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      Ford Promises Electric Explorer SUV Soon

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      Ford announced that it will soon offer an electric version of the Explorer SUV, as part of a plan to make EVs 40 percent of the Ford lineup by 2030.At a financial presentation today, the automaker also said that it is currently developing new electric platforms that support rear- or all-wheel-drive vehicles. One of them is for “rugged SUVs,” and we think it’s for an electric Bronco. The Ford Explorer, the best-selling three-row SUV in America, is getting an electric model, Ford announced today. The Explorer will join the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover, the E-Transit electric van, and the recently revealed F-150 Lightning pickup truck in Ford’s growing electric lineup, which Ford says will account for 40 percent of its total offerings by 2030.
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      Ford also announced that new rear- and all-wheel-drive flexible electric-vehicle platforms are in development for a new full-size pickup and other pickups, cargo vehicles, and rugged SUVs. With Ford dedicated to electrifying its iconic nameplates, the “rugged SUV” is almost certainly an electric version of the new Bronco off-road SUV. A hybrid version of the Bronco is coming, too, Ford previously said.

      There aren’t currently any other new mid-size three-row electric SUVs on the horizon, although Tesla has offered a third-row option in its Model X and Model Y, but they’re extremely small. The Rivian R1S is expected sometime this year but isn’t out yet. The Explorer is currently available with a 300-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 making 365 or 400 horsepower, or a hybrid 3.3-liter V-6. Since the new F-150 Lightning electric pickup looks similar to the gasoline-powered trucks, we expect the electric Explorer to take a similar approach. The F-150 Lightning’s interior is similar to the gas version, too, but the higher trims have a larger 15.5-inch touchscreen powered by Ford’s Sync 4A infotainment system (also found in the Mustang Mach-E), which should make its way into these future electrics from Ford.Ford didn’t say when we’ll be seeing its upcoming electric vehicles, only that more details will be shared later. The F-150 Lightning’s base price is in line with the similarly equipped gas version, and we could expect the same for the forthcoming electric Explorer. The Ford Explorer currently starts at $33,920.
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      Bajaj Pulsar Sales, Exports April 2021 – 125, 150, 160, 180, 200, 220F

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      Image – The Bengal RiderBajaj Auto Pulsar sales in domestic markets suffered a de-growth while the company made up with positive export numbers
      Bajaj Pulsar is a popular model in the company lineup. Its range currently consists of the 125, 150, 160, 180, 200 and the 220F. The Pulsar range commands a great deal of attention due to its value for money, performance and lower maintenance costs. When taking into account MoM sales of April 21 over that of March 21, it may be seen that the Bajaj Pulsar range has seen a dip in domestic demand while exports increased significantly.
      The most sold Bajaj two-wheeler not only in the Pulsar range but among the company’s entire lineup was the Pulsar 125 which posted 35,891 unit sales in April 21 as against 41,956 unit sold in March 21, with 14.46 per cent MoM drop. The 125 currently commands a 53.90 percent share in its range.
      The Bajaj Pulsar 125 NS is a recent addition to the Pulsar range. It is offered in a single variant and priced at Rs.83,690, which is Rs 20,000 more than the standard Bajaj Pulsar 125.
      Pulsar 150 also noted high sales in April 21 and was the only offering in its segment to post increased MoM sales. Sales increased 7.90 percent to 21,100 units in April 21, up from 19,556 units sold in March 21.
      Bajaj Pulsar Sales and Exports – April 2021
      Pulsar 160, 180 and 200
      Bajaj Auto noted a dip in demand for the Pulsar 160, 180 and 200 in domestic markets. Sales were down 39.01 percent to 5,681 units in April 21, down from 9,315 units sold in March 21. The 220F also suffered de-growth at 12.39 percent to 3,914 units in the past month, down from 5,172 units sold in March 21. This took total domestic sales of the Pulsar brand to 66,586 units in April 21, down from 75,999 units sold in March 21.
      Bajaj Pulsar Exports
      Unlike lower domestic sales, the Pulsar brand performed well in export markets. Shipments stood at 42,537 units in the past month, up 62.01 percent as against 26,256 units exported in March 21. In FY2021, Bajaj Auto noted sales of over 1.25 million Pulsars globally with the company stating that over 80% of its exports come from markets where it enjoys a No 1 or a No 2 position.
      Talking exclusively of Pulsar exports, each of the variants of the Bajaj Pulsar range posted positive growth. However, it was the 160, 180 and 200 noting a tremendous surge in demand to the extent of 179.68 percent to 21,703 units, up from 7,760 units shipped in March 21.
      While MoM demand for the Pulsar 150 increased marginally by 4.43 percent to 14,190 units in April 21, that of the 125 and 220F increased 25.21 percent and 57.51 percent respectively. 125 exports stood at 4,212 units in April 21, up from 3,364 units exported in March 21 while 220F exports increased to 2,432 units, up from 1,544 units shipped in March 21. More

