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      Top 10 Two Wheelers Feb 2023 – Splendor, Activa, Pulsar, Jupiter, Apache

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      Hero Splendor and Honda Activa continued to rule this segment as the best selling motorcycle and scooter respectivelyImage – The Bikers DiaryTotal sales of top 10 best-selling 2W in India in February 2023 saw an 18 percent YoY growth. Sales stood at 8,29,810 units in the past month, a 1,26,582 unit volume growth over 7,03,228 units sold in Feb 2022. It was however a MoM de-growth from 8,31,219 units sold in Jan 2023.Top 10 Two Wheelers Feb 2023 – Splendor Sales At 2.88 LakhHero MotoCorp’s Splendor entry-level commuter appears to have sealed itself at the top of sales charts. It has once again topped two-wheeler sales tables in Feb 2023 with 2,88,605 units, a 48.97 percent YoY growth over 1,93,731 units sold in Feb 2022. This was a volume growth of 94,874 units while the Splendor commanded a 34.78 percent share. MoM sales also improved from 2,61,833 units sold in Jan 2023 during which share percentage had stood at 31.50. Hero Splendor has now got a new rival, in the form of Honda Shine 100.Top 10 Two Wheelers Feb 2023At No. 2 was the Honda Activa. Sales increased by 20.08 percent YoY to 1,74,503 units sold in Feb 2023 as against 1,45,317 units sold in Feb 2022. This led to a 29,186 unit volume growth with the Activa commanding a 21.03 percent share on this list. Honda plans launch of a new electric scooter would could well be an electric variant of the Activa scooter. More details are awaited which could be revealed later this month.Top 10 Two Wheelers Feb 2023Bajaj Pulsar sales also improved on a YoY basis by 45.78 percent. Sales which had stood at 54,951 units in Feb 2022 improved to 80,106 units in the past month. This was a volume growth of 25,155 units while the Pulsar range commands a 9.65 percent share. Following the re-launch of the Pulsar 220F, the company has updated its Pulsar NS range with new features. Pulsar NS160 and NS200 are now being offered with USD forks and dual-channel ABS.Sales of the HF Deluxe dipped by 25.86 percent on a YoY basis to 56,290 units in Feb 2023 from 75,927 units sold in Feb 2022. This was a volume de-growth of 19,632 units. TVS Jupiter sales improved by 14.44 percent YoY to 53,891 units in Feb 2023. This was against 47,092 units sold in Feb 2022. It was followed by the Suzuki Access scooter at No. 6 with 40,194 units sold in the past month, up 7.15 percent over 37,512 units sold in Feb 2022.CB Shine, XL100, Apache, RaiderLower down the 2W sales list was the Honda CB Shine. Sales took a massive hit of 56.43 percent YoY down to 35,594 units in Feb 2023 from 81,700 units sold in Feb 2022. This was a volume de-growth of 46,106 units while the CB Shine currently commands a 4.29 percent share.YoY sales of the TVS XL100 moped also fell 1.40 percent YoY to 35,346 units in Feb 2023 from 35,848 units sold in Feb 2022. There was also the Apache from the TVS stables that stood at No. 9 on this list of top 10 best-selling two wheelers in Feb 2023. Sales grew by 112.94 percent YoY to 34,935 units in Feb 2023 from 16,406 units sold in Feb 2022. TVS Raider was at No. 10 with a 105.82 percent YoY growth to 30,346 units in Feb 2023 from 14,744 units sold in Feb 2022. More

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      Future Audi Lineup Will be Reconfigured for Gas and EV Models

