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      Sleepers and Q-Ships under $20,000: Window Shop with Car and Driver

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      Friend and former C/D contributor Jason Cammisa returns to Window Shop this week to help us look for sleepers that cost less than $20,000. Not to be confused with the 1973 Woody Allen movie, in the car world, a sleeper (a.k.a. a Q-ship or Q-car) is a vehicle that doesn’t look fast but is. Think, wolf in sheep’s clothing. First up is Santa Barbara’s favorite son and Road & Track’s newest staffer, John Pearley Huffman. Now that Huffman no longer has to worry about his freelance career, he has even more time to devote to Toyota Tundras. So it should surprise no one that his pick is a 2007 Tundra with the 381-hp 5.7-liter V-8. While some might not suspect a pickup can produce a sub-six-second time to 60, Cammisa points out that many modern trucks with the right engines can be very quick.No one denies deputy testing director K.C. Colwell’s Q-ship. Following in the footsteps of Jason Statham in Transporter 2, Colwell selects a 2005 Audi A8L W-12. We bring up the potential headaches of the 450-hp engine and wonder why and how and why the seller got verified on a car-listing site. Cammisa tells us the real problem isn’t the 6.0-liter W-12 under the hood, it’s the car’s air suspension. We take his word for it. Contributor Jonathon Ramsey finds a very similar car to Colwell’s: an Audi S8. Known for its 5.2-liter version of the Lamborghini V-10, this car brings back memories of several accidents and expensive fixes we had with an S8 long-termer. By the end of Ramsey’s presentation, we wonder if it’s in fact the very same car. (It’s not.)Cammisa shows off three interesting sleepers but asks us to judge his 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8. A mean-looking SUV, we debate how a monochromatic Jeep with 20-inch wheels can be a sleeper. As usual, we don’t settle anything and just bicker a lot. Last to go is deputy editor Tony Quiroga, who created the challenge after watching Cammisa’s video on the Mercedes 500E/E500. Quiroga blows the budget by nearly $5000 but finds what might be the ultimate Q-ship. Tune in to see if his choice can pull off the win despite breaking the rules.

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      2023 Kia Sportage Spied with New Design, Interesting Headlights

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      A new generation of the Kia Sportage will arrive for the 2023 model year.These spy photos show that it will have a new design with an interesting headlight treatment.The U.S. market will likely get a long-wheelbase model, while these photos show the smaller Europe-market version.A new version of the Kia Sportage is in the works, and according to these spy photos it may feature a polarizing front-end design. The headlights are mounted low, the grille features an interesting texture, and the hood has an unusual cutline. We suspect Kia is going for a split-headlight look similar to older Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Juke models, and we’re curious to see how it turns out when the production Sportage is revealed, likely later this year.

      KGP Photography

      The car pictured here is a Europe-market version of the Sportage, which means it is smaller than the longer-wheelbase version we’ll likely get in the U.S. This is similar to the related 2022 Hyundai Tucson, with which the Sportage should share a platform. The Kia is also likely to get the same engines as the Tucson, which include a base 2.5-liter inline-four, a hybrid with a turbo 1.6-liter inline-four, and a plug-in hybrid with a larger battery pack. Front-wheel drive will be standard with all-wheel drive optional.In keeping with the current Sportage lineup, Kia may offer a more powerful turbocharged engine as an optional upgrade. The turbo 2.5-liter inline-four found in the K5 and Sorento seems like a likely choice, and it could produce somewhere between 280 and 300 horsepower for a possible Sportage SX or GT model.

