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      2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan First Batch Delivery Starts Across India

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      Image – Nidhin
      2021 RE Himalayan adventure tourer gets three colour options, Tripper Navigation and Make It Yours personalization options

      Royal Enfield has launched the new Himalayan adventure tourer in India. It is priced from Rs 2.01 lakh, ex-sh; and comes in with some feature updates and technology while engine remains unchanged. Deliveries have commenced across India. First batch owners have now taken delivery of new Himalayan.
      Colour Updates on 2021 RE Himalayan
      The new RE Himalayan gets some design changes and new colours. It is seen in colour options of Mirage Silver, Pine Green and New Granite Black (in a mix of matte and gloss) along with existing colours of Rock Red, Lake Blue and Gravel Grey.
      Though the instrument cluster layout and design remain unchanged, it sees the addition of a Tripper Navigation Pod. The new tripper navigation was first seen on the Meteor 350. This system allows users to get turn by turn directions which can be connected to the rider’s smartphone.
      Tripper Navigation is powered by Google Maps and Royal Enfield App. Feature updates also include tank guards which double up as carriers for extra fuel tanks or luggage while a luggage rack is added at the rear as a part of these updates.
      Image – Nidhin
      The 2021 RE Himalayan is priced depending on its colour options. The Mirage Silver and Gravel Grey variants are priced at Rs.2,36,286. The Lake Blue, Rock Red and Granite Black carry price tags of Rs. 2,40,285 while the top of the line Pine Green colour is priced at Rs.2,44,284. These are on-road Delhi prices.
      Seating is seen in high density foam and finished in optional Tan colour scheme offering not only better comfort over longer distances but also a striking colour contrast as well. New and improved windscreen protects the rider from the blast of wind relating to a more comfortable ride. It also receives a rear carrier with an additional plate for fastening any luggage and an ergonomic front rack offers better comfort to the rider.
      Royal Enfield has also updated the new Himalayan with Make-it-Yours feature allowing customers to personalize and accessorize their motorcycles which can be accessed through the RE App, the company website or at authorized dealerships.
      RE Himalayan Engine, Suspension and Braking
      Like its earlier counterpart launched in 2016, the Himalayan gets its power via a 411cc, single cylinder, 4 stroke, air cooled engine. This engine makes 24.83 hp power at 6,500 rpm and 32 Nm torque at 4,000-4,500 rpm and gets mated to a 5 speed gearbox. It receives telescopic fork in the front and mono-shock at the rear while braking is via dual channel anti-lock braking system with ABS switchable on the rear wheel for better off-road use
      Upcoming RE Launches
      Earlier this year, Royal Enfield revealed that they would be expanding their product portfolio with one new bike in the 250-750cc every three months. The new RE Classic 350 is expected to launch in April 2021 which will be followed by the launch of the Interceptor 350, Cruiser 650. Facelifted Interceptor/ Continental 650 are also expected this year. More

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      Stolen KTM Motorcycle Found In Just 30 Hours – Owner Thanks Mumbai Police

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      Image – Sujay Shivan Warrier / HVK
      Vehicle theft is a big problem, with maximum number of cases remaining unsolved

