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    Airstream, REI Expand Basecamp Travel Trailer to 20 Feet, Making More Space

    REI and Airstream collaborated on an environmentally minded camper trailer last year called the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp.That model added eco touches to the standard Basecamp trailer, but, at first, Airstream only offered it as a 16-foot model.This year, Airstream has added a 20-foot REI trailer to its Basecamp lineup, which already includes a Basecamp 20 model that starts at $54,400. The EI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 20X starts at $62,400.Camping and sustainability should go hand in hand, but sometimes it helps to make the connection explicit. That’s what REI Co-op and Airstream did last year when they introduced a special-edition camping trailer filled with post-consumer recycled materials and sustainably grown wood used to make the components. The duo has now introduced a 20-foot version of the special edition Basecamp travel trailer for those who thought the original 16-foot model wasn’t large enough.Called the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 20X, the new, larger trailer can sleep four instead of just two. The extra room comes from the larger, 20-foot chassis and a front dinette set that converts into the bed. The bigger trailer also has larger holding tanks.The original REI Basecamp trailer was designed to answer the stream of requests that Airstream told Car and Driver it received from potential customers for an Airstream camper that could fit larger families and groups in the backcountry. Airstream did not provide C/D any sales numbers, but a company press release called the first REI Airstream “successful.””While we initially introduced the 16-foot version of the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp to gauge interest and gather insights, our long-term vision always included the introduction of a larger model,” an Airstream spokesperson told Car and Driver. “We wanted to establish a strong foundation with the initial release, allowing us to fine-tune the design and gather valuable feedback.”This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.The REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 20X starts at $62,400; that’s $9500 more than the 16-foot model. The non-REI Basecamp 20 starts at $54,400.REI and Airstream gathered feedback on what a partnership trailer should look like before the 16-foot trailer was announced. The result was a trailer with a rear door to make loading outdoor toys like kayaks, bikes and fishing gear easier than a traditional side door. The REI trailers also use sustainable materials including birch plywood and recycled polyester to minimize environmental impact. The trailers provide off-grid capabilities like a UV-LED and pre-filter water purification system of potable water and an optional composting toilet.This 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.Contributing EditorSebastian Blanco has been writing about electric vehicles, hybrids, and hydrogen cars since 2006. His articles and car reviews have appeared in the New York Times, Automotive News, Reuters, SAE, Autoblog, InsideEVs, Trucks.com, Car Talk, and other outlets. His first green-car media event was the launch of the Tesla Roadster, and since then he has been tracking the shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles and discovering the new technology’s importance not just for the auto industry, but for the world as a whole. Throw in the recent shift to autonomous vehicles, and there are more interesting changes happening now than most people can wrap their heads around. You can find him on Twitter or, on good days, behind the wheel of a new EV.  More

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    Ola Electric Motorcycle Teased Again – MoveOS4 Debuts On 15th August

    Ola Electric Motorcycle TeaserIn addition to the new e-motorcycle, Ola will also be revealing the MoveOS 4 on August 15As part of the Independence Day celebrations, Ola Electric has made big plans for its customers and enthusiasts. Ola is currently among the popular electric two-wheeler brands in the country. The company will be looking to boost momentum by introducing new updates and new products at regular intervals.Ola Electric has a habit of throwing big surprises. The company has been pursuing ambitious goals, which also include the launch of an electric car. One can expect some big announcements on August 15.MoveOS 4 unveil and possibly new e-motorcycleOla Electric has already confirmed that they will be revealing MoveOS 4, the upgraded operating system for Ola electric scooters. The OS used onboard electric two-wheelers is an integral part of the overall user experience. It allows the user to stay connected with the vehicle at all times. While riding, users can access their calls, text and music. Connectivity features improve safety and allow users to track their two-wheeler in real-time.As of now, Ola electric scooters are equipped with the MoveOS 3 version. The latest MoveOS 4 is expected to start rolling out to users by the end of this year. The updates are provided over-the-air. Users do not need technical support, unless there’s an issue with the update process. Just like earlier OS versions, users can expect multiple new features with MoveOS 4.Not a MoveOS 4 teaser. Seriously.See you at Customer Day 2023.#EndICEagePart1 #OlaCustomerDay2023 pic.twitter.com/tJxU0qJLv0— Ola Electric (@OlaElectric) August 12, 2023One of the possibilities include Concert Mode, which will be an upgrade over the current Party Mode. As of now, the scooter’s lights work in sync with the music being played. The Concert mode will allow multiple scooters to coordinate their lights with the music. This can be great fun with friends and family members. Another upgrade could be more options in mood settings. Existing MoveOS 3 has mood options of auto, light and dark.Ola is also said to be working on an advanced navigation system called Ola Maps. One of the key features could be trip planner, which adjusts the route based on available charging stations along the way. A similar feature is already available with Ather electric scooters.Ola new electric motorcycle incoming?As enthusiasts wait eagerly for August 15th, Ola’s CEO has released yet another teaser. From the silhouette, it appears to be an electric motorcycle. Ola had earlier revealed that they are working on an electric motorcycle. The concept or pre-production version could be revealed on August 15. It appears to be a sports bike, which can deliver exhilarating, track-oriented ride dynamics.Ola can also launch its new electric scooter S1X. This can be the most affordable Ola scooter. It is expected to be priced at under Rs 1 lakh. Primary objective will be to nudge buyers into choosing an electric scooter over the entry-level ICE-based commuter scooters. More

