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    MG Comet EV Launch in April 2023 – Entry Point to Small Electric Cars

    MG Comet EV: A game-changer in electric cars, the age of small EVs begins with its April 2023 launch2023 MG Comet Electric Car
    MG is all set to launch Comet EV, a compact electric vehicle in India in April 2023. Prices and battery details too will be announced then. This rebadged version of the Wuling Air from China will be manufactured at MG’s plant in India. Available in five colours, you can pick from White, Pink, Yellow, Blue, and Green.
    MG Comet EV: A look at its range and charging capabilities
    Exterior design of the MG Comet EV is modern and sleek. It has split headlamps. The remaining light set up includes LED DRLs, turn indicators, and a narrow LED light beam positioned in the front chrome bar. The bar continues onto both OVRMs. Rear lights match the front design theme, with a stop lamp beam that runs across the rear and a 2-row split tail lamp. Charging port is located beneath the front MG branding.
    2023 MG Comet Electric Car
    Wuling Air EV battery choices are expected on the Comet. The smaller is a 17.3kWh unit. The bigger, a 26.7kWh unit. Between the two, the drive range extends from 200kms to 300kms. MG Comet EV is expected to have a 31 KW (41 PS) or 50 kW (68 PS) motor. The smaller 18kWh unit would be most price competitive for India but there’s no clarity on model/s going to be launched.
    Comet EV battery is rumoured to be sourced from Tata Autocomp and will use LFP cells. Comet will be the smallest vehicle in MG’s lineup in India, making it a cost-effective entry point for customers to step into the world of EVs.
    2023 MG Comet Electric Car
    Both SWB and LWB variants of  Wuling Air are 2-door models, LWB being a 4-seater. MG Comet EV is based on GSEV (Global Small Electric Vehicle) platform developed in a joint venture between SAIC-GM-Wuling. Other features are likely to include automatic climate control, dual 10.2” horizontal screens, a 2-spoke steering wheel, electronic parking brake, and voice command.
    Can the MG Comet EV keep up with the demands of daily driving?
    With its range, charging capabilities, design, and features, MG Comet EV is a smart choice for electric car enthusiasts. It’s sheer smallness makes it practical and an efficient electric car for city driving. Welcome to the world of small electric cars.
    Compact smart cars can provide a practical solution to urban mobility challenges in India by reducing travel time and improving commute experience. Their small size and advanced technology could be effective in navigating through crowded city streets and reducing congestion. Most importantly, they present an excellent case for affordable electric cars.
    Comet will be the 2nd EV from MG. MG ZS EV is already on sale in India, priced from Rs 23.38 lakh, ex-sh. Prices of MG Comet electric car are expected to start from under Rs 10 lakh, making it a rival to Tata Tiago EV. More

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    2023 Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS USD Forks Walkaround – Arrives At Dealer Showroom

    Bajaj Auto has upgraded their Pulsar NS range of motorcycles with USD forks in the front – First batch has arrived at dealer showroom2023 Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS
    Bajaj Pulsar NS lineup has been one of the sportiest offerings in their respective segments. With aggressive styling and presence, they have captivated the Indian market fairly well. Now, Bajaj intends to expand this lineup’s presence by offering USD forks and dual-channel ABS on NS200 as well as NS160. After teasing these two motorcycles on their social media last week, the first batch has started to arrive at dealer showrooms.
    2023 Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS With USD Forks – Walkaround
    Thanks to Rash Gear channel, we now have a first walkaround video. For those who were expecting design changes, are going to be disappointed. As the new 2023 Pulsar NS looks the same as previous models, sans USD front forks.
    2023 Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS
    Speaking of NS200, it is the only one to get a dual channel ABS update as well. Pulsar RS200, which is a faired version of NS200, got dual-channel ABS long back, and it was high time Bajaj offered it with its naked sibling as well.
    With USD front forks, these Pulsars look more muscular than they already did. It almost feels like the Pulsar NS160 and NS200 hit the gym and are now flexing their triceps. With USD forks, the thicker part of the forks is now on top and has a greater surface area to clamp with the frame. This gives better clamping force, making the frame more cohesive.
    2023 Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS – Gear position indicator added
    In Brazil, Bajaj is offering larger 33 mm USD front forks with NS200 and smaller 31 mm USD forks with NS160. We can expect a similar strategy with India-spec models as well. By offering dual-channel ABS on Pulsar NS200 along with USD front forks, Bajaj is taking the fight to TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. Take a look at the Pulsar USD forks walkaround video below.
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    Specs & Features
    Since it is 2023, we hoped Bajaj would offer some new features with this update. Features like Bluetooth connectivity with smartphone integration and GPS-guided turn-by-turn navigation. Or LEDs instead of halogens, maybe adjustable front suspension (offered on Apache 200 4V) and the likes. But that doesn’t seem to be the case. What we do get is an updated instrument cluster which now shows gear position.
    Pulsar NS160 still retains the 160.3 cc single-cylinder unit as before. Coupled with a 5-speed gearbox, it is capable of developing 17.2 PS of power at 9000 RPM and 14.6 Nm of torque at 7250 RPM. NS200 on the other hand is equipped with a 199.5 cc liquid-cooled engine making 24.13 bhp of power at 9750 RPM and 18.74 Nm of torque at 8000 RPM.
    Pricing for the updated Pulsar NS160 and NS200 are likely to go up by Rs. 5,000 to Rs 10,000. Current versions cost Rs. 1.25 lakh and Rs. 1.4 lakh each respectively. (prices ex-sh). More

