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    Harley Davidson X440 Roadster – Bookings open at Rs 25,000

    New Harley Davidson X440Harley-Davidson X440 roadster will create its own customer base, instead of engaging in a head-on clash with Royal EnfieldSoon after announcing its India exit in 2020, Harley-Davidson had managed to salvage its operations by partnering with Hero MotoCorp. The deal encompasses sales and service being managed by Hero MotoCorp. New product launches are also part of the agreement.The first product to be launched as part of the Harley-Hero deal will be Harley-Davidson X440 roadster. While the design and development are likely to have been done by Harley, production, distribution, sales and after-sales will be taken care of by Hero MotoCorp. Bookings at dealerships are now open. You can book Harley Davidson X440 by paying an advance of Rs 25,000.Harley-Davidson X440 styling and featuresRetro styling is evident with the circular headlamp, turn indicators and rear-view mirrors. The headlamp has LEDs and there’s a LED DRL as well, placed across the centre. Turn indicators have the Harley logo in the centre. Instrument pod is a circular unit and expected to be equipped with a digital screen. Other highlights include a conical, tapering fuel tank with Harley and X440 badging, minimal body panelling, copper coloured exhaust pipe and side-mounted grab rails.Harley-Davidson X440 is expected to be offered in a wide range of colour options. To ensure a sense of power and dominance, a number of parts have been blacked out. It includes the headlamp cowl, engine assembly, engine guard, rear shock absorbers and exhaust muffler. Alloy wheels have a dual-tone finish of black and brushed metal. Overall, Harley Davidson X440 has a modest profile. It does not attempt to be overly flamboyant.New Harley Davidson X440Talking about ergonomics, Harley X440 has a comfortable riding stance. The bike has a flat handlebar and centrally mounted foot pegs. The handlebar appears slightly low-set, which could translate into a sporty riding stance. The seat looks comfy, especially the rider’s section that has a scooped profile. Pillion section is a bit narrow, although it may suffice for city needs.Harley-Davidson X440 performance, specsWhile engine details have not been revealed, Harley-Davidson X440 power and torque are expected to be more than that of 350cc bikes from Royal Enfield. For reference, the Classic 350 makes 20 hp and 27 Nm. On the Harley X440, the single-cylinder, oil-cooled unit could deliver around 40 Nm of peak torque. This should be quite useful across city streets.Unlike other Harley bikes, X440 has chain final drive. It is the second among modern-day Harley bikes to get chain drive. The first was Pan Am. Harley X440 has a tubular frame with a single-downtube design. It has USD forks at front and pre-load adjustable twin shock absorbers at rear.New Harley Davidson X44018-inch wheel at front and a 17-inch unit at rear ensures a majestic stance for the bike. The wheels have MRF tyres with a retro tread pattern. Appears similar to the treads seen with Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tyres. Harley Davidson X440 could be launched in early July. It could be priced in the range of Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. In comparison, Royal Enfield Classic 350 is available in the price range of Rs 1.9 lakh to Rs 2.2 lakh. More

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    Porsche Reveals Its Newest Redesign of Iconic Logo

    Porsche has revealed a redesign for its iconic crest.Changes to the logo include a smoother finish for the bronze areas and a new honeycomb pattern for the red sections. The updated logo will begin showing up on vehicles at the end of 2023.You may need to pull out your reading glasses to spot the differences, but Porsche just revealed the latest version of its iconic crest badge. The historic badge remains immediately recognizable, and hasn’t changed in any shape-altering ways, but there are a few revisions that jump out.PorscheThe bronze knurling of the crest has been smoothed completely. The smooth backing helps to show off the word “PORSCHE” emblazoned across the top, and “STUTTGART” (now written in black) in the center of the crest. The knurling behind the red striping is also gone, though it wasn’t smoothed in the same way as the bronze knurling. Instead, Porsche decided to include a honeycomb pattern, reminiscent of a carbon-fiber weave. A Brief HistoryThe redesign comes as the brand celebrates reaching the 75 year mark of Porsche sports cars. The company has used some version of the crest on its vehicles since it was first introduced in 1952. The trademarked logo has been updated five times since then, with the most recent changes coming in 2008. Logo ManiaLike most automaker logos, the Porsche crest celebrates a lot of the brand’s early history, and the area that it’s from. Both the bucking horse and the shape on which it is stamped come directly from the seal of the city of Stuttgart. In a similar vein, the black and red colors, as well as the antlers pressed to opposing corners, come from the German state Württemberg-Hohenzollern (now Baden-Württemberg) and celebrate the home of the famed German automaker. The changes are subtle, but Porsche fans will surely make note of the new badge, and the first cars it appears on. According to Porsche, the updated logo will begin appearing on vehicles at the end of 2023. 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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    2023 Fisker Ocean Rated for up to 360 Miles of EV Driving

