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    2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Redesigned with a Distinctive Look

    The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is redesigned with a distinctive exterior design and a nicer-looking interior.
    It now shares its platform and engine with the Nissan Rogue.
    The Outlander will go on sale in April with a starting price of $26,990.
    As Mitsubishi’s first new product in several years, the new 2022 Outlander compact SUV is significant in a few ways. Not only does it look far nicer than its predecessor inside and out, it also represents the first fruit of Mitsubishi and Nissan’s alliance that U.S. customers will see.
    The Outlander now shares a platform and engine with the Nissan Rogue. Its exterior design is entirely distinct, however, with an in-your-face front end that features a prominent grille, lots of chrome trim, and an interesting lighting arrangement that includes daytime running lights, headlights, and fog lights.

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    Mitsubishi

    Larger than before in most dimensions, the Outlander continues to reside on the large end of the compact-crossover segment and retains its standard third row of seats. The Volkswagen Tiguan is the only other car in this class that offers space for seven passengers, although we must say that the Outlander’s third row it doesn’t look particularly hospitable in photos.

    2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Arrives Early Next Year

    2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Will Debut February 16

    The standard powertrain is a 2.5-liter inline-four with 181 hp and 181 pound-feet of torque. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission. These engine specs are identical to the Rogue’s, although we expect the Outlander to be a bit heavier owing to its extra row of seats. This means it may be slower than the Rogue, which accelerated to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds in our testing. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. Mitsubishi has also said that a plug-in-hybrid version of the Outlander is coming later but it has not yet released details on that model.

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    Mitsubishi

    The interior materials look to be an improvement over the outgoing Outlander, which had one of the most plasticky and low-rent cabins in the segment. There are also some interesting colors and textures available, such as the orange trim shown in these photos. An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, with a 9.0-inch screen optional. The infotainment and optional digital gauge-cluster displays themselves use software lifted directly from the Nissan, with similar graphics.
    Other desirable options for higher trim levels include a head-up display, a power liftgate, all manner of driver-assistance features, leather seats, and 20-inch wheels.
    The 2022 Outlander starts at $26,990, or $900 more than the old Outlander and just a hair more expensive than the Rogue. We don’t yet have pricing for the Outlander’s higher trim levels or option packages. It will begin reaching U.S. dealerships in April.
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    2022 Hyundai Kona Looks Better, Adds Sporty N Line Model

    The Hyundai Kona and Kona Electric are getting new looks for the 2022 model year.
    The standard powertrain is still a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while a turbocharged 1.6-liter makes 195 horsepower and is available in a new N Line model.
    The 2022 Kona and Kona Electric will arrive in the spring.
    Hyundai is revamping the Kona subcompact crossover for the 2022 model year with bolder looks for both the gasoline-powered and electric models. A sporty N Line (pictured above) and even sportier N model will soon join the lineup as well to help make its performance models more mainstream. The new Konas will arrive in the spring, with the Kona N arriving by the end of the year.

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    2022 Hyundai Kona.
    Hyundai

    The new look features even more black cladding up front that’s mainly on the bumper, a larger honeycomb grille, thin light signatures, and streamlined headlights, giving the subcompact SUV a more aggressive and desirable face. In the rear, the body cladding is also accentuated, and the taillights are much thinner than on the previous model. Hyundai says the new Kona is 1.6 inches longer than the 2021 model. The N Line looks moderately sportier, with three vents above the grille and body-colored cladding, and it also has more aggressive 18-inch wheels compared with the standard 16- or 17-inchers. The Kona Electric (pictured below) previously had sporadic indents in place of the grille, but the 2022 model now has a simpler, smooth front end with refreshed headlights and a similar rear to the gas-powered Kona sans body cladding.

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    Hyundai Kona Electric
    Hyundai

    Kona SE and SEL models come equipped with the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder as before, making 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, available in the N Line and Limited models, makes 195 horsepower, 20 more than before, and it is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The even sportier Kona N will use a 275-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four found in the Veloster N. The Kona Electric is still estimated at 258 miles of range from a 64.0-kWh battery pack, although, in our test of a 2019 model, we achieved 160 miles.

