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    Triton EV Plans To Launch Electric Car In India This Year – To Rival Tesla

    Triton Electric Car Sketch
    With growing interest in electric cars in India, a number of products have been launched in recent times

    After Tata Nexon EV, Tigor EV, Hyundai Kona, and MG ZS EV, world’s leading EV manufacturer Tesla has also set up its office in India. We are also witnessing a number of startups in this space, who are currently working on their respective prototypes.
    Triton-EV N4
    The newest entrant is American company Triton-EV that has announced plans to launch its first product in the Indian market. Named N4, the electric sedan will be rivalling Tesla Model 3 in the Indian market. However, N4 will be a lot cheaper at a starting price of Rs 35 lakh.
    In comparison, Tesla Model 3 is expected to be launched in India at around Rs 50 lakh. Pre-bookings for Triton-EV N4 sedan are currently open at the company’s website.
    From a visual perspective, Triton-EV N4 looks futuristic with its aerodynamic, fluid design. Some of the key features include sleek headlamps with DRLs, blacked-out grille with Triton logo, sporty red accents on the front bumper, sculpted bonnet, edgy rear tail lamps and stylish rear bumper. However, the car’s design is currently in development phase. So, production variant could be different from what we can see right now.
    Triton Electric Car Sketch
    On the inside, N4 will pack in a fully digital instrument console that seamlessly connects to the wide touchscreen infotainment system. The sedan will offer all the luxuries and comforts that one can expect from a premium electric car.
    Other key features include a panoramic sunroof that will have integrated solar panel. The power generated from the solar panel can be used for on-board systems and for charging the battery.
    Triton-EV N4 powertrain
    Customers will have the option to choose a 75Kwh or 100 Kwh battery pack, with range of 523 km and 696 km, respectively. The car will support fast charging, allowing zero to 80% charge in around one hour.
    Triton Electric Car Sketch
    Triton-EV N4 will be produced in USA and there will be a total of four variants on offer. A high-performance GT edition will also be launched, which will be limited to just 100 units.
    For the Indian market, the company is looking to collaborate with Bharat Electronics Ltd. If the deal goes through, the two companies can work together to develop electronic systems and batteries for N4 and other EVs planned for the Indian market.
    It is to note that Triton EV is a subsidiary of New Jersey based Triton Solar, a leading player in solar panels, battery technology and portable lighting. The company caters to renewable energy requirements of both households and enterprises. More

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    Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS Modified Into Modern Retro Cafe Racer

    Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS Modified by IRONic
    This modified Pulsar 200 NS gives an impression of being a fighter jet on wheels

    Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is undoubtedly one the most one of the better looking bikes in its class. The naked streetfighter is definitely one of the strongest performers in the 200cc category with a powerful engine as well as features that enhance the riding experience. It is also a fan favourite when it comes to aftermarket customisation.
    An aggressive front end complemented by a muscular fuel tank and sharp extensions make it a hot favourite in the aftermarket industry. While there have been cases previously where a Pulsar 200NS has been modified into something tasteful, the latest example of a customised NS200 will surely blow everyone’s minds.
    Updated Design
    Hyderabad based IRONic has his stock Pulsar NS200 modified into a modern retro cafe racer. It is clearly evident that IRONic has put in a lot of effort and time to get this bike customised.
    In his own words, the project took a total of two and half years to complete, however, majority of the work was carried after the country went into a complete lockdown in March last year after the outbreak of novel coronavirus.
    Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS Modified by IRONic
    At first glance, the bike seems to have taken inspiration from a fighter jet streamlined front fairing which seamlessly integrates a small, circular headlamp. Fairing of the front end smoothly meets the sculpted fuel tank.
    Tons of chrome has been used for the front fairing, front forks, rear seat cowl, exhaust pipe and underbelly casing for the radiator engine. The images suggest that wheelbase of the bike might also have been increased by tweaking the front suspension unit slightly in order to compensate for the lowered front end of the bike.
    Another notable highlight is the wheel covers in a stunning dark maroon colour which pays homage to a 1947 Cadillac built and restored by IRONic’s father. The designer has given attention to little details, for starters, winged heel guards on the footpegs, a custom-made side stand, drilled out sprocket cover, a small taillight, an analogue speedometer and lastly an analogue fuel indicator neatly tucked in to the end of the fuel tank.
    Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS Modified by IRONic
    Mechanical Configurations
    Mechanically, improvements have been made to its powertrain with the addition of a pod filter on the intake. Pulsar NS200 is powered by a 199.5cc BS6 compliant single-cylinder engine which develops a power of 24.13 bhp and 18.5 Nm of peak torque. This unit is offered with a six-speed gearbox. Suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at front and a preload adjustable mono-shock at rear.
    Stopping power comes from Bybre calipers along with a 280mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc brake assisted by dual-channel ABS. It rivals the likes of TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Honda Hornet 2.0.

