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    In Washington, D.C.’s Secret Carpool Cabal, It’s a Daily Slug Fest

    From the June 2023 issue of Car and Driver.Every city has its secrets. Washington, D.C., may have more than most, but I wasn’t there to dig up bodies, corporeal or political. My interest in visiting our nation’s capital was to find out more about a covert society, an organization of carpoolers who use codes and word of mouth to work around D.C.’s notorious traffic jams and exorbitant tolls. Under cherry blossoms light as dreams and in the long shadow of the Washington Monument, I set out in search of slugs. The origins of slugging are murky, buried somewhere in the smoggy ’70s, when the Shirley Highway (I-395) from Virginia to D.C. became the first U.S. freeway to implement a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane. Those early carpool lanes were strict, initially requiring four occupants (now three), so commuting drivers would fill their seats by swinging by the bus stop and sniping riders. Eventually, the bus lines had more hopeful carpoolers than mass-transit riders, and the bus drivers began referring to the faux passengers as false coins, also known as slugs. Undeterred by the slander, the slugs claimed the nickname and the practice grew in popularity, developing set locations and traditions. When the Virginia Department of Transportation partnered with the private toll-road operator Transurban in the early 2000s, multiperson vehicles were exempted from the expensive fees to encourage carpooling, thus keeping the fast lanes flowing free. Slugging is symbiotic—no money changes hands, but all parties benefit.Roy Ritchie|Car and DriverHad I set out to learn the secrets of the slugs a few years ago, it wouldn’t have been much of a challenge. According to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ 2019 State of the Commute report, 20 percent of all carpools were slugs. There were numerous pickup and drop-off spots and an active website detailing any route changes due to construction or traffic closures. Then the pandemic hit, and the slug lines were salted. In the 2022 report, only 4 percent of carpools were slugs, and my initial online research came up against abandoned forums, bounced-back emails, and 404 web links. The slugging community seemed to disappear overnight, the Roanoke Colony of the 21st century. Nothing is as irresistible as a mystery, especially one with car culture at its center, and at Car and Driver, we couldn’t stop thinking about slugging. You just get in a stranger’s car? There’s no money? How? Why? I hopped a flight to D.C., picked up a pearl-white Toyota Crown with a back seat big enough for clandestine carpoolers, and set off in search of answers.Legend has it that the tip of the Washington Monument’s shadow at rush hour points directly to a slug line.Roy Ritchie|Car and DriverFirst stop, the Pentagon. With roughly 27,000 employees, large parking lots, and a Metrobus lane, the Pentagon was one of the early slugging destinations and one of the few active slug-line Facebook groups I was permitted to join. There are many slug-line Facebook groups, but many are, ahem, sluggish in posting or fiercely protective of their community. Most of my join requests and all my messages to admins went unanswered. The Pentagon seemed to still be slugging, with regular posts cryptically requesting riders for “234” or offering directions to “the Pork Chop.” I decided to check it out in hopes of decoding these secret messages.For Drivers, D.C. Is No Los Angeles What stood out to me as an Angeleno driving in D.C. was, first, the speed limits are low, and people mostly abide by them. Second, it’s a good thing they do because the roads are as tangled as a filibuster, with street names divided into quadrants, roundabouts that exit onto bridges, and constant construction. Even Google gave up, the map on the Crown’s center screen flickering in endless recalculation. It didn’t help that none of my slug-line pickup locations were hard addresses, just intersections pulled from screen-shots on the defunct Slug-Lines.com website. At this point, as I was parked next to a sign warning that my vehicle and person were subject to search, a police car pulled up next to me.Roy Ritchie|Car and DriverRoy Ritchie|Car and DriverI explained to Officer Bush (it didn’t seem prudent to ask if he’s related to the former presidents) that I was not doing anything nefarious but was simply stupid, lost, and looking for the slug-line pickup. He pointed me to a parking lot one half-roundabout over. He hadn’t used slugs, he told me, but he knew people who had. “You can’t speak to anyone,” he said. “The riders just give the driver