More stories

  • in

    KTM India Sales Jan 2023 – Duke, RC, 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

    KTM 200 commanded 50 percent of domestic sales last month while the KTM 390 posted excellent sales growth in exportsKTM India Sales Jan 2023Current KTM India lineup includes the likes of Duke 125, RC 125, Duke 200, RC 200, Duke 250, ADV 250, Duke 390, RC 390 and ADV 390. Each of these models are produced at the Bajaj Auto Plant, both for domestic sales and exports to over 118 global markets. The company recently achieved a major milestone with its 1 millionth KTM rolling off production lines from the Bajaj Chakan plant in Pune.Sales of the company in the past month have been low in domestic markets. Sales dipped 9.55 percent YoY to 4,197 units in Jan 2023, down from 4,640 units sold in Jan 2022. MoM sales however, improved 26.61 percent from 3,315 units sales in Dec 2022.KTM Sales Jan 2023 – DomesticIt was the KTM 200 (Duke and RC) that topped sales charts with 2,118 units sold in the past month, down 11.68 percent from 2,398 units sold in Jan 2022. This model commands a 50.46 percent share down from 54.12 percent held in Dec 2022 when sales had stood at 1,794 units.Sales of the KTM 250 range also fell YoY by 4.33 percent to 1,170 units in Jan 2023 from 1,223 units sold in Jan 2022. It currently holds a 27.88 percent share. MoM sales grew by 19.27 percent from 981 units sold in Dec 2022.KTM Sales Jan 2023 – DomesticGood demand was experienced for the KTM 390 with 787 units sold last month, up 226.56 percent YoY over 241 units sold in Dec 2022. MoM sales also increased by 172.32 percent from 289 units sold in Dec 2022. This growth improved share percentage from 8.72 held in Dec 2022 to 18.75 percent in the past month. Sales of KTM 125 series dipped YoY by 84.32 percent and MoM by 51.39 percent to 122 units. There had been 778 units sold in Jan 2022 while in Dec 2022 sales in domestic markets stood at 251 units.KTM Sales Jan 2023 – ExportsKTM Exports on the other hand saw better results. Total exports grew to 6,982 units in Jan 2023 up 65.57 percent from 4,217 units shipped in Jan 2022. MoM growth was at 5.13 percent from 6,641 units sold in Dec 2022.In export markets it was the KTM 390 that saw the most demand. Sales improved 261.56 percent YoY to 4,364 units, up from 1,207 units sold in Jan 2022. This was a volume growth of 3,157 units. MoM growth was at 21.02 percent from 3,606 units sold in Dec 2022. Share improved to 62.50 percent in Jan 2023 from 54.30 percent held in Dec 2022. KTM 125 sales improved 175.83 percent MoM to 2,168 units while exports of the KTM 250 and 200 series dipped YoY and MoM to 408 units and 42 units respectively.KTM Sales Jan 2023 – ExportsTotal KTM Sales Jan 2023Taking total sales into account, it was a YoY growth of 26.22 percent to 11,179 units in Jan 2023 from 8,857 units sold in Jan 2022. MoM sales improved by 12.28 percent from 9,956 units sold in Dec 2022. Sales of KTM 390 series stood at 5,151 units, up 255.73 percent YoY and 32.25 percent MoM while KTM 125 series sales saw a 194.34 percent YoY and 120.83 percent MoM growth to 2,290 units in Jan 2023.KTM Sales Jan 2023 – TotalSales of the KTM 200 dipped YoY and MoM by 47.39 percent and 40.02 percent respectively to 2,160 units while KTM 250 total sales fell to 1,578 units in Jan 2023 down 37.50 percent over 2,525 units sold in Jan 2022. It was however a 10.89 percent MoM growth from 1,423 units sold in Dec 2022. More

