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    Yamaha E-FV Mini Racebike And ELOVE Self-Balancing Scooter Concepts Unveiled

    Yamaha E-FV Mini RacebikeFor all the kids aspiring to be future racing riders, Yamaha E-FV mini racebike can be the first step to achieving this goalTeam Blue is one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world and is renowned for its technologies and innovations as well. This is evident from the slew of concept vehicles Yamaha has showcased till now. Most recent of Yamaha’s concepts are E-FV mini racebike and ELOVE self-balancing scooter. Both of them will be showcased at Japan Mobility Show between October 25th and November 5th.Yamaha Unveiled E-FV Mini RacebikeRacing is one of the core qualities at Yamaha and it shows with the products that they launch. The company even has “Revs Your Heart” as its tagline. Now, Yamaha is known for its YZF-R series fully faired sports bike that can rev anyone’s heart at a racetrack.But the recent trends in motorcycling world favour electric powertrains and Yamaha has to cater to young racing riders too. This is where Yamaha’s new E-FV mini racebike concept shines. It is a fully-faired mini electric bike that will allow kids to get a taste of racing and motorcycling at a young age.This is key if kids want to pursue professional racing for their future and want to start out young. Yamaha E-FV mini racebike allows kids to get accustomed to vehicle dynamics, handling, and corner-carving at a young age, without complicating the learning process with clutch and gearbox operations.Yamaha E-FV Mini RacebikeBecause E-FV is an electric vehicle, Yamaha is adding sensory experience of the real deal with speakers that emit fake exhaust notes. Earlier this year, CFMoto Papio XO-01 mini cafe racer images leaked and looks adorable too.Yamaha ELOVE self-balancing scooterSelf balancing 2W vehicles are one of the hottest trends for manufacturers to hop on. Yamaha is no stranger to self-balancing tech as it has already demonstrated this tech with Motoroid concept in the past. However, Motoroid looked very complicated and futuristic and may never break through the curtains.Yamaha’s newest ELOVE self-balancing electric scooter concept shows a design that could go into production within a decade. All the components look conventional and feasible for mass production without breaking the bank.Yamaha ELOVE self-balancing scooter conceptWe’re talking about conventional componentry like RSU telescopic front forks, twin swingarm-mounted rear shock absorbers, disc brakes at both ends, a conventional and familiar scooter layout and more. All the mechanism for self-balancing tech to work is likely to be concealed below its seats.Overall design is quirky and minimalistic and even has conventional headlights. We can see translucent front apron panels that give us a glimpse of the complex mechanism to self balance the front end. Yamaha ELOVE concept is a solid step towards the company’s goal to achieve zero motorcycle-related deaths by the year 2050.Yamaha ELOVE self-balancing scooter concept drawings More

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    Neev Nakshatra 650 Bobber Based On Super Meteor 650 Looks Dope

