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    2024 BMW i4 Family Adds 396-hp, AWD xDrive40 Starting at $62,595

    The 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 joins the lineup with a 396-hp, all-wheel-drive powertrain and a $62,595 starting price.The 2024 BMW 7-series also adds the 750e plug-in hybrid, which starts at $107,995 and has an estimated electric-only driving range of over 35 miles.The 2024 BMW i7 lineup is joined by the rear-drive eDrive50 that starts at $106,695.BMW dealerships are expected to be buzzing starting this summer, with the luxury brand today announcing plans to add several new models to the i4, i7, and 7-series lineups for the 2024 model year.2024 i4 xDrive40Slated to join the i4 family sometime in the third quarter of this year, the new 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 is basically the all-wheel-drive version of the rear-drive eDrive40. Thanks to an electric motor powering the front axle, the i4 xDrive40 provides extra traction and an additional 61 horsepower (396 total).BMWAlong with its 443 pound-feet of torque, BMW claims the i4 xDrive40 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. It uses an 80.7-kWh battery pack, with the company estimating it’s good for 307 miles per charge. The latter estimate is on the standard 18-inch wheels; opting for the 19-inchers is expected to drop the range to 282 miles. However, neither figure has yet been certified by the EPA. The i4 xDrive40’s starting price is $62,595.2024 7-Series UpdatesA year after receiving a complete redesign, the gas-burning 7-series lineup is joined by a plug-in-hybrid variant called the 750e. The new model pairs a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and the automatic transmission. The culmination is a combined 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.BMWThe 2024 BMW 750e xDrive features all-wheel drive and is said to offer an all-electric driving range of over 35 miles. When it goes on sale this fall, the PHEV sedan will start at $107,995. For those who don’t want to deal with a plug, BMW also adds an all-wheel-drive option for the 375-hp 740i, which will hit dealerships sometime in the third quarter of this year with a starting price of $100,395.2024 i7 eDrive50When the fully electric BMW i7 debuted last year, it was only offered as the 536-hp, all-wheel-drive xDrive60. For 2024, it’ll be bookended by two new models: the 650-hp, all-wheel-drive i7 M70 and the rear-drive eDrive50.The latter model features a single electric motor making 449 horsepower. BMW currently doesn’t list its estimated range or performance figures, both of which the company says will be announced before it hits the market this fall. The 2024 i7 eDrive50 will have a starting price of $106,695.BMW Sedans Tested!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.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 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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    ‘Black Ghost’ Dodge Challenger Sells for $975,000

    The 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE “Black Ghost” sold for $975,000 at the Mecum sale in Indianapolis—$1,072,500 after fees.The Black Ghost has joined the National Historic Vehicle Association registry, along with the likes of the Ford Mustang from Bullitt.This special Mopar inspired one of the final editions of the current Dodge Challenger.The highly anticipated day has finally come for the legendary 1970 Dodge Challenger dubbed Black Ghost. This legendary Mopar car was street-raced in its day and flexed its Hemi around Detroit’s streets. Though, after being stored away by Godfrey Qualls, this potent Mopar became a sought-after myth among collectors and muscle car enthusiasts alike. Since its return to the public eye, this Challenger has been enshrined in the National Historic Vehicle Association, won awards at concours around the country, and, now, has a new owner.Dodge Challengers New and OldBefore his death, Godfrey Qualls passed along this piece of muscle-car history to his son, Gregory, who went on a mission to get this Challenger back on the road and share his father’s prized Mopar with the world. This oddly ordered Mopar became a hit at concourses and muscle-car enthusiast shows after its minor mechanical restoration, but now it’s time for a new life.For those out of the loop, the Black Ghost Challenger commands such lore because of how it was built, and what it did under Godfrey’s stewardship. Already rare, this 426-Hemi-powered Challenger is backed by a sought-after four-speed manual transmission. Ordered as an R/T SE, this Challenger was optioned with the luxury appointments you’d find with a special edition and the hi-po parts for the R/T. Topping off the mix, the gator-grain vinyl roof was a factory accident but adds to the car’s lore.After leaving the factory, Godfrey used the Challenger as you’d expect: he enjoyed it. This muscle machine did double duty as regular transportation and helped Godfrey haul his Norton motorcycles, while flexing its muscles on the Detroit streets.The heart of the Black Ghost is a 426-cubic-inch Hemi V-8.Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc.If you’re wondering if Gregory will miss the car, well, that’s obvious. “I will miss the car, but I realize I don’t need the car,” Gregory says. “At some point in time, when I first got the car out of the garage, I really needed the car. After losing my dad, you know—it was a thing for me to do to remember him. But then, as people started hearing the stories and I started learning things about the stories and about the car, I realized my dad’s always with me. I don’t necessarily need the car anymore—I can finally let it go. That’s where I’m at with it now.”While the Black Ghost might be moving underneath a new roof, the Qualls family will always be attached to the car. Gregory says, “The car will always be known, and my dad’s story will always be told. I think, for me, that’s the biggest honor of the things that could happen with this car story, is that the car story will live forever.”The latest chapter in this legend’s story happened at the Mecum Spring Classic, where it hammered for $975,000. It’s hard to predict the future, but we think this piece of history will be celebrated for a long time.Wesley Wren has spent his entire life around cars, whether it’s dressing up as his father’s 1954 Ford for Halloween as a child, repairing cars in college or collecting frustrating pieces of history—and most things in between. Wesley is the current steward of a 1954 Ford Crestline Victoria, a 1975 Harley-Davidson FXE and a 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie. Oh yeah, and a 2005 Kia Sedona. More

