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      in Motor News

      2023 Subaru WRX American Rally Association Car Slides into Frame

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      Subaru has revealed its newest entrant into the American Rally Association (ARA), in the form of the Subaru Motorsports WRX Rally car. To abide by ARA regulations, the WRX Rally produces 320 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque from a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The car will make its competition debut at the Ojibwe Forests Rally on August 24 through 25. The history speaks for itself. Hell, the name of the car stands for World Rally eXperimental, according to Subaru, and the company just revealed its newest rally entrant: the Subaru Motorsports WRX Rally car. Bred for competition in the Open 4WD class of the American Rally Association (ARA) Championship, and built by Subaru’s technical partner Vermont SportsCar. Enter the WRX Rally Car Due to limitations put on by the ARA, the turbocharged 2.0 four-cylinder engine is running a mandatory 33mm restrictor and a 22 psi boost limit. Power is capped at 320 horses and 380 pound-feet of torque. That power is sent to all four wheels through a SADEV six-speed close-ratio sequential transmission. Don’t be fooled by the relatively ordinary power figures, though, as the Rally car is sure to be quick.SubaruThe car features a fully seam-welded body, while a custom suspension setup was created jointly by R53 and Vermont SportsCar. Unlike a stock WRX, the rally version features a fully stripped interior with only essentials like a pair of Sparco ADV Prime competition bucket seats and an FIA-spec roll cage to keep the driver pairing safe. Racing is all about function over form, but the WRX Rally manages both in stride. According to Subaru, the carbon-fiber widebody was designed from a blank sheet with the most recent ARA aerodynamic ruleset in mind. A rather prominent rear wing makes itself known at the back of the car and is sure to keep everything planted to the dirt at high speeds. SubaruSubaruDebuting at Ojibwe Forest RallyThe Subaru rally car is set to debut at the Ojibwe Forests Rally on August 24 through 25, and it will be driven by Brandon Semenuk along with co-driver Keaton Williams. Subaru will launch a second car for the 2024 season that will be piloted by Travis Pastrana as he makes a return to the sport. Unfortunately, all this time fawning over the new WRX competition car has only worsened our desire for a new STI version of the road car. There’s still no word from Subaru that it’ll happen, but we’ll be sure to let you know if it is. More WRX MadnessThis 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 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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      2024 Nissan Titan Keeps on Truckin’ with New Bronze Edition

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      The 2024 Nissan Titan and Titan XD lineups are rejiggered, with both versions dropping their base-level S models.The half-ton Titan’s new starting price is $47,665 (a $5240 increase), and the heavier-duty Titan XD’s base price rises $3940 to $53,825. The ’24 Titan also adds a $2980 Bronze Edition package that brings bronze 20-inch wheels, a black front bumper and grille, and a bed-mounted sport bar.The Nissan Titan may be the forgotten full-size pickup truck, but like Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees, it just won’t die. To prove that point, Nissan is introducing a new appearance package for the 2024 model year. If there’s one way to catch our attention, pair bronze wheels with a green paint job, which is exactly the color combo seen on the 2024 Nissan Titan Bronze Edition pictured here. Bronze TreatmentIncluded with the Titan’s new Bronze Edition package are bronze 20-inch wheels that really pop against the green backdrop. Providing contrast is a gloss-black grille surround and center section on the front bumper. There’s also a bed-mounted sport bar with a “Titan” cutout—just in case the badging on the front, side, and back didn’t make it clear. Inside are floor mats with “Bronze Edition” on them, but it’s unclear if they have any bronze on them.NissanThe Bronze Edition is a $2980 package that’s only available on the SV model, which—for 2024—becomes the Titan’s new base model. Previously, the S trim level was the lineup’s entry point, but it has since been dropped. That means the least expensive Titan is more expensive, with a starting price that rises $5240 to $47,665 for the rear-drive Titan SV crew cab. However, compared to the 2023 model, that SV configuration is only $120 costlier. The higher PRO-4X and Platinum see similarly small price hikes for 2024.Titan XD PricingWhile the heavier-duty Titan XD doesn’t get the Bronze Edition package, it does lose its entry-level S trim. The result is a higher base price, which increases by $3940 to $53,825 for the SV model. Compared with the 2023 version, the SV—which is only offered with a crew cab and four-wheel drive—really only sees its starting price rise by $120. Like its half-ton sibling, the rest of the XD lineup’s pricing hardly rises for the new model year.More Titan and Titan XD 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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      in Electric Cars