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      2021 Honda CB300R BS6 Launch Expected Soon – 8 Units Dispatched In April 2021

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      Image – TECHNICAL DOCKSThe BS6 updated Honda CB300R is expected to be second-most affordable in the BigWing India lineup
      Honda Motorcycles & Scooters India (HMSI) entered the 350cc segment recently with the launch CB350 and CB350 RS. Despite being available in limited numbers through Honda’s premium channel of BigWing dealerships, the bike has garnered good sales.
      It should be noted that before the CB350 twins, CB300R was actually the highest selling two-wheeler retailed by the Japanese brand through its BigWing dealerships. The bike was launched in 2019 and had to be discontinued last year thanks to the stringent BS6 emission norms adopted since April 1, 2020.
      However, the naked roadster is now expected to make a comeback in its latest iteration with a BS6 updated engine. For April 2021, a total of 8 units of the CB300R have been dispatched by Honda Two Wheelers in India.
      Honda is currently looking to expand its footprint in the premium motorcycle segment by launching new BigWing dealerships in coming future. While CB350 has given them a good start, the introduction of CB300R might further help the increasing BigWing dealerships to establish themselves in the premium motorcycle space.
      2021 Honda CB300R
      Mechanical Details
      The new CB300R will be powered by an BS6 updated 286cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, single-cylinder engine. In its BS4 iteration it put out 31.4 bhp and 27.5 Nm of peak torque. This unit will be mated to a six-speed gearbox. It also gets a counterbalance shaft which makes the rumble of the engine smooth.
      When it comes to dynamics, suspension duties are handled by 41mm telescopic fork at front and Pro-Link single shock at rear. Braking is taken care of by discs of 296mm at front and 220mm at rear wheel assisted by dual-channel ABS.
      Styling
      Speaking of its design, it sports a Neo-Sports Café styling with most of its inspirations taken from its older sibling- CB1000R. This is evident in the blacked-out hardware which complements a modern bike with traditional Neo-Sports Cafe styling. It gets a tapered aluminium handlebar although the riding position remains upright. It features a retro style round LED headlamp. The LED taillights mounted are the thinnest ever used in a Honda motorcycle.
      Expected Price
      In all likelihood, the CB300R will be positioned above CB350 since the naked streetfighter will likely be brought via the CKD route. The BS4 version of CB300R was retailed at a price of Rs 2.42 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Thanks to recent increase in prices of vehicles, one can expect the CB300R to be priced above Rs 2.5 lakh, ex-sh. Once launched, it will rival the likes of KTM Duke 250 / 390, BMW G310R, etc in the price range of 2.5-3 lakh.
      It will be interesting to see the increase in price since apart from the upgradation of the engine, there are other changes expected on the new CB300R (new colour schemes). There has been no word from Honda yet regarding its launch timeline, but considering that dispatches have started, launch could take place in the coming weeks. More

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      Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Limited Edition – First Look Walkaround

