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    Why Ola Electric’s Voluntary Recall Is a Step in the Right Direction

    Ola Electric Recalls Ola S1 Scooter Front Suspension System – Commitment to Customer Safety
    Ola Electric Scooter Suspension Recall
    Ola Electric has today announced a voluntary recall of its Ola S1 electric scooter front suspension system. This recall announcement was much awaited, and often suggested by customers. It comes after a number of incidents where the front suspension broke.
    Upgrading Your Ola S1’s Front Suspension System: What You Need to Know
    The company has assured its customers that all components of the front fork arm have been thoroughly tested under extreme conditions and engineered for safety. The front fork design has been updated in the 2023 Ola scooters, further enhancing durability and strength.
    Ola Electric Scooter Suspension Recall
    For customers who have concerns over their scooter’s front suspension system, Ola Electric is offering a free upgrade. Customers can book an appointment for the voluntary recall procedure at an Ola Experience Centre or Service Centre starting March 22. Ola Electric will soon outline the booking appointment process.
    If you’re curious about the Ola S1’s front suspension system, here’s what you need to know. The front suspension system is responsible for absorbing bumps and jolts while riding. It’s made up of several components, including the front fork, shock absorbers, and other scooter parts. Front fork is a crucial component that connects the front wheel to the scooter’s body and helps support the rider’s weight. If it breaks when being ridden, it poses serious danger.
    Is Your Ola S1 Scooter Affected by the Voluntary Recall?
    As per Ola Electric, the front suspension system of the Ola S1 electric scooter has been designed to provide optimal performance and reliability. The scooter’s front fork suspension has been engineered to work with the scooter’s weight and to handle typical loads. The front fork suspension system has been tested at much higher loads than what is typically expected during normal use.
    However, there’s no denying that multiple Ola S1 electric scooter owners have been posting photos of their broken scooters. Different situations and reasons. Same outcome. If you’re looking to upgrade the front suspension system of your Ola S1, you can get in touch with the company for more information.
    Ola Electric’s Transparent Communication with Customers.
    Seeing Ola Electric’s monthly sales, there’s no doubt that their scooters are selling like hotcakes. Providing riders with a smooth and comfortable ride as is evident from numerous customer testaments. With the free upgrade/voluntary recall option available, Ola Electric is demonstrating its commitment to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its customers. More

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    New Bajaj Pulsar NS160, NS200 Launch Price Rs 1.35 L, Rs 1.47 L

    Updated Pulsar NS range improves competencies against rivals and allows enthusiasts to unlock new possibilitiesNew Bajaj Pulsar NS160, NS200 Launch Price. Image – Powerdrift
    One of the popular Pulsar motorcycles, the NS range now comes with USD forks and dual-channel ABS. It also gets lighter rims and a semi digital console with gear position indicator and DTE. The updated units have started arriving at dealerships. With the new features, prices have also been hiked.
    2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and NS200 Prices
    Before the latest upgrade, NS160 was priced at Rs 1.25 lakh, whereas NS200 was available at Rs 1.41 lakh. Now, with these new upgrades, NS160 is priced at Rs 1.35 lakh while the NS200 is priced at Rs 1.41 lakh, ex-sh. Plus, the engines have been updated to comply with the stricter BS6 Phase II emission norms. Apart from the new equipment, there are no other major updates to either bike.
    2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS200
    New Pulsar NS200 will target primary rival TVS Apache RTR 200 4V that has conventional telescopic front forks. However, RTR 200 4V has options of both single and dual-channel ABS. Another rival is Honda Hornet 2.0 that has USD forks, but lacks dual-channel ABS. It is apparent that updated Bajaj Pulsar NS200 now comes across as a more value-for-money proposition.
    Updated Pulsar NS160 will have similar advantages against rivals like TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Hero Xtreme 160R. However, there’s scope for more improvements in areas such as connectivity. While TVS was among the first to introduce a dedicated connectivity platform for its smaller capacity bikes, Hero MotoCorp is following the same strategy. Updated Pulsar NS motorcycles are equipped with a semi-digital instrument console.
    2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS160
    After introduction of USD forks and dual-channel ABS, users can expect improved ride dynamics with Pulsar NS200 and NS160. Enthusiasts can achieve higher speeds without worrying about things like the bike skidding or not coming to a halt within the targeted distance. The benefits will be available across city streets as well as highways.
    Bajaj already offers USD forks with its NS motorcycles in Brazil. NS200 has 33mm USD, whereas NS160 has 31mm USD forks. The same configuration is used for India. Apart from the enhanced muscular profile made possible with the USD forks, there are no other major cosmetic changes. Only some of the graphics have been updated with new colour combinations.
    Updated Pulsar NS range performance
    While ride dynamics have been improved with USD forks and dual-channel ABS, the engines are the same as earlier. Power and torque output is the same, even after compliance with BS6 Phase II emission norms.
    Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is powered by a 199.5cc, liquid cooled, SOHC 4-valve engine that churns out 24.5 PS of max power and 18.74 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The smaller sibling NS160 has a 160.3 cc motor that makes 17.2 PS and 14.6 Nm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

