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      in Motor News

      Here’s to One Million Instagram Followers, and Now It’s Your Turn to Participate

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      We have some exciting news. We’ve just surpassed one million followers on Instagram! We want to thank each and every one of you for your support along the way. To celebrate, we’re going to highlight some of your cars on our website and social channels. Here’s how to get your ride featured. Using the hashtag #CDmillion, upload a single photo (taken by you, not a professional photographer) of your car to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Include a few sentences about your car and what it means to you. Then we will pick some of our favorites and feature them here on CarandDriver.com—and on social media, of course.Our social media platforms are where we share our stories, our favorite images, and our videos, and we enjoy connecting with all of you. If you’re not following us, you should be. Here are links to our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and Flipboard accounts. See you over there!Senior Content and Social Media StrategistMichael Aaron has loved cars ever since he was a kid. Growing up, he would frequent car shows, build model cars, and read any car magazine he could get his hands on. He moved from Connecticut to Michigan to be closer to the auto industry and attend Michigan State University, where he majored in marketing. He enjoys photography and traveling, and he has been at Car and Driver since 2017.  More

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      in Bike

      Honda Dio H-Smart Tech top variant launch price Rs 77k

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      New Honda DioHonda Dio H-Smart variant is the most affordable Honda scooter to get wireless tech that offers car-like keyless functionsA premium feature in entry-level scooter segment, H-Smart tech was first introduced with Activa 110 earlier this year in January. Later in March, Activa 125 also got the H-Smart update. The next Honda scooter to get H-Smart tech is Dio. Honda could later introduce H-Smart with Grazia as well.It is likely that Honda has received a favourable response to H-Smart tech with Activa 110 and 125. It could be one of the reasons that has prompted the company to introduce H-Smart with Dio as well. Most of the features of Dio H-Smart variant are same as Activa H-Smart variant. As Honda appears to be making H-Smart tech available across its scooter portfolio, it can prompt rival OEMs to introduce something similar in future.Honda Dio H-Smart featuresHonda’s H-Smart tech offers multiple car-like features. The SmartSafe feature frees users from the worry of forgetting to lock their scooter. It is essentially an anti-theft feature. As soon as the smart key goes beyond a 2-meter range, SmartSafe activates the scooter’s immobilizer function. Any attempts to start the scooter by force will be thwarted.Another great feature available under H-Smart is SmartFind. This comes handy when parking the scooter at a new place that is crowded with various other parked two-wheelers.New Honda Dio pricesSmartFind can also be useful in locating the scooter in low-light conditions or dim lit areas. To access this feature, users just need to press the Answer Back button. All four winkers of the scooter will blink twice, indicating the scooter’s exact location. SmartFind can locate the scooter within a 10-meter radius.H-Smart SmartUnlock feature allows users to unlock the seat, fuel cap and handle without using a physical key. Users just need to push and rotate the knob on the Smart Key to unlock. SmartUnlock works within a 2-meter range of the scooter. A similar feature is SmartStart that allows users to start the scooter without touching anything. The process is same – push and rotate the knob. This can be done even with the Smart Key inside the pocket.Honda Dio H-Smart – the new top-spec variantAs of now, Honda Dio is available in Standard and DLX variants. Prices are Rs 68,625 and Rs 72,626, respectively. Dio H-Smart will be the new top-spec variant and will command a premium. It is priced from Rs 77,712 ex-sh Delhi. In addition to H-Smart tech, Honda Dio will also be getting alloy wheels. As of now, Dio is offered with steel wheels. Alloy wheels are definitely a better fit with the scooter’s sporty profile.New Honda Dio More