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      While Audi is planning many new electric models, gas cars will stick around for the time being.Cars such as the A4 and A6 will be renamed to fit with existing odd-numbered models to differentiate them from the even-numbered EV nameplates.The TT and R8 sports cars will cease to exist, but the Q5 and Q7 SUVs reach a next generation, and a Q9 could join the lineup.2023 is going to be another slow year for Audi—a couple of facelifts and the arrival of the new Q6 e-tron—but 2024 and 2025 will be bumper years for the four rings. A whopping 17 and 15 launches are penciled into two tight twelve-month time frames. While most rivals put all their money on EVs, CEO Markus Duesmann and his team will carry on introducing new ICE models through the mid- and late-2020s, and there is no end in sight until Europe’s announced registration ban for new petrol- and diesel-engined passenger cars takes effect in 2035.More on AudiLet’s go through the ICE ranks step by step to see how the lineup will be rearranged. (The EV lineup is a whole different story, but expect the “e-tron” designation to be dropped altogether and for names like E4 and E6 to arrive at some point.) The common platform used for all future ICE Audis is codenamed PPC, short for Premium Platform Combustion. The gasoline cars will be renamed to odd numbers to differentiate them from the even-numbered EV models.A4 Becomes A5, A6 Becomes A7Audi E4Illustration by Christian Schulte|Car and DriverAudi A5 AvantIllustration by Christian Schulte|Car and DriverAudi will next year launch the A5 sedan and Avant wagon, which used to carry the A4 moniker. Completing the trio is the new A5 Sportback. Also due in 2024 is the new A7, again as sedan and Avant, both of which are currently listed as A6. Confusing? You bet. The A7 Sportback follows in 2025 along with the second-generation A5 coupe and cabriolet. All of the above are good to go through 2031 and 2032. SUVs and Performance ModelsSimilar lifespans apply to the next Q3 and Q3 Sportback earmarked for 2024, the last-of-its-kind Q5 (2024) and Q5 Sportback (2025), as well as the final Q7 scheduled to bow in mid-2025. Instead of the rumored Q7 Sportback, we may see a plusher and more upmarket Q9 worthy of the Horch badge in China. In addition to the mainstream offerings, PPC will spawn a full range of performance hybrid S and RS models good for up to 550 hp in the top-of-the-line A5s and over 700 hp in the V-6–engined RS7 Performance which will again be available as sedan, wagon, and Sportback.Sports Cars Say Goodbye, A3 Sticks AroundMore on R8 and TTLiving on borrowed time are two of the marque’s ICE legends, the TT and the R8. The TT is due to be phased out later this year, and there is no confirmed successor in sight, but if the new regime in Wolfsburg is really serious about mold-breaking synergy effects, Audi may yet eventually be able to sell rebodied versions of the fully electric Porsche 718 replacement out next year. Since the charismatic V-10 engine is unfit to straddle European emissions hurdles, the R8 bites the dust next year. Its fully electric replacement, which may well find second homes with Bentley and Lamborghini, is expected to use the SSP61 architecture conceived in Weissach.Audi E3Illustration by Christian Schulte|Car and DriverThe A3, however, will soldier on—either until 2026 when its successor would adopt the advanced electric MEB+ platform, or until 2028 when the even more sophisticated SSP3 components set chaperoned by VW becomes available. More sophisticated? The Scalable Systems Platform ups the electric ante in all major departments from range to charging time to energy density. The next A3 should be badged E3, bucking the even-numbered trend.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.Contributing EditorAlthough I was born the only son of an ornithologist and a postal clerk, it was clear from the beginning that birdwatching and stamp collecting were not my thing. Had I known that God wanted me to grow to 6’8″, I also would have ruled out anything to do with cars, which are to blame for a couple of slipped discs, a torn ligament, and that stupid stooped posture behind the wheel. While working as a keeper in the Aberdeen Zoo, smuggling cheap cigarettes from Yugoslavia to Germany, and an embarrassing interlude with an amateur drama group also failed to yield fulfillment, driving and writing about cars became a much better option. And it still is now, many years later, as I approach my 70th birthday. I love every aspect of my job except long-haul travel on lousy airlines, and I hope it shows. More

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      New RE 650 Twins Arrive At Showroom – All Changes Detailed