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    2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Is Bigger but Still Extroverted

    The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe follows its squarer counterpart into a new generation.Along with new exterior and interior styling, the GLC Coupe has slightly bigger dimensions than its predecessor. It features a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a 48-volt hybrid system, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive.In the past two years, Mercedes has introduced new generations of the C-class sedan and the GLC-class SUV. Now the German luxury brand debuts the latter’s sloped-back counterpart, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. We liked the old GLC Coupe for its curvaceous styling as well as its generous list of standard features, two things that make the jump to the new version. The 2024 model’s styling has the same silhouette as its predecessor and shares many similar design cues too. In fact, without pausing to seek out the differences, we think a lot of people will struggle to differentiate the two. Reshaped headlights and taillights are the quickest way to spot the new GLC Coupe, with the running lights now angling downward along the top edge of the housing.Just like with the more traditional-looking GLC, the coupe alternative is slightly bigger than its predecessor. At 187.5 inches from stem to stern, it’s 1.2 inches longer than before. The track widths have also grown by 0.2 inch in the front and 0.9 inch in the rear. The growth spurt helps expand the SUV’s cargo area. Its 19 cubic feet of space is 1 cube more than before.Plentiful Standard FeaturesThe ’24 GLC Coupe adds a host of new standard features to an SUV that was already rich with them. The AMG Line package is now standard along with wireless phone charging, heated seats, and a Burmester 3D surround-sound system. Mercedes has also simplified frequently combined options into single packages—a move we expect to be somewhat polarizing. As with the C-class sedan and the regular GLC-class, the SUV coupe features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a 48-volt hybrid system. The engine generates 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. That power is fed through a nine-speed automatic transmission. One differentiating factor between the standard GLC and the coupe is that the former can be optioned with rear- or all-wheel drive, whereas the coupe is only offered with Merc’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.More on MercedesA New Look InsideThe most obvious changes to the GLC Coupe follow those of the SUV version, revealing themselves once the doors are open. The twin digital displays use Mercedes’s newest MBUX infotainment system, making use of a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a portrait-oriented 11.9-inch touchscreen, which is slightly angled toward the driver. The door panels are redesigned to include a floating control cluster that contains the controls for both the door handles and seat adjustments. The controls for the exterior mirrors and windows are now on a peninsula that can be grabbed when closing the door.Mercedes hasn’t yet announced pricing for the 2024 GLC Coupe, but we expect it’ll cost several thousand dollars more than its boxier sibling, so we’d wager it’ll start around $60K when it begins reaching dealerships later in 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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    Lamborghini Reveals Next Aventador's Carbon-Fiber 'Monofuselage'

