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582-HP 2021 Audi e-tron GT Will Be Revealed February 9
Audi’s electric sedan will be shown via livestream, and a higher-performance RS model with up to 637 horsepower will be available by the end of the year. More
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How 2021 Tesla Model S and Model X Will Shift Themselves into Gear
It’s a combination of trusting the car, according to CEO Elon Musk, and using the touchscreen. Well, that’ll be different. More
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2021 Suzuki Hayabusa Teased Ahead Of Feb 5 Debut – To Be World’s Fastest Again?
2021 Suzuki Hayabusa Teaser
The 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa retains the old-school analog speedo and tacho dials but also incorporates a TFT display in the instrument panelThere has been a lot of talks about reincarnation of the Suzuki Hayabusa over the last few years. Finally, the company has announced that the new generation flagship will make its virtual world premiere on February 5. Suzuki has released a teaser video of the two-wheeled locomotive as a build up to the launch.
2021 Suzuki Hayabusa
The teaser video gives us a short glimpse of the 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa zooming past the camera in a dimly lit banked test track. Usually, a steeply banked test track is used to test a vehicle’s high-speed stability. It seems like Suzuki wants to reclaim the coveted record of world’s fastest road-legal production motorcycle with its upcoming crown jewel.
Official details about the motorcycle are scarce and the teaser video only gives up the lighting signature of the 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa. Core character of the original models’ design is expected to be retained and that means an imposing front fairing, smooth surfaces, and a long wheelbase. It is reasonable to assume that the superbike will feature full LED illumination.
Specifications
As per previous international reports, the 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa is not going to be a grounds up new product but rather a heavily overhauled version of its predecessor which is no longer on sale. The aluminium twins-spar frame is expected to undergo significant improvements including a premium Kayaba suspension system. Take a look at the official teaser video of 2021 Hayabusa below.
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The engine architecture is also reported to be retained but the four-cylinder, in-line, liquid-cooled motor’s displacement is likely to be increased to around 1,440 cc. The increase in displacement would allow the company to comply with the latest emission norms without having to compromise on outright power output. Speaking of power, the 2021 Hayabusa is estimated to dish out upwards of 200 hp. Recent patent leaks indicate massive improvements to exhaust system.
In terms of performance, latest generation of the iconic grand tourer would be aiming to surpass the Kawasaki Ninja H2. The teaser video showed the motorcycle’s traditional analog speedometer indicating a speed of 189 mph (288 kmph). The Hayabusa is known for smooth and effortless performance with a propensity for violence when called for, and we have no reason to suspect the new motorcycle will be any different.
The 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa will pack state-of-the-art electronic systems including IMU supported cornering ABS and traction control. The top variant could also offer active suspension as an option.
2021 Suzuki Hayabusa Teaser
Will it come to India?
The previous generation Suzuki Hayabusa was one of the most expensive motorcycles to be locally assembled in India. Suzuki’s decision to build it locally highlighted Hayabusa’s brand equity in our market. So, we expect the next generation model to be launched here a few month afters its international debut. Whether or not Suzuki choses to import as CKD or CBU remains to be seen. More - in Bike
Joy E Bikes Launches 4 Electric Motorcycles – New EV Plant In Vadodara
Joy E Bikes – Beast Electric Motorcycle
The new Joy e-bike plant in Vadodara, Gujarat, is estimated to generate 6,000 direct and indirect employment opportunitiesWardwizard Innovations & Mobility, the parent company of Joy e-bikes has invested around INR 45 crore on a new electric two wheeler manufacturing plant in Vadodara. The company has also announced the launch of 4 new high performance electric motorcycles via a virtual event presided over by minster of Home Affairs, Amit Shah.
Joy e-bikes
The new manufacturing plant in Vadodara has an annual installed production capacity of 100,000 electric two wheelers in one shift, in its first phase. The facility is estimated to create as many as 6,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities in the region.
Joy E Bikes Launch Event Today
Speaking at the launch event, Yatin Gupte, Chairman and MD, Wardwizard Group, announced that the company will manufacturing all the critical components of the electric motorcycles from frames to batteries in-house. Joy e-bikes is optimistic about capturing 25% market share in the burgeoning electric two wheeler space by 2025.