a token, and that’s how they know where to go.” This last bit proved a red herring, but the first part is true. I left the Pentagon with one piece of the puzzle. The slugs did exist.My next lead came from one of the Facebook pages, a link to a WhatsApp group focused on trips between Horner and L’Enfant. I didn’t know what a Horner or a L’Enfant was, but I crossed my fingers and threw a message into the fray. “Hi, you can delete this, but I’m trying to learn more about slugging. Would anyone care to talk for a magazine story?” A few minutes later, my message was gone, “deleted by admin,” but not before I’d had a response, “You can call me tonight. —Jasmine,” and a phone number. Does this look like a trustworthy carpooler?Roy Ritchie|Car and DriverGet in LineThat afternoon, photographer Roy Ritchie and I went back to the Pentagon. Just before 4:00 p.m., office workers and military personnel started lining up along the curb of the parking lot Officer Bush had pointed out. A silver Lincoln Navigator pulled up, two waiting riders climbed in, and it pulled away. A blond woman walked toward a gray Tesla. She held up her fingers in quick succession, two-three-four. The driver nodded, and she got in the back seat. An older gentleman in a dark jacket joined her, and with its express-lane-friendly trio, the Tesla left. My initial attempts to converse with waiting slugs met with failure. The riders were sweaty and tired after walking from their offices, earbuds in, eager to leave. Drivers kept their windows up, avoiding eye contact as Ritchie and I skulked on the periphery. We felt like creeps. I had better luck when I changed my approach from journalist to rookie slug. “I want to do this tomorrow,” I told a woman in a lavender pantsuit. “Will people be upset if I’m new?””They only care about getting where they need to go,” she answered. She’d started slugging earlier this year, when a bus strike disrupted her regular commute. The man next to her was trying it for the first time on the advice of a friend. A hybrid Camry came to the curb, and they nodded to me and took off. By 4:30, the parking lot was sparse, but I felt confident we had enough info to try a slug ride the next morning. But first, I’d hear what Jasmine Smith had to say.The slug lines at the Pentagon have official signs. Most other locations are harder to find.Roy Ritchie|Car and DriverI don’t blame the Pentagon slugs for their reluctance to talk, but I sure appreciated Smith’s willingness. “Oh, I always like telling people about it because it’s such a strange concept,” she told me that evening. “Maybe somebody will get inspired, get it organized, and make an app.” Smith proved an excellent source, having slugged as both a rider and a driver soon after moving to the D.C. area in 2016. She acknowledged the scene’s weirdness, admitting that, at first, she couldn’t imagine anything that would convince her to get into a stranger’s car. “I rode the bus, which picked up at the same place as a slug line. Cars would drive up, people would get in, they’d drive off, and I thought, ‘Now these people are getting to work for free, and here I am standing in this bus line paying.'” Eventually, her curiosity won, and she gave it a try. “I got into the city, and I never stopped.” Slugging not only saves money but is better than standard carpooling because you’re never left high and dry due to someone else’s poor time management. These days Smith drives, but she still uses slug lines. Without them, if she takes the faster-moving toll lanes, her commute costs nearly $60 a day, just in fees. Drivers farther out in Virginia might pay $40 or more each way without two passengers. Slugging makes a lot of sense. “Did anyone tell you the rules?” Smith asked before we ended the call. “No talking. No phone calls. No loud music.”Life in the Slug LineThe next morning, rules in mind, we left D.C. while it was still dark. Our destination was the Route 234 park-and-ride lot, 30 miles outside of town. Not only did it satisfy my curiosity about the coded Facebook messages, but it also proved to be one of the busier afternoon Pentagon destinations, so I was hopeful we might score a morning pickup there.Fun fact, the U.S. Senate has kept a secret candy desk in the Capitol since the late ’60s.Roy Ritchie|Car and DriverEven at 6:00 a.m., the traffic coming into the city was daunting. Running down the center of I-95, the cars in the express lanes whizzed by, taunting those crawling on either side. It takes only one experience stuck in the D.C. jam to understand how an hour alone with your road rage can make a half-hour with a few polite strangers seem much more appealing. We pulled in near the bus stop, and there they were, in crisp work