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John Paul Jr., Auto-Racing Champion, Dies at 60
From the Archive (1997): We talked with the two-time Rolex 24 at Daytona winner about his complex life, including prison for marijuana smuggling with his father. More
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Updated 2021 Lincoln Nautilus Prices Range from $42,395 to $66,085
Lincoln has announced pricing for the updated 2021 Nautilus SUV.
It starts at $42,395 and has an updated interior and a few other small tweaks.
The 2021 Nautilus is expected to start arriving at dealerships sometime in January.
Lincoln is charging a bit more for the updated 2021 Nautilus, which benefits most notably from an upgraded interior that looks considerably nicer and more modern than before. The mid-size SUV starts at $42,395, a $360 increase, while the Reserve trim level starts at $50,405 (a $910 increase) and the top Black Label model starts at $66,085 (a $1290 increase).2021 Lincoln Nautilus Gets a Redesigned Interior
2019 Lincoln Nautilus Improves on the Former MKX
The available powertrains haven’t changed for 2021. All-wheel drive is a $2500 option on the base model and $2495 extra on the Reserve. A 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four and front-wheel drive remain standard, although a more powerful 335-horsepower twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 is a $2700 option on all-wheel-drive Reserve models and comes standard on the AWD-only Black Label.
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Lincoln
The interior changes include a huge new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s standard across the board, which uses Ford’s latest Sync 4 software. It’s capable of over-the-air updates and offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lincoln has also rearranged the dashboard and center stack and says the materials are improved.
Lincoln says the 2021 Nautilus will be arriving at dealerships sometime in January.
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Feds to Change Minor Safety Rules to Aid Drivers with Disabilities
The Department of Transportation is proposing two possible small rules changes, both meant to give people with disabilities better driving options.
The first involves rental cars and would give rental agencies the ability to temporarily disable knee airbags so they don’t cause metal hand controls to hit the driver if there’s a crash.
The second is about rear-mounted carrying shelves for wheelchairs and power scooters, which can get in the way of backup cameras. The DOT wants to approve both measures and is giving the public until January 27, 2021, to chime in.
Finding the right balance between keeping all of a vehicle’s safety features in operation for all drivers and allowing people with disabilities more access to transportation sometimes requires digging into the minutiae of federal regulations.
That’s the case with a new rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation that would allow people with disabilities to drive vehicles that have had one of two notable changes to their safety features. First, if approved, the rule would allow rental car companies to rent vehicles with their driver’s-side knee bolster airbags temporarily deactivated for drivers who need hand pedals. This change was prompted by questions from the Enterprise rental-car company, the DOT said.Fighting Disability-Parking-Placard Fraud
Toyota Concept Aims to Help Disabled Drivers
Second, a rule change would allow vehicle dealers and repair businesses to install “rear-mounted transporters for wheelchairs and power scooters,” which might otherwise be forbidden because they can block the view of backup cameras. This rule change was petitioned by Bruno Independent Living Aids, which said it wants to be sure that installing its transporters would not run afoul of the rules as they currently stand.
These changes can certainly reduce a vehicle’s safety, but there are logical reasons that drivers with disabilities would benefit from these changes. Regarding the first, the DOT said, turning off the knee airbag would mean that people with disabilities who need hand controls could rent vehicles safely. The DOT said that if a knee-bolster airbag deploys in a crash, “The resulting force of the deployment could cause the hand controls to strike the driver with extreme forces and create a serious risk to the safety of the driver.” For the second change, allowing rear-mounted transporters would “improve mobility for drivers and passengers with disabilities” in general, the DOT said.
“This rule will make it easier for individuals with disabilities to achieve greater mobility and freedom in their lives,” U.S. transportation secretary Elaine Chao said in a statement.What’s the Next Big Thing In Safety Tech?
Generally, the Federal Code makes it illegal for any “vehicle manufacturer, distributor, dealer, rental company, or repair business” to “knowingly make inoperative any part of a device or element of design installed in or on a motor vehicle in compliance with an applicable [federal motor vehicle safety standard].” If this proposed rule goes into effect, registered companies would be allowed to make these specific changes as long as they also add a permanent label to the modified vehicle that makes it clear the vehicle no longer complies with the safety standards.
