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    TVS Jupiter ZX Drum SmartXonnect Variant Launched

    TVS Jupiter ZX Drum SmartXonnect Starlight BlueEarlier, SmartXonnect connectivity suite was only available with Jupiter ZX Disc variant, now we get it with drum variant tooTVS Motor, one of India’s stalwart 2W and 3W vehicle manufacturers has added a new variant to its highest-seller. Of course, we’re talking about TVS Jupiter scooter which regularly features in highest-selling 2W vehicle list. Jupiter is second to only Honda Activa in terms of scooter sales.Now, TVS is fortifying its scooter lineup better challenge Activa. Now, Jupiter gets SmartXonnect Bluetooth-based connectivity suite with Drum brake version of ZX trim too, which was not the case before. Said TVS Jupiter ZX Drum SmartXonnect variant costs Rs. 84,468 (ex-sh, Delhi).TVS Jupiter ZX Drum SmartXonnect VariantThis move made Jupiter ZX Drum SmartXonnect variant, the most affordable Bluetooth equipped model in TVS’ lineup. Pricing for ZX Disc and ZX Disc SmartXonnect are still the same, which is Rs. 86,413 and Rs. 88,988 respectively (both prices ex-sh, Delhi). Classic is still the most expensive, at Rs. 89,648 (ex-sh).There are two vibrant colours that TVS is offering with this new variant. They are Starlight Blue and an exclusive Olive Gold colours. These new colours are visually pleasing and will enhance the overall appeal of this scooter.Olive GoldJupiter comes equipped with a fully digital instrument cluster that shows a host of information with the help of TVS’ proprietary SmartXonnect system. These connected features enhance rider’s experience in many ways. And allows them to fully immerse into the commute rather knowing that their scooter has got their back in keeping them up to date.Not just that, connectivity ensures enhanced safety as rider’s are aware of the important notifications they received on their phone rather than have to deal with their phone while on the go. Navigation ensures ease of commutes in navigating through city scapes without getting lost.Same mechanical package as beforeThe SmartXonnect suite includes Turn-By-Turn Navigation, Voice Assist, Call Alerts and SMS Alerts among more. TVS promises Jyada ka Fayda with Jupiter. So, the new TVS Jupiter ZX Drum SmartXonnect variant is no different. It packs a USB phone charger to add the missing piece of the puzzle.Mechanically, Jupiter is still the same ol’ Jupiter. Only the Classic trim gets the added goodies that lifts style quotient. TVS offers Jupiter in both 110cc and 125cc engine options and primarily competes with Honda Activa. The 110cc engine is capable of 7.77 bhp of power and 8.8 Nm of torque, while 125cc engine will kick out 8.05 bhp of power and 10.5 Nm of torque. More

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    Fisker Unveils Future Plans for Rōnin, Pear, and Alaska Pickup

