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      in Motor News

      Audi Previews Luxurious Charging Hub for EVs

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      The Audi fast-charging hub concept features its own energy storage, to take advantage of off-peak energy.2.45 MwH of energy storage would be provided by used lithium-ion batteries sourced from old EVs.The premium interior of the concept fast-charging hub, expected to be constructed later this year in pilot form, would feature a lounge with food and drink.With the arrival of the EV age, it has been clear for a long time that the concept of the typical gas station will have to evolve as well, transforming from a tiny convenience store to something suited for longer visits, and able to accommodate more cars over a longer span of time. So far, even countries with the highest rates of EV adoption haven’t envisioned the charging station’s potential, and even domestic Tesla Superchargers can still be quite industrial, tucked away in a corner of a Chili’s parking lot just off the interstate.

      Yet even with DC fast charging and visits lasting 10 or 15 minutes, it’s likely that gas stations will have to evolve beyond offering a handful of chargers in place of gas nozzles. Audi is working on a concept charging hub for what it calls “premium-level electromobility,” which it intends to show as a fully built concept later this year, ahead of a possible production debut.How does Ingolstadt picture the service area of the future?

      Audi

      For starters, Audi set out to address the future issue of a lack of charging space at home while also imagining a solution to peak demand on charging infrastructure. The company’s solution is a charging hub that features a monster 2.45 Mwh of energy storage, provided by used lithium-ion batteries. Such a hub would house six charging stations for six cars—a modest number—offering a a charging output up to 300 kW.”That makes output starting at 11 kW per cube sufficient to be able to fill the three storage modules with a total capacity of 2.45 MWh continually and to charge them overnight,” the company says. “Photovoltaic modules on the roof provide additional green energy. This not only makes it easier to select possible locations, it also reduces the planning time required and the costs while also saving resources. In addition, the modular concept provides maximum flexibility and scalability.”The aim is to minimize the hub’s reliance on the local energy grid, instead soaking up juice during off-peak hours and then selling it to cars during peak hours.

      Audi

      Aside from the technical charging abilities, the concept charging hub would also be a comfortable place to spend some time—that’s the premium-level electromobility half of the equation. The cube-shaped station would feature a lounge area with food and drink suitable for a visit around 20 to 25 minutes—the same time it would take to charge an Audi e-tron GT from 5 to 80 percent at a 270-kW charging capacity.”To make the wait a true premium experience, a lounge will provide Audi customers with the perfect setting for an enjoyable charging stop,” the automaker says. “The upstairs lounge area offers a place to pass the time that is modern and in line with the premium concept, the perfect space and setting for a break with added value. A variety of amenities and a range of snacks, drinks, and non-food items make the charging stop a welcome break.”Audi suggests that such a hub would be modular and pre-fabricated, relying on “flexible container cubes” to house the lithium-ion batteries, with the ability to transport the hub itself (in several pieces, judging by the concept drawing) and install it in locations mostly independent of the capacities of local energy networks. So the hub, featuring its own battery storage, would not be as dependent on local infrastructure as a modern fast-charging station.

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      “The charging hub embodies our aspiration for the electric era and highlights Audi’s commitment to ‘Vorsprung durch Technik.’ A flexible high-performing HPC charging park like this does not require much from the local electricity grid and uses a sustainable battery concept. Our customers benefit in numerous ways: from the ability to make exclusive reservations, a lounge area and short waiting times thanks to high-performance charging. This is consistent with the premium concept,” said Oliver Hoffmann, Audi board member for Technical Development.Of course, being a concept of premium-level electromobility, it’s clear such a thing would not be inexpensive to build even with retired lithium-ion batteries from vehicles. So users will definitely have to pay for the premium lounge part of the deal. And with a relatively small number of cars to be accommodated at any one time, Audi says car owners would need to make exclusive reservations to visit it. So this would not be a large service area off the freeway that can host dozens of vehicles at once—the aim is a far more exclusive, with amenities akin to a luxury dealership waiting lounge. We also have to wonder just how many Audi EV owners would not simply charge the car at home at its dedicated charger. This already sounds like a small percentage, but may not be so in the future when those who only have curbside parking will be forced to seek stations elsewhere.Audi plans to roll out the hub pilot later this year, and is currently searching for a suitable site for this concept in Germany.