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    Ford Makes $29 Billion Commitment to Electric and Self-Driving Cars

    Ford announced a $29 billion investment in EVs and autonomous vehicles through 2025.
    In the future, the majority of Ford vehicles will be electric, while traditional gasoline powertrains will be augmented with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
    Ford is joining GM and others in heavily investing in electric and autonomous vehicles to compete with Tesla.
    Ford announced during its fourth-quarter earnings report that it will invest $22 billion in electric vehicles and $7 billion in autonomous vehicles through 2025. The electric-vehicle stake is an increase over the $10 billion already pledged to help Ford compete in the race to bring electric vehicles into the mainstream.

    2023 Ford F-150 EV Aiming for Big Power, Low Costs

    Tested: 2021 Mustang Mach-E Lives up to the Hype

    An All-Electric Ford F-150 Pickup Truck Is Coming

    In part, Ford may be throwing the money down to compete with GM’s bigelectrification goals, but it stopped short of announcing exactly when, or if, it will transition to an all-electric passenger-vehicle fleet as General Motors has pledged to do. What it has announced is that a majority of its vehicles will be EVs, with some of its offerings having hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

    GM Sets Goal to Stop Making Gas Vehicles by 2035

    GM announced last week that it will aspire to eliminate all gas and diesel light-duty vehicles by 2035. GM said it plans to invest $27 billion in electric and autonomous vehicles by 2025. GM, Ford, and others that have made similar investments and pledges to electrify their fleets are competing with Tesla which has a huge head start in the EV world. The EV-only automaker boasts the top-selling electric vehicles with ranges that still dwarf offerings from any traditional OEM.
    While Ford is working on its own vehicles, it has also invested $500 million in EV startup Rivian. In 2019, the two companies announced a plan to build a Ford vehicle using the startup’s platform. However, in 2020, a planned electric Lincoln built with Rivian technology was canceled, due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    During its announcement, Ford also reminded us that the electric version of its cash cow, the F-150, is slated to go into production in mid-2022.
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    The Best and Fastest Track Cars for Less Than $35,000: Window Shop with Car and Driver

    This week, we revealed the results of our annual Lightning Lap track event, which puts the hottest new vehicles of the day through the stress test that is Virginia International Raceway (VIR). This got the Window Shop crew thinking: For $35K, which used car would get us around VIR the quickest today? Ideally, we’d want to find something that could turn a lap in under 3:04.0, the current Lightning Lap record for sub-$35,000 vehicles, set by a 2016 Camaro V-6 1LE.
    Contributor John Pearley Huffman, who was a little under the weather this week and not his shouty self, selected a 464-hp hellion: a primo Cadillac ATS-V sedan. Pearley actually found two ATS-Vs, but the second one looks like someone applied Rhino Lining to its exterior. We tried to convince him that this isn’t show worthy, but you’ll get to see it anyway.
    Testing director Dave VanderWerp, who hasn’t been on the show in months, put forth a high-mileage 2014 Camaro Z/28 that sent our jaws to the floor. Two of us picked Chevrolet Corvettes because when you want to go fast on a track on a budget, the answer is pretty much always Corvette.
    The sole non-GM choice came from contributor Jonathon Ramsey. His 2013 BMW M6 features a 560-hp twin-turbo V-8, and depreciation that has brought the once six-figure price down to $35,000.
    If you’ve watched before, you’ll know that we regularly spend a lot of time obsessing over random details, such as what kind of tires the owner put on the car. This week is no different. Expect a lot of tire talk. So much tire talk. You’ve been warned.
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    Top 20 Scooter Exports Apr 20 To Jan 21 – Navi, Ntorq, Activa, Fascino, Pleasure

