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    2021 MV Agusta Rush Debuts With 998cc 4 Cyl 205 BHP Engine

    MV Agusta RushThe updated 2021 Rush is offered at a steep price tag of 38,000 Euro (approx. INR 34 lakh) and will not make it to Indian shores
    Whenever one thinks of fast and exotic motorcycles, the name MV Agusta is bound to come up. The iconic Italian brand has added, or should we say updated, yet another one in its armoury. The company has revealed the latest iteration of the naked litre-class motorcycle with the mandatory Euro-5 emission upgrades and a few subtle cosmetic upgrades.
    The motorcycle remains a limited edition model and will be capped to a meagre 300 units available for sale across the globe. Pre-bookings for the hypernaked motorcycle commenced in July last year while deliveries are expected to begin soon. MV Agusta models are known for their outrageous and striking designs and Rush is no different.
    MV Agusta Rush
    Aggressive Design
    Inspired by its military origins, 2021 Rush surely comes across as very sharp and intimidating. Highlights such as a muscular fuel tank with its sharp edges and new colours take centre stage.
    The round LED headlamp with intricately designed internals accompanied by bar-end mirrors give it a hint of retro appeal. The beefy fuel tank, a clip-on handlebar and rear-set footpegs provide it with a proper sports bike stance. The sporty appeal is further accentuated by the contrasting yellow highlights all across the bike.
    MV Agusta Rush
    Another unique highlight is the floating rear section which doubles as a small pillion seat perfect for backrest support and not so much for an actual pillion. The seats are made of Alcantara leather and at 845mm, it is a substantial climb for the rider.
    Other notable highlights include a neatly integrated tail-lamp, golden colour front forks, a belly pan, an underbelly exhaust with quad pipes on full display, a single-sided swingarm and a 200-section rear tyre.
    Features & Electronic Aids
    As far as features go, a new 5.5-inch TFT instrument screen now offers My MV App connectivity and allows riders to adjust settings remotely. Other standard features include Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation, mobisat tracker and navigator. However, the highlight is the whole gamut of IMU-based riders aids which includes traction control, wheelie control, cornering ABS, multiple ride models, cruise control, launch control and front lift control.
    MV Agusta Rush
    Improved Performance & Dynamics
    When it comes to performance, MV Agusta has made a few minor improvements to the bike’s heart. For example, it gets new DLC-coated valve guides that reduce internal friction along with a new camshaft timing which is claimed to improve both low-end and mid-range torque output. As a result, the 998cc, inline four-cylinder engine spits out 205.15 bhp at 13,000rpm and a peak torque of 116.5 Nm at 11,000rpm. The output figures push the hypernaked speedster at a top speed over 300kmph.
    This engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox which comes with a revised quick-shifter, called EAS 3.0, for even smoother and more precise gear shifts. The motorcycle employs a CrMo steel tubular trellis frame that is suspended on a fully adjustable Ohlins electronic suspension setup with hydraulic USD forks at front and a single shock absorber at rear. Braking hardware comprises Brembo Stylemas calipers with 320mm dual-disc at front and 220mm single-disc at rear. More

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    Royal Enfield Godzilla By Neev Motorcycles – Based On Thunderbird

