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    New Hero Maxi Scooter Design Patent Leaks – Looks Dope

    Hero maxi scooter patentedFor the first time, Hero maxi scooter patented, surfaced on the internet and it looks like nothing else from India’s highest-selling 2W brandHero MotoCorp is on a mission to revamp its premium motorcycle portfolio. Just yesterday, Hero MotoCorp launched Xtreme 160R 4V with oil cooling, USD forks and Bluetooth connectivity starting from Rs. 1,27,300. We will witness the launch of Karizma flagship fully-faired motorcycle soon. But what about premium scooters?As of now, Hero has Maestro Edge 125 as its flagship scooter and the newest entrant is Xoom 110. Hero MotoCorp has patented a new maxi scooter in India and it is unlike anything we have ever seen from Hero. Quite literally! It has a lot going for it where design and desirability are concerned. Let’s take a look.Hero Maxi Scooter Patented – Launch in 2023?The company’s new direction in scooters with Xoom has yielded good results. Xoom is now highest-selling scooter from Hero. Sporty non-step-through maxi-styled scooters are quite a niche, but given that Yamaha is at it, Hero might as well. Looking at the patented image, it looks like Hero maxi scooter gets an all-new swingarm-mounted single-cylinder engine.This swingarm has a single-sided mono-shock suspension mount similar to Xoom 110. When compared to Hero’s Destini 125, the new maxi scooter features a slightly chunkier engine setup. So, there is a possibility of it being a 163cc scooter with Xtreme 160R’s engine to rival Yamaha Aerox 155 as well.Hero maxi scooter patent detailsPossibility of carrying something on the floorboard is thrown out the window by the presence of a central tunnel. This is where Hero is likely to mount its fuel tank. Finally, an external fuel filler cap on a Hero scooter. The front apron is huge when compared to what Hero is selling now. It has two separate headlight chambers for low and high beam. LEDs are highly probable.These look like eyes and there is a presence of a faux beak as well. There is a fairly large windshield above it. There is a stepped single-seat setup which will ensure a comfortable riding posture and a neutral rider’s triangle. Hero has given it a massive rear rack which looks funky and will easily take a top box.The first Maxi-styled scooter from the brandTail section looks fairly minimal and turn indicators look like halogen units at both ends. Componentry include RSU telescopic front forks and a single-sided rear mono-shock, brand new 14” (not confirmed) alloy wheels with an interesting pattern, disc brake at the front and more. With the fuel tank re-positioned, under-seat storage will be massive, around 30L in capacity or more.Yamaha Aerox 155 (14.75 bhp, 13.9 Nm, VVA, 4V head, liquid-cooled) is currently the only maxi-styled, non-step-through and sporty scooter in India in mainstream market and costs Rs. 1.43 lakh (ex-sh). Hero seems to be rivaling it with a 125cc engine (9 bhp, 10.4 Nm, air-cooled, 2V head). We really hope this is an apples-to-apples rivalry and Hero offers a slightly detuned 163cc engine (14 bhp, 13 Nm, 4V head, oil-cooled) and price it for around Rs. 1.2 lakh (ex-sh). More

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    Upcoming TVS Cruiser Patent Leaks Before Launch – Royal Enfield Rival ?

