainment system is still standard, but it now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A larger 10.3-inch display is now optional and comes with in-dash navigation.
    The Forte’s safety cred also sees a bit of a bump for 2022 as several of its available driver-assistance features are upgraded this year. Basics such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist were already standard but a lane following assist feature joins the spec sheet this year too. The car’s automated emergency braking system has been upgraded to watch for both pedestrians and bicyclists and the rear cross-traffic alert system now can apply the brakes if the driver appears to be backing into an obstacle.A new adaptive cruise control system is now available which uses navigation data to predict upcoming curves in the road and automatically slow the Forte’s speed in preparation. That feature is already in use on some Kia and Hyundai models and also monitors posted speed limits. In addition to this new feature, the Forte also can be ordered with a system that can warn the driver if it’s unsafe to exit the vehicle due to approaching traffic or bicyclists.
    Powertrain and chassis components are unchanged. Most models are powered by the familiar 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). With this setup, the Forte delivered a lethargic 8.1-second run to 60 mph at our test track. Thankfully, the GT model remains a part of the lineup. It comes with a 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual. With the manual transmission, the Forte GT managed a 6.7-second run to 60 mph in our hands. Pricing for the entry-level FE model starts at $20,085, while the midrange LXS and GT-Line will cost $20,585 and $22,285 respectively. The sporty GT trim is set to start at $24,485. The 2022 Kia Forte should be rolling into U.S. dealer inventory soon.
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    See 2022 Honda Civic Si Teased in Racing Version with Big Wing

    The 11th-generation Honda Civic will receive the Si treatment soon, and Honda has released a new set of teasers ahead of its debut.The teasers show Honda testing the Civic Si around Thunderhill Raceway, where it will compete in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill in December.The version Honda showed appears decked out for motorsports, with a towering rear wing, sizable front splitter, and air vents in the hood.While the new 11th generation of Honda’s popular Civic looks more grown up than ever before, the more mature styling does not mean that Honda will skip out on performance versions of its newest compact car. As we previously reported, Honda is planning a new Civic Si, as well as a hard-core Type R, and with the Si set to be revealed soon, Honda has released a new batch of teasers for its sporty Civic.

    Honda

    The teasers show Honda testing the new Si at Thunderhill Raceway in California, and the most striking detail is the ginormous wing strapped to the Civic’s decklid. That aerodynamic aid will likely not appear on the production vehicle. Instead, it will be fitted to a racing version of the new Civic Si that Honda says will compete in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, which will be run December 3–5.

    Other than the wing, visual changes to the Si model appear limited, although the camouflage wrap may be masking some details. There’s a chunky front splitter and two large vents in the hood, although these alterations could also be specific to the racing version. The Civic Si is expected to arrive with a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder and a sport-tuned suspension, with a manual transmission at least available as an option. The interior will also likely gain sport seats and other small changes. The Civic Si is expected to be revealed later this month.
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    Hero Pleasure Plus Xtec Launch Price Rs 69,500 – Activa 6G Rival

