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    Ultraviolette F99 Factory Racing Unveiled, 120hp, 265kmph – F77 Europe Debut

    Ultraviolette F99 Factory Racing UnveiledApart from showcasing F77 to European market, Ultraviolette F99 Factory Racing was the primary attraction at the company’s booth at 2023 EICMAIndian high-performance electric mobility startup, Ultraviolette, has set the stage ablaze at 2023 EICMA Show. The company is delighted to showcase F77 motorcycle in Europe. But the more tantalizing unveil from Ultraviolette definitely has to be F99 Factory Racing platform. This is a fully faired electric motorcycle with one of the highlights being its active aerodynamics.Ultraviolette F77 Europe DebutIndian electric mobility provider has taken long strides to extend its operations to the Old Continent. The company made its presence known at 2023 EICMA with its high acclaimed F77 electric motorcycle. Ultraviolette has revealed it will accept registrations from European buyers starting 15th November 2023.The bookings can be made on the official website and the price set for Europe is between EUR 9,000 and EUR 11,000 subject to federal or state government incentives and taxes. There are three variants on offer – Shadow, Laser and Airstrike. Deliveries are set to commence in second quarter of 2024.F77 is currently the best high-performance electric motorcycle in India, with no real competition. Upcoming Magron Novus and Raptee electric motorcycles will be primary rivals when launched. Where design is concerned, Ultraviolette has struck a right balance between aggression and elegance. It looks macho, and futuristic at the same time.F77 Space EditionThe 10.3 kWh battery pack powers the sole motor rated at 40 bhp of peak power and 100 Nm of peak instantaneous torque at 0 RPM. There are three ride modes too – Glide, Combat and Ballistic with distinct performance characteristics.Ultraviolette F99 Factory RacingExtending the vision from F77, Ultraviolette has unveiled fully-faired F99 Factory Racing Platform at 2023 EICMA Show. This is unlike anything we have seen from any indigenous Indian 2W manufacturer, ever. Garnering massive interest at the show, F99 radiated an extremely futuristic vibe that Ultraviolette is steering itself to.Specs are mind-numbing for any Indian indigenous motorcycle ever. We’re talking about a 120 bhp peak power that can catapult the motorcycle from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3 seconds. That’s not the most impressive part, however. That credit goes to a low kerb weight of just 178 kg and an even more impressive active aero trickery that Ultraviolette is demonstrating.Ultraviolette F99For its active aero bits, the company has derived inspiration from supersonic fighter jets. Most panels of F99 along with its winglets are made of carbon fibre. The term Active Aerodynamics is an umbrella for aerodynamic gains at cowl ducts and air windshield. These channel air to the motor where it is compressed and released through vanes, reducing air drag and optimising air flow.Then there is Air-Blade tech which is an electronically actuated system that increase downforce during cornering with the help of segments integrated within the fairing. There are multiple winglets and aero bits that contribute to aero efficiency, hence boasting a top speed of 265 km/h. Showcased in attractive White and Red colour combo, we can expect Ultraviolette F99 Factory Racing to go on sale in 2025.Ultraviolette F99 SpecsWords from the manufacturerNarayan Subramaniam, Co-Founder & CEO, Ultraviolette, expressed the company’s enthusiasm, stating, “We received an overwhelming response from enthusiasts across 190 countries, showing keen interest in the Ultraviolette F77. This energized our conviction to enter the European market, and EICMA 2023 is just the beginning, marking a significant milestone in our journey.As we set our sights on the global markets, the premiere of the F99 Factory Racing Platform further testifies to the passion, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence that started with the F77 and now seamlessly evolves into the F99. In an industry dominated by legacy players we take pride in our role as catalysts of transformation in the realm of racing.”Ultraviolette F99 Active Aero WizardryNiraj Rajmohan, Co-Founder & CTO, Ultraviolette, added, “The F99 Factory Racing Platform exemplifies our vision to lead the way in global EV innovation. We take pride in driving innovation in the world of racing, providing state-of-the-art technology and unparalleled riding experiences, whether it’s on the track or the open road. Our entry into the European market marks an exhilarating milestone in our journey.” More

