News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      Ather 450 Apex Launched At Rs. 1.89 Lakh – 100 km/h, Warp+ Mode, MagicTwist

      by

      Ather 450 Apex LaunchedWhen opposed to 450X, the new Ather 450X Apex launched, is a significantly better rival to recently launched Ola S1 X Gen 2Indian electric mobility startup, Ather Energy, is among the heavy hitters in India where electric scooter sales are concerned. Ather currently offers 450S and 450X electric scooters with a new budget-oriented family scooter under testing. The company now launched its flagship electric scooter, Ather 450 Apex, at Rs. 1.89 lakh (ex-sh, exclusive of subsidies).Ather 450 Apex LaunchedJust like the push towards launching more budget-oriented electric scooters, the push for high-performance and premium electric scooters is just as important. Ola Electric swears by this tactic by offering the S1 X and S1 X+ at the budget end with S1 Pro Gen 2 at the premium end. Speaking of S1 Pro Gen 2, it is Ather 450 Apex’s primary rival.Where design is concerned, Ather 450 Apex is similar to 450X. However, there are transparent panels on the side that allow a peek into scooter’s internals that has been displayed with flair. It is not a fashion statement of any kind, but a geeky and minimalist approach to EV ownership. Similar to what Nothing’s smartphones are providing.Apart from that, it is the same old 450X with new colour option with Indium Blue and Stark Orange with a satin feel and red flakes. The vehicle will be open for test rides in February 2024.450X Apex’s Transparent PanelsPerformance upgradeWith S1 Pro Gen 2, Ola came out with a significant boost in performance. We’re talking about 11 kW peak power, 5.5 kW rated power, 58 Nm torque, 120 km/h top speed and a blistering acceleration of 0-40 km/h in 2.6 seconds. Ather is among the OG enthusiast electric scooter brand leaning towards performance reliability.In keeping with their ethos, 450 Apex brings more performance than what 450X used to offer. To establish relevance, Ather 450X boasted 6.4 kW peak power, 3.3 kW rated power, 26 Nm torque, 90 km/h top speed and 0-40 km/h in 3.3 seconds.In comparison, Ather 450 Apex launched, packs 10% more power, 10% more torque, 100 km/h top speed and 0-40 km/h in 2.9 seconds acceleration. This is a significant bump in performance and is worthy of a high-performance flagship tag. The new Warp+ ride mode unlocks the full performance of this e-scooter.450X Apex’s New Vibrant ColourwaySay Goodbye to brakes?With Ather 450 Apex launched, the company has implemented a significantly stronger adjustable regenerative braking system. Ather calls it MagicTwist. A twist in throttle accelerates and a twist back ensures braking. Ather calls it a significant bump up in regen.Regen is strong enough to negate the use of traditional brakes, as per Ather Energy. Only real-world testing will demonstrate these claims. Twist less to slow down and a little more twist will stop the vehicle too. Company claims MagicTwist will be relevant to almost all city braking scenarios.450X ApexRange has seen an increase with 450 Apex too. For context, 450X promises a 150 km certified range and 110 km TrueRange. 450 Apex packs 157 km IDC range on a single charge. Features like the 7-inch TFT touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, navigation with Google Maps, LED lighting, Park Assist, Auto Hold, aluminium spaceframe chassis, alloy wheels and others remain the same.Ather is bundling Delight Kit for 450 Apex buyers. This kit includes a handcrafted helmet finished in the colours of 450 Apex, Ather’s TPMS accessory, a neck gaiter, iron-on garment patch and a unique keychain. 5-year or 60,000 km warranty and complementary Ather Connect for 3 years are standard with 450 Apex too. More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Bike

