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    2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Gives a More Rugged Profile to the EV

    The 2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is a ruggedized wagon version of the Taycan electric sedan.
    It’s available in 4, 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S models that all come standard with an 83.7-kWh battery pack, two electric motors, all-wheel drive, and an air suspension that raises them 0.8-inch taller than the sedan.
    The Cross Turismo will arrive this summer, starting at $92,250.
    Porsche’s new Taycan Cross Turismo is a lifted, wagon version of its electric sedan with body cladding and SUV aspirations, much like the Audi A6 Allroad and the Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain. It will be available in the U.S. in the summer of 2021 in 4, 4S (pictured above), Turbo, and Turbo S (pictured below) models. The Cross Turismo costs $1530 more than a comparable Taycan sedan, starting at $92,250 for the entry-level model and stretching to $188,950 for the Turbo S.

    How We’d Spec It: Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

    View Photos

    Porsche

    All-wheel drive is standard on the Cross Turismo, unlike the available rear-drive version of the sedan. All Cross Turismos also get the larger of the Taycan’s two battery packs, what Porsche calls Performance Battery Plus and holds 83.7-kWh of usable energy, and two permanent-magnet synchronous motors that generate a combined 469 horsepower in the Taycan Cross Turismo 4, 562 in the 4S, 670 in the Turbo, and 750 hp in the Turbo S. These are the same outputs as the equivalent sedans, and the 4 is on par with the base Taycan sedan with the bigger battery. Porsche says the Turbo S Cross Turismo will reach 60 mph in 2.7 seconds, though we managed 2.4 seconds in the sedan in our testing.

    2021 Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo Adds a Hatch

    Range estimates will be announced closer to the Taycan Cross Turismo’s summer arrival, but with the bigger battery, the 2021 Taycan 4S sedan is now EPA rated at 227 miles, while we achieved 180 miles in our 75-mph test. EPA estimates on the 2021 Taycan Turbo and Turbo S haven’t been released, but the 2020 models were rated at 201 and 192 miles. The Cross Turismo’s range mode lowers the cars 0.8 inch, but we can expect its range estimates to be slightly lower across the board due to its higher ride height in all other modes and almost 100 extra pounds of curb weight compared to the sedans.

    View Photos

    Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo (right), Taycan 4S Cross Turismo (right).
    Porsche

    Porsche’s adaptive dampers and an air suspension are standard on all models and make the Taycan Cross Turismo ride 0.8 inch higher than the sedan. A Gravel drive mode increases ride height another 0.4 inch. An optional off-road design package gives the Cross Turismo the extra ride height of Gravel mode all the time, and adds unique front and rear fascias, even more body cladding, and side skirts (as pictured above). A roof rack and a rear-mounted bike rack will also be available from Porsche.

    View Photos

    Porsche

    The Taycan Cross Turismo’s longer body allows for slightly more headroom compared to the sedan, and it comes standard with a panoramic glass sunroof. The rest of the interior is akin to the sedan: 16.8-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10.9-inch touchscreen with an 8.4-inch touchscreen below it for climate and other controls, and an available passenger display.

    Porsche Taycan vs. Tesla Model S: The Test

    2020 Taycan 4S Goes 180 Miles in C/D Range Test

    2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S at Lightning Lap 2021

    And, of course, there’s more cargo space compared to the sedan, but not a lot more. The Taycan 4 and 4S Cross Turismo have 16 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, compared to the 14-cubic-foot trunk of the sedan. However, the Cross Turismo’s 43 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down is 8 more than the Mercedes E450 All-Terrain wagon. The Turbo and Turbo S models have 1.5 less cubic feet of space, and that’s because, as Porsche told Car and Driver, because a Bose sound system, which has hardware in the trunk, is standard on the top two models. Additionally, the Taycan’s 2.9-cubic-foot frunk remains. Still, there are electric crossovers with considerably more cargo space, including the Tesla Model Y with its 68 cubic feet of maximum storage. Perhaps the coming electric Macan will be able to better compete in this regard.
    Additionally, Porsche is offering two new electric bicycles to go with the Taycan Cross Turismo: the eBike Sport for street use, and the eBike Cross for the trails. They’ll be on sale, in three sizes, in the spring.
    The 2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo will be available in the U.S. in the summer with three years of included charging from Electrify America. Pricing is set at $92,250 for the 4, $111,650 for the 4S, $154,850 for the Turbo, and $188,950 for the Turbo S.
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    NIJ Automotive Launches 3 New Electric Scooters – QV60, Accelero, Flion

