News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Motor News

      Lego's New Porsche 911 Set Gives You Targa and Turbo in One Box

      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.

      Some might say it’s a scheme to get you to buy two copies, but the way you can build and rebuild the new Porsche 911 Lego set into either Turbo or Targa versions could also be seen as bang for your buck.
      When built into Turbo mode, the model shows off its whale tail and black rims, while the Targa’s removable roof fits under the hood. Both models feature a flat-six boxer engine in back and a tan interior.
      The $150 set will go on sale March 1, but if you’re a Lego VIP, you can order early and get bonuses like four art prints.
      When shopping for an actual Porsche 911, the decision to go Turbo or Targa is likely made early in the process. With a new Lego set, though, you don’t need to decide right away, and you can always change your mind after you’re finished.

      Two-in-One Porsche 911 Set
      LEGO
      $149.99

      Based on the late ’70s and early ’80s 911s, the new Porsche 911 set is actually the eighth 911 model Lego has produced for sale. There have been Speed Champion and Technic versions, but this is the first one to be made at this scale and with this level of detail. That means it has a working steering wheel, and the doors, trunk, and hood all open up to reveal a rear-mounted flat-six boxer engine and the gorgeous tan interior with tilting front seats, a gear shifter and a hand brake.

      Lego.com

      While the base of the build is the same no matter which option you choose, at some point in the process you do have to decide between the fixed-roof Turbo with the classic spoiler or the open-top Targa. The differences include not just the obvious exterior changes, but also two sets of rims (black for the Turbo, and sliver for the Targa) as well as Turbo badging, a wider rear axle and a little Lego turbocharger and intercooler on the Turbo version. When you make the Targa, there’s a brick-built rear window and you can store the removable roof under the hood.

      Targa version of the Lego Porsche 911.
      Lego.com

      The new 911 set started as a side passion project for Lego designer Mike Psiaki, and he said in the promotional video shown above that Lego created a few new pieces were created for this model, including a new “triple bow” and a 5×5 quarter-circle that were both needed to get the 911’s iconic shape as accurate as possible in brick form.

      LEGO Speed Champions Porsche 911 RSR and 911 Turbo 3.0 75888 Building Kit (391 Pieces) (Discontinued by Manufacturer)
      LEGO amazon.com
      $76.99

      With eyes on the global market, Lego is including license plates tiles for three countries: U.S. (P51AK3), Germany (S-CU 6000) and Japan (Gunma 93 10-295). Psiaki gave away that there are Easter eggs in these plates, and the U.S. one is kind of easy. For the Japanese plate, the Kanji on the tile mean Gunma Prefecture, but they could also be read as a group of horses. All of the printed elements in this set are actually printed on the brick, so there’s no need to apply any stickers or worry about taking them off if you want to rebuild the kit into the Targa/Turbo version you didn’t build the first time around. It also means getting some cool printed Lego tiles with the Porsche logo on them, to add to your collection.

      Lego.com

      The $149.99 set comes with 1458 pieces and will be available March 1. The finished model measures 4.25 inches high, 6.3 inches wide, and 14.0 inches long. The on-sale date is February 16 for members of the Lego VIP program, which is free to join. If you get in early enough as a VIP, Lego will throw in a “limited-edition Lego Porsche owners pack” with your purchase. This pack includes “a certificate of ownership, an official Lego Porsche card wallet and a set of four unique art prints based on contemporary Porsche 911 adverts, all presented in a smart collector’s wallet.”

      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

    • 150 Shares149 Views

      in Motor News

      Ford to Add Google Maps, Voice Assistant to Its Vehicles in 2023

      by

      Today Ford and Google formed a partnership to use Google’s cloud platform and Android operating system in Fords and Lincolns beginning in 2023.
      The infotainment system will be Ford branded but will have native access to Google Maps, Google’s voice assistant, and the Google Play store.
      Google’s cloud platform will be used to help with supply chain management and training.
      The partnerships between automotive and tech powerhouses continue with Ford and Google announcing today that they will enter a new partnership called Team Upshift. Part of the deal is that in 2023, new Ford and Lincoln vehicles will have an infotainment system that uses the Android operating system. On the business side, Ford will also use Google’s cloud platform to help with manufacturing, train its artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning systems, and train Ford employees.

      How Does 2021 F-150’s Infotainment Measure Up?