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      in Bike

      2021 Suzuki Hayabusa Unboxing At Dealership – First Look Walkaround

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      2021 Suzuki Hayabusa UnboxingPrice of the new generation Hayabusa is Rs.2.8 lakhs dearer than its outgoing counterpart in India
      No sooner did Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd., open bookings for the new generation Hayabusa, than all the 101 units of the first lot have been sold out. The orders were via the company portal due to COVID-19 restrictions and opened on 26th April with booking amount was fixed at Rs.1 lakh. Deliveries have commenced from this month. The first 101 buyers will receive a pillion cowl as an accessory free of cost.
      The new gen Hayabusa is priced at Rs.16.40 lakhs, Rs.2.80 lakh more expensive as compared to its earlier gen model which carried a price tag of Rs.13.70 lakhs. The updated model boasts of better overall balance, superior performance and an engine which now complies with BS6 emission standards.
      Colours and Key Features
      Features also include a new LED headlamp, turn indicators and position lamps while it also gets a new set of mirrors. The 2021 Hayabusa also sports a new TFT centrally positioned display, 3 power modes, cruise control and 3 levels of engine braking controls.
      Safety is via cornering ABS, launch control and hill hold assist along with 10 levels of anti-wheelie control and 10 levels of traction control. Take a look at the detailed unboxing and first look video below, credit to Car & Bike Anatomy.
      [embedded content]
      The new gen Hayabusa is offered in dual colour schemes of Glass Sparkle Black with Candy Burnt Gold, Metallic Mat Sword Silver with Candy Daring Red and Pearl Brilliant White with Metallic Mat Stellar Blue. It also gets a bold new design, a new logo, redesigned fuel tank and longer exhausts which are now chrome plated. It rides on 7 spoke alloy wheels fitted with Bridgestone Battlax S22 tyres.
      BS 6 Compliant Engine
      The 2021 Hayabusa gets its power via a BS6/Euro 5 compliant 1340 cc, in-line 4 cylinder, liquid cooled engine that offers 190 hp power at 9,700 rpm and 150 Nm torque at 7,000 rpm mated to a 6 speed transmission. The engine upgrade to comply with the new emissions standards sees a reduction in both power and torque by 10 hp and 5 Nm as compared to its earlier engine.
      Mileage is claimed at 18.5 km/l while top speed is at 290 km/h. Kerb weight is at 264 kgs, 2 kgs less than its earlier model. The 2021 Hayabusa gets an updated braking system and now comes in with Brembo’s Stylema calipers in the front and Nissin calipers at the rear. Suspension is via fully adjustable 43mm KYB forks, capable of 120mm travel and KYB monoshock.
      Future bookings are on hold and are expected to commence from August 2021. Like its earlier counterpart, the 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa will find no direct competition in India especially since the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R has now been discontinued. More

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      Top 10 Motorcycles 200cc To 500cc April 21 – Classic, Bullet, Pulsar, CB350, KTM