    California EV startup Fisker has just revealed three new models, claiming that its lineup will expand to include four vehicles by the end of 2025. The plan includes a four-door convertible called Rōnin, an affordable crossover called the Pear, and a pickup truck called the Alaska, all of which will be sold alongside the existing Ocean SUV. Henrik Fisker, the company’s CEO and lead designer, wants to scale up to building 1 million cars per year. A portfolio of unique-looking and cleverly engineered vehicles is how he believes the company achieve that goal.We’ve seen teasers for Rōnin and Pear already, but the big surprise was confirmation of the rumored pickup truck, which will be called Alaska. The trio were just shown in concept form at the company’s Product Vision Day event. While their designs could evolve by the time they see production, each one features novel details and sustainable materials.Fisker’s first SUV Makes a SplashPear: EV on a BudgetDrew Dorian|Car and DriverThe Pear promises a starting price of less than $30,000. This subcompact crossover isn’t much smaller than the Ocean, but it’s been stripped down and will be built on a new lightweight, low-cost platform.Fisker says that it represents a 35-percent reduction in parts versus traditional manufacturing. In practice, that should amount to a fairly basic package, but a glimpse inside the Pear at the event provided assurances that it’ll still deliver on style. A six-seat interior layout will be available, which swaps the two front bucket seats for a three-across bench. We spotted attractive cloth upholstery and a two-tone dashboard design with bright blue accent coloring.In front, Fisker has designed a novel drawer-style front trunk; around back, in lieu of a traditional SUV liftgate, you’ll find a motorized retractable panel which drops entirely out of the way behind the rear bumper.The company’s plan is to build the Pear in Ohio at Foxconn’s Lordstown assembly plant, which would make it eligible for federal tax incentives. Start of production is said to be targeted around mid-2025, but the company’s leader told Car and Driver that there is still a lot to finalize before the SUV is ready for prime time. Rōnin: Flagship HypercarDrew Dorian|Car and DriverLooking a bit like a reborn Karma—Fisker’s first attempt at an eco-friendly luxury car back in 2012—the Rōnin features a carbon-fiber hardtop roof and four butterfly-style doors. Fisker says 60 mph should arrive in 2.0 seconds thanks to three electric motors providing 1000 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive; the car’s battery pack is said to offer a claimed 600-mile driving range.Drew Dorian|Car and DriverIts positioning at the top of the Fisker lineup leaves plenty of space between the Rōnin and the Ocean, as it’ll surely command a six-figure price tag when it goes on sale. Timing for that, by the way, is likely to be a few years away. Alaska: An Ocean with a Truck BedDrew Dorian|Car and DriverSurprisingly, the Alaska pickup truck looks to be the most production-ready of the three new models. Based on the Ocean, the Alaska has a pickup truck bed behind the cabin and a drop-down midgate that extends the bed into the cabin. Reminiscent of the long-dead Chevy Avalanche (and the new Silverado EV), this feature allows the Alaska to remain compact in size but offer the ability to haul larger cargo.Drew Dorian|Car and DriverThe Alaska’s claimed range is lower than the Ocean’s, but Fisker said to expect at least 230 miles per charge in the base version, with more expensive longer-range versions promising up to 340 miles. Pricing is said to start at $45,400 for the Alaska, and although the company isn’t discussing production location yet, it did confirm to C/D that it will be U.S.-built. We’d expect the Alaska to hit production before the Pear, and Fisker himself said during the event that it could go on sale as early as December 2024.Fisker will also build a production version of the Ocean Force E concept, which will exist as an option package for the Ocean SUV. The Force E will come decked out with off-road equipment, including more aggressive all-terrain tires, bulged fenders, and a roof-top cargo box.More on FiskerWhat’s Next?Is Fisker’s latest plan too ambitious? Given that it faced delays getting the Ocean SUV to market, it’s certainly possible that things won’t pan out exactly as planned or on the timeline Fisker is claiming. A somewhat scattered and unknown production plan is another hurdle. Despite those doubts, the company isn’t short of consumers raising their hands for one of its future EVs. Reservation holders number in the tens of thousands, and deposits for all three of the concepts shown at the event are already trickling in.Managing Editor, Buyer’s GuideDrew Dorian is a lifelong car enthusiast who has also held a wide variety of consumer-focused positions throughout his career, ranging from financial counselor to auto salesperson. He has dreamed of becoming a Car and Driver editor since he was 11 years old—a dream that was realized when he joined the staff in April 2016. He’s a born-and-raised Michigander and learned to drive on a 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. His automotive interests run the gamut from convertibles and camper vans to sports cars and luxury SUVs.       More

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    2024 Chevy Blazer EV Base Model Dropped, New Starting Price Jumps

    Chevy has dropped the base 1LT trim from the 2024 Blazer EV, as first reported by Green Car Reports, with the 2LT now the cheapest offering, despite a considerable price hike. Pricing for the front-drive version of the 2LT hasn’t been announced yet, but the AWD version will start at $56,715 when it enters production in the fall. The mid-spec RS AWD will go on sale this summer and now carries a $61,790 starting price tag.As if some Titan-born Marvel villain snapped his infinity-stone-laden fingers, the base option for the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV has vanished into thin air. The previously announced 1LT trim level, which was to start at $44,995, is gone, leaving the front-wheel-drive 2LT trim (pictured at top) in its place at an as yet unnamed price.Although pricing for the 2LT FWD isn’t available yet, Chevy confirmed to Car and Driver that the all-wheel-drive version now carries an MSRP of $56,715. Chevy also confirmed that production rollout hasn’t changed for the now-midpack all-wheel-drive RS, which will be the first Blazer EV to hit the streets when it launches this summer. That car will start at $60,215 and adds features including ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, and a unique grille over the 2LT. More on the Blazer EVFollowing the initial launch this summer, the manufacturer plans to begin production on the RS RWD and 2LT AWD in the fall. The top-level SS trim is now slated to enter production in the spring. Chevy declined to comment on any price changes regarding the SS, but our instincts say it will see similar price hikes given that the RWD RS is now encroaching on the top-model’s pricing territory. Information on the front-drive RS and LT models is promised closer to their launch in 2024. ChevroletConfoundingly, at $61,790, the RWD version of the RS is priced above the AWD version. We checked to make sure we were reading that right, and Chevy confirmed. The rear-drive car adds a Bose sound system, but we’re still scratching our heads. A Chevrolet spokesperson told Automotive News that the brand envisions higher trim levels on the upcoming Equinox EV will meet the needs of potential Blazer EV 1LT buyers, but with the Bolt twins on hiatus, we lament the removal of another budget-oriented option. 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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    Jeep’s ‘Jurassic Park’ Package Lets Fans Live Out Their Fantasy