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    Lambretta Elettra E-Scooter Concept Debuts – 15 HP, 127 KM Range

    Lambretta Elettra electric scooter unveiledElettra e-scooter concept previews Lambretta’s upcoming electric scooter that is expected to debut in 2024Globally, Lambretta currently offers ICE-based scooters in the 200cc to 350cc range. Going forward, the company will be looking to add some EVs to the mix. The journey has begun, with the Elettra e-scooter concept unveiled at EICMA 2023. This concept will hint at design direction that Lambretta has planned for the future.Lambretta Elettra e-scooter concept – Key featuresLambretta’s design team has done a good job at achieving a contemporary profile, without losing the signature features associated with the iconic brand. The face and overall body styling continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia. One can easily relate it to the Series 1 Lambretta scooter and its successors, as well as the Li-150 series 2 model, produced in India till 1976.Lambretta Elettra electric scooter concept has also evolved in line with the needs and preferences of the current generation. Some of the key features include all-LED lighting, a quirky hexagonal headlamp casing with rectangular lighting element, a rider-only seat with ‘Lambretta’ badging and modern-looking side panels. New innovations have been added such as the pop-out button-type brake levers. The curved rear section resonates with Lambretta’s classic design language used with several of its iconic scooters.Elettra e-scooter concept comes with an extra dose of LEDs. These can be seen with the various badging elements on the front apron, side panels and the floorboard. Some sections of the panel borders are also equipped with neon-style lighting elements. There are yellow bar end lights as well. However, it is unlikely that these fancy features will be available with the production-spec version.Lambretta Elettra classic apronElettra e-scooter will be easy to repair, as the entire rear section can be accessed by lifting the scooter’s rear bodywork. Something similar to what we saw with PiperMoto J Series Scooter with KTM 690 engine. Based on the design, it is evident that Lambretta Elettra e-scooter concept has a comfortable, upright riding stance.Lambretta Elettra e-scooter concept performanceSeat height is 780 mm, which should ensure optimal control and handling. The floorboard section has plenty of space. There’s storage space for small items at the front. Parts like the rear suspension and wheel and the electric motor of Elettra can be easily accessed in this manner.Equipped with a 4.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, Lambretta Elettra electric scooter generates 15 HP of max power. It has a range of 127 km (Eco mode) and top speed of 110 kmph. Charging time is around 5 hours 30 minutes with a 220v home charger. When using a fast charger in a public place, up to 80% charge can be achieved in just around 35 minutes.Lambretta Elettra profileWhile Lambretta will be looking to launch the production version in international markets as early as possible, it is unlikely that the scooter will be launched in India anytime soon. Last year, Lambretta had announced plans to re-enter the Indian market in 2023. It was in partnership with the Bird Group. An investment of more than $200 million, spread over a period of five years, was allocated for the venture. However, there have been no further updates. More

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    Tata Intra EV Interiors Patented – Is This Missing V40 In Intra Lineup?