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      Image – Area of InterestRoyal Enfield motorcycles commanded the most attention in the 200cc-500cc segment of motorcycles
      The lockdowns following the second wave of COVID-19 have led to a 22 percent drop in motorcycle sales in April 2021. Sales of bikes in the 200-500cc segments dipped to 58,870 units compared to the previous month of March when sales stood at 75,649 units. Every motorcycle in this segment noted a fall in MoM sales except for the RE Bullet 350, of which sales increased 2.22 percent while the highest percentage fall was in the case of the Suzuki Gixxer 250 of which sales dipped 62.85 percent.
      RE Classic 350, Bullet 350 and Meteor 350
      In top 3 spots in the list of best-selling bikes in the 200-500 cc segment were the RE Classic 350, Bullet 350 and Meteor 350. Classic 350 was the leader in this segment with sales at 23,298 units in April 21, down 26.49 percent as against 31,694 units sold in March 21. The Classic 350 was the best-selling model in the company portfolio for FY21. Despite suffering a de-growth of 9.29 percent, total sales stood at 3,61,140 in FY21 as against 3,98,144 units sold in FY20.
      The Bullet 350cc, the cheapest offering in the company lineup, noted a marginal increase in MoM sales. In March 21, sales had stood at 9,693 units, which increased to 9,908 units in the past month. Taking sales in the past financial year into account, Bullet 350 noted de-growth of 25.04 percent to 98,008 units as compared to sales of 1,30,752 units in FY20.
      Over the past 5 months, sales of the Meteor 350 have been steadily growing. Sales to date include 7,031 units sold in November, 8,569 units in December, 5,073 units in January and 8,624 units in February. March 21 sales were the highest at 10,596 units only to dip 25.97 percent to 7,844 units in April 21.
      Motorcycle Sales 200cc to 500cc segment – April 2021
      Even as the Bajaj Pulsar 220 came in at No.4 with sales of 3,914 units in April 21, down from 5,172 units in March 21, Royal Enfield continued its dominance in this segment with the Electra 350 cruiser coming in at No.5. Electra sales stood at 3,631 units in April 21 as against 4,914 units sold in March 21, a MoM sales de-growth of 26.11 percent.
      At No. 7 was also the RE Himalayan adventure bike with a 2.86 percent de-growth to 2,815 units sold in April 21. Royal Enfield’s Himalayan received a significant update for 2021 along with a price increment of Rs 10,000 while it currently commands a waiting period of 8-9 weeks.
      Honda H’ness also posted strong sales in April 21 at 2,969 units though this was a dip from 4,302 units sold in March 21. Earlier this month the bike received its second price hike since launch with the latest upward revision by Rs 3,405 for both variants Honda H’Ness CB350 Deluxe and Pro.
      KTM 250 and 390
      Lower down the order were the two KTM bikes 250 and 390 each of which noted MoM de-growth. KTM 250 sales dipped 12.81 percent to 1,089 units while KTM 350 sales fell 16.81 percent to 851 units. There is a new feature-packed KTM 390 Duke in the making and it has been spotted on test in a similar design and with mechanical updates as seen on the 250 Duke.
      Bajaj Avenger 220, Dominar 400 and Dominar 250 followed each other in quick succession, each posting MoM de-growth, while the TVS Apache 310 and Husqvarna 250 and FZ25 found positions at the bottom of the table along with the Gixxer 250 that posted the most MoM de-growth of 62.85 percent to only 133 units sold in April 21. Also found in the list is Honda CB300R, which is yet to be launched. With dispatches started, launch of Honda CB300R is expected to launch soon in India. More

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      in Motor News

      McLaren Elva Gains a Windshield but Still Has No Roof

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      McLaren has released a version of the Elva with a windshield, but it still doesn’t have a roof.The addition adds a claimed 44 pounds.It has the same 804-hp twin-turbocharged V-8 engine.We respect the purity of purpose of the McLaren Elva, the stripped hypercar lacking any form of physical weather protection. But we have more difficulty understanding McLaren’s announcement of a version that will have a windshield, but still no roof. Isn’t that missing the point a little?

      The actual logic behind the half-naked Elva is a more prosaic one. It is illegal to sell a car without a windshield in some parts of the world, and some states in the U.S. The company says it also anticipates that some buyers in less restricted markets will also prefer to the additional security of safety glass over the modest protection offered by the unadorned Elva’s clever Active Air Management System, which uses ducts and vents to divert airflow to create a low speed ‘bubble’ around the passenger compartment. McLaren anticipates the screen will add around 44 pounds in weight.

