More stories

  • in

    Lotus Reveals Type 66, a Can-Am Racer You Can Buy

    Lotus has just revealed a Type 66 for the modern era, bearing the same name as a car that was once proposed, but never built, to enter the 1970 Can-Am championship.A run of 10 cars will be constructed, each with a seven-figure price. The track-only special will have a period-correct V-8, a modern sequential gearbox, and ABS. While there have been plenty of Continuation models from long-established automakers, the Lotus Type 66 is something different: a newly built version of a historic car that was designed, but never built. Now the British sports-car maker has announced plans to create a run of just 10 of a modern take on what was originally proposed to be a Can-Am race car. Each of these track-only specials will be priced in the seven figures, and we’re promised they will have performance comparable to that of a current GT3 race car. Cars to WatchLotus dropped a teaser for this car last year, at the same time we were told that it would be produced by the company’s new Lotus Advanced Performance division. Now the Type 66 has just been revealed at The Quail in Monterey, where Lotus has introduced it as “testament to the brand’s desire to reimagine the best elements of its heritage, updating them in the most exhilarating way possible.”The obvious historic anachronism is that Lotus never competed in the Can-Am series. The Canadian-American Challenge Cup started in 1966, running a calendar that combined races in both Canada and the United States, and quickly established itself as one of the most viscerally thrilling series in motorsport’s most exciting (and dangerous) era. Can-Am was run under Group 7 regulations for what were nominally two-seat cars, but with minimal technical restrictions. Can-Am cars soon had power-to-weight ratios superior to those of contemporary Formula 1 cars.53 Years Later, It Comes to LifeLola and McLaren dominated the early era of Can-Am, but Lotus put serious consideration into creating its own entry in the late 1960s. Lotus founder Colin Chapman ordered Team Lotus draftsman Geoff Ferris to come up with a design for a Group 7 racer. That never went beyond technical drawings and scale models, but it has been brought to life 53 years later with the Type 66. The new Type 66 wouldn’t have been possible without sketches and designs supplied by Clive Chapman, Colin’s son and now the managing director of Classic Team Lotus. Apparently, many of these were found in a fireproof case containing 28 rolls of microfilm, some of which contained images of the Can-Am project dating from September 1969. These were never turned into a full-size car as Lotus was too busy with numerous other motorsport commitments, but if the project had gone ahead it would likely have become the Type 66. The new car is finished in a period-appropriate shade of red, white, and gold, the colors the Formula 1 team competed in thanks to Lotus’s pioneering tobacco sponsorship at the time. Other innovations are also shared with the team’s F1 cars of the era, including the use of side-mounted radiators. At the rear is a vast rear-width wing, which has seen significantly more development work than would have been possible in the early 1970s: Lotus says that more than 1000 hours of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) modeling has gone into creating the Type 66. The company quotes a peak downforce figure of more than 1764 pounds at 150 mph, a figure it says is more than the car’s total weight.The original Lotus Can-Am proposal never advanced far enough to gain an engine, although it would have almost certainly followed the example of rivals and raced with American V-8 power. McLaren used Chevrolet engines throughout its era of dominance, with the big-block 8.3-liter engine in the 1971 M8F reported as making over 800 horsepower. Whose Engine?Lotus hasn’t confirmed which manufacturer’s engine will be in the Type 66 but says that it will be a “period-representative V-8 pushrod.” This has a forged aluminum crank, pistons and con rods, plus a spectacular set of individual induction trumpets, and is targeting a power output of an estimated 819 horsepower at 8800 rpm and 550 pound-feet at 7400 rpm.The new car’s structure will be less period appropriate, with a central carbon-fiber tub. Body panels will be aluminum, so it won’t look too modern, and Lotus says it will also feature electric power steering, a modern sequential racing transmission with an anti-stall system, and even an ABS system. During simulator testing it has matched the performance of a GT3 race car, and Lotus says that on circuits like Laguna Seca it should actually be quicker.Tempted? Don’t wait too long to get your name onto the list; Lotus says it is only going to produce 10, with each costing “in excess of £1 million.” That’s nearly $1.3 million at current exchange rates. Senior European CorrespondentOur man on the other side of the pond, Mike Duff lives in Britain but reports from across Europe, sometimes beyond. He has previously held staff roles on UK titles including CAR, Autocar and evo, but his own automotive tastes tend towards the Germanic, owning both a troublesome 987-generation Porsche Cayman S and a Mercedes 190E 2.5-16. More