    Image for reference onlyAs opposed to the Ace EV, Tata Intra EV is likely to come with a larger battery with more performance and range for various applicationsWhere commercial vehicles are concerned, Tata Motors currently leads the Indian CV segment. That said, the LCV segment is currently in Mahindra’s grasp. Where Mahindra sold around 25,000 LCVs in October 2023, Tata sold close to 15,000 units at the same time. Tata is likely to counter Mahindra with more electric LCVs and Tata Intra EV is likely to be that vehicle.Tata Intra EV Interiors PatentedFor starters, Tata’s Intra lineup is an upmarket and more capable vehicle as compared to Ace lineup. As of writing this article, Tata has multiple models to choose from within Intra LCV lineup. These are V10, V20, V30 and V50. While Intra V20 is exclusively CNG+petrol powertrain, V10, V30 and V50 are exclusively diesel.Maybe the model starting with an even digit like V20 have eco-friendly powertrains than the odd-digit counterparts like V10, V30 and V50 with diesel engines. Going by this logic, V40 could be another eco-friendly pickup truck for Tata Motors. Amidst these speculations, Tata Intra EV interior patent design has been leaked.We say Intra EV because the patented design shows an automatic gear selector on the dashboard where a manual stick shifter is, in every single Intra vehicle. Further fueling these deductions, is a free-standing infotainment screen that might be there to display crucial electric powertrain related information.Tata Intra EV interiors patentedThis information could include estimated range, state of charge, nearby charging stations, navigation for intra-city last-mile operations and more. As of now, Tata only has one electric LCV – Ace EV with 154 km of claimed range from a single charge. Tata’s Evogen architecture on Ace EV has a single motor setup delivering 36 bhp and 130 Nm from 0 RPM.Tata’s famed Fleet Edge fleet management suiteBeing a cut above Ace, Tata Intra EV or Intra V40 can be specced higher with around 200 km of range from a single charge, up to 50 bhp for zippy performance and slightly greater load-bearing capacity. On the inside, buyers can expect creature comforts like manual AC and infotainment screen, among others.Tata Motors stressed 100% uptime with Ace EV. Same ethos will be on offer with Intra V40 or Tata Intra EV as well. The company’s famed Fleet Edge fleet management solution is known to be effective in even managing large fleets at one’s fingertips.Tata Intra EV interiors patent leakedWith Intra EV, Tata Motors will take longer strides in achieving zero emission cargo mobility goal. Primary demographic for a product like this, are B2B and B2C business models along with last mile mobility, logistics and even custom applications like food trucks and more. More

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    2023 EICMA Japanese Big Four Showcases – Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha

    2023 EICMA ShowAt the 2023 EICMA Show, the Japanese Big Four (Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha) showcased multiple interesting products with potential for India launchThe 2023 EICMA Show is ongoing in Milan, Italy. 2W manufacturers around the world are showcasing their newest tech, concepts and other charades. India-based motorcycle manufacturers like Hero MotoCorp and Royal Enfield have made their presence known as well. But what about the Japanese Big Four? What did Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha showcase? Let’s take a look.Kawasaki MotorcyclesOne of the Japanese Big Four, Kawasaki expressed quite a vision with its motorcycle lineup. The company stressed future 2W mobility on Hydrogen based fuels. Apart from that, Kawasaki showcased Special Edition Ninja 1000 SX and Ninja 650 with unique Ninja 40th Anniversary colour and treatment, paying tribute to colours on ZXR machines from the 90s.2023 EICMA ShowGetting into juicier bits, Kawasaki introduced two brand new machines – Ninja 500 and Z500, based on the new 451cc parallel-twin motor debuted with Eliminator 500. The company mentions this new platform combines low-end performance for the city and peaky performance for highways in the same package.Speaking of package, the engine makes 45.4 bhp at 9000 RPM, 42.6 Nm at 6000 RPM, mated to a slipper clutch and a 6-speed gearbox. Features include keyless ignition and TFT display with Bluetooth on top-spec SE trim. All of these are mounted on a trellis frame and the bike is compliant with Europe’s A2 license. Both Ninja 500 and Z500 are likely to be India-bound.[embedded content]Ninja 7 Hybrid’s naked counterpart, Z 7 Hybrid made a grand debut at 2023 EICMA Show as well. It comes with the same 451cc engine as Ninja 500 and Z500 along with a 9 kW electric motor with total output of 58 bhp. Electric range is around 12 km and features a sophisticated gearbox too.Honda MotorcyclesRenowned Japanese brand, Honda Motorcycles, showcased over 10+ 2W vehicles at 2023 EICMA Show. Among the army of 2W that Honda showcased at the show, we have 2024 CB1000 Hornet, 2024 CBR600RR and CBR600RR HRC Race Kit, 2024 CBR650R E-Clutch and CB650R E-Clutch, 2024 NX500, 2024 CB500 Hornet, 2024 CL500, 2024 CBR500RR, 2024 CMX 1100 Rebel DCT, Hornet F18M, SC e:concept and more.2023 EICMA ShowProminent among these and with relevance for Indian market are Honda’s flagship litre-class CB1000 Hornet, updated CB650R and CBR650R with E-Clutch along with CB500 Hornet and NX500. For a change, Honda could even launch CBR600RR super-sport in India. Starting with naked flagship, CB1000 Hornet uses previous Fireblade’s engine, but ekes out more than 150 bhp and 100 Nm.[embedded content]New twin spar frame, Showa fully adjustable suspension with USD telescopic front forks and rear mono-shock setup, advanced electronic rider aids, traction control, riding modes, a 5-inch TFT dashboard are highlight elements of Honda’s new naked flagship.2023 EICMA ShowWith its 500cc lineup, Honda has shuffled the names slightly. The outgoing CB500F is now CB500 Hornet and CB500X is now NX500. Both machines still get the same 471cc parallel-twin engine making 47.5 bhp and 43 Nm. The USD front forks, 5-inch TFT display as outgoing models are retained. But for MY2024, Honda is adding traction control too.Honda has sharpened the design of its 650cc inline-four lineup. Both 2024 CB650R and CBR650 now look slightly better. Where features are concerned, they now get a TFT dashboard. Biggest update has to be Honda’s proprietary E-Clutch with these new machines. The hot-headed 2024 CBR600RR is now Euro-5 compliant and still a screamer going till 16500 RPM. Electronics are now more extensive.Suzuki MotorcyclesFrom the makers of iconic Hayabusa, we have two all-new products displayed at 2023 EICMA Show and a bunch of others. The new ones are GSX S1000 GX ADV and GSX-8R fully-faired machine. Other showcases include 25th Anniversary Edition of Hayabusa with special colourways, 2024 V-Strom 650XT, 2024 GSX S950, 2024 V-Strom 800 SE and 800 DE, 2024 V-Strom 1050 DE and 1050 SE.[embedded content]The company even mentioned how they are striving for greener mobility for the future with various alternate fuel, flex fuel, fully electric and hydrogen powered vehicles. The minor updates to V-Strom 650XT should make it India along with Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition as well.Of all the showcases, GSX-8R, GSX S1000GX and GSX S1000GT are of the most prominence. GSX-8R is based on the same platform that Suzuki offers with GSX-8S and V-Strom 800 DE. So, the same 776cc parallel twin motor is found on GSX-8R. Performance figures were not revealed, but should be around the same ballpark as others at 82 bhp and 78 Nm.2023 EICMA ShowAs opposed to GSX-8S, 8R has a full fairing that not only looks handsome, but is also extensively aerodynamic. Speaking of GSX S1000 GX, it is basically the same motorcycle as GSX S1000 GT, with a taller stance and features the new electronic suspension from Showa with Suzuki’s Active Damping Control and a ton of new electronic aids and an advanced 6-axis IMU.Yamaha MotorcyclesCurrently offering zero big bikes in India, Yamaha is bringing YZF-R3 and MT-03 in the coming months. That said, we hope Team Blue offers more big bikes in India, especially the ADVs. At 2023 EICMA Show, among all other Yamaha showcases, Tenere 700 and Tenere 700 Explore are of prime importance along with MT-09 SP.2023 EICMA ShowStarting with Yamaha’s Triple, MT-09 SP, it is a higher-specced machine as opposed to regular MT-09 and has updated looks along with new electronic package. Brembo master cylinder, Brembo Stylema calipers, 41mm fully adjustable USD front forks from KYB with DLC coating, fully adjustable Ohlins rear mono-shock, customisable ride modes, a 5-inch TFT display, keyless start, and other upgrades are highlights.With the recent launch of Honda XL750 Transalp in India, we wish Yamaha would bring in the Tenere 700 Extreme. Or at least Tenere 700 and Tenere 700 Explore that was recently showcased at 2023 EICMA Show. This touring-focused ADV has 43mm KYB front USD forks and KYB mono-shock rear, large windscreen, a quick-shifter, 16L fuel tank, 5-inch TFT screen, 21-inch front and 18-inch wire-spoke wheels, 689cc parallel-twin engine, 72 bhp, 68 Nm, and more. More