    Fisker’s first production vehicle, the Ocean SUV, is finally setting sail in the U.S. market with deliveries finally happening this month.Reservation holders who selected the top-spec Extreme model with 20-inch wheels will be pleased with a 360-mile EPA range estimate.That long-range driving estimate tops the Ocean’s rivals in the electric-SUV category, setting Fisker up for a win as long as there are no additional production roadblocks.Skeptics be damned, the Fisker Ocean electric SUV is finally set to make its splash in America. The handsomely designed compact crossover will also boast a generous 360-mile driving range, according to the EPA. That number bests that of rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Nissan Ariya, and even the Tesla Model Y.The top-spec Extreme trim level with 20-inch wheels is the one with that big range number, due to its big 113.0-kWh battery pack, while lower-end models or Extreme trims with larger wheel diameters will, presumably, offer fewer miles per charge.We’re looking forward to getting an Ocean Extreme into our office for testing. When we do, we’ll take the SUV on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route to see how its range estimate stands up to real-world driving. In our experience, EVs generally do not deliver their EPA estimated ranges in normal driving, but a 360-mile starting point should still put the Ocean at an advantage over competitors.The Latest on Fisker’s Ambitious EV PlansAlthough the Ocean started production in November 2022, the company has not yet been able to fulfill any of its U.S. orders due to a lengthy CARB certification process. Now that’s finally complete, and deliveries are set to begin this month.The Ocean is being assembled in Austria by supplier Magna Steyr alongside high-end models such as the Mercedes-Benz G-class and the Jaguar I-Pace. European deliveries began in May 2023, with the first Ocean going to a buyer in Denmark.Fisker has plans to build cars in the U.S. as well, starting with its Pear small SUV and perhaps eventually the Ronin flagship four-door convertible. The Pear, it’s said, will be manufactured in Lordstown, Ohio by supplier Foxconn.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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    VW Golf R 333 Edition Is Bright Yellow and Absurdly Expensive

    Volkswagen has revealed a new special-edition version of the Golf R hot hatch for Germany.It features a special color and lots of standard equipment, and only 333 units will be produced.Priced at €76,410, or nearly $82,000, the 333 costs nearly twice as much as a standard Golf R in the U.S.How high can the humble Volkswagen Golf reach? VW is testing the limits with a new version of the Golf R hot hatchback only for Germany. Called the Golf R 333 Limited Edition, this exclusive model features a price that will stop you in your tracks: €76,410, or nearly $82,000 at today’s exchange rates. Yes, for a VW Golf.What do you get for that massive sum? Exclusivity, for one, as VW is only building 333 of these special models. And street presence, as the 333 is finished in an eye-catching exterior hue called Lime Yellow metallic. It also has black 19-inch wheels, a black roof, and 333 decals along the sides. Inside, there’s a serialized number badge denoting which number each car is in the series.VolkswagenPerformance-wise, the Golf R 333 has a slightly more powerful version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 329 hp; that’s 14 hp more than we get in the U.S. car. A titanium Akrapovic exhaust is standard, as are grippy semi-slick tires. VW claims that it raised the top speed to 168 mph.VolkswagenAdmittedly, the Golf R we get in America is a steal compared to the overseas version. Our car has a base price of just $45,835 compared with the German version that starts at the equivalent of $58,905. But no matter how you look at it, the 333’s price is surprising. Diehard Golf fanatics in Germany can order this special Golf R starting tomorrow, June 2, and deliveries will start in October. We’re still scratching our heads trying to figure out who will be willing to pay this much for this vehicle, but we suppose that VW only has to find 333 of them.More on the Golf RThis 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 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

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    New Ather 450S Launch Price Rs 1.3 Lakh – May 2023 Sales 15,256

