More stories

  • in

    2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV Offers No-Cost AWD, Unlike the Sedan

    The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV’s starting prices range from $79,050 for the EQE350 to $90,650 for the EQE500.Unlike with the sedan version, Mercedes offers the rear-drive EQE350+ and the all-wheel-drive EQE350 4Matic at the same price. The ’23 EQE SUV’s three powertrains are offered with three trim levels: Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle.CORRECTION 3/8/23: This story has been updated after a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson said the company’s original press release incorrectly stated the price of the Pinnacle trim levels on the EQE350 and EQE500 models.Traditionally, automakers charge extra for popular options such as all-wheel drive, but one brand is breaking the mold. When the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV goes on sale this spring, customers will pay the same price for the rear-drive single-motor EQE350+ as the all-wheel-drive dual-motor EQE350 4Matic. Both start at $79,050 in base Premium guise.Price Match, Aisle EQEMercedes continues to price match those two EQE350 powertrain configurations in the two higher trim levels—Exclusive and Pinnacle. They start at $81,150 and $85,000, respectively. While the single-motor EQE350+ and the dual-motor EQE350 4Matic share an identical 288 horsepower, the added motor brings an additional 147 pound-feet of torque (417 versus 564).Mercedes expects that extra grunt to barely affect acceleration, though, as the AWD version’s zero-to-60-mph time is only estimated to be a tenth quicker at 6.2 seconds. The second electric motor could impact its driving range, but we won’t know until Mercedes releases the EQE SUV’s official estimates.For whatever reason, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan doesn’t have a no-cost AWD option. Opting for the dual-motor setup on that car adds $3000. All-wheel drive also costs more on the EQS sedan and the EQS SUV. Top EQE500 Eclipses $96KThe EQE500 4Matic SUV only comes with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive, so its pricing is more straightforward. The Premium trim represents the entry point to its 536-hp powertrain, and it starts at $90,650. Stepping up to the EQE500 adds $2100, for a starting sticker price of $92,750. The Pinnacle is the fanciest trim and approaches the six-figure mark. It starts at $96,600. Mercedes has yet to announce pricing for an upcoming AMG version of the EQE SUV, so stay tuned for that.More on Mercedes’ EQ SUVsThis 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

  • in

    TVS 650cc Motorcycle Under Development – Royal Enfield Rival

    TVS new flagship motorcycle will have a twin-cylinder engine and a range of hi-tech equipment and connectivity featuresTVS owned Norton MotorcyclesWith lifestyle segment registering strong growth, TVS is looking to aggressively target this space. TVS may be a late entrant, but there’s always space for a good product that ticks all the right boxes. As of now, Royal Enfield 650 twins dominate the lifestyle segment in terms of volumes. RE deserves a pat on the back for its visionary ability to launch products that are future-ready.TVS new 600-750cc bike will also be a great option for loyal TVS customers looking for an upgrade. Presently, choices don’t go beyond the 310cc Apache RR310. It’s sort of a lost opportunity for the company, especially considering the fact that an increasing number of enthusiasts are moving to 500+ cc segment.TVS 650cc Motorcycle LaunchDevelopment of TVS new 600-750cc bike is already underway. However, there is no official confirmation from TVS on such developments. Just like rival offerings, TVS new flagship will have a twin-cylinder motor. Power and torque output could be close to or better than rivals. For reference, Royal Enfield 650 twins produce 47 hp of max power and 52 Nm of peak torque.It remains to be seen what body style TVS chooses for its new flagship. There could be multiple body styles launched simultaneously or TVS could start with a single offering such as a roadster. Based on market response, TVS could consider other body styles based on the same platform. It could include scrambler, cafe racer, ADV, etc.TVS will definitely need multiple products in 600-750cc segment, as rivals like Royal Enfield are consistently expanding their portfolio in this space. After Super Meteor 650, Royal Enfield will add other 650cc bikes such as Shotgun 650, Himalayan 650 and Classic 650. TVS new flagship will also go up against the upcoming 650cc bikes from Jawa and Yezdi.It remains to be seen if TVS will go solo or seek collaboration with another entity for the development of its new flagship 600-750cc motorcycle. TVS had purchased British brand Norton Motorcycles in April 2020. Norton already has many big bikes on offer. It is likely TVS will use Norton expertise for their upcoming motorcycle.Transition to a lifestyle brandTVS has already started taking steps to position itself as a lifestyle brand. This is evident with products like Ronin and increased focus on community-based events. At the recently concluded 2023 MotoSoul, TVS had showcased four fascinating custom builds of Ronin. An updated connectivity platform was also unveiled at the event. Contribution of TVS Racing can be seen in the form of launch of a new type of racing format called Flat Track Racing.TVS Racing Performance Gear division will also have a key role to play in passive promotion of the new bike. All these initiatives will help create a conducive environment for launch of the new TVS flagship. TVS already has 2.5 lakh members in AOG (Apache Owners Group), many of whom may choose to upgrade to the new 600-750cc bike.Source More