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    Hero Vida V1 Pro, V1 Coupe Global Debut – Europe, UK Launch Soon

    Hero Vida V1 Pro Global DebutThe Hero Vida V1 Pro and V1 Coupe unveiled at 2023 EICMA Show, boast twin removable batteries with 3.94 kWh capacity and 110 km real world rangeWith Vida sub-brand, Hero MotoCorp intends to expand its footprint to new markets and strengthen its position in existing ones. In that regard, Hero Vida V1 Pro and its Coupe model have debuted globally. The company targets Europe and UK as part of its global expansion and will introduce premium ICE 2W vehicles further down the line.Hero Vida V1 Pro, V1 Coupe Global DebutAt 2023 EICMA Show, Hero showcased two entirely new scooters yesterday – Xoom 160 and Xoom 125R. The latter is a sportier and flashier scooter from Hero in 125cc segment to rival TVS Ntorq. However, it is the former, that garners more interest as it debuts Hero’s all new 156cc liquid-cooled engine with i3S tech.There were other showcases too. Like Concept Lynx off-road electric bike and Concept Acro kids electric bike along with Concept 2.5R XTUNT that will spawn Xtreme 210R as its production version. Sticking with scooters, Hero showcased V1 Pro alongside Xoom 125 and Xoom 160 on the stage.Hero MotoCorp dived into electric 2W realm last year with Vida sub-brand. The company now intends to go global with its Vida lineup targeting Europe and UK markets. As of now, Hero is keen on entering Spain and France in Europe and UK. The company’s commercial operations will commence around mid-2024.Vida V1 Single SeatStarting with Vida electric scooter lineup, Hero will introduce more premium ICE scooters and motorcycles in these markets in the future. Premium products like Xpulse, Karizma XMR and upcoming Xtreme 210R, Xoom 160 and Xoom 125 will be under consideration. Hero has identified key distributors from these respective markets and commercial agreements should finalise soon enough.Vida V1 Coupe Unveiled at 2023 EICMAFor UK, Hero has selected MotoGB with 150+ dealer networks as its main distributor. Onex Group subsidiary Noria Motos and GD France will be Hero’s primary dealers in Spain and France respectively. Hero MotoCorp also unveiled Vida V1 Coupe with a unique FIY single and double-seat configuration option.This will allow for individual expression while keeping practicality intact. In terms of features, Vida V1 Pro comes equipped with twin removable batteries with a total capacity of 3.94 kWh, two-way throttle, keyless start, cruise control, riding modes, OTA updates, 7-inch touchscreen dashboard, full LED lighting and more.Hero Vida V1 Coupe unveiled at 2023 EICMA ShowWords from the manufacturerNiranjan Gupta, CEO, Hero MotoCorp said, “We are excited to showcase our latest products and technologies to our stakeholders here who have come from around the world. We are collaborating with highly credible partners in the UK, Spain, and France to start commercial operations in each of these markets by mid 2024.“We will first introduce our electric scooter VIDA V1 in these countries and then expand our offerings with high-capacity premium ICE motorcycles and scooters, which are showcased here. With our expertise in providing high-quality personal mobility solutions at accessible prices, we are confident that our new range of products will be appreciated by customers across geographies. Our aim is to “Innovate and Manufacture in India for the world” and we are changing gears to swiftly move ahead towards this target.” More

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    Hero 2.5R XTUNT Unveiled At 2023 EICMA – Upcoming Xtreme 210R