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      Among all of Royal Enfield 650 Twins, only Continental GT 650 variants get new custom-made sporty tyres from ApolloNew RE 650 Twins At Dealer. Image – Machine RulesWith changing times, evolution of products is key and Royal Enfield understands this. Despite taking a rather long time, the much-awaited updates are finally here on Royal Enfield 650 twins. Most of the upgrades are similar between Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. But there are certain upgrades that have been bestowed only upon GT 650.Features like LED headlights, new switchgear, USB charging port and others are now made standard across the range for both vehicles. However, alloy wheels are only bundled with certain colour combinations only. With these updates, there is a price revision as well. Let’s take a look at all of these.Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor – New Updates. Hat tip Shubham Sharma.2023 Royal Enfield 650 Twins – New ColoursFor MY2023, Royal Enfield has introduced two new colours for Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 respectively. With Continental GT 650, Royal Enfield has discontinued Ventura Storm colour and has added Slipstream Blue and Apex Grey. Only these colour options get alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, a black engine bay and exhaust.With Interceptor 650, they are only offered with newly introduced Black Ray and Barcelona Blue. Interceptor now doesn’t get a slew of OG colours and newer ones like Orange Crush, Baker Express, Ventura Blue, and Downtown Drag. Take a look at the colour options that are currently offered with Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650.2023 Royal Enfield 650 Twins New Colours2023 Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650 – New FeaturesApart from the alloy wheels and blackened engine bay and exhaust, Royal Enfield has offered a slew of features for both Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. For MY2023, these were necessary and kinda expected at the price point that they command. For starters, Royal Enfield is now offering LED headlights, similar to the ones offered with Super Meteor 650.2023 RE 650 Twins – New FeaturesTurn indicators are still halogens, though. RE has thrown in adjustable clutch and brake levers with rotary dials to adjust on the fly, and new comfy seats. This enhances the comfort quotient, enabling riders to tweak their bike to their preference. Water-resistant USB type-A charging port below left switchgear allows riders to charge their electronics on the go.On top of these features, Continental GT 650 gets some extra goodies. They are modern switchgear found on Meteor 650 with upmarket feeling aluminium switch cubes, a hazard light, and a new master brake cylinder (all of these are offered with new colours of Interceptor only) and custom-made rear tyres from Apollo.RE 650 Twins – Special VariantsMY23 Royal Enfield 650 TwinsRoyal Enfield has kept wire-spoke wheels and shiny engine bay and exhaust as they were before with older colour options. This way, Royal Enfield is offering four different characteristics of its motorcycles. First, is Chrome body work and wire-spoke wheels, retaining the old-world charm. Second, single-tone colours with wire-spoke wheels.[embedded content][embedded content]Third, dual-tone colours with wire-spoke wheels. And lastly, blacked-out engine bay and silencers along with alloy wheels. These variants are the new ones added to Royal Enfield’s arsenal. Pricing for these new colours along with updates are Rs. 3,21,000 with Interceptor 650 and Rs. 3,39,000 with Continental GT 650 (all prices ex-sh, India). More

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      2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Confirmed as the Brand's Third Electric SUV

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      Audi has confirmed a new model called the Q6 e-tron, which will be an electric SUV between the Q4 e-tron and Q8 e-tron models.It will use the VW Group’s new PPE platform with an 800-volt electrical architecture.We expect the Q6 e-tron to debut later this year and come to the U.S. as a 2025 model.Audi is adding yet another electric model to its range, the Q6 e-tron. As its name suggests, it will slot in between the Q4 e-tron and the recently renamed Q8 e-tron EV SUVs. These first official photos of a Q6 prototype in camouflage undergoing winter testing show us a glimpse at what this new model looks like, and Audi has released preliminary details about its new PPE platform and 800-volt electrical architecture that should enable impressively fast charging speeds.More Audi ElectricsThe Q6 e-tron will be offered in conventional SUV and sloped-back Sportback versions, just like its siblings. The squareback is pictured here, and its overall proportions are about what we’d expect from an Audi crossover. The front end looks to adopt a split-headlight design akin to the BMW X7’s, but we’re not sure how much the prototype’s lighting elements will change for production.AudiThis model will introduce the VW group’s PPE electric platform, which stands for Premium Platform Electric. These underpinnings boast a more powerful 800-volt electrical system and will also be found in future models including the Audi A6 e-tron. We expect the Q6 e-tron to have a standard dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup that will undoubtedly wear the Quattro name Audi uses for all of its AWD models. Competitors will include vehicles such as the Cadillac Lyriq, the Genesis Electrified GV70, and the Lexus RZ.Audi hasn’t yet set a debut date for the production Q6 e-tron but we expect to see the real thing within the next few months.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 EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

