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    TVS XL Moped Modified To Look Like Harley Davidson Is A Valiant Attempt

    TVS XL modified to like a Harley. Credit – sudus custom
    While the mechanical configuration hasn’t been tinkered, it does with a custom-made engine casing which gives it the appearance of a V-twin
    Despite its small size and capacity, TVS XL 100 is considered to be a workhorse of a two-wheeler. It is extremely efficient, frugal and reliable which makes it a favourite among people on a tight budget and those who conduct business on wheels. However, it would be highly optimistic to expect a powerful performance out of its humble powertrain.
    But that’s what aftermarket designers are- Optimistic as they look to create something special out of nothing. The latest case is a prime example in his regard where an XL 100 has modified to look like a miniature Harley Davidson. While it definitely doesn’t match in its size or capacity, its design definitely looks a close replica of the classical American bobber.
    TVS XL modified to like a Harley
    Aesthetic Modifications Made
    In a video uploaded by Sudus Customs on YouTube, the vlogger explains the modifications carried out on the moped. The designer has to be lauded for his efforts as the final product shares close resemblance with Harley Davidson Forty-Eight.
    In this aftermarket modification, the designer has given attention to each and every details. Almost every part of the custom-made bike is built from hands. Take a look at the detailed video below.
    [embedded content]
    The most iconic piece of attraction is a yellow-coloured fuel tank that has carved in shape just like the classic cruiser from Harley Davidson. It also features Harley Davidson and Forty-Eight brandings on the tank. It is a bolt-on tank and can be installed or removed easily. However, since the moped has no real body panels as such, a large section of the modified work is left uncovered. For instance, the huge gap between the fuel tank and motor.
    Is that a V-Twin there?
    The custom-made bike also features side boxes that are customised. The leather saddle can accommodate only the rider which has been fitted by positioning it above the rear suspension unit and then fastening the bolts.
    The most noticeably highlight is the engine compartment that wears a custom fibreglass casing. The cover encloses the tiny 100cc motor but gives it the shape of a classical V-Twin motor just like the ones that power Harley Davidson motorcycles.
    TVS XL modified to like a Harley
    The designer has also added a twin exhaust setup with custom-made mufflers although only one is functional. This setup lends a bit of heft to the moped. Other parts such as the front mudguard and rear fender have also been hand-made. It gets the same set of features which include a round headlamp with chrome bezels, round indicators and single pod analogue instrument cluster that provide a retro theme to the modified moped.
    In terms of specifications, new TVS XL 100 is powered by a 99.7cc four-stroke engine which delivers 4.3 bhp and 6.5 Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, Harley Davidson Forty-Eight is propelled by a massive 1202cc parallel-twin motor that spits out 96 Nm of peak torque. More

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    As Rivian EVs' First Deliveries Near, Startup Seeks More Ways to Stand Out

    Want to work for Rivian? The startup EV maker is looking to hire more than 1500 people, including Event Team workers, to promote the brand directly to potential buyers. An especially noteworthy perk for employees, the InsideEVs blog has reported, is a $1000-per-month incentive if they buy their own R1S SUV or R1T truck.Customers can have a Rivian Guide give a full tour of their new EV when they get it delivered, as well as buy insurance direct from Rivian that will give out rewards when they use the EV’s advanced safety technology.Rivian has already announced a massive 175,000-mile warranty and an “Adventure Network” of EV chargers, but clearly it’s going to do more to stand out.Startup electric-vehicle companies and ambitious plans seem to go hand in hand. Whether it’s Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s Martian dreams or Nio building battery swap stations overseas, new automakers like to do things their own way. If you take a look at what Rivian is up to, you’ll see it fits the pattern quite well.We’ll start with some of the Rivian tidbits we already knew about, like a 175,000-mile warranty for the battery pack and electric drivetrain components in the company’s upcoming R1S SUVs and R1T pickup trucks, and the Adventure Network of 3500 proprietary DC fast chargers at 600 stations to charge up its electric vehicles.

