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    Honda 350cc Cruiser To Rival Meteor 350 – Launch By Diwali 2023 ?

    To be based on the existing CB350, new Honda 350cc Cruiser is likely to come with different engine tuningHonda Rebel Cruiser – Image for illustration purpose onlyIf there is one brand that is dominating the 350cc segment, it is Royal Enfield. It is at the peak of this segment, enjoying a huge market share of over 85%. Rival manufacturers have tried to eat into this market share, but have not found much success yet. Classic Legends Jawa and Yezdi, Honda CB350 and CB350 RS, Bajaj Dominar are some examples.That does not mean rivals have given up. Honda for example, is getting ready to launch a new 350cc motorcycle later this year, which is rumoured to be a cruiser that will take on the Royal Enfield Meteor 350. As of now, Meteor 350 is enjoying a niche in this segment. Now, Honda intends to crash Meteor 350’s party by launching a new cruiser based on its CB350.What To Expect From Upcoming Honda 350cc Cruiser?A new variant of CB350 by the end of this year was hinted by Honda while revealing its EV roadmap for India. They have not yet confirmed that it will be a cruiser. There was just a new variant mentioned based on CB350, which could be an ADV as well. One to take on Royal Enfield Himalayan. Or it can be an even more trail-worthy CB350 RS based scrambler with wire-spoked wheels, longer travel suspension and A/T tyres.Rumours in the industry claim that it is more likely to be a cruiser. Because Meteor 350 has more sales volume when compared to Himalayan. For reference, Meteor 350 sales avg about 8k units a month, while Himalayan sales are in the 3k range per month. If trying to cut into an established pie, why not shoot for a larger pie, right?Honda Rebel cruiser image for referenceRecently, Honda announced six custom kits with CB350. Out of these, Tourer custom was a tempting proposition for a cruiser. It had knuckle guards, a windscreen, and a luggage rack behind its pillion seats. But there was a missed opportunity for Honda as it should have offered revised rider geometry to suit that of a cruiser motorcycle.That is exactly what Honda might be offering with this upcoming variant of CB350. New Honda 350cc cruiser might offer a lower seat height, extended wheelbase, a longer and more relaxed handlebar, front set foot pegs, a larger fuel tank, smaller wheels and more. This would transform CB350 into a cruiser with a lot more appeal. Something inspired by their Rebel range of motorcycles on offer in the international market would be great.Honda 350cc Cruiser Engine SpecsHonda will very likely retain its 348.36cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine. But, there might be a different engine tune to suit a cruiser’s character by offering more bottom-end torque. Revised gearing and sprockets might be possible too. For reference, on H’ness CB350, this engine makes 20.78 bhp of power and 30 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox.While at it, we hope Honda throws in a 20L or even 21L fuel tank to get an impeccable tank range. Even Meteor 350 doesn’t get a large fuel tank, which its predecessor Thunderbird 350 did. Other features like LED lighting and retro styling will be retained. Launch will happen by Diwali 2023. Prices of Honda 350cc cruiser will be more that of the existing CB350 range. More

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    Royal Enfield To Invest Up To Rs 1,500 Crore – New Factory, EVs, Motorcycles