    New Hero Pleasure Plus XTECAfter launching the Xpulse 200 4V a few days ago, Hero MotoCorp has now announced launch of Pleasure Plus XTEC scooter
    Hero Pleasure Plus Xtec has been launched, as the new top of the line variant in the Pleasure Plus lineup. Hero Pleasure+ 110 will be available at Hero MotoCorp dealerships across the country at a starting price of INR 61,900 for LX variant and Pleasure+ 110 XTec starts at INR 69,500. All prices are Ex-Sh.
    Hero Pleasure Plus Xtec – Dimensions and Features
    The Pleasure+ XTec takes forward the retro design theme and premium chrome additions on Mirrors, Muffler Protector, Handle Bar, Seat Backrest and Fender Stripe. Additionally, the dual tone seat and colored inner panels further enhance its overall style. With a branded seat backrest for the pillion, whether it’s a long journey, or your daily city route, the Pleasure+ XTec keeps its promise when it comes to high-quality comfort.
    Over and above the chrome elements that make Pleasure+ a solid ride; it now has an added advantage of a metal front fender that further enhances its durability. For connectivity, The digital analog speedometer with Bluetooth connectivity displays incoming and missed call alerts, new message alerts along with the phone battery status. For safety, Hero Pleasure Plus Xtec has a Side-stand visual indication and a ‘Side-stand Engine cut-off’.
    Dimensions of the new Pleasure Plus Xtec will stand at 1,769mm length, 704mm width and 1,162mm height with a wheelbase of 1,238mm. It will gain ground clearance of 155mm, command a weight of 106 kgs with fuel tank of 4.8 liter capacity.
    New Hero Pleasure Plus XTEC
    Like its regular counterpart, it also sports same colour options of Polestar Blue, Matte Vernier Grey, Matte Black, Matte Green, Midnight Black, Pearl Silver White, and Sporty Red. In addition, it also gets Jubilant Yellow colour, which has been specially created for the Pleasure+ XTec.
    New Hero Pleasure Plus XTEC
    New Pleasure+ XTec comes with first- in- segment projector LED headlamp. The new headlamp provides 25% more light intensity with a longer and wider road reach and anti-fog advantage that offers maximum on-road visibility in all driving conditions.
    Malo Le Masson, Head of Strategy and Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp, said “The Pleasure+ 110 is a trendsetter and is quickly becoming one of the country’s most admired and popular scooter. The XTec model brings more charm with elegant elements inspired from the Platinum edition, more durability with the front metal fender, more comfort with a branded seat backrest and a boost of technology with the projector LED headlamp, Bluetooth connectivity, and Hero’s patented i3S technology for enhanced fuel efficiency. The Pleasure+ 110 has just become even more desirable!”
    New Hero Pleasure Plus XTEC
    Hero Pleasure Plus Xtec will see no change in its engine lineup. Similar to that seen on the Pleasure Plus, the Xtec range topping model will get the same 110.9cc, single cylinder, air cooled, OHC, 4 stroke, fuel injected engine that makes 8.0 hp power at 7,000 rpm and 8.70 Nm torque at 5,500 rpm mated to a CVT automatic transmission. Suspension and braking are via spring loaded hydraulic damper and swingarm with spring-loaded hydraulic dampers at the front and rear respectively along with 130mm drum brakes.
    New Hero Maestro Edge 125 With Hero Connect
    Hero MotoCorp offers Hero Connect option on models such as the Xtreme 160R, Xpulse 200, Destini 125, Pleasure Plus and Pleasure Plus Platinum Edition. Soon to be offered on the Hero Maestro Edge 125 as an optional kit, this feature is responsible for live tracking, live tow alert, geo fencing and trip analysis along with topple alert, Hero locate and driving score.
    Apart from this new addition, the Maestro Edge 125 will not sport any other visual updates. It will continue to be powered by the same engine lineup that includes a 124.6cc, single cylinder, air cooled, fuel injected, 4 stroke engine offering 9 hp power at 7,000 rpm and 10.4 Nm torque at 5,500 rpm mated to a CVT.
    It gets telescopic forks in the front and spring-loaded hydraulic damper at the rear respectively. Braking is via 190 mm disc brake in front and 130 mm drum brake at the rear. The current Hero Maestro Edge is priced from Rs 74,000 to Rs 83,000. In India, Hero Maestro Edge 125 takes on Suzuki Access 125 and Honda Activa 125 in terms of competition. More

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    Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc Spied Testing – To Rival Yezdi Roadking