      2024 KTM 390 Adventure Testing In India For The First Time – Scrambler 400X Rival

      by

      New 2024 KTM 390 AdventureThe same 399cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine from 390 Duke will be offered with 2024 KTM 390 Adventure spotted in India with 45 bhp and 40 NmTeam Orange has launched its new 399cc-based 390 Duke in India. It is just a matter of time before this platform gets its supersport and adventure counterparts too. There is a new Enduro-style motorcycle spotted testing based on this platform too. But for the first time in India, 2024 KTM 390 Adventure is spotted testing.2024 KTM 390 Adventure Testing In IndiaWith the launch of Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and Triumph Scrambler 400X, BMW G 310 GS and KTM 390 Adventure began to show their age. We’re not sure about an update for G 310 GS. But 2024 KTM 390 Adventure is incoming. For the first time, new 390 Adventure test mules are spotted testing in India.For starters, there is no camouflage around this motorcycle. There are no visible brandings on this bike to establish its identity too. However, this is unmistakably the new 390 Adventure. Primary difference which is a key visual differentiator for this new bike is headlight design. Vertically stacked headlight assembly gets two projectors.Larger projector seen on top, is for low-beam and smaller projector below is for high-beam. Both these headlights are highly likely to get LEDs behind these projectors. There is a 4-part split LED DRL design engulfing the projector headlight setup. There is a tall windscreen above, with a groove for smoothening air flow and reduce wind buffeting.More off-road variant of KTM 390 Adventure Spotted AbroadUnlike the current 390 Adventure, there is a large front beak too. Front gets fully adjustable (compression and rebound) USD telescopic WP APEX forks with a long travel. Rear has a mono-shock setup that will get pre-load and rebound adjustments too. The seat height is tall and we hope there is a large fuel this time around.What to expect?Looking at the test mule spotted in India, we’re sure that KTM and Bajaj duo might be cooking different variants with different off-road worthiness. We say this because the recent sightings from abroad showed the same motorcycle riding 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoke wheels with skinny off-road tyres.2024 KTM 390 Adventure spotted in India has smaller 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel sizes with fatter tyres that have dual-purpose tread patterns. All of this hardware is likely to be mounted on the same mainframe as 2024 390 Duke with slight tweaking to suit ADV character. Rear subframe is unique to 390 Adventure.Banana-shaped swingarm and other components seem to be shared with 390 Duke. Speaking of sharing, 2024 KTM 390 Adventure spotted in India will also get the same 399cc single-cylinder engine with liquid cooling and 6-speed gearbox as 390 Duke. This engine makes 45 bhp and 40 Nm. KTM will offer a few electronic riding aids along with the same under-belly exhaust setup. The TFT screen with connectivity will be on offer too.Image – Powerdrift More

    • 163 Shares129 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Tata Punch EV Bookings Open – Debuts acti.ev Platform, Gets A Frunk Too

