News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares99 Views

      in Electric Cars

      2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Facelift Debuts – To Go On Sale Next Year

      by

      2021 Hyundai Kona Electric
      Hyundai Kona Electric carries on with the same set of powertrains offered in the pre-facelift model

      Electric cars have taken a sizeable portion of the passenger vehicle segment in global markets over recent years. With EV-related technology evolving at a rapid pace, we are seeing more and more electric cars come up in recent times. We have also witnessed demands for EVs rising due to their cheap running cost and powerful performances.
      Hyundai is one such brand that has found success globally with EV offering Kona Electric over the last couple of years. The Korean automaker has given a mid-life facelift to its most popular electric crossover for 2021 and is scheduled to go on sale in the United Kingdom early next year.

      Exterior Styling Updates
      2021 Kona Electric comes with a healthy dose of cosmetic upgrades both inside and outside its cabin and a host of technological updates as well. Its exterior witnesses the highest number of updates, the most dramatic of them being the revised front nose.
      The new grille gets a smooth nose cone which is starkly different from the radiator grille on the petrol-powered Kona thus distinguishing itself from the latter. This also lends a slight aerodynamic update over the pre-facelifted model.

      New Kona Electric also gets a redefined front bumper which receives a pair of vertical inlets that reduce the amount of turbulent air in the front wheel arches to minimise drag. This is complemented by fresh LED DRLs and a pair of redesigned LED headlights.
      The rear end is very much similar except for slightly reconfigured tail lamps. Black claddings on the old car are now colour-coded. In addition to five colours offered on the electric crossover, another five new paint schemes have been added to its palette.
      Interior & Feature Updates
      Interiors of 2021 Kona electric have seen a fair share of updates including a new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system carried from the new-gen i20 and Tucson.

      The new infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Hyundai’s connected tech BlueLink which offers features such as Voice Activated Commands, remote climate control to preheat/precool the cabin and remote charging to benefit from off-peak energy rates.
      In addition, it receives new ambient lighting which complements the two-tone interior colour. Safety equipment too receives enhancements such as rear cross-traffic assistance, safe exit warning, blindspot assistance and eCall which in the event of an accident automatically alerts emergency services.

      Powertrain
      Speaking of its powertrain, there is no change in this department. The facelifted model still receives two powertrain options- 39.2kWh battery pack paired with a 134 bhp motor and a larger 64kWh battery pack mated to a 201 bhp electric motor.
      The former claims a single-charge range of 189 miles and a top speed of 154.5 kmph while the latter claims a range of 300 miles and 167 kmph of top speed. The company will provide a 100kW fast-charger which could juice up the battery by 80 percent in just 47 minutes. More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      Harley Davidson Dealers Unhappy Post Hero Alliance – Might File Legal Case

      by

      File Photo.
      Harley Davidson dealers in India have hired a law firm and are looking at legal options

      While the Harley Davidson & Hero MotoCorp deal is a positive development for customers and motorcycle enthusiasts, many Harley dealerships are facing an uncertain future.
      Harley dealers are even more worried now because there’s a growing possibility that the total number of dealerships may be reduced to just 13-15 dealerships. This will be a major setback to Harley dealers who may be asked to shut shop.
      Demand for higher compensation
      One of the primary complaints of Harley dealers is that the compensation package is not enough to cover their losses. The compensation offered by Harley-Davidson management includes two components, one of which is Rs 1,500 per sq. ft., after adjusting for 10% annual value depreciation. The second component is reimbursement of sales margins for a period of 6 months.
      Harley dealers claim that this compensation is significantly lower than their collective investments over the last decade, which amounts to around Rs 300 crore. Moreover, since the lockdown was lifted in August, the dealers have been incurring huge losses of around Rs 30-40 lakh every month.
      Harley Davidson India Dealer
      In the domestic market, Harley’s bestselling product was Street 750 mid-sized motorcycle. It contributed around 70-80% of the company’s sales in the country.
      Earlier, dealers used to sell around 20-25 Harleys every month, but the numbers are down to single digits. As new Harley products may take some time to be launched via Hero MotoCorp partnership, dealers are demanding higher compensation for their investment and losses.
      Law firm appointed
      With the possibility that on-going talks may not lead to favourable developments, the Harley-Davidson Dealers Association has appointed a law firm AZB & Partners. The plan is to explore legal options to safeguard their investment and probably get higher compensation to recover their losses. However, this is a preliminary move to assess potential options. The dealers have not filed any case against either Harley or Hero MotoCorp.
      Harley Davidson dealers are hopeful that things will be resolved in a favourable manner for all stakeholders. They are currently waiting for a formal announcement to be made by either Harley or Hero MotoCorp. The dealers say that they need to be clearly told about the next steps, so that they can make adjustments accordingly.
      As per the deal between the two companies, Hero MotoCorp will be taking over the sales and service operations of Harley. This will be done via the existing Harley outlets.
      Hero will also be retailing original parts, accessories, riding gear, apparel and general merchandise. Hero also gets the license to develop and sell premium motorcycles with Harley Davidson brand name. The first of these products could be a 350cc – 500cc motorcycle that will challenge the supremacy of Royal Enfield. More