    Render for illustration purpose only.As compared to the current range of TVS motorcycles, the new cruiser appears to have a relatively sober profileIt is known that TVS is working on a new flagship bike. The middleweight segment has registered strong growth and has significant future potential. This makes a strong case for TVS to expand its portfolio and introduce new premium products.There are various options that can be considered for middleweight segment. It could be a roadster, scrambler, ADV, etc. However, the patent filed by TVS reveals the typical design of a cruiser. Based on whether it is below or above 500cc, the new TVS cruiser will go up against Royal Enfield Meteor 350 or Super Meteor 650. Upcoming TVS cruiser motorcycle – Design patent leaksTVS new cruiser bike – styling and featuresTVS new cruiser has a neo-retro profile. It has the old school, laidback look and feel, quite different from the current range of TVS motorcycles. Some of the key highlights include a round headlamp, USD front forks, a large engine, curvy fuel tank and a single exhaust pipe. Users can expect comfortable rides with features such as the wide, swept-back handlebar and forward-set foot pegs.For the new cruiser, it is possible that TVS could use the expertise of British brand Norton Motorcycles. TVS had acquired Norton Motorcycles in 2020. The deal was valued at around Rs 153 crore. In April 2022, TVS announced investments worth £100 million (more than Rs 1,000 crore) in Norton Motorcycles. With such massive investments, it will be safe to assume that TVS is planning something big. There could be a plan to aggressively target global markets with the new generation of TVS motorcycles.Upcoming TVS cruiser motorcycle – Design patent leaksTVS new cruiser performance, specsAlthough TVS new cruiser can be seen with a large, wide-bodied engine, it is not certain if it’s a single-cylinder or twin-cylinder unit. If displacement is around 650cc to 700cc, there’s a likelihood of a twin-cylinder motor. TVS-owned Norton Motorcycles has several big bikes powered by parallel twin motor. Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 also utilizes a parallel-twin setup. The 648cc engine churns out 47 PS of max power and 52.3 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.At rear, TVS cruiser is expected to get dual rear shock absorbers. It will be interesting to see what kind of aural experiences the new TVS cruiser comes up with. Surely, TVS will be looking to create something unique and exhilarating.In terms of launch timelines, there’s no clarity at this point of time. However, it is likely that TVS will be looking to launch the cruiser as soon as possible. TVS is also working on other new products. For example, multiple new electric two-wheelers will be launched in the next 12 to 13 months. These will be in the 5kW to 25kW category. TVS will also launch a naked streetfighter version of the existing bestseller Apache RR310. More

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    Volkswagen Arteon Is Heading for the Chopping Block

    Volkswagen announced that the short-lived Arteon is heading for the chopping block as the company realigns its focus on higher-volume models.Sales figures for the Arteon have been on a downward trend in recent years, with Volkswagen selling 5537 in 2021 and only 1742 in 2022.The manufacturer confirmed to Car and Driver that 2024 will be the final model year for the Arteon. Volkswagen will soon be short one large hatchback. The manufacturer announced today that the short-lived Arteon four-door is scheduled for a visit to the gallows, and confirmed to Car and Driver that 2024 will be the final model year.The announcement comes in conjunction with Volkswagen’s Accelerate Forward program, which sees the company refocusing its efforts on becoming a more efficient and more profitable company. According to Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer, that means focusing on a smaller number of high-volume vehicles, while removing low-volume vehicles such as the Arteon.Marc Urbano|Car and DriverDebuting in the U.S. in 2019, the Arteon has never enjoyed big sales figures in our market. A general lack of enthusiasm by American shoppers has all but killed the full-size sedan segment domestically, with only a few competitors remaining. According to sales figures from VW, the Arteon has been on steep downward spiral for the last two years. The manufacturer sold just 5537 Arteons in 2021 and only 1742 in 2022. Compare those figures to the over 375,000 and 300,000 total vehicles sold by Volkswagen in the U.S. for each respective year, and the decision to discontinue the model becomes crystal clear.More on the ArteonAt this point, Volkswagen hasn’t announced any direct replacement for the Arteon. We know the electric ID.7 is headed for the U.S., and that could be viewed as a sort of replacement for both the Arteon and the discontinued Passat mid-size sedan. Despite its high sticker price, we’ve always held the Arteon in good light. On top of that, we’ll simply be sad to see the full-size sedan market shrink even further. 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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    2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport Adds Curved 11.4-Inch Touchscreen

    The 2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport receives updates for the new model year.The Discovery Sport’s interior is the biggest beneficiary, adding a curved 11.4-inch touchscreen and other newly standard features.Subtle changes freshen up the Disco Sport’s exterior, including a new gloss-black grille as well as different 19- and 21-inch wheels.It’s easy to forget about the Land Rover Discovery Sport, but the luxury off-roader gets a few updates for the 2024 model year that help bring attention to the SUV. While there are some light styling changes, the most notable updates occur in the cabin, where a curved 11.4-inch touchscreen now serves as the centerpiece.A Big New ScreenThe new infotainment screen runs the latest version of the company’s Pivi Pro software. For those who aren’t familiar with the setup, there are static bars on both sides of the screen that always allow users to instantly access certain menus and functions. The large floating glass display also includes standard Amazon Alexa voice compatibility along with wireless Apple CarPlay; Android Auto is also part of the deal. The 2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport receives a revised center console and center stack too. A stubby shifter replaces the old tall, narrow lever, and it’s surrounded by a smoother and more attractive surface. Below the Pivi Pro screen is extra storage space instead of the HVAC control panel with its physical knobs. There’s a newly standard wireless charging pad and two USB-C ports. The SUV adds a new three-spoke steering wheel with rearranged controls and shift paddles, and every ’24 Discovery Sport comes standard with a fully digital gauge cluster.Fresher Styling, Higher PriceThe Disco Sport’s exterior updates aren’t significant enough to be noticed by most people. However, Land Rover says the base S trim adds a new gloss-black grille, color-matching rocker panels, and silver skid plates. The Dynamic variant features a gloss-black roof and other matching exterior details. It also has three strakes on the front bumper’s air inlets for a more distinctive look. Varesine Blue is a new paint color, and customers can chose from newly designed 19- and 21-inch wheels.The 2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport is currently on sale in America, with a starting price of $50,075. That’s for the base S trim, and it’s a sizable $5600 more than the 2023 model. Of course, the SUV does add a host of new standard features. The Dynamic SE starts at $54,275—$4600 more than before. Every model still features all-wheel drive and the P250 powertrain, which is a 246-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.Past Disco Sport StoriesThis 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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    Toyota Crown EV Prototype Expectation – 1,353 Km Range

