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    MC20-Based Maserati GT2 Picks Up Where the MC12 Left Off

    On the eve of the 24 Hours of Spa, Maserati has taken the covers off its new GT2 race car. Set to begin competition later in the year, the MC20-based mid-engine machine picks up where its predecessor, the MC12, left off. play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playThe Maserati GT2 uses the same twin-turbo Nettuno V-6 found in the MC20 road car, tuned for GT2 regulations. Decked out with extra aero and standard safety equipment, it’ll make its debut in the “final stages” of the 2023 Fanatec GT European Series, with plans to race the entire 2024 season. Earlier NewsThe MC12 that predates the MC20 had a long and storied history in the GT category, having dominated from 2005 to 2010. Maserati has been doing shakedown runs at the Autodromo Varano de’ Melegari and Monza leading up to the GT2’s reveal. Now’s the first time we can see it without any camouflage.Part of a Strategy”Our DNA and our spirit have always lain in racing. Our story began and developed from the track to the road,” CEO Davide Grasso said in a statement. “The decision to return to track racing forms part of a thorough strategic framework, inaugurated this year with the debut in Formula E, to which we have now added our return to the world of GT competitions. Now more than ever we want to rekindle and nourish that competitive passion that has always characterized and motivated us to achieve major milestones.”Much More MaseratiRoad & Track staff writer with a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing. More

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    INEOS Teases Quartermaster Pickup Truck and Hydrogen-Powered SUV

    INEOS teased a pickup-truck version of the Grenadier SUV, called the Quartermaster, ahead of a reveal at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.A shadowy image reveals a bold, strong looking tailgate and the same round taillights as seen on the Grenadier SUV.INEOS will also reveal a hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered prototype at Goodwood, although it’s unclear how production-ready the concept is.Last fall, INEOS, a British chemical company, branched out into new territory when it began production of its first vehicle, the Grenadier 4×4, in France. INEOS is now readying its Land Rover Defender impersonator for the U.S. market by the end of 2023. But before the Grenadier reaches our shores, INEOS is providing a look into the future of its automotive ambitions at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month, where it will reveal a new pickup-truck variant and a hydrogen-powered prototype.INEOS today showed a teaser for the new truck, which will be called the Grenadier Quartermaster. We expect the Quartermaster to be identical to the Grenadier SUV from the cab forward, and it will debut as a double cab, with no word on the possibility of a regular-cab version. The teaser shows a tough-looking tailgate with Grenadier boldly stamped in it, while the singular round taillights from the SUV remain. The Quartermaster will be shown in full on July 13 before making a run up the Goodwood Hill Climb.Sean_DVR/INEOSAlong with the Quartermaster, INEOS will reveal a Grenadier-based Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Demonstrator. This is not the first time INEOS has shown interest into hydrogen power, but it will mark the first fuel-cell prototype we’ve seen from the new automaker. No other details were provided, but more should be revealed before the FCEV Demonstrator also heads up the iconic hill-climb.INEOS aims to start sales of the Grenadier in the U.S. by the end of this year, with pricing for the off-road-ready SUV opening at $73,100. The Grenadier is powered by a BMW-sourced 3.0-liter six-cylinder producing 282 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. INEOS is predicting an EPA combined fuel-economy rating of just 15 mpg, and it will be offered with front and rear electronic locking differentials and BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires.More on the GrenadierThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Associate News EditorCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

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    Tesla NACS Charger: All the Upcoming Compatible EVs and Charging Networks