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    Ather Grids To Cut Off Electric Scooter Charging At 80% – Here’s Why

    Ather Energy Announces Upgrade to Ather Grids – 80 percent Cut-Off for optimal charge for users
    Ather Electric Scooter
    Ather Energy has recently announced that their Ather Grids will soon be upgraded with an 80 percent cut-off. This will provide optimal charge for users, reduced wait time for others, and fair usage for everyone. While that’s a straightforward message, a tweet from their CEO related to the same caught our attention. ‘Once we disconnect the solenoid, charging cannot continue for safety reasons. You risk arcing and other non savoury things otherwise.’
    Understanding How Solenoids Convert Electrical Energy to Mechanical Energy
    If you own an electric scooter, you may have heard of solenoids and their importance in the charging process. Solenoids are essential electromechanical devices that control the flow of electricity to the battery. They convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and generate a magnetic field when an electric current passes through them.
    Ather Electric Scooter charging via grids – 80% cut off. Hat tip – Coimbatore Ather Owners
    However, if you disconnect while the battery is charging, you risk arcing and other safety hazards. It is, therefore, essential to let the solenoid complete its cycle before disconnecting it to prevent any damage or harm that may occur due to a sudden interruption in the flow of electrical energy.
    Risks of Interrupting the Flow of Electrical Energy to an Electric Scooter Battery
    When a solenoid is charging, it actively draws electrical energy and creates a magnetic field. Disconnecting the solenoid while it is charging can be dangerous as it may cause a sudden interruption in electrical energy flow, leading to an electric arc.
    Solenoids are critical safety features in electric scooter charging. They control the flow of electricity to the battery and prevent electric arcs that can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
    Preventing Electric Arcs During Electric Scooter Charging
    An electric arc is a discharge of electric current that occurs when there is a gap in a circuit. It can cause a flash of light, heat, and even an explosion, resulting in severe burns, equipment damage, and even death. To prevent electric arcs, it is crucial to let the solenoid complete its cycle before disconnecting it. This ensures that the magnetic field has dissipated, and there is no risk of an electric arc occurring.
    The Ather electric scooter is designed with safety in mind and uses technologically advanced lithium-ion cells for its battery pack. These cells have a high energy density, making them a popular choice for electric vehicles. More

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    1954 MG TF 1500 Is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick of the Day