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    F1-Inspired 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL43 Is Headed to the United States

    After first revealing the Mercedes-AMG SL43 last year, the German brand has now decided to bring the four-cylinder variant of its grand tourer to the United States.The SL43 uses the same innovative setup as the AMG C43 sedan, with an electric motor integrated into the turbocharger, reducing lag.The 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL43 will cost $111,050 when it goes on sale this summer.The Mercedes-AMG SL43 debuted for Europe last year, sporting a 375-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electrical assistance and technology borrowed from Formula 1 racing. At the time, Mercedes was still weighing whether it would bring the SL43 stateside, but now the German automaker has confirmed that the SL43 will reach the American market as a 2023 model, with sales set to kick off this summer. The SL43 serves as the entry-level model for the SL lineup, with four fewer cylinders under the hood than its V-8–powered SL55 and SL63 siblings. Although the SL43 can’t match the potent outputs of the V-8 models, the M139 inline-four—the same engine found in the CLA45 and GLA45 AMG—still churns out an impressive 354 pound-feet of torque to go along with the 375 ponies.Mercedes-BenzThe SL43 makes that power in an unusual way. The turbocharger strapped to the 2.0-liter engine includes an electric motor along with the usual exhaust-gas plumbing. The motor—a 1.6-inch-wide unit slotted onto the shaft between the turbine and compressor wheel—can spin the compressor wheel before the exhaust gases do. This promises to minimize turbo lag, and the e-motor can also maintain boost pressure under braking or when the car is coasting so the turbo is always ready to go when the driver gets back on the throttle. The Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team uses the same technology in its turbocharged 1.6-liter V-6 hybrid race cars, and the C43 AMG sedan that debuted last spring features the same powertrain with an extra 27 horsepower.The 48-volt belt-driven starter-generator that powers the turbocharger’s e-motor can also provide an extra 13 hp in brief spurts. Mercedes says this jolt of power occurs at lower rpm and doesn’t increase the overall 375-hp peak output. The 48-volt tech also allows the start-stop system to work more smoothly and can regenerate energy under deceleration. Mercedes-BenzThe longitudinally mounted engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that uses AMG’s usual wet clutch pack instead of a torque converter. Mercedes claims the rear-wheel-drive SL43 will hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and will max out at an electronically limited 170 mph. The visual changes for the SL43 are minimal, with simpler styling for the front and rear bumpers and round tailpipes instead of the squared-off outlets on the eight-cylinder SLs. The standard wheels are 19 inches, but the SL43 can also be ordered with 20- or 21-inch wheels. The opulent cabin is unchanged for the entry-level model, and power-adjustable heated and cooled nappa leather seats come standard. The 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL43 will start at $111,050, undercutting the V-8 SL55 by nearly $30,000.More on MercedesThis 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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    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 wheelbase in focus – Is this the longest RE?

