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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

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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.
    [embedded content]
    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