    Royal Enfield’s Rapid Expansion: More motorcycles, EVs and a New Cheyyar Manufacturing FacilityImage – Lost Together 4everRoyal Enfield is continually expanding its product portfolio. Likewise, the Chennai-based bike maker has more products planned for the future – such as the Shotgun 650, Scram 650, Himalayan 450, Scram 450, and new Bullet 350. With this rapid expansion, the need for additional production preparedness is essential to keep up with growing demand.Royal Enfield recorded its highest ever sales of 8.34 lakh motorcycles in FY2023. To accommodate additional capacity and EV goals, the company is reportedly setting up a new manufacturing facility. It will be located in Cheyyar, outside Chennai.Royal Enfield’s New Manufacturing Facility: Combining ICE Vehicles and EVsThe report elaborates that Royal Enfield has acquired 60 acres of land in Cheyyar for this new facility. This will require an investment of Rs 1,000 crore – Rs 1,500 crore over the next two years. Establishing a new facility can meet future demands.Royal Enfield’s new facility in Cheyyar will reportedly produce both ICE vehicles and EVs. The facility will also take on some of the duties from Royal Enfield’s Thiruvottiyur factory. This entails a budget of up to Rs. 150 crore to lay the groundwork, and the project’s completion is expected to be in 2025.Current Royal Enfield motorcycles are manufactured at company plant in Chennai, India.Royal Enfield’s EV Plans: Two Different Platforms in the WorksThere has been speculation that Royal Enfield is developing two different EV platforms. The first is an in-house platform codenamed L1A, which is rumoured to hit the road by 2025. There is also the EV platform from Spanish EV maker Stark Motorcycles.First Royal Enfield electric motorcycle is expected to make its market launch in 2025. It will be a completely new machine, and not something that will be based on their existing motorcycle. Designed to be an EV from ground up, it is likely to come with a battery pack that will deliver a range of about 100-150 kms in real world conditions.More Than Just a Production Plant – Meeting the Challenges of the FutureRoyal Enfield’s existing Vallam Vadagal and Oragadam factories have a combined production capacity of above one million (10 lakh) units per annum. Then there is the Thiruvottiyur facility as well. Future EV production is expected to be a prominent role of this new plant.Their expansion plans are in full swing, and the company’s new manufacturing facility in Cheyyar is an essential part of these plans. And it will play a significant role in fostering the manufacturer’s future growth. Royal Enfield is poised to take the Indian and global two-wheeler markets by storm with its growing product line-up, focus on increased exports, and EV plans.Source More

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    2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125 E20 Gets FI Engine – New Alloys, Colours, Features

    Bajaj has replaced the electronic carburetor on 2023 Pulsar 125 with a fuel injector, which should ensure better efficiency and performance2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125Bajaj Pulsar 125 has received an update for MY2023. Updated models reached dealerships and deliveries have also started. As part of the update, Bajaj has made significant changes to its powertrain to make it RDE-compliant and E20 fuel compatible. This is part of the BS6 Phase II emission norms transition. OBD-II diagnostics is also a part of this update, monitoring emissions and engine parameters in real-time.2023 Pulsar 125 – Goodbye Carburetor, Hello FI, E20 EngineBike Point By Mintu&Rahul channel has uploaded a detailed walkaround of 2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125 Neon Edition. Pulsar 125 Neon Edition Single Seat Disc variant price to be Rs. 1.01 lakh (on-road, WB). This pricing undercuts most of its rivals from Honda, TVS and Hero MotoCorp.2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125 – New AlloysTo get Pulsar 125 to meet new norms, Bajaj has ditched the electronic carburetor from pre-BS6 P2 era. In its place, we now get a much more efficient fuel injector. There will be a change in engine tuning as well, to take full benefits of a fuel injector. Bajaj will likely equip 2023 Pulsar 125 with a new ECU measuring various external factors to best optimise air-fuel ratio in real-time.Benefits of a FI over a carburetor are many. For starters, there is better atomization of the charge. A carburetor can’t adjust air-fuel ratio on its own with varied altitude, pressure, temperature and other external factors. With the new fuel injector, there might be an increase in fuel efficiency as well.[embedded content][embedded content]Bajaj has made another major change to Pulsar 125. Pre-BS6 P2 Pulsar 125 came with twin spark technology. Bajaj calls it DTS-i and Pulsar 125’s engine casing had this branding as well. With 2023 Pulsar 125, there is just one spark plug and engine casing now gets Bajaj branding instead of DTS-i.2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125New Cosmetic & Functional Upgrades For Better Commuting ExperienceThe walkaround video only shows the Pulsar 125 Neon Edition Single Seat Disc Brake variant. Aforementioned changes will be applicable to other variants of Neon Edition and Carbon Fibre Edition as well. Pulsar 125’s graphics get subtle revisions too.Pulsar 125 looks a lot more stylish with the new alloy wheel design, replacing the older 6-spoke design. Differences between Carbon Fiber and Neon editions are in aesthetics only. Primary of them is that Carbon Fiber gets a belly pan, which Neon lacks.2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125There is an overhauled instrument cluster as well. It is physically the same unit. Added features are instant fuel efficiency, average fuel efficiency and distance to empty. A Gear position indicator is lacking, though. New Pulsar 125 gets halogen headlights, turn indicators and pilot lamps, LED tail lights and illuminated switchgear and more.Change In Numbers Expected2023 Bajaj Pulsar 125 is likely to sport different performance figures with added FI setup. For reference, the outgoing carburated model develops 11.64 bhp and 10.8 Nm and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Newer model retains regular telescopic front forks, rear twin shock absorbers, 80/100-17 front and 100/90-17 rear tyres. Pulsar 125 rivals include Honda SP125, TVS Raider 125, Hero Glamour XTEC and the likes. More