    Royal Enfield Hunter 350Upon its launch, Royal Enfield Hunter 350 will lock its horns against Honda H’Ness CB350 and the upcoming Yezdi Roadking
    Needless to say but Royal Enfield has a lot on its plate currently. The company is striving very hard to stay focussed on its earlier commitment of four launches every year despite the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. Hence, every now and then, one comes across numerous spy shots of various test mules of different models conducting trial testings.
    One of the upcoming motorcycles from Royal Enfield spotted on numerous occasions in recent past is the roadster based on Meteor 350. This motorcycle has been tentatively titled Hunter 350. Another set of spy shots of the classic roadster have surfaced, courtesy auto enthusiast Arjunan Babu.
    Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc – Design
    As witnessed earlier, Hunter carries a classic retro-style design with signature styling highlights such as a round headlamp, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a single-piece seat and a short rear section. The bike rides on 17-inch blacked-out alloy wheels. The tail section gets split grab rails and a short circular fender along with a round turn taillight with turn indicators.
    Further, an all-black theme gives the bike a sporty appeal. Parts like its handlebar, alloy wheels, engine casing, exhaust pipe and suspension setup have all been dipped in black paint with a matte finish.
    [embedded content]
    Other notable highlights include a shortened upswept exhaust muffler, redesigned side panels, circular rearview mirrors, fork gaiters and wide tyres. The footpegs are placed towards the centre which should provide a comfortable riding posture thanks to the wide and tall handlebar.
    Hunter should get an instrument console which is similar to Meteor 350 consisting of two circular pods- an analogue speedometer and a Tripper Navigation pod. Powered by Google Maps and Royal Enfield App, Tripper provides turn-by-turn navigation on the console when paired to one’s smartphone via Bluetooth. The analogue pod contains a digital display which should read information from the odometer and fuel gauge.
    Mechanical Specs
    Hunter will be based on the J1D platform which currently underpins Meteor 350, however, unlike the cruiser, the roadster will be tad sportier in essence. Suspension duties will be handled by 35 mm telescopic forks at front and twin gas-charged shocks at rear. Braking duties will be carried out by single disc brakes on both wheels assisted by a dual-channel ABS.
    The upcoming roadster will be powered by a 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled OHC engine that can dish out 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. This unit will be coupled with a 5-speed gearbox and is more refined than the previous generation 350cc engine thanks to a counter-balance shaft. No official launch timeline has been confirmed by Royal Enfield yet. We expect it to be priced upwards of Rs 1.80 lakh (ex-showroom). I will take on the soon to be launched Yezdi Roadking. More

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    Bajaj Pulsar 250cc Launch Date 28th Oct – FZ25, Gixxer 250 Rival

    2021 Bajaj Pulsar 250cc – NS250 and 250F
    Upon their launch, the naked iteration of Pulsar 250 is expected to cost around Rs 1.60 lakh and the semi-faired version could cost an additional Rs 10,000
    With just a few days to go for its launch, Bajaj is extensively testing the new 250cc Pulsar before it starts dispatching units of the motorcycle to dealerships across the country. The upcoming quarter-litre motorcycle will be available in two iterations- naked and semi-faired as NS250 and 250F respectively.
    Spy shots of both Bajaj Pulsar 250cc motorcycles have frequently been shared on the internet, giving us a sneak peek into their styling. It had already been confirmed by Bajaj that the new quarter-litre Pulsars will be launching around Diwali this year – which also marks 20th anniversary of Pulsar brand. Now there is a date. Bajaj Pulsar 250 will launch in in India on 28th October.
    Bajaj Pulsar 250cc Launch – Same motorcycles, different designs
    In terms of overall design, NS250 is set to borrow major styling cues from its other naked streetfighter siblings- NS160 and NS200. The same is the case with 250F which shares many styling elements with the current flagship Pulsar 220F.
    From the looks of it, both motorcycles flaunt an aggressive front fascia featuring a single-pod LED headlamp cluster and integrated LED DRLs. The semi-faired iteration of the motorcycle gets an even more aggressive front end with a large headlamp cowl and a flyscreen that integrates into the side fairing.
    New Bajaj Pulsar 250cc Motorcycles
    Fuel tank designs on both derivatives look muscular with aggressive lines lending them aerodynamic characteristics. Both motorcycles feature a similar raised tail section, a split seating setup and a side-mounted upswept exhaust setup. Other common highlights include a clip-on handlebar, an engine underbelly cowl, boomerang-shaped LED taillights, a muscular front fender and split pillion grab rails.
    Expected Mechanical Specs, Features
    The new Pulsar 250 will be underpinned by an all-new frame which will be suspended on telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock linked to the swingarm at rear.
    Braking hardware will comprise disc brakes at both ends complemented by dual-channel ABS as standard. Other features expected to be included in the equipment are a fully digital console with Bluetooth connectivity and multiple riding modes.
    New Bajaj Pulsar 250cc – Pulsar 250F
    Powering Pulsar 250 will be a new 249cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled engine which is likely to pump out 24 bhp and 20 Nm of peak torque. This unit will be coupled with a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch. As per an earlier report, this engine is also expected to be equipped with variable valve actuation (VVT). When launched, the new Pulsar 250 siblings will rival the likes of Yamaha FZ25 and Suzuki Gixxer and SF 250. More