      KGP Photography

      We should find out more about the Sportage later this year as it is revealed for global markets. The U.S. version likely won’t arrive until 2022 for the 2023 model year, as Kia has already released information about the carryover 2022 Sportage for our market.
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      Bajaj Pulsar 250F Spied Testing – Likely To Be The Fastest Pulsar Yet

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      2022 Bajaj Pulsar 220FWhen Bajaj launched Pulsar 220F, it was branded as The Fastest Indian – Upcoming 250F will sit above the 220F
      Bajaj Auto is planning to expand its Pulsar range of sporty commuted motorcycles by adding new models in the coming future. A few weeks ago, a test mule of what was speculated to be a naked version of new Pulsar 250 was spotted testing.
      In addition to this, the Chakan-based bikemaker introduced the entry-level Pulsar NS125 into the lineup last month. The company also gave a mild refresh to Pulsar 150, 180 and 220F models with new colour options. Now, a semi-faired version of the upcoming quarter-litre Pulsar has been spotted conducting trial tests on roads.
      This upcoming quarter-litre sports commuter is expected to carry either F or RS nomenclature which are usually associated with faired motorcycles. In most likelihood, it will be named 250F just like the current flagship in the lineup 220F. Although the test prototype spotted was heavily wrapped in camouflage, it did reveal a few obvious details about its styling.
      Expected Design & Features
      For instance, like Pulsar 220F, the upcoming 250F is likely to receive a front-heavy fairing adjoining the fuel tank and headlamp section. It gets a tall handlebar which provides easy maneuverability and an aggressive stance thanks to a muscular fuel tank with extended shrouds and bikini fairing.
      2022 Bajaj Pulsar 220F
      Other notable highlights include upswept side exhaust, an upright tail section and a split seat setup. The rear end of the prototype, especially the split grab rails and curved taillight are reminiscent of its immediate rival brand TVS Apache.
      In terms of features, it is expected to offer an all-LED lighting setup and all-digital instrument console with colour display. If Bajaj is generous then it may also offer Bluetooth connectivity. Although images of the bike’s front end are not available at the moment, it is expected to boast a tall windscreen to counter a strong windblast.
      Expected Specs
      Coming to its specifications, Bajaj is expected to offer a whole new 250cc oil-cooled motor for its quarter-litre Pulsar motorcycles. The company already has a 248.8cc, fuel-injected, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine at its disposal which it utilises for its own Dominar and other KTM and Husqvarna models. The new 250cc motor on Pulsar 250 will be capable of generating around 24 bhp and will be paired with a six-speed gearbox.
      2022 Bajaj Pulsar 220F
      Other mechanical components should include conventional telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. Braking duties will be handled by single disc brakes on both ends which will be assisted by dual-channel ABS as standard. It is also expected to be offered with multiple ride modes. Upon its launch, Pulsar 250F will lock its horns with Suzuki Gixxer SF250.
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      Airstream Partners with Pottery Barn on Luxury Camper Decor

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      Outfitting a new (or used) Airstream trailer just got easier with a new collection of decor items from home-goods retailer Pottery Barn.The collection includes custom-fitted bedding, matching tableware, travel-friendly games, and other accessories.This collection is the second one to come from a partnership between the two luxury brands and it’s available for purchase now through both the Pottery Barn website and will launch on the Airstream accessory website in June.A record number of Americans are venturing into the recreational-vehicle world these days,—the RV Industry Association expects deliveries to be up nearly 20 percent in 2021 over last year. With demand for travel trailers, motorhomes, and campers at a fever pitch and many people wanting to take all the luxury of home with them on the road, Airstream has partnered with the home-decor specialists at Pottery Barn for a collection of accessories that are custom-fitted for the brand’s travel trailers.
      The collection of goods includes custom-fitted organic-cotton bedding, dinnerware, kitchen linens, barware, indoor/outdoor pillows, and even small accessories such as wine-bottle stoppers and travel games. A picnic set includes service for four in a hike-friendly canvas backpack. Many of the items sport a graphic of the iconic Airstream “silver bullet” trailer, and items such as coffee mugs and door mats are emblazoned with the phrase “Always Home.”