  • in

    Lamborghini Lanzador Concept Previews an Exotic High-Riding EV Coming in 2028

    The Lamborghini Lanzador concept previews the brand’s first electric model, which won’t arrive until 2028.Along with a lifted ride height, the Lanzador has a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain making more than one megawatt (or over 1341 horsepower).The Lanzador’s expressive two-door body style houses a four-seat interior layout that’s futuristic and functional.Lamborghini is gearing up for an electric future, and the audacious Lanzador concept that debuted today gives us our best idea of what that will look like. While a production version isn’t expected to arrive until 2028, we can’t wait, because the Lanzador looks like the rally-inspired Huracán Sterrato had relations with the brawny Urus SUV—resulting in one badass baby.A 1341-Plus-HP Electric LamboThe Lamborghini Lanzador concept is unlike any other EV on the market. Part of that is its unmistakable Lambo lineage, but an even larger part is its unusual proportions. Along with bulging fenders and sharply creased sheetmetal, its short greenhouse is squashed between a low roofline and an elevated ride height. The result is the definition of a crossover, although one with a distinctly Italian flair.Never a company known to be subtle, Lamborghini endows the Lanzador with outrageous power. Featuring an electric motor on each axle, the all-wheel-drive powertrain is claimed to generate over one megawatt. Whereas a kilowatt equals 1000 watts of electrical power, a megawatt is equal to one million watts, which translates to 1341 horsepower. Like we said, it’s not subtle. While there aren’t any specific details about its driving range, Lamborghini says the Lanzador uses a battery that will prioritize performance as well as long range. That doesn’t tell us much at the moment, but since the company says it’s committed to making a hi-po EV that can be driven every day, we’d wager that its eventual estimated range will be competitive with future electric cars. To help optimize range, active aero elements are found on the Lanzador concept, and these also allow adjustable downforce as well as the ability to address different cooling needs.LamborghiniLamborghiniAmong the other innovations introduced on the concept but destined for production are highly customizable drive modes (known as Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata or LDIV). By packing the car with more actuators and sensors, the driving dynamics can be better monitored and more fine-tuned, theoretically providing the driver with more feedback. This will be aided by a future radar-based system on the front of the car. The Lanzador rides on an air suspension and includes a rear-axle steering system that will make it more nimble in tight spots too.The Lanzador Is a 2+2 EV GTThe Lanzador concept doesn’t have wild scissor doors or gaping air intakes like some of Lamborghini’s most memorable creations. Instead, the high-riding coupe’s exotic nature is obvious in other ways that don’t include the logo with a golden snorting bull. Take, for example, the Lanzador’s impossibly short rear overhang, its massive 23-inch wheels, and the expansive glass roof. Its other calling card is a two-door body style with a 2+2 seating arrangement.That’s right, this Lambo has seating for four rich people. While it’s hard to tell how much room is in the back seat, the extra passenger capacity means it’s more inclusive than the new hybrid V-12 Revuelto or the outgoing Huracán. The Lanzador is a lot more capacious too, with a rear hatch that opens up to a cargo area that’s even more useful with the rear seats folded flat. There’s also additional storage space in the front trunk. This type of versatility has lead Lamborghini to classify the concept as an “Ultra GT.”The rest of the Lanzador’s interior is expectedly fanciful, with an interesting dashboard layout that gives the driver and front-seat passenger their own digital displays. There’s a flat-bottomed steering wheel with spindly paddle shifters (likely for adjusting the regenerative-braking system) and new-age controls. There’s also a wild-looking knob protruding from the center stack that controls myriad functions, from the infotainment system to the different drive modes. The cabin is covered in a mix of “sustainably tanned” leather, genuine merino wool, as well as copious eco-friendly materials—from regenerated carbon fiber to synthetic fiber made from recycled plastic. We can only hope the thin cushioning on the seats is more comfortable than it looks in the photos.While we’ll have to wait several more years with the rest of the world until we can drool over the production version of the 2028 Lamborghini Lanzador—which will likely cost at least $300,000 or so—we like what we see. We can’t believe we’re saying this, but we’re truly excited for the brand’s electric future.Other Wild LambosThis 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

