News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 113 Shares99 Views

      in Bike

      KTM Plans To Launch GasGas Enduro Motorcycles In India

      by

      GasGas EC250F
      With is new street-legal lineup, KTM’s subsidiary would be aiming to cater to India’s under served off-road motorcycle segment

      Riding on a strong global sales performance in the recent years, KTM went on an acquisition spree in a bid to consolidate its position as Europe’s largest motorcycle brand. After bringing the Swedish Husqvarna brand into its umbrella and successfully widening its scope, the Austrian brand went ahead and acquired Spanish off-road specialist GasGas in 2019. We have learnt that KTM is gearing up to introduce GasGas in India later this year.
      GasGas enduro motorcycle coming to India
      GasGas specializes primarily in medium displacement and pure electric off-road motorcycles but with access to KTM’s well established road-legal platforms, the brand is preparing to foray into new volume-rich segments. International media reports speculate that GasGas is currently working on as many as 3 street motorcycles which are mostly likely to adopt enduro and/or adventure tourer body styles.
      While two of them are expected to be based on KTM’s 790 Duke platform, the entry level model is most likely to be a 250 cc model based on India-made Duke’s platform. So, we believe this quarter liter enduro is going to be the first GasGas to be introduced in our market.
      While the critical components of this platform are already heavily localized in India, some parts including the bodywork are likely to be imported. We expect the GasGas to have a relatively low volume run compared to its KTM and Husqvarna siblings.
      GasGas EC250F
      GasGas 250 motorcycle
      GasGas already has a 250 cc hardcore, track-focused off-roader in its international portfolio in the form of EC250F which retails at 9,700 euros (over INR 8.5 lakh) but we don’t it is a viable product for India. The brand’s new range of street motorcycles are still under wraps and India is likely to be the launch market for one of them.
      The enduro segment in India is heavily under served as of now. The Hero Impulse 200 is the closest one could get to a compact displacement enduro motorcycle in India but it still not serious enough to appeal to hardcore off-road enthusiasts.
      The upcoming GasGas motorcycle based on KTM platform would be aiming to address this niche. With WP suspension setup, high ground clearance, off-road tyres, spoke wheels and lightweight body, the motorcycle is expected to have an entirely different character compared to its platform-mates.
      Launch timeline
      If things progress as per schedule, the new street-legal GasGas enduro motorcycle should be launched in India sometime later this year. In fact the imported kits for the motorcycle have already reached India. GasGas products will be retailed through well established KTM dealership network in the country. We expect the pricing to be on the premium end and dearer than the existing KTM 250 products. More

    • 113 Shares99 Views

      in Bike

      New BattRE Electric Scooter Plant To Help Double Production

      by

      Battre Electric Scooter
      BattRE currently has dealerships in cities such as Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat and UP

      The advent of new technologies in the electric vehicle (EV) segment has given birth to new EV startups looking to change the mould of Indian automotive industry. Several small startups especially in the two-wheeler EV segment have come up in the country in recent years knowing that future mobility highly depends on electrical energy.
      Small-scale startups have further been encouraged by several benefits provided under the Central EV policy and various state EV policies which facilitate manufacturers to upscale their operations and help them reach a wider consumer base. Similar is the case with Jaipur-based EV startup BattRE.
      New Factory
      The company will soon start operations at its new manufacturing facility in Jaipur through which it expects to double the rate of its production. The current facility in Jaipur has a production capacity of 1,000 units per month.
      This new facility is expected to commence operations from June this year which would help the brand’s upcoming flurry of new electric motorcycle launches. The startup was built with the vision of providing sustainable mobility for short-distance commutes especially for daily travellers.
      Battre Electric Scooter
      It harps on its specialisation of building futuristic, minimal and confident commutes for urban environments and backed by internet and GPS connectivity. The company is the first to manufacture the country’s first LFP powered electric scooter with up to 42ah capacity and 110 km of single-charge and is capable of 2000 recharge cycles.
      First launched in June 2019, the brand now boasts of more than 120 dealerships and over 100 charging stations across the country. It currently retails fourBatt:RE ONE; Batt:Re LO:EV; Batt:RE IOT; Batt:RE gps:ie and Batt:RE E-Cycles. e-scooters and one electric bicycle model namely. On the occasion of this development, Nishchal Chaudhary, Founder of BattRE, said that the brand envisions building more efficient and powerful vehicles going forward.
      BattRE: IOT and GpSie
      BattRE’s flagship offering is its top of the line e-scooter offering IOT which is the manufacturer’s first internet-connected scooter. It was launched in January last year and is retailed at a price of Rs 79,990 (ex-showroom). The electric scooter is offered with features such as navigation assist, voice-enabled app, ride statistics, SOS alerts, anti-theft alarm and lock, call alerts, ride pattern-based AI suggestions and more.
      This was followed by BattRE GPSie which is a little lighter than IOT and priced at Rs 64,999 (ex-showroom). Like IOT, it also receives a bunch of connected features with App-based user interface. It gets an embedded sim card which is accessible through a smartphone app. The scooter draws its power from 250 watt BLDC hub motor which is paired to a 48V 24 Ah lithium-ion battery pack weighing just 12 kg. It offers a single-charge range of 65 km and can clock a top speed of only 25 kmph. More