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    Winnebago Expands Lineup With 6 New Campers, Including Tiny Hike 100

    With the introduction of the Hike 100, Winnebago brings big outdoor camping to the small, towable trailer set. Seven feet wide, 16 feet long, and 10 feet tall, the Trailer is suitable for a couple or small family.Winnebago emphasizes the exterior with the Hike 100, offering a roof rack, rear hitch (for a bike rack or something similar), and two awnings that can provide up to 200 square feet of covered space. The induction stovetop can also be used outside the trailer. No MSRP was announced.Winnebago is showing off the Hike 100 on its new Winnebago Insider digital portal, which also highlights five other, larger campers.The rise in remote work possibilities and people just wanting to go somewhere where others aren’t during a pandemic has resulted in an uptick in the #VanLife curious. Winnebago recently introduced six new RVs and trailers, including a small trailer called the Hike 100 that, dare we say it, brings a welcome dose of cute to the lineup.

    Winnebago

    Winnebago

    With a dry weight of just 2700 pounds and a seven-foot-nine-inch width, the Hike 100 will be towable by some small SUVs (note that the official GVWR is 4200 pounds). The trailer is almost 16 feet long and just over 10 feet tall. Despite the small size, Winnebago made sure to include as much practicality as possible. The rear of the trailer opens up to store outdoor gear you might not want in the trailer’s main space. There is also a Thule-compatible roof-rack system for things such as kayaks or surfboards on top and a two-inch hitch on the back for a bike rack or similar accessory. A 190-watt solar panel is standard, and you can add on another for more off-grid power. A compact shower, toilet and sink—and a 31-gallon freshwater tank—let you conduct daily business without too much hassle.

    Winnebago

    There are five different floor plan options for the Hike 100, and lots of customizable entertainment and cooking options, including an induction stovetop that can be used on the outside of the camper when the weather cooperates—or when it doesn’t, thanks to a powered size awning over the door and what Winnebago calls a “bat wing” awning that extends over the rear and non-door side of the trailer for up to 200 square feet of covered space outside. Pricing for the Hike 100 was not announced.

    Other new Winnebago models the company recently announced include the Micro Minnie FLX, a step up in size from the Hike 100 that the company said is the only towable camper on the market that “combines five new energy- and cost-efficient technologies that enable users to enjoy time off grid for up to five days.” The new Winnebago Roam was designed to offer wheelchair users the chance to enjoy a purpose-built camper, while the new Class C coach camper, the new Ekko, was “strategically designed for increased livability in the footprint of a camper van.”

    Winnebago

    Winnebago calls the new Solis Pocket its “most affordable camper van,” and it packs a lot of camping functionality onto a Ram ProMaster chassis. Finally, there are the new Class A coaches, the Vista and the Sunstar 33K, for campers who want a larger vehicle as refuge while in the great outdoors.
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    Winnebago used these new models to highlight its just-launched customer portal, Winnebago Insider. This new digital platform is a place for the company to place virtual tours of Winnebago brand products and other approved marketing messages, like “expert commentary about models [and] user testimonials.”
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    Bajaj Pulsar 250 Launch Date 28th October – Biggest Pulsar Yet