    Neev Nakshatra 650 BobberThe twin exhaust layout of stock Super Meteor 650 is re-routed to flow through right side with Neev Nakshatra 650 BobberModifications are to Royal Enfield bikes what adrak is to chai. They go hand in hand very well. Royal Enfield owners often resort to modifications by renowned modders to express their personality. One such modder is Delhi-based Neev Motorcycles. Their latest creation Neev Nakshatra 650 Bobber is one of the best mod jobs done on Super Meteor 650.Neev Nakshatra 650 BobberRoyal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is like a wet dream for modders shooting for Chopper style or Bobber style motorcycle build when compared to Interceptor 650. This is because Super Meteor 650 packs a significantly revised chassis and ergonomics that saves modders precious time.We’re talking about a longer wheelbase and overall lower stance with Super Meteor 650 than Interceptor 650. This gives more time to modders to concentrate on design and styling mods. Neev Motorcycles has completely transformed the looks of stock Super Meteor 650. The inspiration behind this build is constellations and hence the name Neev Nakshatra 650 Bobber.For starters, Neev has gone with a dull black finish for bodywork, perfectly complemented by black components and engine bay. The primary aspect of a custom bike is in its fuel tank. Neev has implemented a custom fuel tank that is taller than stock and has twin fuel lids. This is where Neev has placed motorcycle’s instrument cluster along with Royal Enfield Tripper screen.Neev Nakshatra 650 Bobber custom fuel tankFuel lids have sun signs in geometric patterns and Royal Enfield’s logo on fuel tank now says Nakshatra in Hindi. By shifting instrument cluster, handlebar area is kept clean. Speaking of handlebars, it is a custom unit that offers an upright seating posture. Headlights and the cowl around it are custom too. Neev has opted to give floating tank shrouds that lend a muscular aura.Major design overhaulSingle seat setup looks comfy with a custom cover. Engine bay is bully black and Neev has re-routed dual exhausts to have them both flow from the right. There is beefy underbelly protection too and gives an industrial look. USD front forks are likely to be stock along with rear shock absorbers. However, rear twin shockers get beefy covers.Mainframe is mostly kept identical to stock Super Meteor 650. There are new fenders at the front and rear. Along with that, Neev has added custom wheel covers that don constellation patterns. Braking setup still comprises of single-discs at both ends. Dual-channel ABS is still on the cards. Neev has added fat tyres at both ends, which lend an aggressive and muscular stance.Neev Nakshatra 650 Bobber muscular stanceRear tail light is new too and number plate is now shifted to the left side. Except for the exhaust re-routing, there don’t seem to be any engine modifications. So the 648cc parallel-twin engine on Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 makes 47 bhp peak power and 52 Nm peak torque. This engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch. More

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    Mitsubishi Teases Delica Lookalike Concept before 2023 Japan Mobility Show

    Mitsubishi is planning to show off a host of off-road concept vehicles at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo.In the buildup to the show, the Japanese automaker is teasing an electrified crossover concept that looks to be a new-generation Delica van. Whatever the concept proves to be, it seems unlikely that a production version will come to North America. The current Delica D:5 is only sold in Asian markets. With the 2023 Japan Mobility Show around the corner, manufacturers are starting to tease their show cars. Mitsubishi is planning to show off a slew of off-road concept vehicles at this year’s show. As part of the buildup, the automaker released an electrified crossover concept teaser. Scant DetailsWith the concept vehicle kicking up a considerable amount of dirt, there’s not much to be seen in the teaser. What we can see makes us think this is a new-generation Delica van. According to Mitsubishi, the concept is an electrified crossover MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) that combines SUV-like handling and MPV-like comfort and usability. Details on the concept are scant. The automaker describes the concept as having high ground clearance, though we’ll have to take Mitsubishi’s word on that given that aspect isn’t shown. It’s also said to have an electric all-wheel-drive system and large-diameter tires.Other Mitsubishi NewsIn addition to the MPV concept, Mitsubishi also teased a frumpy-looking Last Mile Mobility vehicle developed in conjunction with LIFEHUB Inc. The company says the Last 1 mile Mobility concept uses the batteries an electric car might to allow more mobility after reaching its destination. MitsubishiThe 2023 Japan Mobility Show is still a few weeks away, with concept cars scheduled to be revealed during the October 25 and 26 press days. The show opens to the general public from October 28 to November 5.Recent Mitsubishi NewsAssociate 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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    RE Meteor 350 Thoroughly Overhauled – New Trim, Features, Colours