      by

      Tata Punch EV Bookings OpenThe new acti.ev platform is a dedicated pure-ev platform that will underpin Tata Punch EV along with other future vehiclesAmong the Indian electric car manufacturers, one brand outshines the others with unparalleled dominance. That brand is Tata Motors. The company recently greenlighted its dedicated EV showrooms providing curated experience for EV buyers. The newest entrant to Tata’s EV portfolio is Punch EV.Tata Punch EV Bookings OpenRight now, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), subsidiary of Tata Motors, sells three electric cars in India. These are Tiago EV, Tigor EV and Nexon EV. The company’s fourth electric offering for Indian market is Punch EV and it is set to light up the electric car stage on fire (not literally).Bookings for the same has commenced for a token amount of Rs. 21,000. These bookings can be placed via Tata Motors Dealerships authorised for EV sales or by visiting Tata.ev dedicated electric car showrooms. The price increment over ICE Punch is likely to be around Rs. 5 lakh as it is debuting a brand new dedicated electric car platform.Punch EV gets a revised design with a radical new fascia similar to Nexon EV. It looks more sophisticated than before. The charging port is in the front, housed in its closed-off grill.[embedded content]Debuts acti.ev PlatformAbbreviated to Advance Connected Tech-Intelligent Electric Vehicle, acti.ev platform is a dedicated electric car platform developed by Tata Motors. This is a pure-electric architecture that will debut with soon-to-be-launched Punch EV (sold as Punch.ev). This new platform will form the baseline on which future Tata EVs will be based.This acti.ev (read active) platform will support multiple sizes for chassis and multiple body styles as well. Upcoming Tata Curvv EV, Harrier EV and Safari EV might be based on this new platform and not Ziptron architecture seen with Tiago EV, Tigor EV and Nexon EV. Because acti.ev is a dedicated pure electric platform, there is a Frunk (front trunk) beneath the bonnet too.The company mentioned key pillars for their new pure-ev platform. They are Performance, Technology, Modularity and Space Efficiency. These pillars further consist of four layers too. These are Powertrain, Chassis, Electrical Architecture and Cloud Architecture.Tata Punch EV Fascia1. PowertrainTata promises advanced battery pack design with global standards with 10% improvement over Ziptron architecture in energy density. The scalable platform allows for battery pack variations with minimum of 300 km range all the way till 600 km. Modularity allows for FWD, RWD and AWD configurations too. Charging speeds have seen a bump too, with up to 11 kW AC and 150 kW DC compatibility.2. ChassisTata Motors is historically known to make Indian-road-worthy vehicles that offer excellent ride quality with precise suspension setup. The new body structure associated with acti.ev platform for Punch and future vehicles are said to meet future NCAP safety protocols. Being a dedicated EV platform, there is a front trunk and flat floor too.Tata Punch EV Design3. Electrical Architectureacti.ev is pitted as a future-ready architecture offering possibilities of high computing powers that should allow for a seamless L2 ADAS suite. Company claims L2+ ADAS possibilities too. It is 5G ready as well ensuring a host of connected features. Just like recent Nexon EV, acti.ev platform supports reverse charging in the form of V2L (Vehicle 2 Load) and V2V (Vehicle 2 Vehicle) tech too.4. Cloud ArchitectureLastly, acti.ev boasts of cloud architecture too with enhanced user experience, newly introduced Arcade.ev app suite along with future software updates and other features.Tata Punch EV Debuts acti.ev platform More

    • 113 Shares149 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Honda Project ACE Will Spawn Elevate-Based EV By 2026

      by

      Honda ElevateA BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) based on Elevate SUV is likely to be the first product under Honda Project ACEHonda Cars India has a game plan for launching 5 SUVs by 2030 and the Elevate is first of these offerings. Recent reports mention that the company is developing a new EV which could be based on Elevate’s design and platform. Internally known as Project ACE, this development might mark Honda’s first-ever BEV to Indian market.Honda Project ACE will spawn Elevate EV In 2026The new Elevate enters a segment wherein it will find itself competing with a host of well-established compact SUVs that currently commanding the segment. These include Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, MG Astor and Citroen C3 Aircross.The electric version of Elevate will compete with Mahindra XUV400, MG ZS EV and upcoming Tata Curvv, Hyundai Creta EV and the likes. Reportedly, this new Elevate based EV under Project ACE (Asian Compact Electric) is codenamed DG9D and the company is likely to manufacture it in India and export it globally including markets like Japan.The expected volume for this vehicle might hover around 1 lakh units per year. Majority of that volume might be targeted at global markets, with spare for Indian buyers. At Elevate launch event in Delhi, the company has set forth its roadmap to launch 5 new SUVs by 2030.Honda Elevate DashboardHonda is skipping the hybrid phase that a few other Japanese manufacturers have been holding on to dearly. Instead, Honda will launch BEVs directly, the first of which will be based on ICE-powered Elevate SUV. Launch could happen in 2026 and share many of its components with its ICE cousin and strike an attractive price point.Electric Iteration of Honda Elevate to launch by 2025-26Honda India’s senior management has confirmed that the company’s manufacturing plant in Tapukara, Rajasthan will undergo a retooling process, starting in 2024. The purpose is to accommodate EV production and there may be a bump in production capacity with significant capital investment earmarked for the same.Elevate is a global product too and is set to be exported to multiple nations starting from Japan, where it will be sold as WR-V. Just like ICE Elevate, Honda India is keen on exporting its EV derivative as well. With an increase in production and inclusion of new EVs under Project ACE, company’s exports could double by 2025 when compared to present data.When that happens, international business could account for up to 40% of total Honda Cars India’s sales. More info regarding Project ACE and the EVs falling under it (Including Elevate EV) will be revealed in the coming months.Source More

