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    Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Custom Bobber By Neev Motorcycles Named Queen

    Royal Enfield 500cc Custom By Neev Motorcycles
    Custom-built Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle by Delhi-based outfit Neev Motorcycles has been named ‘Queen’

    Over the years we have witnessed some of the most insane modifications conducted on Royal Enfield motorcycles. Robust and versatile architecture complemented by simple engine construction makes it to the top of the list in the aftermarket industry in India. Every now and then we come across some piece of work that simply blows our minds.
    The latest example is a point in case. A Royal Enfield Bullet 500 model has been turned into an old-school bobber. At first glance, the motorcycle looks a little outlandish and resembles the customised choppers featured in classic Western movies.
    Royal Enfield 500cc Custom By Neev Motorcycles
    However, there is more to it than just meeting the eyes. It gives you the impression of being owned by a royal with streaks of golden colour used here and there and hence has been aptly named ‘Queen’.
    It has been designed by Navneet Suri who runs a custom bike building/modification workshop called Neev Motorcycles which is based out of New Delhi. The workshop has been known for some of the most exquisite mod jobs in recent years especially on Royal Enfield models.
    Royal Enfield 500cc Custom By Neev Motorcycles
    All-new design
    The bike with its unconventional looks is surely a head-turner. Interestingly, a concept of this design was revealed back in 2018 and this is the first working prototype of that concept. It has been built on an all-new platform which has been lowered for a ground hugging look and gets a much longer wheelbase.
    For starters, at front, the bike gets a new custom LED headlamp and a wide straight handlebar. The most prominent highlight being a sleek fabricated fuel tank that slopes down to meet the custom-made seat.
    Complex curves have been incorporated in order to add a glimpse of novelty to its design. The custom paint with a combination of red and gloss black in addition to golden stripes further lends the motorcycle some exclusivity.
    Royal Enfield 500cc Custom By Neev Motorcycles
    Other custom-made parts include body panels, fenders and an esthetically designed exhaust made from stainless steel. The single-side spoke wheels and swingarm assembly have also been built in-house. The license plate is now mounted at the left swingarm. Queen rolls on 130-60/R23 and 240-50/R18 tyres at front and rear respectively.
    Same Powertrain
    The exact cost of this entire customisation is not yet revealed. No supposed changes have been made to its mechanical configurations. It still gets a 499cc single-cylinder air-cooled, fuel-injected motor, which pushes out 27 bhp at 5250rpm and a peak torque of 41.3Nm at 4000rpm while being paired to a 5-speed gearbox. More

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    Top 10 150cc To 200cc Motorcycles Jan 2021 – Pulsar, Apache, Unicorn 160, FZ, R15

    Image – The Bengal Rider
    Close to 50% YoY growth highlights the rising popularity of 150-200cc motorcycles