      Pininfarina’s Pura Vision Concept: Sculpting A Glass-Roofed Masterpiece

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      Pininfarina Pura Vision concept debutsPininfarina Pura Vision e-LUV Concept: An Electric Symphony of Luxury and TechItalian car design firm and coachbuilder Pininfarina has unveiled Pura Vision concept in official pictures. This is a baseline on which Pininfarina’s new electric SUV will take shape. The Luxury SUV market is an active space with legacy manufacturers craving for a piece of this pie. Mahindra owned Pininfarina just joined this race.It will go up against Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Lamborghini Urus, Ferrari Purosangue, Aston Martin DBX, Bentley Bentayga and legacy SUV maker Land Rover’s flagship Range Rover as well. Cab-rear proportions stand out from the current crop of luxury SUVs.From Canvas to Road: Pininfarina Pura Vision Paints a Luxurious TaleThe company has showcased this electric SUV concept in official images. Pininfarina Pura Vision concept will debut at Monterey Car Week in August, alongside recently revealed Battista Edizione Nino Farina Hyper GT and another production-spec vehicle. Pininfarina calls Pura Vision concept as e-LUV (electric Luxury Utility Vehicle).It has an unmistakable presence which makes it stand out in current crop of luxury SUVs. Even in its concept phase, the striking images look like a piece of art from every angle. This dynamic identity is enhanced by a narrow glass house and wide wheel track. Body panels around its chassis channel air efficiently.Pininfarina Pura Vision concept interiorsPininfarina’s 94 year old design heritage pays off with Pura Vision concept. The roof is predominantly glass and almost reaches the rear in a single-piece fashion. The front fascia has a wide appeal with distinctive nano-fibre LED strands less than 1mm each. Window line is super aggressive, and combines sharp lines with swooping curvaceous panels.Pininfarina’s Tri-Opening Lounge Doors: A Nod to the Past, a Leap to the FutureFlared wheel arches and wide haunches scream understated aggression. Windows seem to be small in height. But it creates a futuristic appeal about Pininfarina Pura Vision. The most flashiest part of this car has to be its doors.There are three parts for the door. Pininfarina calls them tri-opening Lounge Doors and drew inspiration from Lancia Florida Sedan, which Pininfarina’s founder Battista Farina penned down. Base doors open horizontally with a rear suicide door type. While top part of the door opens like a gullwing door.In all fairness, these doors are reminiscent of Europe-bound Hiphi Y electric SUV revealed at Shanghai Auto Show recently. It’s a 2+2 seating arrangement. Pininfarina has taken care of creating an exquisite and opulent interior for its e-LUV by achieving perfect harmony between symmetry and boldness.Tri-opening Lounge DoorsIn terms of dimensions, Pininfarina Pura Vision e-LUV measures 5,215 mm in length, 2,147 mm in width (including ORVMs) and stands 1,641 mm tall. The 23″ wheels look dapper and add a lot of appeal. The chassis is carbon fibre monocoque with interesting pillar designs, which should lend sporty handling. More