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      in Motor News

      Ford Mustang GT3 Is a Dark Horse–Derived, Factory-Backed Race Car

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      Based on the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, the GT3 version is a factory-backed race car.Along with a race-tuned 5.4-liter V-8 and unique suspension, the Mustang GT3 features carbon-fiber body panels and extreme aero bits like its huge rear wing.Ford says the GT3-spec Stang will start competing around the globe next year, with entries in the 2024 World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Ford Mustang GT3 is what happens when the new V-8-powered Dark Horse model is transformed from a badass street car into a full-blown race car. Making its debut today on the eve of this year’s historic 24 Hours of Le Mans, Ford says it is officially entering the Mustang in the global FIA GT3 category.Ready to Race This time next year, the factory-backed Mustang GT3 will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But that’s after it’ll compete in other racing series starting earlier in 2024. Among those are the World Endurance Championship and IMSA’s GTD Pro Class. The former series will see two entries by Ford’s first customer team, Proton Competition out of Germany. The latter will feature a pair of entries from Ford Performance’s factory team, which will be managed by Multimatic Motorsports and kicks off at the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona.Ford PerformanceFord Performance had help developing the GT3 Mustang from a couple longtime partners. Multimatic will help build and support the race cars, while M-Sport will build the engines, which are race-tuned 5.4-liter V-8s based on the new 5.0-liter Coyote engine that develops 500 horsepower on the Mustang the Dark Horse. Other upgrades on the GT3 variant include a rear-mounted transaxle and a unique suspension that uses an unequal-length double-wishbone setup. Show PonyWearing a flashy livery by Troy Lee, who is said to rank among the top motorsport designers, the GT3-spec Stang also showcases Ford Performance’s fresh logo. The simplified design will be plastered on all of FP’s racing creations, advertisements, and you name it.Ford PerformanceBeneath that colorful wrapper are a whole lot of carbon-fiber body panels. There’s no mistaking the GT3 variant for anything other than a Mustang, but its appearance is significantly altered. All four fenders balloon out, making it much wider. There are myriad cutouts for improved airflow and cooling too. Its face is positively menacing, with exposed carbon fiber surrounding the lower front air intake. Above are a set of fog lights to better illuminate the track during nighttime racing and in situations with poor visibility. Out back there’s an enormous swan-neck wing that sprouts from the sloping roofline rather than the decklid. The protruding rear diffuser also looks like it could sever a limb or two.Ford PerformanceInside, the Mustang GT3 looks nothing like its street-legal counterpart—okay, the door handles are familiar. It’s otherwise stripped down for maximum weight reduction, fitted with a roll cage for improved rigidity and safety, and there’s a single Recaro racing seat facing a steering wheel that seemingly has more buttons and switches than Volkswagen’s entire lineup of electric vehicles. Mustang RacingThis 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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      in Bike

      Electric Two Wheeler Sales May 2023 – Ola, TVS, Ather, Bajaj, Hero

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      Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterThe electric two wheeler segment was led by Ola and TVS Motor along with Ather Energy in May 2023 with all three posting significant YoY and MoM growthElectric two wheeler sales in India are increasing by leaps and bounds. Several newcomers are entering the fray and more established OEMs are bringing in new and improved offerings so as to be more competitive. Electric 2W retail sales improved significantly both on YoY and MoM basis in May 2023. Prices of electric 2W have been hiked from 1st June 2023 following revisions in FAME II subsidies.Sales of electric 2W, as have been released by FADA, stood at 1,04,829 units in May 2023. This was a 147.15 percent YoY growth over 42,415 units sold in May 2022. MoM sales improved by 57.72 percent as against 66,466 units sold in April 2023. At the moment, it is Ola Electric, TVS, Ather, Bajaj and Ampere that are dominating the market.Electric 2W Retail Sales May 2023It was Ola Electric that has led the segment by a significant margin. Ola Electric S1 and S1 Pro saw sales of 28,469 units in May 2023, up 207.14 percent YoY from 9,269 units sold in May 2022. MoM sales were up 30.10 percent from 21,882 units sold in April 2023.  At No. 2 was TVS Motor with electric 2W sales at 20,261 units in the past month, up 4138.70 percent YoY from just 478 units sold in May 2022. It was also a 132.19 percent MoM growth from 8,726 units sold in April 2023.Ather Energy, which sells the 450x in the electric 2W segment along with the recently introduced base variant 450S, has seen sales of 15,266 units in May 2023. This was 357.34 percent YoY growth and 97.08 percent MoM growth from 3,338 units sold in May 2022 and 7,746 units sold in April 2023.Electric two wheeler sales May 2023 – FADARetail sales of electric 2W by Bajaj Chetak stood at 10,028 units in the past month. This was a 453.42 percent YoY growth from 1,812 units sold in May 2022 and 149.89 percent MoM growth from 4,013 units sold in April 2023. This also included 98 units sold by Chetak Technologies relating to a 73.51 percent MoM de-growth from 370 units sold in April 2023.Ampere, Okaya, Okinawa, Hero ElectricSales growth was reported by both Ampere (9,618 units) and Okaya EV (3,875 units) in May 2023. However, retail sales of Okinawa have dipped both YoY and MoM by 68.78 percent and 9.67 percent respectively to 2,905 units. There were 9,305 units sold in May 2022 and 3,216 units sold in April 2023. YoY and MoM de-growth was also seen in the case of Hero Electric, sales of which fell to 2,109 units in the past month. This was a 29.01 percent YoY and 36.69 percent MoM de-growth.Relatively new comers Bgauss Auto (1,813 units) and Battre Electric (1,200 units) have reported a 135.45 percent and 84.33 percent MoM growth in sales of electric 2w in the past month. There was also Greaves Electric with 1,155 units sold in May 2023, recording a 109.62 percent MoM growth from 551 units sold in April 2023.Sales of Lectrix EV was at 1,000 units last month as against 419 units sold in May 2022 and 320 units sold in April 2023. Kinetic Green retail sales improved by 5.19 percent to 892 units in the past month from 848 units sold in April 2023 and  Hero Vida electric scooter also saw its sales increase by 419.44 percent to 748 units last month from 144 units sold in April 2023.There were others on this list which contributed 5,490 units to total electric 2W sales in May 2023, which was a 36.36 percent YoY de-growth from 8,626 units sold in May 2022 but a 25.11 percent MoM growth from 4,388 units sold in April 2023. More