clothes, with papers under their arms, the waiting slugs. I opened the window and drove up. “Pentagon,” I said, trying to act mature and trustworthy, managing at best a nervous whisper-squeak. As two riders stepped forward, I added in a rush, “I’m writing a story about this just so you know, in case you don’t want to be part of it.” They shrugged and got in the back of the Crown. Just like that. No talk. The whole process took less than a minute.The first few miles of the drive were eerily quiet, just the low hum of the Toyota’s powertrain, the slightest of shimmies as it tried to decide between gas and electric operation while we crept forward in stop-and-go, and the click of Ritchie’s camera. Once we got in the express lane, I broke the law. “We’re writing about the D.C. commute and slugging,” I said, waving at the camera in explanation. With permission granted, Ameeq Khan and Delane Aguilar became chatty, bemoaning the high cost of toll lanes and bus fares, peppering me with questions about the Crown, and celebrating the slow return of slugging post-COVID. Khan works at Georgetown University and has been slugging since 2006, often taking a ride to the Pentagon, then grabbing a bus for the last leg to his office. Aguilar works at the Pentagon and, like several others I met, started riding during the bus strike but plans to keep it up, as it’s both less expensive and 10 minutes quicker on average.Slugging works in D.C. because of its unique mix of a small city center, clogged highway arteries, and expensive toll roads. The HOV 3+ lanes can save commuters hundreds of dollars and hours of sitting in traffic each week.Roy Ritchie|Car and Driver”What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you as a slug?” I asked Khan. He laughed and recounted a ride with a woman whose car was full of food. “Like groceries?” I asked. “No, like unopened emergency food. Half the back seat was cans of beans. I asked what she was preparing for, and she said, ‘I’ve been there once, and it won’t happen again.'” Ritchie chimed in, “Been where, hungry in traffic?” Khan shrugged. Some mysteries remain.Toyota Crown: The King of Slugs?Roy Ritchie|Car and DriverThe Toyota Crown had been on hiatus in the States since the 1970s, but in Japan, it did the job Ford’s Panther platform did here, serving as taxi, police car, and choice transportation for government officials. The new version coming to the U.S. is well suited to ferrying multiple adults, with its tall body and an available Platinum trim featuring leather upholstery and a glass roof. It’s a quirky and intriguing car, well aligned thematically with the quirks and intrigue of slugging. Our top-trim slugger, with a 264-hp turbo four and electric motors combining to produce 340 horsepower, starts at $53,445. The entry-level Crown, which has a 236-hp hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter inline-four, kicks off at $41,045.More about the CrownSenior Editor, FeaturesLike a sleeper agent activated late in the game, Elana Scherr didn’t know her calling at a young age. Like many girls, she planned to be a vet-astronaut-artist, and came closest to that last one by attending UCLA art school. She painted images of cars, but did not own one. Elana reluctantly got a driver’s license at age 21 and discovered that she not only loved cars and wanted to drive them, but that other people loved cars and wanted to read about them, which meant somebody had to write about them. Since receiving activation codes, Elana has written for numerous car magazines and websites, covering classics, car culture, technology, motorsports, and new-car reviews.     More

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    Leasing an EV Is a Workaround That Could Get You That Tax Credit

    As of April 18, the entire structure of federal tax credits for purchase of an electric vehicle changed conclusively. The number of EVs that qualified for a credit from $2500 to $7500 fell from dozens of models to just 18 separate vehicles (as of this week).But there’s a large loophole: If you lease an EV, the new provisions that slashed the list of eligible vehicles don’t apply. Most Americans have never leased a car, but the prospect of $3750 or $7500 off the price of a desired EV may convince lease-resistant shoppers to run the numbers and see how much the difference amounts to.From Dozens to Just 18The incentive structure changed after the Inflation Reduction Act was signed by President Joe Biden last August. Sen. Joe Manchin, who provided the critical vote to get the act passed, pushed hard to limit federal tax incentives only to EVs that would support the U.S. economy, and kick-start a domestic battery minerals and cell fabrication industry. The