More stories

  • in

    New Hero Xtreme 160R Launch On June 14th – Apache, Pulsar rival

    Hero Xtreme 160R USD Front Forks SpiedChanges on the new Hero Xtreme 160R are likely to be USD front forks and Bluetooth connectivity with turn-by-turn navigationIndia’s largest bikemaker, Hero MotoCorp is set to launch its updated Xtreme 160R USD fork variant on June 14th. This particular motorcycle rivals the likes of Bajaj Pulsar NS160, Pulsar N160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and the likes.As of now, Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is the only one to offer USD front forks. Hero is set to take on its rival by offering USD front forks for added agility and muscular stance. We expect other changes bundled as well. Pricing will see a hike with updated features, which Hero MotoCorp will announce on June 14th.Hero Xtreme 160R USD Fork VersionAs of now, Hero Xtreme 160R is not a high-seller for India’s highest-selling 2W brand. For instance, Xtreme 160R / Xtreme 200S sold a combined 105 units in March 2023. Hero’s own Xpulse 200, which is a more expensive motorcycle, sold 4,525 units in the same time period.With heavy hitters like Apache RTR 160 4V, Pulsar NS160 and Pulsar N160 to compete, Hero is set to make it more feature rich. For starters, it will get USD (Up-Side Down) telescopic front forks as opposed to RSU (Right-Side Up) telescopic forks on the outgoing model. This lends a muscular appeal to the bike’s overall design.2023 Hero Xtreme 160R launch teaserFunctionally, USD forks should enable sportier handling and a better front-end feel. We hope Hero MotoCorp adds Bluetooth functionality along with turn-by-turn navigation which is present on Xpulse 200 and Xtreme 200S. This will lend a tech-savvy appeal to Xtreme 160R that might work in its favour. It is highly unlikely that Hero will make any changes to its engine. Considering that Raider 125 gets oil cooling, we hope Hero adds oil-cooling setup on this engine to extract more oomph.A feature-loaded 160cc motorcycleHero Xtreme 160R has quite a few features already. Some of them are LED headlights, LED tail lights, LED turn indicators, hazard light function, smoked effect tail light, a fully digital instrument cluster, knuckle guards and more. With USD telescopic front forks, updated instrument cluster with Bluetooth functionality, Xtreme 160R will make a stronger case in its segment.The company will retain its 163cc single cylinder engine, generating 15 bhp of power and 14 Nm of torque. This engine features a 5-speed gearbox as well. Other componentry include mono-shock rear suspension, front and rear disc brakes (rear optional), single channel ABS, 17” alloy wheels, 100/80-17 front and 130-70-17 rear tyres and more.With the new updates, there will be an increment in price tag. We expect a hike of around Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000. All these changes are likely to make it a more appealing motorcycle than before and help boost sales. For context, prices for Hero Xtreme 160R start from Rs. 1,18,886 (ex-sh). More

  • in

    Simple One electric scooter 1st owner takes delivery in Bengaluru

    Simple One first deliveryThe Simple ONE electric scooter promises a range of 212 kms and top speed of 105 km/h – Prices start from Rs 1.45 lakhAfter a lot of delay, Bengaluru based startup, Simple Energy has finally started the delivery of their new electric scooter Simple One. The first batch of owners took the delivery in Bengaluru. As of now, the scooter is only on sale in Bengaluru. It will be launched in more cities in a phased manner. Bookings for the Simple ONE, which had commenced 18 months ago and by now have registered over 1 lakh bookingsSpeaking on the occasion, Mr. Suhas Rajkumar, Founder and CEO, Simple Energy, said, “We are elated to commence the deliveries of the Simple ONE, starting with customers in Bengaluru. We are all proud of the hard work and dedication of our team in creating a holistic product that is both sustainable and an efficient transportation option for our customers. We are confident that we will be successful in creating a delightful ownership experience for our customers and believe that Simple ONE will revolutionize the segment by creating a greener future.”Simple One – The new electric scooter in townSimple One is presented in four single-tone colours options of Brazen Black, Namma Red, Azure Blue and Grace White. It also gets dual tons of white and black, with red alloy wheels and highlights. These dual-tones cost around cost Rs 5,000 over single-tone colour options.On board features include a flat seat, upright riding stance, grab rails for pillion riders, full view rear mirrors and turn signals. It also gets 30 liters of under seat storage which is large enough for a full face helmet. Simple ONE is also offered with a sari guard.The touchscreen infotainment display offers advanced features such as navigation, access to calls and music, screen customization and also features that include remote access, geo-fencing, turn by turn navigation, OTA updates and remote locking. Simple One mobile app is offered both on Android and Apple devices.Simple ONE – Batteries, Range, Charging, WarrantySimple ONE draws its power via a 5 kWh lithium ion battery that is claimed to offer an iDC range of 212 kms which is claimed to be best in segment. It comes in two battery packs; one of which is fixed and the other is removable. The battery powers a permanent magnet motor offering 8.5 kW power and 72 Nm torque. Acceleration from 0-40 km/h is possible in 2.77 seconds while top speed is claimed at 105 km/h. Battery charging from 0-80 percent is possible in 5 hours 54 minutes via a portable or home charger.It gets telescopic front forks, disc brakes at the front and rear measuring 200mm and 190 mm respectively and rides on 90/90-12 tyres fitted with 12 inch alloy wheels at both ends. Simple Energy is offering the Simple ONE with a 3 year or 30,000 km warranty on vehicle, motor and battery. The charger comes in with a 1 year/10,000 km warranty. Simple ONE electric scooter finds itself taking on other more established e-scooters such as the Ather 450X, Ola S1 Pro, TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak and Hero Vida.Simple Energy plant, Simple Vision 1.0 is located at Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu. They have an installed capacity of about 10 lakh units. More electric two wheeler launches are planned by Simple in the future. More