    RE Meteor 350 Aurora ColoursThe new Aurora trim with RE Meteor 350 slots above Astral and below Supernova and aims at a more “Classic” appealRoyal Enfield has plenty on its platter to keep itself busy. While the Chennai-based bikemaker is already working round the clock to ensure new launches like Himalayan 450, it is also updating Meteor 350 with a brand new Aurora trim level. Other than that, RE Meteor 350 gets new colours, new features and more.RE Meteor 350 Thoroughly OverhauledRoyal Enfield constantly keeps a tab on its existing lineup by providing some crucial updates in order to check with the rising competition. Ahead of festive season, this effect is further compounded. In similar regards, Royal Enfield has added a new trim to the Meteor 350 range.As seen in the images, this new Aurora trim is a more “classic” iteration of the standard cruiser along with exciting new colour options. Aurora trim slots above Astral trim and below top-spec Supernova trim. Royal Enfield has priced Meteor 350 Aurora at Rs. 2,19,900, while base Fireball costs Rs. 2,05,900, Astral costs Rs. 2,15,900 and top-spec Supernova costs Rs. 2,29,900 (all prices ex-sh).What’s new with Aurora trim?The new Aurora trim gets three new colours – Aurora Blue, Aurora Green and Aurora Black. Apart from new paint options, Royal Enfield is giving Aurora a ton of visual tweaks that set it apart within Meteor 350 range. We’re talking about a multitude of retro and classic elements like chrome-finished engine, exhaust, wire-spoke alloy wheels and other bling elements.RE Meteor 350 Aurora chrome finish engine and Tripper screenAs opposed to black treatment on all other trims, Aurora trim stands out in its classic appeal. RE is also giving Aurora LED headlights, a deluxe touring seat, aluminium switch cubes, a Tripper display for navigation and more.Feature additionsApart from adding Aurora trim, Royal Enfield has fettled with Meteor 350’s trim-wise features list too. Top-spec Supernova trim now gets LED headlights and aluminium switchgear, taking it a notch higher than before. Astral trim now gets Royal Enfield’s Tripper screen for navigation as standard fitment.With base Fireball trim, Royal Enfield has added a new Black stock colour which is both elegant and standard. Powering RE Meteor 350 is a 349cc J-series single-cylinder, air-cooled motor that kicks out 20.2 bhp at 6100rpm and a peak torque of 27 Nm at 4000rpm. This unit is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The same powertrain is found on newly launched Bullet 350 too.RE Meteor 350 AuroraMeteor 350 is underpinned by a dual-cradle J-series chassis which is suspended on 41mm RSU telescopic suspension at the front and twin shocks at the rear. Anchorage duties are handled by a 300mm front disc and a 270mm rear disc which are aided by a dual-channel ABS as standard.In terms of features, it comes with a semi-digital instrument console, a USB charger, circular LED DRL and a side-stand engine inhibitor, among many.Words from the manufacturerSpeaking about the new range and enhancements on the Meteor 350, B Govindarajan, CEO – Royal Enfield said, “As we reflect on the remarkable success of the Meteor 350 in India and international markets it is evident that the Meteor has struck a chord with many long distance riders and motorcycling enthusiasts. Its dynamic cruising ability and dependable performance have resonated deeply with our riders.The Aurora range is a result of our constant interactions with our community of riders, where we witnessed a strong inclination towards retro-inspired cruisers. The new colourways and features are sure to elevate the pleasure of pure retro-cruising among our customers.” More

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    Jaguar F-Type Nearly Dead, but Not Before Another Special Edition

    Jaguar is continuing to bid farewell to the F-type with another special-edition model called the ZP Edition.The F-type is scheduled to end production in 2024, and 150 of these special editions will be built.The F-type will be the last gas-powered sports car from the British automaker as it transitions to an electric lineup.If you thought the 75th Anniversary version of the Jaguar F-type was the last gasp of the British sports car, think again. Before it goes away for good, the F-type will spawn yet another special edition, this time the racing-inspired ZP Edition that features color combinations from historic E-type racing cars.Only 150 ZP Editions will be built in total before production officially ends next year. They will be split between coupe and convertible body styles. The first color combination consists of an Oulton Blue exterior along with a red and black leather interior. The other is a Crystal Gray exterior hue with a navy blue and black interior. The ZP cars are also emblazoned with white roundels on the doors, just like old racing cars. These are the same liveries found on the series of restored E-types that Jaguar Classic released earlier this year that were made to commemorate that sports car’s debut and initial racing victories in 1961.JaguarJaguarJaguarJaguarOther special touches for the F-type ZP cars include a white grille surround, special trim for the leather seats, and badges for the wheels, fenders, side sill plates, and dashboard. There will also be a plaque denoting the cars as 1 of 150. All ZP models will be equipped with the F-type’s top powertrain, a supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 with 575 horsepower paired with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic.More on the F-TypeSenior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