  • in

    2023 Royal Enfield 650 Twins Edition – GT Thunder, INT Lightning

    As of now, these new RE 650 Twins editions are only offered in the UK and are not likely to be offered in India2023 Royal Enfield 650 GT Thunder EditionRE 650s are major contributors to 500cc+ motorcycle segment in India with over 80% market share. Ever since the Royal Enfield 650 twins were launched, they have been a runaway success. Until last year, the 650 Twins lineup included Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. Now it also includes Super Meteor 650.To keep the winning streak and buzz around its 650cc range, RE has now launched Lightning and Thunder Editions for Interceptor 650 and GT 650 respectively. These are only launched in the UK as of now. For India, RE will soon launch 650 Twins with alloys.Lightning And Thunder Edition – FeaturesThese Editions are basically modified versions of standard 650s with original accessories. These new editions get small front fly screen, soft panniers at the side, a touring seat with a ribbed pattern, touring ORVMs, engine guards, an aluminium sump guard, and a CNC-machined oil filler cap.Accessories are common between both Interceptor 650 Lightning Edition and Continental GT 650 Thunder Edition. With all the accessories in place, Interceptor 650 Lightning Edition looks more like a scrambler, especially with the ribbed seat, soft panniers and sump guard.2023 Royal Enfield 650 INT Lightning EditionPricing for Interceptor 650 Lightning Edition is GBP 6459 (approx Rs. 6.42 lakh) and Continental GT 650 will set one back by GBP 6659 (approx Rs. 6.62 lakh). With Lightning and Thunder Edition, Royal Enfield is not offering any mechanical changes over a standard motorcycle.We won’t complain if Lightning and Thunder Editions are never launched in India. This is because Royal Enfield’s extensive accessory catalog already has these add-ons on offer. One can spec up his / her 650 twin to achieve what Lightning and Thunder Editions has to offer.The 648cc parallel-twin engine is kept as is, making a healthy 47 bhp of power and 52 Nm of torque. This is still an air/oil-cooled engine coupled to a 6-speed gearbox. This platform brought incredible smoothness, something never associated with a Royal Enfield before. Due to their character, rider ergonomics for Interceptor and GT 650 differ slightly.2023 Royal Enfield 650 INT Lightning Edition and GT Thunder EditionFacelift 650 Twins LaunchIn India, Royal Enfield is readying updated versions of its 650cc motorcycles. Test mules for the same have been spied donning 18” alloy wheels. It can be speculated that LED headlights and an integrated tripper module might be part of this update. We can’t say for sure.What we can say for sure, is that other componentry like 41mm telescopic front forks, twin shockers, and braking hardware will be carried over as is. A slight bump in price tag is expected as opposed to outgoing prices – Starting from Rs. 2.88 lakh for Interceptor 650 and Rs. 3.05 lakh for Continental GT 650 (prices ex-sh, Delhi). More