  • in

    Rimac Nevera Time Attack Celebrates a Year of Breaking Records

    The Rimac Nevera has been breaking all sorts of acceleration records this year. Only a dozen of these celebratory Time Attack versions will be sold.All 12 are already spoken for.Launched today at Monterey Car Week, the new Nevera Time Attack is Rimac’s celebration of a year of breaking records. With its rear wing set to maximum downforce, the Nevera Time Attack reveals a message hidden on the underside: “Dedicated to those coming after us.” Two translations: Bring It; or, Just You Try To Catch Up.Just 12 Nevera Time Attacks will be made, and each one is already spoken for. The first, finished in the same black on green as the record-breaking car, goes to Jeff Miller of California. Those green stripes also pay tribute to one of company founder Mate Rimac’s first mad scientist projects, a 1980s E30 BMW 3-series converted to electric drive. In 2011, that Frankenstein machine was certified by the FIA as the world’s quickest accelerating EV.RimacThe lucky few buyers can choose between bare carbon fiber or black base color, with a choice of color for the stripes for the exterior and matching contrasting stitching inside. There’s also “Time Attack” stitched on the seatbacks and a plaque denoting each car as one of 12.RimacMore on the NeveraThe headline acceleration claims for the Nevera are 0-62 mph in 1.81 seconds, 0-100 mph in 3.21 seconds, and 0-186 mph in 9.22 seconds. Quarter-mile time? 8.25 seconds. The Nevera can get to its top speed of 259 mph and then back to zero again in the time it would take a McLaren F1 to hit 217 mph. Total power from the four-motor powertrain is a staggering 1813 hp.The Nevera Time Attack doesn’t just move the goal posts, it’s like the part in the Star Trek timeline where warp drive technology shows up. For now, this kind of performance is extremely rare, limited to less than a baker’s dozen of owners. But if the Rimac Nevera Time Attack has laid down the gauntlet, then the chase is on. RimacContributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