goal was to ensure U.S. EV makers weren’t dependent on, and vulnerable to, China—by far the most prolific global source of minerals for all types of battery cells.In practice, the IRA provisions Manchin crafted meant the EV had to be built in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico to qualify. Even tougher, its battery cells also had to use minerals sourced from a specific list of “friendly” countries that notably did not include China. Finally, those cells and battery packs had to be made in the U.S.The result is that only a minority of EVs on the market qualify for any federal purchase credit at all. Many EVs that received federal credits last year don’t this year—though separate state, local, and corporate incentives may continue to apply.The EPA’s Fueleconomy.gov website lists eligible vehicles (click the button for vehicles placed into service on or after April 18 to see the list). As of June 5, variants of 18 different EVs were eligible—a minority of the several dozen different battery-electric and plug-in-hybrid models for sale this year. Note eligible vehicles must carry a MSRP under $55,000 for passenger cars or $80,000 for light-duty trucks, which includes most crossovers and SUVs as well as pickup trucks.Is a Leased Kia EV a “Commercial Vehicle”?In December, the U.S. Treasury Department issued its guidance on interpreting the new rules specified in the Inflation Reduction Act. Under law, Congress exempted “commercial” vehicles, a definition most often applied to medium- and heavy-duty trucks, from the domestic-content rules. But, Treasury said, since a dealer who buys a vehicle and leases it to a driver, it is a commercial transaction, since the driver or end user does not take title to the vehicle. Instead, either the dealer or a finance company holding the lease retains ownership, and receives the tax credit. The department accordingly defined leased EVs—but not purchased EVs—as “commercial” vehicles.Because the North American battery-content and manufacturing rules specifically do not apply to commercial vehicles, any leased EV can qualify for the credit—most notably including those built overseas. Despite considerable unhappiness from Sen. Manchin, a Treasury spokeswoman told the Associated Press in a statement, “There was no room for Treasury interpretation.””Eligibility for the commercial vehicle credit is a straightforward reading of the Inflation Reduction Act as written by Congress and application of longstanding tax law regarding leased assets,” she said.Dealers are still working to understand which qualifying EVs they can sell outright while assuring the buyer that car qualifies for a tax credit—and how best to explain and close leases on other EV models with buyers who historically haven’t wanted to lease, or even considered it. Are You Curious about Leasing?Still, automakers and dealers alike expect EV leasing to soar, possibly reaching half or more of all EV sales. Data from Edmunds shows leases reached 34 percent of total EV sales in March, up from just 18 percent in March 2023. The CEO of Ford Motor Credit told Bloomberg the carmaker’s lending arm expects six out of 10 U.S. EV drivers to lease in the short term. That’s three times the rate for vehicles with gasoline or diesel engines.Three pieces of advice to lease-curious EV shoppers: First, note that carmakers, dealerships, and financial institutions that hold leases aren’t required to pass along the tax credit, or its full value, to the final lessee—and some don’t. Leaseholders are perfectly entitled to hold back part or all of that value, so check the numbers to ensure you’re getting the full value of that $7500 or $3750 credit. SubaruMany lessors will use the credit to cut the lease payment, making EVs more affordable. One example: Subaru and its Japanese-built Solterra electric SUV. A mailer from the company this week said, “New 2023 Subaru Solterra models leased through Subaru Motors Finance are eligible for a $7,500 incentive that will be used to lower the lease payment.”Second, note that if the credit is applied to a lease, it reduces monthly payments immediately—whereas if you buy the same EV, you may have to wait a year or more to apply that credit to your taxes. However, starting next year, buyers will have the option of transferring the purchase credit to the dealer to cut the amount paid—though this provision is awaiting its own Treasury guidance.As always, there are numerous qualifications, exclusions, and provisions within the EV tax credit that are too complex to cover here. If you take away one thing, it should be this: You can take advantage of a tax credit on pretty much any mass-priced electric vehicle if you lease. Third and finally, the