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      New Kawasaki Eliminator 400 Launch Price 759k Yen (Rs 4.7 L)

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      In keeping with Eliminators of the past, Kawasaki Eliminator 400 gets a 400cc engine from its Ninja counterpart, making 48 PS and 37 NmNew Kawasaki Eliminator 400Kawasaki has brought one of its iconic nameplates back from the dead. If you have been following recent developments regarding Kawasaki’s pavilion at the Osaka Motor Show, you might have guessed where this is headed. Yes, the speculations turned out to be true, and Kawasaki Eliminator 400 has been launched.The Japanese brand is launching it in two different variants, Standard and SE. The former is priced from 759,000 Yen (roughly translated to Rs. 4.7 lakh) and the latter is priced at 858,000 Yen (roughly translated to Rs. 5.31 lakh). SE gets special additions over the Standard variant.New Kawasaki Eliminator 400Kawasaki Eliminator 400 – The New Cruiser In TownEarlier, Kawasaki had teased a cruiser motorcycle on social media and even recently, we were teased with veiled motorcycles at Kawasaki pavilion in 2023 Osaka Motor Show. Automotive fraternity was on its heels, anticipating the revival of the Eliminator nameplate, which has turned out true.Eliminator series is a true textbook-cruiser and was first introduced in 1985, starting with Eliminator 900 and soon expanded its portfolio with EL125, EL175 (Bajaj Eliminator in India), EL250, VN250, ZL400, ZL600, ZL750, ZL900 and ZL1000. Kawasaki Eliminator 400 is the spiritual successor of ZL400 of the yesteryear.New Kawasaki Eliminator 400Eliminator 400 – Dimensions, Specs, Engine, Brakes, SuspensionMost of the Eliminator series got powertrains from their Ninja counterparts of similar displacements categories. That stays true here as well as Kawasaki Eliminator 400 gets the same powertrain as Ninja 400. It is a 398 cc parallel twin motor capable of developing 48 bhp of power and 37 Nm of torque, coupled to a 6-speed gearbox.New Kawasaki Eliminator 400 SpecsUnlike typical cruisers with torquey long-stroke engines, Eliminator 400 gets a big bore setup with redline pegged at 10,000 RPM. Drivetrain setup will be key here, to offer a similar character as a cruiser. The newly-developed trellis frame is suspended on 41mm USD front forks with 120 mm travel and twin shock absorbers at the rear with 90 mm travel.New Kawasaki Eliminator 400Kawasaki Eliminator 400 measures 2250 mm in length, 785 mm in width, 1100 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 1520 mm. Even with a low seat height of 735 mm, Kawasaki has managed to carve out a decent 150 mm ground clearance. Front gets a 310 mm single disc setup and rear gets 240 mm disc. Both are equipped with twin-pot brake calipers.New Kawasaki Eliminator 400With 12L of fuel in the tank, Kawasaki Eliminator 400 weighs in at 176 kg (SE weighs 178 kg), which is very spritely, when compared to cruisers with similar thrust. In Kawasaki’s cruiser lineup, Eliminator 400 sits below Vulcan S with a 650 cc engine derived from Ninja 650.Loaded With Modern Features, New TechOwing to Eliminators of yesteryears, 400 gets round LED headlights and a round fully-digital instrument cluster. Turn indicators and tail lights are LED too, but they could have been round as well. Exhaust routing from both cylinders are channeled within a common pipe ending in a single canister setup.New Kawasaki Eliminator 400 vs Vulcan S – Riding PositionThe more expensive SE variant gets fork gaiters, a waterproof USB-C charging socket, special seat with leather, Mitsuba Sankowa GPS and two cameras at the front and back enabling dashcam function as well. It is not yet confirmed whether Kawasaki is bringing this to India or not. If launched in India, it will take on the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. More

