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    Honda Hornet 185cc Adv Motorcycle Render – Hero Xpulse 200 Rival

    Digital Render
    Currently, Hero Xpulse 200 is the most affordable adventure tourer bike in India and Honda will be looking to disrupt this segment of entry-level ADVs in India

    Adventure motorcycles are the next big thing in the Indian automotive market. Gauging by the segment’s immense popularity over the past couple of years, every two-wheeler brand now wants to have an adventure bike in its product profile.
    Sometime earlier we had reported that Honda is developing an entry-level ADV bike based on the CRF250L Rally motorcycle. It will reportedly be rebranded to Africa Twin moniker and will be retailed as an entry-level model in the ADV range. However, that bike is most likely for international markets and not for India.
    But there is good news for Honda fans in India. Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) is planning to develop an all-new adventure motorcycle based on the recently launched Hornet 2.0. It is speculated that this new adventure tourer could utilise the naked roadster’s new platform.
    In a recent interaction with CarAndBike, Atsushi Ogata, President, CEO and MD, HMSI, confirmed this development. During this interaction, Ogata stated to exploring other options on both newly launched platforms of Hornet 2.0 and H’Ness CB350.
    250cc Honda Africa Twin Render
    One of the possibilities is the entry-level ADV based on Hornet 2.0’s architecture. During this discussion, Ogata did mention the CRF in a passing comment. From this discussion, it is clear that Honda is willing to expand its range of ADVs.
    Expected Details
    We can expect the design of this new bike to be in line with the Hornet 2.0. It will most likely be the same thing what KTM has done with their Duke and ADV range. That said the engine is expected to be the same as the one offered in Hornet 2.0. Its 184.4cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected motor is capable of pushing out 17 bhp of maximum power and 16.1 Nm of peak torque.
    It will be fair enough for Honda since it has invested a lot in developing an all-new platform for Hornet 2.0 and would be feasible for the company to utilise it in developing other new products. As of now, there are very little details as to how or when we can see this bike in our market but judging by the conversation, it seems like Honda is still in planning stages and it would take years to finally hit the roads.
    But one can never be sure with Honda. Out of the blue there will be a launch announcement, and before you know it, owners are posting video reviews of the new Honda Hornet 185cc Adv Motorcycle. We have already seen how efficient they are in hiding their upcoming projects before the actual launch – CB350 is one such example.
    Expected Availability
    This Honda ADV will be made in India from locally sourced components to keep the cost in check and will be retailed through its regular chain of dealerships. If plans do materialise then this new ADV from Honda will be the first real competitor to Hero Xpulse 200.
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    Meteor 350 Vs. Honda CB350 Vs. Classic 350 Vs. Jawa – Comparison

    New Royal Enfield Meteor 350
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is the newest entrant in the growing 350cc motorcycle segment in India

    To keep its portfolio relevant to evolving market trends and consumer expectations, Royal Enfield has launched the first of its next-gen products, the Meteor 350 cruiser. The motorcycle gets a range of upgrades including trendier design, a new chassis and engine, and connectivity tech.
    While products like Classic 350 and Bullet 350 are already bestsellers, Meteor 350 could be an even more attractive option for customers, especially the young brigade. To understand its potential, here’s a quick comparison between Royal Enfield Meteor 350 vs. Classic 350 vs. Honda H’ness CB350 vs. Jawa Classic.
    Design and styling
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 comes across as a thoroughbred cruiser with features such as round headlamps, round rear view mirrors, tear drop shaped fuel tank, turn indicators and rear tail light, broad rear fenders and liberal use of chrome accents.
    The motorcycle offers a comfortable, upright riding stance, made possible with the low seat height, forward set foot pegs and high set handle bars. Meteor 350’s design is such that it can easily support the needs of both highway cruising and daily urban commute.

    Talking about rivals, they too follow the retro theme and are designed for comfortable cruising. However, each one comes with its distinctive design aesthetics that give these motorcycles their unique character. For example, if you are looking for raw power and a dominating road presence, the option would be Classic 350.
    Similarly, if you are looking for subtle elegance, the choice would be Honda CB350. If you want your ride to be splashier and youthful, the choice would be Meteor 350 or Jawa Classic. All these motorcycles are available in attractive colour options, allowing you to personalize as per your needs.
    Engine & transmission
    Powering Meteor 350 is a new J series 349 cc, air-oil cooled, SOHC engine that makes 20.2 hp of max power and 27 Nm of max torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. With its electronic fuel injection (EFI), Meteor delivers power on demand, which remains consistent across the rev range. The engine also delivers ample level of bottom-end torque.