      Airstream and Pottery Barn have partnered on accessories before, but this large collection of over 40 items gives shoppers more choice. Everything here is available now through the Pottery Barn website and in June will appear on the Airstream Supply Company’s website alongside other Airstream-approved parts and accessories. Prices range from $12 to $899.
      We can’t help but think that these items would look nice at any campsite, even those not occupied by an Airstream. So if you’re one of the thousands of Americans who is new to camping and want to customize your travel experience with some high-end decor this seems as good a place to start as any.
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      Honda PCX Electric Scooter Patent Registered In India

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      Honda PCX Electric scooter showcased in India. File photo.Honda PCX electric scooter has already been showcased to select dealers in India
      Honda, just like other mainstream automakers, is looking to develop a dedicated electric lineup of its own, particularly in the two-wheeler division in India. With future mobility heavily dependent on battery-powered technologies, Honda has also started developing its electric two-wheelers for its international markets.
      However, none of them, as of now, have been confirmed for India. Though the Japanese auto giant did recently filed patents for the fully electrified version of PCX scooter. These patents were filed last month but it will be too premature to assume that the scooter will be launched in India anytime soon.
      More Details
      Earlier in January this year, the company revealed that it has no plans to launch an electric version of PCX in India even though a prototype of the same was showcased to dealers in 2020. Back then, Honda said it was trying to gauge consumer response.
      Honda is known to have filed numerous patents in India previously that did not make it to production. However, it does reveal that the bikemaker is looking to bring electric two-wheeler mobility in India.
      Honda PCX Electric scooter showcased in India. File photo.
      Honda electric scooter was initially expected to be launched somewhere by the end of 2021 but with the second wave of Covid-19 wreaking havoc across the country, it will most probably be delayed a few months. It is likely to borrow certain design cues and technologies from the PCX electric scooter.
      Expected Design & Features
      In international market, Honda offers PCX branded scooters in three powertrain options- IC-engine, petrol/hybrid and fully electric powertrains. The fully electric version has been patented in India.
      It carries a muscular and aggressive maxi-style design with clean body lines, a front-heavy fairing and a prominent apron. At front it gets twin-pod headlamps and a tall windscreen to protect one from excessive wind blast. Other design highlights include a stepped-up single-piece seat, a split type footboard, black alloy wheels and a stylish grab rail to name a few.
      In terms of features, the e-scooter gets an all-digital LCD instrument cluster, remote start key, USB C-port and a controller unit located on the floorboard. Hardware consists of a suspension setup comprising telescopic forks at front and twin-sided shocks at rear. Braking duties are carried out by 220 mm front and rear disc brakes while safety is provided by a single-channel ABS.
      Powertrain Specs
      As far as powertrain specs are concerned, the e-scooter is powered by a swingarm-mounted AC motor that can generate 4.2kW and 18 Nm. This electric motor is fed energy from a Li-ion twin battery pack which offers a paltry range of only 41 km on a single charge. In all likelihood, to address this issue, Honda could induct bakery swapping technology as well. More

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      Suzuki Sales, Exports Break Up March 2021 – Access, Burgman, Gixxer, Intruder