    Lamborghini shows off its new carbon-fiber front crash structure for the upcoming successor to the Aventador.The new car will be stiffer and lighter than the Aventador.An important change is that there’s no more pushrod suspension but instead, upright springs at each corner.The recently retired Aventador was the first Lamborghini road car to use a carbon-fiber structure. Now the Italian supercar maker has shown us the lighter and stronger “monofuselage” that will sit at the heart of the Aventador’s successor, the as yet unnamed model known only by its LB744 engineering code. Coming Soon, Looking BackStay WedgyWhile we need to wait a while longer to see the whole car, images of the new structure make clear that it sticks to the combination of a low roof and the wedgy proportions of its famous predecessors. We would be very surprised if it didn’t. The images also give the chance to see how the new hybridized V-12 and front electric motors will fit into the platform.LamborghiniThe LB744’s chassis will be both lighter and stiffer than the Aventador’s. The structure combines parts made out of hugely strong forged composite—a technology that was pioneered by Lamborghini and the Callaway golf equipment company—as well as carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic parts. The most obvious difference over the Aventador is a new carbon front impact structure ahead of the passenger compartment that is both lighter and tougher than the Aventador’s crash frame. LamborghiniBehind the tub, the LB744 continues to use a aluminum structure to mount its engine, transmission, and rear suspension components. The images also reveal that the new car is going to move away from the Aventador’s supremely elegant pushrod suspension, using more conventional upright springs for the double wishbone suspension at each corner. They also show it rides on Bridgestone Potenza tires. While we don’t have a weight figure for the Monofuselage yet, Lamborghini’s claim of a torsional rigidity of 29,502 pound-feet/degree represents an improvement of 25 percent over the Aventador, and is 100 percent better than the 14,751 pound-feet/degree the company quoted for the Murciélago. Although the LB744’s core structure is lighter than the Aventador’s, we anticipate overall weight will increase due to the mass brought by the hybridized powertrain’s three electric motors and 3.8-kWh battery pack. LamborghiniThe images also show off the straked design of the new car’s roof, which should help to improve headroom compared to the tight-fitting Aventador. We will see the finished car in full, and learn its new name, at the end of the month. 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.Car and driverCar and driver Lettermark logoEuropean EditorMike Duff has been writing about the auto industry for two decades and calls the UK home, although he normally lives life on the road. He loves old cars and adventure in unlikely places, with career highlights including driving to Chernobyl in a Lada. More

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    Honda Scooters, Motorcycles Detachable Airbag – New Patent Filed

    There are two different systems as seen with Honda patented motorcycle airbags – One deploying from the front, and other from the backImage for illustration purpose
    For a long time, airbags have been associated with vehicles with more than two wheels. They deploy during a crash and protect occupants from colliding with interiors. In case of an accident, the driver collides with the steering wheel, cracking his head or ribs.
    For a long time, cars are considered safer than motorcycles as they are concealed and pose a structure around to isolate them from potential hazards from the outside. Motorcycles are not like that as the helmet is the rider’s only best friend where safety is concerned. Honda wants to change that by patenting airbags for scooters and motorcycles.
    Honda is working on new airbag for motorcycles / scooters – that will deploy during crash, detach from the vehicle and stay with the rider.
    Honda Working On Airbags For Motorcycles, Scooters
    Is this the first time that airbags are part of motorcycles or scooters? No. We have seen airbags being offered as part of motorcycles before. Coincidentally, it was on a Honda Goldwing tourer. Honda offered airbags on Goldwing for as long as 2006. The associated costs around it and limited impact of it on rider’s safety must be reasons why it never came into mainstream 2W vehicles.
    Honda’s recent patents show airbags offered with both motorcycles and scooters. With expertise to bank on, Honda seems to have come up with a new breakthrough. For starters, the new patents show detachable airbags that when deployed, cover not just the rider’s chest, but his back along with sides of their torso as well.
    Honda Motorcycle Airbag – This patent shows the airbag getting deployed from in front of the rider’s legs and then goes on to wrap around the torso.
    Airbags On 2W
    Just like airbags on cars and trucks, this airbag system also requires a sensor to detect a crash, a detonator, and a bag where gases can expand. Reportedly, Honda’s new airbag system detaches from source after deployment and is sealed off using heat applications to retain expanded gases in the bag as is.
    Honda Motorcycle Airbag Patent – Shows how the airbag will deploy
    This means that the airbag ECU, module, sensor and actual bag are mounted on the vehicle. It will then detach once deployed, wrapping its rider. There seems to be a check valve too, which Honda is using to control the rate of inflation of gases. From the patents, we can see that there are two different designs Honda is working on right now.
    One is demonstrated on a street-naked motorcycle where the airbag is mounted at the vehicle’s front. And the other is demonstrated on a scooter where an airbag is placed behind the rider and integrated into the seat. These look to be very rough around the edges as of now and are not likely to see the light of day anytime soon.
    Honda Scooter Airbag – Deploys from behind the rider and surrounds the torso
    Questions On Safety
    On a tourer like Honda Goldwing, one would sit upright and an airbag for their torso and head is very logical. But as demonstrated by Honda in their patents, is it viable for a street bike? What if a rider is ducking to get a sportier position, will they survive a whiplash caused by an inflating airbag?
    Honda Scooter Airbag deploying from behind the rider
    Also, on a system demonstrated on a scooter behind the rider’s back, there are chances of airbag dislocating thighs from the pelvis of its pillion. If a rider is sitting behind a favourable spot, they can suffer injuries from a dislocated spine as well. There are jackets and helmets with gyro-sensors that detect a fall and deploy airbags. Those seem to be a better bet until new breakthroughs happen.
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    Nissan Sylphy for China May Signal What to Expect from the 2024 Sentra