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    Biker Falls As Electric Motorcycle Splits In Half – CCTV Captures

    Biker Falls As Electric Motorcycle Splits In HalfThe failure seems to have happened in the triple-tree of said electric motorcycle that split in halfIndia is the biggest market in the world for motorcycles and scooters. But two wheeler safety is often neglected. In a recent incident, a motorcycle breakage led to a near-death experience for its rider. This incident happened in Mancherial, Telangana State.An electric motorcycle splits in half while on the go. Fortunately, the rider is safe and sustained minor injuries only. There is no external factor in the play here, like a pothole or any road abnormalities. Reason for this breakdown seems like a manufacturing defect.Electric motorcycle splits in half – Rider safeABP Desam reported this incident recently with the help of CCTV footage provided by Laxmaiah Trust. Major factor for incidents like this is manufacturing defects. In many cases, these are due to bad quality control that leads to improper fitment and welding. Repeated stress and strain on motorcycle components could lead to material fatigue. Environmental factors like moisture, temperature, proximity to sea, and salinity of air, play crucial roles as well.Looking at the CCTV footage, the main failure seems to have happened at the front. Primarily at this motorcycle’s triple tree. This is where a motorcycle’s steering mechanism, handlebar and front suspension forks align. If this triple tree is of low quality or defective, it could lead to a failure. This, in turn, could lead to a fatal and unfavourable incident with potential for casualties too.[embedded content]What to do to keep the bike up-to-date?Regular look-up for one’s machine is very important. Rider has to be aware of his machine. If there are abnormal noises, if something looks visibly different, if there is something that is out of the ordinary, they have to take immediate action. Routine checkups are a must. Also, stressing a motorcycle with jumps, drops and other unwanted activities could add up in the long run which could lead to a part failure.Overloading than specified by the brand, is not advisable as well. If there is a crash or a drop or any other serious damage, replacing damaged components is paramount. Or else, critical parts of a motorcycle could underperform or in the worst-case scenario, break. A motorcycle is a collection of various parts. If there is damage to one part, it will spread to related parts too.Always replace parts as per manufacturer’s instructions for optimum performance. Stretching the period could lead to unfavourable incidents. Keeping a checklist to keep all the components up-to-date, is recommended. If we follow the manufacturer’s instructions, we can increase the longevity of said vehicle.Another point to be noted here – As seen in the CCTV footage, the rider didn’t wear any sort of protective gear including a helmet. Not only is this against the law, but riders without a helmet seem to be betting their lives. More

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    Hrithik Roshan Teases New Hero Karizma Ahead Of Launch