      Having one’s motorcycle stolen can be a hugely stressful experience. It not only results in financial loss, the owner also has to follow a tedious process of lodging an FIR and following up with police officials. Till they find their vehicle or buy a new one, their everyday routines could go for a toss.
      However, such experiences can also bring joy if the motorcycle is found within a reasonable time limit. Most vehicle theft cases go unsolved, but some lucky ones do get their possessions back.
      How KTM got stolen
      In a recent case that had a happy ending, a KTM owner has been able to find his stolen motorcycle in just around 30 hours. This is remarkable considering the fact that some stolen vehicles are recovered months or even years after they were stolen.
      In this particular case, the owner had left the keys on the bike. This made it easier for the thieves to put their plans into action. The culprits have not been caught yet, so it’s not certain what they intended to do with the motorcycle. It is possible that the theft could be the work of some random people who came across an opportunity and acted on it.
      Owner shares update about his stolen KTM motorcycle
      In the past, there have been cases where youngsters were found to be stealing premium motorcycles just for fun rides. Once they had exhausted the fuel, they would simply ditch the bike and leave. In comparison, hard-core vehicle thieves are in the business purely for money. The stolen vehicle is either sold in remote locations at cheap rates or parts are removed and sold in black market.
      In this case, there’s a greater possibility that amateurs were involved in the theft. The owner has stated that the culprits have been captured on CCTV and the police are actively looking for them. Their intentions will be revealed when they are caught and questioned by the police.
      Owner thanks Mumbai Police
      Expressing his gratitude, the KTM owner has thanked Mumbai Police (Juhu Branch) for finding his bike in a prompt manner. It is likely that the police had used their network of informers to trace the motorcycle.
      The bike had eye-catchy decals, which could have made it easier to spot it. Had it been a standard KTM, the job to identify it would have become a lot more challenging. That’s because there are quite a few of these in streets of Mumbai.
      Lessons learned, the owner will surely double-check here onwards, not to leave the keys on his motorcycle. It’s also necessary to ensure that KTM’s inbuilt GPS system is in working condition and related services have not expired. It’s not clear if the GPS was active in this case or if it was used to trace the stolen motorcycle. More

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      Toyota Mirai Hydrogen Cars Now for Rent to Vancouver Lyft Drivers

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      If you like giving people rides, just not in your own car or maybe because you don’t have a car, Kinto is a service that will get you behind the wheel of a Toyota for around $200 a week.
      A new deal in Vancouver, British Columbia, adds the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai to the list of vehicles people can rent for up to four weeks if they drive for Lyft.
      In the U.S., Kinto operates with Uber in Southern California and Fort Bend, Texas, but the Mirai is not part of the program there.
      Renting a car just to use it as you drive for a ride-sharing app is nothing new, but the setup is getting some high-pressure tweaks in Vancouver, Canada, thanks to Toyota and Lyft. The gist? For $200 a week you can get behind the wheel of a hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai, and then it’s up to you to hustle your way to profits.
      The plan is being operated by Toyota’s Kinto Share program, which will charge eligible Lyft drivers $198 plus fees and taxes for seven days in a Mirai. Drivers can reserve a Mirai for up to a month at a time, and Kinto covers the insurance and scheduled maintenance, but not the fuel, for the rental during this time. You also don’t get any keys with this rental, as access to the car is done completely through your smartphone and the Kinto Share app. Also, you have to go to a local Toyota dealership to pick up the car, and it turns out that the $200-a-week cost is only good until late summer. The rates jump to $288 a week after August 1, 2021.

      2021 Toyota Mirai: A More Appealing Hydrogen Car

      How A Hydrogen Filling Station Works

      Hydrogen-Station Fire Doesn’t Mean Fuel Is Unsafe

      The benefits of driving a hydrogen-powered car are similar to a battery EV since they both produce zero emissions. An H2 vehicle can be refilled in less than 10 minutes as hydrogen stations, and Lyft notes there are three such stations in and around Vancouver. Lyft said that around 20 percent of all of the vehicles involved in the Lyft platform in the Metro Vancouver region are either zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.
      The Mirais available through this deal are the first-gen models, specifically from the 2019 model year, not the much better-looking second-gen vehicle which, in the U.S. at least, is only sold in California. Kinto makes a note in its FAQ that that 2019 Mirai does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. But where do they get refueled? Lyft supplies the addresses of three hydrogen refueling stations that are up and running in metro Vancouver.
      Kinto did not respond to our questions about a possible expansion of the Mirai service to the U.S., where it would really only work in the Los Angeles or San Francisco areas. Kinto currently operates two U.S. locations, in Southern California and Fort Bend, Texas, where it offers “weekly, daily, & hourly car rentals for Uber, delivery, & personal use.” In the U.S., Kinto offers a number of Toyota vehicles, including hybrids, starting at a cost of $5.50 an hour or $215 a week, plus taxes.
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      Kia K8 Is an Elegant-Looking Large Sedan

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      Kia has released a new sedan model called the K8, which replaces the Cadenza (also known as the K7 in global markets).
      The K8 features Kia’s new logo and design language.
      We don’t expect to see this car come to the U.S., as Kia dropped the Cadenza from its lineup on our shores recently.
      Kia just killed off its Cadenza large sedan in the U.S., which means we aren’t likely to get its replacement, called the K8 (the Cadenza was called the K7 globally). And that’s a shame, because the K8 features an elegant design and looks like it could be a worthy competitor to sedans like the Lexus ES.