    Here’s a great example of the classic MG motoring experience.MGs and other postwar sports cars offered high-quality driving at affordable prices.Check out the auction, which ends on March 14, on Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos.Car and DriverMorris Garages started life as sporting specials, lightweight bodies perched on the chassis of heavier Morris cars. Early MGs were lively handlers and helped spur the postwar sportscar craze on both sides of the Atlantic. Up for auction this week is a lovely slice of vintage MG life.From the C/D ArchiveThis 1954 MG TF 1500 is essentially an updated version of an idea that started in the 1920s. It followed the MG TD, which was preceded by the TC, and it by the TB. The MGA that immediately followed it in 1955 was the first modern MG, and it gave rise to a breed of cars that would create a new generation of enthusiasts.Bring a TrailerBring a TrailerReturning GIs brought a few MGs back from England’s green and pleasant land, and MG also had success as an exporter. They weren’t Jaguars or Austin-Healeys, but they were more affordable to buy and relatively simple to work on. That simplicity is necessary, as owning a vintage British car requires a certain mechanical aptitude—and an even deeper knowledge of creative vulgarities. This TF example wears a little more chrome than may be acceptable in collector circles, but it is well restored and has the desirable 1.5-liter engine. The twin-carburetor four-cylinder is good for 62 horsepower, which makes the octagonal, 105-mph speedometer seem a trifle optimistic.Cars the likes of the TF weren’t built for interstate drudgery. They were made for zipping around on country lanes at a pace that feels criminal but won’t raise concern with the constabulary.Bring a TrailerBring a TrailerIt’s the wind in your hair, bugs in your teeth, what’s-that-funny-smell, sheer exhilaration of motoring that has kept these vehicles popular into the current day. An MG T-series feels more alive at 30 mph than a Porsche Boxster does at 70.MG left the U.S. market with the rubber-bumper MGB, which had a crash-test-mandated ride height like a Porsche 911 Dakar. The MG brand is currently part of Chinese manufacturer SAIC’s portfolio, and its U.K.-market electric MG4 crossover is reportedly pleasant to drive and comes in at about three-quarters the price of a VW ID.4. But the present is not the past, and while the future of the U.K. auto industry has glimmers of optimism, experiencing an MG T-series like this one will take you back to the brand’s golden age.Car and driverCar and driver Lettermark logoContributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

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    2023 Easter Jeep Safari Is Coming, and Jeep Is Teasing with Eye-Catching Sketches

    Jeep showed off two new teasers ahead of the 2023 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.The brand uses the event, now in its 57th year, as a showcase for new concept vehicles.The company released the first two “trail markers” hinting at what it will bring to the event scheduled for April 1–9, 2023.Jeep Nation rejoice! The Easter Jeep Safari is nearly upon us. This year will mark the 57th Safari, and true to form, Jeep has started hinting at the wild concepts it will bring. The first two teasers—or “trail markers,” as Jeep is calling them—were released today. Rather than images or renderings, the company showed off two eye-catching sketches. The first sketch shows what looks to be a muscled-up two-door version of the Gladiator truck wearing a wide set of knobby off-road-ready tires hiding under what look to be the largest fenders we’ve ever spotted on a Jeep. From what we can tell by squinting through the blinding green haze of the sketch, the driver’s-side mirror has migrated from the A-pillar and now rests directly in front of the enlarged front fender. Jeep/StellantisThe second sketch has a bit more muted color scheme, which seems to be Jeep’s way of showing off the blue-trimmed 4xe font. This concept looks like a more straightforward Wrangler Rubicon off-roader, and we can once again spot enlarged fenders. Unlike in the Green Giant sketch, the mirror placement in this sketch look standard. One element that’s not standard is that the doors have been replaced by tube half-doors, while the rear windows are replaced by some sort of Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) utility rack. Last year Jeep brought a whopping seven concept vehicles to the event. We think it’s a safe bet that they will bring at least that many this year as well. Two more each week between now and the start of the Easter Jeep Safari would bring the total to eight, topping last year’s figure. 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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    Video: Why Ford F-150 Raptor R Has Less Suspension Flex Than Ram 1500 TRX

    The inner 10-year-old in all of us certainly appreciated Ford shoving a 700-horsepower supercharged V-8 under the hood of the F-150 Raptor to make the Raptor R. But exactly what did Ford need to change to accommodate the heavier powertrain? In our latest suspension test video, Dan Edmunds finds out by exploring underneath the front and rear of a 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R. He also puts it through our Ramp Travel Index test to compare the Raptor R’s flex to other Raptor variants and, of course, the Ram 1500 TRX. As it turns out, the additional weight didn’t require comprehensive changes to the design of the suspension. The front spring rates are stiffer, but fundamentally the suspension package is the same as other Raptors. We also see the weight for the mounted 37-inch wheels.In the rear, Edmunds explains the benefits of the Raptor’s independent suspension and its inverted shocks. We learn how the active Fox Live Valve Shocks work, and we see how the middle of the Panhard rod has been flattened to make room for the 37-inch spare tire.The RTI test highlights the Raptor R’s 33.1-degree approach angle. But you might be surprised to see that the Raptor R has a lower score than not only the Ram 1500 TRX, but also every other Raptor variant. What gives? Watch to learn.More on Raptor and TRXThis 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.Deputy Editor, VideoFrom selling them to testing them, Carlos Lago has spent his entire adult life consumed by cars. He currently drives the creative behind Car and Driver video. More