    People who drive diesel- or gas-powered vehicles can pull up to almost any fuel pump and fill their tanks without having to think twice. It’s not that simple for EV drivers. That’s because electric vehicles currently have one of several different charge ports, from the oddball CHAdeMO to the more common Combined Charging System (CCS) and Tesla’s propriety North American Charging Standard (NACS).Tesla’s NACS charge port and the company’s extensive network of Superchargers are largely considered the gold standard, and it appears other automakers are ready to make Tesla’s system the industry standard. Back in May, Ford was the first to agree to team up with Tesla and adopt the NACS plug, then the dominos started falling, with several other automakers recently announcing agreements with Tesla. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International also just announced that it will standardize the NACS connector. With other automakers—and charging networks—expected to adopt Tesla’s plug, we’ve compiled a list of them as well as those we’ve heard are in talks to join. We’ll update this list as new agreements are confirmed or if we hear of more potential deals. Automakers That Have Agreements with TeslaFordStarting in the spring of 2024, Ford EV owners will have access to the Tesla Supercharger network. Currently, the Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E feature a CCS-type charge port, but an adapter will allow them to connect to Tesla’s fast-chargers. Sometime in 2025, Ford says its new EVs will feature a standard NACS plug.GMGeneral Motors was the second automaker to ink a deal with Tesla to adopt its charge port. GM EV owners will gain access to Tesla’s Superchargers starting in 2024 with an adapter that lets their CCS ports work with NACS. GM will begin making NACS standard on all of its EVs starting in 2025. The company also said it will offer adapters so NACS-equipped models can connect to CCS chargers.RivianFollowing Ford and GM, Rivian has agreed to work with Tesla, with the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV getting NACS ports sometime in 2025. An adapter for those models will become available next year. Polestar/VolvoPolestar and Volvo are the first foreign automakers to team up with Tesla. The Chinese-owned Swedish brands will both make the NACS port standard on all of its EVs starting in 2025. Like the other companies, an adapter to make their CCS ports compatible with Tesla’s Superchargers will be offered in the first half or middle of next year. Polestar and Volvo will also offer a NACS-to-CCS adapter for those who need to connect to a non-Tesla charger.Automakers Reportedly In Talks with Tesla HyundaiHyundai Motor Company, which also includes the Kia and Genesis brands, is reportedly looking into making its EVs compatible with the NACS port, per a report by Reuters. While the Korean automaker has publicly expressed interest, Hyundai President Jaehoon Chang is also said to have expressed concern over the fact that Tesla’s 400-volt fast-chargers currently don’t allow the higher charging speeds that Hyundai’s 800-volt electrical architecture is capable of on other chargers.StellantisStellantis executives have confirmed that the company is considering adopting Tesla’s charge port, according to a report by Reuters. However, an official deal has yet to be announced. In the U.S. market, the automakers that are part of Stellantis include Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Maserati, and Ram.Volkswagen Volkswagen is said to be considering a deal with Tesla, as reported by Reuters. The automaker’s decision to adopt a NACS port would likely impact other brands under its umbrella, which in the U.S. market include Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, and Lamborghini.Charging Networks Adopting NACSAlong with the automakers who have announced agreements with Tesla, some public charging networks have also inked deals to offer the NACS connector at its stations.ChargePointChargePoint has announced it will add the NACS-type plug to its charging stations. However, the company hasn’t revealed any specific details about when that will happen, other than simply saying it will be “soon.” ChargePoint also said it will continue to offer other types of chargers.Electrify AmericaElectrify America, which is owned by the Volkswagen Group, has announced that it too will adopt Tesla’s NACS connector. The charging network said it plans to offer the new plug at its stations in 2025. It will also continue to offer other types of plugs.Following the NACS MovementSenior 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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    TVS Apache RTR 310 Spied Testing – Launch Soon

    TVS Apache RTR 310 SpiedBeing more agile and likely to be priced competitively, TVS Apache RTR 310 can register stronger sales in comparison to its faired siblingAs part of their agreement and shared 310cc platform, TVS initially offered the Apache RR310 whereas BMW Motorrad had G310R. Last year, BMW had launched its own faired version, G310RR. With that, it was only a matter of time when TVS came up with its own naked version – Apache RTR 310.TVS is likely to launch Apache RTR 310 by end of this month. It has now been spied for the first time. Design philosophy of TVS Apache RTR 310 will be similar to that of current breed of RTR motorcycles. These bikes borrow much of their styling from Draken concept that was unveiled in 2014.TVS Apache RTR 310 SpiedTVS Apache RTR 310 styling and featuresBeing the range-topping RTR motorcycle, TVS Apache RTR 310 is expected to get some additional ornamentation. The objective will be to project TVS Apache RTR 310 as the sportiest in its class. There can’t be any compromises in styling, as the bike will be up against the likes of KTM 390 Duke, 250 Duke and Honda CB300R.TVS Apache RTR 310 is expected to get all-LED lights, dominating front fascia, golden USD forks, sculpted fuel tank with shoulder fairing, sleek split seats and upswept exhaust. Some exclusive spicy colour themes are also likely. Just like its faired sibling, TVS Apache RTR 310 could also get customization option via TVS Built To Order platform.TVS Apache RTR 310 SpiedMuch of the equipment list will be borrowed from Apache RR310. However, there could be some differences such as a horizontally positioned TFT screen instead of the vertically mounted instrumentation available with RR310. TVS SmartXonnect connectivity suite is expected to be offered as standard with Apache RTR 310. It has functions such as calls and text management, ride details and turn-by-turn navigation.TVS Apache RTR 310 performance, specsPowering TVS Apache RTR 310 will be the 312.2cc, liquid cooled, single cylinder motor. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The bike will be getting riding modes, which could be same as RR310. In Sport and Track mode, power output is 34 PS and 27.3 Nm. In Urban and Rain mode, output is limited to 25.8 PS and 25 Nm. To suit is roadster profile, it is possible that some engine tweaks can be introduced for RTR 310.Hardware will be mostly the same as RR310, but there could be some changes to suit city riding needs. RR310 has trellis frame with USD forks and monoshock rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by 300 mm and 240 mm petal discs at front and rear, respectively. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. Just like its faired sibling, Apache RTR 310 will be using Michelin Road 5 tyres.Source More