    NIJ Automotive Electric Scooters
    These electric scooters promise low service cost and 25 times more cost saving as compared to petrol vehicles within 1 year of purchase

    NIJ Automotive, manufacturers of electric scooters and vehicle batteries based in Agra, Uttar Pradesh have three electric scooters in their lineup. Called QV60, Accelero and Flion, these e-scooters promise several advantages over their petrol powered counterparts.
    The makers claim that their electric scooters offers a comfortable ride, low service cost and upto 25 times more cost saving as against petrol vehicles in the same segment within one year of purchase. These e-scooters come in at a time to battle the global crisis against pollution and while fuel prices are on a continuous rise in the country.
    NIJ QV60
    The QV60 e-scooter is priced at Rs.51,999. It is built of steel with a lightweight body with features that include LED projector headlamps, tubeless tyres, an LED color display, keyless entry, find-my-scooter feature and an anti-theft lock and alarm system.
    It receives its power via a 60V VRLA battery with a high torque BLDC motor and suspension is managed by adjustable rear shock absorber and telescopic front suspension. Reverse gear and adjustable speed are also among its features. Battery charging is accomplished in 6 hours.
    NIJ QV60 Electric Scooter
    NIJ Accelerio
    The Accelerio e-scooter carries a price tag of Rs.45,000. It is presented in Red and Gold color options and receives LED projector headlamps, a digital LED speedometer, a long foot board and back rest for the pillion rider. Features go on to include central locking system, find-my-scooter function, remote access control and anti-theft lock and alarm. The e-scooter rides on 10 inch alloy wheels and gets a USB charging socket for mobile.
    The Accelerio scooter commands high ground clearance and best in class acceleration with a range upto 95 km per charge while in Eco mode. It gets 130mm disc brake in the front and 110mm drum brake at the rear and telescopic suspension in the front and dual coil spring hydraulic suspension at the rear.
    The Accelerio scooter is powered by a high torque BLDC motor with 60V 3A charging time in 8-10 hours and offering per km running cost at just 12 paise. One touch auto repair and maintenance along with reverse gear function are also seen on the Accelerio scooter. Dimensions stand at 1670x640x1110mm with wheelbase of 1280mm and kerb weight of 86 kgs along with ground clearance at 155mm.
    NIJ Automotive Electric scooters – Accelero, QV60 and Flion
    NIJ Flion
    NIJ Automotive also has the Flion e-scooter in its lineup, priced at Rs.47,000. Offered in colour options of Pearl White, Cherry Red and Pune Black, the Flion boasts of a GPS enabled system, anti-theft alarm, IOT inside, reverse and parking assist, push button start and USB charging along with 3 riding modes. It is larger in dimensions as compared to the Accelerio standing 1820x660x1120mm with a wheelbase of 1280mm.
    Kerb weight is at 86 kgs and ground clearance at 15mm while it shares all its power, battery, braking and transmission options with the Accelerio scooter. NIJ Automotive offers a three year warranty on each of its three e-scooters. All three are low speed scooters with 25 kmph top speed.
    NIJ Automotive Electric scooters
    Speaking to Rushlane, NIJ Automotive said, “NIJ Automotive is based in Agra, localisation of the components is an on going exercise. We have started to work with chassis manufacturers and wire harness manufacturers, BMS for Lithium battery is being sourced from local manufacturer. As of now the planned capacity is of 10,000 vehicles per year.
    We have made the investment of Rs 5 crore. Our production started just before the lockdown began, which did further delayed the official launch of the products. However, the company has been working on researching and improving the product since 2018. Our future plan is to develop Hub motors in India.” More