    • 138 Shares149 Views

      in Bike

      Yamaha Fascino, RayZR Scooter Prices Increased By Up To Rs 3,000

      by

      Image – DashboardGuru
      Yamaha currently has only two scooter offerings in India, both in the 125cc category

      Yamaha Motor India has hiked prices for both its scooter offerings- Fascino and RayZR. Both scooters have witnessed a price hike in the range of Rs 2500 and Rs 3000. This is not the first time this year that Yamaha has increased the prices of its products.
      Earlier this year, the Japanese bikemaker incremented the price of YZF R15 V3.0 sports bike by Rs 1200 and is now offered at a starting price of Rs 1.49 lakh (ex-showroom). Other than the hike in prices, there have been no updates on any of the scooters whatsoever.
      Price Hike
      Starting With Fascino, the drum brake variants now start at Rs. 72,030 and go up to Rs 73,030, making it Rs 2,500 costlier than before. The disc brake variants are also Rs 2,500 dearer than before. Prices start at Rs 74,530 and go up to Rs 75,530.
      Coming to RayZR, the base drum brake will cost you Rs 73,330 while the disc brake variant costs Rs 76,330 making them more expensive by Rs 3,000 each. For the top-spec Ray ZR Street Rally, one has to shell out an extra Rs 3,000 as it has been pegged at a price of Rs. 77,330. All prices are ex-showroom.
      Yamaha Fascino and RayZR Prices – March 2021
      Yamaha has not released any official statement stating the reason behind the latest price hike. However, one can assume that the increase in prices is a result of an increase in input costs brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and the global slowdown in the economy. This significant hike in prices might not impact the brand’s sales of scooters in India. Almost every auto maker has plans to increase prices in the coming weeks.
      Specifications
      Mechanically, both scooters are identical as they feature the same powertrain and hardware setup. Suspension duties on both scooters are handled by telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock unit at rear.
      Both scooters are offered with drum brakes at front and rear ends along with a combined braking system for better handling on the roads as standard. There is also the option of a disc brake at front on both offerings.
      Yamaha Fascino and RayZR share the same 125cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine which pumps out 8.04 bhp at 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 9.7 Nm at 5,000 rpm. This unit is linked to a CVT automatic gearbox. Even though both scooters share identical mechanicals, they wear unique top hats. While Fascino is a more looking scooter meant for a mature riding audience, RayZR is a sportier looking scooter primarily meant for the younger audience. More

    • 125 Shares149 Views

      in Motor News

      Polydrops P17A Is an Off-the-Grid Trailer for EV Towing, Camping

      by

      Whether you’re heading out with a Tesla Model 3 or a heavy-duty pickup, the Polydrops P17A is a lightweight camper claimed to help you stay cozily off the grid for up to six days.
      Well, six days under certain circumstances, anyway. It all depends on the battery and solar configurations, as well as how long you run the all-electric HVAC system or the optional kitchenette appliances.
      The P17A starts at $24,990 but can get over $36,000 with the largest battery pack and other options.
      The Polydrops company’s story starts in 2017, when married couple Kyunghyun Lew and “J” Cha shifted away from architectural design and started working on a compact trailer prototype. Leveraging interest from electric-vehicle drivers and a year of increased demand due to the coronavirus, the pair came up with this off-grid, angular teardrop-style trailer meant to be towed by an EV.