    • 125 Shares99 Views

      in Motor News

      Watch the Hot Mercedes-AMG GT63 S Set a Nürburgring Record

      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.

      A 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S laid down a 7:27.80 lap on the Nürburgring’s 12.9-mile Nordschleife circuit, a new official record for oberklasse (executive-class luxury) cars.
      The Nordschleife is where the world’s carmakers go to compete for outright production-vehicle lap records. The previous oberklasse record holder was a Porsche Panamera Turbo S, which cranked off a 7:29.81 official time on September 24, 2020.
      AMG Development engineer and former racer Demian Schaffert recaptured the record he had set in 2018 in another GT63 S, which is the one the Panamera eclipsed.
      Mercedes-AMG’s mighty GT63 S has just reclaimed fastest-luxury-car honors from the Porsche Panamera Turbo S at the fabled Nürburgring with a 7:27.80 lap on the 12.9-mile Nordschleife circuit. A factory-backed Porsche Panamera Turbo S had only recently bested the 2018 record set by another GT63 S.

      630-HP Mercedes-AMG GT63S Tested: Fierce and Fine

      Tested: 2021 AMG E63 S Wagon Simply Hauls

      AMG GT Black Series Targets a Higher Realm

      The Turbo S ran a 7:29.81 lap on September 24, which beat the GT63 S’s previous time by just 0.3 second; the 2021 GT 63 S topped the Panamera by 2.01 seconds. For now, at least, the car we dubbed “the great white shark of luxury cars” is the big fish on a track nicknamed “the Green Hell.”

      Mercedes-Benz

      The GT63 S was totally stock, says AMG, and was equipped much like our most recent test car: with the optional AMG Aerodynamics package and track-focused Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The driver was AMG development engineer Demian Schaffert. The company put the 2.3-second lap-time improvement down to subtle revisions of the 2021 model’s suspension.

      New Porsche Panamera Sets Record at Nürburgring

      Audi RS Q8 Is the Fastest SUV Around the ‘Ring

      Has Tesla Smashed Porsche’s Nürburgring Record?

      Manufacturers have long competed for production-car, lap-time glory on the Nürburgring’s 12.9-mile Nordschleife circuit. Recognized as the world’s most challenging racetrack, it snakes through the forest near the town of Nürburg in the heart of the Eifel mountains. Officially, the track has 73 corners, but some say adding the lesser twists and kinks that a driver must navigate brings the total to 100 or more. A typical road-racing circuit has 10 to 15 turns.
      The track’s hilly topography—there’s 1000 feet of elevation change across its distance—and humpy surface throw every type of corner at the cars and their drivers. Speeds for powerful passenger cars like the GT63 S range from about 40 mph in the slowest turns to 180 mph or more on the long back straight. The high speeds, hard braking, and sine-wave pavement challenge suspensions, brakes, powertrains, and tires. Weather can be a problem as well: the track is so large that it can be sunny at one end but rainy at the other. Even on a cloudless day, parts of the track might be damp from morning dew, making record runs difficult.

      Mercedes-Benz

      The official track website recognizes records in 12 categories. Seven are for production vehicles: mini/sub-compact cars; compact cars; mid-size cars; luxury (executive-class) cars; sports cars; super sports cars; and SUVs/vans/trucks/off-road vehicles. There are also categories for race cars, prototypes/concept cars, and two categories for EVs. The site has records listed for most of those classes. While the GT563 S is an undeniable rocket ride, consider that the production-car record holder, a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, lapped the circuit at 6:44.97, an amazing 42.83 seconds quicker than the AMG sedan.
      The timing process has changed slightly in the past several years. About two years ago, track management revised how flying laps are timed in a way that has added roughly 761 feet and several seconds to a lap. That means earlier record lap times are not strictly comparable to more recent ones. But the times set by the Panamera and GT63 S are. Which means for now, the great white shark rules the ‘Ring.