      Kia K900 and Cadenza Are Dead for 2021

      Facelifted 2020 Kia Cadenza Looks More Upscale

      The K8 is slightly longer than the car it replaces. Although Kia has yet to release mechanical details, it appears to continue with a front-wheel-drive, transverse-engine layout. The company does say that many of the K8’s design details—such as the interesting patterned grille treatment and the angular taillights—will make their way onto other upcoming Kia models.

      Kia

      The K8 is also the first Kia to feature the company’s new logo. The block letters are prominently displayed on the hood and trunklid. We have an inkling that the new 2022 Kia Carnival minivan will be the first car in the U.S. to get this new emblem; it will be revealed next week.
      We don’t know yet what engines the K8 has, and Kia hasn’t shown photos of the interior, either. The car will go on sale later this year, likely starting in South Korea first. But don’t hold your breath for it to ever arrive on our shores.
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      Lotus E-R9 Racer Has Shape-Shifter Aerodynamics, Hot-Swap Batteries

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      Lotus hopes to race the E-R9 race car by 2030, which would coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Lotus Mark IX’s debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955.
      One of the car’s unique aero innovations is body panels with active surfaces that can change their shape and attitude to the airflow with the press of a button by the driver.
      The Lotus E-R9 features an advanced electric drivetrain that powers each wheel independently.
      Lotus is targeting 2030 for its E-R9 electric racer, and the company is hoping that the car’s interactive design and electric powerplant will put the competition in the rearview mirror.
      Lotus unveiled these renderings of its new car on Tuesday.

      From 2016: Active Aerodynamics Is Next Big Thing

      Lotus Kills Existing Lineup, New Sports Car Coming

      Among its innovations are an active aerodynamics system with adjustable body panels that can change their shape in relation to airflow when triggered by the driver at the press of a button or automatically, through what Lotus is calling “performance sensor inputs.”

      The Lotus E-R9 has a bit of a Delta Wing look to it.
      Lotus

      The car’s E-R branding stands for Endurance Racer, while 9 is a nod to Lotus’s racing past. Lotus hopes to race the car in 2030, which would mark the 75th anniversary of the Lotus Mark IX’s debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955. Company founder Colin Chapman and Ron Flockhart drove the original Mark IX.
      According to Lotus, the E-R9 was developed by the engineering team of Richard Hill, chief aerodynamicist at Lotus, and Louis Kerr, principal platform engineer on the Lotus Evija electric hypercar as well as technical director, GT, Geely Group Motorsports International. Russell Carr, design director for Lotus, led the design team.

      Lotus Cars

      “What we’ve tried to do is to push the boundaries of where we are technically today and extrapolate into the future,” Hill said in a press release. “The Lotus E-R9 incorporates technologies which we fully expect to develop and be practical. Lotus has an amazing history of developing unique solutions, and we’ve done it many times in motorsport and with our road cars.”

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      The Lotus E-R9 features an electric drivetrain that powers each wheel independently.
      “Battery energy density and power density are developing significantly year on year,” Kerr said. “Before 2030, we’ll have mixed-cell-chemistry batteries that give the best of both worlds, as well as the ability to hot-swap batteries during pit stops.”
      The car builds on technology already integrated on the Lotus Evija electric hypercar, though for the E-R9 it would be fully adjustable by the driver inside the cockpit.