      McLaren

      The rest of the Elva is unchanged, with an 804-hp version of McLaren’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8. The company claims that the car accelerates to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds, and to 124 mph in just 6.8 seconds. The company makes no claims about the new car’s top speed, but we would be surprised if the windshield didn’t improve its high-speed aerodynamics. Yet the addition doesn’t improve the car’s looks; instead, it just emphasizes just how striking the unglazed version appears. McLaren originally planned to produce up to 399 of the Elva, each with a $1.7 million base price. That production figure has been substantially reduced, as the company began to realize the limited appeal of a car with so much performance and so little weather protection. McLaren has now pledged to make no more than 149. That figure still seems high compared to the limited-to-12 Bentley Mulliner Bacalar—which does have a windshield, but no roof—and the limited-to-88 Aston Martin V12 Speedster which is equally naked.
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      2022 Infiniti QX60 Will Debut in Production Form June 23

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      Infiniti announced that the 2022 QX60 will make its production debut June 23.The company also shared a teaser photo of the SUV’s dashboard.The new QX60 will have the same new transmission as the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, a nine-speed automatic.The new-generation 2022 Infiniti QX60 will arrive in its final form on June 23 before going on sale in the U.S. later this year. Infiniti has already shared the basic design of the new three-row SUV thanks to the QX60 Monograph concept car, and confirmed that it will use the same 3.5-liter V-6 and nine-speed automatic transmission as the related 2022 Nissan Pathfinder.

      A new teaser photo shows a glimpse at the QX60’s interior, suggesting it will use nicer materials and updated technology compared with the dated current model. The image shows a dashboard with quilted leather trim and a large infotainment screen. We can also see three physical knobs that seem to be for audio and climate controls.

      Infiniti

      We don’t expect the production-spec QX60 to look too different from the Monograph concept. The biggest changes will likely be to the headlights, taillights, door handles, and wheels. Its V-6 engine will produce 295 horsepower and Infiniti promises a towing capacity of up to 6000 pounds. It will also offer the ProPilot Assist set of driver-assistance features as an option.We’ll find out more on June 23, and the 2022 QX60 will go on sale in the U.S. this fall with a starting price that should be around $45,000.
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      New KTM RC 200, RC 390 Unofficial Bookings Start – Launch By Aug 2021

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      2021 KTM RC 390 render by Kobeyo CustomsBoth supersport faired motorcycles are expected to make their debut together around July or August later this year
      There has been great excitement built around the arrival of new generation KTM models. Recently, an image of what appeared to be a full production version of RC 390 went trending on the internet. Earlier pre-production prototypes of RC 200 were also caught on camera conducting test trials.
      Select dealerships of the Austrian bikemaker in India, have unofficially started accepting bookings for the upcoming new-gen models of RC 200 and RC 390. Dealers are charging a booking amount in between Rs 1,000 and Rs 5,000, while some dealers quoting amounts as high as Rs 10,000.
      The bookings have been made against the current-gen RC range of models and can be transferred once the new generation models arrive. The booking could also be cancelled and the token amount will be refunded in case the bikes are not up to the customer’s expectations. The launch date of both entry-level supersport bikes are expected to take place around July or August this year.
      RC 390- Updated Design
      The new RC 390 will be visibly a lot bigger than its 200cc sibling. The design gets a radical update over the outgoing model which frankly has left enthusiasts polarised. Some of the notable updates include a completely redesigned front end with a new single-piece LED headlight, redesigned fairing, new body graphics, a larger fuel tank and a redesigned tail section. Revisions are also noticed in the frame, handlebar, frame and alloy wheels.
      2021 KTM RC 200
      The front fairing appears wider and more aerodynamic in design and it also supports the new boomerang-styled LED turn indicators. Another key update is inclusion of air vents on the side panels which will ensure optimized airflow and in turn enhance its aerodynamic qualities.
      The motorcycle will be underpinned by a new rear subframe that will offer more comfortable rides for taller riders. The most impressive addition to RC 390 is the new TF display for the instrument console. In addition, the sportbike also gets improved brakes and a quick-shifter.
      RC 200- Updated Design
      On the other hand, the new RC 200 will also receive a completely overhauled styling which is in line with the new RC 390. However, unlike its bigger sibling, RC 200 will most likely receive an underbelly exhaust instead of the side-slung unit seen in the new-gen RC 390. It will continue to employ the current model’s LCD instrument console and will feature new body graphics and decals.
      Specs on both models
      Moving to specs, both motorcycles are likely to be powered by the same BS6 units in the current models. RC 200 will be powered by the same 199.5cc liquid-cooled mill that pushes out 25 hp and 19.2 Nm of torque. RC 390 will be powered by a 373cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that dishes out 44 bhp and 35 Nm of peak torque. While RC 200 is expected to be priced between Rs 2.10 to Rs 2.15 lakh mark and the bigger superbike would be priced in between Rs 2.65 lakh to Rs. 2.80 lakh (both prices ex-showroom). More

