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    Top 10 Motorcycles 150cc to 200cc Sep 2023 – Pulsar, Apache, Unicorn, MT15, R15, Xpulse

    New TVS Apache 160Bajaj Pulsar has regained the No 1 position in the 150cc to 200cc motorcycle segment – Beating the likes of Apache and UnicornThe Indian motorcycle industry’s 150cc to 200cc segment faced significant challenges in September 2023, with a year-on-year sales decline of 17.03%. The latest sales figures indicate shifting preferences among Indian motorcycle enthusiasts and the impact of economic factors on the market.Top 10 Motorcycles 150cc to 200cc Sep 2023 – Bajaj Pulsar Tops the ChartsBajaj Pulsar regained its leading position in the 150cc to 200cc segment, with 46,888 units sold in September 2023. While this represents a modest 3.13% year-on-year growth, it commands a 30.99% market share in the segment. Bajaj’s consistent performance can be attributed to its established reputation and diverse range of offerings in this segment.TVS Apache and Honda Unicorn have both witnessed a significant drop in sales compared to September 2022. TVS Apache sales plummeted by 37.67% with 26,774 units sold, while Honda Unicorn recorded a 29.44% decline with 25,514 units sold. These numbers reflect the growing competition and changing consumer preferences that have affected these once-popular models.Yamaha FZ and R15 Face ChallengesYamaha’s FZ and R15 also faced challenges in September 2023. Yamaha FZ saw a 27.29% decrease in sales, with 14,872 units sold, while the R15 managed to grow by 16.55% year-on-year, selling 11,131 units. Despite the decline in FZ sales, the R15 showed resilience and maintained a 7.36% market share.Motorcycle sales 150cc to 200cc segment – Sep 2023A surprising standout in the segment was Honda Hornet 2.0, which recorded an impressive 458.26% year-on-year growth, selling 3,852 units. This growth can be attributed to its competitive pricing and attractive features, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers. Other notable players in the 150cc to 200cc segment include Hero Xtreme 160R / 200, KTM 200, Hero XPULSE 200, and Bajaj Avenger, all of which experienced varying degrees of decline in sales compared to the previous year.Impact of Economic Factors and Looking AheadThe decline in motorcycle sales within this segment can be partially attributed to economic factors, including rising fuel prices and inflation, which have put pressure on consumers’ purchasing power. Additionally, the ongoing global semiconductor shortage has disrupted production schedules for several manufacturers, leading to supply chain challenges.The motorcycle industry is expected to face continued challenges in the 150cc to 200cc segment in the coming months. Manufacturers are likely to respond with innovative marketing strategies and product offerings to adapt to changing consumer preferences and the evolving economic landscape. Despite the current downturn, the Indian motorcycle market remains highly competitive, with manufacturers striving to create value for customers and maintain their market share. As the industry navigates these challenges, it will be interesting to see how the landscape evolves in the months to come. More

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    2015 BMW M5 Competition with a Six-Speed Manual Is Today’s BaT Find

    The F10-generation M5 was the last to offer a manual transmission.The Competition version turned up the output of the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 to 575 horsepower.This M5 is reportedly one of 118 to combine the stick shift with the Competition package.Car and DriverThe BMW M5 was the last holdout among the German, high-performance executive sedans to offer a manual transmission, but those days ended after the 2016 model year. This 2015 M5, up for auction on Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos—is from the waning days of the stick shift. What makes it even rarer is that it combines the row-your-own gearbox with the Competition package, said to be just 118 to do so.Bring a TrailerIn the M5, the six-speed manual replaced the standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and it also includes a rev-matching function. The Competition package was a $7500 option that upped the output of the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8’s from 560 to 575 horsepower. It also included a revised suspension with a 0.4-inch lower ride height, 20-inch wheels, an M Dynamic drive mode, and black-chrome exhaust outlets. Like all M5s, it has numerous settings for the suspension, steering, throttle mapping, and more, but two of your favorite combos can be saved and then accessed via the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel.In C/D testing of the non-Competition M5, we found the manual to be 0.3 second slower to 60 mph than the automatic version, but 4.0 seconds is still pretty quick.Bring a TrailerOne has to imagine that this car’s Sakhir Orange Merino leather interior is also a rare spec, and it makes a lively counterpoint to the Singapore Gray Metallic exterior. This M5 was also optioned with the Executive Package, which brought a head-up display, soft-close doors, four-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel, among other niceties. Bring a TrailerWith just 25K miles on the odometer, this car may be as close as you’re going to get to a new BMW M5 manual. Certainly, BMW isn’t making them anymore, and those days aren’t going to return.This auction ends on October 27.Deputy Editor, Reviews and FeaturesJoe Lorio has been obsessed with cars since his Matchbox days, and he got his first subscription to Car and Driver at age 11. Joe started his career at Automobile Magazine under David E. Davis Jr., and his work has also appeared on websites including Amazon Autos, Autoblog, AutoTrader, Hagerty, Hemmings, KBB, and TrueCar. More