  • in

    Maserati Returns to GT2 Racing with a Heavily Modified MC20

    Maserati is returning to grand tourer racing with the GT2, a modified version of the MC20 supercar.The same twin-turbocharged V-6 sits behind the race driver, but it’ll likely make more than the road-legal car’s 621 hp.The GT2-spec MC20 features adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars as well as a huge rear wing to go with plenty of carbon fiber.Maserati will enter the GT2 European Series with a track-ready version of its MC20 supercar. The automaker today revealed the first images of the race car, simply dubbed GT2; a full reveal will take place in June at the 24 Hours of Spa. The GT2 class, confusingly, slots between the GT4 and GT3 cars in terms of performance, and other homologated GT2 cars include versions of the Mercedes-AMG GT, KTM X-Bow, and Brabham BT63. MaseratiThe GT2-spec MC20 will share the Nettuno twin-turbocharged V-6 engine with the road-going version. In the production MC20, the engine pumps out 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque, but Maserati says the race car takes it “to a higher level.” Maserati also highlights the carbon-fiber central monocoque and lightweight, full-composite bodywork, which has quick-release panels in case they need replacing mid-race.MaseratiThe MC20’s suspension has also been revised for GT2 competition, with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars front and rear. The GT2 receives electric power steering and a six-speed sequential paddle-shift gearbox, while the extreme aerodynamic package includes dive planes on the front bumper and a gigantic rear wing. Inside, the carbon-fiber dashboard has an integrated 10-inch display but is otherwise fairly bare bones.More New MaseratisThe arrival of the MC20-based GT2 continues Maserati’s return to motorsports, which started with the brand’s entry into Formula E this year. So far, the Maserati Formula E team has scored three points and suffered four retirements over the first five rounds.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

  • in

    2024 BMW M4 and 4-Series Gain Bigger Screens, Updated Software

    BMW is updating the M4 and 4-series lineups for 2024 with new infotainment and a few other changes.These coupes and convertibles, plus the four-door Gran Coupe, now have the same curved display screens that their 3-series and M3 sedan stablemates added for 2023.The 2024 M4 and 4-series will start arriving in the U.S. this month.BMW is porting over the same new screens from many of its latest models into the M4 and 4-series range for 2024. The 4-series coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe, plus the M4 coupe and convertible, now come standard with the “curved display” setup that’s also found in the 3-series sedan and many other new BMWs.2024 BMW M4 coupeBMWThis consists of a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch screen in the middle of the dashboard, both of which are housed under a single curved piece of glass. This also means that the 4-series and M4 now run the latest iDrive 8 software, which has updated graphics and menu structures, plus an upgraded BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant voice-command function.More on BMWBMW hasn’t released many photos of the 2024 models at this point, but we’ve included images of the M4 coupe and the 4-series Gran Coupe cabins with this new layout. The 4-series also has a different gear shifter that’s a small toggle on the center console. There are trim differences, too, including standard black trim on the window surround for the M440i and different aluminum trim called Rhombicle.2024 BMW 4-series Gran CoupeBMWBMW says that the 2024 models will start arriving this month. Pricing isn’t out yet for the 2024 4-series, but the 2024 M4 starts at $77,995 for the coupe, $81,935 for the 503-hp Competition coupe, and $92,935 for the convertible.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