      Android Auto No Longer Feels Half-Baked

      As part of the use of the Android operating system, starting in 2023 Fords and Lincolns will have be outfitted with an infotainment system that natively uses Google’s voice assistant, Google Maps, and will have access to the Google Play store to add additional applications to the vehicles. While the visible portion of the system will be a uniquely Ford and Lincoln experience according to the automaker, the Android operating system will be the underlying platform. In other words, it won’t look like the Android Automotive experience found in the Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40 Recharge.
      On the back end, Ford will make Google its preferred cloud partner to help facilitate the training of AI and machine learning to help streamline manufacturing and make it easier to send personalized notifications to customers. The Google Cloud system will also be used to push over-the-air updates to the vehicles outfitted with the Android operating system.
      Today’s news is part of a trend of automakers partnering with tech companies to help deal with processing issues around AI and over-the-air-updates. In January, GM and Microsoft announced a deal that would make Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform the automaker’s preferred platform service to help GM build its autonomous driving platform.
      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

    • 150 Shares109 Views

      in Bike

      Suzuki Sales Jan 2021 Post Growth – Access, Intruder, Gixxer Prices Increased

      by

      Image – The Sameer Vlogs
      Suzuki, like many other automakers, has increased prices of its products in India due to rise in production costs

      Suzuki Two wheelers reported wholesales at 57,004 units in January. Growth is reported at 1.77 percent, up from 56,013 units at volume gain of 991 units. MoM gain stood at 27.32 percent, up from 44,773 units at volume gain of 12,231 units. Exports were at 7,865 units in Jan 2021, as against 9,839 units in Jan 2020 – declining by 20%.
      Having started the year on a strong note at sales upward of 50k units, the company cements its position among the big 7 at 6th spot, beating Yamaha India to it. Suzuki’s two wheeler market here is important to the manufacturer from a global perspective as sales in India is among the highest in any international market.
      Suzuki Two Wheeler Sales Jan 2021
      Suzuki Motorcycle India has announced a price hike on all its motorcycles as well as on their best selling two wheeler – Access scooter. Price of Access scooter has been increased by Rs 186 for all variants, and now costs in the range of Rs 70,686 to Rs 78,786, ex-sh.
      Price hike in Gixxer range of motorcycles
      Starting with its entry-level sporty commuter motorcycle, Suzuki has increased prices of Gixxer and Gixxer SF by over Rs 2,000. The naked roadster is now offered at a price of Rs 1,16,700 while its fully-faired sibling is priced at Rs 1,27,200. Prior to the latest price hike, Gixxer and the Gixxer SF were offered at prices of Rs 1,14,687 and Rs 1,25,156 respectively.
      Suzuki Prices Feb 2021. SE = Special Edition
      Moving up the lineup, Suzuki has also scaled up the prices of its quarter-litre Gixxer offerings as well. After the latest price revision, Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF 550 are offered at respective prices of Rs 1,67,700 and Rs 1,78,400. In comparison, the motorcycles were pegged at Rs 1,65,627 and Rs 1,76,326 prior to the hike in prices. The MotoGP Edition of Gixxer SF 250 is now available at Rs 1,79,200 instead of Rs 1,77,127.
      Price Increase of Intruder
      Lastly, the Japanese automaker has also increased prices of its cruiser bike Intruder. The cruiser is now retailed at Rs 1,24,400 and as opposed to Rs 1,22,327 prior to this development. While, in terms of its specifications, it rivals the Bajaj Avenger 150 Street, however, its price puts it against Avenger 220 Cruise. Price hike of all Suzuki bikes has been in the range of Rs 2,013 to Rs 2,074.
      There have been no cosmetic or mechanical changes made to these models what-so-ever. The rise in prices could be attributed to an increase in input costs which has resulted in an increase in production costs. Many other manufacturers too have had to increase the prices of their models in the past month. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom.
      Specifications
      Suzuki Gixxer, Gixxer SF and Intruder are powered by a BS6 compliant 155cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, air-cooled engine. Paired with a five-speed gearbox, this unit churns out an output of 13.4 bhp and 13.8 Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, the quarter-litre Gixxer offerings are powered by a 249cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine which pushes out 26 bhp and 22.2 Nm of peak torque. This unit is linked to a 6-speed gearbox. More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      Ather 450x Electric Scooter Production Boost – Grand Ceremony At New Plant

      by

      Ather Electric Scooter Production At New Plant
      Ather Energy is planning to spread its presence to 40 cities by end of 2021