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      Ather Space Now In Pune – Watch 450x Electric Scooter Manufacturing At New Factory

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      Ather 450X Electric Scooter At New Factory
      The new Ather Energy Plant in Hosur is spread over 123,000 sq ft with annual capacity 1,10,000 scooters and 1,20,000 battery packs

      Ather Energy moves to a new manufacturing unit in Hosur, Tamil Nadu from a smaller plant in Bengaluru. Production commenced at this plant on 2nd January and deliveries have also been initiated across cities of Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
      This new Hosur plant is spread over an area of 1,23,000 sq ft and has installed capacity of 5 lakh units per annum. It is from this plant that Ather has started production of the 450X and 450 Plus e-scooters while the plant will also build the lithium-ion batteries used in these offerings.
      Mega Factory
      The new plant would help to create job opportunities in the region with over 4,000 persons being trained for the EV sector over the next 5 years. Investments have also been planned over the next 5 years at Rs.635 crores while 90 percent of production is localized in India as a part of the Government of India’s Make in India policy.
      The new Hosur plant will have annual capacity of 1,10,000 scooters and 1,20,000 battery packs which will be a massive improvement over the company’s current annual production volumes that stand at 35,000-40,000 units. Take a look at the short video giving us a tour of Ather’s Mega Factory and the making of their electric scooter.
      [embedded content]
      Ather Energy Expansion Plans
      Ather Energy has started deliveries of the 450 X and 450 Plus e-scooters to a few cities across India. Plans are to have a presence in 27 cities in 15 states of Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Coimbatore, Kolkata, Calicut, Ahmedabad, Mysore, Hubli, Jaipur, Indore, Panaji, Bhubaneshwar, Nasik, Surat, Chandigarh, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, Nagpur, Noida, Lucknow, and Siliguri, while targets are set to expand to 40 cities by the end of this year.
      The Hosur plant has received the support of the Tamil Nadu government. It is built on the Industry 4.0 principals and boast of the most advanced solutions in technology, human assets, systems and processes.
      Ather also plans on making the factor ‘Smart’ with Smart algorithms to read data collected and make interpretations along with a highly efficient end to end supply chain which integrates the company’s processes, logistics, warehousing, quality checks and production right upto dispatch.
      Ather Space Pune – Now open
      Ather Energy only OEM to Make Own Battery Packs
      Ather Energy plant in Hosur will also have the capacity to produce 1,20,000 battery packs thus making the company the only EV OEM in India to manufacture their own batteries and have also filed 13 patents on the design and manufacture of these lithium ion batteries used to power the Ather 450X and 450 Plus.
      Zero effluents are generated at the new Hosur plant and all e-waste is handled by authorized recyclers while there is zero water discharge from production thanks to an in-house STP and treated water circulation for flush and plantation. More

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      New Honda CB350RS vs Honda CB350 – Top Differences Explained

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      New Honda CB350RS
      Expanding the CB range, Honda has added the sportier CB350RS in the Indian market

      At a time when rival Royal Enfield has a lot more options for customers in 350cc segment, it’s an onerous task for CB350 to take on the giant on its own. Things could improve in the future, as CB350 gets company in the form of CB350RS.
      Built on Road Sailing (RS) concept, CB350RS is essentially a sportier version of CB350 classic roadster. To understand each motorcycle’s capabilities, here’s a quick look at the key differences between Honda CB350 vs. CB350RS.
      CB350 vs. CB350RS – Design
      Based on the same platform, CB350RS does look similar to CB350. However, RS is a lot more stylish, as is evident in the headlamp ring, snazzy eye-shaped LED winkers, blacked-out components, sleek tuck and roll saddle, and underseat LED tail lamp. Other key changes in RS include fork boots on front suspension and sleek grab rail, which enhance the motorcycle’s sporty profile. Another differentiating factor for RS is its skid plate and wider tyres with block pattern.
      Talking about colour options, CB350 is offered in three single tone and three dual-tone colour options. CB350 DLX variant is available in Precious Red Metallic, Matte Marshal Green Metallic and Pearl Night Star Black colour options. The DLX Pro variant is offered in dual-tone options of Matte Steel Black Metallic With Matte Massive Grey Metallic, Athletic Blue Metallic With Virtuous White and Pearl Night Star Black With Spear Silver Metallic.
      New Honda CB350RS
      In comparison, RS variant currently has only one single tone (Radiant Red Metallic) and one dual-tone (Black with Pearl Sports Yellow) colour option. It is possible that Honda may introduce new colours for RS variant at a later date based on market feedback.
      CB350 vs. CB350RS – Features and powertrain
      Both motorcycles share a range of features such as segment-first assist and slipper clutch, advanced digital analogue meter, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). The instrument panel displays battery voltage, gear position, real time mileage, average mileage and distance to empty. Features like front and rear disc brakes, ABS, half-duplex cradle frame, suspension and side stand indicator with engine inhibitor are also the same.
      However, RS variant misses out on Honda Smartphone Voice Control (HSVC), which is available with CB350 DLX Pro. HSVC enables pairing with user’s smartphone via Bluetooth. It can be used for accessing features like telephony, music, and turn-by-turn navigation. Honda also sells a special headset as an accessory that can be used with DLX Pro for managing smartphone via voice commands.
      [embedded content]
      Both motorcycles use the same 350cc single cylinder, air-cooled engine that generates 21 bhp power and 30 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
      CB350 vs. CB350RS – Pricing
      At Rs 1.96 lakh, CB350RS is a bit costlier. CB350 DLX and DLX Pro are priced at Rs 1,86,500 and Rs 1,92,500, respectively (ex-showroom, Delhi). More