    Ather Electric ScooterNew base model in the company’s lineup is Ather 450S with a smaller 3 kWh battery and directly rivals Ola S1 AirWith revised FAME II subsidies in effect starting from today, electric scooter prices are hiked significantly. In Ather’s case, 450X now costs Rs. 1.45 lakh and 450X Pro Pack now costs Rs. 1.65 lakh (ex-sh, Karnataka). Ather has come up with a new base variant that will cost Rs. 1.3 lakh (exclusive of state subsidy). This is the much-awaited Ather 450S.Company announced this for the first time on its website, divulging key details. Prospective customers can register their interest on the official website and bookings will begin from July. Ather didn’t reveal delivery dates as of yet. Let’s take a look.Ather 450S new base model launchedAther 450S Launched For Rs. 1.3 LakhFor starters, Ather 450S will cost exactly what 450X Pro Pack used to cost prior to FAME II Revision. This shows how devastating updated FAME II subsidies are for EV sales and cost. Ather 450S will sit below the previous base 450X and will feature a smaller battery and lesser range along with fewer features. How small of a battery and how small the range?Battery will be 3 kWh in size, which is good enough for an IDC (Indian Driving Conditions) range of 115 km per charge. In comparison, both 450X and 450X Pro Pack get a larger 3.7 kWh battery. Ather is not cutting any corners where performance is concerned. The new base model 450S gets the same 90 km/h top speed as 450X and 450X Pro Pack.Ather 450X prices May 2023Tarun Mehta, Co-Founder and CEO, Ather Energy, said, “The 450 platform has been immensely successful for us, and we wanted to make it available to a wider set of buyers. The 450S will be our new entry-level variant for those looking to enter the electric segment but are seeking the quality and assurance that Ather scooters provide. Within the category, the 450S will break new grounds and will offer first-of-its-kind tech features in the performance scooter segment, raising the bar in terms of riding pleasure and safety while still delivering on performance”Why the hike in price?Indian Government recently revised its FAME II subsidy scheme which cuts down on subsidy money to EV buyers. Earlier, EV buyers could enjoy a subsidy of Rs. 15,000 per kWh along with a maximum cap of 40% of ex-sh price for incentives. Now, that scheme is revised to Rs. 10,000 per kWh and the cap on incentives is brought down to 15% of ex-sh price.This raises costs associated with EVs and starting from today, June 1st, 2023, all EVs get costlier. This is the reason why Ather 450X now costs Rs. 1.45 lakh and 450X Pro Pack costs Rs. 1.65 lakh (ex-sh, Karnataka). Ather 450S launched recently, mainly rivals Ola S1 Air.Ather Sales May 2023Ather electric scooter sales stood at 15,256 units in May 2023. This was a 357% YoY growth as compared to May 2022, when they had sold 3,787 units. Sales had also registered growth MoM basis, as April 2023 saw Ather registering sales of 8,182 units. More

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    Bajaj Auto Sales and Exports May 2023 – Pulsar, Platina, Dominar, Chetak

    New Bajaj Chetak 2023Bajaj Auto reported significant increase in overall sales in May 2023 with domestic sales of both 2 wheeler and commercial vehicles seeing over 100 percent increaseBajaj Auto has posted a 29 percent YoY growth in total sales which comprised domestic sales as well as exports of two-wheelers and commercial vehicles in May 2023. The company has also reported a 17 percent YTD growth despite the fact that exports of 2 wheelers and commercial vehicles have dipped during the April-May 2023 period.Bajaj Auto YoY Sales May 2023Bajaj Auto sales in May 2023 saw two wheeler sales rise significantly in domestic markets by as much as 103 percent. Sales stood at 1,94,811 units in the past month, up from 96,102 units sold in May 2022. Exports of two wheelers however dipped by 26 percent YoY to 1,12,885 units, down from 1,53,397 units sold in May 2022.This took total sales of two wheelers to 3,07,696 units in the past month, up 23 percent YoY from 2,49,499 units sold in May 2022. It was the Bajaj Pulsar that was at No.3 on the list of top 10 best-selling bikes in April 2023 while the Boxer topped export lists.Commercial vehicle sales grew YoY both in domestic and global markets by 80 percent to 47,452 units in May 2023 from 26,369 units sold in May 2022. Domestic CV sales improved by 107 percent to 35,590 units in the past month from 16,206 units sold in May 2022 while exports were higher by 36 percent to 13,862 units from 10,163 units sold in May 2022.Bajaj Auto Sales May 2023Total sales (domestic + exports) of 2 wheelers and commercial vehicles thus went up 29 percent YoY to 3,55,148 units in May 2023 from 2,75,868 units sold in May 2022 thus relating to a 79,280 unit volume growth.Bajaj Auto YTD Sales April-May 2023Taking into account sales during the months of April-May 2023, Bajaj Auto has seen total sales up 17 percent. Sales which had stood at 5,86,642 units during the April-May 2022 period grew to 6,86,426 units in the same period of 2023.In the two wheeler segment, domestic sales improved by 99 percent YTD to 3,76,639 units in April-May 2023 from 1,89,335 units sold in the April-May 2022 period. Exports on the other hand dipped by 36 percent to 2,19,042 units from 3,41,875 units thus taking total two wheeler YTD sales up 12 percent to 5,95,681 units in April-May 2023 from 5,31,210 units sold during the April-May 2022 period.Bajaj Auto Sales YTD May 2023Commercial vehicles have recorded a 158 percent YTD growth in domestic markets to 64,934 units, while exports fell 15 percent to 25,811 units. Total CV sales thus grew by 64 percent to 90,745 units in April-May 2023 from 55,432 units sold in April-May 2022 period.Total domestic sales of two-wheelers and CVs in April-May 2023 thus stood at 4,41,573 units in April-May 2023, up 106 percent from 2,14,485 units sold in April-May 2022. Exports dipped 34 percent to 2,44,853 units in the April-May 2023 from 3,72,157 units shipped in the same period of 2022, thus taking total sales to 6,86,426 units up 17 percent from 5,86,642 units sold in April-May 2022 period. More