    Render image for reference.
    Upon their launch, the naked iteration of Pulsar 250 is expected to cost around Rs 1.60 lakh and the semi-faired version could cost an additional Rs 10,000
    With just a few days to go for its launch, Bajaj is extensively testing the new 250cc Pulsar before it starts dispatching units of the motorcycle to dealerships across the country. The upcoming quarter-litre motorcycle will be available in two iterations- naked and semi-faired as NS250 and 250F respectively.
    Spy shots of both Bajaj Pulsar 250cc motorcycles have frequently been shared on the internet, giving us a sneak peek into their styling. It had already been confirmed by Bajaj that the new quarter-litre Pulsars will be launching around Diwali this year – which also marks 20th anniversary of Pulsar brand. Now there is a date. Bajaj Pulsar 250 will launch in in India on 28th October.
    Bajaj Pulsar 250 Launch – Same motorcycles, different designs
    In terms of overall design, NS250 is set to borrow major styling cues from its other naked streetfighter siblings- NS160 and NS200. The same is the case with 250F which shares many styling elements with the current flagship Pulsar 220F.
    From the looks of it, both motorcycles flaunt an aggressive front fascia featuring a single-pod LED headlamp cluster and integrated LED DRLs. The semi-faired iteration of the motorcycle gets an even more aggressive front end with a large headlamp cowl and a flyscreen that integrates into the side fairing.
    New Bajaj Pulsar 250cc Motorcycles
    Fuel tank designs on both derivatives look muscular with aggressive lines lending them aerodynamic characteristics. Both motorcycles feature a similar raised tail section, a split seating setup and a side-mounted upswept exhaust setup. Other common highlights include a clip-on handlebar, an engine underbelly cowl, boomerang-shaped LED taillights, a muscular front fender and split pillion grab rails.
    Expected Mechanical Specs, Features
    The new Pulsar 250 will be underpinned by an all-new frame which will be suspended on telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock linked to the swingarm at rear.
    Braking hardware will comprise disc brakes at both ends complemented by dual-channel ABS as standard. Other features expected to be included in the equipment are a fully digital console with Bluetooth connectivity and multiple riding modes.
    New Bajaj Pulsar 250cc – Pulsar 250F
    Powering Pulsar 250 will be a new 249cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled engine which is likely to pump out 24 bhp and 20 Nm of peak torque. This unit will be coupled with a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch. As per an earlier report, this engine is also expected to be equipped with variable valve actuation (VVT). When launched, the new Pulsar 250 siblings will rival the likes of Yamaha FZ25 and Suzuki Gixxer and SF 250. More

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    This 2009 Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series Looks Poised to Sell for a Record Price

    Our friends at the auction site Bring a Trailer have listed another irresistible car. This time, it’s a 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series that’s up for online auction.With only 11,000 miles on its odometer, this car—which has midrange acceleration we once likened to “a religious experience”—should fetch a record price.If you’re interested, BaT’s auction ends on Monday, October 18. Bidding is already up to $255,000 as of October 8. Over the course of seven—soon to be eight—generations, the Mercedes-Benz SL has had its share of high-performance variants, but the completely over-the-top SL65 AMG Black Series stands far above them all. Arriving in the waning days of the R230 generation, the SL65 AMG Black Series followed the barely streetable CLK63 Black Series as a one-year-only offering for the 2009 model year. Just 350 were built, with half of those sent to the United States, so opportunities to buy this ultimate SL don’t come along very often. That’s evident by the bidding on this 2009 SL65 AMG Black Series currently on Bring a Trailer, which has already soared past the totals realized in the site’s previous auctions of this model. And there are still several days to go.

    Bring a Trailer

    The Black Series was far more than just a flourish on the already bonkers twin-turbocharged V-12 SL65. The Black Series had a custom body with hugely flared fenders and composed largely of carbon fiber. It also ditched the standard SL’s retractable hard top in favor of a fixed roof, and a massive rear wing sprouted from the decklid. Of course, there were mechanical upgrades. Bigger turbos and better breathing upped the output of the 6.0-liter V-12 from 604 to 661 horsepower along with 738 pound-feet of torque. The engine was mated to a modified five-speed automatic transmission with an additional manual mode and rev matching, and the chassis was similarly upgraded.

    Bring a Trailer

    Bring a Trailer

    In a 2009 Car and Driver comparison test against a Lamborghini Murciélago LP640, a Dodge Viper SRT10, and a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, we called the Black Series “wickedly fast” and likened its midrange acceleration to “a religious experience” (nonetheless, the ZR1 won). This example, with 11,000 miles, is being sold on behalf of the original owner’s widow and comes with service records from new. Previous BaT sales of SL65 AMG Black Series cars have all been under $200,000. An 8000-mile example sold for $174,000 in May 2020, a 10,000-mile car sold for $185,000 in April 2020, and a 13,000-mile car was a no sale at $162,000. At this writing, bidding has just crested the $250,000 mark. Still, at the current bid, the car still could be considered a bargain. After all, the model was $304,350 new.

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