More stories

  • in

    Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 And Scram 400 Spied Testing Together

    Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 – RenderBoth the 650cc cruiser and Scram 400 are from Royal Enfield likely to be launched sometime next year
    The upcoming 650cc cruiser from Royal Enfield has been in development for almost two years now and spotted testing on multiple occasions in various parts of the country. Multiple iterations of the 650cc cruiser have been spotted in recent times. The bikemaker currently has its hands full as it is busy developing several projects at the same time.
    One of the other products in the development stage as of now is Scram 400 which is based on Himalayan. Both Scram 400 and the 650cc cruiser have been spied testing alongside each other recently. The motorcycles in the latest spy shots are heavily wrapped under covers trying to conceal their true identity.
    650cc Cruiser Details
    As mentioned previously, the overall design draws inspiration from the KX Bobber Concept which made its appearance at the EICMA 2018. Hence, it receives a low stance of a traditional cruiser with forward set footpegs, a wide handlebar and a low seat which provide relaxed riding ergonomics. Unlike the current 650cc Twins- Interceptor and Continental GT, the cruiser rides on alloy wheels shod by tubeless tyres.
    Also, the cruiser gets LED headlamps and a large windscreen up front, the latter should be available as an accessory though. Other styling highlights include a circular headlamp, circular rearview mirrors and teardrop-shaped fuel tank.
    Royal Enfield Shotgun 650
    The signature highlight of the bike are the twin exhausts laced with chrome which gives out a muffled exhaust note. The bike gets a flat tail section of which has been completely masked under camouflage.
    Powering the cruiser is the same 648cc parallel-twin, air-cooled motor that pushes out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Pleasantly, suspension duties will be handled by new upside-down forks instead of conventional telescopic forks at front. At rear, twin shock absorbers mounted at a greater angle than 650 Twins get the job done.
    Scram 400 Details
    On the other hand, Scram 400 is a road-biased tourer based on Himalayan’s platform which also shares certain design cues with the latter. However, most of the styling will be revised in order to lend it a distinct identity.
    Royal Enfield Scram 400 and Shotgun 650
    For starters, unlike Himalayan, Scram 400 will get a smaller 19-inch front wheel instead of a 21-inch unit shod by dual-purpose tyres. A redesigned headlight mask has been added for a cleaner look.
    Scram 400 will be powered by a 411cc single-cylinder air-cooled SOHC engine that kicks out 24.3 bhp and 32 Nm of peak torque which will be paired with a five-speed gearbox. Suspension setup of the bike might be tuned a little to offer more favourable on-road dynamics.
    Source More

  • in

    Watch the Trailer for Gran Turismo 7, Which Is Coming on March 4

    Ever since it first made its debut back in 1992, the Gran Turismo series has been a favorite title among automotive enthusiasts and gamers alike. With the seventh main title entry in the series well underway, fans of the Sony-exclusive racing game have just been treated to another showcase trailer. Not only does this highlight some of the vehicles that players will have a chance to race, but it confirms a number of the locations and features coming to Gran Turismo 7.
    This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    The trailer begins with a cinematic closeup of a headlight belonging to the Porsche 917 Living Legend concept from 2019. As the camera pulls away, we can see that the concept racer is flanked by several historic models from Stuttgart, including a proper 917, a 962, and what appears to be a 911 GT2 RS. Those machines alone should be enough to excite any virtual racer, but the goodness doesn’t stop there. As “Moon over the Castle” plays in the background, the trailer moves through a bunch of seriously exciting automobiles of all varieties. JDM icons like the A80 and A90 Toyota Supra, GR Yaris, and several different Nissan GT-Rs make a notable appearance, while entries like the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, Ferrari FXX-K, and Bugatti Bolide provide an entirely different level of performance.