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    Toyota Electric Land Cruiser SE, EPU Electric Pickup, Neo Steer Pedal-less Drive Debuts

    Toyota Electric Land Cruiser SE ConceptAs of now, Toyota Electric Land Cruiser SE is in concept phase and is the first monocoque or electric vehicle to bear LC badgeUpcoming Japan Mobility Show is quite a spectacle where many OEMs showcase the coolest tech they’re currently working on. Ahead of the show commencing later this month at Tokyo, there will be sneak peeks. From Toyota, the company has teased two new electric vehicle concepts, featuring many firsts for the brand.Toyota Electric Land Cruiser ConceptThis is the first time Toyota Land Cruiser and electric has been used in a sentence together. For starters, Toyota electric Land Cruiser SE is a concept vehicle that the company is showcasing. Unlike the recently unveiled 2024 Land Cruiser, new Land Cruiser Prado and Land Cruiser 70 Series, Land Cruiser SE is a fully electric monocoque SUV.Yeah! The first monocoque vehicle with Land Cruiser badge. This is a three-row SUV with comparable size to a Grand Highlander and recently launched Century SUV. Speaking of dimensions, Land Cruiser SE is 5130 mm long, 1981 mm wide and 1701 mm tall. Toyota didn’t reveal finer details about this vehicle, especially regarding powertrains.That said, it will have a torquey driving experience owing to its electric powertrains. Modern and minimalist front fascia, wide LED DRL signature, connected tail lights, flush door handles, fuss-free detailing in profile, boxy proportions, large wheels, low profile tyres and rearview cameras are notable elements. This seems to be more of an on-road vehicle than what the Land Cruiser badging suggests.Toyota Electric Land Cruiser SE Concept2024 Land Cruiser with ‘Neo Steer’ tech – Look ma, no pedals!At 2023 Japan Mobility Show, Toyota will showcase its new ‘Neo Steer’ steering yoke that has accelerator and brakes built in. This negates the need for traditional accelerator and brake pedals (considering clutch pedals are closing extinction in USA). Inspiration for this steering yoke is from motorcycle handles.Toyota has placed accelerator and brake at right side of the steering yoke. This is a perfect solution for people with disabilities, especially for drivers with lower limb impairment. Toyota will showcase this tech on a 2024 Land Crusier.Toyota ‘Neo Steer’ pedal-less drive conceptToyota EPU electric pickup truck conceptFor the first time, Toyota is stepping foot into electric pickup world with EPU concept and it looks close to production and poses a strong proposition for going into production. This is a smaller pickup truck and will primarily rival the likes of Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz in USA. Just like Santa Cruz, Toyota EPU doesn’t have a physically separated load bay.This suggests that Toyota EPU is not meant for the full range of capabilities of a regular ladder-frame pickup truck. EPU is underpinned by a monocoque chassis and comes with an electric powertrain. On the inside, it boasts a free-standing display, that houses both infotainment and instrumentation related info.Toyota EPU Electric Pickup Truck Concept More

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    Top 10 Motorcycles Sep 2023 – Splendor, Apache, Pulsar, Classic 350