The two proposed rule changes are further modifications of a 2016 rulemaking notice that exempted vehicles driven by people with disabilities from some roof crush resistance safety standards. A public comment period for these changes ends January 27, 2021.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.
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Honda Sales, Exports Nov 2020 – Activa, CB Shine Top 2; CB350 Beats Hornet
New Honda Activa
Honda reported growth in domestic dispatches on decline in Exports in November 2020As always, HMSI continued it’s strong run in November 2020. Domestic wholesale dispatches grew at 7.87 percent, up at 4,02,640 units, up from 3,73,262 units at volume gain just under 30k. This was a grand performance keeping in mind the slow start to FY21 on account of Covid-19 pandemic related national lockdown.
One that gives Honda a fighting chance to report decent Q4 2020 numbers. All the more necessary, owing to numbers reported in previous quarters. Notably, Honda’s presence continues to rely heavily on its flagship Activa scooter. Especially since it accounts for more than 50 percent of company sales in the domestic market. And the scooter delivered last month too. Just like every other month.
Honda Activa wholesales was up 6.44 percent at 2,25,822 units, up from 2,12,164 units. Volume gain was reported at 13,658 units. Its share of total dispatches was at 56.09 percent. Granted that the scooter in its successive avatars has already had a successful run of over 2 decades, there’s little to stop its progress. In the said scooter segment, there’s hardly another product that’s in demand at all times.
HMSI domestic wholesales for November 2020
Honda CB Shine continued its top motorcycle run. At 84,413 units, dispatches grew 12.33 percent from 75,144 units for a share of 20.96 percent. In fact, both top runners accounted for upward of 75 percent of brand wholesales. Though the top order found things to be smooth sailing, Honda Dio sales dipped 18.05 percent. Numbers declined to 34,812 units from 42,481 units. Unicorn 160 units were reported at 21,796 units.
Honda Two Wheelers Domestic Sales – Nov 2020. Top 4 registers over 91% of total sales for HMSI.
Honda Dream wholesales grew by a quarter at 10,875 units from 8,748 units. At the same time, Livo sales dipped by almost a quarter. Numbers contracted to 9,554 units, down from 12,537 units. Decline for Grazia was even steeper at 42.76 percent. Wholesales fell to 4,675 units from 8,167 units.
Its newest launch, Hness 350 saw numbers at 4,067 units. Remarkable, considering the motorcycle is only sold through a handful of dealerships . Numbers reported for Hornet 2.0, launched just prior to Hness stood at 4,067 units. X-Blade put in a positive showing at 38.41 percent growth. Numbers grew to 2,591 units from 1,872 units.
Honda Two Wheelers Exports – Nov 2020
Honda exports for November 2020
Once expected to generate customer interest and help Honda further growth, Navi sales in India was lacklustre. While the product is now history here, last month it was the topmost Honda export from India. Exports grew 77.69 percent for Navi, up at 4,684 units. Livo exports grew substantially at 3.3k units, up from a grand. To repeat, Livo domestic sales is higher. X-Blade exports were higher than numbers generated back home. Numbers swelled to 2,796 units, up from 576 units.
CB Shine exports fell by 44.52 percent. Numbers contracted to 2,505 units from 4,515 units. Though at the top of the list a year earlier, Honda Dio numbers failed miserably. Down at 2,248 units from 8,818 units. Exports for Dream were up at 1,588 units, up from 520. Unicorn 160 units were just lower at 1,248 units. Hornet 160R decline was at more than half, down at 696 units from 1,457 units.
Decline for Grazia was steep at 640 units from 1,904 units, Down by more than a third. Aviator exports were reported at 520. The magic of Activa wasn’t;’t reflected overseas at a mere 2028 units. The all new Hness 350 is already being exported. Numbers were reported at 92 units. 40 units of Unicorn 150 were exported. To sum up, exports fell by 11.04 percent at 20,565 units, down from 23,115 units. More - in Bike
Tiger 850 Sport Debuts On Triumph India Website – Price Reveal Soon
Triumph Tiger 850 Sport
Upon its launch, Triumph Tiger 850 Sport will rival the likes of Kawasaki Versys 1000 and the upcoming KTM 790 AdventureTriumph Motorcycles unveiled the Tiger 850 Sport over a month ago and now the British bikemaker has listed its upcoming middleweight adventure tourer on its official India website. Upon its launch, Tiger 850 Sport will serve as the brand’s entry-level motorcycle and positioned below Tiger 900.