  • in

    2024 Bentley Bentayga EWB Mulliner Ups the SUV’s Posh Factor

    Debuting today at The Quail is a new top-trim $339,150 Bentayga from Bentley’s Mulliner customizing division, with deliveries starting in early 2024.It’s powered by the same 542-hp twin-turbo V-8 as other Bentaygas, but it’s built on the long-wheelbase variant, which makes room for 22-way-adjustable rear seats with lots of recline.The tri-tone leather is tanned using a new process that employs wastewater from olive pressing.There appears to be no shortage of demand at the ultra-high end of the automobile market, which is keeping Bentley’s Mulliner customizing division plenty busy of late. After its farewell to the W-12 engine, the $2.1 million Batur, and building 12 new copies of the of the pre-war Speed Six for a similar price, Mulliner has now turned to the heart of the lineup, creating a more upscale Bentayga SUV. Shown today at The Quail, the place to be for all the big-price-tag automakers during the Monterey Car Week festivities, is the $339,150 EWB Mulliner, now the most expensive Bentayga.A little Bentayga background: the ultra-lux SUV starts at $200,025, with the extended-wheelbase (EWB) variant that was added to the lineup for 2023 jumping to $229,625. This new top-spec Mulliner, which is based upon the long-wheelbase model, leaps up another $110K, roughly $60K higher than the Bentayga Speed variant that was the previous top dog, and in the same neighborhood as the company’s Mulliner variants of the Continental GT coupe or convertible and Flying Spur sedan.EWB means a wheelbase stretch of 7.1 inches, with all of that additional length going to create stretch-out space in the rear seat. So, naturally, the Mulliner Bentayga comes standard with the 22-way-adjustable rear seats—Bentley calls this the Airline Seat, a descriptor it seems to consider as more positive than we might—that are a $11,195 option on the regular EWB Bentayga. These outboard rear seats (if you must be able to fit five, there’s a center-seat option) can recline to almost 40 degrees, complemented by a leather-trimmed footrest that folds out from the seat in front. The seats have both temperature and humidity sensors, which are used to determine whether to automatically apply heat, ventilation, or both simultaneously. They also periodically adjust to ward off fatigue. Take your shoes off, and your piggies will be dancing in 100-percent-wool floor mats. Tri-tone leather is exclusive to the Mulliner, with nearly 4000 possible combinations of the main color, secondary color, and accent color. And that leather, which Bentley calls Olive Tan, is made with a new process that employs wastewater from olive pressing to create the tanning agent. This is a further nod to sustainability, as the company already touts it uses only leather that’s clearly traceable to being a by-product of the meat industry. Embroidery on the diamond-quilted seats matches buyer’s selected interior color combo, and the Mulliner also comes with a matching, three-color pouch for the key fob.Other Mulliner bits include a diamond-patterned grille and a unique design for the 22-inch wheels fitted with weighted center caps that remain steadfastly upright. The powertrain is identical to much of the rest of the lineup, a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 making the same 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque and an eight-speed automatic. The company claims the Mulliner is but a tenth of a second slower to 60 mph than the short-wheelbase Bentayga S, which we coaxed to 60 in 3.5 seconds.The Mulliner Bentayga is available to order now, with deliveries starting in early 2024.More on the Bentayga SUVThis 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.Director, Vehicle TestingDave VanderWerp has spent more than 20 years in the automotive industry, in varied roles from engineering to product consulting, and now leading Car and Driver’s vehicle-testing efforts. Dave got his very lucky start at C/D by happening to submit an unsolicited resume at just the right time to land a part-time road warrior job when he was a student at the University of Michigan, where he immediately became enthralled with the world of automotive journalism. More

