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      Two Wheeler Sales July 2023 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Royal Enfield, Suzuki

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      Royal Enfield Hunter 350Two wheeler sales were on the ebb in July 2023 though TVS, Suzuki and Royal Enfield posted improved YoY salesTwo wheeler sales for the top 6 automakers in India have been released for July 2023. These 6 leading automakers have seen lackluster sales specifically where domestic sales are concerned. Exports, though lower on a YoY basis, improved MoM but poor performance in terms of domestic sales took total sales down both YoY and MoM.Two Wheeler Domestic sales July 2023Total sales of two wheelers in domestic markets in July 2023 stood at 12,05,662 units. This was a 7.76 percent YoY de-growth from 13,07,132 units sold in July 2022 relating to a 1,01,470 unit volume de-growth. MoM sales also fell 4.18 percent when compared to 12,58,192 units sold in June 2023.Two Wheeler Sales July 2023Hero MotoCorp topped the list with 3,71,204 units sold last month. This was a 13.81 percent YoY de-growth from 4,30,684 units sold in July 2022. It was also a fall by 12.19 percent MoM over 4,22,757 units sold in June 2023. Hero MotoCorp also saw its market share come down to 30.79 percent from 33.60 percent held in June 2023.Honda followed at No. 2 with its two wheeler sales at 3,10,867 units in July 2023, down 22.80 percent Yoyo from 4,02,701 units sold in July 2022. MoM sales increased by 2.68 percent over 3,02,756 units sold in June 2023. The company currently commands a 25.78 percent share in this segment and hopes to see better sales in the month ahead with the new Dio 125 scooter launched at the end of July 2023. The new Dio comes in with improved features and new colours and is priced at Rs 83,400 (ex-showroom).Two Wheeler Exports July 2023TVS domestic sales grew by 16.48 percent YoY to 2,35,230 units from 2,01,942 units sold in July 2022. MoM sales however, dipped marginally by 0.26 percent from 2,35,833 units sold in June 2023. The TVS iQube electric scooter has recorded healthy growth having found increased demand by EV buyers in the country. At No. 4, Bajaj Auto reported both YoY and MoM de-growth in July 2023. The company sold 1,41,990 units in the past month, down 13.62 percent YoY and 14.61 percent MoM.Two Wheeler Total July 2023Suzuki (80,309 units) and Royal Enfield (66,062 units) have both posted positive sales in July 2023. Suzuki sales increased by 31.89 percent YoY while RE sales jumped 41.98 percent YoY. Suzuki also saw a MoM growth of 27.36 percent while RE sales dipped 2.12 percent MoM.Two Wheeler Exports July 2023In export markets, two wheeler sales dipped 12.92 percent YoY to 2,86,058 units from 3,28,488 units sold in July 2022 while MoM sales improved by 10.54 percent from 2,58,790 units sold in June 2023. Here it was Bajaj Auto that posted the most sales at 1,26,850 units, down 15.81 percent YoY and 0.40 percent MoM. It was followed by TVS Motors with exports of 77,077 units in the past month, down 21.12 percent from 97,716 units shipped in July 2022. Mom sales performance was somewhat better with a 12.41 percent growth over 68,568 units exported in June 2023.Exports of Suzuki increased substantially both YoY and MoM to 27,527 units in July 2023. There had been 15,338 units and 17,678 units sold in July 2022 and June 2023 respectively. Lower down the list was Honda (27,443 units), Hero MotoCorp (20,106 units) and RE (7,055 units) exported. Hero MotoCorp was the only one out of these three automakers to post YoY and MoM growth in exports.Total 2 Wheeler Sales July 2023Total 2 wheeler sales stood at 14,91,720 units in July 2023, down 8.80 percent YoY and 1.67 percent MoM. There were 16,35,620 units sold in July 2022 and 15,16,982 units sold in June 2023. Hero MotoCorp led the list with 3,91,310 units sold last month with a 12.18 percent YoY and 10.45 percent MoM de-growth.Honda total two wheeler sales were at 3,38,310 units in the past month with a 23.73 percent Yoy de-growth but a 4.39 percent improvement on a MoM basis. TVS Motor sales increased YoY and MoM to 3,12,307 units while Bajaj Auto sales were at 2,68,840 units relating to a 14.67 percent YoY and 8.45 percent MoM de-growth. More

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      Tyre Killer Speed Bump Fail – Wrong Side Drivers Have No Fear