    • 163 Shares119 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Tata Punch EV Debut Today With Long and Medium Range – Official Teaser

      by

      Tata Punch Electric SpiedA number of features onboard Punch EV will be borrowed from the recently launched Nexon EV faceliftIn a short span of time, Tata Motors had acquired a leadership position in the electric PV segment. To maintain its dominance, the company has introduced new products at regular intervals. The newest entrant is Punch EV, which will rival the likes of Citroen eC3 and upcoming Hyundai Exter EV.Tata Punch EV specs, featuresSimilar to the strategy being followed with Tiago EV and Nexon EV, there will be medium range and long-range versions of Punch EV. This strategy has worked well, as it allows users to choose the variant based on their requirements and budget.The smaller battery pack variant allows an affordable entry point. On the other hand, the larger battery pack variant is suitable for folks who have longer distances to cover between recharges.Tata Punch Electric SpiedJust like other Tata electric cars, Punch EV is also an ICE to EV conversion project. It will be based on the existing ALFA platform, featuring Tata’s Gen 2 EV architecture. However, it is a lot more than a mere retrofit project since some major modifications have been performed.Punch EV will have advanced tech such as a liquid-cooled battery pack. It will be equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor that sends power to the front wheels. The SUV will have improved braking power with all-wheel disc brakes.You don’t want to miss this! #UnveilingTomorrow#TATAev #MoveWithMeaning pic.twitter.com/o5hf61aB7u— TATA.ev (@Tataev) January 4, 2024Inside, Punch EV will have segment-first features such as ventilated front seats. While lower variants will have a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, higher variants will be equipped with a larger 10.25-inch unit. It is likely to be the same as that of the Nexon EV.Other features of Nexon EV such as the jewelled drive selector will also be available with Punch EV. Other key highlights include a digital instrument cluster, new two-spoke steering wheel with backlit Tata logo and an electronic parking brake.Punch EV exterior updatesWhile the overall look and feel is largely the same as the ICE counterpart, Punch EV will have some cosmetic touch-ups to highlight its electric persona. For example, Punch EV will have a blanked-out grille, new full-width LED element and new alloy wheels. Much of the styling will be similar to that of Nexon EV. In Tata’s lineup, Punch EV will be positioned in between the Tiago EV MR and Nexon EV MR. It could be launched in the price range of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 13 lakh. Punch ICE variant has been a spectacular success, something that will automatically benefit the EV model.Punch recently achieved the 3-lakh production milestone. This is significant, as it comes in a period of just around 26 months. Punch also enjoys a high level of consumer confidence, as the SUV has received 5-star rating in Global NCAP crash tests. The EV version will inherit all these strong USPs. More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      2024 Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Launch Price Rs 1.15 L – Range 127 Kms