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    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Off-roading By CS Santosh – Video

    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Off-roadingRoyal Enfield is developing two new models in the new 450cc platform- Himalayan 450 and Scram 450 which are expected to be launched this yearRoyal Enfield has its platter full with plenty of models currently under development. This includes motorcycles like new-gen Bullet 350, Classic 650 and Shotgun 650 to name a few. These upcoming bikes are slated to be launched in the coming future. Apart from the models mentioned above, the Chennai-based manufacturer is also developing a more powerful Himalayan. The new adventure tourer will be accompanied by a scrambler iteration as well.With the Triumph 400 range just unveiled, it was expected of Royal Enfield to make some noise regarding their upcoming Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. And they have done just that, via ace rider CS Santosh’s social media account.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Off-roadingRoyal Enfield Himalayan 450 Off-roading by CS SantoshCS Santosh is among the top off-road and enduro motorcycle racer of India. This is not the first time he has been helping promote Royal Enfield. Back in 2016, he was the rider when the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 was showing its off-roading skills. At that time, the footpeg had broken in the promo video. No such issues this time around.As we can see in the video teaser, this is still a test mule – and not a production ready bike. It has likely been shot in Bangalore, where CS Santosh has his Big Rock Dirtpark. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is seen being taken through its paces across the dirt track. Take a look at the video below.[embedded content]Himalayan 450 is underpinned by a new architecture with completely new body panels. As the development process continues, the prototype appears to inch closer to the final production-spec version. Along with Himalayan 450, we will also get Scram 450. Both models share a lot in common apart from the chassis and engine. For instance, both bikes get a similar fuel tank shape along with identical headlights, taillights and turn indicators that are likely to be LED units.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Off-roadingDifferences between both bikesThat said, there are a lot of variations in styling between both these bikes. The most prominent of all is a single-piece seat setup in the new Scram 450 as opposed to a split seat setup in its ADV sibling. Further, the latter comes with a luggage rack which is missing in the scrambler. Scram 450 also misses out on a flyscreen upfront which will be a standard offering in Himalayan.While both bikes offer a tall stance, Himalayan 450 rides slightly higher thanks to a larger front wheel which is likely to be a 21-inch unit. On the other hand, Scram 450 should get a 19-inch front wheel while the rear unit is expected to remain a 17-inch unit for both. This should provide Himalayan the extra edge over its scrambler sibling when it comes to tackling harsh conditions, although both machines will be equally adept while off-roading.There is a presence of a different bike in the videoSuspension setup on both bikes looks identical although travel offered might be slightly different. Both bikes will benefit from upside-down front forks but the one seen in Scram 450 is covered with gaiters. Another interesting variation is positioning of the instrument console in both motorcycles. While in Scram it is more conventional, in Himalayan the circular cluster is more upright and at your face.Expected Specs & LaunchThe biggest highlight on both bikes will be a brand new heart. Both Himalayan 450 and Scram 450 will be powered by a 450cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor that is expected to dish out around 40 bhp of peak power. Transmission is likely to be via a 6-speed gearbox comprising a slipper and assist clutch. We expected both bikes to make an appearance later this year with an official launch soon after. More

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    Top 10 150cc to 200cc Motorcycles May 2023 – Apache, Pulsar, FZ, R15, MT15