    Royal Enfield Godzilla by Neev Motorcycles
    Wheelbase of Thunderbird has been increased thanks to a longer custom-built swingarm and extra rake in the front suspension
    We already have covered scores of aftermarket modified Royal Enfield motorcycles in the past. We have also discussed why Royal Enfield bikes prove to be fan favourites in the aftermarket industry. So we are going to spare our readers the same old jargon but we have another piece of aftermarket work on a Royal Enfield model.
    This time a Thunderbird has been modified into a savage-looking machine which is reminiscent of the fictional superhero Batman’s ride famously known as Batpod. The motorcycle has been built by Neev Motorcycles which is famous for creating many such outrageous and exotic pieces of work on two-wheelers.
    Royal Enfield Godzilla by Neev Motorcycles
    Completely Revamped Design
    The Delhi-based aftermarket workshop has evidently spent a lot of man-hours and capital on building this motorcycle. Named Godzilla, it certainly looks like a being from another world. As seen in the images, an excess amount of mod jobs have been conducted on this Thunderbird to give it the badass appearance which it boasts. For starters, the most notable highlight is the custom fuel tank which wears the “Godzilla” moniker on its left side.
    The side view shows that the contour of the fuel tank resonates with the custom single-piece seat resembling the flow of a roller-coaster since it abruptly rises to meet the raised rear fender. The rear section gets a unique pointed tail which resembles a shark fin to some extent.
    Royal Enfield Godzilla by Neev Motorcycles
    At front, Neev Motorcycles have made use of a headlight and turn indicators from Bajaj Pulsar NS200. It surprisingly fits well and helps in giving the bike a mean and aggressive look.
    The frame has also been modified to place the seat even lower and attach an extended swingarm. Although Thunderbird is not a full-fledged cruiser, the front suspension has been provided with fork gaiters and additional rake angle to give this modified iteration a bobber look.
    As obvious with a bobber, it rides on very fat rear tyres with a ridiculously thick cross-section wrapped around thin spoked wheels. The front fender has been chopped short while the rear fender has been completely removed.
    Royal Enfield Godzilla by Neev Motorcycles
    Mechanical UpgradesRoyal Enfield
    Other styling highlights a custom-made straight line handlebar, a short exhaust pipe, forward-set footpegs, a rear tyre hugger housing the number plate holder and a belly pan underneath the engine. There have been few improvements made as far as mechanicals are concerned. For instance, it has been provided with a high-performance air filter which might help it rev higher. All changes incorporated for the new saddle needed a revamped rear suspension unit.
    Thunderbird was offered in two configurations- 350cc and 500cc and was discontinued last year. It has been replaced by Royal Enfield’s latest cruiser Meteor 350 which gets a brand new 350cc engine and a new dual-cradle frame. More

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    Bajaj Pulsar RS 250cc Render In 3 Colour Options – White, Red, Black

    Bajaj Pulsar RS 250 Render
    Bajaj is reportedly planning to expand its range of Pulsar motorcycles with new 250cc models
    A few days ago, a test mule of the upcoming Bajaj Pulsar 250F was caught in cameras on roads. The semi-faired sports commuter was heavily wrapped in camouflage yet we were able to comprehend a few details. Reports suggest that Bajaj is also preparing to develop both fully-faired and naked versions of a quarter-litre Pulsar.
    Both models are expected to wear the RS and NS brandings respectively. Digital renders of the former have been created by SRK Designs in multiple colour options – showing the overall expected design of the faired quarter-litre superbike. The motorcycle bears an uncanny resemblance with Pulsar RS 200 although with subtle variations to distinguish both bikes.
    Pulsar RS250 Rendered Design
    For starters, the rendered Bajaj Pulsar RS 250cc gets a revised front end with dual-beam LED projector headlamps. The faired bodywork also sports some minor revisions with more layers to the panels.
    Like Pulsar RS 200, the upcoming RS 250 could also adopt a dark theme with an appropriate amount of black shade used on side body panels, fuel tank shrouds and underbelly engine cowl. The engine casing gets a golden colour wrap along with a stubby dual-tone underbelly exhaust.
    Bajaj Pulsar RS 250 Render
    Other styling highlights are reminiscent of its smaller sibling including slightly forward-set footpegs, a tall windscreen, clip-on handlebar, upright tail section, split seat setup and rear tyre hugger. A small air scoop in the front fairing should further amplify aerodynamic qualities. The motorcycle is likely to share its engine and underpinnings with its naked sibling NS 250.
    Expected Hardware
    Like RS 200, the upcoming fully-faired quarter-litre Pulsar is likely to be underpinned by a perimeter frame albeit with some modifications. This frame will be suspended on upside down forks at front and an adjustable mono-shock at rear.
    In comparison, the Pulsar RS 200 gets conventional telescopic forks up front. Braking hardware will comprise single disc brakes at both front and rear assisted by a dual-channel ABS as standard.
    Bajaj Pulsar RS 250 Render
    Expected Engine Specs
    While the recently spotted Pulsar 250F is likely to be powered by a new 250cc single pot oil-cooled unit, RS 250 and NS 250 are expected to be powered by a 248.9cc single-cylinder air-cooled unit. This motor already performs duties on Bajaj Dominar 250, KTM 250 series and Husqvarna 250 twins- Svartpilen and Vitpilen. This engine is capable of pumping out 30 bhp and 24 Nm of peak torque. This unit will be paired with a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch.
    The upcoming RS and NS duo of the quarter-litre Pulsar is likely to be sandwiched between Pulsar 250F and Dominar 250 in Bajaj Auto’s lineup. Pulsar RS 250 will compete against Suzuki Gixxer SF250.
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    Best Commuter Cars for $20,000: Window Shop with Car and Driver