list of EVs eligible for the full purchase credit will grow steadily. Numerous carmakers have shuffled their global production mix to build new EVs, and the cells that power them, in North America. As more cars are “onshored,” as minerals mining and processing grows outside China, and as more cell plants enter production, more and more vehicles will join the list.Meanwhile, if the specific EV you want isn’t on that EPA list, your dealer should be happy to talk to you about a lease. Contributing EditorJohn Voelcker edited Green Car Reports for nine years, publishing more than 12,000 articles on hybrids, electric cars, and other low- and zero-emission vehicles and the energy ecosystem around them. He now covers advanced auto technologies and energy policy as a reporter and analyst. His work has appeared in print, online, and radio outlets that include Wired, Popular Science, Tech Review, IEEE Spectrum, and NPR’s “All Things Considered.” He splits his time between the Catskill Mountains and New York City and still has hopes of one day becoming an international man of mystery. More

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    KTM 200 Duke LED headlight variant arrives at dealer – Walkaround

    KTM 200 Duke with LED headlightThe new KTM 200 Duke LED headlight will sell alongside halogen headlight modelBack in 2012, 200 Duke was how KTM began its operations in India. Fast forwarding to 2023, 200 Duke is one of the best selling KTM. Now in a new gen avatar, it gets the same design and body as its elder 250 Duke and 390 Duke, but lacks a few features. KTM is bringing the 200 Duke one step closer to its elder siblings by giving it LED headlights.This is the same unit as the one found on 250 Duke and 390 Duke. KTM is keeping the halogen headlight version on sale as well, making LED headlights an option. Halogen headlight unit continues to be on offer with a version of 200 Duke and 125 Duke.KTM 200 Duke LED Headlights variant launchedUntil now, LED headlights were only part of 390 Duke and 250 Duke. If you take the 250 Duke, which was launched in 2017, it featured halogen headlights until the BS6 model was launched in 2020. One might say, KTM is adding LED headlight tech lower in the hierarchy, step by step. Will this LED headlight make its way on 125 Duke as well?That said, not all of 390 Duke’s tech goes down the hierarchy. For example, a TFT screen is still exclusive with 390 Duke, while 250 Duke, 200 Duke and 125 Duke still make do with LCD infotainment screens. Take a look at the walkaround video of KTM Duke 200 led headlight variant below, credited to Knots Rider.[embedded content]Sticking with headlights, this LED headlight unit is far brighter and delivers better spread and intensity than halogen ones. KTM 200 Duke LED headlight edition will cost Rs. 1.97 lakh (ex-sh) as opposed to almost Rs. 1.93 lakh (ex-sh) for the 200 Duke with halogen headlights. This makes the LED headlight equipped variant around Rs. 4,000 more expensive (ex-sh) than halogen headlight variant.Speaking of variants, KTM will be selling both LED and halogen headlight variants alongside each other. So, buyers aren’t forced to opt for a costlier option. KTM has not bundled any other feature additions to this Rs. 4,000 increment.The same motorcycle as before mechanicallyMechanically, there won’t be any changes. So, the same 199.5cc single cylinder engine with 24.67 bhp of power and 19.3 Nm of torque will continue duties. Other notable elements are 6-speed gearbox, liquid cooling setup, WP Apex 43 mm USD front forks from, WP Apex rear mono-shock, 4-pot front caliper, dual channel ABS, 17” alloy wheels with 110-section front and 150-section rear tyre and more. More

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    Mahindra CEO shares BE.05 Electric SUV interiors first look – Looks slick

    Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV coupeScheduled for launch in October 2025, Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV will rival the likes of Tata Curvv EV, Creta EV and Honda Elevate ElectricLast year in August, Mahindra had unveiled its upcoming born-electric range. There were two sub-brands, XUV (XUV.e8, XUV.e9) and BE (BE.05, BE.07 and BE.09). Among the two sub-brands, it’s the BE range SUVs that have a truly radical design. At the time of their unveiling, Mahindra had provided a clear roadmap about the launch of these new BEVs. With BE.05 test mule spotted on road tests, it indicates that Mahindra is keen on launching these electric SUVs as per the scheduled plan. Latest image gives us a sneak peak into the interiors of this futuristic Mahindra EV. The image was shared by Mahindra CEO, Rajesh Jejurikar. The images were clicked during a recent event, where Mahindra’s leadership team was driving this eSUV in Chennai city.Mahindra BE.05 – Captivating, futuristic designIn terms of its design, Mahindra BE.05 seems to have time-travelled into the 21st century from the future. With its radical design, BE.05 easily gets everyone’s attention on the streets. Most striking aspect is the front fascia, where the SUV gets massive C-shaped LED DRLs.Another key highlight is the layered design of the body panelling. As compared to smooth panels seen with other SUVs, BE.05 has aggressive cuts and creases all around. It gives the sense of a stealth aircraft with angular panels, designed to deflect radar waves.Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV coupeMahindra BE.05 is expected to have roomy interiors. The SUV measures 4,370 mm x 1,900 mm x 1,635 mm (L X W X H) and has a wheelbase of 2,775 mm. This seems adequate for comfortably seating five adults. BE.05 is expected to get a range of hi-tech features including ADAS.Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV coupeOther highlights could include a large horizontally-mounted touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument console, premium sound system, wireless charging, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ventilated seats, leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. BE.05 will have embedded 5G network capability. Users will be able to access new features via OTA updates. The SUV will comply with the strictest safety standards, such as those defined by GNCAP.Mahindra BE.05 range, performanceMahindra born-electric SUVs will be based on the INGLO platform. Battery options will be available from 60 to 80 kWh. Range will be around 450 km. All Mahindra BEVs will support fast charging with a 175 kW fast-charger. With this, users will be able to load up to 80% in less than 30 minutes. This will go a long way in eliminating range anxiety. Users won’t have to worry about waiting for hours to charge their vehicle.Mahindra BEVs including BE.05 will be offered in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive formats. Power output will be 170-210 kW and 250-290 kW, respectively. BE.05 and its siblings will be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in around 5 to 6 seconds.While it’s BE.05 that has been spotted, the first Mahindra BEV to be launched will be XUV.e8. It will go on sale in December 2024. BE.05 will come around a year later in October 2025. Similarly, XUV.e9 will debut in April 2025 and BE.07 in October 2026. Launch timeline of BE.09 is yet to be announced. More

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    Hero Karizma XMR 210 Spotted Ahead Of Launch – Fresh Details!

    New Hero Karizma XMR 210New Hero Karizma XMR 210 features a brand new 210cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that is likely to generate 25 bhp of power and 30 Nm of torqueIndia’s largest motorcycle manufacturer is set to revamp its premium motorcycle space (160cc+ and above). As of now, the company has unprecedented dominance in budget commuter space, while sales are often dwindling at the flagship grade. To fix this, Hero Moto is launching an updated Xtreme 160R on 14th June 2023 with a 4V head.But at its flagship level, Hero is introducing a new motorcycle that is likely to turn the tide for the brand. We’re talking about Karizma XMR 210, which will probably make more buzz than Hero’s current fully-faired Xtreme 200S. Fresh spy shots are credited to Utkarsh Prajapati, who spotted it at Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur.Hero Karizma Spotted Ahead Of LaunchKarizma brand has primarily rivalled Bajaj’s Pulsar 220. Historically, Hero has offered a semi-faired Karizma R and a fully-faired Karizma ZMR. This is true with OG Karizma and the facelifted models in 2014. Even though Hero MotoCorp has trademarked both Karizma XMR and Karizma XMR 210 names, we expect only one fully-faired motorcycle.Hero is also updating Xtreme 200S with a 4V head and new brakes as seen with a recent spy shot. But these might only be applicable to export markets. As opposed to the Xtreme 200S, Karizma is more macho in its appearance and is an overall tastier motorcycle. Hero MotoCorp Chairman Dr. Pawan Munjal recently showcased Karizma at a dealer event.New Hero Karizma XMR 210 FairingOn stage, we can see a flaming red motorcycle. It has a drooping front face that lies well below its handlebars, similar to its rival Suzuki Gixxer SF 250. Hero has placed ORVMs on its fairing instead of its handlebars as seen with Xtreme 200S. Fairing is neat and doesn’t have any clutter. Split seats, and a stubby exhaust are notable elements.2023 Hero Karizma ZMRRecent spy shots show a brand-new