    Image – SVM Cars And Bikes
    Honda Navi was the most exported scooter from India during the said period

    Expected fallout of Covid-19 pandemic is clearly evident on scooter exports that have declined significantly during the period April to December 2020. Among the top 10 most exported scooters, only four have registered positive YoY growth. Overall, only 7 out of 29 scooters have positive YoY growth.
    Navi, Ntorq and Dio lead
    Most exported scooter during April – December 2020 was Honda Navi with 34,134 units. YoY exports are up by 39%, as compared to 24,612 units exported in the corresponding period in 2019. Navi is no longer offered in the domestic market and is manufactured in India only for export purposes.
    It had generated significant interest at the time of its unveiling at 2016 AutoExpo, but sales turned out to be below expectations. It is possible that Honda may introduce Navi in 125 cc variant, as a patent for the same has been filed in India.
    At number two is TVS Ntorq with 20,879 units exported in April – December 2020. That’s YoY decline of -20%, as compared to 26,181 units exported in April-December 2019. In the domestic market, Ntorq is a popular choice that has consistently featured in the top ten list of bestselling scooters in the country.
    Top Scooter Exported April 2020 to Jan 2021
    Honda Dio takes the third spot with 20,537 units exported in April – December 2020. The scooter has lost a significant chunk of its exports with YoY de-growth of -78%. Exports during the corresponding period in 2019 were 91,494 units. Dio is a popular scooter in domestic market as well and has consistently ranked in the top ten.
    At number four is Yamaha Ray with 20,168 units exported in April – December 2020. Ray has YoY-de-growth of -48%, as compared to 39,076 units exported in Apr-Dec 2019. In the domestic market, Yamaha Ray is one of the preferred options in 125cc scooter segment.
    Next is Suzuki Burgman with 6,327 units exported in April – December 2020. YoY exports have declined -44%, as compared to 11,224 units exported in the corresponding period in 2019. In the domestic market, Burgman will soon be launched in electric format. It will be a premium product that will compete with the likes of Bajaj Chetak and Ather scooter.
    No
    Top Scooter Exports
    Apr 20 – Jan 21
    Apr 19 – Jan 20
    1
    Honda Navi
    34,134
    24,612
    2
    TVS Ntorq
    20,879
    26,181
    3
    Honda Dio
    20,537
    91,494
    4
    Yamaha Ray
    20,168
    39,076
    5
    Suzuki Burgman
    6,327
    11,224
    6
    Honda Grazia
    5,561
    21,952
    7
    Piaggio Typhoon R50
    4,881
    5,100
    8
    Piaggio SR50MT
    4,810
    3,968
    9
    Yamaha Fascino
    4,611
    3,899
    10
    Hero Duet
    4,368
    1,126
    11
    TVS Wego
    2,689
    14,560
    12
    Honda Activa
    2,653
    4,380
    13
    Vespa 150
    2,146
    1,308
    14
    Hero Destini
    1,913
    2,996
    15
    Hero Maestro
    1,911
    4,530
    16
    Aprilia SR150
    1,616
    2,929
    17
    Hero Pleasure
    1,514
    4,214
    18
    TVS Jupiter
    1,494
    1,366
    19
    Suzuki Lets
    1,410
    5,667
    20
    Aprilia SR125
    1,390
    2,872
    21
    Yamaha Alpha
    1,362
    2,096
    22
    Honda Aviator
    1,280
    4,880
    23
    Vespa 125
    1,140
    2,071
    24
    Suzuki Access
    525
    1,129
    25
    Aprilia SR160
    244
    4
    26
    Mahindra Gusto
    44
    344
    27
    TVS Pep+
    0
    2,296
    28
    TVS Zest
    0
    4