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    2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Detailed In Official Video

    2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
    Priced at £15,999 (equivalent to INR 16.39 lakh), KTM 1290 Super Adventure R gets revised styling and a new powerplant

    KTM is known to possess a wide array of motorcycles under its portfolio which makes it an ideal brand to look out for if one is a true biking enthusiast. Among all the segments, we feel that adventure motorcycles are its forte since it has a long list of derivatives and configurations plus the fact that they are easily customisable.
    The Austrian bikemaker has now revealed the latest avatar of the meanest and the baddest adventure tourers under its roof. The brand has given its flagship 1290 Super Adventure R a significant makeover for 2021. Recently, its sibling Super Adventure S made its debut with which it shares a lot of mechanicals.
    Revised Styling
    To start with its styling, 1290 Super Adventure R looks nothing like its other adventure tourer siblings from KTM. it wears a heavily revised bodywork and it isn’t just for show. The new panel improves ergonomics when the rider decides to trot on to some broken paths.
    In fact, the colour scheme with respect to other KTM models is rather funky. Flashes of orange have been retained in the frame and external crashes while panels have been sprayed predominantly with blue and white that resemble the brand’s machines seen in the Dakar Rally.
    [embedded content]
    The bike’s frontal area is reduced which makes it slimmer than before, thus making it easier for handling on tougher undulated terrains. More noticeably it misses out on a traditional beak which most contemporary ADVs get.
    It boasts a shorter, rally-inspired adjustable windscreen along with a high-strength tapered aluminium handlebar. It gets an all-new single-piece stepped-up seat but at 880mm, it is one heck of a climb even for taller riders even though it is down by 10mm.
    Mechanical Specifications
    Underneath that skin, it features a new Euro 5-compliant 1301ccc LC8 V-twin liquid-cooled engine which kicks out 160 bhp and 138 Nm of peak torque. It is paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a hydraulically actuated slipper clutch.
    2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
    Also by shredding around 1.6 kg, which has been achieved by employing new crankcases, this bike now gets a stronger power to weight ratio. This motor has also received an updated cooling system and fresh coatings in its latest update.
    The hardware setup is equally impressive for adventure trails. The Harley Davidson Pan America-rival is built on a Chromium-Molybdenum Steel trellis frame with an aluminium subframe suspended on a fully adjustable WP XPLOR 48mm fork at front and a WP XPLOR shock absorber at rear with both units having a travel of 220mm. It rides on 21-inch rear and 18-inch rear wrapped around by Bridgestone tubeless tyres. Stopping power comes from 4-piston and 2-piston Brembo callipers at front and rear respectively.
    Features & Electronic Aids
    Being a flagship, the ergonomics and mechanicals are complemented by loads of electronics that assist the rider. These include a 6-axis IMU, motor slip regulation, a quick shifter, off-road ABS, traction control and stability control. It gets four standard riding modes including Rain, Street, Sport, and Offroad and an additional Rally mode as an option. Other notable features include a 7-inch TFT instrument display which is compatible with KTM My Ride connectivity app. More

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    2021 Yamaha NMax 155 Scooter Gets Updated With New Colours