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    2024 BMW XM Label Red with 738 HP Becomes the Mightiest M Model

    The 2024 BMW XM Label Red debuts with a 738-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain, making it the brand’s mightiest M-badged model. Along with a claimed 60-mph time of 3.7 seconds, the Label Red has an estimated electric driving range of around 30 miles. While BMW hasn’t released pricing, we expect it to cost around $186K after production starts this August. The 2024 BMW XM Label Red is unlike any M car before. Partly because it’s a mammoth plug-in-hybrid SUV, but mostly because it packs more power than any previous M-badged BMW that could legally be driven on the street.Big Bad BimmerWhile similar to the regular 644-hp XM model, the Label Red’s electrified powertrain is beefed up to produce 738 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. Those peak figures are derived from a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 and an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and the eight-speed automatic transmission. That drivetrain combines with a variable, rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, and BMW claims the XM Label Red will hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. That’s four-tenths quicker than its counterpart’s estimate. The Label Red’s top speed is limited to 155 mph, but that cap can be lifted to 175 mph with the optional M Driver’s package.Every version comes standard with adaptive dampers, active anti-roll bars, an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, and M compound brakes with fixed six-piston front calipers and floating single-piston rear clampers. While a set of 23-inch wheels are standard, a set of 22-inchers can be swapped for free. Since the regular XM only comes with summer tires, we expect the Label Red to do the same. Electrified and ExtrovertedBMW isn’t yet discussing fuel-economy estimates, but it has released details about the Label Red’s electrical system, which predictably is identical to the lesser XM’s. There’s a 19.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack under the floor that provides an estimated electric driving range of 30 miles. Connect the 7.4-kW onboard charger and a fully replenished battery is said to take three hours and 15 minutes.Whether plugged in at home or at a Level 2 public charger, the XM Label Red will draw the attention of anyone who walks within shouting distance. Perhaps its the enormous, alien-like front end, which looks especially extroverted with the red rings around its cartoonish kidney grille. Additional red exterior accents are found on its gigantic wheels. The stripe stretching along its flanks and up around its side windows can also be had in Toronto Red. Are we the only ones picking up heavy vibes from the A-Team van?Inside, the Bimmer’s red details continue, albeit on a more traditional canvas. The color can be seen on the dashboard HVAC vents as well as on stitched surfaces throughout the cabin. Standout features include BMW’s curved glass panel that combines a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen with iDrive 8.5 infotainment software.The interior also features a head-up display, a three-dimensional headliner, and myriad M-specific controls. Customers can opt for a 1475-watt Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system too, if the standard Harman Kardon stereo won’t suffice. Of course, an SUV this luxurious wouldn’t be complete without an array of driver assists that include BMW’s semi-autonomous drive mode that allows hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph on certain thoroughfares.The 2024 BMW XM Label Red is slated to start production at the automaker’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant this August. Although BMW says it’ll announce pricing closer to that date, we’d wager the highest-performance XM will start around $186K.Extra BMW XM ReadingThis 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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    2025 Mini Cooper Hardtop Shows Off Sharp New Design in First Photos