    Hrithik Roshan teases the new Karisma launch dateHero will launch the new gen Karizma on 29th Aug 2023 – Hrithik Roshan to return as the brand ambassador of this iconic motorcycleIn the realm of motorcycles, certain advertisements have a timeless quality that etches them into the collective memory of enthusiasts. Hrithik Roshan’s legendary cap flip in the Hero Honda Karizma ad is one such iconic moment that continues to resonate even after 16 years. As excitement builds for the imminent launch of the revamped Hero Karizma, Hrithik Roshan took to social media to stoke the fires of nostalgia and anticipation among fans.Bollywood actor shared a tantalizing snippet from the original ad on his Instagram account. Accompanying the clip was a message that sparked intrigue, “If the whispers are true, then the moment has arrived for me to embrace the Legend once more! Relive the Cap-Lift with #LiveTheLegend and tag @heromotocorp. Get ready for a legendary surprise!” With these words, Roshan not only transported his followers back to the iconic cap flip but also offered a tantalizing glimpse into the thrilling prospects of the upcoming Hero Karizma.Hrithik Roshan Teases New Hero KarizmaThe original advertisement featured Hrithik Roshan engaging a gang of bikers in a captivating Western-inspired backdrop. The scene played out with Roshan in hot pursuit, overtaking the miscreants who had tarnished the Karizma with mud.As the bike’s power was unleashed, the wind transformed the mud into a spectacle, enveloping the bikers in a dynamic display of velocity and agility. This captivating sequence harmoniously resonated with the campaign’s tagline, “Now you can ‘Jet Set Go’ and experience the ride of a lifetime.”[embedded content]Hrithik Roshan’s association with Hero Honda Karizma commenced in 2003 when he was appointed as the brand ambassador. This period marked a pivotal juncture in the premium motorcycle segment, characterized by a fusion of speed and aesthetics. The advent of Karizma tapped into an unexplored niche in the Indian market, catering to the 200-250 cc segment.Hrithik Roshan teases the new Karisma launch dateSubsequently, the Karizma line diversified, introducing the Karizma R variant in 2007. This iteration also found favour, contributing to the brand’s ascending prominence. However, the trajectory of Karizma’s fortunes shifted following the disentanglement of Hero and Honda in 2011. While Hero retained the Karizma brand and introduced the Karizma ZMR variant, sales of this model failed to mirror the triumphs of its 2003 predecessor. Gradually, sales dwindled, culminating in a regrettable cessation of sales in 2019.However, this isn’t the end of the narrative. Hints dropped by Hrithik Roshan and Hero MotoCorp point towards a remarkable resurgence of the iconic Karizma. The company’s steadfast commitment to revitalizing the legacy of the Karizma alludes to a fusion of cherished nostalgia and contemporary innovation, primed to captivate the loyalty of established admirers and a new generation of riders.While we await the eagerly anticipated reveal of the new Hero Karizma, the amalgamation of heritage and ingenuity promises to yield a motorcycle that pays homage to its origins while propelling itself fervently into the future. The legend of Hero Karizma is poised to reverberate once more, rekindling recollections of the cap flip while offering a fresh cohort of riders a taste of the impending legendary journey.Complete Revamped Styling, New Engine2023 Hero Karizma XMR 210 boasts of a fresh design in a faired body style. It gets a more youthful stance with sharp front fascia, dual tone front fender, sleek elevated tail section, raised handlebar and LED lighting at the front and rear. It also sports a fully digital console with Bluetooth connectivity and split seats while it rides on black-finished 17 inch alloy wheels. The fuel tank sports a muscular design allowing for easy gripping while features also include a tall angular windshield.Though not officially confirmed, as its name suggests, the Hero Karizma XMR 210 could receive a 210cc liquid cooled, single cylinder engine offering 25 hp power and 30 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed gearbox. Slipper clutch could be offered as standard. It will receive a telescopic fork in the front and preload adjustable monoshock at the rear while braking will be via disc brakes at the front and rear with dual channel ABS offered as standard. Prices are likely to be in the Rs 1.8 lakh ex-sh. More

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    Mini Charged Edition Launched For Rs. 55 Lakh – 20 Shades of Elegance