      Ather Energy, the manufacturers of the India’s fastest electric scooters – 450X and Ather 450 Plus, are in an expansion mode. While the electric scooter maker had earlier announced plans to spread its presence across 40 cities by the end of 2021, the company is also opening up experience centers in 25 new cities by the end of June 2021 and will also have 500 charging points by the end of this year.
      New Year, New Plant
      Earlier, Ather 450X and Ather 450 Plus were produced at a plant in Whitefield in Bengaluru in Karnataka, the company now shifts to a new plant in Hosur in Tamil Nadu. The two wheeler EV maker has signed an MoU with the Government of Tamil Nadu for a 4 lakh sq ft facility from where it will produce the Ather 450 and lithium-ion batteries.
      A pooja was conducted at the new plant with all the team members in attendance along with a lineup of the Ather 450X and 450 Plus scooters. This move comes at a time when both the State and Central Governments are pushing for electric two wheeler adoption with an updated FAME policy, lower GST and benefits on loans for electric vehicles.
      The Tamil Nadu EV policy also includes 100 percent exemption on electricity tax to EV industry till 31st Dec 2025 besides stamp duty exemption on land procured for such plants.
      Ather Energy Team At the New Plant In Hosur, Tamil Nadu.
      Ather Hosur Plant
      Tamil Nadu is an automobile manufacturing hub and the Ather unit in Hosur will be in close proximity to the company’s RD facility in Bengaluru and to the current and future supply base in the region. The new Ather plant in Hosur will also see the company ramp up production capacity. Ather Energy is looking to produce around 3,000 units per month from this new plant, which will later be expanded to 8,000 units by early 2022.
      Tarun Mehta, the co-founder of Ather Energy, stated that from their older Bengaluru plant production was at an average of 300 units per month. These lower numbers were primarily due to the fact that the 450X was available only in 2 cities initially of Bengaluru and Chennai.
      Now expansion of networks to new cities by the end of 2021 will see production increase correspondingly. The Hosur plant, besides producing the Ather range of electric scooters, will also produce batteries and the same plant will see the new Ather electric motorcycle being produced, though this is yet a few years away from launched.
      Ather Ahmedabad Experience Center Opens This Week – 6th Feb 2021
      Ather Grid Expansion Plans
      Along with shifting to a new plant in Hosur, Ather Energy is also expanding its Grid Charging Network. As on date the company has 39 charging stations in Bengaluru and 14 in Chennai and have plans to increase this count to 6,500 by 2023 across 30 cities in the country and the target is to have one charging station every 4 kms in the cities where it sells its models.
      Ather 450X and 450 Plus
      At the end of last year, the company discontinued the Ather 450 scooter and replaced it with the 450X, 450 Plus. Ather 450X and Ather 450 Plus are been built on the same platform, and come in with improved hardware and software. The E-scooters receive 4G SIM card, Bluetooth connectivity and a 7 inch touchscreen dashboard with colour depth of 16M and a Snapdragon Quad-Core processor.
      The Ather 450X is powered by a 2.6 kWh lithium ion battery pack with an electric motor generating 6 kW/28 Nm. It is capable of a range of 116 km on a single charge and is priced at Rs.1.59 lakhs. The Ather 450 Plus e-scooter is priced at Rs.1.39 lakhs. More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      Yamaha India Jan 2021 Sales Growth 53 Percent – R15, MT15, FZ, Fascino, Ray

      by

      Image – The Bengal Rider
      Yamaha India reports growth in wholesales at over 50 percent in January 2021

      Yamaha reports 53.57 percent growth in January 2021 sales. Two wheeler sales grew to 55,151 units compared to 35,913 units in January 2020. Volume gain stood at 19,238 units.
      Following the relaxation of a nationwide Covid-19 pandemic related lockdown, Yamaha Motor India finds itself gaining ground. Through the latter half of 2020, Yamaha has reported consistent growth. MoM growth is reported at 40.61 percent from 39,224 units at volume gain of 15,927 units.
      Yamaha India limited by low sales volume
      For Yamaha India, monthly sales of upward of 50k units is a positive shift. For long the brand has been relegated to being a low sales volume entity here. Even though Yamaha motor reported more than 50 percent growth last month, it still finds itself last on the list of big brand manufacturers when it comes to sales volume.
      Among the big 7, Yamaha has a lot of ground to cover. Together, the two wheeler industry appears to be in the green last month, only if just. For the bulk of it’s sales, Yamaha India depends on the FZ series, and its Ray and Fascino scooters.
      Yamaha India Sales Jan 2021
      Strong H2 2020 sales
      Having kickstarted 2021 on a positive notes sets the stage for the manufacturer to capitalize on its business goals in the new year. Focus on 2021 revolves around product promotion, customer reach and retail network strategies.
      Growth trends in recent months, namely between July and December 2020 offers momentum to retail and product strategies. A spring in their step sees the manufacturer set its goal to match positive records of the preceding months by a record sale.
      New Mobility Solutions
      Yamaha Motor India expects overall demand to grow in 2021 based on demand for personal mobility solutions. Yamaha Connect X app is Bluetooth enabled. Those in the market for a MT-15 can personalise colour choices. Online shopping is enhanced through the virtual store, and one can even browse over accessories and apparels on Amazon. All developments that the company says has been received well.
      The brand’s ‘Test Ride my Yamaha, campaign is tasked with offering a personalized riding experience to more and more potential customers. Yamaha prides itself for its range of new tech and safety features. They include Stop and start system; Smart motor generator (SMG); and Side stand engine cut-off switch. Newer outreach campaigns are in the offing. At present there’s not much to report on impending new launches from Yamaha India in 2021. More