    This is our first look at the next-generation Mini Cooper Hardtop, which will arrive in the United States for the 2025 model year.The design retains the classic Mini cues but now features triangular LED taillights in place of the long-running rectangular shape. The 2025 Cooper hatchback will feature both gas and electric powertrains, with the EV being developed as part of a joint venture with China’s Great Wall Motor.Mini has revealed the first official images of the next-generation Cooper hatchback, due to arrive in the United States for the 2025 model year. The automaker first previewed the new Cooper back in 2021, showing a camouflaged prototype and confirming that the iconic city car would offer both internal-combustion and electric powertrains.MiniMini is remaining tight-lipped on details, but the photos show a sleeker design, with the round headlights smoothly integrated into the body and the wider octagonal grille outline visually lowering the car. The grille is mostly blanked off, with a small opening at the bottom for cooling and a thin black strip at the top that seems to be hiding sensors, but the face is still recognizably Mini. MiniSharp creases on the hood give the Cooper a purposeful stance, and this example, badged as “S,” wears a set of snazzy geometric wheels. The most noticeable change comes at the back, where the rectangular taillights have been swapped out for triangular units with intricate LEDs that still hint at the design of the Union Jack flag. More Mini NewsThe styling appears unchanged from the undisguised prototypes spotted in China back in late 2021, so we’re surprised that its taken this long for the Cooper to finally be revealed. The small grille aperture, green “S” badges, and lack of a visible exhaust pipe leads us to believe that this Cooper is an EV. MiniThe electric Mini will be built in China on a platform developed with Great Wall Motor, while a gas-powered model—which is expected to share its styling with the EV—will arrive on an updated version of the current platform and be assembled in Oxford, England. The internal-combustion version should use the same turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot engines as the outgoing model. More details on the next-generation Cooper should be released soon.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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    2024 Kia Seltos Starts Just under $26,000

    Pricing is now out for the 2024 Kia Seltos, which increased by over $1000 to start at $25,715.Oddly, all-wheel drive is standard on the S, X-Line, and SX trims but costs $1500 on the S and $2200 on the EX.For 2024, the Seltos lineup also gets refreshed exterior and interior styling.The Kia Seltos subcompact SUV exists to fill the small remaining gaps in the brand’s lineup. Sized and priced above the smaller Soul and below the larger Sportage, the Seltos manages to toe the line without being considered diminutive. Pricing for the 2024 model is out and increases by over $1000, with a starting price of $25,715 for the LX trim. Pricing steadily rises throughout the lineup, with the biggest jump from the $27,115 EX to the $30,015 X-Line. The latter swaps the 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder found on the lesser trims for a turbocharged 1.6-liter version, which is upgraded for 2024. Power is up 20 horses, with the peppy mill now making 195 ponies.Fuel economy for the 2.0-liter is unlikely to change from its EPA-estimated 34 mpg on front-wheel-drive models, but the more powerful 1.6-liter may lose some of its efficiency. All-wheel drive comes standard on the LX, X-Line, and SX trims, but oddly it’s optional on the S and EX trims. Springing for that feature costs $1500 on the S and $2200 on the EX.More Kia Seltos ReadingFor the 2024 model year, the Seltos’s styling is refreshed inside and out. This includes a restyled grille and updated exterior lighting elements. Inside, the infotainment setup is revised, too, with a new optional panel reaching across the dashboard. This serves as a digital gauge cluster and an infotainment touchscreen. 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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    2024 Toyota Tacoma Teases New Overlanding-Focused Trailhunter Trim