  • in

    2W Retail Sales Feb 2023 – TVS, Bajaj, RE, Yamaha, Hero Electric, Ola, Jawa

    Two wheeler retail sales improved by 14.75 percent YoY to 12,67,233 units in Feb 2023 with Hero and Honda commanding the segmentImage – Rohit RiderIn the earlier post, we discussed the two wheeler wholesales. Now, FADA has released two wheeler retail sales, which in Feb 2023 stood at 12,67,233 units. This was a 14.75 percent growth over 11,04,309 units sold in Feb 2023. It related to a 1,62,924 unit volume growth. It was also a MoM growth from 12,65,069 units sold in Jan 2023. Most of the top players reported YoY growth by some significant numbers. However, the same was not seen lower down the order.Two Wheeler Retail Sales Feb 2023Hero MotoCorp continued to hold fort, topping sales charts with 3,90,673 units sold in the past month, up 12.14 percent from 3,48,394 units sold in Feb 2022. This was a 42,279 unit volume growth Market share however, dipped to 30.83 percent from 31.55 percent YoY.Two Wheeler Retail Sales Feb 2023 vs Feb 2022 – YoY AnalysisSales of Honda also increased substantially to 3,02,184 units in Feb 2023, up 22.45 percent from 2,46,784 units sold in Feb 2022. Market share also went up to 23.85 percent from 22.35 percent YoY. YoY volume growth stood at 55,400 units.TVS Motor also saw a steep growth of 24.19 percent in YoY sales to 2,11,337 units in Feb 2023 from 1,70,179 units sold in Feb 2022. Market share went up to 16.68 percent from 15.41 percent YoY. With retail sales at 1,38,426 units in Feb 2023, Bajaj Auto saw 9 percent YoY growth when compared to 1,28,199 units sold in Feb 2022. Royal Enfield was up next with 64,195 unit sales, up 38.31 percent when compared to 46,413 units sold in Feb 2022.Two Wheeler Retail Sales Feb 2023 vs Jan 2023 – MoM AnalysisAs reported by FADA, Suzuki Motorcycle sales improved 33.44 percent to 58,992 units in Feb 2023 from 44,209 units sold in Feb 2022. Market share went up to 4.66 percent from 4 percent YoY. Yamaha also saw its retail sales increase 10.41 percent to 42,695 units in Feb 2023 from 38,766 units sold in Feb 2022 but market share dipped to 3.37 percent from 3.51 percent YoY.Electric 2W Retail Sales Feb 2023Demand for electric two wheelers is on the rise. Ola Electric has noted retail sales growth of 351.33 percent to 17,647 units in Feb 2023 from 3,910 units sold in Feb 2022. This was a volume growth of 13,737 units. It was however a MoM decline in sales as compared to 18,245 units sold in Jan 2023. YoY market share saw an improvement to 1.39 percent in Feb 2023 from 0.35 percent held in Feb 2022.It was followed by Ather Energy with sales up 347.02 percent to 9,982 units in Feb 2023 from 2,233 units sold in Feb 2022. Retail sales of Hero Electric dipped 20.423 percent to 5,858 units in Feb 2023 from 7,361 units sold in Feb 2022. Ampere sales also increased YoY by 35.06 percent to 5,839 units from 4,306 units sold in Feb 2022 while Okinawa has reported a YoY dip of 35.23 percent in retail sales down to 3,837 units in Feb 2023 from 5,924 units sold in Feb 2022.Classic Legends (Jawa and Yezdi) also reported a dip in demand by 8.15 percent in Feb 2023 to 3,156 units from 3,436 units sold in Feb 2022 as did Piaggio Vehicles that saw retail sales slip to 2,755 units in the past month from 4,174 units sold in Feb 2022. There were also others on this list with 8,350 unit retail sales in Feb 2023, a massive YoY de-growth of 83.31 percent from 50,021 units sold in Feb 2022. More