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      New Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor Limited EditionBoth 650cc Twins from Royal Enfield were given a mild makeover earlier this year which included new colour schemes and subtle cosmetic updates
      Not only in India but Royal Enfield 650cc Twins have gained a cult status in several overseas markets as well. In November last year, we had reported that the iconic motorcycle brand had launched limited edition models of Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 in Italy in association with its sole distributor partner Valentino Motor Company (VMC).
      The special models were introduced to mark the company’s five years of association with VMC. Six new colour options for Interceptor and four paint schemes for Continental GT were introduced in this limited edition model. In addition to this, there are other aesthetic variations in comparison to the standard model.
      Cosmetic Upgrades
      A unit of this special edition model of Interceptor was recently caught on camera. The bike was wrapped in an elegant Green and Black dual-tone colour scheme which shone brightly under the sun.
      The other five paint schemes on offer in the limited edition Interceptor include Matte Black; Matte Bronze and Black; Matte Military Green and Black; Matte Gray and Black; and Gray and Black. Besides the unique colour schemes, the motorcycles adopt a darker theme with more premium equipment.
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      For instance, all mechanical components have been blacked out including engine casing, exhaust pipe and muffler, handlebars, indicators, brake levers, gear shift pedal and headlight and taillight bezels, wrapped in a matte black scheme. All components lose out their signature chrome embellishments in order to make way for a darker tone.
      Additional Accessories on offer
      Apart from the various colouring on the motorcycle, it also comes with additional fitments such as touring bar-end rearview mirrors, a tall fly screen, fork gaiters in front suspension, aluminum engine bumpers, throttle body covers, engine crash guard, crossbar covers and matte black intake cover kit. The brake calipers dipped in red colour further add a nice sporty contrast to the bike’s overall retro appeal.
      Among other exclusive accessories, VMC is also offering Öhlins shock absorbers, Andreani Group branded fork cartridges and exhausts from Zard in these limited edition models. One can opt for Öhlins shock absorbers with multi-adjustable front cartridges from Andreani at an additional cost of 1,000 euros (INR 87k). On the other hand, the slip-on exhausts from Zard can be availed at an extra 600 euros (INR 52k).
      Engine Specs
      The special edition Interceptor 650 has been priced at 8,200 euros (INR 7.1 lakh) while the Continental GT has been priced at 8,500 euros (INR 7.36 lakh). No changes have been to their engine specifications and both motorcycles share the same heart. Both are powered by a 649cc parallel-twin motor which kicks out 47 bhp at 7250 rpm and 52 Nm of peak torque at 5250 rpm. This unit is coupled with a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch for quick and smooth shifting. More

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      Honda Activa, Hornet, Grazia To Get Bluetooth Connectivity Via RoadSync ?

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      Image – Takuli’s TalkBluetooth connectivity is in demand and can influence customer purchase decisions
      If we look at Honda’s rivals such as Suzuki, Hero MotoCorp and TVS, they all have introduced Bluetooth for several of their two wheelers. Honda also offers Bluetooth connectivity, but it’s available only with bigger capacity two wheelers such as H’ness CB350, Forza 350, Forza 750, X-ADV and CB1000R. To match rival offerings, Honda may introduce Bluetooth connectivity for most of its 125cc and above models.
      Honda RoadSync trademark approved
      Honda’s trademark application for RoadSync has been approved in India. This indicates that Honda may soon introduce it in select two wheelers. It is expected that most Honda two wheelers with semi-digital and digital instrument console could get Bluetooth connectivity in future. Products that match the criteria include Activa 125, Grazia, X-Blade and Hornet 2.0.
      For introducing RoadSync Bluetooth connectivity suite, Honda can launch newer variants that have this feature. Or the company can provide this as an optional feature to customers. Both ways, the choice will be with the customer whether or not they want to have Bluetooth connectivity.
      The young brigade and the working class would surely want to have Bluetooth connectivity. Fiddling with the phone while riding a two wheeler is not only dangerous, but can also attract fine. With Bluetooth connectivity, a number of tasks can be made handsfree. It also ensures that one doesn’t have to stop every time something flashes on the screen.
      Honda RoadSync Trademark Filed In India
      However, there could be customers who may have little use of Bluetooth connectivity. The latter group would probably want to avoid paying additional money for Bluetooth connectivity. Talking about how much Bluetooth variants will cost, the estimate is up to Rs 5,000 more than non-Bluetooth variants.
      Honda RoadSync features
      Internationally, Honda RoadSync works with Honda two wheelers that have Honda Smartphone Voice Control system. It works in conjunction with the RoadSync app, which is currently available only for Android.
      When connected to the user’s smartphone, a range of features can be accessed via a Bluetooth headset. For example, one can make and receive calls, access text messages, reply to text messages via voice commands, get directions via Google Maps and listen to music. The idea is to provide a handsfree experience as far as possible.
      For the Indian market, RoadSync may not have the voice commands feature. Rest other features such as calling, music and turn-by-turn navigation may be available. Exact details will be revealed soon when Honda makes an official statement. More