    Players will also have the ability to customize their ride with an extensive catalog of parts and visual enhancements once again. Whether this be in the form of installing a turbocharger or a designing a new livery, Gran Turismo 7 will allow players to shape their cars however they see fit. That level of adjustability will be crucial for players hunting lap times around the game’s many tracks. Gran Turismo 7 features a ton of locations long-time players will be familiar with, such as Dragon Trail, High Speed Ring, Trial Mountain, and Tokyo Expressway. More famous locales like the Nordschleife and Circuit de la Sarthe are of course present as well. Gran Turismo 7 is slated to arrive on March 4, 2022, for both the PS4 and PS5 consoles.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • in

    The Worst Cars of Our Lives: Window Shop with Car and Driver

    Car and Driver’s weekly soap opera explores new emotional depths as the Window Shopping crew reaches into its traumatized youth to recall the utter crap our families once drove. Join us in a terrifying journey into the abyss of shoddy engineering, horrifying quality and really stupid decision making. These are… The Worst Cars of Our Lives. No mention is made of any vehicular hideousness currently resident in our garages. That will be another episode. So what nightmares did we recall? Did someone in this crew actually own a Chevrolet Vega? Yes. Yes, he did. Another panelist recalled his father’s nine-month sojourn with an ’81 Oldsmobile Toronado powered by the infamous diesel V-8 that that GM division foisted upon the world in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Another burned his thighs on the hot vinyl of a Chevrolet Citation. While one felt Carroll Shelby had betrayed his kin by getting involved with a lousy front-drive Dodge. Finally, well, the youngest panelist had a pretty good life that included (Gasp!) having to manually wind up the windows in a Toyota Corolla CE! Can you imagine how that has scarred his psyche and burdened soul? Yeah, that’s right. It’s lunacy. Join us for this week’s conflict, comedy and cheating. This time, bad is good. Like, subscribe, and please share on Facebook, Twitter and any other media to which you participate. Also, bring it up in conversation the next time you’re on line at the supermarket. Because like sands through the hour glass, these are the Worst Cars of Our Lives. Then, once you’re done watching and have recovered your grip on reality, go to RoadAndTrack.com to read all the latest stories written by John Pearley Huffman.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • in

    New Benelli 250cc Motorcycle Debuts – Rivals Yamaha R25, CBR250RR

    New Benelli Tornado 252RIn Asian markets, Tornado 252R will take on Honda CBR 250RR, Yamaha R25 and Kawasaki Ninja 250
    Ever since the Italian manufacturer was acquired by China-based Qianjiang Motor Group, the company has been following an aggressive product strategy. A number of new models have been launched over the years to challenge the might of Japanese manufacturers such as Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki. The latest offering is Tornado 252R, which comes across as an absolute stunner.
    Benelli Tornado 252R design and features
    With its brawny profile, Benelli Tornado 252R has what it takes to be defined as an apex predator. Its low nose and elevated tail create the impression of a crouched beast focused on its prey. At the front, Tornado 252R has oval-shaped headlamp, flanked by sleek DRLs. Visor used is a pretty large unit, almost reaching the height of rear tail section. This should be able to provide good wind protection.
    Other key features include sculpted fuel tank, clip-on handlebars, split seats, USD front forks, spear-shaped LED turn signals, engine protector, upswept exhaust with chrome heat shield, sporty alloy wheels and edgy tail lamp. The track-ready bike has an aggressive riding stance with rear-set footpegs. It gets a LCD speedometer.
    Another key highlight of Benelli Tornado 252R is its sprightly colour options. The ones that stand out include black, red, blue and green colour options. As per the theme, these shades primarily cover the front cowl, fuel tank and tail section. This has ensured an exciting contrast against the blacked out components and silver-toned side fairing. The bike also uses graphics for a sportier look and feel.
    New Benelli Tornado 252R
    In tech department, Benelli Tornado 252R has been equipped with USB charging port. Smartphone connectivity is also likely to be available with the bike.
    Benelli Tornado 252R engine and specs
    Powering the bike is a 249cc, DOHC, parallel-twin, 8-valve motor. It is capable of generating 25.7 hp of max power at 8,500 rpm and 24.1 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. One would have expected higher output numbers with the twin-cylinder motor, but that’s not the case with Benelli 252R.
    Even bikes with single-cylinder engine such as Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 deliver comparable numbers of 26.5 hp and 22.2 Nm. It appears that the bike is focused more on visual appear, practical power delivery and sweet-sounding exhaust note. Another factor that can affect performance is the bike’s weight (177 kg). This can impact acceleration and top speed.
    It is unlikely that Benelli Tornado 252R will be launched in India. In China, the bike comes with a price tag of 25,800 Yuan. This is close to INR 2.95 lakh. For the Indian market, Benelli is likely to choose 302R. It will take on rivals such as KTM RC 390. Benelli India current portfolio starts with Imperiale 400. Other bikes are in 500cc category such as Leoncino, 502C, TRK 502 and TRK 502X. More