  • in

    Lamborghini's New V-12 Powertrain Is a 1001-HP Three-Motor Plug-in Hybrid

    Lamborghini announces a new, hybridized 6.5-liter V-12 powertrain that makes up to 1001 horsepower.It features three electric motors, two up front and one integrated to a new, Lamborghini-designed, eight-speed double-clutch transmission.The full car will be shown—and its name revealed—at the end of the month.We can’t show you what the replacement for the Lamborghini Aventador looks like yet, or even tell you its name—the company refers to it exclusively by the internal code, LB744. But we can share details on its extraordinary new plug-in-hybrid powertrain.The good news is the continued existence of a naturally aspirated V-12 engine, one that has been core to the appeal of the company’s more expensive models since its foundation. The new 6.5-liter L545 engine is effectively a heavy development of the one that powered the Aventador, but with more power, more revs, less weight, and a compression ratio raised to 12.6:1. Lamborghini says the new engine’s mass of 481 pounds makes it 37 pounds lighter than the Aventador’s V-12, while its power output has increased to 814 horsepower delivered at a searing 9250 rpm—with the limiter not calling time until 9500 rpm. It also makes a peak of 535 pound-feet of torque at 6750 rpm. But while the Aventador’s V-12 sent power forward to a single-clutch gearbox positioned ahead of it, the new engine has been flipped by 180 degrees, with power going through a new, Lamborghini-designed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission mounted transversely behind it.LamborghiniBut this V-12 is only one part of the new powertrain, being assisted by no fewer than three electric motors. At the front, a pair of axial-flux motors power each wheel separately, allowing torque vectoring. There is no mechanical link from the engine to the front axle; the LB744’s all-wheel-drive system is always part electric.At the back, a third motor is incorporated into the transmission, which due to a clever clutching mechanism can switch between acting as starter motor and generator or adding power to the rear axle. Each motor can deliver up to 148 horsepower, although the combined peak is always less than three times that due to the current flow supported by the battery. The maximum combined output is quoted as an impressively potent 1001 horsepower—slightly more than the Ferrari SF90 Stradale. Latest LamborghinisElectrical charge is stored in a compact 3.8-kWh battery pack that sits in what would previously have been considered the transmission tunnel within the cabin, allowing a low seating position on either side of it. Lamborghini hasn’t released a weight claim for the battery, but for reference the claimed capacity is far less than the corresponding figures for the Ferrari 296GTB and SF90, and also the McLaren Artura, suggesting the Lambo’s should be lighter and provide fewer electric miles. We do have weight figures for the front motors—41 pounds—and the double-clutch transmission, which is 425 pounds including the weight of the integral electric motor. LamborghiniWhen depleted, the battery can be recharged from a socket, via regenerative braking using the front motors, or with the V-12 acting as a generator. The latter is claimed to completely replenish the pack in just six minutes. Therefore, it should be possible to be quickly brought back to full strength when driven on track. Lamborghini also says the new DCT gearbox will support a “continuous downshifting” function, holding the left paddle while decelerating progressively and selecting the lowest possible gear as speed falls. Lamborghini promises to release more technical details of the new car before the finished version is formally unveiled at the end of the month. We’ll keep you posted. Car and driverCar and driver Lettermark logoEuropean EditorMike Duff has been writing about the auto industry for two decades and calls the UK home, although he normally lives life on the road. He loves old cars and adventure in unlikely places, with career highlights including driving to Chernobyl in a Lada. More

  • in

    2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Battery, Range Specs Revealed