      by

      Bajaj Launches Upgraded 2024 Chetak Electric Scooter with Premium FeaturesBajaj Auto has launched its latest additions to the Chetak electric scooter lineup. The launch of the Chetak 2024 marks another stride forward in the realm of electric mobility, combining cutting-edge technology with enhanced performance. It is offered in two variants of Premium and Urbane, priced at Rs 1.35 lakh and Rs 1.15 lakh respectively, ex-sh.Chetak Premium 2024 – Advanced Functionality2024 Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter is positioned as a pinnacle of innovation and functionality, introduces an array of advanced features set to redefine the electric two-wheeler experience. Equipped with a vivid 5-inch TFT display, the Premium variant offers turn-by-turn navigation, music control, call management, and customizable display themes.2024 Bajaj ChetakIn terms of performance, the Chetak Premium 2024 boasts an improved 3.2 kWh battery, extending its range to an ARAI-certified 127 km while reaching a top speed of 73 km/h. Charging convenience is also amplified with an onboard 800W charger that can deliver up to 15.6 km of range in just 30 minutes.Notably, the optional TecPac enhances these capabilities, providing a seamless customer experience through the Chetak App and enabling future adaptability to evolving mobility needs. The TecPac introduces Hill Hold Mode, ensuring confidence and control on inclines, and a reverse mode for effortless maneuvering.2024 Bajaj ChetakHighlighting its feature-rich design, the Chetak Premium 2024 incorporates sequential rear blinkers, self-cancelling blinkers, electronic locks, seat switches, and a helmet box lamp, ensuring a comprehensive and convenient riding experience. Moreover, the scooter’s solid metal body, crafted from premium materials and IP67-rated for water resistance, offers durability and style in vibrant colours such as Indigo Blue, Brooklyn Black, and Hazelnut.2024 Bajaj ChetakChetak Urbane 2024: Sophistication and AccessibilityThe Chetak Urbane 2024, priced at Rs. 1,15,001 (ex-showroom Delhi), caters to riders seeking a sophisticated yet accessible electric scooter, available in Coarse Grey, Cyber White, Brooklyn Black, and Indigo Metallic Blue colours. Chetak Premium 2024, priced at Rs. 1,35,463 (ex-showroom Delhi), promises a seamless fusion of technology and design, offering riders an elevated and eco-conscious mode of urban travel.Mr. Eric Vas, President of Urbanite, expressed pride in presenting the upgraded Chetak Premium 2024, emphasizing its blend of style, functionality, and increased range. He highlighted Bajaj’s commitment to continually enhancing the Chetak range to provide customers with a superior riding experience as they embrace cleaner modes of commuting.Since its introduction in 2019, the Chetak electric scooter has garnered a strong following, with over 1 lakh users across 140+ cities, establishing itself as a beloved brand in India’s electric vehicle segment. With these latest offerings, Bajaj Auto reiterates its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the electric mobility landscape. More

    • 150 Shares189 Views

      in Bike

      Suzuki Motorcycle India Sales Up 24% To 79,483 Units In December 2023

      by

      New Suzuki Gixxer SFSuzuki Motorcycle India showed off strong presence in domestic markets even as performance globally lacked pepTwo-wheeler makers, Suzuki Motorcycle India saw YoY sales growth in December 2023 to the extent of 24.36 percent. On a MoM basis however, sales dipped by 11.03 percent when compared to sales in November 2023. These figures indicate sales both in domestic and global markets.Suzuki 2W YoY Sales December 2023In November 2023, Suzuki was in attendance at the 2023 EICMA Show with a series of new bikes. These included the GSX S1000 GX ADV and GSX-8R fully-faired machine while there was also the 25th Anniversary Edition of Hayabusa, 2024 V-Strom 650XT, 2024 GSX S950, 2024 V-Strom 800 SE and 800 DE, 2024 V-Strom 1050 DE and 1050 SE.Total sales last month stood at 79,483 units, up 24.36 percent from 63,912 units sold in December 2022. This was a volume growth of 15,571 units YoY. Taking only domestic sales into account, there was a YoY growth of 68.74 percent to 69,025 units, up from 40,905 units sold in December 2022.Volume growth stood at 28,120 units with an 86.84 percent share. In domestic market, it is the Suzuki Access scooter that has found favour among buyers in the country and is a regular feature on the list of top 10 scooter sales each month. Key models also include the Burgman Street 125, Gixxer 155 and 250 series which led to outstanding sales growth. Domestic sales constituted 86.84% of total Suzuki sales.Suzuki Sales December 2023MoM sales performance dropped across the chartsExports on the other hand dipped significantly by 54.54 percent to just 10,458 units in the past month whereas the company had shipped 23,007 units in the same month last year. Export share stood at 13.16 percent last month. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, Suzuki sales dipped 11.03 percent to 79,483 units from 89,338 units sold in November 2023.This was a volume de-growth of 9,855 units. Domestic sales and exports showed off lower sales. Domestic sales dipped by 5.62 percent MoM to 69,025 units from 73,135 units sold in November 2023 when share percentage stood at 81.86. Exports saw an even deeper de-growth of 35.46 percent when compared to 16,203 units shipped in November 2023 relating to a 5,745 unit dip in volumes.Suzuki Sales Performance in 2023Suzuki Sales January to December 2023However, during the calendar year 2023, the company has seen positive sales through each month of except in February 2023. Sales opened at 66,205 units in Jan 2023, a YoY growth of 9.21 percent when compared to 60,623 units in Jan 2022. Feb 2023 sales fell by 10.49 percent to 52,455 units but again in March 2023 sales surged 44.02 percent to 73,069 units.This ended Q1 2023 with 1,91,729 units sold, up 12.81 percent from 1,69,960 units sold in Q1 2022. Through Q2 2023 as well, the company reported increased sales each month to end the quarter with 1,97,358 units, up 17.63 percent from 1,67,773 units sold in the same quarter of last year. H1 2023 sales also grew by 15.21 percent to 3,89,087 units from 3,37,733 units sold in H1 2022.The winning streak continued over Q3 to end the quarter with 2,47,210 units, up 25.14 percent from 1,97,549 units sold in Q3 2022. Again in Q4, sales were up 30.38 percent to 2,26,462 units from 1,73,695 units sold in Q3 2022. This ended H2 with a 27.59 percent growth to 4,73,673 units, up from 3,71,244 units sold in H2 2022. Total sales in the period January to December 2023 thus stood at 8,62,759 units, a YoY growth of 21.69 percent from 7,08,977 units sold in the same period of 2022. More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in Bike