  • in

    Tata, Uber Sign Largest EV Fleet Order – 25k Tigor XPRES-T Electric

    Collaboration between Tata Motors and Uber will be beneficial for Uber customers and drivers, and the environmentTata, Uber Sign Largest EV Fleet OrderTimes are ripe for a monumental shift in the ride-sharing industry. Tata Motors and Uber join forces to bring 25,000 Tigor XPRES-T EVs to India’s bustling cities. It is the largest four wheeler EV fleet order placed till date. This strategic move is set to transform market trends and developments in the automobile industry. And drive India towards a cleaner, greener future.Tata Motors, is a pioneer of India’s EV evolution, and Uber is India’s leading ridesharing app. The MoU paves the way to electrify their services in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad.The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marks a significant milestone, emphasizing the importance of eco-friendliness and sustainability. As per the MOU, Tata Motors will begin delivering the cars to Uber fleet partners in a phased manner, starting this month. XPRES-T EVs will be inducted into Uber India’s Premium Category service.Impact of collaboration between Tata Motors and Uber on the fleet industry in IndiaThis collaboration is a prime example of how businesses are evolving with the market trends. All the while adapting to changing consumer and environmental needs. There is now an increasing concern for the environment, alongside the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions. It’s only logical that businesses like Tata Motors and Uber are stepping up to the challenge. It also sets an example for opportunities that exist in embracing sustainable practices.As industry experts predict a surge in the demand for electric vehicles in the coming years, the future of transportation in India is being reshaped. Collaboration and innovation is key in driving positive change in the business world.Tata Motors – Drive India towards a cleaner, greener futureWith over 50,000 Tata EVs already on the road, Tata has a lead in PV and fleet segments. XPRES-T EV is available in two drive range options – 315km and 277km. The car is powered by a high-energy density battery of 26kWh and 25.5 kWh. With fast charging, they can be charged from 0-80 percent in 59 minutes and 110 minutes. And this is key for fleets. Quick-charging ensures more billable hours and reduced deda time spent waiting for fleet vehicles to be charged daily. Tigor XPRES-T electric sedan comes with zero tail-pipe emissions, and single-speed automatic transmission. Safety is addressed with dual airbags, and ABS with EBD as standard across all variants.Uber is a key participant in the bandwagon towards e-mobility, committing to 100 percent of its rides taking place in zero-emission vehicles, on public transit, or with micro-mobility by 2040. This shows a growing trend towards sustainable and environmentally-friendly transportation, driven by both consumers and businesses. And fleet operators are constantly looking for a reliable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly option. Efforts towards electrification need to be timely in order to be beneficial.Environmentally friendly EV ride experiencesShailesh Chandra, MD, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility said, “In line with our commitment to grow sustainable mobility in the country, we are delighted to partner with Uber, India’s leading ridesharing platform. Offering customers our environmentally friendly EV ride experiences via Uber’s Premium Category service, will accelerate the adoption of green and clean personal ride sharing. The XPRES-T EV is a very attractive option both for customers and operators. While enhanced safety, silent and premium in cabin experience provides the customers with a relaxed ride, the fast charging solution, driving comfort and the cost effectiveness of the EV makes it an attractive business proposition for our fleet partners. This partnership will further cement our market position in the fleet segment.” More

  • in

    2023 Yamaha Fascino, RayZR Launch Price Rs 89k To Rs 93k – New Colours

    Power and torque are kept identical on 2023 Yamaha Fascino and RayZR at 8.04 bhp and 10.3 Nm, coupled with a mild hybrid system2023 Yamaha FascinoWith Phase II of BS6 emission deadline nearing, manufacturers are updating their vehicles to comply with the new norms. After Yamaha launched its updated motorcycle line, now it is the turn of its scooters. Today, they have announced the launch of 2023 Fascino and RayZR.In Yamaha’s 125cc scooter lineup, we get two offerings, Fascino and RayZR. Both are polar opposite where design is concerned. Fascino shoots for a neo-retro vibe, while RayZR shoots for a sporty appeal. Both of them are based on similar chassis and are powered by the same 125cc engine, which is now RDE compliant.2023 Yamaha 125cc ScootersFor 2023 scooters, Yamaha offers new colours and OBD-II diagnostics compliance. The 125cc single-cylinder engine mild hybrid system has been reworked to emit a lower amount of emissions. 2023 Fascino gets all-new Dark Matt Blue colour while RayZR Hybrid gets two new attractive colours – Matte Black & Light Grey VermillionCommon features between the two are LED headlights, LED tail lights, a fully digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, front telescopic suspension, and a rear single-sided shock absorber. Both scooters get a 12” front alloy wheel with a disc brake option and a 10” rear alloy wheel with a drum brake. Rear features a 110-section tyre with both, but RayZR gets block pattern tyres.2023 Yamaha RayZRDimensionally, both Fascino and RayZR are the same as before. With this mild hybrid system, Yamaha claims best-in-segment fuel efficiency figures of up to 60 km/l too. Both offer 21L under-seat storage space and have a kerb weight of 99 kg.2023 Yamaha Scooter Prices2023 Fascino prices start from Rs 91k while that of the new RayZR is priced from Rs 89k, ex-sh. Power is still pegged at 6 kW (8.04 bhp), similar to the outgoing model. Yamaha offers an SMG (Smart Motor Generator) with this powertrain enabling features like silent start and start/stop system. Yamaha claims 30% more power and 16% improved efficiency over its preceding 113cc engine.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Eishin Chihana, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies, said, “Under the Call of the Blue brand campaign, it is our endeavor to offer an exceptional experience to our customers. The scooter segment is getting quite competitive in India and customers have much higher expectations from the brands. As a leading two-wheeler brand in India, our commitment goes beyond motorcycles and that’s what we have tried to deliver with the 2023 version of our 125cc Hybrid scooter range.2023 Yamaha Fascino, RayZR pricesThe addition of the Y-Connect app is a big step towards providing vital, driving-related information to our customers allowing them to take true charge of their riding patterns. On the other hand, colours reflect a rider’s persona and with the additions of new and exciting colours, there are now new ways for our customers to flaunt their style. That’s Yamaha’s commitment and we’ll continue to bring such exciting upgrades in our models in future as well to meet the expectations of our customers in India.” More