According to the company, Tiger 850 Sport has been primarily targeted at an audience which is still relatively new to biking at a more affordable rate. It caters to the demands of consumers who do not seek overloaded technical gizmos on its equipment yet provides strong performance for a thrilling ride.
Powertrain & Tranmission
The name would suggest that it is a scaled-down version of Tiger 900, however, that is not the case as it is essentially the same bike. It is powered by the same 888cc in-line three-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with T-Plane crankshaft which also powers Tiger 900. However, Triumph has detuned the output of this unit to produce 84 bhp and at 8,500 rpm and 82 Nm at 6,500 which is 10 bhp and 5 Nm less than its older sibling.
Triumph has done this to make it a more approachable option for first-time riders. This unit is paired with a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch for smoother gear shifts. This motor also ensures a more linear delivery of power.
Tiger 850 Sport India Price Reveal Soon
Dynamics
This iteration of the ADV tourer has been developed more for road-focused touring rather than trail bashing off-road adventures. Therefore, it receives road-biased tyres and a non-adjustable suspension setup. It is offered with a 45mm upside-down forks at front with 180mm travel and gas pressurised manual preload adjustment mono-shock at rear with a travel of 170mm from Marzocchi.
Anchorage duties are handled by a pair of 320 mm front discs with monoblock 4-piston Brembo Stylema callipers and a 255 mm single disc with Brembo single-piston sliding calliper at rear. These are assisted by dual-channel ABS. Tiger 850 rolls on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels with 100/90 and 150/70 profile of tyres wrapped around.
Features on offer
In terms of electronic aids, Triumph has thrown in two riding modes- road and rain, with Ride-by-wire throttle and switchable traction control. Its list of features also consists of an all-LED lighting setup with DRLs, an adjustable windscreen, a USB charging port and a five-inch TFT instrument display which provides crucial readouts from odometer, speedometer, trip meter, etc. Apart from these, Triumph will also offer a number of optional accessories packages to spruce up the Tiger 850.
Launch of Tiger 850 in India will be preceded by the launch of the all-new Trident 660 which is expected to hit showrooms in a few days time. As far as pricing goes, Tiger 850 Sport is likely to be priced around Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). The British brand recently revealed that it has lined up nine new models for the Indian market which will be launched in the space of the next six months. More - in Bike
2021 Royal Enfield 650 Twins Conti GT Spied – Facelift With Tripper Navigation?
2021 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Spied
While Interceptor is a retro classic roadster, Continental GT 650 is a retro cafe racerEver since their launch in 2018, the 650 Twins- Interceptor and Continental GT have been the eye candy for Royal Enfield consumers. Especially those seeking a fun and spirited motorcycle to ride something different from retro commuter and cruiser motorcycles for which the brand is best known.
The models have been instrumental for Royal Enfield’s resurgence as a global brand since both the models have received positive feedback from Royal Enfield customers of overseas markets. Now, the brand is looking to give a minor mid-life facelift to both its premium offerings.
Changes Expected
Spy shots of the 2021 RE 650 Twins have been clicked by automotive enthusiast Arjun, near ECR in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Though there has been no official announcement regarding a facelift for Interceptor 650 and Conti GT 650, recent announcements by Royal Enfield and the timing of these getting spied, does indicate towards an incoming facelift for 650 Twins.
Recently, Royal Enfield claimed that they would be launching at least 28 new motorcycles in the next seven years; which means one new motorcycle every quarter. It is likely that a mid-life facelift to the 650 Twins fits the bill. If that is the case, these are the first reported set of 650 Twins Facelift. If we were to guess, then this new facelifted 650 Twins are expected to launch sometime next year.