  • in

    All of Japan’s C8 Chevrolet Corvette Z06s Will Look the Same

    The C8 Corvette is the first model in the nameplate’s long history to offer a right-hand-drive configuration directly from the factory. This has allowed the C8 Stingray and C8 Z06 models to find plenty of interested parties in Europe and Japan. Thanks to a report from WebCG, we now know that every C8 Z06 headed to Japan will carry the same trim package and color combination. Know Your CorvettesThe news comes directly from GM Japan executives Yoshiaki Uehara and Satoshi Nakano, who discussed the Japan-spec Z06 with the publication. According to the report, every C8 Corvette Z06 being ordered by GM Japan will be a loaded-up 3LZ coupe, complete with black exterior paint and a red interior. In order to keep the color theme in order, all cars will also feature black wheels and red brake calipers. The track-oriented Z07 package will also not be available for customers at the time of the sales debut, nor does the company expect to be able to retrofit those parts with ease. The executives specifically noted that this combination is currently the most popular with Z06 customers in the United States, and one that fits the car nicely. It’s a Production ThingThe Japan spec wasn’t made on styling preference alone, however. Uehara noted that if customers overseas were given the same access to the Z06 configurator as here in the States, the cars might never get built. GM’s difficulties in getting C8s to customers have been well documented through the car’s production run, with high interest in the Z06 only making that more of a challenge. ChevroletJapan-market Z06 models will also lose the car’s unique center-exit exhaust system found on U.S.-spec cars. This comes as a result of the country’s more stringent emissions and sound requirements for vehicles, which the trumpet-style straight pipes on the Z06 will not meet. This means the cars will wear the standard Stingray’s corner exit setup, resulting in a slight drop in horsepower output. Whereas U.S.-spec cars make 670 horsepower, these particular units will be limited to 636 horsepower. That should still be plenty of power to beat up on all sorts of JDM goodness at any of Japan’s incredible circuits. ChevroletBorn and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time.  More

  • in

    Toyota Shows Sporty GR-Modified Prius at 24 Hours of Le Mans

    Toyota revealed the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition, a racing-influenced concept version of the fifth-generation hybrid, ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.The sporty Prius is fitted with a carbon-fiber hood, a rectangular rear wing, dive planes on the front bumper, and a rear diffuser.The track has been widened and the 18-inch wheels are unique to the concept, but Toyota didn’t reveal if the powertrain was modified at all.Before the 2023 Toyota Prius debuted last fall, we would’ve never used the words “Prius” and “sporty” in the same sentence. But then Toyota took the wraps off of the fifth-generation hybrid, which wowed with a sleek new body and a punchier powertrain. Now Toyota has brought out another surprise with the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition, a concept revealed ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend, showing a vision for a high-performance Prius.ToyotaToyota says this special Prius is meant to honor the iconic race, and the hybrid hatchback has been fitted with a variety of motorsports-inspired parts. The GR-modified Prius—which we will henceforth call the GRius—wears dive planes on the front bumper, beefy side skirts that flow into extended wheel arches, and a sizable rear diffuser. There is also an aggressive wing sprouting from the rear hatch, and these aerodynamic add-ons are said to be influenced by the GR010 Hybrid race car that won Le Mans in 2021 and 2022.ToyotaThe GRius concept also features a wider track that the standard Prius, and the black 18-inch wheels are shod in 235/50 Michelin tires, versus the usual 195-width rubber. The front bumper gains a wide, rectangular grille and square clusters of LED headlamps, while the hood has been replaced with a carbon-fiber unit to reduce weight. Toyota didn’t mention any mechanical changes to the GRius, but we would hope that power has been boosted from the Prius Prime’s 220 ponies. We doubt that Toyota will actually put a GR-branded Prius into production for the U.S. market, but this concept won’t stop us from dreaming.More Speedy GR ToyotasThis 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

