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    Tesla Full Self-Driving System's Beta Developer Settings Leaked

    Tesla hacker Green has uncovered Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) developer controls and published images to Twitter.
    The images shared give some insight into how FSD-enabled Teslas see the world and what settings could potentially be launched when the feature set goes public.
    CEO Elon Musk has stated that he expects FSD to be available to the public by the end of this year.

    Tesla’s FSD Feature to Cost $10,000 as of Oct. 29

    Musk Says Self-Driving Tesla Software Ready Soon

    Tesla Posts Profit, Announces FSD Subscription

    It’s a long time coming for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving feature, and it hasn’t been a cheap journey. The price for the self-driving feature has increased multiple times and is currently available for supported Teslas for $10,000.While Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta continues to expand to more Tesla owners ahead of a planned end-of-year launch, the actual settings for the system have been uncovered and published on Twitter by a well-known Tesla hacker named Green. Not only are there dozens of settings and available adjustments, but there’s also a way to show a detailed vehicle view of the world while a Tesla is driving down the road.
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    In a Twitter thread, Green shares the status of internal states within the system while taking us on a tour of dozens of settings ranging from controls for FSD and Enhanced Summon to information about the Camera and Ultrasonics. The system also shows sliders for GPS, speed threshold, and other items that no one outside of Tesla should ever mess with.
    There’s also an Augmented Vision area where developers can toggle what’s seen on a Tesla display while driving. It includes toggles for Pretty, Developer, and Camera Image. Once Developer is enabled, it shows options for a whole host of data that can be shown on the infotainment system. This all may be information overload for the average Tesla owner, but it’s a fun way to get more details on how a Tesla sees the world.
    Tesla being Tesla, the developer settings also have fun settings including California Stop (which generally means you don’t bring the car to a halt but just slow down at a stop sign) and something called Chiropractor Adjust Skeleton, which is filed under the City Streets settings. What that means is a mystery, but both items are part of the FSD defaults in the developer controls.
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    None of this information actually gives any indication how far along Tesla is in its FSD beta testing. Since Tesla no longer has press contacts, Car and Driver was unable to get any comment from the company. The company has been using select owners to help train the system, and CEO Elon Musk has stated that he expects the system to be available to the public by the end of this year.
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    Lexus Previews Electric SUV, New Two-Motor EV Drivetrain

    Lexus has shared more information about a new battery-powered EV drivetrain called Direct 4.
    With 201-hp front and rear electric motors, this powertrain is currently installed in a prototype for a future Lexus electric SUV.
    Lexus EVs may launch in Europe before coming to America, but Toyota has confirmed EV models for the U.S. market as well.
    Toyota is finally jumping into the EV fray, and Lexus has now shared more information about its future electric drivetrain. Called Direct4, this system uses front- and rear-mounted electric motors and is currently installed in a prototype for a new battery-powered Lexus crossover.

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    Lexus says that the front and rear motors each produce 201 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, but hasn’t shared total output for the powertrain. The prototype appears to be a compact or mid-size crossover, possibly a new addition to the lineup. We’re not sure if the bodywork seen here is representative of what the eventual production model will look like, but Lexus also provided a teaser photo showing a design concept for this upcoming EV crossover.

    Lexus

    This new Lexus Direct4 system indicates that the first of Toyota’s new EV models may wear a Lexus badge. But we don’t yet know which EVs will reach the U.S. market first. Toyota confirmed that an electric crossover will reach the European market and that EV models will come to America in the “short term.”
    A version of the Direct4 system will also have applications in future Lexus hybrids, as demonstrated on a Lexus ES prototype. In this case, it features a 174-horsepower gasoline engine, a 107-hp electric motor powering the front wheels and another 107-hp electric motor powering the rear wheels.