    Toyota’s next-gen solid-state batteryToyota’s Crown EV prototype demonstrated the company’s bipolar solid state batteries that will be the next big thing with EVs in the futureRange anxiety! The one hindering factor in EV growth. Regardless of range anxiety, EV sales are clocking higher numbers with every month. Advances in Battery tech and aero efficiency will go a long way in extracting a longer range than what is currently possible. Advances are underway in EV tech in the form of solid-state batteries that will ensure more range and less cost.Toyota wants to be at the forefront of solid-state batteries as it has dived head-first into this realm. Facing criticism for slower EV adoption, Toyota is showing the world that it means business when it does adopt. The automotive giant showcased its new-gen solid-state battery with a Crown sedan concept with 1,353 km of range on a single charge.Toyota’s Crown EV Prototype Has 1,353 Km RangeYes! You read that right. In a “Let’s Change the Future of Cars” workshop, Toyota revealed key details about its electrification roadmap. For starters, the company intends to offer both affordable EVs for the masses and enthusiast EVs with better capabilities. Toyota is comparing BZ4X, an EV it currently sells, with its next gen battery.For performance versions, Toyota will stick with monopolar NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) batteries and promise 200% range of BZ4X. 200% of 615 km (range of BZ4X) is 1,230 km. This next-gen battery will grace the markets in 2026 with a 20% increase in cost efficiency as opposed to BZ4X’s battery cost. Charging time will be around 20 minutes for 10-80%.Toyota’s next-gen solid-state battery ExplainedToyota is working on a new type of bipolar LFP (Lithium Ferrous Phosphate) battery for mass market offerings. This is likely to storm the market by 2026 and 2027. This battery promises 20% increase in range when compared to BZ4X’s 615 km range. This translates to 738 km of range.For the mainstream market, this is phenomenal considering charging time of 30 minutes for taking SOC (State Of Charge) from 10% to 80%. These new bipolar LFP batteries aim to be 40% more cost-effective than BZ4X’s batteries.Ushering new era of Battery tech and vehicular engineeringIf you observed closely, performance batteries are still monopolar in 2026. That will change till 2028. Toyota promises a high-performance bipolar solid-state battery promising a 10% increase in range and 10% increase in cost efficiency when compared to next-gen performance battery’s 1,230 km. This means a total range of 1,353 km and charging times for 10-80% is still 20 minutes.Toyota’s electric axlesToyota is not aiming to achieve this by the virtue of batteries alone. Reduction in weight, a smaller rear electric axle, more efficient aerodynamics based on a rocket’s hypersonic aerodynamics and other attributes. Toyota has already begun work on its bipolar solid-state batteries and showcased the same in a Crown sedan. The company intends to take charging time close to gasoline refueling times and cut down on range anxiety and cost associated with EVs. More

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    1963 Chevrolet Impala Z11 Lightweight Is Today’s Bring a Trailer Auction Pick