    2021 Yamaha NMAX 155
    NMax 155 shares the same 155cc motor with Yamaha Aerox 155 and YZF R15 V3

    Yamaha has introduced a new colour option on its flagship scooter NMax 155 in Indonesia. The Maxi-style scooter will now be available in a Prestige Silver colour option which also gets a gloss black-finished bodywork accompanied by brushed gold-finished alloy wheels.
    Apart from this cosmetic update, rest of the scooter is identical to the regular model. The Japanese brand believes that addition of this new colour option will further widen the choices for the consumers. Other colours on offer include Maxi Signature Black and Matte Blue.
    Styling
    This colour scheme was also introduced in other Yamaha models such as the recently launched Aerox 155 scooter. Design-wise, this version of NMax 155 is same as the rest of the lineup which gets a maxi-style body.
    It gets an LED headlight and taillight, a black screen guard and a sloping single-piece seat. The silver colour option has been specifically developed by Yamaha to fully expose the curves of the scooter’s body in order to make it look more elegant and premium which it does.
    2021 Yamaha NMAX 155
    Powertrain Specs
    The Japanese automaker retails NMax 155 in three variants- standard, Connected and Connected with ABS and has been made available across the entire range. Underneath its body, it gets a 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which also drives its sibling Aerox 155 and YZF R15 V3.
    In Nmax, this unit kicks out 15.4 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 13.9 Nm at 6,500 rpm and is mated to a traditional V-belt CVT to carry out transmission duties. In its latest iteration, it is equipped with electronic fuel injection (EFI) as well.
    Features on offer
    The new NMax is also offered with loads of modern gizmos such as a TFT digital instrument cluster, keyless system, traction control system, idle start/stop system and an electric power socket. It gets a Communication Control Unit (CCU) technology which could be connected to Yamaha’s Y-Connect application on a smartphone via Bluetooth. It provides information such as message and call notifications, parking location, recommended maintenance, fuel consumption and malfunction notification.
    2021 Yamaha NMAX 155
    The Maxi scooter measures 1935mm in length, 740mm in width and 1160mm in height. Its saddle height is pegged at 765 mm while it tips the weighing scales at 131 kg. It employs a ‘backbone frame’ that is suspended on telescopic forks at front and a swingarm rear suspension. As good as it looks and performs on the road, Yamaha is unlikely to launch NMax 155 in India anytime soon as it would be difficult for the company to price it competitively. More

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    Electric Scooter Full Charge In 15 Minutes – New Gen Battery Charging Tech By Indian Startup

    Log 9 Battery Pack Powered Electric Scooter
    The technology is claimed to offer 5x more power while being 5x safer

    Bangalore-based deep technology startup Log 9 Materials which was incubated by IIT Roorkee has unveiled rapid charging battery packs for two and three-wheeler electric vehicles. The battery packs which are claimed to be fully charged in under 15 minutes will be targeting the B2B segment once the pilot runs are completed.
    Log 9 Materials ultra-fast charging battery packs
    Based on supercapacitor technology, Log 9’s ultra-fast charging battery packs employ graphene which is claimed to make them superior as compared to their conventional lithium-ion counterparts. The company says that the rapid charging battery packs can last more than 15 years thereby arriving at a very low cost/km ratio.
    The graphene based supercapacitor battery packs are also claimed to be five times more powerful and five times better when it comes to fire and impact resistance when compared to widely used lithium-ion battery packs. As far as the range is concerned, the two wheeler (scooters, motorcycles) battery packs are said to offer a true range of 70 km on a full charge while the three wheeler (rickshaw / cargo) battery packs are good for 60-80 km.
    Log 9 has commenced large scale pilot projects with logistic, mobility and e-commerce giants including Amazon, Delhivery, Vogo, Shadaowfax etc. The pilot program is expected to run for few more months before the commercial launch. The focus will be on the intra-city B2B segment which also includes two wheelers used for food deliveries.
    Log 9 Battery Pack Powered Electric 3 Wheeler
    Advantages and prospects
    The current two and three wheelers EVs in our market have an average charging time of 4 to 5 hours. Given that a fleet’s revenue generating capacity is directly linked to downtime, rapid charging batteries have significant potential in increasing profitability in the long run.
    Speaking about the business prospects, Log 9’s Founder and CEO Akshay Singhal revealed that the company has identified OEMs and fleet operators in both two and three wheeler segments for the integration of its graphene-based rapid charging battery packs.It is estimated that there are nearly 10 lakh two wheelers involved in the country’s last mile delivery segment and this population is projected to triple by 2025. This is also the segment which is witnessing largest EV adoption in the country.
    Log 9 believes that its ultra-fast charging battery packs are the most viable solution to maximize the performance of last-mile two and three wheeler applications. The technology is claimed to be much more cost effective than battery swapping approach which involves heavy investments and operational hassles.
    Log 9 Materials has been working on various energy storage solutions for electric vehicle applications. It is said to be the only company in the country to be actively working on Alumininum fuel cell technology which is suitable for long haul LCVs and HCVs. This project is currently in development stage. More