      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

    • 138 Shares139 Views

      in Bike

      Triumph Tiger 850 Sport Teased Ahead Of Global Debut – Official

      by

      Triumph Tiger 850 Sport Teaser
      The Triumph Tiger 850 Sport is reported to be road focused and is likely to forgo several features to arrive at a competitive price point

      Triumph Motorcycles is busy introducing new products amidst the full blown pandemic crisis that has been greatly affecting the automotive industry. The British sportsbike marque just unveiled its most affordable three-cylinder motorcycle, the Trident, last month, and is already gearing up to introduce a new Tiger variant.
      Triumph Tiger 850 Sport
      Triumph India has released a teaser image of a new Tiger variant without furnishing any details. The image shows a red finished adventure tourer with the Tiger’s instantly recognizable LED light signature. International media expects the new variant to be called as the Triumph Tiger 850 Sport.
      The new Tiger 900 is currently available in four variants with a strong focus on all-terrain riding. The Tiger Sport 850 is expected to serve as a new entry level model with heightened focus on tarmac touring.
      However, new motorcycle does appear to be sporting 19-inch front wheel dual-purpose tyre. We expect the Tiger 850 Sport to feature some significant cost cutting measures to arrive at a competitive price point.
      Triumph Tiger 850 Sport Teaser
      Specifications
      With the Euro 5 emission norms forcing OEMs to go for slightly higher displacement, it is unlikely that the Triumph Tiger 850 Sport will feature an engine that is smaller than the 900 variants. The in-line three-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor displaces 888 cc and produces 95 hp and 87 Nm of torque. Transmission is a 6-speed unit. We expect the new variant to carry forward this configuration despite the ‘850’ in the nomenclature.
      If the Triumph Tiger 850 Sport is road focuses, then we expect the inverted telescopic front fork and rear monoshock to feature tweaked stiffness and damping coefficients. Triumph may likely delete some electronic features such as Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and related systems to make the 850 Sport more accessible than its 900 siblings.
      For reference, the fully loaded Triumph Tiger 900 variants are equipped with a 7-inch colour TFT instrument display, IMU-powered cornering ABS, cornering traction control, Triumph Shift Assist (bi-directional quick shifter), 6 riding modes, cruise control, heated grips and seats, mobile charger, tire pressure monitoring system, and so on.
      Rivals
      The Triumph Tiger 850 will lock horns with the likes of BMW F900XR and Yamaha Tracer 900. Pricing is expected to be competitive. The road-focused tourer will make its online debut on November 17th and is expected to be ready for the market sometime in first half of 2021. We expect Triumph to introduce the new Tiger variant in India sometime early next year. More

    • 125 Shares139 Views

      in Motor News

      GM Recalls 194,105 Cars, SUVs for Potential Transmission Oil Leak

      by

      General Motors has recalled 194,105 of its vehicles in the U.S. built between 2018 and 2020 due to a potential oil transmission leak that could lead to a loss of power.
      The bulk of the recall affects the Chevrolet Cruze from 2018 and 2019 model years, but other Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet vehicles are also included.
      Owners will be notified beginning on December 14.
      General Motors has recalled 194,105 vehicles in the U.S. built between 2018 and 2020 from across its brands due to missing bolts. The problem could lead to a transmission oil leak, and ultimately the loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. If there is an ignition source, this leaked oil can also increase the potential for a fire, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
      The affected vehicles include the following: 2018 Chevrolet Malibu; 2018–2019 Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Cruze; 2018–2020 Chevrolet Equinox and Traverse and GMC Terrain; 2019–2020 Buick Enclave, Buick Encore, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer, and GMC Acadia; and 2020 Cadillac XT6.
      With 122,980 vehicles being recalled, the Cruze makes up the bulk of the recall. Owners of vehicles on the list should go the NHTSA website or NHTSA’s new recall app to see if their vehicle is involved in the recall.
      Dealers will inspect the start/stop transmission accumulator—the part that is potentially missing bolts—and replace it if any bolts are missing. The recall is expected to begin on December 14.
      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

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Motor News

      2021 Ram Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition Gets a Few Bits from the TRX

      by

      Ram announced the 2021 Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition, which celebrates 75 years of the off-road-ready truck.
      It’s equipped with unique badging, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and Ram’s new off-road pages in the infotainment screen, which were first introduced on the 702-hp 1500 TRX.
      The special edition trucks will arrive by the end of the year starting at $66,945.
      Fiat Chrysler, Ram’s parent company, loves special editions. To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Power Wagon, which, along with the 702-hp Hellcat-powered 1500 TRX, is the most off-road-capable truck in Ram’s lineup, it’s offering trucks decked out with 75th-anniversary badging, blacked-out trim, and two features first introduced on the TRX.