    But these are not the only way Rivian is trying to gets its electric truck and SUV to stand out in one of the busiest automotive segments: large electrified vehicles. The first customer vehicles are supposed to be delivered this summer (although placing a new order today means you have to wait until January 2022), and Rivian will not only bring your new vehicle direct to your home but will also either give you the keys as part of a “touchless experience,” or you can have a Rivian Guide give you a comprehensive tour of your new EV. And if you purchase a Rivian EV and then decide you actually don’t like it, you can return it within seven days or 1000 miles.
    Rivian will offer its own financial services, which is common for an automaker, but it also plans to sell its own comprehensive vehicle insurance, which will also cover things such as Rivian accessories and off-roading. And, if you use your EV’s standard Driver+ Active Driving Assistance safety technology—which can automatically steer and adjust your speed on the highway, for example—the company says you can reduce your insurance costs by earning rewards at renewal. The full details on Rivian Insurance are not publicly available, but we do know that Rivian works with third-party insurance carriers, including Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, for its coverage. Also, for starters, Rivian Insurance will only be available in 40 states.

    As for actually producing its EVs, Rivian recently got approval to expand its manufacturing site in Normal, Illinois, by 380 acres. It plans to build a solar-powered charging canopy to power up new vehicles right when they come off the line. Of course, Rivian will need to hire people to fulfill these many ambitious goals. The company currently lists more than 1500 job openings, including a dozen or so Event Team Manager spots across the U.S. People hired for these customer service and event jobs will be spending four months on the road across the country (and maybe Canada) promoting Rivian’s EVs at demonstration drives with a tour team made up of more than 20 people.

    Rivian employees who end up buying one of the company’s EVs could get more than a traditional automaker employee discount. InsideEVs reported on a thread on the Rivian Owners Forum where people with company connections posted about a 24-month, $1000-a-month payment discount for employees who buy a R1S or R1T. Rivian hasn’t yet replied to our request to confirm this deal. The R1S and R1T are priced starting in the $75,000 range.
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    2021 Yamaha NVX Scooter Debuts With R15 V3 155cc Engine

    2021 Yamaha NVX ScooterYamaha NVX is powered by the same 155cc VVA motor that propels YZF R15 V3 and MT-15
    South Asian markets boast a plethora of options when it comes to lightweight commuter scooters. In this regard, Yamaha has launched an updated version of NVX power scooter in Malaysia. The 2021 NVX is available in two trims- Standard and ABS.
    While the former has been priced at RM 8,998 (equivalent to ?1.61 lakh), the latter can be availed at RM 10,998 (equivalent to ?1.97 lakh). With this launch, Yamaha has expanded its 155cc motor lineup across its global lineup which currently consists of motorcycles such as YZF R15 V3, MT-15 and scooter models such as NMax, Aerox and NVX.
    2021 Yamaha NVX Scooter
    Updated Aesthetics
    The ripped physique along with aggressive character lines of NVX gives the scooter a masculine appeal. It receives sporty and sculpted body panels, funky body graphics and two-part LED headlights on the front apron. The blacked-out theme on the foot mounts and side slung exhaust enhance the sportiness of the scooter.
    Contrast coloured rims add a neat touch to the overall design. These styling elements are further complemented by new colour options in the form of Red and Cyan colours in the standard trim and Platinum SE and GP Blue paint schemes in the ABS variant.
    2021 Yamaha NVX Scooter
    New Features On Board
    Not just looks but the latest iteration of NVX is also very functional and packs a host of nifty features such as all-LED headlights, fully digital LCD instrument cluster, integrated indicators, hazard light switch,12V charging port, keyless start and idle start-stop system. The latest version of NVX is also equipped with connectivity tech provided by Yamaha Y-Connect app.
    2021 Yamaha NVX Scooter
    Through this functionality, the rider is able to obtain real-time information such as overall vehicle health check, fuel consumption, service reminder, scooter’s last known location and much more. The instrument panel will also be able to display all new messages and calls received on phone.
    Mechanical Specs
    Coming to its mechanical specs, the new NVX is powered by a 155 cc liquid-cooled VVA engine that has been tuned to push out 15.19 bhp at 8000rpm and 13.9 Nm at 9000rpm. Suspension duties are carried out by telescopic forks at front and adjustable twin shock absorbers at rear. On the other hand, anchorage is handled by a 230mm disc brake and a drum brake at rear. The scooter rides on 14-inch front and rear wheels.
    While the standard variant tips the weighing scales at 122 kilos, the ABS variant weighs 3kg more. Saddle height is very accessible at 790mm with a ground clearance of 149mm. Fuel tank capacity has also been increased from 4.5-litre to 5.5-litre which means more miles to go in a full tank. More