Joy Beast, Thunderbolt, Hurricane and Skyline
The brand which already retails 6 models across the country has augmented its portfolio with four new high-performance motorcycles. The Joy Beast is a naked street fighter with a styling nearly identical to Kawasaki’s Z series of motorcycles.
Joy E Bikes – Hurricane Electric Motorcycle
The fully faired Thunderbolt derives obvious design inspiration from the Kawasaki Ninja. The naked Hurricane and fully faired Skyline too have designs borrowed from popular medium displacement motorcycles.
Joy E Bikes – Thunderbolt Electric Motorcycle
Specifications and features
Detailed specifications, prices and delivery timelines for the four new electric bikes are yet to be revealed. We expect them to go on sale sometime later this year.
The products are likely to be equipped with lithium-ion battery packs to take advantage of the Indian government’s FAME-II subsidy. The company says that the new Beast and Hurricane motorcycles have a top speed of 120 kmph and can achieve full charge in 8-10 hours. The torque output stands at 230 Nm.
Joy E Bikes – Skyline Electric Motorcycle
Feature highlights include LED headlamp, front and rear disc brakes, LED instrument console, alloy wheels and so on. While we wait for the official pricing details, we expect the motorcycles to start well over INR 1 lakh (ex-showroom).
Retail operations
With Joy e-bike and Vyom Innovation brands, WardWizard has around 800 outlets across the country already. The four new products and a new manufacturing facility signals a firm push to accelerate its e-mobility business and unlike other startups, the company already has a decent presence in key markets.
The electric two wheeler market in India is still nascent but has a promising outlook. While most OEMs are focusing on automatic scooters, there are some players like Tork, Ultraviolette, Revolt, Joy e-bike etc who are betting big on electric motorcycles. More - in Bike
Aprilia SXR 160 TVC Video Released – Maxify Life
Aprilia SXR160 TVC
Designed in Italy for India, the Aprilia SXR 160 is a combination of a Maxi-scooter and a regular scooterAprilia SXR 160 is the latest offering from Italian scooter makers Piaggio. It was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo last year, launched in India in December 2020 and bookings opened soon after. Launch date was set for earlier last year but the pandemic situation caused some delay.
Aprilia SXR 160 Design
Now deliveries of this maxi-scooter have commenced in the country. The new SXR 160 is priced Rs.1,25,997. This ‘Made in India’ and ‘Made for India’ scooter has been designed in Italy. It boasts of a mix of design and as the company calls it a ‘Crossmax’ design combining the sportiness of a maxi-scooter along with the comfort and practicality of a regular scooter.
It gets a full front apron and a tall windscreen and twin LED headlamps, LED DRLs, large seats, feather touch switchgear, lockable split glove box, USB charging port and 5 spoke 12 inch alloy wheels fitted with MRF Zapper tyres are also a part of its onboard features. Below is the latest TVC video.
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An all-digital instrument cluster makes for easy read out even under direct sunlight. It also receives two trip meters, real time fuel indicator, speed indicator and indicator showing battery voltage along with tell-tale lamps for engine malfunction.
The maxi-scooter gets under-seat storage space for a full size helmet and a fuel tank of 7 liter capacity. The Aprilia SXR 160 is available in four colours of Glossy Red, Matt Blue, Glossy White and Matt Black.
Engine, Braking and Suspension
2021 Aprilia SXR 160 is powered by a 160cc, single cylinder, 3 valve, air cooled and fuel injected engine that also powers the SR160. This engine, which complies with the new BS6 emission standards, makes 10.9 hp power at 7,100 rpm and 11.6 Nm torque at 5,750 rpm.
It gets telescopic front forks and single adjustable suspension at the rear while braking is disc brake up front and drum unit at the rear with ABS. Its chassis ensures better stability even at higher speeds while its highly efficient engine offers good low end and strong mid-range power output.
The Aprilia SXR 160 is now being delivered to customers across India. It has no real competition in the country. As on date the Aprilia scooter lineup apart from the new SXR 160, consists of the SR160 and SR125. The Italian two wheeler maker also has plans to launch premium motorcycles later this year in India. More - in Bike
Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS India Launch Price Rs 16.95 L
2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS
Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS is based on a brand new chassis, receives new features and gets a new 1160cc 180 hp engineTriumph Motorcycles India have launched the 2021 Speed Triple 1200 RS today, at a starting price of Rs 16.95 lakhs, ex-sh. It is priced at £15,100 in the UK, which when converted is about Rs. 15.11 lakhs.