  • in

    271-HP 2022 Subaru WRX Sticks to Its Roots

    The Subaru WRX enters its third generation with a new platform, new engine, new looks, and a sporty GT model. It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four paired with either a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission. The 2022 WRX will go on sale in the U.S. early next year. Subaru launched the all-wheel-drive, rally-inspired sport compact craze in the U.S. the early 2000s with the WRX. Others followed such as the Ford Focus RS, Mazdaspeed 3, and Mitsubishi Lancer. But those cars have all come and gone, leaving the WRX and the new Volkswagen Golf R as the only remaining vehicles in this space. The pioneering Subie is now entering its new generation with only a bit more power, but it rides on a new platform, boasts improved looks, and adds a new sporty GT model.

    The new car is built on Subaru’s Global Platform that currently underpins all of Subaru’s vehicles, excluding the rear-wheel-drive BRZ sports coupe that’s jointly developed with Toyota. Subaru says the new platform improves strength and provides a lower center of gravity. And, of course, all-wheel drive with torque vectoring is standard. Subaru claims to have reduced body roll in the new WRX by mounting the stabilizer bar directly to the body instead of the subframe, and switching to a dual-pinion electric power steering rack should improve steering feel.

    Either 17- or 18-inch wheels are available, wrapped in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx summer tires. The new WRX retains the same overall sedan shape as before, with a large hood scoop and wide fenders, and its aggressive styling seems to be borrowed from the BRZ. We see the resemblance especially in the taillights. For 2022, the WRX gains only 3 horsepower. The new model is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine that produces 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The previous WRX used a 268-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four. You can choose from either a six-speed manual transmission (#SavetheManuals) or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
    A new GT model (pictured in gray) is available that adds adaptive dampers with comfort, normal, and sport drive modes, suede Recaro front seats with red stitching, and GT-specific 18-inch matte gray wheels wrapped in the summer rubber. An STI model, which is expected to have around 400 horsepower, should also join the lineup soon.An 11.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is the center point of the new car’s interior. The old model had either a 6.5-inch screen or an optional 7.0-inch unit. Like the old model, the new WRX has a black interior with red stitching and carbon fiber accents, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is available. The 2022 Subaru WRX will go on sale early next year in base, Premium, Limited, and GT models. Those waiting for a hatchback model will be disappointed because Subaru says it’ll only be offered as a sedan for now.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • in