    Hero 2.5R XTUNT ConceptNovelty features on Hero 2.5R XTUNT Concept like follow-me drone and active aero tech are less likely to make it production modelAt 2023 EICMA Show, Hero made quite a spectacle by displaying two new scooters and a brand-new motorcycle concept. Called Concept 2.5R XTUNT, it caught our eyes at the show immediately. We couldn’t help but wonder, is this the concept for upcoming Xtreme 210R? This 2.5R XTUNT will be the primary inspiration for upcoming 210cc Xtreme street bike as revealed by comparison image below.Hero 2.5R XTUNT Unveiled At 2023 EICMAAccording to Hero MotoCorp, 2.5R XTUNT is designed to appeal new-age thrill-seekers and for riders craving urban adventure filled with adrenaline. Hero promises an unapologetic design, which translates to a wild appearance. Going by Hero’s words, Concept 2.5R XTUNT has a radical new design that screams aggression. With the Red and White colourway, it looks very nice too.Especially at the front where headlights look menacing with an animalistic appeal. A devilish LED DRL signature, sleek headlight bulbs and other bits that should appeal to the youth. Concept 2.5R XTUNT seeks a committed riding posture and an aggressive stance. Seat looks slightly taller and rear subframe is minimal. Production model will get a more conventional setup.Hero promises a lightweight chassis, powerful engine and advanced technology for pinpoint precise corner carving. The design is quite standout and will be the prominent aspect of buying decision when launched. It aims for next gen riders seeking thrill of adventure and urban freestyle.Hero 2.5R XTUNT Concept FasciaIn terms of componentry, the bike sports a lightweight trellis frame that looks a lot like new Karizma’s, USD telescopic front forks finished in Gold shade, rear mono-shock suspension, fatter slick tyres wrapped to fancy alloy wheels, an underbelly exhaust and engine protector finished in White. There is active aero tech and a follow-me drone at the back too, which are less likely to make it to production.Xtreme 210R is the production version of this motorcycleSpeaking of powertrain, it packs the same engine as Karizma XMR 210. Given the name Concept 2.5R XTUNT, we would reckon it is displacing around 250cc. The production version, however, is likely to have an identical powertrain setup as Karizma’s. Which is a  210cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled, 4V, DOHC engine packing 25 horses, mated to a 6-speed gearbox.Hero has already commenced testing of the production version of Concept 2.5R XTUNT in India. It bears similar design and overall silhouette and proportions with the spied test mules. The Xtreme 210R name is probable, considering Hero’s past naming strategies.Hero 2.5R XTUNT Concept compared with Xtreme 210R test mulesWhen launched, it will take on multiple rivals like KTM 200 Duke, Suzuki Gixxer 250 and the likes. Given that it is a Hero MotoCorp product, it will undercut the rivals significantly and given the positioning below Karizma XMR, we can expect a price point of around Rs. 1.7 lakh (ex-sh). More

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    Rimac Nevera Goes 171 MPH in Reverse, Sets New World Record