      Ram

      The 75th Anniversary Power Wagons get 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, an option introduced on the 1500 TRX (however, the TRX gets 18s), wrapped in 33-inch tires (the TRX gets 35-inch rubber), as well as the Ram infotainment system’s new off-road pages, also first introduced on the most powerful production pickup. The off-road pages display things like the truck’s ride height, transfer case position, and pitch and roll. This special Power Wagon is also equipped with locking front and rear differentials, an electronic disconnecting front sway bar, and a 12,000-pound Warn winch.

      Ram 1500 TRX Blasted to 60 MPH in 3.7 Seconds

      2021 Ram 1500 TRX Has the Most Savage Easter Egg

      Ram Electric Pickup Is Coming Soon

      It wouldn’t be a special edition if you weren’t reminded of it all over the place. “Power Wagon 75” badges adorn the doors, door inserts, and bucket seats. The exterior features black trim as does the interior on the dashboard and interior badging, and a 17-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is standard.
      The 2021 Ram Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition will arrive at dealerships by the end of this year starting at $66,945.
      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

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Bike

      New BMW G 310 GS Vs KTM 390 ADV Vs RE Himalayan – Comparison

      by

      New BMW 310 GS
      With the launch of the updated BMW G 310 GS, a comparison is in order with its nearest rivals- KTM 390 Adventure and Royal Enfield Himalayan

      BMW Motorrad has finally launched its entry-level G 310 twins in India. While the G 310 R is a naked roadster, G 310 GS is an adventure tourer. With growing popularity and demands for Adventure bikes in India, this is currently a hotly contested space with big players such as KTM 390 Adventure and Royal Enfield Himalayan fighting it out.
      By launching a much affordable BS6 iteration of G 310 GS, BMW has announced its entry in a grand fashion. It is even more affordable than its KTM counterpart and that has left many biking enthusiasts surprised. So let us find out by comparing it with its nearest rivals in this segment how it fares against them.
      Engine
      All these bikes now comply with the latest BS6 emission norms. While all are powered by single-cylinder units, the Himalayan gets a single overhead camshaft instead of double cams like the rest. Therefore the Himalayan has the lowest power output among the three ADVs even though it carries the largest displacement. The 373.2cc engine of KTM 390 produces the highest output of 43.5 PS of power and 37 Nm of peak torque.
      While the Himalayan gets a five-speed gearbox, the 390 Adventure and G 310 GS get a six-speed unit. The latter two come with a slipper clutch and assist alongside clutch by wire system as standard. These have been new additions in the BMW adventure motorcycle.
      BMW G 310 GS Engine Specs vs Rivals
      Dimensions
      Dimensions of a bike turn out to be very critical when one to go in beaten tracks and these bikes are made for that. There is no considerable difference in their heights, widths and lengths. However, when it comes to their kerb weight, Himalayan is a lot heavier than its peers at 199kg while the KTM and BMW weigh 175kg and 169kg respectively and that can be felt in its performance as well.
      Features
      KTM 390 Adventure continues to lead the segment in terms of features on offer. However, BMW has made some valuable additions too in its latest iteration of G 310 GS. Both these motorcycles come with a throttle-by-wire technology and full LED lighting setup whereas Himalayan is offered with a conventional cable-operated throttle and halogen lamp setup.
      BMW G 310 GS Dimensions vs Rivals
      All three bikes are equipped with common features such as dual-channel ABS with switchable rear-wheel ABS deactivation. However, KTM 390 clearly leads with the equipment list consisting of a 5-inch TFT colour infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, Off-Road Mode, MTC (lean angle sensitive), bi-directional quick shifter, traction control and cornering ABS.
      Hardware
      While none of these motorcycles can’t be defined as hardcore off-roaders meant for trail bashing, the Himalayan is definitely more suited to take on the rough paths. Whereas the KTM and BMW are more touring friendly which can manage occasional off-roading. The KTM 390 and BMW G 310 are equipped with upside forks at front with 43mm WP Apex and 41mm USD suspension units respectively.
      On the other hand, Himalayan gets 41mm telescopic at front with a travel of 200mm way more than 180mm and 170mm available in BMW and KTM respectively. All three motorcycles are equipped with a mono-shock at rear with preload adjustable units for 390 Adventure and G 310 and a multi-link unit for Himalayan.
      The G 310 and 390 Adventure ride on 19-inch front and 17inch rear wheels while Himalayan rides on 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels. While the former two use alloy wheels wrapped around by tubeless tyres, Himlayan gets tube tyres which are wrapped around spoke wheels. Anchoring duties are carried out by disc brakes at both ends on all three bikes with dual-channel ABS on offer.
      BMW G 310 GS Price vs Rivals
      Price
      Royal Enfield Himalayan is by far the most affordable in this space with its prices starting at Rs 1.89 lakh. However, it is also the least powerful and least specced model too in comparison to its compatriots. KTM 390 Adventure is now the most expensive in this range at Rs 3.04 lakh, however, it is also the most powerful of the lot and gets the most number of features as well. (Prices mentioned are ex-showroom) More