  • in

    Top 10 Motorcycles Jan 2023 – Splendor, Pulsar, Raider, Hunter

    Motorcycle sales improved 11.63 percent YoY with the Hero Splendor commanding a major portion of total salesRoyal Enfield CustomsMotorcycle sales increased 11.63 percent YoY to 6,56,474 units in Jan 2023. This was a 68,369 unit volume growth over 5,88,105 units sold in Jan 2022. It was a MoM volume growth of 21,069 units from 6,35,405 units sold in Dec 2022.Motorcycle sales lists were topped by the Hero Splendor at no. 1 with sales of 2,61,833 units sold in the past month, up 25.72 percent from 2,08,263 units sold in Jan 2022. It was a 53,570 unit volume growth with the Hero commanding a 39.88 percent share on this list. Sales in Dec 2022 had stood at 2,25,443 units thus relating to a MoM volume increase of 36,390 units.Top 10 Motorcycles Jan 2023Honda CB Shine was at No 2. Sales were at 99,878 units, a YoY de-growth of 5.02 percent from 1,05,159 units sold in Jan 2022. The CB Shine has a 15.21 percent share on this list.It was followed by the Bajaj Pulsar, sales of which improved 26.09 percent YoY to 84,279 units from 66,839 units sold in Jan 2022. The Pulsar range has seen a new addition with 2023 Pulsar 220F re-opened for bookings.Top 10 Motorcycles Jan 2023At No. 4 was Hero HF Deluxe with sales de-growth of 44.32 percent, down to 47,840 units from 85,926 units sold in Jan 2022. The HF Deluxe commands a 7.29 percent share. When compared to sales in Dec 2022, when HF Deluxe was at No. 2, which had stood at 1,07,755 units it was a significant MoM de-growth.Top 10 Motorcycles Jan 2023Bajaj Platina sales also dipped YoY by 9.94 percent to 41,873 units, down from 46,492 units sold in Jan 2022. Bajaj Auto launched the Platina ABS 110cc in Dec 2022. It is India’s first motorcycle in the 100-110cc segment to receive ABS as standard.Apache, Raider, Classic 350Lower down the order on the list of top 10 motorcycle sales in Jan 2023, were the TVS Apache with an 11.13 percent YoY growth to 28,811 units, up from 25,925 units sold in Jan 2022. It was followed by the Raider with a 139.37 percent YoY growth to 27,233 units from 11,377 units sold in Jan 2022.Top 10 Motorcycles SalesJan-23Jan-221. Hero Splendor (+26%)2,61,8332,08,2632. Honda CB Shine (-5%)99,8781,05,1593. Bajaj Pulsar (+26%)84,27966,8394. Hero HF Deluxe (-44%)47,84085,9265. Bajaj Platina (-10%)41,87346,4926. TVS Apache (+11%)28,81125,9257. TVS Raider (+139%)27,23311,3778. Royal Enfield Classic 350 (-2%)26,13426,7759. Honda Unicorn (+94%)22,01911,34910. Royal Enfield Hunter 350 (NA)16,5740Total6,56,4745,88,105Sales of RE Classic 350 dipped 2.39 percent to 26,134 units in Jan 2023 from 26,775 units sold in Jan 2022. Sales of the Honda Unicorn nearly doubled on a YoY basis t0 22,019 units from 11,349 units sold in Jan 2022. Hunter 350 sales stood at 16,574 units. This was a MoM de-growth from 17,261 sold in Dec 2022. More