    Lexus

    So far, Lexus’s EV rollout has been limited to certain regions, as it sells an electric version of the UX small crossover in China and Europe called the UX300e. But now that Toyota has confirmed plans for EV models in the U.S. market in the near future, we expect to hear more about future Lexus and Toyota EVs with this Direct4 system in the coming months.
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    2021 Maserati Ghibli, Levante, Quattroporte Receive Updates

    Maserati is making changes to its 2021 lineup, which includes the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans and the Levante SUV.
    The updates include visual tweaks and newly available technology features.
    These 2021 models are already on sale at dealerships in the U.S.
    Maserati refers to the changes it’s making to the 2021 lineup as “non-invasive,” but we’re more inclined to call it a minor tweak. The 2021 Ghibli sedan, Quattroporte sedan, and Levante SUV each benefit from freshened front- and rear-end styling, along with a few newly available connectivity and driver-assist features.

    Maserati’s Compact SUV Will Be Named the Grecale

    Maserati MC20 Is Elegant, Has Racing Aspirations

    Maserati Ghibli, Quattroporte to Get Trofeo Trims

    The changes in front include reshaped grilles and extra chrome or black trim inserts (depending on trim level). The updated rear ends feature new taillights with an LED accent light that’s meant to mimic a boomerang shape. The GranLusso and GranSport appearance packages remain for each model, with the Lusso having a more chrome-heavy look and the GranSport incorporating black trim and a more aggressive body kit.

    Maserati Levante
    Maserati

    Maserati Ghibli
    Maserati

    Inside, the Ghibli and Quattroporte get a larger infotainment screen with a new graphic interface, while the Levante retains the same size screen but gets the improved graphics. The gauge cluster also gets an updated look with a higher-resolution display screen in between the speedometer and tachometer.

    Maserati Quattroporte infotainment screen
    Maserati

    Newly available driver-assistance features include an upgraded a more capable adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist system that can now operate on roads other than highways.
    The 2021 Maserati Ghibli, Quattroporte, and Levante are available now at U.S. dealerships. Prices start at $73,685 for the Ghibli, $75,985 for the Levante, and $104,185 for the Quattroporte.
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    Two Wheeler Retail Sales Nov 2020 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Suzuki, RE, Yamaha, Jawa, BMW

    Jawa Perak
    According to FADA, two wheeler retail sales declined 15.84 percent to 15,13,202 units in Nov 2020

    As per data released by Federation of Automobile Dealers Association, the past month has seen a dip in two wheeler sales. This data is based on vehicle registration collected from 1,265 out of 1,472 Regional Transport Offices.
    Every two wheeler maker in India has noted de-growth in terms of retail sales in November 2020 as against that seen in the same month of the previous year with the exception of TVS Motor and BMW, while sales of electric two wheelers also surged.
    Hero MotoCorp YoY sales decline
    India’s largest two-wheeler maker Hero MotorCorp led the segment with a 34.69 percent market share. Hero noted a 23.20 percent dip in sales by 23.20 percent to 5,24,986 units in Nov 20, down from 6,83,591 units sold in Nov 19 with volume loss of 1,58,605 units. Taking into account MoM sales, the company noted a 57.39 percent increase as against 3,33,563 units retailed in Oct 20.
    Honda two wheeler, commanding market share of 25.12 percent, reported sales decline by 17.33 percent in the past month. Total retails stood at 3,80,088 units, downs from 4,59,774 units sold in the same month of the previous year. Retails when compared to that of Oct 20, saw an increase of 30.05 percent as against 2,92,267 units sold in Oct 20, at the height of the festive season. The Honda Activa was the company’s bestselling two wheeler in India.
    Two Wheeler Retail Sales Nov 2020 vs Nov 2019 (MoM) – FADA
    TVS Motor Company reported that for Nov 20, the company registered a 21.72 percent growth in yearly sales. Sales for Nov 20 stood at 2,95,559 units, up from 2,42,824 units sold in Nov 19. The company also noted a MoM sales increase by 89.38 percent as 1,39,496 units were retailed in Oct 20.
    Bajaj, Suzuki, Royal Enfield and Yamaha
    Bajaj, Suzuki Royal Enfield and Yamaha each posted de-growth in the past month. Bajaj Auto retail sales dipped 30.80 percent to 1,52,965 units, down from 2,21,063 units sold in Nov 19 while the company commanded a market share of 10.11 percent. Market share in Oct 20 was at 11.37 percent when the company retailed 1,18,486 units, relating to a MoM growth of 29.10 percent.
    Two Wheeler Retail Sales Nov 2020 vs Oct 2020 (MoM) – FADA
    Suzuki also noted de-growth to the extent of 15.65 percent YoY. Nov 20 retail sales stood at 51,194 units, down from 60,694 units sold in Nov 19 while MoM sales increased 18.06 percent as against 43,361 units sold in Oct 20. Royal Enfield also reported de-growth in Nov 20 with 48,881 units retailed, down 24.06 percent as against 64,368 units sold in the same month of the previous year. MoM retails however grew 4.91 percent with 46,593 units retailed during Oct 20.
    With a market share of 3.12 percent Yamaha sales dipped 8.48 percent to 47,208 units in Nov 20 down from 51,581 units sold in Nov 19 while MoM sales grew by 12.50 percent as against 41,961 units sold during the festive and auspicious month of Oct 20.
    No
    2W Retail Sales
    Nov-20
    Nov-19
    1
    Hero (-23%)
    5,24,986
    6,83,591
    2
    Honda (-17%)
    3,80,088
    4,59,774
    3
    TVS (+22%)
    2,95,559
    2,42,824
    4
    Bajaj (-31%)
    1,52,965
    2,21,063
    5
    Suzuki (-16%)
    51,194
    60,694
    6
    Enfield (-24%)
    48,881
    64,368
    7
    Yamaha (-8%)
    47,208
    51,581
    8
    Piaggio (-24%)
    4,722
    6,201
    9
    Jawa (-17%)
    3,203
    3,842
    10
    BMW (+62%)
    427
    263
    11
    Kawasaki (-63%)
    109
    293
    12
    Harley (-67%)
    69
    212
    13
    Triumph (-13%)
    59
    68
    14
    Ducati (-80%)
    5
    25
    15
    Others / Electric (+14%)
    3,727
    3,251