Features
Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS receives several improvements over its predecessor Speed Triple 1050. For starters, it is 10 kgs lighter than its earlier counterpart, weighing 198 kgs and sports a slimmer look with a compact frame and sleek LED headlamps. It also sees some change in its fuel tank which is of 15.5 liter capacity while the tail lamp has increased in size.
High mounted twin exhausts seen in the Triple 1050 now change to a single exhaust canister on the 1200 RS while ergonomics are improved with its handlebar now 13mm wider and more forward positioned foot pegs. Perch is set at a height of 830 mm.
The Triple 1200 RS sits on 17 inch light weight, case aluminum, V-spoke wheels with Metzeler RACETEC RR tyres while Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC2 tyres can also be fitted as a factory approved track option.
2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS
Triple 1200 RS gets fully adjustable Ohlins suspension and Brembo Stylema brakes. Performance also gets augmented with Optimized Cornering ABS and switchable Optimized Cornering Traction Control with IMU. This 6 axis IMU consists of 5 ride modes of Rain, Road, Sport, Track and Rider and lean sensitive traction control and cornering ABS.
The feature list goes on to include a 5 inch TFT display with user interface, Triumph’s ‘My Connectivity’ system with turn by turn navigation and GoPro controls, keyless ignition, steering lock and keyless fuel filler cap.
Street Triple 1200 RS gets color options of Sapphire Black, with red and silver graphics, or Matt Silver Ice, with black, silver and yellow graphics. The accessory list has also been enhanced with a total of 35 accessories for better styling, technology, luggage, protection and care.
2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS
These include body coloured fly screen, tinted visor, machined sports bar end mirrors, front and rear brake reservoirs and accessory luggage with water resistant tank and tail bags, frame protectors, all weather covers and accessory battery charger.
Engine
Triumph Triple 1200 RS is powered by a completely redesigned engine. It is more compact but of higher capacity with every element designed for increased performance and better control and delivering the highest power-to-weight ratio ever seen on a Speed Triple. This 1160cc, inline, triple engine makes 180 hp power at 10,750 rpm and 125 Nm torque at 9,000 rpm which is around 30 hp and 8 Nm more than that offered by the engine on its predecessor.
This makes the Speed Triple more powerful and faster making the 1200 RS the most powerful and torque rich Speed Triple ever. The engine gets mated to a 6 speed gearbox.
It also receives a new lithium-ion battery which is 60 percent lighter than a lead acid battery thus reducing overall weight by 2.3 kgs. The battery charger offered is suited for both lithium ion battery and lead acid batteries. The Triumph Street Triple 1200 RS comes in with 10,000 miles (16k kms) service interval and 2 years unlimited mileage warranty. More Ozone Alice Electric Car Teased Ahead Of India Debut In 2021
Ozone Electric Car Prototype
Yet another Indian startup is getting ready to showcase a made in India electric car this yearIn what could be a game changer for the electric car segment in the country, Ozone Motors will be unveiling its first product in 2021. Named Alice Urban, the EV has been especially designed for urban commutes.
Ozone Alice electric car promises to solve the current set of challenges in this segment such as high cost of acquisition and long charging time. It has been in development for the past few years, and now the first teaser of the prototype has been shared.
Ozone Motors Alice Urban design and styling
As can be seen in the teaser image, Alice Urban has a compact, aerodynamic design. The front grille stretches all the way to the edges, where it is flanked by LED headlamps and boomerang shaped LED DRLs.
As the focus is more on practicality, Alice Urban is expected to have a minimalistic look and feel. It is likely to use lighter alloys and composite materials to reduce weight and extract more miles from the battery. More details about the electric car will be revealed in the coming days.
Hat tip to Rushlane Infolane member Bhargav Patel
Ozone Motors Alice Urban tech specs
As compared to other electric cars available for sale in the country, Alice Urban has relatively modest numbers in terms of range and top speed. The top speed is rated at 70 km/h whereas range is 150 km. This has been purposely done to keep the pricing affordable.
As of now, the cheapest electric car available in the country is Tata Tigor EV, which retails in the range of Rs 9.58 lakh to Rs 9.90 lakh. Top selling Tata Nexon EV is available at a starting price of Rs 13.99 lakh. Others like MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona are priced above Rs 20 lakh. The high pricing of these cars has made them inaccessible to a large number of customers who may be interested in buying an EV.