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    Porsche Macan EV Will Arrive in 2023 with More Range Than Taycan

    An electric Porsche Macan will arrive in 2023 alongside a new gasoline-powered version, which will debut later this year. It’ll be built on a new electric platform with a similar 800-volt architecture as the Taycan electric sedan, but it will have significantly more range, Porsche claims. The electric and gas-powered models will be differentiated by design, similar to the Taycan and Panamera. Porsche’s best-selling model will have an electric version arriving in 2023, and the company is currently testing prototypes. It’ll ride on a new electric platform, have significantly more range than the Taycan electric sedan, and be sold alongside the new gas-powered Macan that’ll arrive later this year. Porsche hasn’t announced what the electric model will be called or when the gas-powered model will go away. That’ll be decided based on how well it sells.
    The electric Macan will be built on VW Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) electric architecture that will be used on a range of future Audi and Porsche products. The new gas-powered model will use the Macan’s existing platform. The EV will borrow the Taycan’s 800-volt architecture, which allows for fast charging at a maximum of 270 kilowatts, and like the Taycan, Porsche is planning that the electric Macan will have two battery sizes available. However, Porsche says that the majority of North American customers thus far have chosen the larger battery pack, so we could have only one battery size in the States. The Macan is currently available as base, S, Turbo, and GTS models powered by turbo four-cylinder or turbo V-6 engines.

    Porsche claims that the Macan EV will have “significantly” more range than the current Taycan. That means it should boast more than the 2021 Taycan 4S model’s 227 miles of EPA-estimated range, which is currently the highest in the lineup. This will be essential in order to make it competitive with other electric crossovers such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y, which both have variants with more than 300-mile EPA range ratings. Porsche is also planning to expand its partnership with the Electrify America charging network, possibly with destination chargers at hotels and dealerships. They’ll look different from the standard Macan, too. Michael Steiner, Porsche’s executive board member for development, made a reference to the Taycan and Panamera. Visual differences between the two Macans are hinted at in the photos, especially on the front end where Porsche has attempted to cover it with camouflage that blends in with the looks of the current Macan. These prototypes’ headlights are slimmer and of course don’t have a traditional grille like the gas-powered model. Other than that, they are similar in size and shape to the current crossover. And Porsche says they’ll have a similar propulsion sound to that of the Taycan. We should know more about the electric Macan once the new gas-powered model makes its debut by the end of the year.
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    SAE Updates, Refines Official Names for 'Autonomous Driving' Levels

    The engineering group SAE International has updated its Levels of Driving Automation chart with more definitions for the Level 3 and Level 4 autonomous systems, which are in the upper end toward fully self-driving in the famous chart.The basic framework remains the same, with six distinct levels from 0 to 5 between a car that can’t handle any self-driving tasks and one that’s fully capable of autonomous movement.New rules for remote driving—because that’s a thing that’s coming—were also updated.

    SAE International

    The way the auto industry officially defines the varying levels of driver assistance technology, from absolutely nothing to full self-driving cars, is getting an update. These six levels that the organizing bodies for these terms, SAE International and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), first started defining in 2014 are being changed to include remote technologies and other clarifications.