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      2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180 At Dealer Showroom – First Look Walkaround

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      2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180. Image – Auto Travel Tech
      In addition to switching back to the familiar bikini fairing, the 2021 Bajaj Pulsar also gets updated digi-analog instrument console and bold decals

      Back in 2018, Bajaj discontinued its popular Pulsar 180 variant with 180F which came equipped with 220F’s semi-fairing. The addition of fairing with projector headlamps permitted Bajaj to optimize the large Pulsar family’s tight market positioning with respect to each other. However, things have been evolving in the 150 to 200 cc motorcycle market and it seems the Pune-based two wheeler major has decided to roll back the change two years later.
      2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180
      The 2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180 with the original bikini fairing has started reaching dealerships, indicating that the official launch is not far away. It will be on sale alongside the semi-faired 180F, which is priced about Rs 9k more. Price of the Pulsar 180 is Rs 1.05 lakh ex-sh while that of the 180F is Rs 1.14 lakh, ex-sh.
      The new Pulsar 180 adopts the classic family styling but gets unique contrast decals on the fener, fuel tank extensions, tailpiece and belly pan. The headlamp housing appears to have been tweaked slightly but there are no other noteworthy visual changes.
      The digi-analog instrument console has been borrowed from the 220F. The blue backlit digital display unit offers multiple information including speed, distance to empty, fuel efficiency, side-stand status, odometer service reminder, and so on.
      2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180. Image – Auto Travel Tech
      Specifications
      Given that the Bajaj Pulsar family received BS6 updates only last year, we don’t expect the 2021 Pulsar 180 to have any significant changes to its powertrain specifications. To recap, the premium commuter is powered by a 178.6 cc air-cooled, fuel-injected engine which is mated to a 5-speed transmission. Power and torque figures stand at 17 hp and 14.52 Nm of torque.
      The 2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180 carries forward the traditional telescopic front forks, twin rear shock absorbers, front and rear disc brakes with single-channel ABS, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
      Market positioning
      The continued success of TVS Apache RTR 180 and the advent of Honda Hornet 2.0 has prompted Bajaj to reposition its Pulsar 180. Ditching the semi-fairing and reverting back to the bikini unit would lead to a considerable price drop. The 2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180 with aggressive pricing will take the fight to its rivals. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video by AUTO TRAVEL TECH below.
      [embedded content]
      The Pulsar 180F did not manage meet Bajaj’s sales expectations despite derive its design from the popular 220F. So, in the revised Pulsar lineup for this year, the semi-faired variant may not have a place.
      The classic Bajaj Pulsar design has aged very well over these years. While its competitors feel the need to constantly evolve and revise their aesthetics, the Pulsar continues to enjoy enviable popularity among young and middle-aged customers alike. We expect the new 180 variant to do better than its outgoing faired sibling in terms of monthly sales volumes. More