    • 175 Shares119 Views

      in Bike

      Hero Xtreme 200S BS6 Launch Price Rs 1.15 L – Rivals Bajaj Pulsar 220F

      by

      BS6 Hero Xtreme 200S
      Hero Xtreme 200S will lock horns with Bajaj Pulsar 220F, which is priced at Rs 1.24 lakhs

      Hero MotoCorp has finally launched its fully-faired bike Xtreme 200S in its BS6 derivative. The bike was not yet been upgraded to the latest emission norms and, therefore, has not been in sale since April this year. Now, the brand has launched the latest iteration of its flagship motorcycle in India. Price is Rs 1,15,715, ex-sh; making it about Rs 9k cheaper than Pulsar 22F.
      Powertrain & Tranmission
      Hero utilizes the same 199.6cc single-cylinder motor on Xtreme 200S which has been upgraded to BS6 emission norms in Xpulse 200. This unit is also set to receive an oil-cooler as seen on the adventure tourer. It will continue to be mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
      As in the case with most updated BS6 two-wheelers, power figures on the new Xtreme 200S will be slightly altered. Output figures on the BS4 version read as 18.4 PS of maximum power and 17.1 Nm of peak torque. In its BS6 avatar, it now delivers 17.8 BHP @ 8500 RPM and an impressive torque of 16.4 Nm @ 6500 RPM. This means, power and torque figures, both have declined in BS6 avatar, when compared to BS4 figures.
      Design & Features
      Speaking of design, the BS6 Xtreme 200S sports the same styling with similar fairing as seen on its predecessor. Although, it now gets a new paint scheme called Pearl Fadeless White. Earlier two colours of Sports Red, Panther Black, which were on sale in BS4 avatar, continue to be on sale in BS6 avatar as well.
      BS6 Hero Xtreme 200S
      Equipment offered on the bike is also expected to remain same which shall consist of LED headlamp, LED taillight and an all-digital instrument console that comes equipped with Bluetooth-enabled turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts and gear position indicator. The Xtreme 200S comes with a 7-step adjustable mono shock suspension that offers superior ride handling, 276 mm Front Disc with single channel ABS and 220 mm Rear Disc for added safety.
      Commenting on the launch, Naveen Chauhan, Head – Sales and Aftersales, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The new Xtreme 200S showcases our focused approach to the premium segment. Our premium products like the Xtreme 160R and XPulse 200 BS-VI are receiving an overwhelming response from the customers. I am confident that the Xtreme 200S will build on their success.”
      Malo Le Masson, Head of Strategy, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Our horizontal strategy catering to all customer categories has worked really well and has allowed us to grow our market share in the premium motorcycle segment. We are confident that the BS-VI Xtreme 200S will continue its strong performance and further fortify our presence in the segment.”
      Hero Xtreme 200R No More?
      Hero Xtreme 200S is a fully faired bike based on its naked version Xtreme 200R; which in all likelihood is discontinued. Thanks to Xtreme 160R. Its smaller sibling Xtreme 160R made its debut a few months ago and has received a generous response overall. The naked roadster is offered in two variants at a starting price of Rs 99,850 going up to Rs 1,03,500 (ex-showroom).
      Hero Xtreme 160R is based on the Hero 1.R concept showcased at EICMA in Milan, Italy in 2019. The smaller Xtreme 160 is much sportier than its bigger sibling. The 160R attempts to be a sportier rendition of its elder faired sibling with minimum body panels, LED headlamp, heavily contoured single-piece seat, smoked-out LED taillight with ‘H’ signature and prominent chiseled fuel tank with contrast coloured extensions.
      The Xtreme 160R is powered by a 163cc single-cylinder, SOHC engine which produces 15 bhp and 14 Nm of peak torque. Same 5-speed gearbox used in Xtreme 200S is offered in Xtreme 160R.  More