    January 2021 turned out to be an exceptional month for 150-200cc motorcycles, as all have reported positive YoY and MoM growth. A total of 1,56,994 units were sold, as compared to 1,06,682 units in January last year. This is YoY growth of 47.16%. MoM growth is even better at 51.45%, as compared to 1,03,661 units sold in December 2020.
    Pulsar leads
    Bajaj Pulsar motorcycles continue to be the bestsellers in this segment. A total of 44,370 units were sold in January 2021, as compared to 38,661 units in the corresponding period last year. YoY growth is 14.77% and market share is 28.26%. Pulsar MoM growth is 57.13%, as compared to 28,237 units sold in December 2020.
    Next in the list is TVS Apache with 28,456 units sold in January 2021. YoY growth is 22.88%, as compared to 23,157 units sold in January last year. Apache had a market share of 18.13%. MoM growth is 7.24%, as compared to 26,535 units sold in December 2020.
    At number three is Honda CB Unicorn 160 with sales of 25,799 units in January 2021. YoY growth is 37.79%, as compared to 18,723 units sold in January last year. Market share is at 16.43%. In MoM terms, Unicorn 160 sales have more than doubled, as compared to 11,997 units sold in December 2020.
    Motorcycle sales 150cc-200cc segment – Jan 2021
    Yamaha FZ is placed at fourth spot with 21,496 units sold in January 2021. YoY growth is 54.02%, as compared to 13,957 units sold in January last year. FZ commanded a market share of 13.69% in January 2021. MoM growth is 51.80%, as compared to 14,161 units sold in December 2020.
    At number five is Yamaha R15 with 8,408 units sold in January 2021. YoY growth is 25.14%, as compared to 6,719 units sold in January last year. Market share stands at 5.36%. R15 MoM growth is 53.68%, as compared to 5,471 units sold in December 2020.
    Yamaha second bestselling brand in 150cc-200cc segment
    In the list, Yamaha is placed after Bajaj, TVS and Honda motorcycles. However, if we combine the numbers of FZ, R15 and MT15 (6,168 units), total sales is more than 36k and market share is 22.98%. This makes Yamaha the second bestselling brand in 150-200cc motorcycle segment. Yamaha motorcycles are made available at competitive rates and are equipped with hi-tech features, making them an attractive option in this space.
    Motorcycle sales 150cc-200cc segment – Jan 2021
    Other motorcycles in top ten include Hero Xtreme 160R (5,443 units), Honda HORNET 2.0 (4,709), Bajaj Avenger (3,092), and KTM 200 (2,979). In percentage terms, the best performing bike in top ten is Xtreme 160R. Sales have zoomed from 114 to 5,443 units, which is YoY growth of 4674.56%. Other motorcycles with high percentage growth include Suzuki Gixxer (4880.39%), Hero XPulse 200 (1158.99%), and Hero X Blade (1603.00%). More

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    Electric Car Charging Station Inaugurated On Mumbai Pune Expressway

    Tata Electric Cars at the new EV Charging Station on Pune Mumbai Expressway
    Battery charging/swapping infrastructure needs major investments for EVs to go mainstream

    In a welcome development for electric vehicle owners who use Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a new charging station has come up at Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.’s flagship Sajgaon Retail Outlet. The EV charging station has been setup by Magenta Group in collaboration with HPCL. Magenta is a leading provider of green energy products and solutions.
    The EV charging facility was inaugurated on March 4 in the presence of Shri Sai Kumar Suri (ED – Retail) and Shri Rajnish Mehta (ED – CS & BD). The charging station has two types of chargers – 122KW (CCS2+ChaDeMo+Type2) and 15KW (DC001) fast charger. Users can choose any of these based on their EV’s charging specifications.
    Magenta ChargeGrid – A hassle-free charging experience
    Magenta’s new charging station on Mumbai-Pune expressway is part of the company’s mission to develop a pan-India EV charging network. It has charging stations in several other states including Delhi, Rajasthan, MP, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal and Bihar.
    As of December 2020, the total capacity of EV chargers installed by the company was 3.5 MW. This is expected to increase in the future, as Magenta opens EV charging stations at new locations across the country.
    Electric Vehicle Charging Station At Pune Mumbai Expressway
    One of Magenta’s key focus areas has been to provide a hassle-free charging experience to EV users. This has been made possible with the use of its ChargeGrid charging stations and an app with the same name.
    If we talk about the hardware, Magenta currently has two types of charging machines, ChargeGrid Pro and ChargeGrid Flare. While the former is meant for commercial and residential use, the latter can be installed in public places such as airports, car parking lots, etc. Both charging machines are fully automated and can be accessed with the ChargeGrid app.
    Magenta ChargeGrid App
    This app makes it easier for users to find a nearest charging station. Both location and availability of charging stations are displayed on a map. Magenta ChargeGrid app offers a number of online payment options including UPI, net banking, wallet payment, and debit and credit cards.
    Tata Nexon Electric at the new EV Charging Station on Pune Mumbai Expressway
    While charging their EV, users can keep track of electricity consumed and time taken for the charging session. The company offers multiple membership plans, so that users can choose the best fit as per their specific needs and preferences.
    While EV charging infrastructure is at a nascent stage in the country, it’s good to see that companies like Magenta are coming up with innovative products and solutions to ensure a hassle-free experience for EV users. This segment will need several such initiatives if EVs are to become the preferred option for customers.
    Electric Vehicle Charging Station At Pune Mumbai Expressway More