  • in

    MCXtrema Takes Maserati Exclusivity to the Track

    Maserati revealed its track-only MCXtrema during Monterey Car Week on Friday, August 18.It will be powered by a 730-hp version of the Nettuno 3.0-liter V-6. The company will build only 62 copies, about half of which are destined for U.S. buyers.In the most basic of terms, the Maserati MCXtrema is a modified MC20 built solely for track use. The two models share a carbon-fiber tub and the same basic engine, but not much else. It’s like the Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport from Modena. But the Porsche is nearly four times as common. Maserati is keeping this model extra exclusive. Only 62 of these track-star cars are planned for production. About half of those will make it to the U.S., which also happens to be the largest MC20 market.”If you have to ask how much?” or however it goes, seems to apply here because all MCXtrema cars are spoken for. We’re guessing seven figures, considering how much the car has changed from the MC20.Powering the MCXtrema is a Nettuno 3.0-liter V-6 turned up to 730 horsepower. While the torque peak of 538 pound-feet at 3500 rpm remains unchanged, engineers squeezed 109 more cavallini from the MC20’s engine with updated turbochargers and exhaust, plus the requisite engine programming. From the bellhousing, the engine turns a paddle-shifted six-speed sequential transaxle fitted with a limited-slip differential.Race-Ready InteriorWe didn’t see the production interior in person, but the design indicates the MC20’s interior is totally stripped. All the controls reside on two futuristic-looking consoles that flank the driver. A racing-style yoke replaces a steering wheel, and a six-point harness lashes the driver to a fixed bucket. A safety cage built to FIA standards increases chassis stiffness. Adding a passenger seat is an option.In addition to the adjustable wing, flat underbody, and ankle-lacerating splitter, a.k.a. standard track-car kit, Maserati fitted a longitudinal spine. It splits the roof-snorkel engine intake and is said to increase in-corner stability and rear-wing efficiency. Large side scoops, a design detail not on the roadgoing MC20, feed the intercoolers and rear brakes. All the suspension arms, of unequal-length front and rear, are billet aluminum and attach to the body and upright via ball joints. The suspension also features Ohlins four-way adjustable dampers and adjustable anti-roll bars. From the steering wheel, the driver can adjust ABS and traction control. Race tires, the kind that use metric sizing and aren’t road legal, wrap 18-inch center-lock wheels.MCXtrema mechanics—because, let’s face it, those owners probably have mechanics on payroll—can leave the floor jacks at home because this has air jacks. On the scale of track-day flexes, air jacks is pretty high up there. All signs indicate this big-kid toy will be a ton of fun to own and run at a track. Maserati says the MCXtrema is the first of its kind, which kind of implies there will be other low-volume specials that may or may not be street legal in our future. That’s a good thing. Executive EditorK.C. Colwell is Car and Driver’s executive editor, who covers new cars and technology with a keen eye for automotive nonsense and with what he considers to be great car sense, which is a humblebrag. On his first day at C/D in 2004, he was given the keys to a Porsche 911 by someone who didn’t even know if he had a driver’s license. He also is one of the drivers who set fast laps at C/D’s annual Lightning Lap track test. More

  • in

    2023 Honda Livo Launch Price Rs 78.5k – 3 Colours, 10 Yrs Warranty

    2023 Honda LivoThe new 2023 Honda Livo packs a BS6 Phase 2 compliant engine with OBD-II setupHonda 2W India today launched 2023 Livo which meets Indian Government’s BS6 P2 emission standards. Honda’s cutting-edge engine technology with Livo is eSP (Enhanced Smart Power). Tubeless tyres have entered the equation too and offer a decent safety net against unexpected punctures.2023 Honda Livo prices start from Rs. 78,500 (ex-sh) for drum brake variant and Rs. 82,500 for disc brake variant. It goes head-to-head with other offerings like Hero Passion range (except Passion+), Bajaj CT 110X and Platina 110 range, TVS Star City+, Sport and Radeon along with Honda’s own CD 110.2023 Honda Livo2023 Honda Livo LaunchedThe main concept for this update is to give it a slightly more ‘Urban Style’ as Honda calls it. A keen eye will inform you of the changes with the new 2023 Livo. They are all new graphics, a modern and re-designed front visor and taillights. That said, if you’re not a fan of stickers, Honda is offering a new mono-tone shade too, which looks subtler.Tank shrouds add some muscle for Livo and form a recess for the rider to grip the motorcycle better. Main talking points about the 2023 Honda Livo is eSP integration in the powertrain. This comprises a brushless ACG starter motor. Which is silent in operation, and it reverses function by acting as a generator as well, to charge its battery.2023 Honda LivoThere is PGM-FI which translates to programmed fuel injection. This kit has intelligent sensors accounting for an optimum charge (fuel air mixture) for highest possible efficiency and least emissions. Lastly, Honda has used an off-set cylinder placement and coupled that with a roller rocker arm, reduces friction enabling better power and efficiency.There is a piston cooling jet in the block improving cooling as well. All of these lead to improved fuel efficiency that is the primary goal with budget commuter motorcycles of this class. A solenoid valve ensures one time start. External fuel pump aids in easy maintenance. Switchgear includes integrated engine start/stop switch, there is a DC headlamp, a 657 mm long seat, 5-step pre-load adjustable rear twin shockers, RSU telescopic front forks and Combi-Brake system as well.Value Proposition for CustomersIn addition to its technological advancements and style enhancements, HMSI is offering a special 10-year warranty package (3 years standard + 7 years optional extended warranty) on the motorcycle, showcasing their commitment to customer satisfaction.Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “Today marks a significant milestone as we unveil the OBD2 compliant 2023 Honda Livo. This launch reflects our constant pursuit to elevate the riding experience, offering enhanced peace of mind. We are confident that the new Livo will raise the bar of style, performance and value in its segment.”Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “Since its debut in 2015, Livo has been a favorite among aspirational buyers in its category and with the introduction of OBD2 norms, we are elevating its appeal to new heights. Now infused with advanced technology, the 2023 Honda Livo is a perfect blend of style, comfort and performance that meets the expectations of modern-day riders.” More