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      Honda Activa 6G New Features Launch Soon – Digital Display, Bluetooth

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      With the updates, Honda Activa 6G can have the same level of capabilities as TVS ZX SmartXonnect variant that already has digital instrumentation and BluetoothImage – india’s carWhile Activa is already a top selling product, Honda has been introducing new updates regularly to improve overall user experience. Earlier this year in January, Activa received the Honda Smart Key with H-Smart Technology. It offers several car-like features such as auto lock / unlock, parked location finder and keyless start.Going forward, Honda has revealed plans to introduce some more updates for Activa 6G. The announcement was made by Atsushi Ogata, president and CEO HMSI, during interactions with select journalists at the launch event of Honda Shine 100 commuter motorcycle.Activa 6G new updates plannedOgata said that there has been phenomenal response to the newly launched Activa H-Smart Edition. It has essentially exceeded all expectations. The response has given Honda the confidence to introduce some more updates for Activa 6G.The updates will be accessible via a new, high-spec variant that Honda will launch in near future. Some of the key updates planned for Activa 6G include a digital display and Bluetooth. This new variant will also be equipped with the H-Smart keyless system.Image – Anshul BajpaiCurrent Activa 6G is offered with an analogue display with basic functions such as speedometer, odometer, turn indicators, etc. In comparison, rival TVS ZX SmartXonnect has a digital display and comprehensive range of Bluetooth-based connectivity features. Users benefit from call and SMS alerts, navigation assist and voice assist.Activa 6G is expected to get a similar set of features. With the updates, the new Activa 6G variant is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 85k to Rs 90k. As of now, Activa 6G is offered in Standard, DLX and H-Smart variants. Prices are Rs 74,536, Rs 77,036 and Rs 80,537, respectively. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi. Rival TVS ZX SmartXonnect variant is available at a starting price of Rs 87,123.No mechanical upgradesNew, high-spec Activa 6G variant with Bluetooth and digital display will continue to be powered by the 109.51 cc, 4-stroke SI engine. It makes 7.8 PS of max power and 8.90 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a CVT automatic transmission. Activa has an under-bone frame, with telescopic front forks and 3-step adjustable unit spring rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by drum brakes at both ends.In the next stage of its evolution, Activa will be getting its 7G version. Activa 7G is expected to get some more updates. Honda is also working on the electric version of Activa, as was revealed recently via patent documents. Activa electric will be Honda’s first electric two-wheeler for Indian market. It is expected to be launched in 2024. Activa electric is likely to be offered with a non-removable battery pack. More

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      Ferrari Brings Back the Soft Top on the 2024 Roma Spider