    2023 Yamaha R15Motorcycle sales in the 150-200cc segment improved by 45.29 percent YoY in May 2023. Sales stood at 1,28,197 units in the past monthAssessing motorcycle sales in different categories through the month of May 2023, we had earlier reported on sales in the 200-500cc segment. Sales in this segment grew by 33.32 percent.We now list out sales in the 150-200cc segment wherein a YoY sales growth of 45.29 percent has been reported with almost every model on this list posted increased sales. Total sales in this segment stood at 1,28,197 units in the past month, up from 88,236 units sold in May 2022. This was a volume growth of 39,961 units.Top 10 150-200cc motorcycle sales May 2023TVS Apache led the segment with 41,955 units sold in May 2023, up 55.14 percent from 27,044 units sold in May 2022. This was a 14,911 unit volume growth with the Apache commanding a 32.73 percent share on this list. More recently, the company has trademarked the new and higher capacity TVS Apache RTX ADV 313 cc motorcycle while there is also a 200cc ADV motorcycle set for launch in the future.At No. 2, sales of Bajaj Pulsar improved by 174.72 percent YoY to 35,189 units in May 2023. This was against 12,809 units sold in May 2022 relating to a 22,380 unit volume growth. The Pulsar currently holds a 27.45 percent share on this list.150cc to 200cc Motorcycle sales May 2023Yamaha FZ and R15 also posted significant YoY growth with the FZ improving by 12.28 percent to 16,919 units in May 2023 from 15,068 units sold in May 2022. R15 sales were higher by 58.43 percent with a total of 11,280 units sold during the past month as compared to 7,120 units sold in May 2022. However, sales of the Yamaha MT 15 dipped 5.64 percent YoY to 7,156 units in the last month from 7,584 units sold in May 2022.XPulse 200, Gixxer, Xtreme, KTM200Hero Xpulse 200 followed at No. 7 with sales of 4,159 units, up 19.48 percent YoY when compared to 3,481 units sold in May 2022. In May 2023, the company introduced the 2023 Hero Xpulse 200 4V, priced at Rs 1.43 lakh. It comes in with new features, colour schemes and three ABS modes of Road, Off-Road and Rally but continues to draw power via the same engine.Suzuki Gixxer sales increased by 306.18 percent YoY to 4,009 units in May 2023 from 987 units sold in May 2022. Sales dipped YoY for the Xtreme 160R/200 which dipped to 3,555 units, down 16.47 percent from 4,256 units sold in May 2022.Lower down the list was the Avenger with 1,612 units sold in May 2023, down 11.62 percent from 1,824 units sold in May 2022. It was followed by the Kawasaki W175 with 39 units sold last month. Launched in October 2022, the W175 is the smallest capacity retro-themed Kawasaki bike which competes with Yamaha FZ-X, Royal Enfield Hunter 350, Honda CB350, Jawa and Yezdi Roadster in its segment. More

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    Yamaha R7 And R3 Spied At MMRT, Chennai – TVC Shoot Before Launch?

    Yamaha R7 spotted at MMRT for TVCYamaha R7 and R3 TVC shoots seem to have commenced at MMRT, Chennai – Launch is likely to be in the near futureAfter a long absence in multi-cylinder motorcycle space, Team Blue is getting ready to make a grand entry. As of now, the company’s flagship in India is R15M, which is a single-cylinder 150cc motorcycle. Not very befitting of Yamaha’s name, is it? That will change soon and Yamaha’s flagship in India will be either MT-09 or YZF-R7.Along with that, Yamaha is also keen on bringing its R3 back to India. This has by far the most anticipation and is likely to be Yamaha’s best-selling multi-cylinder motorcycle. Both R7 and R3 seem to have finished their respective TVC shoot at MMRT Chennai. This should mean that a launch is imminent.2023 Yamaha R3, R7, MT03, MT07, MT09 India Launch SoonYamaha R7 and R3 TVC shoot at MMRT, ChennaiTeam Blue showcased a multitude of new multi-cylinder motorcycles to dealers at a private event. New colours and finishes for R15, Aerox 155 and MT-15 were present too. Among these, primary interests revolved around Yamaha R7 and R3 fully faired motorcycles and MT-03 street fighter.Other showcases include MT-07 and MT-09 and we wouldn’t break a sweat if both these motorcycles never get launched in India. But MT-03, R3 and R7 seem to be of primary importance. Now, Torque_TV recently posted about Yamaha R7 and R3 undergoing TVC shoot at MMRT, Chennai.Yamaha R7 and R3They managed to click a picture of R7 at MMRT, but not other motorcycles like R3. There is no news about MT-03, though. That said, they could be brought in at a later date. Speaking of bringing in, all these motorcycles are likely to be CBU, so prices associated with them will be higher. We hope at least R3 and MT-03 are brought via CKD route.What do they pack below their fuel tank?Yamaha R7 is the spiritual successor of the renowned R6, minus two cylinders. R7 gets a parallel-twin engine displacing 689cc. This engine makes 73.4 PS of power at 8,750 RPM and 67 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM. A 6-speed transmission is standard. It gets a dual 298mm disc at front and 245mm rear disc, dual-channel ABS, USD front forks, rear mono-shock, 120/70-17M front and 180/55-17M rear tyres, 14L fuel tank, and weighs 188 kg.Both R7 and MT-07 share these features and powertrain. R3 and MT-03 will share powertrains too. They get a 321cc parallel-twin engine making 42 PS of power at 10750 RPM and 29.6 Nm of torque at 9000 RPM. 6-speed transmission is standard too.It gets a diamond frame chassis, 37mm USD front forks with 130mm travel and rear mono-shock with 120mm travel, 298mm single front disc and 220mm rear disc brake setup, dual-channel ABS, 110/70-17M front and 140/70-17M rear tyres and more. With 14L fuel in the tank, R3 will weigh 169 kg, while MT-03 weighs 168 kg. With TVC shoot supposedly done, launch is likely soon.Source More