  • in

    300cc to 400cc Motorcycle Sales July 2023 – RE, Triumph, Bajaj, KTM, Jawa

    New Triumph Speed 400Royal Enfield maintains its stronghold in the segment with 87.8% market share in July 2023The Indian motorcycle market has undergone a remarkable evolution, with mid-sized motorcycles in the 300cc to 400cc segment garnering significant attention. This category strikes a balance between power, affordability, and versatility, appealing to a wide range of riders.Year-on-Year (YoY) Comparison: July 2023 vs. July 2022In this blog, we present a comprehensive analysis of motorcycle sales in the 300cc to 400cc segment in India for July 2023. The month also highlights the arrival of new Triumph Speed 400 in the segment.300cc to 400cc Motorcycle Sales July 2023A year-on-year comparison between July 2023 and July 2022 reveals the robust growth trajectory of the 300cc to 400cc motorcycle segment. July 2023 witnessed total sales of 68,380 units, signifying an impressive 39.65% increase from the 48,964 units sold in July 2022. This substantial growth underscores the burgeoning demand for mid-sized motorcycles within the Indian market.Key Insights:Royal Enfield’s Prominence: Royal Enfield’s motorcycles continue to exert dominance in this segment, with the Classic 350 at the forefront. Boasting 24,889 units sold in July 2023, the Classic 350 achieved a notable 7.17% YoY growth, firmly securing its position as the segment leader.New Entrant’s Impact: The Royal Enfield Hunter 350, a recent entrant to the market, made a considerable impact with 17,813 units sold. This newcomer played a pivotal role in the segment’s growth, capturing a substantial 26.05% market share.300cc to 400cc Motorcycle Sales July 2023 vs July 2022 – YoY comparisonConsistent Performers: Other Royal Enfield models, including the Meteor 350, Bullet 350, and Electra 350, maintained consistent sales figures. Modest fluctuations imply a steady and enduring demand for these models.Emergence of Competitors: Honda’s CB 350 experienced an impressive 24.12% YoY growth, indicating a growing acceptance of brands beyond Royal Enfield in the segment. This demonstrates the evolving tastes of Indian consumers.Challenges for Select Brands: Brands like Jawa Yezdi, Kawasaki, and TVS faced certain challenges in the year-on-year comparison, resulting in negative growth rates. However, the KTM 390 witnessed a remarkable 127.13% YoY growth, potentially due to its positioning as a performance-oriented motorcycle.300cc to 400cc Motorcycle Sales July 2023 vs June 2023 – MoM comparisonMonth-on-Month (MoM) Comparison: July 2023 vs. June 2023When comparing motorcycle sales from July 2023 to those from June 2023, a decline in overall sales becomes apparent. The aggregate sales for July 2023 amounted to 68,380 units, marking a 4.47% decrease in contrast to the 71,580 units sold in June 2023.Key Observations:Shifts in Sales: The Royal Enfield Classic 350, while still leading the pack, experienced a 7.83% decline in sales MoM, suggesting a fluctuating consumer preference.Positive Spikes: The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and the Meteor 350 both saw growth MoM, indicating sustained interest in these models. The Hunter 350, in particular, witnessed a 10.22% growth in sales.Challenges for Dominar and KTM: The Bajaj Dominar 400 and KTM 390 faced negative MoM growth, possibly due to market saturation or competition from other models.New Player on the Scene:In July 2023, a notable addition to the segment was the Triumph Speed 400, making its debut in the Indian market. Recording 477 units in its very first month of sales, the Triumph Speed 400 brought diversity to the segment and further intensified competition.ConclusionThe analysis of motorcycle sales in the 300cc to 400cc segment in India for July 2023, as compared to July 2022 and June 2023, offers insights into a dynamic and evolving market. While Royal Enfield maintains its stronghold, the influx of new models and the growth of alternative brands reflect shifting consumer preferences. Furthermore, the introduction of the Triumph Speed 400 and soon to be launched Scrambler 400, underscores the segment’s expansion and diversification. As these trends continue to shape the Indian motorcycle market, it will be fascinating to witness how manufacturers adapt and innovate to meet the evolving demands of consumers. More