    The six levels, which range from Level 0 to Level 5, are technically known as J3016 and can be slightly confusing because they are sometimes talked about as if they are simply different levels of actual autonomous vehicles. The extremes are easy to understand, with Level 0 meaning there is nothing in the car that will ever take control of any of the car’s movement functions and Level 5 meaning full autonomy. It’s the middle steps that are a bit more blurred. To help keep the levels defined, the SAE and ISO are making it clearer that the first three levels (L0, L1, and L2) should be referred to as “Driver Support Systems,” while L3, L4 and L5 are used for actual “Automated Driving Systems.”The new update doesn’t dramatically change the structure of the previous collection. In fact, the chart that the SAE uses as a bit of a cheat sheet for the different levels has remained exactly the same since it was last updated in 2019, but there are new clarifications for the industry to use.The biggest changes are in what defines the Level 3 and Level 4 systems. The definitions have been clarified to note that there might be some automated fallback at L3, while at L4 there is the possibility of some alerts to in-vehicle users.There are also changes when it comes to human-in-the-loop systems, with the new terminologies finding room for the remote technologies and naming the people who might be involved in controlling a vehicle from afar: remote assistant and remote driver. A remote driver, for example, could be someone who monitors the pathway of a vehicle trying to park remotely, and makes sure the car is “responsive to pedestrians and obstacles.” A remote assistant, on the other hand, could be someone who “provides remote assistance to an [automated driving system]-equipped vehicle in driverless operation.”The chairperson of the SAE J3016 Technical Standards Committee, Barbara Wendling, said this week’s updates are to be expected considering how fast autonomous vehicle technology is advancing. “As the development of automated driving technologies continues on a global scale, SAE J3016: Levels of Driving Automation has evolved to align with the developing technologies and deployment strategies,” she said in a statement. In other words, we won’t be surprised when the SAE updates these definitions once again in the future.
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    Royal Enfield Sultan 650 By Neev Motorcycles – Looks Ready To Rule The Streets

    Royal Enfield 650 Sultan By Neev MotorcyclesInterested folks can contact the bike modifier to bring this concept to life
    Royal Enfield 650 twins are among the most preferred motorbikes for customization projects. They are relatively affordable, easier to tweak and can support a wide variety of aftermarket components.
    The latest mod job is actually a paper based concept that is yet to be built. However, considering the absolute stunner revealed in the images, it would be safe to assume that orders for this mean machine will flow in pretty fast.
    Royal Enfield Sultan 650 By Neev Motorcycles
    Interceptor 650 ‘Sultan concept’ design
    Created by customization shop Neev Motorcycles, the Sultan concept appears to have a dark, brooding character. It looks deadly, merciless and unforgiving. The concept has a sharp design and utilizes a dual tone colour theme of black and dark grey.
    Some of the key features include round headlamp with colour LED lights, clip-on handle bars, LED tail light and turn signals, bar end rear view mirrors, side mounted instrument cluster, leather seat, and upswept exhaust.
    Royal Enfield Sultan 650 By Neev Motorcycles
    Interceptor 650 Sultan specs
    As compared to stock 41 mm front fork, modified Interceptor 650 Sultan concept utilizes USD forks. However, the stock twin coil-over shocks at the rear have been retained. The concept utilizes R17 alloy wheels with wheel cover at both front and rear, shod with tubeless tyres.
    Royal Enfield Sultan 650 By Neev Motorcycles
    A number of accessories and parts have been hand built such as the fenders, side panels, fuel tank detailing, two-in-one flow exhaust with protective covers, wheel covers, frame alterations, number plate assembly and instrument cluster repositioning. Components made in machine shop include sump guard / bash plate, disc brake fittings, axles, and spacers. Aftermarket components include exhaust muffler, exhaust silencer, and grips.
    This project achieves a high level of finish, made possible with powder coating, anodizing, zinc plating, chrome plating, and polishing. The paint job is also entirely new.
    Royal Enfield Sultan 650 By Neev Motorcycles
    While the Sultan concept looks absolutely stunning, it is unlikely to come cheap. A number of customized and aftermarket components will have to be used, which is bound to increase the overall cost of this customization project. One also has to ascertain if this modification project would be approved by RTO. If not, the Sultan will only work as a collector’s item for enthusiasts.
    Practicality is another thing that needs to be considered for such extensive customization projects. How the modified motorcycle will perform in the real world would be difficult to judge just by looking at the pictures.
    However, if we were to assess this project solely for its design and styling, it easily qualifies as one of the best we have ever come across. It’s one of those amazing ideas that deserves to be born. More

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    Husqvarna India Sales, Exports FY21 Crosses 18k – Svartpilen, Vitpilen 125, 201, 250, 401