    With many Americans starting to head back into the office and facing a drive to work again, the Window Shop team decided to look at the perfect cars for commuting. Despite the hype around the shortage of used cars, our budget of $20,000 provided a variety of vehicles from which to choose. Now, before you start picking apart our choices, the challenge never stated exactly what the commute would be. We left that part up to each shopper, but we did mention that the average time it takes for folks to get to work is just under 30 minutes. Now an employee of our sister publication Road & Track, senior editor John Pearley Huffman decides that getting there, absolutely getting there is the most important part of a commuter car. So, he picks a low-mileage 2009 Honda Accord that he promises will never make you late or absent. Meanwhile, Mr. Practicality senior editor Joey Capparella doesn’t pick a normcore car with a reputation for reliability. Instead, Capparella goes for driving enjoyment with his 2014 BMW 228i. Quicker than all the others with a zero-to-60 time of 4.9 seconds, Capparella’s choice has more than a few of us wishing we’d thought of a 2-series. Still, since it’s a modern BMW, he’s dinged for potential reliability issues. Reliability certainly wasn’t on the mind of contributor Jonathon Ramsey when he decided that a V-12 BMW 760Li with over 100,000 miles would be just the thing for his commute. A lover of the finer things, Ramsey’s choice is so far out there that we have to now wonder if he’s trolling us.The remaining shoppers, deputy testing director K.C. Colwell and deputy editor Tony Quiroga make better choices than Ramsey. Colwell chooses a futuristic plug-in hybrid with a carbon-fiber composite body on top of an aluminum frame while Quiroga, dreading a bumper-to-bumper slog chooses his car for its powerful audio system. Of course, random trivia is sprinkled throughout the bickering and then finally a winner is crowned. Enjoy the show.

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    Mazda Drops CX-3 Crossover from Lineup for 2022

    Mazda is dropping the CX-3 from its lineup after the 2021 model year.The CX-3 is smaller and older than the newer CX-30, which is similar in size and price.2021 CX-3s should remain in inventory for a little while longer.The sun will set on Mazda’s smallest crossover, the CX-3, after the 2021 model year. We’re not too surprised to hear this, as Mazda essentially replaced this older model with the newer CX-30 recently. The two compete alongside each other in the subcompact-crossover segment, and the CX-30 is more powerful, more spacious, and more upscale than the dated CX-3.

    While the CX-30 is based on the compact Mazda 3, the CX-3 was based on the tiny subcompact Mazda 2, which meant it was considerably smaller inside than many of its competitors. It debuted for 2016 and has received only minimal updates over the years. Mazda reduced its lineup to a single trim level recently, marking the beginning of the end for this model.We wonder if Mazda may eventually rename the CX-30 to CX-3 as a result of this change. This would provide more consistency in the brand’s SUV lineup, as other models have single-digit monikers including CX-5 and CX-9.
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    Mazda 6 Dead for 2022, but Maybe Not Gone Forever

    Mazda is discontinuing the 6 mid-size sedan for the U.S. market.The 2021 model year will be its last and it won’t return for 2022.A future Mazda 6 is rumored to be on its way with a new rear-wheel-drive platform and an inline-six engine.Mazda will no longer offer the 6 mid-size sedan in the U.S. after the 2021 model year. The current third-generation 6 has been around since 2014 and will not be available for 2022, meaning Mazda is the latest automaker—following Ford, Chrysler, and a few others—to exit the popular family-sedan segment.