tubular trellis frame. Even though there is a subframe-mounted tail section, Hero MotoCorp is offering a tyre hugger as well. This tyre hugger was not present during the recent showcase by Dr. Pawan Munjal. Cost cutting is evident in the form of a box-section swingarm and RSU telescopic front forks instead of USD forks.An all-new 210cc liquid-cooled engineWhere Hero hasn’t cut corners, or it appears to be, is in the engine department. There is a new 210cc single-cylinder engine that gets liquid-cooling equipment. This is the first liquid-cooled motorcycle from Hero and even the upcoming flagship Xpulse 440 ADV will be oil-cooled. Rumour mills suggest a 6-speed gearbox too. Again, a first for Hero.New Hero Karizma XMR 210 Tyre Hugger25 bhp of power and 30 Nm of torque are likely to be the output figures from this engine. LED lighting, Bluetooth connectivity and dual-channel ABS will probably be standard fitment. Karizma brand has a high recall among Indian motorcycling enthusiasts and the company seems to be banking on it to rejuvenate its premium motorcycle lineup. Launch is likely to be closing, considering the increasing frequency of test mule sightings. More

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    Harley Davidson X440 detailed in new photos before India launch

    New Harley Davidson X440Harley X440 is scheduled to debut on July 03; unofficial bookings are open for Rs 25,000Some exciting new launches await enthusiasts in coming weeks. Towards the end of this month, the first of Bajaj-Triumph bikes will be launched. It will be followed by Harley X440, scheduled for July 3. It is apparent that Royal Enfield will be closely monitoring these developments.Talking about Harley X440, some fresh images have emerged. These provide more details about the upcoming made-in-India Harley roadster. Harley’s India operations are being managed almost entirely by Hero MotoCorp including production of X440.Harley X440 styling and featuresX440 has created its own distinct styling instead of following on the standard design language used with higher capacity Harley bikes. In that sense, it could be even termed as a rebel. The bike has a neo-retro profile with features such as round headlamp, indicators, rear-view mirrors and a circular instrument pod. We are yet to see a close-up of the instrument console, in terms of what all information is available for display.Core silhouette of the bike is pretty smooth and overall fit and finish is truly remarkable. There are hardly any panels, something that provides a clear view of the bike’s sinewy internals. It ensures a strong street presence and highlights the bike’s capabilities.New Harley Davidson X440Overall look and feel are further augmented with the blacked-out theme, encompassing the headlamp cowl, engine guard, engine assembly, exhaust muffler and rear shock absorbers. The bike has dual-tone alloy wheels, a mix of black and brushed metal.Harley X440 utilizes a single downtube tubular frame. It gets USD forks at front, which will improve control and handling at high speeds. At rear, the bike has twin shock absorbers. Wheels are 18-inch front and 17-inch rear, shod with MRF tyres. Users can expect a comfortable riding stance with Harley X440. Rider seat section has a scooped profile, which will optimize comfort and control. However, pillion seat doesn’t seem so welcoming due to its narrow profile.Harley X440 performancePowering Harley X440 will be a 440cc, single cylinder, air-/oil cooled motor. Official details are not available, but one can expect around 40 Nm of peak torque. Power and torque output will be higher than Royal Enfield 350cc bikes. For reference, Classic 350 generates 20 hp and 27 Nm.New Harley Davidson X440In line with local needs and preferences, Harley X440 has been equipped with a chain final drive. Except for a few exceptions such as Pan Am, all Harley bikes are equipped with a belt drive system. It is considered to offer smoother and quieter rides, in comparison to chain drive system. However, chain drive has its own benefits such as low maintenance and long lifespan.Instead of engaging Royal Enfield in a direct conflict, Harley X440 will focus on creating a niche customer base. It is expected to be launched in the price range of Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. More

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    2024 Volvo XC40 and XC60 SUVs Drop Front-Wheel-Drive Option