    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 spiedThe new 450cc engine on Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is likely to generate around 30 bhp of power and 40 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed gearboxRoyal Enfield Himalayan is a very popular motorcycle which has captivated ADV fans not only in India, but in global markets as well. Current version is based on the 411cc platform. Royal Enfield is readying a 450cc platform to spawn 5 different motorcycles. First of which, will be Himalayan 450.The new spy shots lend a whole new perspective on how long Himalayan 450 will be, thanks to a really long wheelbase. Visually longer than Himalayan 411’s 1,465mm wheelbase. If that is the case, Himalayan 450 will be the longest wheelbase in Royal Enfield’s product portfolio. Also, there is a very good possibility that Himalayan might not come with 21” front wheel as standard.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 may not get 21″ front wheels as standardRoyal Enfield’s new camouflaging strategies involve cardboard and plastic corrugated sheets as well. Automotive enthusiast Guru Prasad Viswanathan spotted this test mule. The new spy shots lend perspectives, two of which are of stark prominence.One, Himalayan 450 will pack a really long wheelbase. And two, this test mule seems to be equipped with a 17” or 18” front rim. It could be the camera’s angle or uneven terrain, but this wire-spoke front rim doesn’t look like it is 21” in size as outgoing Himalayan 411 and previous test mules.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 spiedThis might be a conscious choice by Royal Enfield to offer a low seat height for shorter riders. Something similar to KTM 390 Adventure V with suspension components from 390 Duke. Most Himalayan 450 buyers in the future might appreciate this gesture as it aids in handling this motorcycle and flat-footing capability. This version will have reduced ground clearance. Current Himalayan 411 has a 17” rear wheel. New Himalayan 450 could sport an 18” rear wheel like that of an Xpulse 200.Longer wheelbase increases straight-line stabilityOther notable elements include USD front telescopic forks and rear mono shock unit (both non adjustable), a large circular instrument console, a tall windscreen, a stubby exhaust (not very up-swept) and luggage mounts at front and rear, LED headlights, LED tail lights and LED turn indicators.The new 450cc engine will produce around 30 bhp of power and 40 Nm of torque. This new engine gets a liquid-cooling setup and is likely to feature a 6-speed gearbox. The long wheelbase will enhance straight-line stability and cross-wind protection. High ground clearance should ensure acceptable lean angles as well.Launch of the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is expected later this year, at the EICMA 2023. It could be priced in the Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh range. More details will be revealed as the launch date gets closer. More

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    TVS sales breakup April 2023 – Jupiter, Apache, XL, Raider, Ntorq