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      2022 BMW M4 Competition Convertible xDrive Is Fabric-Topped and Faster

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      The 2022 BMW M4 lineup will include this convertible with all-wheel drive, which will be available in the U.S. this fall.It will be available only in Competition trim and, with 503 horsepower, offers 59 hp more than previous Competition models.The 2022 M4 Competition Convertible xDrive will start just under $90,000.BMW is launching the next iteration of a favorite. The droptop M4 returns, with more power, all-wheel drive, and a clumsy model designation: meet the 2022 BMW M4 Competition Convertible xDrive. Competitively priced at $89,295, it will come to the U.S. shortly after production starts this September.While the M4 coupe and the M3 can also be ordered with a six-speed manual transmission and a slightly detuned engine, the convertible comes exclusively as the uplevel Competition version, which bumps the power rating of the S58 3.0-liter straight-six to 503 horsepower. Maximum torque is rated at 479 pound-feet, served up from 2750 to 5500 rpm. The engine redlines at 7200 rpm, down from the previous model’s 7600 rpm.
      The power is channeled to all four wheels via a ZF-sourced 8HP eight-speed automatic transmission; sixth gear is the direct drive. This gearbox replaces the previous model’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The sprint from zero to 60 mph takes just 3.6 seconds. Top speed is rated at 155 mph and can be raised to 174 mph, both electronically limited. There is no more manual transmission; the row-it-yourself box is mated to the less powerful M4 and M3 versions that are not available as a convertible.

      While all-wheel drive is standard, the rear-biased system can shift the torque with extreme swiftness, and it is also possible to disconnect the front axle altogether, turning the M4 convertible into a pure rear-driver. Like on the M3 and the M4 coupe, the M4 convertible receives massive upgrades from the regular 3- and 4-series, including interlinked strut towers, a strengthened front subframe, a unique front axle, and specific steering and braking systems. Altogether, the changes from regular 4-series to M4 are less radical than on the predecessor. BMW claims this is because the base model is better. We also suspect it saved some money.Six-piston front and single-piston rear compound brakes are standard, and a ceramic brake system is optional. The M4 Convertible is fitted with 275/35ZR-19 front and 285/30ZR-20 rear tires. There is an interesting optional M Drive Professional package which, according to the press release, “helps the driver to make consistent progress in pursuit of the ideal line and the perfect lap.” t basically allows you to stay on the throttle during a drift, but we found it unhelpful and actually needed to “unlearn” the throttle modulation we typically use to keep a drift. Skip the option if you are a pro.Another option we’d skip is the Driving Assistant Professional package, helpful only if you tend to divert your attention from driving to your phone, et cetera. It is an unnerving bundle of nanny systems that thankfully is not mandatory on the M4. (The Active Driving Assistant with its lane-departure warning is bad enough.) The optional head-up display, on the other hand, is a very welcome feature. We’d also opt for the fantastic M Carbon bucket seats.
      Big news on the M4 convertible is the new fabric top, which offers virtually all advantages of the previous model’s weather-tight, four-season retractable hard top but weighs less and looks better. And the other news is the front-end styling, abhorred by some but (secretly) approved by others. We think it fits the aggressive character of the M4, and we sure hope you live in a state without a front-end license plate requirement.The imminent demise of the Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabrio and the fact that there is no Audi RS5 Cabriolet means that the M4 convertible occupies a rather solitary position in the market, since the Porsche 911 Cabriolet is significantly more expensive.
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      2022 Chevy Blazer Drops Base Engine, Adds New Colors

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      Chevy is updating the Blazer lineup for 2022 with new colors and options.There’s no more base L model, meaning a turbo 2.0-liter four is the new standard engine.A 308-hp 3.6-liter V-6 is optional on LT and Premier models and standard on the RS.The Chevy Blazer enters 2022 with a few more color options and one fewer engine choice. The base L model is no longer part of the lineup, meaning its 193-hp naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four isn’t offered anymore. A 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four now serves as the base powertrain, with a 308-hp 3.6-liter V-6 available as an option.