    2022 Hyundai Kona Gets New Styling, N-Line Model

    Hyundai Kona N Confirmed for U.S., Specs Revealed

    At the center of the Kona’s new interior is a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen with a simplified dashboard layout and an available digital gauge cluster. A 10.3-inch touchscreen is available on the N Line and standard on the Limited model, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are standard. Second row legroom has increased slightly over the previous model, while cargo space behind the second row remains the same. Hyundai’s Blue Link application is still complimentary for three years, and on the Kona Electric, owners can schedule their desired charges.
    The 2022 Hyundai Kona, including the N Line, and Kona Electric, will arrive in showrooms in the spring. Pricing is expected to start just over $21,000 and reach close to $30,000 for the N Line. The Kona Electric will be a bit more expensive, starting just under $40,000.
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    2022 Infiniti QX55 Will Be Considerably More Expensive Than QX50

    The new 2022 Infiniti QX55 starts at $47,525 and will arrive in dealerships in April.
    All-wheel drive is standard, and three trims are available: Luxe ($47,525), Essential ($52,625), and Sensory ($58,075).
    The QX55 is a coupelike version of the squareback QX50 crossover, and it’s powered by a 268-hp variable-compression-turbo four-cylinder.
    Infiniti’s new QX55 fastback compact crossover, which is based on the squareback QX50, will arrive at dealerships in April. The coupelike SUV will start at $47,525 and will compete with the likes of the BMW X4 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-class coupe when it goes on sale in April, although both German SUVs start over $50,000.

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    Infiniti

    All QX55s come standard with a 268-hp variable-compression turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with all-wheel drive (the QX50 has the option of front- or all-wheel drive) as well as a set of 20-inch wheels and wireless Apple CarPlay capability. The base price is for the Luxe model, which comes equipped with a sunroof, heated front seats, aluminum interior trim, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, which was new on the 2021 QX50.

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    2022 Infiniti QX55 Debuts with Fastback Styling

    The mid-level Essential model starts at $52,625 and adds a navigation system, heated and cooled front seats, a 360-degree camera, and a 16-speaker Bose sound system. A ProASSIST package is also available on the QX55 Essential for $800, which includes LED headlights as well as safety features such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The top-of-the-line Sensory model includes a semi-aniline leather interior with wood trim and ambient lighting, and it starts at $58,075.
    The 2022 Infiniti QX55 will be at dealerships in April starting at $47,525 for the base Luxe model and topping out at $58,075 for the luxurious Sensory model. A new QX60 three-row SUV will arrive later in the year, Infiniti says, along with several other new products.
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    Hyundai Reveals Ioniq 5 Interior Ahead of February 23 Reveal

    Hyundai has released this interior shot of the all-new 2022 Ioniq 5, ahead of the new model’s February 23 unveiling.
    The photo reveals that the Ioniq 5 gets design inspiration from the 45 concept in both the interior and the exterior.
    The interior of the Ioniq 5 will be clean and without many buttons.
    Hyundai is set to reveal its first vehicle in the Ioniq subbrand, the Ioniq 5, on February 23. Ahead of that debut, the automaker has released an interior shot of the forthcoming electric vehicle. The Ioniq 5 is a hatchback-like mid-size crossover, as we’ve seen from earlier teasers of the exterior. Its appearance draws from the design of the 45 concept—and that look extends to the interior.

    2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Production EV Previewed

    Hyundai’s 45 Concept Previews Brand’s EV Future

    The overhead shot of the front seats and dash shows two screens, the instrument cluster and the infotainment screen, which sit on the same panel running from in front of the driver to the middle of the dash. Buttons are sparse; there is a cluster of physical controls below the infotainment screen, but not much beyond that.
    The Ioniq 5 will get a physical drive stalk to the right of a two-spoke steering wheel. That steering wheel looks similar to those in cars from Genesis, the Hyundai/Kia group’s luxury brand. Between the drivers, there is nothing more than two cupholders, an armrest, and storage. There will also be a flat floor between the drivers, much like in the 45 concept.