    New TVS RaiderTVS posted a YoY growth in domestic sales in April 2023 while exports suffered de-growthTVS Motor Company has seen total sales (domestic + exports) improve on a YoY basis in April 2023. Total sales stood at 2,93,304 units in April 2023, up from 2,78,378 units sold in April 2022. The company however, reported a MoM de-growth in total sales which had stood at 3,05,371 units in March 2023.Total domestic sales stood at 2,32,956 units in April 2023, up 29.04 percent from 1,80,533 units sold in April 2022. This was a 52,423 units volume growth. It was TVS Jupiter that once again led the domestic sales list while TVS Star City 125 saw the most exports to global markets in the past month.TVS sales breakup April 2023TVS Sales Breakup April 2023TVS Jupiter scooter topped the domestic sales list with 59,583 units sold in the past month, down 2.25 percent over 60,957 units sold in April 2022. The Jupiter scooter was at No. 2 on the list of top 10 scooter sales last month, second to the Honda Activa. The Jupiter commands a 25.58 percent share in the company lineup.TVS Apache has seen YoY growth to 38,148 units in April 2023, up 419.59 percent when compared to 7,342 units sold in April 2022. Volume growth stood at 30,806 units. It was followed by the TVS XL moped, sales of which dipped 9.94 percent YoY to 34,925 units, from 38,780 units sold in April 2022.TVS sales breakup April 2023TVS Raider has seen the highest YoY growth in April 2023 as sales improved by 828.39 percent from 3,392 units sold in April 2022 to 31,491 units in the past month. In April 2023, the company also introduced a new base variant called the Raider Single Seat variant while the drum variant was discontinued.TVS Ntorq (26,730 units) and Sport (18,472 units) came in next in terms of domestic sales, both posting YoY growth of 5.79 percent and 42.15 percent respectively. Sales of the Radeon dipped 19.39 percent to 9,375 units last month from 11,630 units sold in April 2023 while iQube sales improved by 338.52 percent to 6,227 units in April 2023 from 1,420 units sold in April 2022. TVS Motor models such as the Star City (4,627 units), Pep+ (2,136 units), Zest (918 units) and RR310 (324 units) each saw YoY degrowth in April 2023.TVS Export YoY de-growth in April 2023Total exports of the company dipped by 38.32 percent in April 2023 to 60,348 units. This was down from 97,843 units sold in April 2022 relating to a 37,495 unit volume de-growth. Most models in the company lineup ended up in the red. TVS Star City 125 was the most exported model last month with 23,910 units shipped. This was a YoY de-growth of 36.94 percent from 37,919 units exported in April 2022. Star City exports also fell by 58.64 percent to 11,936 units last month from 28.860 units exported in April 2022.TVS exports breakup April 2023Ntorq sales improved YoY by 176.97 percent to 7,276 units from 2,627 units exported in April 2022. However, Apache exports fell by 55.04 percent to 5,292 units from 11,771 units exported in April 2022. Good demand was seen for the TVS Jupiter in global markets with 3,548 units shipped in the past month, up 5531.75 percent when compared to just 63 units exported in April 2022.Exports of Raider (3,024 units) and Sport (2,754 units) dipped YoY by 66.92 percent and 54.12 percent respectively. Victor (1,440 units) and Wego (1,078 units) posted YoY growth while Radeon (80 units) and RR310 (10 units) saw exports fall on a YoY basis. More

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    Cadillac Escalade IQ Confirmed as the EV Version of the Deluxe SUV

    Cadillac’s biggest SUV—and biggest moneymaker—is getting the electric treatment, and the company has now confirmed what it will be called. The Escalade IQ will be the first EV version of the luxury brand’s grandest SUV.Along with confirming the name, which had been rumored since GM trademarked the name Escalade IQ and Escalade IQL back in 2021, Cadillac released a teaser image that shows a close-up of the electric model’s badge.CadillacOther than that, we’re still waiting on more details about it, including an official reveal date. The rendering at the top of this story at least provides an idea of what the Escalade EV might look like.Earlier this year, Cadillac Vice President Rory Harvey confirmed that three new electric models will debut in 2023, and it’s expected the Escalade IQ will be one of them. That also suggests it will be a 2024 model, since a Cadillac spokesperson previously confirmed to Car and Driver that all three new EVs would arrive for the same model year.Despite the current lack of information, there’s no doubt the 2024 Cadillac Escalade IQ will use GM’s Ultium battery technology. If it’s anything like the GMC Hummer EV SUV, the Caddy could have a roughly 177-kWh battery capacity and three electric motors making 830 horsepower or more. Of course, it will also almost surely weigh over four tons.Cadillac is expected to reveal the Escalade IQ sometime later this year. Stay tuned.More Cadillac EV ReadingThis 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 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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    2023 Honda CBR250RR patented – India launch planned?