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    Triumph New 400cc Engine Vs Rivals – RE, Honda, Jawa, Yezdi, BMW

    Triumph Speed 400Even though current KTM 390 range boasts performance numbers advantage, Triumph new 400cc engine makes its peak numbers lower in the rev rangeIconic British brand Triumph has unveiled its new 400cc platform recently. It will unlock a new segment for the brand and attract a new user base that would have previously scoffed at even Triumph’s most affordable prices. With the partnership with Bajaj Auto, Triumph has managed to offer a new single-cylinder lineup.But, how does this new single-cylinder engine stack up against established players in the market? That is the right question to ask. So, we compared the new 398cc engine from Bajaj-Triumph with their primary rivals from Royal Enfield, BMW-TVS, Bajaj-KTM, Jezdi-Jawa and Honda. Let’s take a look.[embedded content]Triumph New 400cc Engine – Premium single-cylinder Royal RumbleTo keep competition fair, we didn’t include Royal Enfield’s 650cc bikes as they have twin-cylinder powertrains. Right off the bat, Royal Enfield 411cc engine has a displacement advantage. Next-gen 450cc Royal Enfield engine along with Hero-Harley’s 440cc engine are not yet announced and we will include them in future posts.Both Royal Enfield 350cc and 411cc engines feature a SOHC setup along with a 2V head and come off as least technologically advanced. Honda CB350 has SOHC setup too but gets a 4V head. Also, both Honda and Royal Enfield motorcycles are air-cooled. While the rest get liquid-cooling.Triumph new 400cc engine vs rivalsIn terms of power, KTM 390 range has the edge here. With 42.9 horses, KTM leads the pack with Triumph 400 trailing behind with 40 bhp, TVS-BMW 310 with 33.52 bhp, Yezdi-Jawa with 28.7 bhp, RE 411 with 24.3 bhp, Honda CB350 with 20.78 bhp and RE 350 with 20.2 bhp. Even though KTM has power and torque advantage, Triumph’s new engine makes its peak power much earlier in the rev range.If we speak of peak power at lowest engine speeds, it is surprisingly Honda CB350. Triumph’s new engine has the edge where torque is concerned. 37.5 Nm is highest, followed by KTM’s 37 Nm, RE 411 with 32 Nm and at 27 Nm, we have RE 350 as least torquey. Also, both Royal Enfield bikes on this list and Honda CB350 get a 5-speed gearbox too.Who has the edge?Except for Royal Enfield motorcycles in this list, everyone else features a slipper clutch. TVS-BMW and Triumph 400 add ride-by-wire in the mix too, enabling granular throttle modulation. But KTM 390 range has an edge on all of these as it offers a bi-directional quick shifter, which others don’t offer even as an option.Quick shifter allows for quick clutchless shifts for spirited driving. Also, KTM 390 is the only one with cornering ABS too, but that’s not powertrain related. At the upper range, there is a tough fight between Triumph’s new 400cc unit and KTM’s 390 range. With launch of new 390 range with a larger 399cc engine, gap in performance might widen further.At the lower end, Royal Enfield 350 is the least technologically advanced powertrain when compared to its immediate rival Honda CB350. Honda offers a 4V head and slipper clutch and makes more power and torque, much earlier in its rev range too. But we know who rules sales charts, don’t we? More