    The China-market Nissan Sylphy has been a bellwether for the North America–bound Sentra in the past: When the new generation debuted at the 2019 Shanghai auto show, it gave us our first look at what to expect from the 2020 Sentra.The U.S.-market Sentra is definitely due for a facelift.Nissan China has just revealed an updated Sylphy, and for starters, we can see an updated infotainment screen that will likely make it to the 2024 Sentra. Moving into the fifth year of its current generation, the Nissan Sentra is due for a facelift. From the look of things, that update is coming next year in the form of a refreshed interior with an updated infotainment screen. We’re looking at the China-market Nissan Sylphy and picking up hints to predict changes for the Sentra. It worked in 2019, when the Sylphy debuted in Shanghai, and we think it will work just as well today. More NissanIn 2019, the Sylphy and Sentra were both gearing up for brand-new generations. Now, it looks like the Sentra is only due for a mild facelift. We spotted a 12.3-inch HD infotainment touchscreen and what looks like a row of haptic control buttons running along the bottom. The new display is considerably larger than the 7.0- and 8.0-inch screens available in the current Sentra. We’re hoping the addition of the new screen signifies Nissan may be making Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless, which they aren’t in the current Sentra.Nissan ChinaBased on the Sylphy photos, the rest of the interior will be refreshed as well. The gear selector has been restyled from the standard grab-handle shifter mounted on the transmission tunnel, to a low-profile shifter in the same place. Interior ambient lighting has been added to the front doors, center armrest, and front A/C vents. The changes look quite minimal, but compared to the 2023 model, which arrived unchanged from the year before, any update is welcome. 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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    Porsche Confirms Electric Cayenne Will Follow 718 EV Sports Cars

    Porsche confirmed that an electric version of the Cayenne is on its way in a press conference today.The Cayenne EV will come after the electric 718 sports cars that are due in 2025, and is expected to ride on the PPE platform.An update on the gas-powered Cayenne will be launched this year and will include three plug-in hybrid versions with improved all-electric range.Porsche laid out its plans for upcoming models at a press conference this morning, but the future vehicles won’t take the form of a new sports car. Instead, Porsche’s announcement focuses on the continued expansion of its crossover lineup, confirming an electric version of the Cayenne for the first time, which will slot below a new flagship electric SUV that Porsche confirmed last year.The revised gas-powered Cayenne arrives this year.PorscheA Growing Electric LineupNo further details were provided on the Cayenne EV, which has been rumored since 2021, but the electric crossover is expected to share the same PPE platform as the upcoming Macan EV. Porsche will, however, continue to offer the Cayenne with an internal combustion engine, with a “new version of the third generation” launching this year. This update will bring three plug-in hybrid models promising increased electric range.Porsche did provide a few new specifics on the electric flagship SUV. While the automaker had previously said it would use technology developed on the 2021 Mission R concept, Porsche has now announced that it will ride on SSP Sport, a variant of the Volkswagen Group’s Scalable Systems Platform. Porsche insists that the EV will have “strong performance” and will be fitted with “automated driving functions.”The Cayman GT4 ePerformance previews the electric 718 sports cars.PorscheWhat’s Coming for the 718?Porsche also reaffirmed that deliveries of the electric Macan will commence in 2024, with an electric version of the 718 sports cars coming the following year. At first it will exist in parallel to the gas-powered Boxster and Cayman, but Porsche announced that “in the medium term” it will be exclusively available as an EV. More Porsche EV NewsIn a media roundtable, CEO Oliver Blume said that while it will depend on the region and the local regulations, the gas-powered variants have approximately two years left before their demise once the EV is launched, with a similar timeline for the Macan and Cayenne. But, he maintained, the electric 718 “will be a fantastic car in terms of sportiness and in terms of driver experience and in terms of agility.”Lastly, Porsche is doubling down on its Sonderwunsch program, which crafts exclusive one-off vehicles for the brand’s luckiest—and wealthiest—clientele. Porsche aims to expand the customization department in the future, so look forward to more unique creations like the 911 Classic Club Coupe or Le Mans-inspired 911 GT3.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 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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    Harley Davidson X350 Exhaust Note – 350cc Engine Revving Sound