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    The Hyundai 45 Concept
    Hyundai

    The driver and front passenger seats come equipped with footrests so that the occupants can rest while the car is charging. Those seats, Hyundai says, are wrapped in sustainable fabrics sourced from products such as sugar cane, wool, and recycled PET plastic bottles. Hyundai says that the interior is both spacious and customizable, but we’ll have to wait until the reveal to learn how it can be customized.
    The Ioniq 5 will be revealed on February 23 at 2 a.m. Eastern time.
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    2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Evolves but Remains a Purist Sports Car

    The news with this newest 911 GT3 is a new front suspension setup featuring unequal-length control arms, rather than struts.
    Then there’s that wing. A more discreet Touring version will be offered without it, which will make considerably less downforce.
    Pricing has not been released, but it’s safe to say it will be comfortably above the most recent price of $145,650 when the GT3 goes on sale this fall.
    The Porsche 911 GT3 changes, but it mostly stays the same. Since the 996 generation launched the dynasty in 1999, the GT3 has remained true to its original form with a high-revving naturally aspirated flat-six, track-biased suspension, no back seat, and a commendable lack of fripperies and needless ornament. A new generation of Porsche’s most focused sports car doesn’t need to be different to earn enthusiasts’ attention and respect.

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    Yet the GT3 has also made some major leaps as it has evolved over the years. With the arrival of the fourth main iteration, the GT3 jumps to an unequal-length control-arm front suspension. That makes it the first roadgoing 911 to eschew struts in front. The new setup is heavily influenced by the suspension that Porsche pioneered in the 911 RSR race car in 2013. The arrangement improves camber stability, better maintaining the wheels’ negative-camber orientation and thus the shape of the tires’ contact patch through turns and as the suspension compresses and rebounds. Spring rates are more than double, but ride quality hasn’t diminished, per Porsche, thanks to new adaptive dampers that adjust valving in as few as 10 milliseconds. Also contributing to chassis performance is an increased number of ball joints in the suspension at front and rear. So much is different with the GT3’s suspension that not a single part is shared with the 911 Carrera.

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    Porsche

    The new car also hangs its rear wing from swan-neck pylons as seen in sports-car racing and on the McLaren Senna. A wing generates downforce when the air flowing across the underside moves faster than the air going over the top of the wing (the same as an airplane wing, only the orientation is upside down). With a conventionally mounted wing, the column-like pylons disrupt the airflow below the wing, creating pockets of slow-moving, turbulent air that detract from the downforce potential. Swan-neck pylons not only increase the underside of a wing’s surface area, but they are designed with an aerodynamic profile that minimizes the airflow disruption across the wing’s lower surface, increasing downforce.
    Porsche says that in its most aggressive aerodynamic setup, the new GT3 generates 150 percent more downforce than its predecessor. But to get in that setup, one must turn a wrench and manually set the rear wing and two front diffusers (located in front of each tire) to their raciest of four positions. A more discreet Touring version will also be offered without the wing, and it will make considerably less downforce. We don’t have a final weight figure, but Porsche says the new GT3 weighs almost exactly the same as its predecessor—which in svelte spec was 3262 pounds on our scales—but has a stiffer body shell.
    The GT3 continues to use a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter version of Porsche’s 9A1 flat-six. That means six independent throttle bodies and a 9000-rpm rev limiter, plus—we’re making an assumption here—a soundtrack that encourages its driver to push it to redline as often as possible. Peak output is 502 horsepower at 8400 rpm and 346 pound-feet of torque at a lofty 6250 rpm. Porsche does not expect this to be the last 911 with a naturally aspirated engine, but ultimately this decision isn’t up to them as it is ultimately in the hands of the regulators.

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    Porsche

    The standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission carries over from the prior GT3, saving 40 pounds compared to the eight-speed unit in other 992-generation 911s. It also replaces the 911’s nubby gear selector with a more conventional-looking lever that allows for manual gear selection (there are shift paddles as well). But if you plan to pick the gears yourself, it’ll be the optional six-speed manual that you really want. Performance is barely changed over the 2017 GT3: Porsche is claiming a 3.2-second zero-to-60-mph time for the PDK and a 3.7-second time with the stick. (We ran the old car through that benchmark 0.2 second quicker, manual or auto.) Top speed is 197 mph with the PDK and 198 mph with the manual. Reining in all that speed are brake rotors built for a feast. Rotors measuring 16.1 inches in diameter are fitted to the front axle whether you opt for the standard cast-iron set or the pricey carbon-ceramic set—a.k.a. PCCB—of stoppers.