    Jeep releases a limited run of Jurassic Park appearance packages for the Gladiator and JL Wrangler (2018—2024).The new kit commemorates the Jeep Wrangler YJs in the original 1993 film, which featured logos on the doors and other graphics..While the Jurassic Park packages are more stylistically reserved, they include decals for the doors, front fenders, and hood.When Jurassic Park hit theaters in the summer of 1993, it seared images of roaring T. rexes and conniving Velociraptors into the minds of moviegoers. For some, the larger-than-life dinosaurs weren’t the only stars of the show, though, it was also the assortment of awesome vehicles—from the striped, self-driving Ford Explorers to the Jeep Wrangler YJs with red wheels and matching “JP” liveries. Now, Jeep is releasing an appearance package inspired by the original movie so fans can live out their fantasy.Jurassic Park-Style JeepsWith 2023 marking the 30-year anniversary of the original film, Jeep is commemorating the 1992 Wrangler YJ Saharas’ starring role with the new Jurassic Park package. It includes logos for the doors, graphics for the side of the hood, and numbering for the center of the hood, the front fender vents, and the tailgate handle. There’s also a numbered shifter insert that says “T. rex, and for an additional charge people can opt for a shifter insert for the transfer case that features a textured grassy island.There are two available Jurassic Park packages, one with and one without the transfer case shifter insert. The former costs $550, and the latter costs $650. Jeep will sell a limited-run of 100 packages, each with unique numbering, through its Graphic Studio website. The decals are designed to fit all Gladiators and all JL-generation Wrangler (2018—2024).More, PleaseObviously, Jeep’s new Jurassic Park appearance package isn’t for everyone, perhaps why the company only plans to sell so few. While we wouldn’t put it on our daily driver, we know that Jeep peeps love to customize their machines. So, for Jurassic Park fans who fall into that category, we just wish the package more closely resembled the movie car.The YJ Wrangler pictured above is a replica built by Razorfly Studios, a North Carolina company that specializes in meticulous copies of iconic movie cars (read our full story here). Notice the red-painted wheels with the matching body stripes, light bar, winch, and CB antenna. Those are all the things we wish came with Jeep’s graphic package. Sure, they’d likely inflate the price, but we think it’d be worth it to feel like we were driving the same Wrangler that outran a T. rex in Spielberg’s original.New Wrangler 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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    2024 Acura ZDX Electric SUV Teased ahead of Monterey Car Week Debut

    Acura has released this teaser for the upcoming ZDX electric SUV, which will be revealed on August 17 during Monterey Car Week.The electric SUV is being built in collaboration with GM and will ride on the Ultium battery platform.Both the standard ZDX and the more performance-oriented Type S variant are slated to go on sale in early 2024.Acura is prepping fans for the full reveal of its upcoming ZDX electric SUV, which will happen on August 17 during Monterey Car Week. The company released this teaser image today showcasing a darkened image with the ZDX’s LED headlights peering out. A new light strip wrapping around the bottom four sides of Acura’s pentagon-shaped grille also takes shape in the teaser. Both the standard ZDX and its performance-oriented twin Type S version will go on sale in the early months of 2024. When they do, the pairing will mark Acura’s first voyage into the EV market, a milestone made possible through a partnership with General Motors. The ZDX offerings, along with the upcoming Honda Prologue, are part of Honda’s collaboration with GM. Both vehicles will ride on GM’s Ultium battery platform, with the ZDX rumored to be built alongside the Cadillac Lyriq in Tennessee. Nothing Like the Previous Generation Acura previously previewed the design language of the ZDX with the reveal of the Precision EV concept at last year’s Monterey Car Week. Then, late last year, the company released camouflaged images showing the ZDX Type S. There’s a long hood and a fairly standard squareback SUV shape, nothing like the previous-generation ZDX, with its sloped roofline. AcuraMore on the ZDXAssuming the rumors about the Acura bing built alongside the Lyriq pan out, we think the ZDX could feature the same 12.0-kWh battery pack and 340-hp electric motor powering the rear wheels. The performance-oriented Type S would likely receive the Lyriq’s all-wheel-drive dual-motor setup and more powerful 500-hp output. 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 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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    Royal Enfield Bobber 350 Spied Again – Exhaust Note Thump-tastic