    In comparison, Classic 350 is powered by a 346 cc, single cylinder engine that churns out 19.1 hp and 28 Nm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Honda CB350 comes with a 348 cc engine that generates 21 hp / 30 Nm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Jawa Classic is powered by a 293 cc engine that makes 26 hp / 27.05 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
    Key features
    Other than the halogen headlamp, Meteor has an all-LED setup including LED DRL and LED tail lamp. Classic 350 and Jawa Classic also come with halogen headlamp. In comparison, Honda CB350 has an all-LED setup including the headlamp.

    A major upgrade for Meteor is its ‘Tripper Navigation’, which is a first for a Royal Enfield motorcycle. It’s quite unique because as compared to accessing navigation on a mobile screen, Meteor has a dedicated turn-by-turn navigation display unit placed next to the instrument pod. Tripper Navigation is powered by Google Maps and it works by connecting the user’s smartphone to the Tripper unit via Bluetooth.
    CB350 does not have a dedicated display for turn-by-turn navigation, but it does offer Bluetooth connectivity. Users can access turn-by-turn navigation via their mobile devices. Both Meteor and CB350 come with USB charging ports. In comparison, features like Bluetooth, navigation and USB charging are not available with Classic 350 and Jawa Classic.
    Price
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 has been launched at a price range of Rs 1.75 lakh to Rs 1.9 lakh. In comparison, Classic 350 is priced from Rs 1.61 lakh to Rs 1.86 lakh. Honda CB350 is available from Rs 1.85 lakh to Rs 1.9 lakh whereas Jawa Classic has a starting price of Rs 1.64 lakh.

    Which Motorcycle To Buy
    If you want a thoroughly upgraded Thunderbird, then Meteor 350 would be the obvious choice. There is no other motorcycle in the segment which offers the cruiser package like the new Meteor 350. However, being new, there can be issues even though it comes from the house of Royal Enfield. It can take several months and may be even years to measure the real value, benefits and advantages offered by a new motorcycle. Manufacturers do carry out extensive tests before launching new products, but on-road conditions and driver skills can easily impact a motorcycle’s performance.
    Classic 350 has a proven track record and it is the top selling cruiser in the country. There’s hardly anything to complain about Classic 350, except for the usual niggles. In a few months from now, RE will also launch upgraded new gen Classic 350, which will use the same chassis and engine as the new Meteor 350.
    Talking about Honda CB350, it’s also a new motorcycle and is yet to be tested extensively by users over longer durations. However, coming from a leading global automaker, CB350 is unlikely to have any major issues. If you want smooth performance without being too loud or showy, CB350 could be appropriate for you.
    Coming to Jawa Classic, the brand has had its share of bouquets and brickbats in the past. However, things are looking good for Jawa now as deliveries have been streamlined and reported bugs and issues have been mostly fixed in the BS6 variant. Jawa is one of the good looking motorcycles in this segment and it also has the highest power delivery. More

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    What We'd Buy with $1,000,000: Window Shop with Car and Driver

    Last week, we set our sights on the very real task of finding the most reliable car possible for $5000, but this week’s challenge is rooted in fantasy. For our 34th episode, we decided to ask the Window Shop crew to show us which cars they’d buy if they won the lottery and suddenly had $1,000,000 to burn.
    Not surprisingly, the challenge was met with a lot of Italian exotics of different vintages but also one very curious and rare Gumpert Apollo, a mid-engine supercar that contributing editor Jonathon Ramsey selected. It turns out Ramsey has actually driven one and knows quite a bit more about the beast—and its Audi RS6–sourced engine—than the rest of the crew. Undaunted, we pick apart his choice of supercar, discover it can get stuck on a speed bump, and then question if it’s even street legal.
    With John Pearley Huffman out for the week, we invited contributor Scott Oldham to spend an imaginary million dollars with us. He picked a Ferrari worthy of the Cannonball Run. Senior editor Joey Capparella also went with a Ferrari but his is more modern and has over $60,000 worth of options.Capparella and Oldham aren’t the only two editors to think alike. Deputy testing director K.C. Colwell and I both landed on iconic Lancias. And unlike Ramsey’s Apollo, you can definitely drive either of these rally cars on the street.
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    290-HP Hyundai Sonata N Line Will Start at $34,195