  • in

    2023 Ford F-150 Shelby Centennial Makes up to 800 All-American Horsepower

    Shelby American has revealed its latest creation, the 2023 Ford F-150 Centennial Edition. The Centennial Edition F-150 can be ordered in either 400- or 800-hp configurations, with only 100 units of the more powerful version being made.Pricing for the Centennial Edition includes the donor Lariat 4×4, 5.0L SuperCrew, and starts at $129,495 for the naturally aspirated truck and $138,495 for the supercharged version.Shelby American is continuing the long tradition of naming things after Carroll Shelby with the creation of more specially tuned creations. The performance outfitter kicked off the year with the introduction of a 750-hp Centennial Edition Mustang. In a slight twist, the newest creation built to honor the late Shelby is an F-150–based performance truck, capable of producing up to 800 horsepower. Based on the 2023 F-150 Lariat 4×4 SuperCrew, the Centennial Edition comes standard with the same naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V-8 that comes optional on the standard Ford model. That’s kind of boring, so Shelby also added an optional supercharger system complete with a performance air intake with high flow filter, aluminum heat exchanger and a billet throttle body with high-flow fuel injectors. The optional system brings total output to a much more reasonable 800 horsepower. Opting for either engine configuration will equip the Centennial Edition with a Borla cat-back exhaust system to snort exhaust fumes out the black dual exhaust pipes at the back. Shelby AmericanNot satisfied with an exhaust system and supercharger, the Shelby team fit the Centennial with Fox shocks that have adjustable dual speed controls. According to Shelby, the system allows the shocks to be adjusted from better off-road capability, to better track handling, and even to a more luxurious ride. Off-road capability is also aided by upgraded brakes that now live within a set of 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich all-terrain KO2 tires.More Centennial ShelbyThe interior is updated as well, and now has two-tone leather upholstery complete with Centennial Edition logos. Shelby Centennial floor mats, billet racing pedals, and tinted windows complete the rest of the interior, with the official Shelby serial number printed on a plaque on the dash.Shelby AmericanNaturally, Shelby will only make 100 examples of the truck to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its founder’s birth. The base 400-hp version carries a starting price of $129,495, while the supercharged truck starts at $138,495. The trucks come with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty, which includes the powertrain and still allows for stock features like over-the-air updates and the onboard generator. 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

  • in

    2024 Mazda Models to Add Brown-on-Brown Carbon Turbo Edition

    The 2024 Mazda CX-5, CX-30, and 3 are all adding a new trim level called Carbon Turbo with a special color combo.They’re finished in Zircon Sand exterior paint and have an interior that combines brown Terracotta leather and black suede.We’ll get more details soon on the 2024 model-year pricing and equipment.Mazda is adding another spin on the Carbon Edition for the 2024 versions of the CX-30 subcompact crossover, CX-5 compact crossover, and 3 sedan and hatchback. Following the previous Carbon Edition that combined a gray exterior with a red interior, this new Carbon Turbo model flaunts a brown on brown color scheme.More Mazda Carbon EditionsAvailable only for models equipped with the optional 256-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four, the Carbon Turbo cars are finished in Zircon Sand exterior paint, a hue first introduced on the CX-50. They also get gloss-black trim pieces including mirror caps, grille trim, and wheels. Inside, the interior has brown Terracotta leather upholstery with black suede accents and gunmetal trim accents. The pictured interior is of a 2024 CX-5.MazdaThose are all the details we have until now, as info such as pricing will have to wait until Mazda releases specifics for each of these 2024 models. We’re not expecting any major updates to these cars for the new model year, but there could be some minor changes. These 2024 Mazda Carbon Turbo vehicles should be arriving at dealerships within the next few months.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