    • 138 Shares99 Views

      in Bike

      Bajaj Jan 2021 Sales Report – Pulsar, Boxer, CT100, Platina, Dominar

      by

      Image – MRD Vlogs
      Bajaj Auto Limited reported an 8 per cent increase in total sales at 4,25,199 units in January 2021

      Bajaj Auto Limited, a leading two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturing company based in Pune, has reported an increase of 8 percent in total sales for January 2021. Sales stood at 4,25,199 units in the past month up from 3,94,473 units sold in Jan 20.
      In terms of two wheeler sales in domestic market, sales stood at 1,57,404 units in Jan 21, practically on par with sales of 1,57,796 sold in Jan 20. Models in the Pulsar, CT100 and Dominar range commanded the most demand while only three units of the Chetak electric scooter were dispatched to dealerships last month.
      Exports on the other hand were the highest ever. Exports increased 30 percent to 2,27,532 units, up from 1,74,546 units exported in Jan 20. Total sales in the two wheeler segment thereby increased 16 percent to 3,84,936 units in the past month, up from 3,32,342 units sold in the same month of the previous year.
      Bajaj Auto will pay special attention to its premium segment with the likes of the Avenger, Dominar, KTM and Husqvarna range. Bajaj Auto is working on the next generation Pulsar range, which will include the new Pulsar NS250 and Pulsar RS250 set to launch in the country sometime during 2021.
      Bajaj Sales Jan 2021
      Commercial Vehicle Sales
      Commercial vehicle sales on the other hand, noted a 35 percent de-growth in Jan 21 to 40,263 units, down from 62,131 in the year-ago month. De-growth was noted both in terms of domestic sales and exports which fell 62 percent and 1 percent to 13,353 units and 26,910 units respectively. This took total sales of Bajaj Auto Limited up 8 percent to 4,25,199 units in Jan 21 up from 3,94,473 units sold in Jan 20.
      Bajaj Auto YTD Sales
      Taking into account the April 2020 to Jan 2021 period, the first few months of which faced constraints of lockdown and slow down, saw Bajaj Auto post de-growth across two wheeler and commercial vehicle sales. Two wheeler domestic sales dipped 19 percent as did exports by 8 percent.
      In domestic market, sales dipped to 14,79,048 units, down from 18,33,060 units sold in the same 10 month period of the previous year. Exports fell 8 percent to 14,64,149 units, down from 15,93,310 units, thus taking total sales in this segment down 14 percent to 29,43,197 units from 34,26,370 units sold in the April to Jan 2020 period.
      Bajaj Sales Apr 2020 to Jan 2021
      Commercial vehicles faced a deeper de-growth on account of the precarious economic situation in the country. Domestic sales dipped 77 percent to 76,257 units in April to Jan 2021, down from 3,25,759 units sold in April to Jan 2020.
      Exports also suffered de-growth of 21 percent to 2,08,995 units, down from 2,65,595 units, thus taking total YTD commercial vehicle sales down 52 percent to 2,85,253 units, down from 5,91,354 units in the same period of the previous year.
      Total YTD two wheeler and commercial vehicle domestic sales and exports dipped 20 percent to 32,28,449 units in the April to Jan 2021 period down from 40,17,724 units sold during the months of April to Jan 2020. More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Bike

      Honda Motorcycle, Scooter Sales Jan 2021 – Activa, CB Shine, Dio, CB 350

      by

      Image – Ayush SSM
      Honda 2Wheelers India registered Double Digit growth in domestic markets in January 2021 – spurred by sales of the Activa Scooter