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    2024 BMW X2 Returns as the X1’s Funkier-Looking Sibling

    The BMW X2 enters its second generation with a new design that is quite different than its predecessor’s.The 2024 X2 comes in two versions, both with an inline four-cylinder engine: the 241-hp xDrive28i and the 312-hp M35i xDrive.Pricing has not yet been revealed, but U.S. customers will get the new SUV starting in March 2024.We called it a sportier, less practical X1, and that’s exactly what the BMW X2 remains as it enters its second generation. What is remarkable about the new model is how different it looks from its sibling. From the sharp angles of its tall, stubby hood to its chunky fastback rear end, no one will ever confuse this crossover with an X1.The previous X2 offered a unique look thanks to available contrast colors, and the C-pillars were adorned with BMW logos, a clever nod to the eternal classic, the E9 coupe. The new X2, by contrast, is a more conventional design with the typical hunchback that signifies vehicles positioned as “SUV coupes.” With such a chiseled and tallish look, it’s surprising that it sports a drag coefficient of 0.25. The M35i model is distinguished by a different grille design and four exhaust tips, one for each cylinder.Inside, the X2 is very much a sister model of the X1, with BMW’s ubiquitous curved display and the somewhat controversial gauge-cluster graphics that present the speedo and tach in the form of an angle. There is an optional panoramic roof, the cargo area measures 25 cubic feet, and—depending on the version—the seats and dashboard are adorned with Alcantara. The standard seats are clad with vinyl, bombastically called “animal-free Veganza.”While Europe gets a choice of a fully electric version, four-cylinder diesels, a three-cylinder entry-level gasoline engine and a powerful four-cylinder gasoline engine, the U.S. will get just two turbo fours. The X2 xDrive 28i is powered by a 241-hp 2.0-liter four, and the X2 M35i xDrive gets a 312-hp variation of the same powerplant. Torque is identical at 295 pound-feet, but it comes at lower revs in the entry-level model. That’s enough to offset the 3800-pound-plus heft: The sprint to 60 mph takes a claimed 6.2 and 5.2 seconds, respectively, and top speed is governed at 149 or 155 mph—if summer tires are specified. Failure to check those tires on the order form means a 130 mph governor on either model.Both models come with standard all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Handling should be satisfactory, thanks to a stiffer body, a wider track, and upgraded chassis components. We’ll reserve judgment until we’ve driven the X2, but we recommend the optional M Sport package on the entry-level X2 xDrive 28i as it comes with larger brakes, different steering, and adaptive dampers. It’s standard in the M35i xDrive.In keeping with the times, the new X2 comes with a vast number of connectivity features and driver-assistance systems. There are even in-car video games from gaming platform AirConsole. Beyond the usual driving modes, you can opt for Relax, Expressive, and Digital Art modes. An Efficiency Trainer can teach drivers to take it more slowly, while the interior camera can take photos and record videos.Pricing is undisclosed, but the X2 is sure to come in a few grand above its identically powered X1 sister models, which start in the low-$40,000 range. The 2024 X2 will arrive at U.S. dealerships in March 2024.More on the X1 and X2Contributing EditorJens Meiners has covered the auto industry since 1996 and written for Car and Driver for much of that time. He is a juror on the World Car of the Year and International Engine of the Year and founder of German Car of the Year. Jens splits his time between New York and Nuremberg, where he keeps a growing collection of historic cars. More

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    Corvette ZR1 Shows Off Beefy Rear Wing in Nürburgring Spy Photos