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      in Bike

      Hero MotoCorp sales in July 2023 – YoY, MoM, YTD de-growth

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      Hero Super SplendorIn July 2023, Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson launched the X440 in India, their first co-developed premium motorcycleHero MotoCorp has posted a YoY de-growth in domestic while exports improved in July 2023. YTD sales also ended in the negative though scooter sales saw an 11.52 percent YoY growth. A series of new launches, the upcoming festive season and several financial schemes being offered by the company could spur up sales in the months ahead.Hero MotoCorp Sales July 2023Hero MotoCorp has reported total sales (domestic + exports) at 3,91,310 units in July 2023. This was a 12.18 percent YoY de-growth from 4,45,580 units sold in July 2022 relating to a 54,270 unit volume decline. The company has seen lower domestic sales brought down by a 14.41 percent dip in motorcycle sales which stood at 3,60,592 units in July 2023. This was 60,696 units lower when compared to 4,21,288 units sold in July 2022.Hero MotoCorp sales July 2023Motorcycles command a 92.15 percent share in the company portfolio. Scooter sales on the other hand improved by 26.45 percent to 30,718 units in July 2023 from 24,292 units sold in July 2022. Hero Pleasure +, Destini 125 Xtec and Xoom are the most popular scooters while the Maestro Edge 125 also commands a fair share of attention. This took total domestic sales down 13.81 percent YoY to 3,71,204 units in July 2023 from 4,30,684 units sold in July 2022. Exports on the other hand improved 34.98 percent YoY to 20,106 units from 14,896 units shipped in July 2022.On a MoM basis, Hero domestic sales fell by 12.19 percent from 4,22,757 units sold in June 2023. Motorcycle and scooter sales both suffered a MoM de-growth by 10.85 percent and 5.54 percent respectively. Exports however grew by 41.23 percent from 14,236 units shipped in June 2023. This took total MoM sales down 10.45 percent from 4,36,993 units sold in June 2023, a volume de-growth of 45,683 units.Hero MotoCorp YTD SalesTaking into account sales of Hero MotoCorp during the period April 2023 to July 2023, Motorcycle sales dipped 6.04 percent to 16,23,232 units in FY24 period as compared to 17,27,582 units sold in the same period of the previous year. Scooter sales improved by 11.52 percent to 1,20,652 units in FY24 from 1,08,191 units sold in FY23.Total domestic sales thus dipped 4 percent to 16,88,454 units in FY24 from 17,58,850 units sold in FY23. Exports also fell by 27.94 percent to 55,430 units in FY24 from 76,923 units sold in FY2023 taking total YTD sales down 5.01 percent to 17,43,884 units in the FY24 period from 18,35,773 units sold in the same 4 month period of the previous year.Hero MotoCorp has commenced production of the new Harley-Davidson X440 from its Garden Factory plant in Neemrana, Rajasthan and deliveries are set to commence from October 2023. Harley-Davidson X440 is being offered in three variants of Denim, Vivid and S priced at Rs 2,29,000, Rs 2,49,000 and Rs 2,69,000 respectively. In July, Hero MotoCorp discontinued the Xtreme 200S 2V from its company portfolio and introduced the more powerful Hero Xtreme 200S 4V priced at Rs 1.41 lakh (ex-sh). More

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      Suzuki July 2023 Sales Soiree: Hitting the Century Mark

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      Suzuki Access 125Suzuki July 2023 Sales Zoom Past Expectations – Riding High at over 1 lakh units soldIn July 2023, Suzuki’s two-wheeler sales witnessed remarkable growth both domestically and in the international market. Total sales of 1,07,836 units marked a substantial increase of 41.46 percent compared to July 2022. This is a most robust performance. For SMIPL, domestic sales captured a dominant 74.47 percent share of its total sales.Domestic sales of Suzuki two-wheelers surged to 80,309 units, indicating an impressive year-on-year growth of 31.89 percent. This substantial increase can be attributed to several factors, including effective marketing strategies, and favourable customer sentiments for their offerings. The company’s efforts in building a strong brand image and expanding its dealer network have paid off. There has been continued demand growth for their products in the domestic market.Suzuki 2W sales July 2023Market Mastery: July 2023’s Unstoppable ForceExport sales also experienced significant growth. Suzuki shipped out 27,527 units in July 2023. This marks an impressive 79.47 percent increase compared to the same month in the previous year. Focus on exploring international markets, targeting regions with high demand for two-wheelers, and offering competitive pricing have been vital. And helped secure a considerable contribution of 25.53 percent from Suzuki’s export segment.Comparing sales data between July 2023 and June 2023, Suzuki saw month-on-month growth of 33.56 percent. Total sales increased by 27,099 units. This demonstrates the brand’s ability to sustain momentum and retain customer interest. Growth in both domestic and export sales indicates a consistent and well-executed business strategy that resonates with consumers across different regions.Wheels of Fortune: July 2023 SalesAnalysing the market share in June 2023, Suzuki enjoyed a 78.10 percent share from the domestic market. With steady sales growth, the auto manufacturer has been solidifying its position. MoM growth in the export market stood at 55.71 percent indicating potential for further expansion in the international arena.The data reflects a promising trajectory for Suzuki’s two-wheeler sales, demonstrating their ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and capitalise on emerging opportunities. The impressive year-on-year and month-on-month growth rates signal a positive outlook for the brand’s future, provided they maintain their focus on innovation, product quality, and customer-centric strategies.A Neat Feat: Suzuki July 2023 Sales at over 100KKenichi Umeda, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India said, “We are elated to have crossed 100K monthly sales mark in July. It is a testament to our commitment to our customers and their continued trust in the brand.These strong sales numbers reflect robust demand for our scooters and motorcycles in India and in the overseas markets. We express our sincere gratitude to our customers, dealer partners and our staff members who played a crucial role in achieving 100K monthly sales milestone.” More