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    Himalayan 450 Speedo Spied – Clean View, Simple Design

    Himalayan 450 Speedo SpiedHimalayan 450’s speedo ensures a clutter-free cockpit in comparison to the multi-dial setup seen with current Himalayan 411Royal Enfield has been testing the new Himalayan 450 since several months. Test mules have been spotted multiple times across India and overseas locations as well. Latest spy shots reveal a clear view of Himalayan 450’s speedometer. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Nitesh from Chennai, for sharing these exclusive spy shots.Himalayan 450 is expected to be launched later this year in September. It is likely to debut at 2023 EICMA. The bike could be offered in the price range of Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. Himalayan 450 will go up against rivals like KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G310GS and Yezdi Adventure.Himalayan 450 Speedo detailsWith Himalayan 450, all the instrumentation has been packed into a single, circular shaped console. It is quite big, possibly slightly larger than the round rear-view mirrors of the bike. Anywhere between 4 to 6 inches of diameter is a fair guess. The RPM gauge is placed towards the outer circumference of the console whereas the gear position indicator and speedometer are displayed centrally. Other information such as fuel indicator, trip meter, etc. are likely to be displayed on the digital screen.Himalayan 450’s speedometer console is placed at around 60° – 70° angle, which provides a clear view to the rider. It is also placed higher with the help of mounting brackets. A quick glance should be enough and riders won’t need to take their eyes off the road completely.Himalayan 450 Speedo SpiedRoyal Enfield has done a good job to choose a simple and practical design for Himalayan 450’s speedometer. It is much better than the instrumentation seen with existing Himalayan 411.Current Himalayan has four separate dials. There are two analogue dials, with one for fuel gauge. The main console is a semi-digital unit with analogue speedometer and digital trip meter and clock. There’s a fourth digital dial for gear indicator. This setup has its own benefits and visual appeal, but a single console seems more practical. Himalayan 450 speedometer is likely to have Bluetooth based connectivity features.Himalayan 450 performance, specsRoyal Enfield Himalayan 450 will be getting a new liquid cooled engine, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. It is expected to deliver around 30 bhp of max power and 40 Nm of peak torque. A decent gain over the current Himalayan 411 that churns out 24.31 PS and 32 Nm.Himalayan 450 Speedo SpiedQuite a few users have reported performance issues with current Himalayan, which can be overcome with the new Himalayan 450. With higher power and torque, Himalayan 450 will be in a better position to take on the likes of KTM 390 Adventure.Other key highlights of new Himalayan 450 include LED lighting, tall windscreen, stubby exhaust, USD front forks and rear monoshock suspension. The bike is expected to have a long wheelbase, which will improve cross-wind protection and straight-line stability. Himalayan 450 could get a smaller sized front wheel to make it more appropriate for shorter riders. Current Himalayan has a 21-inch front wheel as standard. More

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    Fernando Alonso’s Ferrari Enzo Expected to Sell for $5+ Million

    Formula 1 legend Fernando Alonso is planning to sell his Ferrari Enzo at an auction in Monaco in June, with an estimated sale price of over $5 million. Monaco Car Auctions announced Monday plans to sell Enzo “Scocca n.1” (which translates to shell #1) at its L’AstraRossa event happening on June 8, complete with a Ferrari Classiche Red Book to certify its authenticity. The car has only been driven 4800 kilometers (around 3000 miles) since new.Alonso raced for Ferrari from 2010 to 2014, long after the Enzo ended production. It’s unclear when he acquired the car, or why he’s selling it now. Perhaps he doesn’t want to be seen behind the wheel of a competitor automaker, as he’s currently in contention for the F1 championship driving for Aston Martin. Ferrari made just 400 Enzos. An average example now changes hands for over $1 million. This car, being such a low-numbered production version with serious ownership provenance, will likely change hands for much more. Monaco Car Auctions estimates it’ll sell for over 5 million euros (about $5.4 million) during its June 8 event.Road & Track staff writer with a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing. More