    The Z11 option package was a one-year-only offering that brought aluminum body panels and other weight-saving features.It’s believed that 57 full-size ’63 Chevys were so equipped.This example was originally campaigned by drag racer Terry Prince.Car and DriverThis 1963 Impala is one of the most muscular full-size Chevys ever made, rare and bristling with aggression. In period, it rolled up to the Christmas tree and then blitzed down the dragstrip, angry dinosaur noises roaring out of its 427-cubic-inch big-block V-8. Now, this rare Impala is up for auction on Bring a Trailer, which like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos. Bring a TrailerMore Impala goodnessThe early 1960s were a golden age for drag racing, and Chevrolet’s executives wanted to beat Ford. For 1963, they introduced a special-order option package, Regular Production Order (RPO) code Z11, which bestowed Chevrolet’s full-size Impala with something very special. It was an astronomically expensive option—at $1240, it added almost a third to the price of the car—and buyers got less for their money. Specifically, the radio, heater, and front sway bar were deleted. Many steel parts were replaced with aluminum, for a total weight savings of around 300 pounds.Bring a TrailerChevy had introduced the Super Sport (SS) option in 1961, with a 409-cubic-inch V-8 good for around 360 horsepower. For the Z11, that engine was punched up to 427 cubic inches, fitted with 13.5:1 compression pistons, and crowned with a high-rise intake and twin four-barrel carbs. The factory rating was 430 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque. The manual transmission was a four-speed BorgWarner T-10. Power is sent rearward to a 4.11:1 Positraction rear axle.Bring a TrailerThis example was bought new by Terry Prince, whose name it wears on its flanks. Prince ran the performance shop at Service Chevrolet in Pasadena, California, and ordered it specially. He competed in the 1963 NHRA Winternationals, and through the rest of the year. The car is accompanied by photos of the Impala in competition, as well as the original purchase order for $4102.32. The car was restored from a dissembled state in the late 1990s.Get your footwork right and this big red sled would scoot to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and flash through the quarter-mile traps at over 120 mph. A ferocious beast from a long-ago age, this Chevy has no seatbelts, drum brakes, and firepower like the USS Missouri. It’s a holy grail for Impala enthusiasts. The auction runs through June 17.Car and driverCar and driver Lettermark logoContributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

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    New Forza Motorsport with 500 Cars Is Out October 10 for Xbox, PC

    This content is imported from youTube. 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.Attention, gamers: The release date for the new Forza Motorsport is October 10, with an opportunity to preorder special editions and get five days of early access ahead of launch. Forza Motorsport is available for Xbox Series S, Series X, and PC. The game is also included as part of the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. This newest iteration of Forza will launch with more than 500 cars, 20 tracks, and a fancy new physics and graphics system that allows for gameplay at 4K resolution at 60 frames per second on Xbox Series X and PCs with suitable hardware. The 100th Le Mans, a new Detroit Grand Prix city circuit, and the upcoming Formula 1 race down the Las Vegas Strip have all contributed to an especially exciting year of motorsport spectatorship—and Turn 10 Studio’s all-new Forza Motorsport promises to keep the party going. Stuffed within the two-hour-long Xbox Games Showcase was this Forza Motorsport official trailer that highlighted new cars, tracks, and Xbox’s highly anticipated next-generation answer to Sony’s exclusive Gran Turismo 7. Pre-orders are open now, but the new Forza Motorsport has been confirmed as included in Xbox Game Pass when it launches on October 10. Get your game onThe DetailsHere’s what we know so far: Forza Motorsport is bringing more than 500 cars with it on launch day. There are 20 tracks that each have numerous layouts, and five of those tracks are brand new to the series. Every track in the game will have a range of times of day and a choice of different weather environments, with the ability for the track surface to collect rubber and varying grip levels dependent on surface temperature. Some of our own favorites, such as Virginia International Raceway and the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, make their return in more detail than ever before. TURN 10 STUDIOSMore Powertrain Swapping, More ChallengesPart of Forza’s long-standing charm has been the ability to swap powertrains and drivetrains to create some wild automotive cocktails. That’s back, and so are 800 other performance upgrades for its swath of vehicles to challenge the imagination. A single-player campaign mode, Builders Cup Career mode, and online multiplayer all return to the stage this year, each with its own challenges and progression system that are designed to keep you in the driver’s seat. Turn 10 says the AI has been revamped to add a smarter and more competitive level of difficulty, and if that’s not enough for ya, they’ve thrown tire and fuel strategy into the mix.Forza Motorsport Standard EditionForza Motorsport Standard EditionForza fans can preorder to get early access to Forza Motorsport, beginning October 5, and play either on Xbox Series X, Series S, or PC. PC gamers who prefer Steam to the Xbox store can wish-list the new Forza to be notified when it’s available for preorder on that platform. There are also multiple special editions that have come with their own perks for an extra cost. The Premium Edition ($99) brings five days of early access, a Race Day Car Pack, a Car Pass (one new car awarded weekly for 30 weeks), VIP membership, and a welcome pack. The Deluxe Edition ($89) gets everything the Premium Edition includes, short of the early access. The Standard Edition ($69) is the cheapest way to purchase the new Forza Motorsport, but if you’re already subscribed to Xbox Game Pass, you’ll be able to play on launch day. 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 EditorYes, he’s still working on the 1986 Nissan 300ZX Turbo project car he started in high school, and no, it’s not for sale yet. Austin Irwin was born and raised in Michigan, and, despite getting shelled by hockey pucks during a not-so-successful goaltending career through high school and college, still has all of his teeth. He loves cars from the 1980s and Bleu, his Great Pyrenees, and is an active member of the Buffalo Wild Wings community. When Austin isn’t working on his own cars, he’s likely on the side of the highway helping someone else fix theirs. More