    Total (-16%)
    15,13,202
    17,98,050
    Piaggio and Jawa reported de- growth of 23.85 percent and 16.63 percent in Nov 20 while and BMW reported an increase in retail sales to the extent of 62.36 percent YoY growth with 424 units retailed in the past month and a 310.58 percent MoM growth as against 104 units retailed in Oct 20.
    Retail de-growth was reported for Kawasaki, Harley, Triumph and Ducati while the other two wheeler makers along with electric two wheelers saw a YoY growth of 14.64 percent to 3,727 units in Nov 20 up from 3,251 units sold in Nov 19. The demand for electric two wheelers on the rise with a MoM growth of 42.63 percent as against 2,613 units sold in Oct 20.
    Vinkesh Gulati, President of FADA has cautioned all two wheeler Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) and dealers to keep a check on vehicle inventory. Usually demand stays subdued post the festive season as has been noted in the past, and this year especially, sales could be impacted due to the pandemic situation in the country.
    Disclaimer – The above retail sales figures do not include data from AP, MP, LD & TS as these States/UT’s are not yet registered on Vahan 4. More

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    Cargo Ship Traded Subcompacts for Kia Tellurides before Capsizing

    Stephen B. Morton/Associated Press

    The capsized car-carrying ship Golden Ray is in the midst of a salvage operation off the coast of Georgia with thousands of ruined brand-new vehicles on board.
    Among them, we now know, were Kia Telluride, Chevrolet Blazer and Equinox, GMC Terrain, full-size GM SUVs, Mercedes-Benz SUVs, and Ram pickups.
    According to investigation testimony, taller and heavier Tellurides were swapped for subcompact Hyundai Accent and Kia Forte cars partway through the ship’s journey.
    If you’ve followed the saga of the capsized cargo ship Golden Ray, you already know that it was filled with cars, trucks, and SUVs. Now we know more details about that cargo and a possible reason for the maritime disaster: on an early stop in the ship’s voyage, nearly 300 Hyundai Accent and Kia Forte subcompacts were removed to make way for Kia Telluride SUVs, which are much heavier and taller, changing the balance of the cargo to disastrous effect.