      Polydrops

      Called the P17A, the space-capsule trailer features gullwing entry doors, solar panels on the roof and, just as in electric vehicles, batteries built into the floor that provide energy to the LED lights and appliances, which can include an air conditioner, heater, fridge, induction cooktop, and 110-volt outlet.
      This content is imported from Facebook. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

      While the P17A was designed with EV towing in mind, the company blog features pictures of all kinds of vehicles towing its lightweight camper, from a 1987 Chevy Corvette Z51 to a 2004 Toyota Prius, a 2011 Mini Cooper S Clubman R55 to a 1997 Mazda Miata.

      RV Maker Airstream Offsetting Emissions with Trees

      Camper Vans and Travel Trailers See Sales Spike

      Airstream Courts Remote Workers with Mobile Office

      The P17A starts at $24,990 and can be upgraded with a kitchenette module ($1850) and a built-in bluetooth speaker ($500). The base P17A comes with 260W solar panels and 2.4 kWh of LiFePO4 batteries, which can be charged from the solar panels or a 110-volt inlet charging port. The solar panels can be upgraded to 520W for $800, and the battery capacity can be expanded up to 12 kWh. A 4.8-kWh battery costs an extra $2000, while the full 12 kWh costs $8000. Polydrops claims that a full charge of the 12.0-kWh battery can “power all components including a 5000-BTU air conditioner, heater, fridge, induction cooktop for more than six nights.”
      But New Atlas reports that Polydrops calculates this six-day, off-grid experience by running the heater or air conditioner for three hours a day, the LED lights for four hours, the refrigerator for just 10 hours a day, and the Bluetooth speaker for seven hours.

      Polydrops

      The P17A uses a lightweight aluminum frame and an exterior with an anodized aluminum finish. The cozy baltic birch interior is large enough to fit a full-size mattress and a micro closet in the back. The kitchenette is accessible from inside the camper or from the outside when the rear access hatch is open. The kitchenette add-on includes an induction stovetop, a 20-liter fridge and a hand-pump sink with a 1.6-gallon fresh water tank. The exterior of the P17A measures 13 feet seven inches long, six feet wide, and five feet three inches tall, and the trailer weighs 1200 pounds. Polydrops designs and manufactures its trailers in California.
      To see how efficient an EV could be with a P17A attached to the rear, check out Polydrops company’s posted results from a series of EV towing tests using a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range with stock 18-inch wheels.

      This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

      This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Motor News

      Watch 637-HP Audi RS e-tron GT Rush to 159 MPH on the Autobahn

      by

      This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

      Audi’s freshly revealed RS e-tron GT has style, tech, and loads of power. From what we’ve seen of it so far, it looks like one hell of a solid luxury EV package. Unsurprising, since it’s based on the impressive Porsche Taycan. And just like its sibling, the Audi is one hell of a highway rocket.
      This video, from YouTube’s Automann-TV, shows the RS e-tron GT doing multiple speed runs on the German autobahn and looking right at home while doing so. The car tested is on winter tires and starts off with 95 percent charge. The tester keeps the e-tron in Dynamic mode for all runs.

      Audi’s 2022 RS e-tron GT Adds More Speed to the GT

      Hear the 2021 Audi e-tron GT Electric Sedan

      Inside the 2022 Audi e-tron GT’s Design Process

      In the first clip, the RS e-tron GT muscles its way down the autobahn to an indicated 256 km/h, or 159 mph. On its way there, it manages zero to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and zero to 124 mph in 10.5 seconds. During a midrange power test, it does 62 to 124 mph in 7.1 seconds. All impressive feats of acceleration, especially for a 5139-pound machine.
      Like most electric cars, the e-tron remains almost completely silent under hard acceleration. There’s just a mild amount of Jetsonian electric whirring sounds and a hint of wind noise.
      The RS e-tron GT is the high-performance version of Audi’s new electric grand tourer. It has a 235-hp electric motor in the front and a 450-hp motor in the rear. Combined, it’s capable of a constant 590 hp, or 637 hp when using launch control, pretty substantial increases over the base model’s 523 hp. Audi estimates the RS can travel 232 miles on a full charge, but I’d imagine that would require slightly calmer driving than what’s shown in the video above.