      The 2022 Blazer lineup now starts off with the 2LT, which has the 2.0T engine, front-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automatic. The better-equipped 3LT offers the V-6 as an option, as does the loaded Premier (pictured in silver), which looks a bit different this year thanks to some exterior trim updates. All-wheel drive is an option for all trim levels.

      Chevrolet

      Chevrolet

      The sporty-ish RS comes standard with the V-6 and offers a new two-tone paint option with a black roof (pictured in red). This two-tone look is also newly optional with certain appearance packages on the LT. Other new color options include Nitro Yellow metallic and Blue Glow metallic, but Chevy has yet to release photos of those hues.We also don’t have pricing for the 2022 Blazer yet, but we expect its base price to go up considerably. The 2021 Blazer L started at $29,995 but the 2022 model’s base price should be closer to the 2021 Blazer LT’s $34,595 starting cost.

      Chevrolet

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      Suzuki Sales, Exports April 2021 – Access, Burgman, Gixxer, Intruder

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      Image – AUTO TRAVEL TECHEvery two wheeler manufacturer in India with the exception of Suzuki has reported negative MoM growth in April 2021
      The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing lockdown, lack of enthusiasm among buyers in the country and the very dismal economic conditions that the country is facing at the moment, have all led to poor two wheeler domestic sales in April 2021.
      Every two wheeler maker in the country has reported MoM de-growth with the exception of Suzuki. Total two wheeler domestic sales stood at 9,53,338 units in April 2021, as compared to 14,43,320 units in March 2021 leading to a 33.95 percent MoM de-growth.
      Suzuki Domestic Sales
      Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, two wheeler lineup currently includes the new Hayabusa, V-Strom 650 XT, Gixxer SF 250, Gixxer 250, Gixxer SF, Gixxer, Intruder, Access 125 and Burgman Street. The company has posted positive growth both in domestic and global markets in the first month of the new financial year.
      Domestic sales grew by 6.07 percent to 63,879 units in April 21, up from 60,222 units sold in March 21. The leading model in the company lineup was the Access scooter, of which the company sold 53,285 units in the past month.
      Suzuki Sales, Exports April 2021
      This was a growth of 9.48 percent over sales of 48,672 units sold in March 21. The Access scooter currently commands a 83.42 percent share. It is offered in seven variants which also include the two recently launched models with Bluetooth connectivity. No other model in the company lineup was able to cross the 10,000 unit sales mark.
      At No.2 was the Suzuki Burgman Street scooter, posting a MoM de-growth of 9.77percent to 8,154 units, down from 9.037 units sold in March 21. Suzuki is currently testing the electric version of the Burgman Street which, once launched, will compete against the likes of Bajaj Chetak, Ather 450X and the TVS iQube.
      Suzuki Gixxer and Intruder sales increased 4.51 percent and 29.41 percent respectively. Sales of the Gixxer which had stood at 2,019 units in March 21 increased to 2,110 units in April 21. Likewise, Intruder sales went up from 136 units in March 21 to 176 units in the past month posting the highest percentage growth as against any other model in the company lineup. The Gixxer 250 on the other hand noted de-growth of 62.85 percent to only 133 units sold in April 21.
      The Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT entered the sales charts in April 21 with sales of 21 units while the new Suzuki Hayabusa was launched in India on April 26, 2021, with the first batch of 101 units booked within two days of opening bookings.
      Suzuki Exports April 21
      Reporting positive growth in terms of exports, Suzuki exported 13,970 units in April 21, up 45.67 percent over 9,590 units shipped in March 21. Suzuki Burgman and Gixxer were the two bikes that commanded the most attention in global markets with Burgman posting MoM growth of 480.14 percent with 6,602 units exported in April 21, up from 1,138 units in March 21. Gixxer MoM growth stood at 8.98 percent while exports of Gixxer 650 and Lets dipped substantially. The Suzuki Access and Intruder entered the export list with 140 and 64 units shipped respectively. More