      RE Hunter 350 New Colours Launched At Rs. 1.7 Lakh – Dapper O, Dapper G

      by

      Hunter 350 New ColoursRoyal Enfield Hunter 350 new colours launched, are Dapper O and Dapper G and they’re an addition to three Dapper series shades currently on saleRoyal Enfield, the Chennai-based 2W manufacturer, has launched two new colours with Dapper series of Hunter 350. This will help in strengthening RE’s 350cc middleweight portfolio which it is already dominating with quite a lead. New Hunter 350 colours are an addition to Dapper series of Metro variant and will cost Rs. 1,69,656 (ex-sh). Called Dapper O and Dapper G, these new colours bring out peppy vibrance to already youthful Hunter 350.RE Hunter 350 New Colours Launched – New Dapper shadesThe new Dapper G and Dapper O are addition to three other shades offered within Dapper series – Dapper White, Dapper Ash and Dapper Grey. As the alphabets denote, Dapper O is Orange and Dapper G is Green. Personally think Dapper Orange is the best looking of the bunch with popping colours with complementing White accents on fuel tank.For starters, Hunter 350 is the most affordable of Royal Enfield’s portfolio and will share much of its design elements and engine specifications with other RE 350s. Hunter 350 is a roadster style motorcycle that also pays tribute to retro styling akin to that seen on other Royal Enfield bikes.Based on the company’s J-Platform, the new Hunter 350 borrows design inspiration also from other Roadsters from legacy manufacturers with a long single-piece seat, tear drop-shaped fuel tank, a rounded headlamp, tail lamp and turn indicators and an upswept exhaust. Retro variant of Hunter 350 is the lightest 350cc RE motorcycle too, at 177 kg.Hunter 350 Dapper OIt gets a low seat height offering a sportier stance with an upright riding position and mid-set foot pegs along with flat handlebars. Being a roadster, it rides on 17-inch wheels at the front and rear. It gets a semi-digital instrument cluster too with Tripper Navigation that offers turn-by-turn navigation using Bluetooth connectivity.Engine, Braking and SuspensionRoyal Enfield Hunter 350 will share its engine lineup and underpinnings with other RE 350s. Meaning, the same J-Series 349cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that offers 20.2 hp power at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm torque at 4,000 rpm and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Top speed is pegged at around 120 km/h.RE Hunter 350 is presented in two variants. The base Retro variant will see braking via a disc brake in the front and drum brake at the rear with single-channel ABS. The top-spec Metro variant gets disc brakes at both front and rear with dual-channel ABS. In terms of suspension, the RE Hunter 350 will get 41mm RSU telescopic forks in the front and preload-adjustable twin shock absorbers at the rear.Hunter 350 Dapper GHunter 350 currently undercuts all of its Roadster style rivals from brands like Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Jawa and Yezdi. Prices for base Retro variant start from Rs. 1.5 lakh (ex-sh) and Metro variants cost Rs. 1.7 lakh (ex-sh) for Dapper shades and Rs. 1.74 lakh (ex-sh) for Rebel shades. More