  • in

    2021 McLaren Elva without a Windshield Is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick

    A 2021 McLaren Elva with no windshield is up for auction on Bring a Trailer until Thursday, February 23.The limited-production Elva was also offered with a windshield, but this example was ordered in the coolest spec—without one.The Elva’s missing glass barrier is offset by a deployable deflector that directs air and debris over the cockpit, but it’s unlikely to be 100 percent effective.Car and DriverCan you imagine hundreds of ultra-rich people insane enough to spend $1.7 million on an 804-hp V-8–powered roadster without a windshield? Well, they exist, because 399 McLaren Elvas were built and sold around the globe, some of which had front glass in order to be road legal. Still, it would be great to be one of the lucky sons of guns who own an open-cockpit version. And here’s an opportunity: there’s a windshield-less 2021 Elva currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos. Bring a TrailerThe Elva on BaT still has five days left until the bidding ends, and the latest offer is within spitting distance of its nearly $1.7 million starting price, suggesting that when the auction closes on Thursday, February 23, the 37-mile example will sell for more than what the original owner paid, which was $1,789,572, according to the listing.More DetailsWhat is so intriguing about a seven-figure hypercar that literally offers no physical protection from, say, a bird strike or—more likely—stray rocks shot from an 18-wheeler? Simply put, it’s because it provides a one-of-a-kind driving experience, not to mention it looks like nothing else on the road. Okay, other open-cockpit exotics like the Aston Martin V12 Speedster and Ferrari Monza exist, but neither seemingly made it to America. Bring a TrailerWe shared extensive driving impressions in our review. While McLaren incorporated a deployable deflector on the hood that’s designed to direct air and debris over the cockpit, it’s unlikely that it’s 100 percent effective. How can it be when the Elva is said to reach a top speed of 203 mph? One solution would be to wear a full-face helmet whenever doing anything more strenuous than parading around town letting everyone know you come from money.Bring a TrailerBring a TrailerThe windshield issue aside, who can resist Elva’s crazy design? It looks like something the inventor of Hot Wheels would use as their daily driver. The fact that McLaren claims the mid-engine/rear-drive two-seater weighs less than 3000 pounds and hits 60 mph in under 3.0 seconds makes it even more desirable.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. More

  • in

    The 2023 Chevy Colorado Has No Physical Light Switch

    The 2023 Chevy Colorado is an exceptional truck. With class-leading capability, good pricing, and a fully redesigned cabin, it’s my favorite mid-size truck. But that new interior has one strange compromise: There’s no physical control for the truck’s lights.To turn them on or off, the driver has to open a submenu in the truck’s standard 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Since the truck has automatic lights, you shouldn’t need to do that often. But when you’re on a windy two-lane and reach a “Daylight Headlight Section,” you’ll have to fiddle with the touchscreen rather than flicking a switch. And if that infotainment system fails, you’ll lose the ability to control your lights. “The main thing is, one, we understand that most customers put their vehicle[‘s lights] on auto,” Nick Katcherian, the chief engineer of the new Colorado, told Road & Track. “And, fun fact, I learned in the rain yesterday that, if your windshield wipers are on, your lights turn on as well. So we’re looking at trying to conserve space and we have the opportunity to virtualize a lot of our switches, so we really have just taken advantage of that opportunity with our new infotainment system.” Chevy says removing the switch freed up space, but there’s quite a bit of free real estate here.Mack HoganKatcherian says he isn’t concerned about bugs or issues with the light control, even though we imagine some work truck owners might be skeptical. According to the engineer, the legal requirement to make the headlight switch always available means that the light control module loads on top of the rest of the infotainment system. More Colorado”There’s no such thing as bugging in a way that won’t give you the option to turn the headlights on and off.” Katcherian claims that his team removed all possible bugs from the infotainment system. He also noted that in the long term, software-based switches can help add features to vehicles after they’re sold or support optional add-ons. “So I think you’ll see kind of a transition from more physical switches to more virtual switches overall, because it gives you a lot more flexibility in terms of what you can update and how you can update them in the future,” Katcherian said. More

