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    2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Is Taller with a Bright New Color

    The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Trail Edition models are updated with new colors, slightly altered appearances, and new suspension setups. Electric Lime is the new TRD Pro–exclusive color, and Trail Edition models can now be ordered in Lunar Rock, last year’s TRD Pro-exclusive. They’ll be on sale at the end of the summer, and pricing is expected to start at around $35,000 and $45,000. Toyota continues to dabble with the trail-ready Tacoma mid-size pickup, which will introduce a new TRD Pro–exclusive color (pictured above) for the 2022 model year. The new Tacoma TRD Pro is slightly taller and has new wheels, and Toyota relocated some of the exterior badging. The lesser Trail Edition model is also slightly jacked up, and it’ll go on sale alongside the TRD Pro at the end of the summer.
    The Tacoma TRD Pro gets jacked up with a 1.5-inch lift on the front axle and 0.5-inch at the rear compared to the previous model. It continues to be equipped with Fox internal bypass dampers with rear remote reservoirs, but a revised angle of the ball-joint mount on the new forged aluminum upper control arms help to make the most of the increased stroke enabled by the lift. The new setup increases to the numbers that matter for off-roaders: The approach angle increases 1.4 degrees and the breakover and departure angles are upped by 2.7 and 0.8 degrees, respectively. Trail Editions are also raised up—1.1 inches in the front and a half-inch out back—and along with the removal of the front air dam allows for a 2.0-degree increase at approach.That eye-incinerating new color is called Electric Lime, and it’s exclusive to the TRD Pro. A new set of 16-inch TRD Pro wheels are wrapped in Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires. Trail Editions are now available with 2021’s TRD Pro–exclusive color Lunar Rock (pictured below) and get bronze 16-inchers with all-terrain rubber. Their grilles, which are similar to the TRD Pro, get bronze lettering .
    The Tacoma TRD Pro now has a debossed TRD Pro logo on its rear quarter-panel, like the Tundra TRD Pro, but “TRD” and “Pro” are separated on two lines. New graphics on the hood are available, too, and the TRD Pro badge on the door is replaced with a black Tacoma badge. Lame.

    Both Tacomas are powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is offered, but we’d select the optional six-speed manual gearbox (#SavetheManuals). Both models can tow up to 6400 pounds.The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Trail Edition are only available in 4×4 Double Cab configurations, and they’ll arrive at the end of the summer leading into the fall. Pricing is expected to increase slightly over the 2021 models’ $45,500 and $35,180 starting prices.
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    2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Slides in Between the C-HR and RAV4

    The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is the latest addition to the Toyota SUV lineup.It fits in between the C-HR and RAV4 and will compete in the subcompact SUV segment.We expect it to start around $24,000 and range up to above $30,000.Toyota is expanding the Corolla lineup with a new crossover version called—surprise!—the Corolla Cross. This model was first shown for global markets last year and will be making its way to the U.S. later this year as a 2022 model. With a taller body than the Corolla sedan and hatchback, optional all-wheel drive, and black plastic body cladding, it fits all the basic requirements for the subcompact SUV segment in which it will compete. But it doesn’t offer anything particularly novel such as a hybrid drivetrain or wild styling.

    Compared with Toyota’s other subcompact SUV, the C-HR, the Corolla Cross is far more conventional-looking. It’s also longer, wider, and taller, with more rear-seat room and a few extra cubic feet of cargo space. But it’s still significantly smaller than the RAV4 and should be a lot cheaper, too. We anticipate a starting price of around $24,000 for a front-wheel-drive L, with loaded AWD versions pushing above $30,000.The standard engine is the same as the Corolla sedan’s upgrade motor, a 2.0-liter inline four with 169 hp and 150 pound-feet of torque. An CVT automatic is the only transmission choice, and front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive optional. Toyota claims up to 32 mpg combined, and the Corolla Cross is rated to tow up to 1500 pounds.
    Inside, the crossover looks much like its sedan stablemate, with a similar dashboard design and a tablet-style infotainment screen that sprouts out of the center stack. The Corolla Cross is a five-seater with 60/40 split-folding rear seats; passengers back there enjoy standard air vents and optional USB ports, and a power liftgate is optional too.Toyota hasn’t said exactly when the Corolla Cross goes on sale, but we expect it to reach U.S. dealerships by the end of the year. Look for more details to come in the next few months.
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    NawaRacer Hybrid Electric Motorcycle Set To Make Debut Soon