      This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

    • 138 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      Kawasaki Ninja 300 Arrives At Dealer Showroom – First Look Walkaround

      by

      2021 Kawasaki Ninja 300 BS6. Image – Vinod Nareshan
      The updated Kawasaki Ninja 300 will rival the likes of TVS Apache RR 310, Suzuki Gixxer SF250 and the upcoming KTM RC 390

      Ninja brand of motorcycles from Kawasaki holds a very special place in the hearts of all speed-loving biking enthusiasts from India. The updated Ninja 300 has started reaching dealerships across the country.
      In the latest pics, a dealership in India is shown formally revealing the latest iteration of baby Ninja. Its launch price has been set at Rs 3.18 lakh (ex-showroom) which is Rs 20,000 more than the previous BS4 model. On road Mumbai price is Rs 3.68 lakh.
      2021 Kawasaki Ninja 300 BS6
      Overall Styling
      The updates on the new Ninja are very limited, subtle and only limited to minute cosmetic variations. In terms of design, there is not much difference between the BS6 and BS4 models. Most design elements of the previous version of Ninja 300 have been carried forward to the recently launched iteration of the bike.
      This includes a twin-pod headlight cluster, a muscular fuel tank, split-style seats, aggressive split headlamps, a chrome heat shield on the muffler, upswept exhaust and front blinkers on the fairing. The unveiling at dealership and a short video walkaround of the new Kawasaki Ninja 300 can be seen below. Video is credit to Vinod Nareshan.
      [embedded content]
      Large ventilation holes on Ninja 300 are inspired by the brand’s flagship ZX-14R. It also gets three new colour options which give the motorcycle a fresh appeal. These are- Lime Green, Candy Lime Green and Ebony.
      The first one is our pick since it gets a white engine cowl on its underbelly with red accents which are definitely the highlight to watch out for in the new Ninja 300. The riding stature is as usual leaning forward and it sports a minimalist design at the tail section.
      Mechanical Specs
      Mechanically, the new Ninja 300 is every bit identical to its predecessor. It is built on a tube diamond steel frame which is suspended on 37 mm telescopic forks at front and a preload-adjustable mono-shock at rear.
      2021 Kawasaki Ninja 300 BS6
      Stopping duties are carried out by 290mm and 220mm petal disc brakes at front and rear with power delivered by dual-piston calipers on both ends. Safety net is provided by dual-channel ABS as standard. It retains the semi-digital instrument console.
      Coming to its powertrain, the faired race machine draws power from a BS6 compliant 296cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that could push out 38.4 bhp of power at 11,000 rpm and 27 Nm of peak torque at 10,000 rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch for quicker and smoother gear shifts. The same engine-gearbox combination is also likely to be offered in Versys X300 which is expected to be the Japanese bikemaker’s next big launch. More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Hyundai Kona Electric Owners Affected By Recall – Get Their Car Back After 2 Month Wait

      by

      Image – Akhil Krishnan
      The shift to electric is inevitable, but new challenges are emerging for EV makers