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      in Bike

      Kawasaki Eliminator launched in the US – Price USD 6,649 (Rs 5.48 lakh)

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      Kawasaki Eliminator SE ABSThe same 451cc parallel twin engine on Kawasaki Eliminator US-spec model does duties on Ninja 400 as wellKawasaki has revived its Eliminator brand from the dead after a decade. This bodes well to the brand as it evokes a certain nostalgia within the target demographic. Eliminator series is a low-sling textbook cruiser motorcycle that get engines from their respective Ninja and Z counterparts.The first Eliminator model debuted for JDM with a 399cc parallel twin engine from a Ninja 300. Now Kawasaki has showcased Eliminator for USA, which features a larger 451cc parallel twin engine from Ninja 400. In USA, Kawasaki Eliminator will rival the likes of Honda Rebel 500 and a few cruisers from Royal Enfield like Meteor 350.Kawasaki Eliminator Debuts In USAFor some reason, Kawasaki has resorted to offering a larger engine for US market. Compared to Ninja 400’s engine, Eliminator has a 6.8 mm longer stroke to ensure more torque, probably at a lower rev range. This is evident in torque figures as Eliminator has 42.97 Nm as opposed to 37 Nm of Ninja 400.In USA, Kawasaki Eliminator measures 2250 mm in length, 785 mm in width, 1099 mm in height, 1518 mm long wheelbase. It has a 30-degree rake angle too, which is relatively sharp for a low-slung cruiser. Ground clearance is 150 mm and seat height is 734 mm. 12.8L fuel tank is very small considering that it is a cruiser.Standard Kawasaki EliminatorKawasaki Eliminator comes in two variants. Standard Eliminator and Eliminator SE. On top of the standard model, Eliminator SE offers exclusive colours, two pattern seats, a headlight cowl, fork boots and a waterproof USB-C charging port for smartphones or other accessories. Standard model comes in Pearl Robotic White and Pearl Storm Grey shades, while SE gets a sole Candy Steel Furnace Orange / Ebony dual-tone colourway.The motorcycle gets a steel tubular frame, 41 mm RSU telescopic front forks, twin shock absorbers for rear suspension, 18” front wheel wrapped with 130/70-18 tyre and a rear 16” wheel wrapped with 150/60-18 tyre. Pulled back handlebar, neutral footpeg position and a low 176 kg kerb weight ensure a fatigue-free cruising.Will it Eliminate its rivals?Kawasaki Eliminator comes equipped with a variation of Ninja 400 engine. This is a 451cc parallel twin motor, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. 4V head, slip and assist clutch are notable features. Kawasaki is offering single disc setups at both ends with an option for dual channel ABS. There is a round fully digital instrument cluster too, with Bluetooth connectivity.Standard Kawasaki Eliminator Engine from Ninja 400In USA standard Eliminator costs USD 6,649 (5.48 lakh) for non ABS model and USD 6,949 (Rs. 5.72 lakh) for ABS model. Eliminator SE gets ABS as standard and costs USD 7,249 (Rs. 5.97 lakh). Kawasaki India hasn’t revealed any information regarding launch of Eliminator cruiser in the Asian subcontinent. More

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      in Bike

      KTM India Sales April 2023 – Duke, RC, 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