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      Rolls-Royce Will Now Build You a Wild Custom Car

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      If you’re like us, you know how frustrating it is to pull up to the stables in your Rolls-Royce to check on your thoroughbreds and find that the owner of Greenspan Loves Rand—a chestnut colt two stalls over—has the same dang car. Sometimes it’s like, why even be a billionaire? Sure, your Rolls is magenta with an Acid Green Iguana interior, but it’s still a Phantom Drophead or a Wraith or something like that—you kind of forget, because you’ve had it a while, and who can keep track of which cars they bought three weeks ago? Point is, it’s not unique enough, and if there’s one thing you learned while slandering your siblings to Father and your stepmom, Missy, it’s that a person needs to stand out in a crowd. Thankfully, Rolls-Royce understands you. They hate that you feel like this. And if you give them enough money, their new Coachbuild department can make you feel like the special-est person around, the ultimate curator of good taste and high culture. Whether you are or not!

      Rolls-Royce

      Rolls-Royce

      Coachbuild is Rolls’s response to the question, “How can I spend more money on a car?” The Boattail is its first project, and somehow the company got three mega-loaded individuals to agree on the general idea and each commission a car. Presumably these people all live on different continents, so they’ll never feel the shame of parking their Boattail next to another one. The car itself looks like a Phantom Drophead with the trunk replaced by power-operated butterfly doors that conceal a hifalutin picnic setup.

      Rolls-Royce

      In this case, the junk in your trunk includes a set of custom-designed stools from Italian furniture maker Promemoria, cutlery from Christofle in Paris, and a telescoping parasol. (That’s like what the mere eight-digit-net-worth people call a “sun umbrella.”) The level of nitpickery is fanatical and astounding: the clasps on the bottle holders in the champagne fridge are color matched to the owner’s favorite vintage. Which seems to paint you into a bit of a corner re: bubbly selection, but we guess if you feel like mixing it up on the beverage front you can just get them to build you another car.

      At least one of the Boattails includes matching his and hers Bovet 1822 watches that can be worn or fitted into the dash as a clock. Those took three years to design. The engineering for the whole shebang took 20 years’ worth of billable hours, says Rolls. The Boattail includes 1813 new parts, all of which are going to be extremely difficult to find at your local AutoZone.

      Rolls-Royce

      At this point, some of you may be asking, “If the trunk is stuffed with fixings for a fancy picnic, where does the convertible top go?” Great question, Chet! Personally, our solution in the event of rain would be to have our helicopter pilot simply fly overhead at all times with some sort of dome affixed to the skids. Rolls does it a little bit differently and, in the time-honored tradition of charging more money to make things worse, includes a sort of small tent that can be affixed over the interior in the event of rain. Top speed when that’s in place: zero miles per hour! Rolls describes this device as a “static transitory shelter,” which is also what you called your suite at the Burj for those few weeks you were lying low while Missy was trying to serve you that subpeona. Rolls didn’t mention the Boattail’s engine, but we bet it has one.