  • in

    How We'd Spec It: 2023 Chevrolet Colorado

    The Chevy Colorado has been around for 20 years, yet it’s only just entered its third generation. It was a much-needed replacement to the S-10 back in 2003. The Colorado continues as the smallest Chevy pickup available, but today it faces some strong competition from mid-size rivals such as the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator. The Colorado is offered as a four-door cab with a five-foot-two-inch box no matter how far over its $30,695 starting price you dare to climb. The new Chevy replaced the outgoing 308-hp V-6 and Duramax Diesel powertrain options with a 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The five trims offered vary from work truck to rock-crawling plaything. We’ve driven four of them (in a few months Chevy will give us the keys to the ZR2 released later this year). So naturally, we spent our lunch break poring over the online configurator for the new Colorado, doing a little window shopping before we had to clock back in. Here’s how some of our staff would spec the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado.The Little Pickups from General Motors:Ezra Dyer’s $32,600 Rear-Wheel-Drive Colorado WTCar and DriverCar and DriverFor my 2023 Colorado, I’m envisioning a basic starting point for a truck that will be built into a monster—namely, a prerunner. With the new Colorado’s sharper approach and departure angles and punchy turbo power, it’ll make a great candidate for off-roading of the Mint 400 variety, even in two-wheel-drive form. So I’m starting with a two-wheel-drive WT and adding the upgraded engine with 310 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque ($1050). Hell, give me the front center console ($135) so I’ll have somewhere to rest my right elbow during blasts across the Warp Zone lake bed. And I’ll grab the automatic locking differential ($325)—or, as I call it, “poor man’s four-wheel-drive.” My only frivolous spend, if you can call it that, is for Glacier Blue Metallic paint ($395), because the other WT colors are boring. That puts me at $32,600 all in, leaving me plenty of imaginary budget for long-travel suspension, fiberglass bodywork, and bed-mounted spares. —Ezra DyerDrew Dorian’s $33,110 Rear-Wheel-Drive Colorado WTCar and DriverCar and DriverEzra’s right. There’s something charming about the base Work Truck trim. Sure, the Colorado is offered in higher-end trims that are more focused on off-roading too, but the WT has a lovable blue-collar, straight-from-the-fleet appearance. I particularly like it in Sand Dune Metallic which, combined with the 17-inch steel wheels, gives it a handsome look. I’d stick with rear-wheel drive because, honestly, I’m putting this thing to work, not taking it to the trails, so why bother? The 237-hp version of the turbo four is fine too. Where I would spend some money, though, is on several option packages, because believe it or not Chevy will let you add some very non-WT options to the WT. First, I’d start with the WT Convenience and WT Convenience II packages ($415 and $545, respectively), the first of which adds a remote locking tailgate, a manual sliding rear window, and a rear window defogger. The second one adds an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar and a tailgate with an integrated storage cubby. I’d then add the Safety package ($505), which includes heated and power-adjustable exterior mirrors with black-painted caps, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert with automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Finally, the Technology package ($950) adds adaptive cruise control, rear pedestrian alert, and a 360-degree exterior camera system. Considering the Colorado comes standard with that big 11.3-inch touchscreen and a digital gauge display, you’re getting a very not-basic base truck here, and the total is just $33,110. Jumping up to one of the Colorado’s more expensive trims puts it in Silverado 1500 price territory, so if you’re smart you’ll stick with the WT too. —Drew DorianAustin Irwin’s $41,200 Colorado Trail BossCar and DriverCar and DriverI don’t like getting bossed around. I want to be the one calling the shots. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t be brainstorming on Zoom all afternoon I’d be in the kitchen building a grilled-cheese triptych. True genius takes time and, in some cases, many slices of cheese. That’s why I’d choose the Colorado Trail Boss. It’s Chevy’s own perfect sandwich. It’s got the off-road attitude of the more expensive ZR2 but costs less than the Z71. You can’t get the LED headlights, which is a huge bummer, but you do get 1.5 inches of extra suspension travel up front with an extra 1.0 inch in the rear. Plus it has four-wheel drive and the limited-slip differential from the Z71. I’d get mine painted in Nitro Yellow Metallic ($395), which is close enough to the color of Kraft Singles. The standard gloss-black 18-inch wheels are fine, but wrap them in 32-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires ($495). The Trail Boss also gets the 310-hp engine and 7700 pounds of towing, which makes adding the Advanced Trailering package’s ($620) integrated trailer brake controller a must-have. It’s a little silly that cruise control and a manual sliding rear window are an option on a mid-size pickup that costs $41,200, but sometimes you have to pay the cost to be the boss. Another extra is Chevy’s chemically bonded sprayed-on bedliner ($475). The only superfluous (a new word I learned from a recent Zoom meeting) option I’d get would be the darkened name plates and badges ($195). I can hear the salesperson now, “Sir, at $8 a letter, you need to get this for your truck.” Hey buddy, don’t tell me what to do! —Austin IrwinAndrew Krok’s $42,545 Four-Wheel-Drive Colorado LTCar and DriverCar and DriverIn the interest of trying to keep things somewhat affordable, I chose an LT, which is the next step above the base trim work truck. I did opt for the beefier engine tune ($1050), which puts out 310 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, for a little more around-town moxie. I would’ve loved to add all the bells and whistles in the LT Convenience Package III, but instead, I settled for LT Convenience II, which forgoes stuff like a heated steering wheel in favor of the thicker-sidewalled 17-inch wheels, since Michigan’s roads are garbage. I capped it off with the Tech package for the 360-degree cameras, the Safety package for a little extra peace of mind, a spray-on bedliner, and the Bose seven-speaker audio upgrade. The Harvest Bronze Metallic paint is a freebie and is a class above an otherwise boring selection of free paint choices. —Andrew KrokKatherine Keeler’s Colorado ZR2 Desert BossCar and DriverCar and DriverOrdinarily, I would spec a truck practically and prudently. But much like the mid-size Colorado that lives in a full-size world, I too suffer from a Napoleon complex. With a little help from a stool and some grab handles, I’d jump into the boss of all bosses, the Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss. It’s not available today, but Chevy isn’t going to ignore you if you flash a rucksack full of Benjamin Franklins at them. To make the ZR2 (and myself) feel even more special, I’d spend extra for Radiant Red Tintcoat paint ($495). The Desert Boss package is the quickest way to cover the ZR2 with accessories, short of crashing one into an O’Reilly Auto Parts store. Unfortunately, Chevy’s configurator doesn’t reveal how much they’re charging to add the heavy-duty front bumper, winch, LED roof lights, and underbody camera. It’s also the only way to get the best-looking wheels offered, these 17-inch beadlock-capable units with the Tech Bronze surface. That equipment, plus the 430 pound-feet of torque from the ZR2’s high-output engine, is plenty to pull Mom’s car out of the ditch, should she end up there, again. Love you, Mom! Like others, I’ve added the Safety package ($445), to keep myself safe from bigger trucks. The yellow seatbelts ($50) were too good to overlook, and to save the most important for last, I picked the off-road steps ($495) over entering the Colorado with a running start. Crap, did I mention I’m a little afraid of heights? Mom? —Katherine Keeler More