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      Image – RamilSuzuki posted positive YoY growth both in terms of domestic sales and exports in March 2021
      Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL) has reported its monthly sales. Taking the company’s 5 best selling models into account, there were a total of 60,222 units sold in domestic markets in March 2021 while exports stood at 9,710 units.
      Suzuki Domestic Sales MoM Sales Growth
      Suzuki sales in March 21 stood at 60,222 units, a growth of 77.60 percent over domestic sales of 33,909 units in March 20. It was also a 1.16 percent growth over 59,529 units sold in Feb 21, indicating steady growth over the past months even as the country is in the midst of deadly pandemic and lockdowns have been imposed across several parts of the country.
      The Suzuki Access was the company’s best-selling model in domestic markets. Sales in March 21 stood at 48,672, a growth of 83.83 percent over 26,476 units sold in March 20. The Access currently hold an 80.82 percent share in the company lineup. MoM sales were more or less flat with Feb 21 sales at 48,496 units.
      Sales of the Suzuki Burgman has also been equally noteworthy. March 21 saw a total of 9,037 units sold in domestic markets, an increase of 80.42 percent over 5,009 units sold in March 20. Burgman sales had stood at 8,533 units in Feb 21. The Burgman Street is currently priced from Rs 81,213 to Rs 84,711.
      Suzuki Domestic Sales March 2021
      Suzuki Gixxer and Gixxer 250
      Suzuki Gixxer posted de-growth YoY dipping -13.31 percent from 2,329 units sold in March 20 to 2,019 units in March 21. However, when compared to Feb 21, when sales stood at 1,823 units, it was a 10.75 percent MoM growth.
      The Gixxer 250 on the other hand noted a 1178.57 percent YoY growth from 28 units sold in March 20 to 358 units sold in March 21. MoM sales dipped from 549 units sold in Feb 21 a de-growth of -35.79 percent. Suzuki Intruder sales have been steadily rising from 67 units sold in March 20 to 128 units in Feb 21 and thereon to 136 units in March 21.
      Suzuki Exports Feb and March 2021
      The popular Suzuki Gixxer and Gixxer 250 tops the export charts for March 21. Gixxer exports increased 47.77 percent YoY from 3,814 units exported in March 20 to 5,636 units exported in the March 21.
      Suzuki Exports March 2021
      MoM exports however dipped -13.13 percent from 6,488 units exported in Feb 21. Gixxer 250 exports rose 74.53 percent YoY. In March 20, a total of 1,476 units of the Gixxer 250 were shipped, while this figure stood at 2,576 units in March 21. Feb 21 saw 2,300 units exported making it the only model in the company lineup to post positive MoM growth.
      Other bikes on the export list for March 21 included the Burgman (1,138 units), Lets (240 units), Hayate (120 units), while 0 units of the Intruder and Access were shipped. Each of these, except for the Access posted YoY growth while MoM exports dipped significantly. More

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      Ducati Streetfighter V4 Launched – Prices Start At Rs 20 Lakh

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      Ducati Streetfighter V4Ducati is working proactively to expand its footprint in the Indian market
      After adding three new scramblers earlier this year in January, Ducati has launched Streetfighter V4 at a starting price of 19.99 lakh. Top-spec V4 S variant is also on offer at a starting price of Rs 22.99 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom India.
      These new bikes are part of the company’s plan to introduce around 12 new products in the Indian market in 2021. The company is trying its best to speed up things at a time when operations remain affected due to the pandemic.
      Ducati Streetfighter V4
      Ducati Streetfighter V4 design and features
      Streetfighter V4 comes across as an ominous predator, ready to dominate the streets. Some key features include full-LED headlight, V-shaped DRL, 5-inch TFT instrument panel, and sculpted fuel tank. The bike is equipped with advanced aerodynamics such as biplane wings, which ensure a range of benefits. Some of these include agile handling and better control at high speed. The risk of wheel-up during acceleration is also reduced significantly.
      Talking about difference between Streetfighter V4 and V4S, the latter gets additional colour option of Dark Stealth. It’s a combo of dark grey frame and black wheels. The Ducati Red colour option is common for both variants. For a snazzier look, V4 S variant has been equipped with golden coloured USD front forks.
      Ducati Streetfighter V4
      In terms of functionality, Streetfighter V4 S gets 43mm Öhlins NIX30 event-based forks and Öhlins TTX36 event-based rear suspension. Steering damper is also from Öhlins. In comparison, the base V4 variant comes with 43 mm Showa BPF fork and Sachs rear suspension. Steering damper is from Sachs as well.
      Another difference can be seen in the wheels, with V4 S getting Marchesini aluminium forged units whereas V4 has aluminium alloy casted wheels. With the changes in equipment, V4 S variant is 2kg lighter than V4 variant.
      Ducati Streetfighter V4 engine
      Powering Streetfighter V4 is a 1,103 cc motor that is capable of generating 208 hp of max power at 13,000 rpm and 123 Nm of peak torque at 9,500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The engine complies with Euro 5 / BS6 emission norms. This has been achieved through the use of advanced catalytic converter and a new technique that involves insertion of noble metals.
      Ducati Streetfighter V4
      The engine integrates advanced features such as slipper clutch, which ensures smooth operations and better control during sudden downshifts and hard braking. The bike also has Ducati Quick Shift EVO (DQS EVO), which allows the rider to change gears with the throttle open. DQS EVO works in combination with engine brake control and slipper clutch to ensure optimal performance.
      Bookings for 2021 Ducati Streetfighter V4 and V4 S have already started. Deliveries are expected to commence soon. However, there may be delays due to lockdown restrictions. More