2021 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Spied
New Colours, Tripper Navigation
The RE 650 Interceptor facelift and Continental GT 650 Facelift are not likely to incorporate any major changes, maybe only small cosmetic changes, new colours or a slight tweak to its engine to draw more output of it. In all probability, Royal Enfield will give facelift to Continental GT and Interceptor at the same time.
Facelifted RE 650 Twins will continue with the same retro classic styling with round halogen headlamps, spoked wheels (alloys launch planned), minimal body panels and twin exhaust mufflers. It is also likely to get bluetooth enabled tripper navigation, which was recently launched with Meteor 350.
2021 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Spied
Engine
Both 650 Twins are powered by a 648c parallel-twin oil-cooled engine which in its BS6 form churns out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. This unit is linked to a 6-speed gearbox. While Interceptor 650 is offered at a starting price of Rs 2.66 lakh, Continental GT 650 is pegged at a starting price of Rs 2.82 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom).
Facelifted 650 Twins might get a minor bump in price, in comparison to the current prices. Royal Enfield has also announced that from Feb 2021, the 650 Twins will come with optional alloys. Existing customers can purchase the same from company dealers or via their website and get them replaced on their motorcycles. It is likely that the facelifted 650 Twins come with factory fitted alloys when launched later next year. More 2021 Tata Nano Electric Spied With Digital Speedometer – Jayem Neo
Tata Nano Electric – Jayem Neo
The Tata Nano EV with standard airbag and ABS would be an interesting proposition in the current scenarioBack in November 2017, Tata Motors and its long-standing collaborator Jayem Automotives announced a partnership to introduce electric version of the Tata Nano under the Jayem Neo brand. The Neo was originally supposed to be inducted into Ola Electric’s fleet with a reported order size of 400 units.
After a delay of almost 2 years, in mid-2019, it was reported that Ola Electric secured a debt fund of INR 40 cr from Tata Motors Finance to purchase Jayem Neo EV as city taxi. Now, a 2021 Tata Nano electric test mule has been spotted in Akurdi, Pune.
Tata Nano EV / Jayem Neo yet to see the light of day
It’s been over three years since the first announcement but the Tata Nano EV a.k.a. Jayem Neo has neither been introduced as an urban taxi nor as a private vehicle. However, it seems Tata and Jayem haven’t completely ditched the project as evident from the recent spotting of an undisguised Neo test mule. Spy shots are credit to Pravin Nair, who shared the images on Rushlane Spylane Facebook Group.
As far as design is concerned, the Jayem Neo is identical to the now-defunct Tata Nano but it does not feature Tata branding anywhere. This particular mule features black bumper to keep the costs low. Closer observation reveals that the Neo EV is equipped with a fully digital instrument display which is mounted above the center console.
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Specifications
Based on the spy video from Smiley Tamilian Tech above, the Tata Nano EV is powered by a 17.7 kW, 48V (23 hp) electric motor supplied by Electra EV, which also supplies electric powertrain to Tiago and Tigor. According to the original arrangement made 3 years ago, Tata Motors was supposed supply Jayem with complete body panels of the car and the Coimbatore-based company was supposed to install the electric powertrain and retail it.
Tata Motors discontinued the Nano as the poor demand did not justify re-engineering the vehicle to meet the latest vehicle safety norms. However, if the company still hopes to leverage the small car’s untapped potential in the emerging electric vehicle market, then a comprehensive safety update is necessary.
Tata Nano Electric Specs
Launch Plans
Whether it is going to be marketed as Tata Nano EV or Jayem Neo, the urban runabout would have to be fitted with driver airbag, ABS, front passenger seat belt reminder and reverse parking sensor as standard. Top speed will be 85 kmph. It is also FAME II certified.
The Tata Nano Electric will have a maximum range of 203 km. With AC on and 4 adults on board, the vehicle should return a range of around 140 km. We think that, with a silent powertrain and appropriate marketing strategy, the Tata Nano EV could be an interesting proposition as both urban taxi and a private vehicle. More- in Motor News
Teslas May Soon Be Able to Call 911
If your phone is unable to connect to the emergency phone number, your network-connected Tesla may be able to complete the call. More