      DXZJ Alloy Model Car 1/32 for Rolls-Royce Cullinan

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      What else? Well, these three cars are the first Coachbuild projects, but they won’t be the last. We hereby predict that one discerning friend of ours, newly single and ready to flaunt his discerning style, might commission a car that has a lot of windows, if you know what we mean. Another very low-key wealthy person we know of might decide to build a car that evokes the wild beauty of the Amazon, if you understand what we’re saying. Bottom line is, now that we know that Rolls can theoretically build whatever we want, nothing less will do. Not that it ever did.

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      2021 Yamaha Sniper 155, 155R Scooter Unveiled – Based On R15 V3

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      Image – XIII Tips N VlogYamaha offers the 155cc VVA motor in India in YZF R15 V3.0 and MT-15 only
      Yamaha truly takes pride in its 155cc VVA motor as the engine now performs duties in a host of models in the company’s international lineup. Not only in motorcycles but this powertrain has also been extended to scooter offerings from Yamaha in recent times.
      While the motorcycles in this range include the likes of YZF R15, MT-15 and XSR 155, the scooters powered by this motor involve Aerox 155, NMax 155 and NVX 155. This indicates the Japanese company’s faith in this reliable and peppy engine. The lineup gets more extensive with the launch of Sniper 155 and 155R in the Philippines which run on the same mill.
      Styling
      Starting with its styling, the new Sniper 155 has been designed in a manner that offers a sporty feel with its compact dimensions. The design is said to be inspired by the flagship YZF-R1 which makes it look sharp and sporty. The two-piece LED headlight setup is an interesting feature. It gets a low-beam unit mounted on the handlebar for better visibility at night whereas the twin-LED high beam units are placed on the front apron.
      The scooter incorporates a forward-heavy faired silhouette with a short and upward angled tail section. Overall, the scooter looks stylish, agile and light and Yamaha has managed to bring the best of both worlds by offering versatile performance on race track and street respectively.
      Yamaha Sniper 155
      Although it has been categorised as a scooter, its riding dynamics are similar to that of a bike with footpegs instead of a floorboard. In addition, the body has been redesigned to offer a more ergonomic fit to the inner thigh.
      Features on offer
      Getting into features, Sniper comes equipped with all-LED lighting, a negative LCD instrument cluster and a new slip-resistant seat to offer even better grip as standard. It is also equipped with a larger 5.4-liter fuel tank. The higher-spec 155R is offered with additional gizmos such as a smart key system and a 12V power socket. Additionally, the top-spec trim gets a special material and stitching on the seat.
      Mechanical Specs & Improvements
      As mentioned earlier, it is powered by a 155cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine that returns an output of 17.7 bhp at 9,500rpm and 14.4 Nm of peak torque at 8,000rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual gearbox and chain final drive. Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology ensures a linear power delivery throughout the rev range. The motor is fed air by a new 4.6-liter air cleaner box.
      Image – XIII Tips N Vlog
      Thanks to a revised exhaust pipe and muffler, the scooter’s power output is optimised across the rev range in addition to the reduction in noise. Suspension duties of the scooter are handled by telescopic forks at front and a swingarm suspension at rear. Braking is taken care of by telescopic forks at the front and a swingarm suspension at the rear as standard while 155R gets 2-piston front brake calipers along with a 245mm disc for better stopping power.
      2021 Sniper 155 is available in three colour options namely Yellow Hornet, Race Blu and Black Raven whereas 155R is exclusively offered in Matte Titan. Both trims are offered at a price of PHP 1,14,900 (equivalent to INR 1.74 lakh) and PHP 1,20,900 (equivalent to INR 1.84 lakh). Like the other scooters in Yamaha’s 155cc lineup, chances of Sniper 155 making it to India also look bleak. More