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      Harley-Davidson X440 Gets 1st Price Hike – New Prices Of All Variants

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      Harley-Davidson X440 Price HikeAfter the introductory price ends tomorrow, 3rd August, Harley-Davidson X440 price will go up by Rs. 10,500 (ex-sh)Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson partnership has launched the first product X440 in India at an attractive introductory price of Rs. 2.29 lakh for base Denim trim, Rs. 2.49 lakh for mid-spec Vivid and Rs. 2.69 lakh for top-spec S trim (all prices ex-sh). Introductory prices will last till August 3rd, tomorrow. Post that, there will be an increase in price.Harley-Davidson X440 Price HikeFollowing an overwhelming response for their maiden product, X440, the company is intending to hike the prices by Rs. 10,500 (ex-sh). This price hike is across the trims. In effect, Harley-Davidson X440 price starts from Rs. 2.4 lakh for base Denim trim, Rs. 2.6 lakh for mid-spec Vivid and Rs. 2.8 lakh for top-spec S trim (all prices ex-sh).Harley-Davidson X440 deliveries commenceAfter the booking portal closes tomorrow, Harley-Davidson India will arrange test rides for customers who have booked the bike, starting from September 1st. Production will commence in September at the company’s Garden Factory in Neemrana, Rajasthan. Deliveries will commence in October 2023.Prospective buyers can book their Harley-Davidson X440 at introductory prices and avoid the price hike by placing an order by 3rd August, 2023. Also, there is no clarity as to when Harley-Davidson will commence a second booking portal as production hasn’t started and response seems to be on the higher side. The company has expressed that the scale of production will depend on response and demand. If there is demand, then there will be an escalation in production capacity.The best Roadster in its segment?Harley-Davidson is betting big on the emotional quotient that is associated with a legacy brand like itself. That said, Royal Enfield and Triumph work with a similar ethos as well. Triumph’s Speed 400 is likely to beat X440 in sales. Not only Speed 400 costs significantly less than X440, it is also delivering a better value for money proposition.Triumph offers more tech, more sophisticated engine architecture and more performance. Harley-Davidson X440 comes equipped with a single-cylinder 440cc engine capable of developing 27 bhp of power and 38 Nm of torque. A 6-speed gearbox is standard and Harley-Davidson promises a full metallic build like Royal Enfield. More

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      in Bike

      Royal Enfield Sales July 2023 – Classic, Hunter, Meteor, Bullet

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      Royal Enfield Meteor 350Royal Enfield has posted a sharp 42 percent growth in domestic sales while exports dipped 22 percent YoY in July 2023Royal Enfield has reported a 31.61 percent YoY growth in sales in July 2023. Total sales (domestic + exports) stood at 73,117 units in the past month, up from 55,555 units sold in July 2022. This was a 17,562 unit volume growth.Royal Enfield has a premium lineup of bikes both in the sub 350cc and above 350cc segments. These include the Hunter 350, Classic 350, Meteor 350 cruiser and the Bullet 350. There is also the Super Meteor 650, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 in the company lineup along with the Himalayan and Scram 411 ADV. The company also gears up for launch of the new-gen Bullet 350 and Himalayan 450.RE YoY Sales July 2023Royal Enfield sales saw the 350cc segment saw a 5.42 percent YoY de-growth. Sales dipped to 8,719 units in July 2023, down 500 units when compared to 9,219 units sold in July 2022 to claim an 11.92 percent share. Exports also fell significantly by 21.84 percent YoY to 7,055 units in July 2023 from 9,026 units shipped in July 2022 relating to a volume de-growth of 1,971 units. Exports share currently stands at 9.65 percent.On a month on month basis (MoM), Royal Enfield has seen total (domestic + exports) sales fall 5.18 percent as sales had stood at 77,109 units in June 2023. 350cc segment bikes MoM sales declined by 6.21%. MoM sales of the 350cc+ bikes increased by 3.24 percent. While there had been 8,445 units sold in June 2023, sales increased to 8,719 units in July 2023.Royal Enfield sales July 2023This took total domestic sales down 2.12 percent on a MoM basis from 67,495 units sold in June 2023. Exports also suffered a de-growth of 26.62 percent from 9,614 units shipped in June 2023 relating to a dip in volumes by 2,559 units.Royal Enfield has seen sales of its Hunter 350cc cross the 2 lakh unit mark. This is particularly noteworthy as this milestone has been crossed in under 12 months of launch. Hunter 350 was launched in August 2022 and achieved its first milestone of 1 lakh units in February 2023, 6 months after launch. The next 1 lakh units have been completed in 5 months.Upcoming launchesThere are 13+ Royal Enfield models set to be launched in the coming years, out of which the Bullet 350 will launch on 30th August 2023. Recently RE released a teaser of new Bullet’s exhaust note. Apart from feature updates, the Bullet 350 will also receive a new engine that currently powers the Classic 350, Hunter 350 and Meteor 350. More