    NawaRacer Hybrid Electric MotorcycleNawaRacer is unlikely to become a production model anytime soon but may end being a one-off racing prototype
    “Electric power sources hold the key to future mobility solutions.” This statement has been reiterated countless times in the past few years and as time goes by, we have witnessed new advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technologies. Earlier EVs were powered by Lead acetate batteries which later evolved into Lithium-ion batteries and are the predominant source of power currently.
    In January last year, Nawa Technologies, a company that specialises in development of super high-tech batteries and charging systems, revealed the NawaRacer Concept. This concept was powered by a first-of-its-kind hybrid electric powertrain and is soon set to be revealed in the form of a working prototype.
    More Details
    This electric bike is presently being developed by the French battery tech expert in association with YSY Group, Pronergy, FAAR and AKKA Technologies. The concept made its appearance last year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Not to be confused by the hybrid description stated earlier, NawaRacer draws its entire energy from a battery, however, the technology in use is a lot more sophisticated with a new battery management system.
    Design
    Starting with its styling, the electric motorcycle adopts a classic design inspired by the cafe racers of the 1960s. It gets retro-inspired elements such as a round LED headlamp with an integrated circular LED DRL, minimalistic bodywork, black alloy wheels and smooth flowing lines.
    NawaRacer Hybrid Electric Motorcycle
    The neo-retro look is further accentuated by copper accents and an upswept single-piece tan seat. A completely exposed tail section provides a modern touch giving the overall design a nice contrast.
    Specs Details
    Coming to its specs, the cafe racer utilises a combination of nano and clean technologies. This unique combination forms an electrode that has been incorporated into what the company calls an Ultra Fast Carbon Battery. Commonly known as an ultracapacitor, this new technology is capable of storing ten times more power and producing five times more energy. It also provides much faster charging which makes it ideal for a wide number of applications.
    This NawaCap ultracapacitor lithium-ion hybrid setup is capable of charging zero to 80 percent in just one hour. It comes with a capacity of 0.1kWh and weighs only ten kilos. 80 percent of the energy lost could be recovered through regenerative braking. Thanks to an impressive regen capacity, NawaRacer requires a small 9kWh battery. This battery feeds energy to a hubless rim motor instead of a regular hub-mounted motor which develops a power output of close to 100 horses.
    Weighing a total of 150kg, NawaRacer is comparatively lighter than contemporary electric motorcycles. It is claimed to attain a top speed of 160 kmph with a combined single-charge range of 150km. On the other hand, its Urban range is claimed to offer an impressive range of 300km. Nawa Technologies has no intention to bring the e-bike to a full production stage. However, the company has revealed that it could end up being a production model should any manufacturer be interested to take this project ahead. More

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    Ford Bronco Off-Road School Registration Opens Today for Order Holders, Bronco Sport Owners

    Ford is launching an off-road school for Bronco and Bronco Sport owners this year, and registration goes live today at the first of four planned locations.They’re free for some Bronco Sport owners and those with pre-orders for the Bronco, but anyone can sign up.Since Bronco buyers still don’t have their Broncos, this gives order holders the chance to drive one ahead of the day when they finally get their own.The absolute best off-roading adventures, at present and for the past 40-odd years, are hosted by Land Rover and Jeep. These two brands have created epic trips that we can’t stop talking about. Now Ford wants to be known for the same thing. All Bronco and Bronco Sport owners are eligible for a free class at Ford’s Bronco Off-Roadeo, a 4×4 school opening this month in a wild bronco zone of Texas. It works like the Land Rover Experience in Vermont and North Carolina or the newly founded Jeep Adventure Academy in more than a dozen locales: You show up, get fed, learn valuable driving skills, make friends, get scared, and bash up a truck that’s not your own. Ford has run a Raptor Assault program for F-150 Raptor owners, but the Bronco schools are different animals.