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      Image – MotobikeKTM total sales, that included both domestic and exports grew on a YoY basis but dipped MoMKTM India has performed well on a YoY basis with a 6.98 percent growth to 11,729 units sold in April 2023, up from 10,964 units sold in April 2022. MoM sales however, fell by 1.87 percent from 11,952 units sold in March 2023.Sales in domestic markets stood at 5,078 units in April 2023 which was a 680.03 percent YoY growth over 651 units sold in April 2022. MoM sales however, dipped 19.19 percent from 6,284 units sold in March 2023.KTM India Domestic Sales April 2023KTM had its 200 (Duke and RC) at the top of sales charts with 2,673 units sold in the past month, a 1782.39 percent YoY growth over 142 units sold in April 2022. This was a 2,531 unit volume growth with a 52.64 percent share. MoM sales fell by 8.30 percent from 2,915 units sold in March 2023.Outstanding YoY growth was also seen for the KTM 250 range which improved by 5516 percent YoY to 1,404 units in the past month from 25 units sold in April 2022. MoM sales fell by 18.13 percent from 1,715 units sold in March 2023. It currently commands a 27.65 percent share.KTM India domestic sales April 2023YoY growth was also reported for the KTM 390 and KTM 125 though MoM sales dipped. KTM 390 series (Duke + RC + ADV) has posted 85 percent YoY growth but 30.63 percent MoM decline to 838 units while KTM 125 (Duke + RC) sales improved by 433.33 percent on a YoY basis but fell by 63.45 MoM to 163 units in April 2023.KTM India Exports April 2023KTM exports on the other hand has seen a de-growth in YoY sales by 35.51 percent to 6,651 units from 10,313 units shipped in April 2022. MoM sales grew by 17.34 percent from 5,668 units shipped in March 2023.In global markets, it was the KTM 390 series that commanded the most attention. Sales stood at 3,812 units in the past month, a YoY de-growth of 26.76 percent from 5,205 units sold in April 2022. MoM sales improved by 52.72 percent from 2,496 units sold in March 2023. This took the share percentage up to 57.31 percent from 44.04 percent held in March 2023.KTM India exports April 2023While KTM 200 series exports grew YoY by 7.25 percent and MoM by 44.83 percent to 2,100 units, that of its 250 series dipped YoY by 51.27 percent to 539 units while MoM exports increased by 25.93 percent from 428 units shipped in March 2023. KTM 125 range was not much in demand in global markets as sales fell 35.51 percent YoY and 84.54 percent MoM to 200 units in April 2023.KTM Total Sales April 2023Total sales (domestic + exports) grew 6.98 percent YoY but dipped by 1.87 percent MoM to 11,729 units in April 2023. It was the KTM 200 range that saw the most sales at 4,773 units in April 2023, up 127.29 percent YoY and 9.35 percent MoM. It was followed by the KTM 390 of which the company sold 4,650 units in the past month, down 17.83 percent YoY but up 25.54 percent MoM.KTM India total April 2023KTM 250 series also improved on a YoY basis by 71.79 percent to 1,943 units from 1,131 units sold in April 2022 but fell by 9.33 percent from 2,143 units sold in March 2023. KTM 125 series total sales fell to 363 units in the past month down 82.50 percent YoY and 79.14 percent MoM. More

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      in Bike

      2023 Hero Passion Plus Launch Price Rs 76k – New Features Added

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      2023 Hero Passion PlusExcluding Splendor + XTEC variant, Passion Plus is now the costliest 100cc bike from Hero MotoCorpWith Hero’s 100cc bikes being its bread and butter, it’s natural to feel a bit anxious when there’s a new capable rival in town. If consumer attention is diverted towards recently launched Honda Shine 100, it would be a setback for Hero MotoCorp.To deal with the insecurity, Hero is working on a multi-pronged strategy. For example, HF Deluxe was recently updated with new colours and features. And now, Hero has reintroduced Passion Plus 100cc. The bike was discontinued in 2019, owing to low demand. Hero now has a total of five 100cc bikes to tackle the threat from Honda Shine 100.Hero Passion Plus styling and featuresAs compared to Hero’s 100cc bikes like Splendor+, HF Deluxe and HF 100, the newly launched Passion Plus has a more premium profile. It explains why Passion Plus is categorized under Hero’s Executive range and not under the Practical range. Before Passion Plus, the Executive range had only 110cc and 125cc bikes. Hero’s Performance range has motorcycles in 160cc and 200cc segment.Passion Plus has a seamless design, with a lot more skin in comparison to other 100cc bikes from Hero. With availability of a broader canvas, it has been possible to paint some cool graphics onto the bike. The graphics have a smooth flow, extending all the way from the fuel tank to the grab rail section. Matching graphics can be seen on the headlamp cowl as well. Hero Passion Plus is available in colour options of Sports Red, Black Nexus Blue and Black Heavy Grey.2023 Hero Passion PlusIn terms of features, Hero Passion Plus is largely the same as Splendor Plus. Some of the key highlights include i3S technology, side stand indicator, semi-digital instrument console, mobile charging port and spacious utility case. Hero Passion Plus has a long, wide seat, which should ensure optimal comfort for both rider and pillion.Hero Passion Plus performance, specsPassion Plus is using the same 97.2cc engine, as seen with other 100cc bikes from Hero. The air-cooled unit generates 8 PS of max power and 8.05 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 4-speed constant mesh gearbox.While there is no official mileage number, Passion Plus could deliver around 60+ kmpl of fuel efficiency. Passion Plus is 115kg, as compared to 112 Kg of Splendor Plus. This could make it slightly less fuel efficient. Passion Plus has a larger 11 litres fuel tank, as compared to 9.8 litres of Splendor+.2023 Hero Passion PlusPassion Plus utilizes a double cradle frame, suspended on telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers. The bike has 18-inch wheels at both ends, shod with 80/100 tubeless tyres at front and rear. Braking duties are performed by 130mm drum brakes at both ends.At Rs 76,301, Passion Plus is costlier than Honda Shine that is available at a starting price of Rs 64,900. Clearly, Hero doesn’t want to take any chances. It is ensuring that options are available at both ends of the spectrum, i.e., below and above the price of Honda Shine 100. How effective that strategy will be remains to be seen. More