    The V-twin rumble and smooth and vibe-free drive of a belt drive will surely be missed with upcoming Harley-Davidson X350Harley Davidson X350 – 350cc Exhaust Sound
    For a long time, Harley-Davidson has had its supremacy in big-capacity baggers, choppers and cruisers. The company is aiming to diversify its portfolio and extend its reach to an audience preferring to buy something sporty and less expensive. Partnerships with key OEMs set in strategically logical markets is how Harley Davidson intends to achieve that.
    Harley Davidson X350 Exhaust Note – The New Rumble In Town
    In comes, X350 and X500 motorcycles developed with QJMotor. In effect, these new motorcycles will be manufactured in China by QJ and shipped worldwide. Among the two, only X350 has been launched with a starting price of Yuan 33,388, turns out to be around Rs. 3.93 lakh. First units have been reaching dealerships as we speak. Below is one of the first videos giving us an audio byte of the new Harley X350 exhaust note as well as engine revving sound.
    [embedded content]
    In an attempt to create inexpensive and scalable motorcycles, Harley-Davidson seems to have lost some of its characteristics with X350. We’re talking about the rumble of a V-Twin motor and smoothness of belt drives, both of which are expected from Harley-Davidson. New motorcycles produced with QJ get parallel twin motors with chain drive.
    We’re not yet sure why Harley-Davidson chose the parallel twin with X350 instead of a V-Twin manufactured by QJ, that is offered with QJ300 or Keeway Benda V302. This way, Harley could have offered a V-twin and belt drive as well, reducing maintenance and vibrations. What we get instead, is a 353cc parallel twin motor with 34 bhp.
    Harley Davidson X350 Exhaust Note
    Many of the design elements on Harley-Davidson X350 seem to be inspired by XR1200. Especially at the rear subframe, giving out 90s Japanese bike vibes. Contrasting Orange painted guards at the front and rear offer protection and a lot of funk, while round headlights and ORVMs radiate classic bike feel.
    Other elements include LED headlights, a round semi-digital speedo, a flat-ish handlebar and more. Componentry includes front USD forks single-sided rear mono-shock suspension reminding us of Kawasaki ER6N, alloy wheels, dual petal discs at front and a single disc at the rear and liquid-cooling flanked by beefy tank shrouds.
    Harley Davidson X350 – Size And Features
    Dimensionally, it is 2110 mm long, 785 mm wide, 1110 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 1410 mm. Kerb weight is pegged at 195 kg, while gross weight is 255 kg. Front tyre is a 120/70Z R17, while rear is a wide 160/60Z R17 rubber. The underbelly exhaust looks neat as well. ABS is standard.
    The company is likely to push this motorcycle very aggressively. Attractive EMI plans and with decent down payment of 8,888 Yuan (Rs 1 lakh), reflect the same. With aggressive pricing like this, we expect Harley-Davidson to soon reach India to rival the domination of Royal Enfield in middle-weight space. India launch is not yet announced, but given the partnership with Hero MotorCorp, Harley-Davidson might use the latter’s extensive dealer network to offer X350 and X500 in India. More