    Hyundai has announced that its performance-oriented 2021 Sonata N Line will start at $34,195, compared with the $24,595 base price of the standard Sonata.
    The vehicle will have 290 horsepower and 311 ft-lb of torque from a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine.
    The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line will be in dealerships in November.
    If you wish the Hyundai Sonata were faster and don’t mind dropping an additional 10 grand for performance, the 2021 Sonata N Line, starting at $34,195, could be your answer. This is the first Sonata in Hyundai’s performance-oriented N Line trim, and it is expected to appear in dealerships in November.

    Hyundai

    The N Line Sonata makes 290 horsepower and 311 ft-lb of torque from a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. For comparison, the 2020 Sonata’s 2.5-liter makes 191 hp. Hyundai added the extra 99 hp by swapping out the head (which has an integrated exhaust manifold), adding unique internals, and of course adding a turbocharger.
    An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission similar to the one in the Veloster N and a tuned suspension round out the performance elements of the upcoming Sonata.

    Hyundai Sonata N Line Revealed with a Racy Look

    Hyundai Veloster N Base Price Rises Nearly $5000

    2022 Hyundai Kona Gets New Styling, N-Line Model

    Design-wise, the vehicle is outfitted with 19-inch wheels and a choice of all-season or optional summer tires, which will set customers back an additional $200. A rear spoiler, dual exhaust, N badging, N Line–specific front and rear fascias, and a panoramic sunroof will let others on the road know this isn’t the typical Sonata.
    Hyundai says the sedan will have its own unique exhaust note and launch control. The automaker didn’t share a claimed zero-to-60-mph time, but we look forward to putting the quicker Sonata to the test.
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    Demonize Anything You Want with 807-HP Mopar Hellcrate Redeye Engine

    FCA’s Mopar has announced that the 807-hp version of the Hellcat supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 is now available as a crate engine.
    A version of that engine, which is equipped with a larger 2.7-liter supercharger, is currently found in the Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat Redeyes as well as the 807-hp Challenger SRT Super Stock.
    The Hellcrate Redeye crate engine is available now for $21,807.
    Dodge has proven that it can stuff its supercharged Hellcat V-8 into almost every vehicle in its lineup and keep pumping out more and more power from it. The latest vehicle in Dodge’s lineup to get the 797-hp Hellcat Redeye treatment is the four-door Charger Widebody. The most powerful iteration available today is the 807-hp Challenger SRT Super Stock, and now you’ll be able to implant its powerful supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 into anything of your liking.

    Mopar

    Mopar calls it the Hellcrate Redeye engine, and on 91-octane pump gas it produces 807 horsepower and 717 lb-ft of torque. A version of that engine, which is also equipped with a 2.7-liter supercharger (the standard Hellcat engine has a 2.4-liter blower), is found in both the Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat Redeyes, where it makes 797 hp, as well as the new 807-hp Challenger SRT Super Stock. The 2.7-liter supercharger makes 14.5 psi of boost pressure, and the engine redlines at 6500 rpm compared to the standard Hellcat engine’s 6200-rpm redline.

    2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Has 797 HP

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    Hennessey Durango SRT Hellcat Has 1012 Horsepower

    The 807-hp Hellcrate Redeye crate engine is available to order now for $21,807, and it includes throttle body, fuel injectors, coil packs, water pump, front sump oil pan, and flexplate. There’s also a front-end accessory drive kit available, which includes an alternator, power-steering pump, belts, pulleys and mounting hardware. If customers want to mate the beast to a manual transmission (#SaveTheManuals), Mopar will offer a clutch and flywheel kit for purchase, and customers can also complete their build with parts including a Tremec transmission and an exhaust manifold kit.
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    KTM 250 Adventure Engine Specs Leak – Compared vs ADV 390

    Image – Rawat k
    The entry-level ADV from KTM shares its powertrains with its naked sibling whereas borrows its underpinnings from 390 Adventure