    Total
    1,49,607
    2,86,278
    Hero Duet makes impressive gains
    In the top ten, Hero Duet has registered maximum YoY growth in percentage terms. Exports are up from 1,126 units in Apr-Dec 2019 to 4,368 units in Apr-Dec 2020, which is an increase of 288%. Other scooters in top ten include Honda Grazia (5,561 units), Piaggio Typhoon R50 (4,881), Piaggio SR50MT (4,810), and Yamaha Fascino (4,611). Among these, Grazia and Typhoon R50 have negative YoY growth of -75% and -4%, respectively.
    In percentage terms, the max gainer in April – December 2020 is Piaggio Aprilia SR160. Exports are up from 4 units to 244 units, which is YoY gain of 6000%. More

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    Benelli Imperiale Price Cut By Rs 10k – Thanks To Increased Localization

    Benelli Imperiale 400
    Benelli Imperiale 400 competes with the likes of Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa and Jawa Forty Two and Honda H’ness CB350

    Benelli Imperiale 400 is on display at the company’s 37th exclusive showroom under the dealership of Saraswati Automobiles. Benelli and Adishwar Auto Ride India Mahavir Group, located at Asmi Square, Siliguri, West Bengal. The company has announced a new pricing at Rs.1.89 lakhs.
    Bookings have opened at Rs.6,000 at the Siliguri showroom and orders can also be placed via the company’s website. Even as the Benelli was launched last year with a price tag of Rs.1.99 lakhs, this lower and attractive price tag has been made possible on account of increased localized content and the strengthening of the Rupee against the Dollar.
    New Price New Rivals
    Benelli Imperiale 400 competes with the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa and Jawa Forty Two and the Honda H’ness CB350 in its segment. This cruiser bike gets three colour options of black, red and silver.
    It sports a round headlamp with chrome casing, chrome finished turn indicators and chrome accents on its tail lamp. It is built on a steel double cradle frame and shows off a peanut shaped fuel tank while seating is in a split design. The Siliguri showrooms also stocks the company merchandise and accessories.
    Benelli Dealership in Vellore
    Benelli Imperiale 400 also comes in with a two year unlimited kms warranty. This can be extended to a further two years while Benelli also offers 24×7 road side assistance as a part of its after sales service.
    Benelli Imperiale 400 Engine Lineup
    The 2021 Benelli Imperiale 400 gets its power via a 364cc, fuel injected, single cylinder, air cooled engine that offers 21 hp power at 6,000 rpm and 29 Nm torque at 3,500 rpm. The engine gets mated to a 5 speed gearbox.
    Suspension is handled by 41mm telescopic fork in the front and pre-load adjustable twin shock absorbers at the rear. Braking is via 300mm disc brake in the front and 240mm brake at the rear with dual channel ABS.
    Benelli Upcoming Launches
    Benelli currently has only 2 bikes in its portfolio in India. Benelli Imperiale 400 BS 6 which was introduced in India in 2020 while on 29th January 2021 the Benelli TRK 502 was launched at Rs.4.80 lakhs. Other model launches were delayed due to the pandemic last year and now Benelli is planning several new launches in the country.
    These will include Benelli TRK 502X with launch in March 21, while later this year the company will bring in the Benelli Leoncino 500, Benelli 302S Tourer, Benelli 302R Super sport, Benelli Leoncino 250 and the Benelli TNT 600i. More

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    TVS iQube Electric Scooter Arrives In Delhi Before Bajaj Chetak – Ather 450x Rival

    Image for reference. Credit – PRN Motors, Bangalore.
    Bajaj Chetak electric scooter is only on sale in Pune and Bangalore as of now