    Image – Trending MotoPHHusqvarna is currently focused more on global markets, as compared to domestic sales
    Husqvarna motorcycles in India are manufactured at Bajaj Auto’s plant in Chakan, near Pune. The company produces sub 400cc Husqvarna motorcycles under the Svartpilen and Vitpilen brand. Production includes 125, 201, 250 and 401 range of the two brands.
    Of these, only Vitpilen 250 and Svartpilen 250 are offered in the domestic market. The ratio of exports to domestic sales is roughly 2:1. As Husqvarna motorcycles have received good response in the Indian market, other capacity bikes could also be launched here in the future.
    Husqvarna Sales and Exports FY21
    Total sales of Vitpilen 250 and Svartpilen 250 in FY21 in domestic market is 6,170 units. Lowest sales of 73 units was recorded in May last year, whereas highest sales of 972 units was in August. Average sales works out at around 560 units per month.
    In export markets, the most preferred is Husqvarna 401. A total of 6,472 units were exported from the period May 2020 to March 2021. Lowest export numbers of 72 units was recorded in November last year, whereas highest exports of 1,466 units was in February 2021. The average works out at around 588 units per month for Husqvarna 401.
    Husqvarna Sales and Exports – FY 2021
    The second bestseller in terms of volumes is Husqvarna 125 with total exports of 2,508 units in FY21. Lowest exports were 114 units in November last year and highest came in January 2021 at 1,092 units. Average works out at around 501 units per month in FY21.
    At number three in exports is Husqvarna 250 with a total of 1,986 units. Lowest numbers of 42 units were recorded in May last year and the highest of 420 units came in February 2021. Average is at around 180 units per month.
    Husqvarna 201 has total exports of 1,670 units in FY21. The least numbers were in May last year at 3 units and highest of 360 units was recorded in February 2021. Average is around 151 units per month.
    Husqvarna Sales and Exports – FY 2021
    Future Plans
    For increasing sales, it is imperative that Husqvarna will have to expand its portfolio in the domestic market. Husqvarna 125cc and 201cc could generate good demand in the domestic market. We have already witnessed a similar trend with KTM 125cc and 200cc motorcycles, which are the primary volume generators for KTM in the domestic market.
    Another possibility is that Husqvarna may step up focus on electric segment to boost sales in India. The company recently unveiled an electric scooter and an electric motorcycle, named Vektorr Concept and E-Pilen Concept, respectively. Vektorr will share its platform with Bajaj Chetak and is expected to be launched by next year. E-Pilen could drive in by late 2021 or sometime next year. Husqvarna electric scooter and motorcycle will have range of 95km and 100km, respectively. More

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    2022 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake Will Be a Europe-Only Wagon

    Genesis Europe posted photos of a camouflaged wagon, the G70 Shooting Brake, on Instagram. The luxury Korean automaker will enter Europe this summer and has confirmed we won’t get the G70 wagon in the States, just the sedan.It’ll be powered by either a turbocharged four-cylinder or a twin-turbo V-6. Genesis will make its debut in the European market this summer, and with it will come a shooting brake, or wagon, model of the new G70, which will compete against other popular European wagons including the Audi A4 Avant and the BMW 3-series Touring. However, sadly, Genesis confirmed to Car and Driver that the G70 Shooting Brake won’t be available in the States—we’ll just get the new sedan.
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    The G70 received a significant redesign for the 2022 model year, giving it a similar look as its larger G80 sibling. Genesis also welcomed the GV70 crossover to its lineup for 2022, which is based on the G70 sedan and will go on sale in the U.S. this year. The wagon version, the G70 Shooting Brake, looks just like the updated sedan but with a sloped roofline and more pronounced rear spoiler, similar to the design of the GV70 crossover. It retains the same dual oval exhaust tips as the sedan.

    The 2022 G70 will use the same turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four and twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 engines from the previous generation. They’ll be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive. And in even more bad news, the optional six-speed manual transmission will be dropped for the 2022 model year. Genesis recently revealed its first electric vehicle, the Electrified G80, and says more are on the way. The 2022 G70 sedan, which will have a limited Launch Edition model in the U.S., will arrive this summer starting at $38,570.
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