      Honda 2Wheelers India has released their sales figures for Jan 2021. It may be noted that sales in domestic markets have increased 11.39 percent but exports dipped 30.13 percent. Total domestic sales in the past month had stood at 4,16,716 units, up 42,602 units as against 3,74,114 units sold in Jan 20. Exports on the other hand fell 8,825 units down to 20,467 units in Jan 21 as compared to 29,292 units exported in the same month of the previous year.
      Honda 2Wheeler MoM Sales
      Taking into account month on month sales, Honda also experienced positive domestic sales growth but lower exports. In December 20, domestic sales had stood at 2,42,046 units which increased by 1,74,670 units to 4,16,716 units in Jan 21, a percentage growth of 72.16.
      Exports on the other hand fell marginally by 2.45 percent to 20,467 units in the past month as against 20,981 units sold in Dec 20. It was its outstanding performance in domestic markets that took MoM sales to 4,37,183 units in Jan 21, up 66.21 percent as against 2,63,027 units in Dec 20.
      Major Contributors to Honda 2Wheeler Sales
      The Honda Activa scooter was the best selling scooter not only for the company but is also India’s No.1 selling scooter brand. It has achieved the 2.5 crore unit mark and is the only scooter brand in India to achieve this target.
      Honda 2Wheeler Sales Jan 2021
      In January, Honda 2Wheeler India also introduced two new models – 2021 Africa Twin Adventure Sports and the Grazia Sports Edition. The Adventure Sports motorcycle is only retailed via the company’s premium BigWing Topline outlets and is priced at Rs.19.96 lakhs. It is presented in colour options of Darkness Black Metallic and Pearl Glare White Tricolour. The Grazia Sports Edition is a gearless scooter and offered in two colours of Pearl Nightstar Black and Sports Red and is priced at Rs.83,140.
      In Jan 21, Honda also inaugurated 3 new BigWing showrooms in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Ludhiana. This takes total to 5 Honda BigWing Topline for the company range of premium motorcycles starting 300cc and 15 Honda BigWing Outlets via which the company sells its 300-500cc mid-size premium motorcycle range.
      The company also recently patented the 2021 Honda Grom 125 in India though there are no indications on if and when it will be launched in the country. In addition, they have also teased their upcoming new motorcycle, based on the CB350. It will launch on 16th Feb.
      Increased Sales Expectations
      With easing of lockdown regulations and schools, colleges and offices opening up and with the urgent need for personal means of transport, the company expects to see increase in sales. A new scrappage policy, as was announced in the Union Budget, is also set to come into effect which will further boost sales. More

    • 125 Shares119 Views

      in Motor News

      2022 Nissan Frontier, Pathfinder Kick Up Dust in Pre-Reveal Teasers

      by

      Nissan has given us a glimpse of what to expect with the new 2022 Frontier and 2022 Pathfinder ahead of their unveiling this Thursday.
      The new Frontier will be completing its redesign which started last year with a new powertrain, while the Pathfinder will be wholly redesigned this year.
      The reveal will be streamed live at 1 p.m. Eastern time on February 4 on the Nissan website.
      Nissan is set to reveal the 2022 Frontier and the 2022 Pathfinder this Thursday, February 4, and ahead of those debuts, the automaker has teased both of the vehicles, giving us a glimpse of what to expect. The Frontier, which got a new powertrain last year, is completing its redesign this year with a new look. Meanwhile, the Pathfinder will be entirely new for the 2022 model year.

      2020 Nissan Frontier: New Engine, Same Old Truck

      2021 Nissan Armada Gets a New Look, Updated Tech

      Tested: 2020 Nissan Frontier Is a Resto Rod

      Both teasers show the vehicles darting down unpaved, sandy roads, suggesting for at least the Pathfinder—which currently doesn’t offer any sort of off-road trim—could gain some off-road attributes. The teaser of the Frontier PRO-4x shows an upright, aggressive-looking grille which matches the direction other small pickups have gone. The Pathfinder clip shows a quick shot of the rear of the car, showing that the Pathfinder name is written across the rear trunk, as on the new Armada. It’s difficult to tell from the teaser, but the Pathfinder may also be regaining its more upright and trucklike stance that disappeared in the last generational changeover in 2013.
      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.

      Nissan started changes to the Frontier last year when it introduced a new 310-hp 3.8-liter V-6 to the pickup. With that change, the manual transmission was discontinued, and the Frontier now comes standard with a nine-speed automatic. The Pathfinder could also see some changes to its powertrain including dropping the standard continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
      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.

      The new Frontier and Pathfinder will both be revealed on Wednesday, February 4, at 1 p.m. Eastern time on Nissan’s website.
      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