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      in Electric Cars

      2024 Mahindra XUV500 Coupe SUV Spied – Or is it BE.05 Electric?

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      New Mahindra XUV500 Spied or is it BE.05 Electric Coupe SUV?It is likely that the test mule spotted is either new gen Mahindra XUV500 to rival Creta or BE.05, which is planned for launch in October 2025With the launch of XUV700, Mahindra discontinued XUV500. But they promised to bring the XUV500 back, in a new gen avatar, probably based on their futuristic BEV design language. Now, a test mule has been spied in Chennai, which could likely be the new gen XUV500 coupe SUV.It is also possible that this could be one of their new born electric SUV. Last year in August, Mahindra had unveiled its born-electric range. It includes the XUV range (XUV.e8, XUV.e9) and the BE range that has BE.05, BE.07 and BE.09. All of these are based on the born-electric INGLO platform. Apart from the new technology, the test mule also wears a unique, colourful camouflage wrapping. It is quite different from the usual black and white wrapping seen on Indian roads.2024 Mahindra XUV500 Coupe SUV or BE.05 Electric?As compared to the radical design of the concept unveiled last year, the test mule has transformed into a more practical form. While the core silhouette and design of the front fascia have been retained, the panelling is now a lot smoother. The concept version had deep grooves and sharp curves, which have been chiselled down a bit. However, BE.05 continues to have a sporty and unique styling, unlike any other Mahindra car in production right now.Some of the key highlights include C-shaped LED DRLs, sculpted tapering bonnet, squarish wheel arches and sporty alloy wheels. As compared to the concept that had camera-based rear-view assembly, the test mule can be seen with conventional ORVMs. At rear, some key features of BE.05 include a tapering roofline with sporty spoiler, prominent tail gate and full-width LED strip.New Mahindra XUV500 Spied or is it BE.05 Electric Coupe SUV?Inside, Mahindra BE.05 has two large touchscreens and sporty two-spoke steering wheel. The SUV has an aircraft-style large gear selector and a rotary control dial. The driver and front passenger area are neatly divided into two separate sections by the central console. BE.05 will have premium upholstery and soft-touch surfaces all around.New Mahindra XUV500 Spied or is it BE.05 Electric Coupe SUV?Mahindra BE.05 range, specsWhile official numbers are not available, it is expected that Mahindra BE.05 will have a range of around 400-500 km. Mahindra BEVs based on the INGLO platform will be powered by LFP battery packs. Both Blade and Prismatic cell architectures will be used. Battery packs will be in the range of  60-80 kWh. These are chargeable with high-powered 175 kW fast-chargers that can load up to 80% in less than 30 minutes.Underpinned by the INGLO platform, Mahindra BEVs including BE.05 are promising an exhilarating performance. Both rear wheel and all-wheel drive options will be available, generating 170-210 kW and 250-290 kW respectively. 0 to 100 kmph will be achievable in just 5 to 6 seconds.New Mahindra XUV500 Spied or is it BE.05 Electric Coupe SUV?BE.05 will be 4,370 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,635 mm tall. It will have a wheelbase of 2,775 mm. All Mahindra BEVs will be getting a comprehensive range of advanced safety features. They will comply with leading safety benchmarks such as GNCAP. Equipped with 5 Radars-1 Vision ADAS architecture, Mahindra BEVs based on INGLO platform are future ready up to L2+ autonomy. More