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      Ferrari has removed the roof from the beautiful Roma coupe to create the 2024 Roma Spider, a successor to the Portofino M.The design remains mostly the same, but Ferrari redesigned the rear spoiler, added a wind deflector, and strengthened the chassis and bodywork.The Roma Spider still produces 612 horsepower from its turbocharged 3.9-liter V-8.For the first time since the 1969 365GTS/4, a front-engined Ferrari will feature a fabric top. Today Ferrari revealed the Roma Spider, chopping the roof off its elegant V-8-powered coupe and replacing it with a retractable soft top. The Roma Spider replaces the Portofino M in Ferrari’s lineup, as reported by our friends over at Road and Track.Luckily, Ferrari left the exterior mostly unchanged, with the Roma Spider retaining the long hood and smooth curves of its coupe sibling. The soft top can be erected in just 13.5 seconds at speeds up to 37 mph, and is constructed using special multi-layer fabric weaves. The active rear spoiler was redesigned and recalibrated for roofless driving, with three positions that increase downforce the faster you drive. Ferrari also reinforced the rear of the chassis, and claims that the Roma Spider is only 185 pounds heavier than the coupe.The cabin features the same sophisticated look as the original Roma, with an 8.4-inch vertical screen and a metal gear selector plate surrounded by luscious leather and faux-suede. Ferrari says the steering wheel buttons have been revised for easier use and the start button now glows red. Ferrari paid attention to reducing wind noise and turbulence with the top down, with a 5-mm aerodynamic element added to the top of the windshield and a wind deflector that pops up by rotating the backrest of the rear seats at the push of a button. This cannot be opened with rear passengers in place, but given the tight quarters in the back of the Roma, we imagine this will rarely be an issue.The Roma Spider’s heart is unchanged, with the turbocharged 3.9-liter V-8 still pumping out a massive 612 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque, sending it through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic to the rear wheels. Ferrari touts minor changes to the gearbox which improve fuel efficiency, and the Roma Spider comes with the latest version of the Slide Slip Control system which manages traction and stability control and allows for predictable drifts.More Cool FerrarisDespite the prodigious power, the Roma Spider is more of a cruiser than a track weapon, and comes with plenty of amenities like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 18-way power-adjustable heated seats, with the option to add a neck warmer if you want to keep the top down in cooler climates.No pricing for the Roma Spider was provided, but we estimate that it will start around $280,000, compared to the $247,310 base price for the coupe. Ferrari also didn’t specify when the Roma Spider will go on sale, but we expect the Roma Spider to start providing top-down thrills near the end of the year.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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      450,000 Hondas' Front Seatbelts May Not Latch, Triggering Recall

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      The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has posted notice that 448,613 Honda and Acura vehicles are under recall for front seatbelts that may fail to latch properly.The problem affects the Acura RDX, Honda Accord and Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Insight, and Odyssey, with all recalled vehicles in model years from 2018 through 2020.Because of a manufacturing defect, the front seatbelt buckle channel can “interfere with the release button,” which will mean the seatbelt won’t latch properly. No accidents or injuries have been reported as a result.Honda will recall nearly 450,000 vehicles from 2018 through 2020 model years because the front seatbelt may not latch properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. The recall notice, filed via NHTSA, says there have been 301 warranty claims for the problem dating back to early 2019, but no reports of injuries or deaths related to it.Included vehicles are the 2019 and 2020 Acura RDX, plus the 2018–2019 Honda Accord and Accord Hybrid, the 2017–2020 CR-V, the 2019 Insight, and the 2018–2020 Odyssey. Exact numbers of affected vehicles were not given for each model, although the total number being recalled is 448,613. According to the recall report, Honda began investigating the issue in 2019 and initially believed it could be caused by contraction in the seatbelt buckle channel because of low temperatures. Later, Honda decided the issue was likely of “larger scope” and related to the seatbelt buckle button. The fix will be to install a wider buckle release button, the NHTSA documents say. Owners who may have had the seatbelt fix done already at their own expense will be eligible to be reimbursed. Dealers have already started to be notified, and Honda will begin notifying vehicle owners on April 17. In the meantime, Acura and Honda owners can check the NHTSA recalls website to see if their vehicle is included in the recall. Digital DirectorLaura Sky Brown has been involved in automotive media for a very long time, and she sees it as her calling to guard the legacy and help ensure the continued high quality of Car and Driver. She was one of the first staffers at Automobile Magazine in the ’80s and has worked for many other car magazines and websites as a writer, editor, and copy editor ever since. It has been her privilege to edit many of the greats of automotive journalism over the years, including the ones who currently write for C/D. More