    New Royal Enfield Classic 350Cumulatively, September 2023’s total sales reached 9,07,433 units for the top 10 motorcycles, marking a 3.77% growth from September 2022In the earlier post, we discussed top 10 two wheelers and top 10 scooters. In this post, let’s take a look at the top selling motorcycles of India. India’s motorcycle industry, known for its diverse offerings and consumer preferences, has showcased intriguing shifts in September 2023. With a mix of stalwarts and emerging challengers, the market landscape offers valuable insights. Let’s dive deep into the sales figures, comparing them both year-on-year (YoY) and month-on-month (MoM).Top 10 Motorcycles Sep 2023 : Year-on-Year OverviewHolding its title as the market leader, Hero Splendor registered an increase of 9.99% YoY. This growth translates to an additional 29,043 units compared to last September, emphasizing its continued acceptance among the masses. Shimmering in second place, Honda Shine gleamed with an impressive 11.26% growth YoY. The numbers speak for themselves, with a rise of 16,351 units, revealing the brand’s consistent quality and trust.Top 10 Motorcycles Sep 2023 vs Sep 2022 – YoY performanceShowcasing its enduring appeal, Bajaj Pulsar sped forward with a robust 14.40% YoY growth, enhancing its tally by 15,123 units. Such growth highlights its standing as a preferred choice for many biking enthusiasts. The journey wasn’t as smooth for Hero HF Deluxe, which faced a dip of 10.13%. This decline meant a reduction of 9,478 units YoY, hinting at shifting preferences or emerging competition.The market’s dark horse, TVS Raider, left everyone in awe with a meteoric 123.99% YoY growth. With an increase of 26,987 units, it’s evident that the brand’s strategies and the bike’s features resonated well with consumers. On the flip side, Bajaj Platina confronted a significant drop of 33.73% YoY. This translated to 24,739 fewer units, raising questions about market positioning or external factors influencing its performance.Top 10 Motorcycles Sep 2023 vs Aug 2023 – MoM performanceConsistency was the name of the game for Hero Passion, registering a minimal growth of 0.34%. This translates to a modest 122 unit difference YoY, showcasing its stable market presence. The brand faced some challenges with a decline of 7.02% YoY, resulting in 2,688 fewer sales. Factors could range from competitive pricing to evolving consumer preferences. TVS Apache grappled with a sharp 37.67% decrease, amounting to a reduction of 16,180 units from last year. This prompts a closer look at the brand’s positioning and market strategy. Royal Enfield Classic 350 experienced a slight dip of 5.69%, translating to a sales decline of 1,568 units.Month-on-Month AssessmentWhile YoY comparisons offer a broader perspective, MoM evaluations give us a pulse of the immediate market scenario. Hero Splendor, with a 10.27% MoM growth and 29,762 additional units, continued to impress. Honda Shine and Bajaj Pulsar followed suit with 8.63% (12,832 units) and a whopping 32.47% (29,441 units) growth, respectively.Conversely, Hero Passion and RE Classic 350 faced minor setbacks, with MoM declines of 4.77% (1,813 units) and 0.44% (115 units). Notably, TVS Apache made a significant comeback with a 41.94% MoM growth, adding 7,911 units to its sales.In RetrospectSeptember 2023 has been a testament to the ever-dynamic Indian motorcycle market. Brands like Hero Splendor and Honda Shine continued their legacy, while TVS Raider emerged as a formidable contender. The month also brought its set of challenges for some, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in this rapidly changing landscape. More

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    Toyota EPU Concept Looks Like a Production-Ready Electric Pickup

    Toyota is showing a new concept pickup truck called the EPU, and it’s electric.The EPU concept is smaller than a Tacoma, at 199.6 inches long.We’ll see it for the first time in the flesh at the Tokyo auto show, and it looks like it could reach production soon.The ongoing talk about an upcoming Toyota electric truck is increasing in volume thanks to this new concept called the EPU, a name which we assume stands for electric pickup. Set to be shown at the Tokyo auto show, the EPU is a four-door crew-cab pickup that’s significantly shorter than the Tacoma, measuring 199.6 inches in length. It features a unibody construction, suggesting it could go up against models such as the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.Toyota hasn’t released any technical details yet, but we assume this will ride on a new electric platform. Its wheelbase is long and measures 131.9 inches, which fits in between the outgoing Tacoma’s short- and long-bed configurations and is significantly longer than the Maverick’s. That explains the truck’s slightly unusual proportions, as the rear axle is mounted further back than we’re used to seeing on a compact pickup.The exterior design is remarkably devoid of any odd concept touches, making this EPU look like it could go into production soon. The interior is a bit more futuristic, featuring large display screens, a minimalist dashboard, and a yoke-style steering wheel.This concept looks significantly different than the previous mid-size electric truck concept Toyota showed a few years ago. That model looked more similar to the new 2024 Tacoma, suggesting that perhaps Toyota is planning multiple electric trucks. We’re not certain that both of them will come to the U.S. market, but we wouldn’t be surprised if they do. Look for more information to come soon, as Toyota will be showing the EPU concept at the Tokyo auto show next week.More Toyota EVsSenior 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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    Toyota Land Cruiser Se Is an EV Concept with the Off-Roader’s Name