  • in

    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Price Cut By Rs 22k – Base Variant Discontinued

    New Bajaj Chetak 2023Earlier this year, Bajaj Auto had announced the launch of updated 2023 Chetak Electric scooter in two variants – Base and PremiumActivity in the 2w EV space is on the rise, thanks to the arrival of more affordable variants of Ola and Ather electric scooters. Bajaj has now announced an update regarding their Chetak electric scooter. In March this year, Bajaj had launched 2023 version of Chetak in two variants Base and Premium.Base Chetak was priced at Rs 1.22 lakh while the Premium variant was priced at Rs 1.52 lakh. Now, the base variant has been discontinued and the price of Premium variant has been slashed by Rs 22,000 to Rs 1.3 lakh. All prices are ex-sh.Chetak electric scooter price cut2023 Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Premium EditionThis version takes the timeless elegance of Chetak and elevates it with meticulous detailing and the use of premium materials. It is available in three colours – Matte Coarse Grey, Matte Caribbean Blue, and Satin Black. A standout feature of the Chetak is the expansive all-colour LCD console, which presents vehicle information with unparalleled clarity.The design is replete with luxurious accents, including a premium two-toned seat, body-coloured rear view mirrors, a satin black grab rail, and coordinated pillion footrest castings. The integration of lustrous Charcoal Black elements for the headlamp casing, blinkers, and central trim adds a signature flair to the overall design. 2023 Chetak retains its all-metal body, efficient onboard charger, and other industry-leading features that have contributed to its reputation.Enriching the Chetak ExperienceAcknowledging the evolving needs and preferences of consumers, Bajaj Auto has made a strategic move to address concerns related to the driving range. Responding to customer feedback, Bajaj Auto increased the Chetak’s claimed Indian Driving Conditions (IDC) range by 20 percent, pushing it to an impressive 108 kilometers. This enhancement is poised to attract a broader spectrum of buyers, alleviating range anxiety and fostering more confidence in the electric mobility landscape.Revamped Supply Chain for Two-Wheeler EVs at Bajaj AutoIn a strategic move aimed at enhancing efficiency and accessibility, Bajaj Auto has undertaken a comprehensive restructuring of its two-wheeler electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. This transformation has yielded remarkable progress in various development programs, fostering collaboration with essential vendors. The result? An assurance of a consistent supply of over 10,000 units of the revered Chetak model every month. Beyond just bolstering supply, this overhaul also bears the fruit of reduced costs, ultimately paving the way for broader customer access to the Chetak EV.Rakesh Sharma, the Executive Director at Bajaj Auto, has announced the commencement of the scaling-up phase, building upon the strong foundation established within their EV supply chain endeavours. This strategic move aligns with their objective to amplify the presence and reputation of the Chetak brand. The new Premium 2023 Edition of Chetak will reinforce its image as a premium and reliable choice, accentuated by the introduction of new colours, a visually striking display console, and meticulously crafted features. These enhancements further solidify Chetak’s position as the most coveted electric scooter in the market. More