    Volvo will make a couple of its SUVs all-wheel-drive only for 2024. The new model year also brings some notable updates to other nameplates, including the S60 sedan and the all-electric C40/XC40 Recharge.Goodbye, Front-DriveThe gas-fed XC40 and the XC60 will no longer be offered with front-wheel drive. The former says goodbye to the standard B4 powertrain, which exclusively fed the front axle through a 194-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. That leaves the all-wheel-drive B5, which has a 247-hp turbo four. Meanwhile, the XC60 lineup loses the front-drive version of the B5 powertrain. That leaves the all-wheel-drive B5 and the plug-in-hybrid T8 as the only two XC60 configurations, since the 295-hp all-wheel-drive B6 is also discontinued.S60 Loses Its PolestarFans of the Volvo S60 Recharge Polestar Engineered will be sad to hear the high-performance variant is dead for 2024. The sedan featured the 455-hp T8 plug-in-hybrid powertrain, it also included adjustable Öhlins dampers, gold-painted six-piston Brembo front brake calipers, and forged 19-inch wheels. At least Volvo will still offer Polestar editions of the V60 wagon and the XC60.Recharge SUV Sibs UpgradedLast month, Volvo also announced updates to the fully electric XC40 Recharge and its coupe-like counterpart, the C40 Recharge. Each adds an available rear-drive configuration, which features a newly developed 248-hp electric motor and a 79.0-kWh battery pack that provides a claimed range of 297 miles for the C40 and 293 miles for the XC40.VolvoThe all-wheel-drive versions of the Recharge siblings also adopt the new rear electric motor along with an asynchronous front-mounted motor that together still make 402 horses. However, their claimed range rises by 31 miles, and they can charge quicker thanks to a higher peak charging rate of 200 kilowatts.Pricing for the 2024 Volvo models is expected to be released in the coming months, so stay tuned for that. Meanwhile, the Swedish automaker has just revealed the small 2025 EX30 EV SUV, which starts at a low $36,145.Must-Read Volvo 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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    2024 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Garage 56 Edition Is for Le Mans Lovers

    The 2024 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Garage 56 Edition commemorates the modified NASCAR Cup Car running in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.Painted Riptide Blue and wearing graphics inspired by the ZL1 race car, Chevy will only sell 56 copies in the U.S. of the production version.While pricing hasn’t been released, the 650-hp Camaro ZL1 Garage 56 Edition will be available later this year.The incredible six-generation Chevy Camaro ZL1 will soon be pushing daises, as it’s ending production after the 2024 model year. However, in addition to the recently revealed commemorative Collector’s Edition, the bow-tie brand has introduced the 2024 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Garage 56 Edition to mark a motorsports milestone.Inspired by the modified NASCAR Camaro ZL1 Cup Car that’s running in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, the production car is aimed at customers who love the Camaro and who love Le Mans. Chevy says it will only sell 56 copies of the G56 Edition in the U.S., making it extremely limited. Based on the 2024 Camaro ZL1 coupe, with its 650-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, the Garage 56 version features the face of the track-focused 1LE variant, complete with prominent dive planes and a protruding front splitter. There’s also a wicker bill rear spoiler that’s influenced by those seen on NASCAR Cup Cars. ChevyAlong with Riptide Blue paint—exclusively offered for the ’24 model year—the ZL1 G56 wears graphics designed to mimic the Le Mans race car. Notice the thin gold stripe outlining the primary white stripe that flow from the car’s hood to the trunklid. In the middle is a black and gray rendition of the American flag. The hood also gets a NASCAR 75th Anniversary badge, and there’s a Hendrick Motorsports logo on the rear pillar, just like the race car. Garage 56 emblems also appear on the front fenders as well as inside on the steering wheel and floormats. For those who want their commemorative Camaro ZL1 to look even more like the race car that’ll be spending an entire day circling the Circuit de la Sarthe, Chevy will offer three additional decals. There’s a NASCAR one that goes at the top of the windshield, there are Goodyear decals for the front wheel arches, and “24” can be stamped on the doors in honor of the race car’s number.The 2024 Camaro ZL1 Garage 56 Edition will go into production later this year, and fans who want to watch it compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans can see the action start at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, June 10.Keep Up on the CamaroThis 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