    BattRe Electric Scooter Production Increased – Thanks To Larger Factory

    BattRE electric scooter new plantBattRe increases production to 4,000 units per month with move to bigger factory
    With an increase in the number of individuals with an increasing disposable income, customers continue to grow. Battre would want to be a part of this growth, and cater to a growing customer base across the country. The company plans to work towards increasing its customer base. This will be addressed through top notch service by adding more retail outlets in Tier-1, Tier-2 and large metros.
    Though fairly new in the market, the company emphasises on continued focus on sustainability to take steps towards becoming one of India’s most sustainable companies. Within the next few months, the company will stay focused on expanding its chargers network in the country.
    As is evident, Battre is already investing more in production and R&D capabilities. Growth plans are supported through new products, strengthening retail and partner network, and by working further to build an EV ecosystem in India.
    Growing demand of e-scooters
    In the process of strengthening business, Battre’s focus areas include expanding customer reach, while at the same time investing in R&D and production capabilities. Timely increase in production will help meet growing demand. A number of electric two-wheeler manufacturers have reported increase in sales in recent months.
    BattRE Electric Scooter
    Nishchal Chaudhary, founder of BattRE, said on the occasion, “This factory expansion will cater to the growing demand of e-scooters which we forecast to increase multi-fold in the next couple of quarters. Moreover, with an ARR of Rs.120 crores, we plan to invest more in our production and R&D capabilities, add world-class products, strengthen our retail & partner network, and work further to build an EV ecosystem in India.”
    Revenue increase
    As with processes, the main challenge for start-ups like BattRE is low capital availability. With its ARR looking good, BattRE looks to invest meaningfully towards business expansion.The Jaipur based auto manufacturer is watching growth in electric vehicle demand with eagle eyes. The move to a bigger factory helps meet this demand. With manufacturing capacity increasing to 4000 units per month, the company is looking as 300 percent increase overall.
    Last year, revenue increased by 255 percent. For 2021, YTD, revenue growth is pegged at 900 percent+. In order to sustain demand and growth, Battre is ready to launch two new products in the next 3-4 months.
    In helping build the EV ecosystem in India, Battre has already seen to 500 recharge stations being installed. They’re also training existing petrol 2-wheeler repair shops to service electric vehicles. More

  • in

    Top 10 Motorcycles 200cc To 500cc July 2021 – Classic, Bullet, Pulsar, CB350, KTM

    Image – Throttle 98More new entrants in this segment will be seen in the coming months primarily from Bajaj and Royal Enfield
    Royal Enfield continued to dominate the mid-displacement segment (200cc-500cc) of motorcycles in India. A total of 49,212 bikes from this segment were sold in July 2021 which is 5,471 units more than the figures in June this year and 2,566 units more than July last year. This resulted in MoM growth of 12.51 percent and YoY growth of 5.50 percent.
    Royal Enfield Trio Dominates Motorcycles 200cc To 500cc July 2021
    The segment was headed by the perennial leader RE Classic 350 which recorded a sales figure of 16,890 units last month. In comparison, the retro-style modern bike had registered 17,377 units the previous month which translated to marginal MoM degrowth of 2.90. Growth was further lower in the YoY figures with a decline of 33.85 percent.
    It was followed by the brand’s latest cruiser offering Meteor 350 with a total monthly sales of 8,777 units in July 2021 which is just seven units more than what RE sold in June this year. It was followed by the company’s oldest offering Bullet 350 which garnered a sales volume of 7,133 units last month. Therefore, it registered YoY and MoM growth of 0.30 percent and 34.15 percent.
    Bajaj Shines With Lone Pulsar
    The fourth spot was taken by Bajaj’s flagship Pulsar model- 220F with a cumulative sales volume of 3,484 units. This is 56 units less than the sales volume of June 2021 which has resulted in a slight negative MoM growth of -1.58 percent. During the same period last year, Bajaj sold 4,850 units of Pulsar 220F which has translated to a YoY decline of 28.16 percent.
    Motorcycle Sales 200cc-500cc segment July 2021 vs July 2020 (YoY)
    Electra 350 raked in a sales volume of 2,949 units in July this year against 3,137 units retailed in June 2021. This led to an MoM degrowth of 6 percent. In comparison, RE sold 3,742 units of Electra during July last year leading to a YoY decline of 21.19 percent. RE Himalayan occupied the sixth spot with 2,730 units dispatched to showrooms across the country.
    Honda, KTM generate decent volume
    The bikemaker was only able to sell 479 units of the adventure tourer which has resulted in a massive YoY growth of 470 percent. In June this year, only 684 units of Himalayan were sold which led to an MoM of 299 percent.
    Honda entered this class of motorcycles with H’Ness CB350 last year and retailed 2,285 units of the motorcycle last month. In June this year, the Japanese brand retailed 1,853 units of CB350 which has led to an MoM growth of 23.31 percent.
    Motorcycle Sales 200cc-500cc segment July 2021 vs June 2021 (MoM)
    KTM broke into the list at the eighth spot with 250 series of motorcycles. The Austrian brand sold 1,002 units of its quarter-litre offerings in July this year thus recording an MoM growth of 87 percent. The YoY growth was even larger at 381.73 percent as KTM sold only 208 units during the same month last year. KTM 250 was followed by its Japanese nemesis FZ25 with 831 units dispatched to dealerships last month. YoY and MoM growths of 57.39 percent and 47.86 percent were registered. More