      A recent example is that of Hyundai Kona, which had to undergo a large-scale recall across the globe. The recall was extended to India last year, applicable for Kona units manufactured between the period April 2019 to October 2020. Hyundai had sold a total of 456 units during this period, all of which were covered under the voluntary recall notice.
      Kona battery issue
      Kona recall was carried out to check potential issues with the car’s high-voltage battery management system (BMS). Some users had reported that their Kona would stall after a warning on the MID that asks them to check electric vehicle system. In such cases, most owners had to get their Kona towed to the service centre.
      There were conflicting reports as well, wherein a user had said that the problem could be fixed by restarting the engine. However, even if true, such temporary solutions cannot be expected to be the norm for a premium EV like Kona.
      An expensive recall
      Customers in India have started getting back their Kona after spending several weeks at the workshop. It’s taking longer to patch up the EV, as the entire battery unit is being replaced by Hyundai. It’s not certain if all Kona units will have to undergo the same process, but a significant percentage will have to be updated in this manner.
      Hyundai Kona Electric delivered to owner after getting fixed
      Akhil Krishnan is one such owner, who recently got his Kona back after the fix said that Hyundai has replaced the entire battery unit. His Kona had to spend two and a half months at the service centre while it was being fixed.
      Globally, around 76,000 Kona units are covered under the recall. This will make this recall an expensive exercise for Hyundai. The company has said that it will carry out all the needed updates completely free of cost.
      Recalls are not only expensive, but they also impact customer trust and confidence in an adverse manner. EVs are supposed to make things easier for users, but if there are persistent issues, it may prevent people from switching to electric.
      Hyundai Kona Electric battery replacement
      Kona specs
      Hyundai Kona electric gets its power from a 39.2 kWh Lithium-ion Polymer battery pack. Power is send to a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) that generates 136 ps and 395 Nm of torque. Kona has ARAI certified range of 452 km, which is the highest in its class. The range varies based on the drive mode selected – Eco, Comfort and Sport. Kona can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 9.7 seconds.
      In terms of safety, Hyundai Kona offers six airbags, vehicle stability management, hill start assist control, electronic stability control, virtual engine sound system for pedestrian safety and ISOFIX child seat mounts. More

    • 175 Shares129 Views

      in Bike

      TVS Apache 200 Single ABS Variant Gets Ride Modes – Priced Rs 1k Higher

      by

      Image – The Bengal Rider
      Apache RTR range is among the bestselling performance oriented motorcycles in the country

      Aiming to provide more options to customers, TVS has introduced ride modes for Apache RTR200 4V single-channel ABS variant. Earlier, the ride modes were offered only with dual-channel ABS variant. The 2021 variant is available at a starting price of Rs 1.28 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). That’s Rs 1k more than the outgoing model.
      Ride modes
      New Apache RTR200 4V single-channel ABS gets ride modes of Urban, Rain and Sport. In all these modes, the motorcycle’s top speed and ABS are adjusted to ensure optimal performance in the specific environment.
      In Rain mode, ABS response is maximum whereas top speed is curtailed. Sport mode is the other extreme where top speed is maximum while ABS response is reduced. Urban mode is somewhere in the middle, in which both top speed and ABS response is limited. Apache RTR200 4V is powered by a 197.75 cc, oil cooled, Fi engine. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox with integrated multi-plate slipper clutch. Power and torque output vary based on the ride mode selected.
      In Sport mode, the motorcycle’s max power and torque output of 20.82 PS and 17.25 Nm is available for use. In Urban and Rain mode, power and torque is reduced to 17.32 PS / 16.51 Nm. Talking about top speed, users get 127 kmph in Sport and 105 kmph in Urban and Rain mode.
      TVS Apache 200
      Other updates
      In addition to the ride modes, Apache RTR 200 4V single-channel ABS variant gets adjustable levers and pre-load adjustable front suspension. For customers in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa & Puducherry, TVS is offering complimentary TVS XPOD Helmet for its entire RTR range.
      Features that will be the same as earlier include the aggressive LED headlamp with long range and enhanced visibility, race-inspired graphics with decals, aerodynamic claw mirrors, sculpted fuel tank and race-inspired seating profile.
      RTR 2004V is equipped with Bluetooth enabled SmartXConnect technology that allows users to access a range of features. When used with the SmartXConnect app, the system displays all the details of the ride such as total time, top speed, average speed, lean angle, etc. Users can access turn-by-turn navigation as well. SmartXConnect also has a crash alert system that automatically notifies the rider’s location to their emergency contacts in case of a crash.
      In terms of performance, RTR 2004V is equipped with first-in-segment Glide Through Technology. This comes handy when negotiating heavy traffic in an urban environment. Other equipment that are designed to boost performance include race-tuned slipper clutch, racing-spec radial tyre, split cradle chassis for optimal riding dynamics, and race-tuned double barrel exhaust. More