    First Ride: 2022 911 GT3 Bucks the Trends

    Bigger differences should emerge on racetracks, where the new suspension and aero improvements will pay lap-time dividends. Porsche confirms the new GT3 lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in less than seven minutes. In fact, with a 6:59.927, it is less than a handful of hundredths below the hallowed mark. And if you’re well versed in ‘Ring lore, you’ll balk when we say this is faster than the 6:57 and 6:56 laps set by the 991.2 911 GT3 RS and 918 Spyder. Those lap times were set using the old benchmark that wasn’t an actual complete lap. Using the old standard, the new 992 GT3 turned a 6:55.2.
    To lap that quick, though, you’ll need the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2Rs, as Pilot Sport Cup 2s come standard on 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels.
    We can safely predict the GT3 will cost more than the $145,650 Porsche asked for the last version, and that there will be no shortage of willing buyers—and envious fans—when deliveries begin in the fall.
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    Ampere Electric To Setup EV Plant With 10 Lakh Capacity In Tamil Nadu

    Ampere Electric Dealer
    Ampere Electric announces Rs 700 crore investment over 10 years

    Ampere Electric has announced phased investment potential of Rs 700 crore over 10 years. The spending is earmarked for a world class e-mobility manufacturing plant in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Company and Government of Tamil Nadu, today. Greaves has already invested Rs 250-Cr in the acquisition of Ampere and ELE e3W . Since January 2019 the company has been scaling up ops.
    The proposed Ranipet manufacturing plant is spread over 1.4 million square feet. Once built, it will be one of the largest e-mobility manufacturing plants in India. Manufacturing potential is set at 1,00,000 units in its first year of operation, upto a potential to scale to 10 lakh units per annum.
    Ampere Electric manufacturing facility
    To be operational by 2021, it brings employment opportunities to the locality, and is being built on Industry 4.0, principles with advanced automation processes for superior manufacturing capabilities.
    Further growth is anticipated on the back of 35 percent growth in Ampere sales volumes for Q3 FY21. This despite business circumstances owing to Covid pandemic. Currently the manufacturer boats of a fast growing base of 500+ dealerships, 75000+ customer base and 50+ B2B buyers.
    Ampere Electric 3 Wheeler
    Electric vehicle market in India
    Nagesh Basavanhalli, Group CEO & MD, Greaves Cotton Limited, said, “This is a historic milestone for Greaves Cotton, as we outline our investment to transform the clean mobility landscape in India. This plant is dedicated to the State of Tamil Nadu and our Nation. This move aligns with our mission of decarbonising last mile transportation for a cleaner planet and uninterrupted mobility.”
    Roy Kurian, COO, E-Mobility Business (2W & 3W), Ampere Electric, said, “We have strengthened our leadership position in e-mobility segment and getting ready to cater to the growing demand of customers, channel partners, both in B2B and B2C segments. The manufacturing facility in Ranipet will help us expand our offerings to an ever increasing customer base not just in India but also in other parts of the world.”
    While the electric vehicle segment in India is still fledgeling one, the e-scooter industry is expanding rather quickly. With each passing month, new manufacturers enter the fray in a quest for a small share of the small market.
    With longterm expansion plans, experience and ability to grow, market dynamics will soon make place for big time winners in the EV segment. And that will create an all new marketplace that gives electric vehicles a fighting chance in the future. More

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    Honda CB350RS Road Sailing 350cc Motorcycle Launch Price Rs 1.96 Lakhs

    2021 Honda CB350RS
    Aiming to add more options in 350cc segment, Honda has launched CB350RS Cafe Racer in India – RS stands for Road Sailing