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    Sportier 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL-Class to Add AWD

    Mercedes has released new teaser photos of the next-generation SL.
    This upcoming convertible will be more of a sports car than a cushy cruiser.
    Expect AMG SL43 and SL53 models with an inline-six and an SL63 with a V-8.
    Mercedes is planning a reset for its SL-class range and is attempting to whet our appetite with teaser shots of the new 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL, which is currently undergoing final winter testing in Sweden.
    While the cars are still camouflaged, we can take away quite a bit of information. The retractable hard top which has been a hallmark of the SL for the last two decades makes way for a fabric top again. This helps to achieve a sleek roofline and a lower rear end; the previous model needed a relatively tall trunk to fit the folded roof. To enhance aerodynamics, there is a large, electrically raised rear spoiler, much like on the current AMG GT.

    Mercedes

    The proportions are tighter and more harmonious than before. The new one is shaping up to be a lot more pleasing to the eye than the awkward current generation. It’s a bit more practical, too, as there’s enough space behind the front seats for two tiny rear seats, meaning the new SL is likely to be offered as a a 2+2, like in the distant past.

    Mercedes-AMG’s Next SL Will Be Smaller, Sportier

    Mercedes-AMG GT Four-Door Hybrid Confirmed

    Mercedes isn’t talking about the powertrains yet but our best guess is that there will be AMG SL43 and SL53 models with inline-six engines and around 360 and 430 horsepower, as well as an AMG SL63 with a 4.0-liter V-8 and around 600 horsepower. There could even be an AMG SL73e with a plug-in-hybrid drivetrain and close to 800 horsepower, but that’s a model for the more distant future, and it could overlap too much with the AMG GT. The 43, 53 and 63 models will by hybridized as well, they will all come with a 9-speed automatic, and for the first time, the SL will be offered with a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system.

    Mercedes

    Every SL will be an AMG. The high-performance division in Affalterbach is responsible for the new model. And therefore we expect it to be a real sports car, not a boulevard cruiser. What’s gone is the V-12, as that’s henceforth a Maybach engine.
    We expect the SL to come to market late in 2021. Competition will include the BMW 8-series cabriolet, the Lexus LC500 convertible, and the Porsche 911 cabrio.
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    Automotive Startup Canoo Debuts a Snub-Nosed Electric Pickup

    Automotive startup Canoo has unveiled an electric truck that’s compact but has an expandable six-to-eight-foot pickup bed.
    The pickup will offer over 200 miles of range and be offered with either a dual- or rear-motor configuration, the former of which putting out as much as 600 hp and 550 pound-feet of torque.
    The pickup is set to go into production in 2023. By then, Canoo’s pickup will be competing alongside several other electric pickups.
    Canoo, an electric automotive startup based in California, has expanded its lineup of forthcoming electric vehicles by revealing this snub-nosed pickup. The pickup, which sports a design similar to Canoo’s passenger van, will offer more than 200 miles of range and as much as 600 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque with the dual-motor configuration; a rear motor configuration will also be offered. That power and range, and a full six-to-eight-foot pickup bed, all have to fit into a vehicle with a 112.2-inch wheelbase—an inch shorter than the Tesla Model 3—and an overall length, at 184 inches, that makes it more than two feet shorter than the Ford Ranger pickup.

    Automotive Startup Canoo Unveils Electric Vans

    Canoo Is Microbus-Style EV You Subscribe to

    The pickup rides on Canoo’s multi-purpose platform architecture and will be the third Canoo vehicle to do so. This has become a common approach for makers of electric vehicles—using one platform for many vehicles—with the likes of General Motors and Volkswagen doing the same. In addition to Canoo’s passenger van, the startup has also revealed various multi-purpose delivery vehicles.

    Jeffludes.com/Canoo

    The new pickup emphasizes modularity and looks to maximize its utility. It has tables folding down around the vehicle, various hidden storage areas, and numerous charging points on the exterior of the truck. In a video exploring the ins and outs, Tony Aquila, executive chairman of Canoo, said that the goal was to make something that was very functional and could also be personalized.