  • in

    New Hero Karizma Launch Teaser – Fastest Ride Coming On 14th June

    2023 Hero Karizma ZMRThe new 210cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine is likely to generate 25 bhp of power and 25 Nm of torque and equipped with a 6-speed gearboxProspect of Hero MotoCorp resurrecting its iconic Karizma brand has enthusiasts jumping in joy. For the OG Karizma had played strings of many Indian hearts. The company recently showcased the upcoming Karizma XMR 210 to dealers. Now, Hero MotoCorp has shared a new teaser on their social media, which announces a new launch on 14th June 2023. It is likely to be of the new Karizma.2023 Hero Karizma spy shot was leaked earlier. In its new avatar, it is a much sharper and sleeker motorcycle than Xtreme 200S. With the new design and a stronger engine, Karizma might assert dominance in 200-250cc fully faired motorcycle space.2023 Hero Karizma launch teaserHero Karizma XMR launch on 14th JuneIf we compare the upcoming Hero Karizma XMR with the recently showcased Xtreme 200S 4V, there are not a lot of component differences. For starters, conventional telescopic front forks, petal disc brakes, 100/80-17 front and 130/70-17 rear tyres look similar. Alloys look different and so does the rest of the motorcycle.There seems to be a new frame along with a new subframe. Fairing looks sharper and more aerodynamic. Headlights are sleeker and ORVMs are mounted on fairing. Clip-on handlebars look like they’re slightly higher set for comfort and relatively upright riding position. But it puts the headlight too low in contrast to its handlebars. Suzuki Gixxer SF features a similar design trait as well.Rear subframe is sleeker too. Hero has mounted pillion footpegs to this subframe. Split seat setup lends a sporty appeal. Exhaust end can is stubbier than Xtreme 200S. The fuel tank is taller and allows riders to grip it between their thighs. Black elements cut down on visual bulk significantly. The sleek body panels add to that effect too.New Karizma XMR’s get a liquid-cooled beating heartThis is the first Hero MotoCorp motorcycle to feature a liquid-cooled setup. Even the larger 420-450cc engine co-developed with Harley-Davidson is air and oil-cooled. Rumour mill suggests a new 6-speed gearbox that should aid high-speed highway cruising and fuel efficiency with a top-gear in overdrive ratio.The new engine is highly likely to displace 210cc as denoted by the 210 in Hero’s trademark. Performance figures might be around 25 bhp and 25 Nm of torque. This would be a sweet spot to rival the likes of Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 and Bajaj Pulsar RS200. We hope the same engine is equipped with Xpulse in the future. Off-road ability and high-speed highway cruising will get a solid boost.A fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, ABS modes, instant fuel economy, LED lighting, hazard light are highly likely features. Considering that Hero is skimping on USD front forks, pricing will be aggressive, which will be a key strength for Karizma XMR 210. Prices could be in the Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 1.8 lakh range. More

  • in

    2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 spied undisguised – Next to Bajaj Boxer

    2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 spiedThe same 399cc (rumoured) single-cylinder engine from 2024 KTM 390 Duke is likely to be part of Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401Bajaj Auto manufactures KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles under 400cc at their plant near Pune in India. Now, a new gen Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 production-spec motorcycle has been spied undisguised inside a Bajaj Auto plant, as standing next to it is the export spec Bajaj Boxer.In India, Husqvarna only offers their 250cc range, and not the 401s. Will that change with the launch of this new gen motorcycle? Only time will tell. From the spy shots, it seems like the 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 gets the same set of updates that recently spied 2024 KTM 390 Duke received.2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 spied – The Black ArrowOf the two motorcycles offered by Husqvarna, Svartpilen is a neo-retro scrambler-ish offering, while Svartpilen is a neo-retro cafe racer. This particular model lacks a tank rack, wire-spoke rims, upright handlebar and block-pattern tyres that are historically reminiscent of Svartpilen.Both next-gen Husqy twins will carry the same set of updates that next-gen KTM 390 Duke is getting. We’re talking about a brand new tubular trellis frame and an updated 399cc (rumoured) engine with more performance than the outgoing 373cc unit.Other notable changes similar to the new Duke include adjustable USD front forks from WP, a banana-shaped swingarm, an underbelly exhaust, an off-set rear mono-shock suspension with rebound adjust and more. Apart from KTM-sourced componentry, there are generational changes to new-gen Huskies as opposed to outgoing models.Changes from outgoing modelFor starters, the new bike looks bigger. Apart from that, we hope for better pillion comfort and better fit and finish and less exposed wiring. The new tail section is now at the rear subframe, rather than on its tyre hugger. This change is likely to apply to both Svartpilen and Vitpilen.Previous set of spy shots featured a test mule with block-pattern tyres, wire-spoke rims, a taller handlebar, and a rack on the fuel tank. This is likely to be a Scrambler variant of Svartpilen. Most of the electronic goodies from next gen KTM 390 Duke are likely to be a part of new gen Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 as well.India launch is likely as there is a saree guard present on the spied motorcycle. Husqvarna’s popularity in the Indian premium motorcycle segment is far less than KTM’s. We would wager that Husqvarna wants to upgrade itself in India and improve from the 100 motorcycles sold in April 2023.Image Source More