Alice Urban can be expected to be offered at lower prices. The price difference would be significant enough to motivate customers to switch to an electric vehicle. With lower cost of acquisition, Alice Urban will also appeal to first time car buyers as well as youngsters who are more willing to contribute to environmental causes.
Ozone Electric Car Prototype
With its smaller battery setup, Alice Urban has a faster charging time. It can achieve a full charge in just 180 minutes. This will be useful when charging the vehicle at a recharging station in the city.
Advanced tech features
Alice Urban will be equipped with a range of internet connected smart features. Below is a short video of the Ozone Alice electric car early prototype in action.
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Ozone Motors is a leading provider of vehicle tracking and safety systems and it will be an easy job to equip Alice Urban with the same set of features. Expect Alice Urban to have smart features such as real-time vehicle tracking, vehicle speed monitoring, vehicle location update, remote engine on/off, unauthorized vehicle movement detection, and SOS button. More- in Bike
Honda Sales, Exports Break Up Dec 2020 – Activa, Dio, CB Shine, Unicorn, Hornet
2021 Honda Activa 6G
Honda reports growth in domestic dispatches and decline in Exports for December 2020Domestic wholesales for Honda two wheelers through December 2020 was in the green. As is customary, Honda Activa sales soared at top spot accounting for 55 percent of total company wholesales.
The scooter has immense brand recall having been around for over two decades, and is a worthy competitor in the top tier of two wheelers by sales volume. Volumes grew by 1.65 percent up at 1,34,077 units from 1,31,899 units at volume gain of 2,178 units.
CB Shine, the manufacturer’s bestselling motorcycle saw growth of 9.67 percent, and accounted for 23.14 percent of total wholesales. Volume grew to 56k units, up from about 51k at volume gain of just under 5k units. Dio scooter sales amounted to just over 22k units. Growth is reported at 7.36 percent, up from 20,516 units at volume gain of just over 1,500 units accounting for 9.10 percent of Honda’s domestic market.
Smaller volume Honda two-wheelers
Unicorn 160 units were reported at just under 12k units, accounting for under 5 percent share. Honda Dream wholesales were adjust under 5k units. Decline is reported at 35.63 percent, down from 7,755 units. Volumes fell by 2,763 units. Livo wholesales fell by 39.15 percent at volume loss of just over 2.8k units. Sales fell to 4,387 units, down from 7,2019 units.
Honda India Sales Dec 2020
Honda Grazia volumes grew 7.52 percent, up at 3,347 units from 3,113 units. Hornet 2.0 wholesales is reported at 2,457 units. Honda CB 350 numbers are reported at 1,564 units. X-Blade decline is reported at 20.15 percent at volume loss of 302 units. Wholesales dropped to 1,197 units from 1,499 units. Total domestic wholesales was reported at 2,41,046 units at 5.15 percent growth from 2,30,186 units. Volume gain stood at 11,860 units.
Honda exports for December 2020
In comparison to Honda’s domestic sales volume, exports are relatively smaller. Last month exports totalled 20,980 units at 16.37 percent decline. Volumes fell from 25,086 units at volume loss of 4,106 units.
Navi took the lead at the top of the table at 6,187 units. accounting for 29.49 percent of company exports. Volumes grew by 4,227 units from 1,960 units. Dio exports fell by over 7k units at 66.53 percent decline. Number fell to 3,532 units from 10,554 units. CB Shine growth is reported at 47.55 percent at 12.22 percent of total exports. Volumes grew to 2,563 units from 1,737 units.
Honda India Exports Dec 2020
X-Blade exports fell by 22.55 percent down at 1,896 units from 2,448 units. Livo growth is reported at 6.25 percent. Numbers grew to 1.7k from 1.6k units. Hornet 160R exports fell by almost a third down at 1,368 units from 2,035 units.
Dream exports fell by a little over a third at 996 units. Activa numbers are reported at 780 units. Grazia numbers fell by a third, down to 520 units from 784 units. Honda CB 350 exports stood at 510 units, and Aviator at 440. Unicorn 160 fared better then the 150cc variant at 408 units. Volumes almost halved, down from 768 units. Unicorn 150 exports fell with a thud at 80 units, down from 640 units. More