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    Alfa Romeo Reportedly Planning Big-Bodied Electric SUV for 2028

    Alfa Romeo is planning a large electric SUV flagship that could arrive in 2028, per a report by Auto Express.After interviewing Alfa CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato, the British outlet believes the brand will build an EV SUV the size of a BMW iX before the decade’s end.Imparato also told AE that Alfa plans to introduce an electric sedan in 2027 that’ll be even bigger than the upcoming 2025 Giulia EV.Before the end of the decade, Alfa Romeo plans to build a large electric SUV that’s similar in size to the BMW iX. At least that’s what British car magazine Auto Express reported today after an interview with Alfa CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato.Alfa’s Future EV FlagshipImparato told the British car magazine that sometime in 2027 the brand will introduce an electric sedan that’s suited for North America. It’ll be in the same size category as the Audi A6 and BMW 5-series, so it’ll be bigger than the upcoming 2025 Giulia EV. Following the debut of the size-up sedan, Imparato mentioned introducing a “built-up model in 2028”. AE believes this to be a large electric SUV that’ll be Alfa’s future flagship, which makes sense considering the company has previously discussed building bigger and smaller SUVs to surround the current compact-sized Stelvio. So far, the company has only introduced the subcompact Tonale plug-in hybrid.Alfa Romeo TimelinesAnother STLA Large AdopterThe speculation is that the bigger electric sedan and SUV will be based on the Stellantis Group’s STLA Large platform. It’s the same one that’ll underpin the Giulia EV, offering an 800-volt electrical architecture with rapid-charging capability. Regarding the bigger future sedan, Imparato told AE it’ll be able to recharge 80 percent of its battery in 18 minutes and aim for over 400 miles of driving range. He also said Alfa’s design language is set through 2027, so that includes the time frame for the sedan but not the SUV. While AE’s article includes a rendering of what it thinks Alfa’s future flagship could look like, we’ll likely have to wait quite awhile until we get an official glimpse of the big-bodied ute. For now, we’ll just have to use what we know about the Italian automaker’s current aesthetic to fuel our imagination.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

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    2023 Tesla Model S and X Add Pretty but Pricey $3000 Red Paint

    The 2023 Tesla Model S and Model X add a $3000 Ultra Red paint option, which replaces the previous $2K red paint. Both Teslas also add a newly designed glass roof that’s said to weigh less and let in more light, albeit with the same UV protection.Plaid models add new brake pads that have a higher thermal capacity than before—they’re also still without the carbon-ceramic kit Tesla promised.For folks who want the prettiest red paint on their 2023 Tesla Model S or Model X, they’ll have to shell out $3000. That’s the price of the new Ultra Red paint option that Tesla offers on its two largest models.The new red paint replaces the $2000 Red Multi-Coat option that’s still available on the Model 3 and the Model Y. The higher-priced color on the Model S and X arrives just days after Tesla marked down each by about $5000 and $10K, respectively. However, Tesla gives both of them minor updates too.Is It Getting Hot in Here?Outside of the new prettier-but-pricier paint, the Model S and X add a newly designed glass roof that’s said to weigh less than the one it replaces. Shaving weight off the top could help lower the two Teslas’ center of gravity, which in turn could improve their handling.On the other hand, we we’re not thrilled with the idea of a glass roof that’s said to allow five-times more light into the cabin. Tesla claims it provides the the same amount of UV protection as the old one, so we’ll just have to wait to sit in one on a piping-hot sunny day to find out.Give Us a BrakeOn the bright side (pun intended), the high-performance Plaid variants of the Model S and Model X now have improved brake pads. Tesla claims the new pads offer a higher thermal capacity than the old ones.TeslaFrom what we can decipher off of Tesla’s Twitter, the update only affects the brake pads, leaving the standard rotors and calipers unchanged. We’ve criticized the stock brakes on the Model S Plaid before, so we’re happy to see improvements (no matter how minor). Still, it’s worth noting Tesla has yet to introduce the track-capable carbon-ceramic brake option the company promised is on the way.Tesla Price ChangesThis 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