    KTM is all set to launch its entry-level adventure motorcycle in India. The 250 Adventure had been in the Austrian bikemaker’s pipeline for a long time now and after numerous delays due to Covid-19 induced lockdown, it seems the bike will finally get to see daylight soon.
    A few days ago we reported that KTM dealers across the country have unofficially started accepting bookings for the entry-level ADV for a token amount of Rs 1000-5000. This was followed by images of the bike being spotted in some of the showrooms which indicated that its imminent launch might be around corners.
    Powertrain, Transmission Details
    Now, KTM 250 Adventure official specs have been leaked, thus revealing all its details. New 250 Adventure makes use of a 249cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, the same which powers its naked sibling- 250 Duke. This unit is good enough to generate 30 bhp at 9000rpm and 24 Nm of peak torque at 7500rpm. It will be mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch which ensures smooth shifts.
    Coming to its styling, most of its design attributes have been inspired by its elder sibling- 390 Adventure. However, one noticeable difference from its elder sibling is the use of a single-piece headlamp with a halogen unit instead of a dual-piece LED headlight offered in the larger KTM ADV. This is done to keep the cost in check. Inspiration from 250 Adventure is clearly evident in its knobby tyres, sculpted fuel tank, upswept exhaust and shot tail fender.
    KTM 250 ADV vs 390 Adventure. Had tip to folks at TorqueTV for sharing the specs sheet
    To ensure a comfortable riding position and optimal handling it comes with a tapered aluminium handlebar. It is available in two liveries- one which is dominated by orange, the brand’s quintessential colour while the other has black as its primary colour with orange decals.
    Some of the features form the larger ADV trickles down to smaller ADV like off-road ABS and 5-inch TFT screen but misses out on features such as Bluetooth connectivity, ride-by-wire, ride modes, traction control and more. Instrument cluster is expected to read out important information from the speedometer, odometer, ABS status and fuel gauge.
    KTM 250 ADV vs 390 Adventure
    Speaking of its dynamics, it shares its underpinnings with 390 Adventure based on a steel trellis frame. Suspension duties rest on WP Apex 43 mm USD at front and mono-shock at rear with a travel of 170mm and 177 mm respectively. Anchoring duties are carried out by disc brakes at both ends with a 320mm dia and 230mm dia rotor at front and rear respectively. It has a dry weight of 156 kg.
    Estimated Price
    KTM 250 Adventure is expected to be slotted higher than 250 Duke in the brand’s portfolio and is expected to be priced Rs 30,000-35,000 dearer than its naked sibling. Hence one can expect the new 250 Duke to be priced around Rs 2.30 lakh (ex-showroom) and will rival the likes of Hero Xpulse 200 and Royal Enfield Himalayan. More

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    Ather 450X Series 1 Electric Scooter Arrives In Showroom – First Look

    Ather 450X Series 1
    Ather 450X Series 1 is a Collector’s Limited Edition of the Ather 450X electric scooter

    Last month, Ather Energy announced the launch of their 450X Series 1 electric scooter. This is a Limited edition of the 450X; and is being offered to those customers who pre-ordered the 450X prior to its reveal on 28th January 2020. If you ordered after 28th Jan, you are not eligible.
    Ather says that the Series 1 is their way of thanking their customers who showed trust in them by booking their 450X scooter even before it was revealed. Deliveries of the Ather 450X are set to start in the coming days. Ahead of that, it has now arrived in the showroom. Below is a first look video, shared by James JDC.
    [embedded content]
    Ather 450X Series 1 Sporty Styling
    This special edition is based on the flagship 450X and will be the first electric scooter to receive translucent body panels that reveal its cast aluminum chassis and trellis framework. This feature will be the main highlight of the special edition Series 1. Ather Energy has also confirmed that customers would receive the Collector’s Edition Series 1 from later this month.
    Buyers will initially receive the Ather 450X Series 1 with black panels which would be replaced with translucent panels starting from March 2021. Deliveries will be start in 11 cities of Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Coimbatore, Kozhikode, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Pune, Ahmedabad and Kolkata.
    Ather 450X Series 1
    The Ather 450X Series 1 is built on a light weight hybrid aluminum frame chassis and kerb weight will stand at 108 kgs. It will be seen in sporty colour options of red and black called ‘DayGlo Red’ and will receive distinctive ‘Series 1’ ‘450X’ stickers across it body.
    Noticed on the model showcased in the video is a 7 inch touchscreen display. This display shows off an intro screen with the display offering information of over-the-air updates, on board navigation, auto indicator off, guide me home lamps and connected mobile App.