    After almost a year of launching its first electric scooter iQube in Bengaluru, TVS has launched iQube in Delhi. The electric scooter is priced cheaper in Delhi at Rs 1.08 lakh, as compared to Rs 1.15 lakh in Bengaluru. Customers can book their iQube online for Rs 5k.
    Cheaper pricing in Delhi is likely due to concessions for electric vehicles announced by Delhi government such as waiver of registration charges and road tax. Delhi is among the most polluted cities and the government is doing everything it can to promote use of electric vehicles.
    TVS iQube design and features
    TVS iQube features a trendy design, as is evident in dual tone front fascia, crystal-clear LED headlamp, rectangular turn indicators, body coloured rear view mirrors, sculpted side panels, contrast stitching on the seat, and all LED tail lamps. The entire body panelling has smooth curves, which makes it quite pleasing to the eyes.
    In terms of convenience, iQube offers ample storage space under the seat. A helmet can easily fit inside with room to spare for other things. A USB charging port with lights is also located in the under seat storage compartment.
    TVS iQube electric Delhi Launch
    TVS iQube has been equipped with SmartXonnect intuitive connectivity platform powered by integrated Bluetooth. When paired with TVS iQube app, users can access a range of features such as navigation assist, remote charge status, geofencing, and incoming call alerts. Users can also see a range of stats about their rides and scooter such as top speed, total distance, average speed, battery status, etc.
    TVS iQube powertrain
    Powering TVS iQube is a 4.4kW hub-mounted motor, connected to a 3 Li-ion battery pack. The battery is wrapped in high strength aluminium, making it resistant to dust and water. Battery warranty is for 3 years / 50k km. Talking about range, iQube can travel 75 km in eco mode. Range will be less when Power Mode is engaged. iQube has top speed of 78 kmph and it can reach 0 to 40 kmph in 4.2 seconds.
    TVS iQube competes with other premium electric scooters such as Ather 450X and Bajaj Chetak. Ather has been launched in Delhi, but deliveries are yet to start. Bookings for Ather in Delhi are now open via online payment. Bajaj has plans to launch Chetak in Delhi in coming months.
    In the future, iQube will also take on upcoming Suzuki Burgman Street Electric. As of now, iQube trails behind 450X and Chetak in terms of sale volumes. Things could improve in the future, as iQube is made available in more cities. Ather and Bajaj are also working to expand operational base for their electric scooters. So, competition is likely to intensify in this segment in the coming years. More

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    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa Appears On Official Website – Ahead Of Debut Today

    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa
    Upon its launch, the new Suzuki Hayabusa will compete against its Japanese rival Kawasaki Ninja H2

    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa has not been the best kept secret. From the time its first teaser was revealed a few days ago, there have been constant number of leaks on the internet. From the full hi-res promotional TVC video leak, to now the motorcycle making its appearance on Suzuki Motorcycle Australia’s official website – and all this ahead of its global debut later today.
    Suzuki Motorcycle Australia has now removed the photo from their official website, but not before it was shared on the internet. Hat tip to Siddharth for sharing the update with us before it was removed.
    The latest iteration of the super sports tourer will come with a host of updates over the outgoing model which has been discontinued in international markets since 2019. This includes cosmetics, features as well as mechanical updates.
    Design & Features on offer
    For starters, the 2021 Hayabusa flaunts a new styling with sharper edges although it still maintains design lines of its previous-gen model. Changes have been incorporated to its front fascia which looks more aggressive, thanks to the concise fairing adopted.
    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa listed on official website
    It also gets an updated tail section while the twin exhausts are chrome-plated and are much sleeker and longer now. Although, the bike continues to get bulbous proportions which are synonymous with Hayabusa.
    It is offered with a newly designed LED headlight, a new fuel tank, and a more aerodynamic front fascia. Speaking of its hardware, it is built on the same twin-spar type aluminum frame assisted by the latest Kayaba suspension setup. The promotional video showed that the new Hayabusa could clock a speed as much as 180 mph (290 kmph) as indicated on its analogue speedometer along with a TFT screen on its instrument panel.
    The 2021 Hayabusa will come equipped with an array of electronic aids to complement the riding experience. This includes IMU-based features such as Hill Start Assist, ABS cornering package, traction control, quick shifter multiple riding modes, wheelie control and more.
    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa listed on company’s Australia website
    Engine Specs
    Coming to its performance, the new Hayabusa will draw its energy from a larger 1440cc inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine instead of the older 1340cc unit. This unit is expected to push out power as high as 200 bhp and is expected to be paired with either a six-speed manual or DCT gearbox. More significantly, this unit now complies with the stricter Euro-5 emission norms which has been achieved with the addition of a new intake, a catalytic converter and an exhaust system to Hayabusa.
    Prospective India Arrival
    As far as its arrival in India is concerned, there has been no confirmation from Suzuki about the same. However, with the rise in larger and more powerful motorcycle offerings in India in recent past, Suzuki might actually launch it in India at some stage. At one point, Hayabusa was the most expensive locally assembled bike in India. Whether it will be offered as a CBU or a CKD product can only be told in time to come. More