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      Record-Breaking '88 Callaway Corvette 'Project Sledgehammer' Is up for Auction

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      The auction site Bring a Trailer has just listed a 1988 Callaway Corvette, but not just any Callaway Corvette.This C4 Vette was part of Project Sledgehammer, Callaway’s program to create the fastest, most uncompromised roadgoing Corvette ever. Its predecessor was part of a Car and Driver multi-car test in 1987 called “A Gathering of Eagles.”The auction ends on May 23, and bidding has already exceeded $450,000.Today, a very special Corvette has gone up for auction on Bring a Trailer: the 1988 Project Sledgehammer Callaway Corvette. Anyone who’s followed the storied history of the Chevrolet Corvette likely knows about Callaway, a specialty vehicles company that develops performance modifications and packages for production vehicles with an emphasis on Corvettes.

      Back in 1988, the Callaway team set out on Project Sledgehammer with the goal of pushing the C4 Corvette platform to its absolute limit in order to create the most uncompromised roadgoing Vette ever. It eventually resulted in a road-car speed record of 254.76 mph in 1989 that stood long past the turn of the century.

      Bring a Trailer

      [image id=’54efd29e-c240-4686-af06-09e3fbda2cde’ mediaId=’8ac1e550-2fc3-4896-9cb2-97c1f01cd809′ align=’center’ size=’medium’ share=’true’ caption=” expand=” crop=’18×11′][/image]The Sledgehammer even has a history with Car and Driver. Its predecessor, nicknamed the Top Gun Corvette, made an appearance in the story “A Gathering of Eagles” in our December 1987 issue. The story tells how it logged a speed of 231 mph at the top-speed event we held on the Transportation Research Center’s 7.5-mile oval. Snippets of the event and background on the car can be found in this YouTube video:
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      In the years since that record-setting run, the 200-mph club has steadily grown, but none has gone quite as far to separate itself from the pack as the Sledgehammer. In order to make the leap from the 231-mph mark measured at our Eagles event to the target of 250 mph required major modifications: pieces of the frame had to be removed for packaging purposes, an entirely new body kit for improved aerodynamics had to be developed, and a new 5.7-liter twin-turbo V-8 built by John Lingenfelter with a stronger rotating assembly, new heads, a new camshaft, and larger turbochargers capable of more boost replaced the Callaway-designed mill. When all was said and done, the Sledgehammer was able to produce a massive amount of power—especially for the time—to the tune of 880 horsepower and 772 pound-feet. Perhaps best of all is that, despite all the changes it went through, the Sledge never lost its manual transmission.

      Bring a Trailer

      The Sledgehammer’s BaT listing states that it has just over 2000 miles on the odometer and has spent the majority of its time in a museum environment—and from the photos it sure looks like that’s the case. It’s hard to say how quick this car would’ve been on the street; we only had a chance to test the standard Callaway Corvette back then, but it’s safe to say the Sledgehammer would better those numbers and then some. As of this writing, the bid sits at $325,000. The auction will go for another 11 days and you’ll need a lot of coin—quite possibly into the seven figures—to get a chance to test it out for yourself. With its one-off rarity and rich history, it’s unlikely the mighty Sledgehammer will see much more than museum-parking duty for the rest of its life, and that’s probably for the best. In a world rapidly proliferating with electric vehicles it’s important we don’t forget the past.
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