  • in

    2022 Silverado ZR2 Is Chevy's Gnarliest Off-Road Pickup Truck

    The new ZR2 model is the most distinctive and off-road-ready 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500.The Silverado ZR2 has a 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8, 33-inch tires, Multimatic spool-valve dampers, and electronic-locking front and rear differentials.Despite its notable hardware, Chevy’s beefiest half-ton Silverado isn’t as impressive as the Ford F-150 Raptor or Ram 1500 TRX.The 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 doesn’t share a nickname with prehistoric predators. It also doesn’t make 700-plus-horsepower like the Hellcat-powered Ram 1500 TRX, and it doesn’t offer 37-inch tires like the high-flying Ford F-150 Raptor. Hell, the Chevy doesn’t even have 35-inch tires. What the first-ever Silverado ZR2 does have is a 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8, 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory off-road tires, and advanced Multimatic spool-valve dampers. All these goodies make it the bow-tie brand’s most formidable off-roader, even if its stat sheet isn’t likely to impress anyone who lusts after a Raptor or TRX.

    The Silverado ZR2’s proportions aren’t as visually stimulating as the Raptor or TRX, but it sports a distinctive front end. Unlike its supercharged and twin-turbocharged rivals, the Chevy’s small-block engine is naturally aspirated, but its gaping grille—with its hollowed-out bow-tie logo—looks capable of both swallowing large air masses and unsuspecting jaywalkers. Which is to say, the ZR2 looks appropriately aggressive, even if it’s not as distinctive as its wide-bodied little brother, the Colorado ZR2.
    Above the red tow hooks and the skid plate on the Silverado ZR2’s chin is a high-mounted steel front bumper. Not only does it look badass, it also contributes to the truck’s 31.8-degree approach angle, which Chevy says is more than you’ll get on any other Silverado. That would include those with the Z71 Off-Road package or Trail Boss models with their standard 2.0-inch lifted suspension. The ZR2 sits a half-inch taller than Trail Bosses, and it’s only offered with a crew-cab body style and either the short- or standard-length cargo boxes.

    While specifications for the Silverado ZR2 indicate it can tow 8900 pounds with a conventional trailer hitch and haul up to 1440 pounds of payload, we don’t know how much ground clearance it has or the range of wheel travel. We do know that along with the aforementioned spool-valved dampers that it has specially tuned springs that Chevy says give it increased wheel travel versus the Trail Boss. Likewise, the ZR2 benefits from other specific chassis and suspension tuning, and its selectable Terrain Mode allows drivers to crawl across rocks and other terrain using a single pedal. Think of it as an off-road cruise control.
    Chevy introduced the ZR2 along with a slew of significant changes to the standard Silverado 1500 for the 2022 model year. The biggest transformation happens within, where the truck benefits from a drastically different dashboard and dazzling digital displays. Alongside a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster is a 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The materials are prettier, the switchgear looks sturdier, and there’s even an electronic shifter mounted on the center console that looks similar to what you’ll find in the upcoming Hummer EV. Interior improvements and techno-wizardry aside, the ZR2 is intended to look intimidating and have fun when the blacktop ends.Chevy hasn’t said how much the 2022 Silverado ZR2 will cost, but we imagine it’ll be as much or more than the current top-of-the-line High Country, which starts around $55,000. If so, that’ll at least make the ZR2 considerably more affordable than the Raptor or TRX, which start at $65,840 and $72,120, respectively. The ZR2 is expected to arrive on dealer lots in spring 2022.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More