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    Royal Enfield Cruiser 650 Ground Clearance Detailed In New Spy Shots

    Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser
    The upcoming 650cc cruiser twins are likely to offer different riding dynamics and wear different monikers

    Royal Enfield fans are an excited bunch as the company has plans to launch multiple new products, hence every spy shot of an upcoming motorcycle gets noticed. While the company has quite a few exciting launches headed in the coming future, one of the bikes that has garnered a lot of attention is the brand’s upcoming 650cc cruiser.
    Test mules of the cruiser have been spotted on multiple occasions over the past year or so but only a couple of months we came to know that there might be more than one derivative of the upcoming bike. It might be the case of two different models or two different variants of the same model.
    Building on the popularity of 650cc Twins, this new cruiser will share its underpinnings as well as its power source with the twin roadsters. The first hint of a new addition to the Royal Enfield family was dropped at the EICMA 2018 where it showcased the KX Bobber Concept. When the first prototype was spotted last year, it bore a lot of resemblance with the concept displayed at EICMA.
    Design Highlights
    Among the two derivatives of the cruiser spotted earlier, one boasts of a traditional cruiser setup with forward-set footpegs, a wide handlebar and a typical low-slung stance. The other one has a more conventional upright seating position with center-set footpegs and slightly shorter handlebars. While the former is expected to wear a brand new name tag, the latter is expected to wear the branding of either Classic 650 or Meteor 650.

    Cruisers generally have a longer wheelbase and low seat height. This combination probably results in lower ground clearance. The latest spy video is credit to way2speed. As can be seen above, the video gives a better idea about the ground clearance of the 650cc Cruiser.
    Design-wise, both motorcycles adopt retro classic elements although the KX650 looks like a proper cruiser while the other one is a classic roadster. The former also wears a fatter 130 section of tyres and a larger rear fender. Common design elements on both bikes include a retro-styled round headlamp, a low split-style saddle and twin exhausts. A pillion backrest could be offered as an accessory on both bikes.
    Expected Hardware, Features & Powertrain
    As mentioned earlier, both bikes will share underpinnings with the current 650cc Twins- Interceptor and Continental GT. However, suspension setup is likely to be different. These cruisers are expected to feature upside down USD forks at front and twin shock absorbers at rear which are mounted at a greater angle than what is seen on 650 Twins.
    RE 650cc cruiser
    Disc brakes on both ends are almost a given. Other features expected to be on offer are dual-channel ABS, slipper and assist clutch and a semi-digital instrument console with a dedicated pod for Tripper Navigation.
    As far as powertrain is concerned, it will draw its power from the familiar 648cc parallel-twin air-cooled motor that cranks out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. It will be mated to a six-speed gearbox. More details on these motorcycles are expected to be furnished ahead of their launch. We expect at least one of them hit showrooms by the end of this year. More

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    Bajaj Platina 110 ABS Launch Price Rs 66k – Rs 1k More Than H Gear

    Bajaj Platina 110 ABS
    Platina is the first 110 cc commuter motorcycle in India to get ABS