    Mini Charged EditionYellow Pops and Red Sparks: Mini Charged Edition gets styling enhancementsMini has launched a very limited special edition of its sole electric car in India. Mini Charged Edition. The company will only sell 20 units. Very limited and quite so exclusive.Mini Charged Edition is a slightly stylised version Mini 3-Door Cooper SE BEV sold in India. Price is listed at Rs. 55,00,000 (ex-sh). Buyers can book exclusively from the shop section of company’s official website.Wired for Thrills: Mini Charged Edition’s ConnectivityStandard Mini 3-Door Cooper SE costs Rs. 53.50 lakh (ex-sh) before opting for the slew of accessories the company offers to configure. Charged Edition costs Rs. 1.5 lakh (ex-sh) to up its special character.On the outside, Mini Charged Edition wears an exclusive Chilli Red paint scheme. It plays with two different white shades to contrast Chilli Red. Roof gets a familiar/standard White finish. ORVMs, door handles, tailgate handles, headlight rings, tail light rings and logos get Aspen White shade.Mini Charged Edition – FrontTo add a more colourful character, a Frozen Red stripe on the bonnet delights. And is complemented by striking Energetic Yellow highlights. Energetic Yellow highlights are present in other areas too – above side body cladding and asymmetric 17-inch ‘Electric Power Spoke Alloy Wheels’ and an S badge at the front and rear.On the inside, Striking Yellow accents bring youthfulness to the equation. Steering wheel gets soft nappa leather, while seats are leatherette. Mini’s cute-sy appeal is accentuated by a 5” instrument cluster and 8.8” infotainment screen.Energising the Future: Bold Brand PhilosophyThese 17” alloy wheels are aerodynamic in nature and reduce air drag to maximize efficiency and range of its electric powertrain. Speaking of electric powertrain, Mini Charged Edition is similar to standard Mini 3-Door Cooper SE. This means 32.6 kWh battery and a motor with 184 bhp of power and 287 Nm of torque.White RoofDriving modes include Green and Sport. The range of this powertrain is 270 km on a single charge. Mini offers convenience of 50 kW DC charging, 11 kW AC and 2.3 kW AC which charges the battery to 80 percent in 36 minutes, 2 hours 30 minutes and 9 hours 43 minutes respectively.Mini Wired Package as standard enables navigation, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and a Harman Kardon audio system. Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “MINI spreads BIG LOVE by bringing the MINI 3-door Cooper SE in Chili Red, for the first time in India. It celebrates the legendary Go-Kart feeling and instant torque, all with zero emissions.‘Charged’ branding in Energetic YellowThe MINI Charged Edition is a bold, energetic and expressive car that perfectly fits the MINI BIG Love spirit of a brave and daring brand which brings people and communities together. The MINI Charged Edition is your perfect partner for Urban Mobility. Every bit the original iconic MINI but powered for the roads of tomorrow.”Aspen White highlights More

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    Simple Dot One Name Registered – New Affordable Scooter, 180 Km Range

    Image for reference onlySimple Dot One will be the next electric scooter from Simple Energy – It will be priced lower than the existing Simple OneThe buzz around EVs seems to have reduced a little. The primary reason for this could be the reduced subsidy under the FAME II scheme. That said, this has enabled EV makers to launch lower-spec electric scooters at an affordable price point. Ola launched S1 Air and Ather launched 450S.Relatively newer entrant in the EV world is Simple Energy. The company recently launched its maiden product after a prolonged delay. Deliveries began in June 2023. Now, sources reveal that Simple Energy is developing its affordable lineup of electric scooters. The first of them will be called Simple Dot One. And this Dot lineup will sit below Simple Energy’s ‘Simple’ lineup.Simple Dot One TrademarkSimple Dot One – People’s Champ?When we first saw the name Simple Dot One, we thought this could be Simple Energy’s new charger or something of that sort. That is because Ather Energy, its stark rival, calls their charger a ‘Dot Charger’. However, our sources have confirmed that Simple Dot One will in fact be a new model lineup from Simple Energy. This lineup will take the name Dot, followed by a number of iterations or generations it will spawn in the future. Like Dot One, Dot Two, Dot Three, and so on and so forth.Simple Energy already follows a similar strategy with its flagship Simple lineup. Simple One is the first model, while future generations will take Simple Two, Simple Three, Simple Four and the likes. Just like Polestar does with its vehicles. In a previous post, we covered the company’s trademark applications ranging from Simple Two to Simple Ten along with Simple Vision, Simple Gravity and Simple Vision25. Simple Dot range will probably take a similar approach.2023 Simple One electric scooter launchedWhat to expect?As revealed by our sources, this will be a lower-spec model by Simple Energy. They also mentioned a range of around 180 km. It is likely to come with a smaller battery and fewer features than the Simple One. As of now, Simple One packs quite a lot and trumps its rivals on paper. 5 kWh battery, 212 km of range from a single charge are segment-leading.Performance-wise, Simple One promises 8.5 kW of peak power (11.4 bhp) and 72 Nm of peak torque. It has petal disc brakes and CBS (Combined Braking System) and an impressive 30L boot space. We can see slight reductions in these numbers with Simple Dot One. The impressive large touchscreen dashboard could make way for a non-touch unit.Simple Dot One will be similar in design to the Simple One. There could be slight cost-cutting in componentry to price it aggressively. Debut of the new Simple Dot One is expected in October this year while deliveries are expected to start later this year or early next year. More

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    2023 Jeep Gladiator FarOut Edition Marks the Diesel Engine’s End