    Canoo

    On either side of the six-foot bed, tables fold down to function as a workspace, and there is also a table that folds down from the front of the truck. That table exposes a small storage area as well as various points to charge or power electronics. The pickup bed can also be extended, as well as enclosed, to eight feet long to fit bigger items. Steps with storage within them can be pulled out of the sides of the truck to make it easier to access anything on the roof rack. And to answer the question any truck owner would ask, yes, there’s a taillamp setup in the bed extension, so it’s okay to drive the truck with the bed extended to fit longer cargo.

    Canoo

    Canoo

    The battery pack in the pickup is designed to be repaired, replaced, and upgraded when need be, so the batteries powering the truck don’t become outdated. Canoo also designed the pickup to have steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems controlling the vehicle to eliminate the need for a steering column and other hardware.

    Sign up for our new weekly EV newsletter, State of Charge. SIGN UP

    The interior of the pickup, shown in the video, shows it fits two people, but Aquila said it could be adapted for a three-person setup. Information such as speed and battery levels appear to be on a broad screen just below the windshield.
    Canoo’s pickup will be available for pre-order beginning in the second quarter of this year, but production isn’t slated to begin until 2023. By that time, the pickup will have considerable competition across the industry; this year alone will see the Rivian R1T and the GMC Hummer EV SUT reach driveways, and the next coming years have even more electric pickups on the way.
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    2022 Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer Get Audiophile-Grade Sound Systems

    Audiophile darling McIntosh has built a high-end audio system exclusively for the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
    The MX1375 Reference Entertainment System comes with 23 speakers, a 1375-watt amplifier, and adaptive 3D surround sound processing.
    The less powerful McIntosh MX950 is available for the 2022 Wagoneer, with 19 speakers and a 950-watt amplifier.

    2022 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer Packed with Tech

    Grand Wagoneer Easter Eggs: What Made the Cut?

    How the Wagoneer Stacks Up against the Competition

    For audiophiles, the name McIntosh is associated with high-end home audio equipment. From receivers to tube amps to slightly odd-looking but very expensive precision turntables, finding the McIntosh name in a house means the person cares about fidelity and has the healthy bank account needed to support their love of sound. That music quality is being brought to the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer in the what McIntosh says is its very first “automotive reference system.” With over 20 speakers, a powerful amplifier, and 3D surround sound, the large luxury SUV might be the perfect vehicle for listening to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon for the 18,528th time.
    This new McIntosh MX1375 Reference Entertainment System will be available exclusively in the 2022 Grand Wagoneer. McIntosh says the system has been built and tuned specifically to bring audiophile quality to the road. With 23 speakers including a 12-inch subwoofer, the system is powered by a 1375-watt amplifier that should cut through even the loudest driving environment. McIntosh notes that the system also has unique adaptive 3D surround sound processing capabilities. The MX1375 is available on the Grand Wagoneer’s top-end Obsidian and Series IIII trim levels.
    Making this a reference system is a big deal for Jeep and McIntosh. Reference systems, according to McIntosh, are systems “to which all others are compared.” The idea is that the hardware is tuned in a way so that the music sounds as close to possible to what was recorded by the artists. McIntosh says that the MX1375 doesn’t just sound good, but will “transport you to the performance.”
    For those looking for McIntosh audio quality in the slightly less luxe 2022 Wagoneer, the MX950 system is available on that SUV’s top Series III trim level. It’s also available on the Grand Wagoneer’s Series I and II trim levels. This less powerful system still comes with 19 custom-tuned speakers including a 10-inch subwoofer and a 950-watt amplifier. Not as impressive as the MX1375, but if McIntosh can do to vehicle sound what it’s done in home audio for decades, it will likely still make all those swirling noises found on Radiohead’s Hail to the Thief really pop.
    Still, without actually hearing either of these systems in their respective vehicles, we can’t say whether or not we’re audibly transported to the performance. For that, we’ll have to wait until this summer when the 2022 Wagoneers go on sale.
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    2021 KTM RC 200, 125 Spied Testing In India For First Time – New Gen