    Unfortunately, Bronco buyers don’t have their Broncos yet. Chip shortages and resulting factory shutdowns are the reasons why Ford can’t deliver any. The first school opens June 28, in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. This one is just for those who own the Bronco Sport Badlands or First Edition models, or for people with an as yet unfilled order for a two- or four-door Bronco. The first Broncos won’t arrive until “summer,” which at this point, could mean August or September. To alleviate the headache, Ford is placating these patient Bronco pre-orderers with a $250 certificate to use on branded gear or for additional costs (such as inviting a guest). The Texas school will stock the first real and running Broncos, as will three other schools scheduled to open by the fall (in Moab, Utah; Mount Potosi, Nevada; and an as yet undisclosed location in the Northeast).

    Ford

    The group trail drives run for two or four hours, with additional instruction on the vehicle’s off-road features, and end with a campfire. Hotel and travel aren’t covered, and neither are the post-drive activities, which include kayaking, fly fishing, and mountain biking. But anyone with a Bronco pre-order, or an actual owner of a Bronco Sport Badlands or First Edition, can join at no cost. Anyone else who’s curious will have to pay. Prices aren’t out yet.

    Legendary off-roader Bob Burns, who just left Jaguar Land Rover after more than 25 years, is part of Ford’s planning committee for the Off-Roadeo programs. We love off-road schools, and Ford can be expected to make the most of the opportunity to showcase its Bronco SUVs where they were designed to perform, so take it from us: Go.
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    Hero MotoCorp Sales May 2021 – Splendor, Passion, Xpulse, Maestro

    Image – The Bengal RiderHero MotoCorp has resumed single shift operations on all its manufacturing facilities from the second half of May
    Amidst the raging second wave of Covid-19 pandemic, Hero MotoCorp has managed to sell 1,83,044 two-wheelers in May 2021. Keeping the unprecedented rise in fresh infections, the manufacturer shut down all operations at all its manufacturing facilities across the country from April 22, 2021.
    Given the fresh lease of life given to the deadly virus, Hero claims the sales volume registered in May this year is not comparable to the corresponding month of the previous year as well as sequential months of this year. Despite the lockdowns imposed across various states of the country which led to limited sales and production, the company managed a YoY growth.
    More Details
    Hero witnessed a YoY increment of 62.44 percent since it sold 112,682 units in May 2020. However, the numbers were 50.83 percent less than 372,285 units sold in April this year. Out of 1,83,044 two-wheelers sold last month, 1,78,706 units were motorcycles while 4,338 units were scooters. These figures include both domestic sales and exports.
    In May last year, the bikemaker sold 1,06,038 motorcycles and 6,644 scooters which resulted in YoY growth of 68 percent and a decrease in YoY sales by 34.71 percent respectively. In April this year, Hero registered sales of 339,329 motorcycle units and 32,956 scooter units in April 2021, which are substantially more in terms of volume.
    Hero MotoCorp Sales – May 2021
    The world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer sold 159,561 units domestically in May 2021 in comparison to 108,848 units sold during the same month last year. This translates to YoY growth of 46.59 percent. Leading products sold by Hero for May 2021 include Splendor, HF Deluxe, Passion, etc. While best-selling scooters include Pleasure, Maestro, Destini, etc
    The numbers for exports stood at 23,483 units as opposed to 3,834 units exported in May last year. This resulted in a staggering YoY growth of 512.49 percent. The bikemaker sold 342,614 units in the domestic market and shipped 29,671 units to overseas markets in April 2021.
    Resumption of Operations
    The company decided to resume single-shift operations on three of its manufacturing plants located in Gurugram, Haridwar and Dharuhera from May 17. This was followed by resumption of operations of the other three facilities located in Neemrana, Halol and Chittoor from May 24. Hero, in its recent media release, stated that it continues to monitor the situation closely and will move to double-shift production gradually.
    The brand hopes that with the vaccination drive gaining pace and a sharp decline in the number of Covid positive cases, markets across the country could open up gradually. This will aid in the swift recovery of businesses in the coming weeks. The company also added that currently all its corporate offices are in Work from Home (WFH) mode and a very small number of its employees are allowed in offices on a rotation basis for the continuity of essential services. More