    2023 Honda CBR250RR patentedHonda CBR250RR will take on the likes of Yamaha R3 and Kawasaki Ninja 300 once launched in IndiaHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India has announced plans to launch larger capacity motorcycles, especially in the above 150cc segment. Later this year, a new 350cc cruiser is planned for launch, based on the CB350 platform. Honda has also patented the CL250 / CL300 scrambler in India.Apart from that, they could also be launching the CBR250RR. Yes. The same has now been patented in India. Motorcyclists upgrading from a single-cylinder offering are increasing by the day and a multi-cylinder offering in the quarter-liter segment makes a lot of sense in India. Motorcycles coming close are Kawasaki Ninja 300 (displacement-wise) and Royal Enfield 650cc offerings (price-wise).2023 Honda CBR250RR Patented in IndiaIf you think CBR250RR has a lot of ‘R’ in its name, it is still one less R than Honda’s flagship CBR1000RR-R Fireblade. In Honda’s books, more R is probably more performance or something of that sort. Speaking of CBR1000RR-R Fireblade that’s where CBR250RR draws most of its design inspirations.There is a sharp fairing that screams a lot of aggression. LED DRLs accompany twin headlights that make CBR250RR’s face. These LED DRLs look like snarly eyebrows for its eye-like LED headlights. The handsome fairing covers almost all of the engine bay. An aerodynamic windscreen and fairing-mounted ORVMs. India is likely to get turn indicators separate from their LED DRLs as seen in the patent.2023 Honda CBR250RR patentedCBR250RR badging above and large Honda badging below lends a sporty flair. The gold Showa SFF-BP USD front forks grab a lot of attention. Clip-on handlebars offer a committed riding posture and a lot of front-end feel. Other notable elements include a steep subframe with split and stepped seats, a dual-barrel exhaust and a fully digital Blue-backlit instrument cluster.This is not a TFT panel, something which KTM RC 390 offers. It shows various basic functionalities and readouts of the motorcycle. Componentry includes rear mono-shock, single petal disc at both ends, dual-channel ABS, three riding modes (Comfort, Sport, Sport+), 110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear tyres wrapped to 17” alloys and 14.5L fuel tank. All this combined, Honda CBR250RR weighs 168 kg.Parallel-twin motor, unlike CB300RA 249cc, parallel twin, liquid-cooled engine powers Honda CBR250RR. Honda will offer two states of tune. Base Standard variant will generate 38.2 bhp of power and 23.3 Nm of torque, while the SP variant makes 42 bhp of power and 25 Nm of torque. A 6-speed transmission, a slip and assist clutch along with a quick shifter are notable elements.With Yamaha getting ready to launch R3 in India later this year, timing seems to be right for Honda to finally launch the CBR250RR. If launched, expect Honda CBR250RR to be priced around Rs 3.5 lakh. More

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    Ather, Tork electric 2Ws price hike incoming – Buy now to save up to Rs 40k

    Ather Electric ScooterCurrently, electric 2W vehicles sell around 65,000+ units a month – Price hikes could affect sales numbers negativelyRising fuel prices has been one of the primary drivers of 2W EV revolution India. That said, multiple other factors contributed in this regard as well. One of the biggest factors is the Indian Government’s FAME II subsidy.Established in 2019, this FAME II subsidy scheme has lessened the financial burden on EV buyers. But things did not go as planned and there are going to be consequences. Come June 1st, 2023, there will be revisions in this subsidy scheme which will affect the prices considerably. Let’s take a look.Electric Scooters To Cost More From June 1stCurrently, eligible EVs attract a subsidy of Rs. 15,000 per kWh, with a threshold of 40% of the ex-sh price on incentives. This benefitted prospective EV buyers greatly and attracted a lot of interest.With the recent revision in the FAME II subsidy scheme from June 1st, 2023, these incentives will be reduced. Subsidy price is reduced to Rs. 10,000 per kWh battery, instead of Rs. 15,000 before. And the threshold for incentives is reduced to 15% of ex-sh price, instead of 40% before the amendment.Ather electric scooter price hike incomingAther 450x, Tork Kratos to cost moreAther Energy has announced that customers who book an electric scooter now, will be eligible for the existing subsidy rates. This means that they will be able to save up to Rs 32,500. Ather has also said that this offer is valid only for limited period and limited stockTork too has made a similar announcement. Buyers of Tork Kratos electric motorcycle before 1st June 2023 will be eligible for saving up to Rs 40,000. Interested buyers need to reserve Kratos and Kratos R for Rs. 2,999 before May 31st, 2023. Below is the announcement made by Tork;“Act quickly to secure the electrifying ride with Kratos R before the upcoming price hike of ?40,000/-. Ensure you don’t miss out on this amazing chance to own the Tork Kratos R with the lowest down payment of ?18,000/-. Hurry up! as this offer is only valid for a limited number of bikes and until May 30th, 2023. For further information, please contact us at ? 1800 3130 231. Seize the moment and reserve your spot for the thrilling Kratos R @ Just ?2,999/-.”Other electric scooter and electric motorcycle makers are also expected to make similar announcements. Will the new amendment in the FAME II subsidy scheme result in reduced sales of electric two wheelers? Or will prospective buyers continue to shift to EV realm regardless of price hike? Only time will tell. More