    Ather 450X Series 1 gets a Snapdragon 212 Quadcore processor with 1.3Ghz, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage Android Open Source OS (AOSP) 7-inch TFT LCD, LED Backlit, Capacitative Touch. It also receives GNSS with AGPS positioning system and connectivity via 4G LTE Cat-4 WCDMA / EDGE, Bluetooth 4.2, BLE 5.0.
    Power and Performance
    Ather 450X Series 1 will be powered by the same motor as seen on the Ather 450X. This 2.6 kWh Lithium ion battery along with a 6kW/28 Nm motor offers a top speed of 80 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and a range of 116 kms on the Indian Driving Cycle and at 85 kms on TrueRange.
    This makes the Ather 450X faster not only as compared to any other electric scooter but also when compared to a 125 cc petrol powered scooter currently on sale in the country. The scooter offers 4 riding modes of – Eco, Ride, Sport and Wrap. The battery can be charged via a home charger from 0-80 percent in 3 hours 35 minutes and from 0 to 100 percent in 5 hours 45 minutes.
    Ather 450X is priced at Rs.1.59 lakhs which is inclusive of GST and FAMI II incentives. This price is inclusive of battery ownership but registration and insurance will be extra. Price of the Series 1 is same as that of the 450X. More

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    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Launch Price Rs 1.75 Lakh – Rs 1.90 Lakh

    Royal Enfield Meteor 350
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is a replacement to the Thunderbird 350

    After many months of spy shots and leaked images, feature reveals and much speculation along with walkaround videos uploaded on YouTube, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 has been officially launched. The company claims that it is now the future of touring in India; all set to take the Indian markets by storm.
    RE Meteor 350 Features
    The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is presented in three trims of Fireball, Stellar and Supernova. Fireball is the entry level variant while the other two are positioned higher. Below are the prices of all 3 variants, starting from Rs 1.75 lakhs, going all the way to Rs 1.9 lakhs, ex-sh.
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Variants and Price
    The Meteor 350 is positioned on a new platform and depending on variants, receives colour options of Fireball Yellow, Fireball Red, Stellar Red Metallic, Stellar Blue Metallic, Supernova Brown and Supernova Blue along with an exclusive Stellar Black Matte.
    The new 350 motorcycle, based on the brand’s new ‘J’ architecture, receives a low seat along with high set handle bars and forward set foot pegs relating to an upright seating position and better rider comfort. Royal Enfield is also slated to offer accessories for the new Meteor 350 which will include a larger windscreen, better footpegs, engine guard, etc. Below is the official TVC of new Meteor 350.
    [embedded content]
    Royal Enfield 350 Meteor comes with turn-by-turn navigation, a first for any Royal Enfield bike. Its list of features include a halogen headlamp with LED DRLs, LED tail lamp, rounded rear view mirrors, a semi digital instrument console with an analogue speedometer and LCD display. The bike receives ‘Tripper Navigation’. This has been developed in association with Google Maps. This is being offered as a standard feature.
    Royal Enfield badging is seen on its tear drop shaped fuel tank while it also gets long exhaust ends and a swooping rear fender. The new Royal Enfield Meteor 350 sits on machine finished alloy wheels measuring 19 inch front with 100/90 tyre and 17 inch rear wheel with 140/70 tyre. It comes with 3 years warranty.
    RE Meteor 350 Engine
    Engine specifications include a 349cc, air cooled, single cylinder engine with an OHC design. This engine makes 20.2 hp power at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm torque at 4,000 rpm, mated to a 6 speed gearbox. The engine will allow for lower emissions and instant acceleration while it will receive disc brakes measuring 300mm front and 270mm rear along with dual channel ABS as standard.
    The disc brakes are larger than that seen on the Thunderbird 350. The engine is positioned on a double cradle frame linked to a telescopic front fork and twin shock absorbers at the rear. The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is positioned above the Classic 350 and Himalayan in the company lineup and rivals the likes of Honda CB350, Jawa 300 and Benelli Imperiale 400. More