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    Royal Enfield Sales May 2021 – Classic, Bullet, Meteor, Himalayan, 650 Twins

    Image – Yo RidersJust like other OEMs, Royal Enfield has been experiencing problems across production and retail network
    In May 2021 and May 2020, auto manufacturing and sales were impacted due to the pandemic. As compared to May last year when a complete nationwide lockdown was imposed, this time the lockdowns have been imposed in specific areas only. And these lockdowns have come in a staggered manner, which has provided some relief to auto companies.
    Royal Enfield YoY growth at 43%
    Royal Enfield has reported total sales of 27,294 units in May 2021. This includes domestic sales as well as exported units. Total sales during the corresponding period last year stood at 19,113 units. MoM numbers for domestic market are in the red, as compared to 48,789 units sold in April 2021.
    Total sales (domestic sales + exports) during the period April 2021 to May 2021 was 80,592 units. This is a gain of 320%, as compared to 19,204 units sold in the corresponding period last year.
    YoY export growth in May 2021 is 956%, up from 684 units in May last year to 7,221 units in May 2021. MoM exports numbers are positive, as compared to 4,509 units exported in April 2021. Exports during the period April 2021 to May 2021 is 11,730 units, which is a growth of 1414%. Exports during the same period last year stood at 775 units.
    Royal Enfield Sales and Exports – May 2021
    350cc motorcycles dominate
    More than 80% of the total units sold and exported comprised 350cc motorcycles. These include Classic, Bullet, Meteor and Electra. Classic 350 is Royal Enfield’s top selling motorcycle in the domestic market. Its sales are usually more than the combined sales of other 350cc Royal Enfield motorcycles.
    Classic 350 will soon be launched in its next-gen avatar. It will get a range of updates including visual enhancements and new features. The updated motorcycle will be utilizing a new engine and chassis, which are currently available with Meteor 350. Royal Enfield is also working on other new 350cc motorcycles, as part of its portfolio expansion strategy. One of these is a scrambler motorcycle, which could be launched as ‘Hunter‘.
    Sales and exports of 350cc motorcycles during April 2021 to May 2021 were 69,295 units. This is growth of 295%, as compared to 17,543 units sold in the corresponding period last year.
    Sales and exports of motorcycles above 350cc were 4,560 units in May 2021. YoY growth is 190%, as compared to 1,570 units in May last year. Sales and exports during the period from April 2021 to May 2021 were 11,297 units. This is an increase of 580%, as compared to 1,661 units sold during the corresponding period last year.
    In this segment, Royal Enfield currently offers the Himalayan and 650 twins (Interceptor and Continental GT). Just like 350cc segment, Royal Enfield will introduce new products in this space as well. It includes a 650cc roadster, a scrambler and a cruiser. More

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    BMW Shares U.S. Info, Pricing on 2022 i4 and iX Electric Cars