    Two prototypes for the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 were spied testing on the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany.One of the ZR1s was seen sporting a ginormous rear wing, while the other one appeared to have the same wing as the Z06 model’s Z07 package.The ZR1 is also festooned with several additional intakes on the side bodywork and a deep vent in the hood.With a 670-hp flat-plane-crank V-8 and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is an extreme machine, as our time spent with a menacing gray example is currently proving. But Chevrolet intends to take its iconic sports car even further with a new ZR1 model, and spy photos of two different examples of the high-performance Vette testing on the Nürburgring in Germany have revealed the ZR1’s radical look.Brian Williams/SpiedBilde|Car and DriverThe first thing to catch the eye is the gigantic wing. The Z06’s rear wing is no shrinking violet, but the ZR1 takes things a step further with taller struts, a wider mainplane, and larger endplates. A second ZR1 prototype was also photographed on the ‘Ring wearing the Z06’s smaller wing. It’s possible that Chevy plans to offer two aero packages—as it does with the Z06 and did with the previous ZR1—or the automaker may be testing the different wings to get a better sense of the aerodynamic affect of the bigger unit.At the front end, a sharp splitter and aggressive dive planes help produce downforce but don’t look substantially different than the elements on the Z06’s Z07 performance package. The front grilles don’t look too different, either, but a massive slash in the hood has been added to route air up and over the cockpit and toward the rear wing. Given how deep the outlet looks, we believe the ZR1 may not have a frunk, similar to the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Brian Williams/SpiedBilde|Car and DriverChevy also added increased venting along the ZR1’s flanks—the main triangular inlet seen on the Z06 remains, but with a second smaller intake sprouting off of it and another additional vent sitting atop the ZR1’s bulky shoulders. Big wing aside, the rear end of the ZR1 appears largely the same as the Z06’s. The ZR1 rides on more intricate wheels than lower-tiered Corvettes, and the wheels may be bigger than the 20-inch and 21-inch staggered setup on the Z06. The ZR1 is expected to arrive for the 2025 model year and will add two turbochargers to the Z06’s 5.5-liter V-8. That could mean north of 800 horsepower sent to the rear wheels, and while it will likely be heavier than the Z06, it should still bolt to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds. We expect the price to start around $150,000—not cheap, but significantly less than its European supercar rivals. The ZR1 may be the final pure-internal-combustion version of the Corvette.More about the CorvetteThis content is imported from poll. 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.Associate News EditorCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

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    Mazda Teases Miata-Related Concept to Be Revealed This Month

    Not long after showing the facelifted “ND3” MX-5 Miata, Mazda is preparing to pull the wraps off a new roadster-related concept. The automaker announced Tuesday that its Japanese Mobility Show stand will be dedicated to the MX-5, with both new and old models on display, plus a “new concept car designed to symbolize the exhibit theme.”From the teaser image released, this concept appears to be related to a scissor-door coupe concept Mazda showed last year. The rear lights are almost identical. Mazda revealed the catchily named “Vision Study Model” (pictured below) as part of a presentation on its electrification plans for the future. We expect that the current ND Miata will live on for a few more years, which is unusually long for a modern production car, but not unheard of for the Miata. The third-generation NC was produced for 10 years, and the ND hasn’t quite hit that milestone. Mazda has said the next-generation Miata will be electrified in some capacity, and we suspect that means it’ll have some level of hybridization. The automaker aims for 25 percent of its offerings to be full EV by 2030, and the rest to have some sort of electric element.In any case, Mazda has no intention to kill the MX-5 Miata, even as we switch toward EVs. A European Mazda executive said last year the sports car will “continue to exist forever.” That’s good, because we can’t imagine a world without the Miata.More MiataSenior ReporterA car enthusiast since childhood, Chris Perkins is Road & Track’s engineering nerd and Porsche apologist. He joined the staff in 2016 and no one has figured out a way to fire him since. He street-parks a Porsche Boxster in Brooklyn, New York, much to the horror of everyone who sees the car, not least the author himself. He also insists he’s not a convertible person, despite owning three. More