    The Rimac Nevera has just set a new world record for the fastest speed by a vehicle in reverse, at a testing facility in Germany. The record was set at the Automotive Testing Papenburg facility in Germany, where the Nevera reached an astounding top speed of 171.34 mph.It wasn’t that fast, but Car and Driver did execute a reverse-driving test in 2011 as part of our “Rental Car Olympics.”We love the sort of car-based shenanigans that make you scratch your head and just mutter “What were they thinking?” It’s that sort of harebrained thinking that drove us to pit four rental cars against one another in 2011, complete with a reverse hot lap. Spoiler alert: that Lincoln Town Car was bloody quick in reverse. It appears the engineers at Rimac share our passion for driving in reverse, as they have just set a new world record with the Nevera. Rimac brought the Nevera to the Automotive Testing Papenburg facility in Germany, where test driver Goran Drndak piloted the vehicle to an astonishingly fast 171.34 mph. In reverse. He described the experience as unnatural for the Nevera. “On the run itself, it definitely took some getting used to,” said Drndak. “You’re facing straight out backwards watching the scenery flash away from you faster and faster, feeling your neck pulled forwards in almost the same sensation you would normally get under heavy braking.” RimacAccording to the manufacturer, the extraordinary feat is made possible because the Nevera’s drivetrain doesn’t have a typical transmission. Instead, there are four individual motors that propel the car forward or backward, with no inherent limitations based on which direction they’re rotating. That means the same motors that propelled the Nevera to its world-record-setting 256 mph earlier this year are capable of providing the same thrust in reverse. The limiting factors instead become stability and aerodynamics. Rimac and Related ShenanigansThe Nevera’s chief engineer joked about how the idea for the record had come up during development. “It occurred to us during development that Nevera would probably be the world’s fastest car in reverse, but we kind of laughed it off,” said Matija Renić. “The aerodynamics, cooling, and stability hadn’t been engineered for traveling backwards at speed, after all.” Associate News EditorJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

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    Hero At 2023 EICMA Show – Xoom 160, Xoom 125 Unveiled

    Hero Xoom 160 UnveiledAt 2023 EICMA Show in Milan, Italy, Hero MotoCorp went in heavy with two new scooter showcases – Xoom 160 and Xoom 125India’s largest 2W manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, just took the veil off two new scooters at 2023 EICMA Show, Milan. These are all new motorcycles that will make it to production soon after the testing phase. The main attraction was Hero’s new Xoom 160 ADV maxi scooter, along with Xoom 125.Hero Xoom 160 – SUV of 2WFor a very long time, Hero lacked a premium scooter with a higher displacement engine with higher performance. That quest ends now, as Hero has just unveiled its first-ever 160cc scooter in the form of Xoom 160. After teasing it a couple of times, Hero fully unveiled Xoom 160 at 2023 EICMA Show in Milan, Italy.Xoom 160 is a far more premium product than any scooter that came out of Hero’s stables. This could mean export potential to various global markets including Europe, where Hero has a presence. We see this philosophy in the way Hero has built this machine. Components look high quality and the fit and finish, seem to be among the best of Hero product.Hero calls it “SUV of 2W” and “Champion Of Off-beat Rides”. Given Hero’s extensive expertise in rallying and off-roading, we would wager that rough-road ability will be the best, among any scooter on sale in India. The 160cc engine is the key strength for Xoom 160, mated to a CVT.Hero Xoom 160 FasciaThis pits it directly against Yamaha Aerox 155. Other notable elements with Xoom 160 are twin-pod headlights, all LED lighting, a tall windscreen, a non-step-through floorboard with a spine-mounted fuel tank, large under-seat storage, decent mm ground clearance, TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth, music and navigation control, block-pattern tyres, ergonomic seating, rear luggage rack, optional top box and more.There is single-channel ABS too with a single disc brake setup at both ends. Hero Xoom 160 looks production ready and launch could happen in 2024.Hero Xoom 125R Premium Scooter – Ntorq RivalWhen Hero launched Xoom 110 scooter in India, many wondered why was it not a 125cc scooter? Well, Hero has got your back. At 2023 EICMA Show, the company unveiled Xoom 125, which will primarily rival TVS’ Ntorq 125, hailed as segment-best. Hero has not stuck its 125cc engine on Xoom and called it a day.Hero Xoom 125 UnveiledIn fact, Xoom 125 looks like a much more premium version of Xoom 110. Maybe Hero has export intentions with this scooter. Hero needed a 125cc sporty premium scooter, pronto. We say premium because it has quite an upmarket and feistier appeal when compared to Xoom 110. The LED headlights are sleeker and have a more appealing DRL signature.Turn indicators are LEDs, character lines and contours with front, rear and sides that are a lot more sophisticated and look expensive and tedious to manufacture. Fully digital instrument cluster is all-new and has Bluetooth and navigation support. There are useful storage pockets behind apron as well. More