    Both of BMW’s new EVs are arriving in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2022.The i4 is a four-door hatchback starting at $56,395 that comes in 335-hp eDrive40 and 536-hp M50 versions. The iX is a crossover starting at $84,195 that comes in a 516-hp xDrive50 version and will eventually be available as a more powerful 600-plus-hp M60 model.Both of BMW’s latest electric vehicles will be arriving in America at the start of next year, and we now have a lot more details about their prices, powertrains, and features. The i4 is similar in size and shape to the 4-series Gran Coupe, while the iX is a mid-size SUV with polarizing styling.2022 BMW i4
    The BMW i4 will come standard in a rear-wheel-drive configuration called eDrive40, starting at $56,395—that’s right around the starting price for a six-cylinder M340i, for reference. It has a 335-hp electric motor at the rear and an 81.5-kWh battery pack that will provide an estimated EPA driving range of 300 miles. It’s claimed to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The i4 has 18-inch wheels as standard, with 19-inch wheels optional.

    There’s an M-badged version of the i4 with more power called the M50, which starts at $66,895—a few thousand dollars less than the gas-powered M3. It adds a front electric motor for all-wheel drive and has a total of 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque. This should make it considerably quicker than the RWD car, with BMW claiming it gets to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Its battery pack is the same as the 40 model, and BMW estimates it will offer less range, with a preliminary estimate of 240 miles. It includes adaptive dampers, variable-ratio steering, and 19-inch wheels as standard, with 20-inchers an option.2022 BMW iX

    2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
    uwe Fischer/BMW

    Initially, there will only be one version of the BMW iX offered in the U.S. It’ll be called the xDrive50, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive and a total output of 516 horsepower from two electric motors, one in the front and one in the rear. Its battery pack is considerably larger than the base i4’s, at 105.2-kW, but its range estimate of 300 miles is the same. BMW claims it’ll get to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

    The iX’s starting price of $84,195 puts it between the six-cylinder and V-8 versions of the three-row X7 gas SUV, but the iX is sized more like the smaller X5. It only has two rows of seats that provide five-passenger seating capacity.BMW says that a sportier and more powerful iX M60 is on its way but isn’t providing details for that model quite yet. All we know is that it will have over 600 horsepower, and it’s likely to look a bit different and feature chassis upgrades as well. We also think its price will trend into six-figure territory.
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    2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport Gives the SUV More Street Cred

    Toyota is adding a TRD Sport model to the 2022 4Runner SUV’s lineup. It’s available with either rear- or four-wheel drive and rides on 20-inch wheels, has a hood scoop, and Toyota’s hydraulically linked adaptive dampers. They’ll be on sale at the end of this summer. The 2022 Toyota 4Runner is adding a street-focused TRD (Toyota Racing Development) Sport model to its lineup, which has been available on the Tacoma mid-size pickup, but it’s not really all that sporty. It will be available by the end of the summer, but those who want more off-road-capable 4Runners can still select either the TRD Off Road or TRD Pro models.
    The 4Runner TRD Sport looks a lot like the more luxurious Limited model, and it rides on the same 20-inch wheels but with dark gray accents. It’ll slot in just over the SR5 base model in the 4Runner’s lineup, and it’s available with either rear- or four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case just like the Limited. TRD Sports add a TRD hood scoop, front spoiler, body-color trim, and black roof rails. And TRD Sport badges are placed on the C-pillars.

    The new 4Runner variant will have synthetic leather seats instead of cloth (Limited models get leather seats), and the headrests have embroidered TRD logos. The front seats are heated, and there’s a TRD shifter and TRD Sport floor mats. Every 4Runner comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa capability. All 4Runners are powered by a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that makes 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The body-on-frame SUVs have a coil-spring rear suspension, but TRD Sport models get Toyota’s X-REAS adaptive dampers (also standard on the Limited) that are hydraulically linked at opposing corners to reduce pitch and roll. The 4Runner can tow 5000 pounds.
    We expect that the 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport’s starting price will fall between the rear-wheel-drive SR5 model’s $37,940 and the Limited’s $46,845 starting price. There should be plenty of color choices available, too, since the Tacoma TRD Sport is available in nine colors including Voodoo Blue and Army Green.
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