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    Hero Xtreme 160R 4V USD Forks – Launch Price Rs. 1,36,500

    2023 Hero Xtreme 160R 4V LaunchedThe new oil-cooled 163cc engine on Hero Xtreme 160R 4V gets a 4V head as the name suggests and generates 16.9 Ps/12.4kW @ 8500rpm
    For the first time in recent past, Hero MotoCorp is making big revisions to its premium motorcycle range (160cc+). This began with launching of MY2023 Xpulse 200 4V and Xpulse 200 4V Pro motorcycles. At the flagship end, there is Karizma which is set to launch by the end of 2023. Now, Hero has taken wraps off MY2023 Hero Xtreme 160R 4V with USD forks.
    This is a big revision for Xtreme 160R and is a much-needed one at that. There are two variants, Standard and Pro variants. Hero has priced this Standard variant at Rs. 1,27,300, Rs. 1,32,800 for the connected variant and Rs. 1,36,500 for Pro variant (all prices ex-sh) and it is a tempting proposition as it is the only motorcycle to offer a 4V head and USD front forks in the same package. The new colour additions are Matte Slate Black, Neon Shooting Star and Blazing Sports Red.
    Hero Xtreme 160R 4V – The new king of 160cc segment?
    160cc space is currently dominated by two manufacturers. TVS with its Apache RTR 160 (both 2V and 4V) and Bajaj with its Pulsar NS160 and Pulsar N160. Honda X-Blade and Hero Xtreme 160R fall in the same segment but don’t sell as many motorcycles. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V was the only one with a 4V head.
    Pulsar NS160 was the only one with KYB USD front forks. Hero seems to be making a best-case scenario in this segment by bundling both of these attributes in the same package. As of now, Bajaj Pulsar N160 and Pulsar NS160 packed oil cooling setup. But Hero seems to have jumped in the bandwagon too and is offering oil-cooling setup.
    MY2023 Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Specs
    This should vastly reduce heating and expand headroom to extract more performance with the 4V head. This 4V head ensures increased performance, fuel efficiency, durability (with reduced wear and tear due to reciprocation of smaller valves), engine speed and reduce vibrations and make the engine sustain higher speeds for longer.
    Pulsar NS160 and Pulsar N160 get dual-channel ABS options. The 163cc single-cylinder engine makes 16.9 PS @ 8500 RPM, 14.6 Nm of torque @6500 RPM, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Kerb weight is 144 kg.
    Added features are extensive
    Apart from a 4V head, oil-cooling setup and USD front forks, Hero has offered quite a few design revisions as well. There is a slightly revised fuel tank and headlight cluster to lend a slightly athletic demeanor. The belly pan look similar to Stealth Edition variant, but knuckle guards are missing. Belly pan gets a new 4V sticker to signify its improved mechanicals.
    MY2023 Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Prices
    MY2023 Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Colour
    Hero Xtreme 160R 4V with USD front forks gets LED headlights, LED tail lights with smoked effect, LED turn indicators at both ends with hazard light function, rear disc brake option and more. Instrumentation is fully digital and features Bluetooth connectivity as well. Hero didn’t mention anything about navigation and dual-channel ABS. The latter is on offer with Pulsar N160 and Pulsar NS160.
    The company promises Xtreme 160R 4V will be the fastest one in its segment in a straight line and the fastest to a quarter-mile, which should be its main USP. Also, Hero mentions it is the lightest in its segment as well. For people who want the outgoing 2V model, Hero has retained it and is still on sale as well. More