    The 2024 Toyota Tacoma will be available in an overlanding-ready Trailhunter trim.Expect plenty of off-road-ready kit, including an ARB rear bumper and big tow hooks.Those features are confirmed in Toyota’s latest teaser, as are the Trailhunter’s branded headlight bezels.Toyota is looking to further appeal to off-roaders with its 2024 Tacoma mid-size pickup. After initially teasing the new truck in hybrid TRD Pro guise, Toyota is now giving us a small peek at the forthcoming Trailhunter trim.Related StoriesThough the Tacoma appears to be the first production vehicle from Toyota to bear the Trailhunter name, it’s not the first time we’ve heard of this new nameplate. That honor goes to the Tundra Trailhunter concept from last year’s SEMA show. Like its full-size concept brethren, the Tacoma Trailhunter has its sights set on the overlanding crowd. What exactly that entails remains to be seen. ToyotaFor now, we can confirm the Tacoma Trailhunter will have an ARB-sourced rear bumper (almost certainly made of steel) and a big frame-mounted tow hook. Additionally, the model sports darkened, Trailhunter-branded headlight bezels, flared fenders, and what look like all-terrain tires. We wager a good deal of what made the Tundra Trailhunter concept (shown below) so special will also separate the Tacoma Trailhunter from its lesser kin. This includes a trim-specific suspension setup, a number of underbody skid plates, roof racks, and off-road driving lamps. toyotaThe Tundra Trailhunter concept also included a bed rack with a roof-top tent mounted to it, a refrigerator, and custom in-bed storage features to make living off the grid a little more bearable. Frankly, we’d be shocked if Toyota didn’t at least offer these bits as optional accessory items. That said, we won’t hold our breath on such items making it to the production model’s standard features list. Toyota is mum on much else regarding the 2024 Tacoma and its less off-road-focused models. Nonetheless, mid-size-truck buyers looking for a hybrid-powered off-road pickup or a factory-built overlander will surely want to give the 2024 Tacoma a look. When exactly Toyota plans to let us see the truck in its entirety, however, is anyone’s guess.Senior EditorDespite their shared last name, Greg Fink is not related to Ed “Big Daddy” Roth’s infamous Rat Fink. Both Finks, however, are known for their love of cars, car culture, and—strangely—monogrammed one-piece bathing suits. Greg’s career in the media industry goes back more than a decade. His previous experience includes stints as an editor at publications such as U.S. News & World Report, The Huffington Post, Motor1.com, and MotorTrend. More

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    Baojun Yep Jimny Rival Electric SUV Spied – Heading To Dealer

    Baojun cars are on sale in India under the MG branding – Will we get the new Yep small car next?Jimny Rival Electric SUVSuzuki Jimny is one of the hottest vehicles in multiple global markets. SAIC-GM-Wuling JV are developing a rival that will solely get an electric powertrain. Baojun Yep EV is its global name. 59,800 Yuan (rumoured) is the leaked starting price, which is about Rs 7.12 lakh, making it a rather tempting proposition.Baojun Yep SUV is expected to make its global debut at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, to be held between April 18 and 27, 2023. Ahead of that, new spy shots have leaked online, which reveal the production version in an undisguised state for the first time. It is seen getting transported to dealer showrooms ahead of launch.Jimny Rival Electric SUVWhat To Expect From MG’s Jimny Rival, Yep?Baojun Yep is a small SUV with 3-door, 4-seat layout. Apart from executing duties in your day to day city life, it is also meant to perform during weekend camping excursions among other lifestyle activities.Yep measures 3381 mm in length, 1685 mm in width and 1721 mm in height. Wheelbase measures 2110 mm and kerb weight is surprisingly low at 1006 kg. Considering that it is an EV with a heavy electric powertrain, low kerb weight should ensure peppy performance. A new teaser video shows the mini electric SUV drifting in the snow.[embedded content][embedded content]Speaking of electric powertrains, Baojun Yep is powered by a LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate, LFP) battery. The sole drivetrain is a 50 kW (68 bhp) and 140 Nm single motor with RWD architecture. Baojun Yep claims a range of 303 km under CLTC test conditions. There are reports suggesting a dual motor layout with AWD and even 5-door versions in the future. This will deliver more power and performance.Jimny Rival Electric SUVInspirations Drawn From Jimny SUVOne look at Yep is enough to see that it is shooting for Jimny’s design. Even colours are somewhat similar. We can spot design elements inspired by Mercedes-Benz G Wagon and Land Rover Defender. Front fascia gets projector headlights, quad-pod LED DRLs, a gloss black grille and a radar module for ADAS functions.At the sides, stylish alloy wheels denoting either an ‘x’ or ‘+’, flared wheel arches and boxy silhouette catch attention. Roof rails and squared-off rear section lend a rugged aura around it. Previous spy shots revealed twin horizontal displays. These take center stage on the inside.Jimny Rival Electric SUVWill It Launch In India?MG cars on sale in India, were first launched in China. These were then re-engineered for launch in India. Hector, Astor, Gloster, ZS EV as well as the soon to be launched Comet EV, are on sale in the Chinese market.But that does not mean all cars sold by MG’s parent in China are on sale in India. Only those cars which make sense to the Indian market, will be launched. Considering that India has been reporting exponential growth in electric car space and popularity of lifestyle products like Jimny and Thar is exploding – Yep makes an exciting proposition for India. As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding a launch in India. More