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      Tyre Killer Speed Bump FailThe ones installed in Pune and Noida were removed soon and “tyre killer” speed breakers in Ahmedabad hardly workTraffic violations and virtually non-existent traffic discipline are plaguing all major cities in India. People usually resort to taking wrong roots to save time and fuel, not realizing that their lives are priceless. This puts them in grave danger of hurting themselves and putting other road-goers as well.Tyre killer speed bumps are a stunning idea to keep this activity in check. For all vehicles going in the right direction, this is just a regular speed breaker. But god forbid, if someone goes the wrong way, integrated spikes will penetrate tyres, making them unusable. But such speed bumps in Ahmedabad tell a different story altogether.Tyre Killer Speed BumpsWhat are tyre killer speed bumps?One has to understand how this system works. This type of speed breaker has integrated spikes in them. These spikes are spring-loaded and they contract when vehicles pass through them the right way. If someone stumbled on them from the wrong way or opposite direction, it will not contract and said spikes will stay put.These sturdy spikes should then pierce through tyres of said vehicles and render them useless. These spikes not just create a puncture that could be repaired. But looking at their size, could leave the tyre destroyed, once and for all. This should have created enough fear in civilians to not break traffic rules. Because tyres ain’t cheap.[embedded content]Pune was the first city to get these tyre killer speed breakers. Pune is a large city with a large repository of personal and commercial cars, motorcycles and other commercial vehicles. The first tyre killer speed breaker could be seen near Amanora.No damageSoon, Delhi-NCR jumped into this bandwagon with Noida implementing it at multiple locations at once. Ahmedabad followed too. This should have been an epitome of traffic rules enforcement in India. But instead, both Pune and Noida removed these breakers. The ones in Ahmedabad hardly work too.Tyre Killer Speed Bumps In Ahmedabad – Do they even work?As covered by News18 Gujarati, these speed breakers hardly work. When motorcycles, cars or trucks come from the opposite direction, the spikes in these speed breakers should stay put and cause damage to tyres. In reality, these spring-loaded spikes are retracting inside even when the vehicle is coming from the opposite direction.Close up of mechanismThis odd behavior has given road users the confidence that these “tyre killer” speed breakers don’t even bite, let alone kill. As seen in the video, we can see all sorts of vehicles going on these breakers like nothing and cross it with no damage. Even though this is a very good idea, there are a few drawbacks. If there is a newcomer to the city, who is not aware of these, he might potentially lose his tyres in the best case scenario. In the worst case scenario, there could be a fatal crash with casualties as well. More

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      V-8 to Return to Mercedes-AMG C-Class and E-Class Models by 2026

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      We hear that Mercedes-AMG is considering bringing the V-8 back to the high-performance C-class and E-class models.The twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 could possibly be combined with a hybrid setup, as in the AMG GT63 S E Performance and AMG S63.These V-8 models could arrive as soon as 2026, sources say.The AMG community is not amused. The most powerful AMG C-class, the C63, traded the V-8 for a hybridized turbo-four, and the next top-of-the-line E-class, the upcoming E63, will make do with an inline-six plug-in-hybrid setup. Some say that’s not good enough to do battle with the BMW M3, which has a twin-turbo inline-six, and the future BMW M5, which is slated to have a hybrid setup with a twin-turbo V-8. The upcoming Audi RS5 and RS7 will also be powered by a V-6 hybrid good for up to 640 horsepower.The only escape route out of this dilemma is the reinstitution of the M177 4.0-liter V-8 engine, which will return to the C- and E-class in 2026, two independent sources say. The eight-cylinder is currently being modified to meet EU7 emissions standards. This engine is currently used in the 831-hp AMG GT63 S E Performance and the 791-hp AMG S63, and it’s combined with a hybrid setup in both of those applications.Mercedes-AMGAccording to senior engineers directly involved in the matter, both the C-class and E-class need only minor bodywork changes to accommodate the twin-turbo powerplant, the PHEV battery plus electric motor, and the auxiliary equipment. Since the C- and E-class are under evaluation for a life-cycle extension beyond 2028, the hardcore AMG versions may remain in production well into the next decade.More New Mercedes ModelsThis 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.Contributing EditorAlthough I was born the only son of an ornithologist and a postal clerk, it was clear from the beginning that birdwatching and stamp collecting were not my thing. Had I known that God wanted me to grow to 6’8″, I also would have ruled out anything to do with cars, which are to blame for a couple of slipped discs, a torn ligament, and that stupid stooped posture behind the wheel. While working as a keeper in the Aberdeen Zoo, smuggling cheap cigarettes from Yugoslavia to Germany, and an embarrassing interlude with an amateur drama group also failed to yield fulfillment, driving and writing about cars became a much better option. And it still is now, many years later, as I approach my 70th birthday. I love every aspect of my job except long-haul travel on lousy airlines, and I hope it shows. More

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      TVS Jupiter ZX Drum SmartXonnect Variant Launched

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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