    Cargo Ship Capsizes with 4000 Cars on Board

    Capsized Car-Carrying Cargo Ship Finally Salvaged

    As the investigation has revealed, a total of 316 brand-new Kia Telluride SUVs were among the vehicles destroyed when the 36,000-metric-ton car carrier rolled onto its port side and capsized off the coast of Brunswick, Georgia, on its way to Baltimore in the still, wee hours of September 8, 2019. A multiagency command is currently in the process of cutting the partially submerged 656-foot ship into eight segments and hauling it off by barge for further dismantling and recycling on shore.
    After months of planning and delays due to hurricanes and COVID-19, the team completed a successful first cut of the bow in late November. From its aft side as shown in the photo above, taken on December 1, the section resembled a giant, rusted-out multilayer cake, with a jumble of mangled salvage-yard fodder oozing out like so much jam and frosting.
    What Other Vehicles Were on Board?
    Some 4300 vehicles were aboard the Hyundai-owned Golden Ray at the time of her capsizing. The pre-load plan diagram shows most were a mix of factory-fresh Ram 1500, 2500, and 5500 series trucks, Chevrolet Blazers and Equinoxes, and Mercedes SUVs bound for Saudi Arabia. (An RV and several other personal vehicles were inside, too.) When the Golden Ray ported in Brunswick a day earlier for cargo to be rolled on and off (hence why car carrier ships are nicknamed RoRos), around 285 Hyundai Accent and Kia Forte cars were offloaded and the Tellurides driven aboard. Forty of those SUVs had spots reserved on the Golden Ray’s 12th deck before the ship disembarked. The difference between one of those small cars and a beefy Telluride? Roughly 1200 pounds.
    As the First Coast News reported on the investigation, the Golden Ray “likely had too much cargo and not enough counterweight in the hull to keep it upright . . . When the ship made the sharp turn out to sea in the Saint Simon’s Sound, it rolled over due to the instability.”

    Altogether, a thorough forensic analysis conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard concluded that the Golden Ray took on 1000 metric tons more cargo—not all in Telluride girth, of course. Meanwhile, it discharged at least 1500 metric tons of ballast water immediately prior to arriving in Brunswick. That water weight could have counterbalanced the severe list the ship experienced while turning out of the channel toward the Atlantic on its way out of town. In a hearing in September to deduce the cause of the accident, Jeffrey Falzarano, a professor of ocean engineering at Texas A&M, likened the idea of righting a listing car carrier to “trying to balance a pencil on its tip. It’s very hard to do.”
    What’s more, the hull door reserved for the pilot (the local mariner tasked with steering cargo ships in and out of port) was left open by the crew, which caused the ship to take on water as it listed. “Even prior to possible downflooding, the vessel would’ve heeled significantly and likely resulted in capsize,” added Lt. Ian Oviatt, who led the Coast Guard study. “Our analysis is that the downflooding merely exacerbated the capsize.”
    The full conclusion of the accident investigation—a joint effort of the Coast Guard, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Korean Maritime Safety Tribunal, and others— could take another year to reach.
    Still, this much seems certain: If it hadn’t been for the quick actions of the pilot at the helm, neither he nor the ship’s captain nor the Golden Ray’s 22 crewmembers might have survived.
    Instead, the only casualties were of the four-wheeled variety.
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    Aprilia SXR 160 Scooter Bookings Open 11 Dec – Deliveries Start Soon After

    Aprilia SXR 160 Scooter
    The Aprilia SXR 160 Maxi Scooter could be priced from around Rs.1.30 lakhs

    The Aprilia SXR 160 maxi scooter has been detailed prior to launch later this month. It will be opened for bookings at the end of this week – on 11th Dec.
    Bookings will open online, as well as at their dealer across India. The new scooter has entered production at the company plant in Baramati earlier this month.
    Aprilia SXR 160 is designed in Italy specifically for the Indian market. It is a maxi scooter as was seen when on display at the 2020 Auto Expo in February. Launch was initially set for earlier this year but the COVID-19 pandemic caused some delay.
    Aprilia SXR 160 Design
    Where design is concerned, the maxi scooter boasts of ample luggage and leg space. The rider gets an upright riding stature for better comfort. It receives a large seat, LED headlamps inspired by the RS660 and an angular front apron. Design elements to the rear include an LED tail lamp with integrated rear blinkers.