    Royal Enfield Bobber 350Thump and Rumble: Classic 350 Bobber’s Roaring Symphony, Handlebar HijinksWith the exception of a taller handlebar, Royal Enfield Bobber 350 doesn’t get a lot of Bobber-name-worthy elements and attributes. Of all recent Royal Enfield test mule appearances, Himalayan 450, Roadster 450, Scram 650, and Shotgun 650 (rumoured names) are more frequent. Also, Bullet 350, Classic 650 and other test mules have made multiple appearances. But Classic 350 Bobber sightings are less frequent.Royal Enfield Classic 350 Bobber was previously spied in April 2023. This is the second time, test mule spyshots have surfaced online. In the video, we can even hear the sweet and soft thump of its beating heart as well.Spy Games: Classic 350 Bobber Spied in ActionBobber 350 is essentially a Classic 350 with slight modifications. If we think in that direction, all 350cc Royal Enfield motorcycles emerge from the same base vehicle. In previous sightings, test mules revealed a single-seat layout.In the recent spy video, we see a double-seat model. So, Royal Enfield is likely to offer both seating variants. Or rear seat could be optional. Hey, it is supposed to be a Bobber. It is extremely similar to Classic 350. Wheelbase is not extended like that of a Bobber and riding dynamics should remain the same.[embedded content]There are differences, though. Headlight is still the same 7” round unit. But it now gets LEDs from factory, similar to the 650s. Tail lights and indicators seem to be similar to Classic 350’s, with LEDs instead of halogen bulbs. Instrument cluster is similar to Classic 350 and gets a Tripper Screen too.In terms of primary aesthetic differences, Classic 350 Bobber gets White-walled tyres. Previous test mules had White-walled tyres with a teal tint to them at both front and rear, while new test mules have fully white walls. Only, front white wall is dirty. Rear grabrail is new too and chunkier than Classic 350’s.Same DNA, Different Swagger: Classic 350 BobberThere is a single-sided exhaust and is different from Classic 350’s. It gets a black finish along with engine bay. Exhaust note is starkly similar to other J-Series motorcycles in the company’s portfolio. Main differences lie with ergonomics as there is a new handlebar. This new handlebar is the only Bobber element in the whole bike.Exhaust and rear white-walled tyreThis new handlebar enables an upright and relaxed posture which should help in mile munching (or km munching). Suspension is still RSU telescopic at the front and twin shock absorber at the rear. There are single-disc brakes at either ends and Dual-Channel ABS will be standard. Engine will be the same 349cc with 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. More

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    Honda 2W Sales July 2023 – Shrinking Domestic Sales and Exports

    2023 Honda Activa 125 Smart Key VariantHonda two wheeler sales both in domestic and export markets fell considerably on a YoY basis but saw some improvement MoMHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India has been experiencing shrinking sales over the past months. Total sales (domestic + exports) in July 2023 fell 23.73 percent to 3,38,310 units, down from 4,43,543 units sold in July 2022. This was a volume de-growth of 1,05,233 units.Honda 2W Sales July 2023Honda 2W sales in domestic markets dipped 22.80 percent YoY to 3,10,867 units in July 2023. This was a 91,834 unit volume de-growth as compared to 4,02,701 units sold in July 2022. The domestic market currently commands a 91.89 percent share while exports hold an 8.11 percent share.Honda 2W Sales July 2023Exports also fell by 32.81 percent to 27,443 units in July 2023. This was against 40,842 units sold in July 2022 relating to a 13,399 unit volume de-growth. Taking MoM sales into account, Honda has experienced growth both in terms of domestic sales and exports.Total sales in the past month (domestic + exports) rose 4.39 percent MoM from 3,24,093 units sold in June 2023. There had been 3,02,756 units sold in domestic markets relating to a 2.68 percent MoM growth while exports improved by 28.62 percent over 21,337 units shipped in June 2023.New Product Launch and Network ExpansionThere is a new Honda motorcycle set to be unveiled on 2nd August 2023. This bike is in the 150-160cc segment and is likely to be called Honda SP160. It is being launched in the premium commuter range and prices are likely to start from Rs. 1.05-1.15 lakh (ex-showroom).On 31st July 2023, HMSI introduced the new Dio 125 priced at Rs 83,400. It also received the H-Smart tech variant with Rs 91,300 price tag. This TVS Ntorq 125 and Suzuki Access 125 rival comes in with attractive colour options and draws its power via the same engine that also powers Honda Activa 125 and Grazia 125.Honda is offering a 10-year warranty package, which includes three years of standard warranty along with extension of seven years on this new Dio 125 scooter. Bookings for this 125cc Dio scooter have already started with deliveries expected to commence soon across the country. In July 2023, HMSI also expanded its network presence to Bihar. The company inaugurated a new dealership in Purnia (Bihar) and a BigWing in Cuttack (Odisha). More

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    2023 Subaru WRX American Rally Association Car Slides into Frame

    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