    2021 KTM RC 200 / 125 Spied in India – New Gen
    The 2020 KTM RC 200 and its family members will feature revised rear sub-frame and new fairing panels

    The next generation KTM RC family of compact fully faired sportsbikes have been in the news for quite sometime now. The RC 125, 200 and 390 are much older than their Duke siblings but that is going to chance soon.
    A camouflaged prototype of what appears to be either 2021 KTM RC 200 or 125 has been spied testing in India for the first time. Images are credit to Wheel Tronicz on Instagram.
    2021 KTM RC 200 / 125 Spied in India – New Gen
    2021 KTM RC 200 – New styling
    We think this prototype is either an RC 200 or 125 because the RC 390 prototypes which were spotted testing in Europe featured a conventional side slung exhaust canister to meet the stringent emission norms. This particular mule continues to employ underbelly exhaust indicating that a smaller displacement motor does not need larger catalytic converter and hence can manage with an underbelly unit.
    As with the new KTM RC 390, the smaller engined siblings will feature a completely overhauled styling. The new headlamp is in-line with the brand’s new design identity and the fairing around it has a slightly larger surface area than before.
    2021 KTM RC 200 / 125 Spied in India – New Gen
    On the sides, the panels are more revealing than before. For example, the current motorcycle hides the base of the crank case but the upcoming model makes no attempt at concealing it.
    The bodywork is sharper than before but there is an awkward gap between the steering mount and the instrument console which may take a bit of getting used too. Another important change is the rear sub-frame but the tailpiece appears to be retained without significant styling changes. KTM has reportedly worked on making the 2021 RC family more comfortable for taller riders, so expect considerable change in ergonomics.
    Specifications at a glance
    The New Gen KTM RC 200, or the 125 and 390 for that matter, is likely to retain the engine without any change. In case of the RC 200, the existing 199.5 cc liquid-cooled mill dishes out a healthy 25 hp and 19.2 Nm of torque. Transmission is a 6-speed unit. Despite no changes, the motor will still be the most powerful unit in its segment.
    2021 KTM RC 200 / 125 Spied in India – New Gen
    The trellis frame will continue to employ WP inverted telescopic front fork and rear monoshock suspension system. The 2021 KTM RC 200 and its brethren adopt new front disc brake whose rotor is mounted to the spokes rather than the wheel hub. The India-spec RC 200 is expected to carry forward a single-channel ABS to keep the costs in check while the export-spec variant is likely to offer dual-channel system as a standard fitment.
    The 2021 KTM RC 200, 390 and 125 will be made in India at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan facility for global consumption. India is expected to be the launch market for the new generation family of compact sportsbikes. Launch is expected sometime later this year. More

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    2022 Honda Civic Sedan Leaked in Production Form

    Leaked photos of the 2022 Honda Civic sedan have appeared on a Civic forum.
    These pics, which look to be out of China, show the 11th-generation car in production form.
    We expect to see the car officially revealed within the next few months.

    2022 Honda Civic Spied In Hatchback Form

    2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Leaked in Patent Images

    2022 Honda Civic Will Be More Sophisticated

    We’ve seen Honda’s new Civic in spy photos, patent drawings, concept-car form, and now finally in its final production guise thanks to these leaked photos published on CivicXI.com. The images appear to show a China-market version of the 2022 Civic sedan, which features the same design seen on the Civic concept but with toned-down styling elements including smaller wheels and fewer adornments.
    Even still, we think this new Civic sedan looks good, with cleaner lines than the current tenth-generation model. It’ll arrive first in the U.S. in this four-door sedan bodystyle, with the hatchback to follow and high-performance Si and Type R coming later. The two-door Civic coupe won’t return to the lineup.
    There’s still a lot to learn about the 2022 Civic, such as its powertrains and available features. Honda has teased the interior layout with a photo showing an attractive, simplistic dashboard with a tablet-style infotainment screen.

    Honda

    We expect Honda to share more official information about the 2022 Civic soon, as it’s expected to debut within the next few months and go on sale in the U.S. late this spring. Starting prices should stay relatively close to the current model, which starts at $22,245 for the sedan and $23,195 for the hatchback.
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