    The Aprilia SXR 160 gets a fully digital LCD instrument cluster with feather touch switches, a USB charging port and smartphone connectivity. Styling elements also include raised handlebars, 12 inch alloy wheels and illuminated under-seat storage. It will get ABS among its safety features while Piaggio has announced that the maxi scooter will boast of excellent handling and efficient stability even at higher speed.
    Most Powerful Scooter in Segment
    Piaggio Aprilia SXR 160 is slated to be the most powerful scooter in its segment. It will get its power via a 160cc, 3 valve, single cylinder, fuel injected engine which also powers the SR160. No power or torque figures have been revealed as on date but are expected to be in the region of 10.7 hp and 11.6 Nm. The engine gets mated to a CVT unit.
    Braking and suspension will be via ventilated disc brakes with twin pot calipers and telescopic fork in the front and adjustable shock absorbers at the rear. Once launched, the Aprilia SXR 160 will compete against its very own siblings Aprilia SR 160 and 150 cc Vespa scooters while it will also go up against the Suzuki Burgman Street 125.
    As per dealer sources, the SXR 160 will be launched at the end of December with deliveries to commence from first week of January 2021. Apart from the Aprilia SXR 160, the company is also planning launch of the Aprilia SXR 125 maxi-scooter in India based on SR 125 which will follow launch of the SXR 160. More

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    Tata Nexon Electric Subscription Price Reduced To Under Rs 30k Per Month

    Tata Nexon Electric Subscription Price Reduced
    Tata Nexon EV subscription plan dips even further as against the Rs.41,900 / 36 month tenure offered at the time of launch

    The Tata Nexon EV, launched in January 2020 has noted decent sales to the extent of 2,000 units in 10 months of launch. As per data released by Tata Motors, Nexon EV sales currently stand at 2,200 units+; with 1,000 units being sold in the last three months of September to November.
    Tata Motors EV Subscription Plans
    Initially offered with a subscription plan of Rs.41,900 for a 36 month tenure, the plan price dipped to Rs.34,900 per month in September 2020. Now the company has announced a further reduction in the plan to Rs.29,500 per month as a part of a limited period offer. These prices are for Delhi/NCR. The 24 month period subscription plan is at Rs.31,600 pm while the 12 month plan is at Rs.34,500 pm.
    The rates of subscription vary city-wise. In Bangalore and Hyderabad, the 36, 24 and 12 month plans are at Rs.34,700 pm, Rs.37,200 and Rs.40,400 pm respectively. Rates in Mumbai and Pune are at Rs.36,700, Rs.33,700 and Rs.31,400 respectively.
    Customers can select from the 36,24 or 12 month plans according to their convenience. These rates are for 1,500 kms per month. Prices thereon increase by Rs.1,600 per month for 2,000 kms and by another Rs.1,600 for 2,500 kms per month. The reduced subscription price is a limited period offer.
    Tata Nexon EV Subscription Plans / Prices in cities it is on sale
    Benefits of Tata Motors EV Subscription Plan
    Purchasing the Tata Nexon EV via monthly subscription plans gives the buyer certain advantages over the outright ownership of the vehicle. The rental fees include a comprehensive insurance cover, 24×7 road side assistance along with free maintenance with periodical servicing and door step delivery.
    On completion of the selected tenure, the user is given the option to extend or return the vehicle. Customers can also exit the subscription plan at any time by giving 1 month notice and by paying pre-termination charges. Each Nexon EV subscriber is also given an EV charger installed at their homes or offices as per their convenience.
    Specs
    Tata Nexon EV is powered by a 30.2 kWh Lithium-ion battery driving an electric motor that offers output of 127 hp and 245 Nm. It comes in with two driving modes of Drive and Sport and as per ARAI rating, the battery offers a max range of over 312 kms on a single charge.
    The battery gets fast charging capability of upto 80 percent via a DC fast charger in a matter of 60 minutes and via a standard AC charger upto 100 percent in 8-9 hours. For those customers who do not wish to buy Nexon EV via subscription plan; price of the Nexon EV starts from Rs 13.99 lakhs, ex-sh. More