    While this is the end of the road for now, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Mazda is done with mid-size sedans forever. Rumors persist that Mazda will launch a new sedan model on the company’s new rear-wheel-drive platform that could utilize its new inline-six engines. When asked about the potential for a future rear-wheel-drive Mazda 6, a company spokesperson told C/D, “We cannot share details of future products at this time.”The cancellation announcement does call into question whether this new model will once again utilize the 6 nameplate, as Mazda could introduce a new moniker to reflect the sedan’s new mission. If it comes to fruition, we likely won’t hear more about this new Mazda sedan for a while longer, as it’s expected to arrive sometime in 2022 as a 2023 model.In the meantime, 2021 Mazda 6 sedans will remain on sale at dealerships until inventory runs out.
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    Tata Motors Bags Rs 44 Crore Contract For 300 New Electric Cars

    Tata Nexon EV. Image for reference.Tata Motors is also expected to launch a mild facelift version of Tigor EV soon
    When it comes to fully electric vehicles in the passenger vehicle segment, there are only a handful of options. The choices get further streamlined if you are looking for an EV that has been locally manufactured. Tata Motors with two offerings in the form of Tigor EV and Nexon EV enjoys the status of the highest EV seller in the country.
    Unsurprisingly, the homegrown automaker has been able to bag such a large order from Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL). Under this order, Tata Motors will supply 300 units of electric cars with a warranty of three years to CESL.
    More Details
    The total cost of this contract is worth Rs 44 crore and is a part of the Scaling up Demand Side Energy Efficiency Sector Project which is being financed by the Asian Development Bank line of credit to CESL. The letter of award forwarded by CESL to Tata Motors states that these 300 four-wheeler electric cars will have a length of less than 4 metres and a single-charge range equal to or more than 250km.
    While both Nexon EV and Tigor fulfil the size criteria, the sedan falls slightly short in terms of its range at 213km. It is also to be noted that Tata is working on launching an updated Tigor very soon. This facelifted Tigor Electric could come with a larger battery pack, which will result in increased range.
    Tata Tigor electric facelift spied
    The said tender will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will consist of procurement of 300 vehicles with a three-year warranty at a base price of Rs 14.33 lakh per unit, exclusive of GST. The second phase will involve inland transportation including loading, unloading, transfer to a designated location, transit insurance, and other costs liable to delivery of vehicles. This phase will incur a cost of Rs 21,000 per unit.
    Commenting on this development, Shailesh Chandra, President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “Tata Motors is committed to supporting the Government’s vision of actively embracing e-mobility and we are delighted to partner with CESL once again. Purposeful collaboration amongst stakeholders is key to accelerate the mass adoption of environmentally-friendly solutions.”
    Nexon EV Specs
    Nexon EV is powered by a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor which is paired with a 30.2kWh lithium-ion and a liquid-cooled battery pack. This powertrain combination returns an output of 127 bhp and 245 Nm of peak torque.
    The battery pack comes with IP67 certification and the company claims a single-charge range of 312km. The car is bundled with a 3.3kW charger which could charge 20-100 percent in eight hours. It is also provided with a 25kW fast charger which could rejuvenate the battery in just 60 minutes. More

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    Watch Road & Track Editors on History Channel's Two-Part Car Documentary Starting Sunday

    Few inventions have changed society as much as the automobile. From the earliest days of horseless carriages to the 21st century’s promise of autonomous cars, the modern era has been shaped and defined by the rise of the car. A new two-part History Channel documentary takes a look at the history of some of the greatest and most enduring car companies in automotive history, and how the people behind them changed the world. Plus, you’ll get to see two Road & Track editors on the show.

    The Cars That Built the World is a two-part documentary that features R&T deputy editor Bob Sorokanich and senior editor Chris Perkins. Accompanied by familiar faces from around the automotive world, Perkins and Sorokanich dive into the backstories behind the greatest minds and most influential innovations in automotive history. From the very first Benz Patent-Motorwagen to the glory years of the postwar American car industry, the humble roots and magnificent success of Porsche to the unexpected rise of Honda and Toyota, The Cars That Built the World gives you a deep look at the immensely talented, fiercely competitive innovators who brought the automobile to the masses. War intrigue, racing grudges, engineering breakthroughs, and pure unbridled drive—every tale is packed with excitement and drama.You’ll hear stories you never before knew, like how Soichiro Honda got his start working for Toyota, and how the very first automotive road trip was undertaken in secret by the free-spirited wife of Germany’s first carmaker. And you’ll get inside some of the biggest rivalries in automotive history: Bentley versus Rolls-Royce, Daimler versus Benz, Toyota versus Honda. The two-night documentary premiers on Sunday, May 23, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, with the second installment airing on Monday, May 24, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Tune in and learn how the automobile became the indispensable device that it is today.

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