    With its sporty profile, Honda CB350RS will appeal to the young generation and folks looking for quick sprints across city streets. The motorcycle can also add a lot more agility and power to everyday commutes. Price of Honda CB350RS starts from Rs 1.96 lakhs, ex-sh. Two variants are on offer, one in monotone red colour and the other in yellow / black dual tone colour.
    Honda CB350RS design
    As compared to CB350 that makes liberal use of chrome elements, CB350RS has a largely blacked-out profile. This is evident in the front forks, front and rear fenders, rear shock absorber springs and exhaust canister. CB350RS is also sleeker, as compared to its roadster sibling.
    2021 Honda CB350RS
    Another key difference is the slightly aggressive riding stance. Other key features of CB350RS include round headlamp, misses out on clip-on handlebar, sculpted fuel tank, semi-digital instrument console, single-piece seat, and upswept exhaust. Both single-tone and dual-tone colour options are available for Honda CB350RS.
    Honda CB350RS powertrain
    CB350RS utilizes the same engine as that of HNess CB350. The 348cc air cooled, single cylinder engine is capable of generating 21 bhp of max power and 30 Nm of max torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
    2021 Honda CB350RS
    CB350RS borrows other hardware as well such as half duplex cradle with telescopic front forks and twin hydraulic rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by 310 mm disc at the front and 240 mm disc at the rear. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard.
    2021 Honda CB350RS
    Honda CB350RS features
    Talking about features, the list is largely the same as that of CB350. The cafe racer gets Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCS), Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), assist and slipper clutch, side stand with engine inhibitor, turn-by-turn navigation, hazard switch and engine start/stop switch. The instrument console displays a range of information such as gear position indicator, battery voltage meter, average mileage, real time mileage and distance to empty.
    Honda will be hopeful that CB350RS turns out to be just as successful as CB350 classic roadster. While CB350 may still be far behind its primary rival Royal Enfield Classic 350, its market response has been pretty decent. As may be recalled, CB350 recently achieved the 10k sales milestone. It is now the primary volume generator for Honda BigWing dealerships.
    2021 Honda CB350RS
    Together, CB350 and CB350RS can further boost sales numbers. Honda is continuously working to expand its BigWing dealerships, which will be a positive factor for these motorcycles. Royal Enfield may command 85% market share in this segment (200cc-350cc), but that doesn’t seem to make any difference to Honda’s ambitious plans. In the future, it is possible that Honda may introduce other new products in 350cc space such as a scrambler, special editions, etc. More

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    Ather 450 Electric Scooter Ownership Review After 1 Year Of Use

    Ather 450 Electric Scooter. Credit – Lazy Lion
    Ather 450 e-scooter receives 4G SIM card, Bluetooth connectivity and a 7 inch touchscreen dashboard

    Ather Energy, makers of the 450 Plus and 450X electric scooters, recently inaugurated a new Ather Space showroom in Mumbai and Ahmedabad and have recently started operations at their new and larger facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. Considering its outstanding demand, company plans to expand reach of its electric scooter lineup to 20 cities by Q1 2021.
    The first scooters Ather launched were the S340 and S450, which were launched in June 2018. A few months down the line, Ather decided to remove the ‘S’ prefix, and what remained was the 340 and 450. In Sep 2019, Ather discontinued 340, and only had the 450 on sale. Early in Jan 2020, Ather launched 450x and 450 Plus – which are basically the same scooters, but come with advanced features and improved battery tech.
    Ather 450 Ownership Review After 1 Year
    Owner of Ather 450 electric scooter, Venky has shared his detailed ownership experience in a YouTube video by Lazy Lion. The owner details each feature with great gusto. For starters, Venky is excited to show off the reverse function and riding modes offered on his scooter which offer a range of 70 km to around 85 km.
    Ather electric scooter comes in with several rider comforts. It gets a touchscreen dashboard allowing the rider to make and manage phone calls and music. The 7 inch touchscreen comes in with colour depth of 16M with a Snapdragon 212 Quadcore processor with 1GB RAM and 8GB storage while a 4G SIM card and Bluetooth connectivity are also a part of its features. Take a look at the detailed video below.
    [embedded content]
    The dashboard offers OTA updates, navigation and range and sports features such as auto indicator off switch, guide-me-home lamps, side stand sensor and adaptive screen brightness adjustment. Tracking function is another highlight detailed in the video with live location and vehicle state tracking.
    The dashboard also has several settings in particular of  documents, wherein all necessary papers such as license and RC card can be stored. The charging socket is located at the front just under the left handle bar. It can be charged from 0-80 percent in about 3 hours.
    The owner says that this has been good enough for his use. He has been really satisfied with the scooter. Along with the subsidy of Rs 34k, Venky got his e-scooter for a price of Rs 1.04 lakh price. Price of Ather scooters are a lot more today.
    New Ather 450X
    Ather 450 is no longer on sale. What is now on sale are the Ather 450X and 450 Plus. They share the same specs. This includes a 2.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which is paired with an electric motor generating 6kW/28 Nm returning a single charge range of 116 km. The battery is IP 67 rated water resistant and dust proof and comes in with 3 year warranty.
    Ather Energy has introduced an Assured Buyback program for the Ather 450X. The company guarantees to buy back the 450X at Rs.85,000 at the end of 3 years. The company also offers a 5 year warranty and 5000 kms service interval with 3 free servicing. The 450X is offered in two variants of 450X and 450 Plus with prices at Rs.1.59 and Rs.1.39 lakhs respectively while both receive GST and FAME II subsidies. More