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      TVS Motor Sales July 2023 – Registers 3.60% YoY Growth

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      New TVS iQubeTVS iQube e-scooter has seen sales surpass the 1.5 lakh unit mark since its debut in January 2020TVS Motor Company sales improved both on a YoY and MoM basis in July 2023. YoY growth was reported both across 2 wheeler and 3 wheeler segments in domestic markets, though exports suffered de-growth. Total 2W and 3W sales (domestic + exports) improved by 3.60 percent to 3,25,977 units in July 2023, up from 3,14,639 units sold in July 2022 relating to a 11,338 unit volume growth. On a MoM basis, sales grew by 3.20 percent from 3,16,411 units sold in June 2023.TVS 2W Sales and Exports July 2023In domestic markets, 2W sales growth was reported across motorcycles, scooters, and moped, to a total of 2,35,230 units in July 2023, up 16.48 percent from 2,10,942. 2W exports however dipped 21.12 percent YoY to 77,077 units in July 2023 from 97,716 units sold in July 2022.TVS Motor Sales July 2023 vs July 2022 – YoY performanceMoM domestic sales remained more or less flat with a 0.26 percent de-growth from 2,35,833 units sold in June 2023. MoM exports increased by 12.41 percent from 68,568 units shipped in June 2023. The 2W segment currently commands a 75.32 percent share.Motorcycles saw a 2.40 percent YoY and 3.87 percent MoM growth in sales in July 2023 to 1,53,942 units. There were 1,50,340 units sold in July 2022 and 1,48,208 units sold in June 2023 respectively. Scooter sales also improved 4.67 percent YoY and 0.48 percent MoM to 1,21,941 units while sales of the iQube electric scooter surged by 111.07 percent on a YoY basis to 13,306 units from 6,304 units sold in July 2022. MoM sales saw a 7.99 percent de-growth from 34,829 units sold in June 2023.TVS Motor Sales July 2023 vs June 2023 – MoM performanceMoped sales also improved 10.99 percent YoY and 4.58 percent MoM to 36,424 units. This took 2W total sales (domestic + exports) to 3,12,307 units, up 4.22 percent YoY from 2,99,658 units sold in July 2022. MoM sales improved by 2.60 percent from 3,04,401 units sold in June 2023.TVS Motor 3W Sales and Exports July 2023Where three wheeler sales were concerned, TVS Motor has reported a YoY de-growth in total (domestic + export) sales. Sales dipped 8.75 percent YoY to 13,670 units in July 2023 from 14,981 units sold in July 2022. MoM sales improved by 13.82 percent from 12,010 units sold in June 2023.3W domestic sales were higher by 4130.68 percent YoY to 1,534 units in July 2023 from 665 units sold in July 2022 while MoM sales saw a 6.97 percent growth over 1,434 units sold in June 2023.  Exports on the other hand fell YoY by 15.23 percent to 12,136 units in the past month from 14,316 units shipped in July 2022. MoM exports improved by 14.75 percent from 10,576 units shipped in June 2023.Total 2W+3W sales saw a 16.86 percent growth on a YoY basis to 2,36,764 units in July 2023 from 2,02,607 units sold in July 2022 while MoM sales fell marginally by 0.21 percent from 2,37,267 units sold in June 2023. Exports on the other hand has suffered a 20.37 percent de-growth YoY to 89,213 units in July 2023 from 1,12,032 units shipped in July 2022 while MoM exports improved by 12.72 percent over 79,144 units shipped in June 2023. More