    In a move that could make rivals sit up and take notice, Bajaj has launched its popular Platina 110 motorcycle with ABS. This will be a segment-first feature that could attract customers looking for improved safety.
    As per rules, ABS is mandatory only for two-wheelers above 125cc. For below 125cc motorcycles, it is mandatory to have combined breaking system (CBS). Platina 110 current model has CBS. It has 240mm disc at the front and 110 mm drum brake at the rear with CBS. The ABS variant will have single-channel ABS integrated with the front disc brake.
    Bajaj Platina 110 ABS other updates
    To ensure that the ABS variant does not become too pricey, Bajaj has downgraded some of the features available with current model (Platina H-gear). For example, the semi-digital instrument console has been replaced with a completely analogue unit. Platina 110 ABS has analogue speedometer and odometer unit on the left, which also displays the ABS icon. On the right, there is analogue fuel gauge along with other standard indictors.
    In comparison, the semi-digital instrument console on-board Platina 110 H-gear model has features such as trip meter, gear shift indicator, low battery indicator and clock. Another cost cutting measure is a standard sticker that replaces the 3D ‘Platina’ logo on the fuel tank.
    Bajaj Platina 110 ABS
    To create a distinct identity for Platina 110 ABS variant, Bajaj has introduced some visual updates. Key among them is white coloured alloy wheels.  It is to note that other Bajaj motorcycles such as the premium Pulsar RS and NS range have this type of styling. In other updates, turn indicators have been replaced with sleeker units and there is ‘ABS’ branding in gold shade.
    Bajaj Platina 110 ABS engine
    Bajaj Platina 110 ABS will continue using the 115.45 cc, single cylinder, electronic injection engine that is capable of generating 8.6 PS of max power at 7000 rpm and 9.81 Nm of peak torque at 5000 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
    Suspension system will also be the same as earlier; telescopic units at the front and Nitrox gas canister based rear suspension. Bajaj Platina 110 ABS will continue to offer superior comfort to users, which has been one of its primary USPs.
    Bajaj introducing a premium safety feature in its 110 cc monocycle is commendable. However, it remains to be seen if the strategy translates into sale volumes. Platina 110 ABS is priced at Rs 65,926 while the current model H Gear retails at a starting price of Rs 64,685 (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Price is an important factor in this segment, so not all customers may be willing to pay a higher price.
    Mr Sarang Kanade, President – Domestic Motorcycles Business Unit, Bajaj Auto Ltd said, “The new Platina 110 ABS offers unmatched safety by offering riders complete control over unforeseen braking scenarios. We hope that millions of Indians who ride across varying terrains & roads of the country would take cognizance of the need to keep themselves & their loved ones safe and upgrade to the best-in-segment braking technology. The brand Platina has an unmatched proposition of Comfort with over 7 million satisfied customers as a testament to its segment-leading attributes and now with the addition of ABS, it remains a generation ahead of its competitors.” More

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    2022 Kia Stinger Gets $3000 Price Increase, New Base Engine for U.S.

    The 2022 Kia Stinger will be more expensive than before and have a new base engine.
    A turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four is now standard equipment for the U.S. model.
    Pricing starts at $37,125 and ranges up to $54,535 for a loaded V-6 AWD model.
    The 2022 Kia Stinger will soon arrive in the U.S. with a new base engine, revised styling, and a higher starting price. The updated hatchback starts at $37,125 for the GT-Line model, a $3000 increase over last year’s base price. You’ll get more for your money, though, as the 2022 Stinger has a more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, increases of 45 hp and 61 pound-feet over the previous 2.0-liter engine.

    2022 Kia Stinger Adds Power, 2.5T Engine

    2022 Kia Stinger Reveals Its Updated Design

    2018 Kia Stinger GT Long-Term Test

    According to the EPA website, the bigger turbo-four even gets better fuel economy than before, with the highway rating for the rear-wheel-drive GT-Line rising from 29 mpg to 32 mpg. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, and all-wheel drive is a $2200 option for all versions of the Stinger.
    The Stinger’s upgrade engine remains a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6, which has slightly more power than last year’s model. It now makes 368 horsepower (an increase of 3 hp) and the same 376 pound-feet of torque. The V-6 Stinger starts at $44,735 for the GT1 trim, which is $1800 less than last year’s GT1 model. The cheaper (and less well-equipped) V-6–powered base GT model is no more. The loaded GT2 starts at $52,335, a $900 increase from last year.

    View Photos

    Kia

    Kia has yet to reveal photos of the U.S.-spec Stinger, but we don’t expect it to look much different than the global version seen here. There is a new color option called Ascot Green that we’re curious to see, and the GT-Line comes standard with 18-inch wheels with the GT1 and GT2 coming with 19-inchers.
    Look for more details on the 2022 Stinger to come soon, as it’s likely to reach U.S. dealerships within the next few months.
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