    The 2023 Jeep Gladiator adds the limited-production Rubicon FarOut edition that signals the end of the truck’s diesel engine.Jeep will only sell 1000 FarOut editions, each with upgraded features and unique decals but also a hefty $71,790 price tag.With the diesel 3.0-liter V-6 ending after the 2023 model year, the Gladiator is poised to add a 4xe plug-in-hybrid powertrain.The Jeep Gladiator’s torque-rich diesel 3.0-liter V-6 will end production after the 2023 model year. To commemorate the engine’s run, Jeep has introduced a limited-production FarOut edition, which is based on the top-of-the-line Rubicon.FarOut, ManThe Gladiator Rubicon comes standard with copious off-road hardware. The FarOut edition has all that and a host of optional upgrades, including the Cold Weather package (heated steering wheel and front seats), leather interior, LED lighting package, trailering package, and myriad driver assists. Visually, the truck has body-color fenders and “FarOut” and “3.0 D” badges on the tailgate as well as black side decals and a “Diesel 3.0L” hood graphic. Jeep says it will only sell 1000 copies of the Rubicon FarOut edition. The 2023 Rubicon with the diesel starts at $59,690, but the FarOut treatment adds $12,100, which pushes the special edition’s starting price to a lofty $71,790.The 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon EcoDiesel we tested wasn’t especially quick, but we appreciated its 442 pound-feet of torque and impressive fuel efficiency. On our 75-mph real-world highway route, the diesel model returned 27 mpg—6 better than the standard gas-fed 3.6-liter V-6. While the latter is currently the only other engine available on the Gladiator, the diesel’s demise paves the way for Jeep to give its pickup the 4xe plug-in-hybrid powertrain that’s available on the Wrangler. We expect the Gladiator to get that option for the 2024 model year.Meanwhile, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon FarOut edition is now available to order through the end of September, with deliveries expected sometime in the months ahead.More Gladiator ReadingThis 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.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

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    $385,000 Fisker Rōnin Will Arrive in 2025 with 1000 Horsepower

    EV startup Fisker, which recently began delivering its Ocean SUV, has released additional information about the Rōnin halo car first revealed last week.Production of the Rōnin will be limited to just 999 units, with prices starting at a whopping $385,000.The 1000-horsepower powertrain will shoot the Rōnin in a claimed 2.0-seconds while also providing a targeted range of around 600 miles. Last week, California-based startup Fisker unveiled three electric vehicles that will join the Ocean crossover in its lineup over the coming years. Along with a subcompact crossover called the Pear and a pickup truck called the Alaska, Fisker showed off a flashy four-door sports car, dubbed the Rōnin after the eponymous John Frankenheimer film famous for its thrilling car chase scenes. Now Fisker has released additional information on the Rōnin, including the price and expected arrival date.FiskerFisker will only build 999 examples of the Rōnin, with the startup automaker aiming to begin deliveries in the second half of 2025. According to CEO Henrik Fisker, the Rōnin is meant to serve as a modern version of the “classic grand touring car” for “people who love to drive.” But the Rōnin is still supposed to be practical—despite the slinky body, the convertible sports car has seating for five people and is said to “provide exceptional cargo capacity.” Fisker pitches the Rōnin as a response to the trend of high-performance SUVs from iconic brands, with the electric platform allowing for a capacious cabin but smaller overall dimensions. The Rōnin will offer blistering performance, with a claimed 1000 horsepower from the three-motor powertrain and all-wheel drive contributing to a claimed 2.0-second run to 60 mph. Fisker also claims the Rōnin will be capable of a 170-mph top speed, and the automaker is targeting a 600-mile range. The Rōnin is based around a lightweight aluminum space frame and rides on carbon-fiber 23-inch wheels.FiskerThere are plenty of flamboyant supercar touches such as front and rear butterfly doors and a carbon-fiber hardtop that retracts into the trunk to provide open-air driving. There is also only one set of door handles on the rear doors—the front doors are opened by swiping the handle or using your phone. The cabin is said to be decked out in sustainable, recycled materials and will center around a 17.1-inch screen, although the shadowy image of the interior doesn’t give a detailed look at the design. Order books for the Rōnin are already open, and Fisker says the 1000-horsepower grand tourer will cost $385,000. Although the targeted delivery date is only around two years away, Fisker did not say where the Rōnin will be built. The company doesn’t own any factories, contracting assembly of the Ocean out to Magna Steyr in Austria and planning to have the Pear built by Foxconn in Lordstown, Ohio. The model shown at Fisker’s product launch last week did not look production-ready—it was the only vehicle that didn’t move under its own power and didn’t have a visible interior—so we wouldn’t be surprised if the Rōnin gets delayed.This 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