    The Toyota Land Cruiser Se concept previews the first electric Land Cruiser.Toyota says the three-row EV SUV measures 202.8 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 67.1 inches tall.The LC Se’s 120.1-inch wheelbase is about eight inches longer than the regular 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser’s.The Toyota Land Cruiser has been revived in the U.S. after the brand’s iconic off-roader took a dirt nap for a few years. Before the 250-series LC has even hit dealerships, Toyota is giving all of us a glimpse of what the first electric model could look like with today’s reveal of the Land Cruiser Se concept.Electric Land CruiserWhen it comes to concepts, details are usually scarce. While that’s largely the case here, Toyota has released some interesting information along with several digital renderings. For example, we’re told the Land Cruiser Se measures 202.8 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 67.1 inches tall. It also has a wheelbase that stretches 120.1 inches. That’s almost eight extra inches between its axles than the new production model.Toyota says the unibody LC Se has three rows of seats with room for seven passengers. There’s no mention of powertrains, other than the concept offers a “high-torque driving experience.” There’s little doubt that its theoretical powertrain consists of dual electric motors providing all-wheel drive—it is a Land Cruiser after all. The concept suggests its not limited to traveling paved roadways, either, as the press release mentions “confidence in tackling tough terrain.”While there’s no other information about the Toyota Land Cruiser Se concept, its boxy body is undeniably alluring. Surprisingly, it shares little likeness with its current production counterparts. In fact, were it not for the “Toyota” script on its snout and above its razor-thin taillight band, we wouldn’t even associate it with the automaker. More Land Cruiser NewsThis 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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    Mazda CX-70 Will Arrive in the U.S. in 2024: Report

    Mazda will launch a new two-row mid-size SUV, the CX-70, in the U.S. sometime next year.Based on the same platform as the CX-90, the CX-70 was originally supposed to arrive this year.It will offer a hybrid powertrain and is likely to also have Mazda’s new 3.3-liter inline-six.Now that Mazda has launched the three-row CX-90 SUV, we’ve been waiting for its smaller sibling to arrive. Called the CX-70, this two-row mid-size crossover was originally slated to go on sale by the end of this year, but Mazda’s North American CEO Tom Donnelly told Automotive News that this new model will now launch sometime in 2024.The addition of the CX-70 is part of Mazda’s goal to grow its U.S. sales by offering more models to America’s SUV-hungry buyers. The company’s lineup will soon include the CX-30 subcompact, the CX-50 and CX-5 in the compact segment, and the CX-70 and CX-90 in the mid-size segment.We already have an idea of what to expect from the CX-70, as Mazda already said that it will essentially be a widebody version of the CX-60 (pictured), an SUV that’s already on sale in Europe. The CX-70 will have a shorter wheelbase than the CX-90 but will use the same longitudinal-engine platform and is likely to share powertrains with its larger sibling. Donnelly also confirmed that the CX-70 will be offered with a hybrid powertrain, almost surely the same setup as the CX-90 PHEV that uses a 2.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine. The CX-90’s turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six, which produces either 280 hp or 340 hp depending on trim level, should also make its way into the CX-70.More information on the CX-70 is surely coming within the next few months, although Mazda has not provided a specific timeframe for when it will debut.More on Mazda SUVsSenior 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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    Finding the Best Winter Beaters (Again): Window Shop with Car and Driver

    It’s that time of year again! October means a chill in the air, chili in the Crockpot, and Window Shop arguments over winter beaters and how much to spend on one. Our last two winter challenges set the budgets at $5000 and $7500, and our “Most Reliable Used Cars for $5000” challenge was a de facto winter beater episode. This year, the panel got to spend a whopping $12,000 to survive three months of whatever’s going on with the climate (and inflation). Given a full roster of six contestants, we’re proud to admit almost none of them used the money wisely.Road & Track senior editor John Pearley Huffman applied his laser focus to the word “beater,” then went to Colorado to find one. We’re not sure why so many cars in that state look like they’ve been dragged out of the Grand Canyon, but we’re pretty sure Pearley would have done better with one of the Grand Canyon mules. The mule would have been a nicer shade of brown than the car, and at least as reliable. Senior editor Joey Capparella, whose nose for older Japanese economy cars is unmatched, hooked up an unmolested Subaru WRX. The plain black wagon spoke so deeply to executive editor K.C. Colwell that Colwell did all the speaking for Capparella’s presentation.Senior editor and SoCal dweller Elana Scherr might not even believe in snow. She was so put off by the concept of winter that she didn’t read her listing carefully and ended up buying half an Argo. Don’t try to understand that sentence, just watch the video and let her explain.Contributor Jonathon Ramsey went for luxury, because Ramsey going for luxury is even more reliable than winter of late. His calculus: A bulletproof German engine surrounded by potentially dodgy German electronics that only have to last three months? Isaac Newton, the inventor of calculus, would approve. Colwell, rested from his Subaru presentation, returned to the speaker’s lectern to show an English rectangle with a German engine, making it doubly dodgy—unless it isn’t, which is always possible with English cars. And editor-in-chief Tony Quiroga emerged from left field with another automotive marsupial. He won huge style points. But the car might do as well in a real Michigan winter as a mammalian marsupial would. (Hint: Not well.)Your wonderland awaits, and it includes the line, “The windows only suck when you want to use them.”More Window Shopping More