    Unlike the Ioniq range of EVs based on e-GMP platform, updated Hyundai Kona is underpinned by a modified B-segment platform of its predecessor2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
    Hyundai and Kia are currently on the offensive where EVs are concerned. The duo are actively pushing ahead in EV space. With EV juggernauts like Tesla and BYD to beat, Hyundai and Kia have launched a slew of popular EVs. Ioniq 5 and Kia EV-6 are stark examples of this. Design of the new Kona EV was released late last year. Now, Hyundai has revealed official battery specs and range details of New Hyundai Kona Electric.
    Just like its predecessor, Hyundai has not made Kona EV-only. At least for now. In this sense, Kona will spawn a ICE model and a strong hybrid model alongside an EV-only model. Underpinning this project, is a modified version of Hyundai’s B-segment platform enabling mounts for engine and also hybrid components. How better is it as opposed to its predecessor? Let’s take a look.
    2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
    New Hyundai Kona Electric Specs
    New Gen Kona Electric comes with two battery pack options. The base variant gets a 48.4 kWh battery pack claiming to deliver a range of 342 kms on full charge. The top variant comes with a larger 65.4 kWh battery pack that delivers a drive range of 490 kms. Fast charging option is available. The bigger battery pack takes only 41 minutes to charge from 10-80% via fast charger.
    Both battery pack options with new Kona get a front mounted electric motor. In the smaller battery pack option, the electric motor is rated to deliver 154 hp while with the larger battery pack you get 214 hp. Torque output has been kept at 255 Nm for both variants.
    2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
    Speaking of India, we currently get a 39.2 kWh battery pack option with a claimed range of 452 km. If next gen Hyundai Kona EV is launched in India, it should boast a better range than outgoing model. Just like current Kona, the new one also comes with Vehicle-to-load capability. This means that you will be able to charge internal as well as external devices like home appliances using Kona EV.
    Design & Features
    Hyundai has come up with a radical and geometric design for new Kona. With many of Hyundai’s designs, upgrades usually don’t feel organic and cohesive in capturing the essence of its predecessor. That is not the case with new Hyundai Kona. The parametric and pixel design philosophies combine to form a handsome-looking front.
    Headlight and brake light elements are housed in separate pods, while LED light bars take the centre stage at both ends. They accentuate the width of new Kona. Speaking of, new gen Hyundai Kona is 5.5” (139.7mm) longer, 0.9” (22.86mm) wider and has a 2.3” (58.42mm) longer wheelbase over its predecessor.
    2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
    The sharp lines and creases at the sides give it an athletic appeal. At the same time, flared wheel arches and undercuts behind its fenders add substantial muscle. There are smart-looking 5-spoke design alloy wheels and near the C-pillar, shoulder-line and roof-line merge to neatly form an X-insignia.
    On the inside, Hyundai has used sustainable materials. The main attraction here are its dual 12.3” digital displays and a 12” HUD. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, NFC-enabled smartphone and smartwatch access digital key, ambient lighting, flat reclining electric front seats, Hyundai SmartSense ADAS tech, remote parking among many, are highlight features. More

  • in

    Harley Davidson 350cc Motorcycle Launch 10th March – Teaser

    Leaked documents reveal that new entry-level Harley-Davidson bikes for China share key hardware and use engines manufactured by QJ MotorNew Harley Davidson 350cc MotorcycleHarley-Davidson has a new strategy in place, wherein it is collaborating with regional partners to create entirely new products in middleweight segment. An example is China, where the American motorcycle manufacturer has been working with Qianjiang Motors. This partnership will spawn several new products, the first of which will be X350 and X500 motorcycles.A teaser released recently indicates that either one or both of these bikes will launch on March 10, 2023. Ahead of their launch, some of the key specifications of these bikes have leaked online.Harley Davidson X350 and X500 launch on 10th March 2023Harley-Davidson X350 – 350cc motorcycleHarley-Davidson X350 and X500 have a retro theme, as is evident with the round headlamp and rear-view mirrors and circular instrument pod. Apart from that, each of these bikes have quite a few unique features. Overall, X350 has a more modern character with sharp fuel tank, step-up seat design and extended tail section.In terms of performance, Harley-Davidson X350 will be powered by a 353cc motor. It will deliver 35-36 PS of max power. Earlier, the bike was proposed to be powered by the liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that was in use with Benelli 302S. However, QJ Motor had later introduced an updated 353cc version of this engine.New Harley Davidson 350cc MotorcycleOther details revealed include the bike’s weight at 195 kg. Claimed top speed is 89 mph, which is around 143 kmph. Hardware specs include USD front forks, monoshock rear suspension, alloy wheels and disc brakes at both ends. The same configuration has been used for the larger capacity X500 as well. There’s a slight difference though, in that, X350 has petal rotors at front whereas X500 utilizes conventional rotors.Harley-Davidson X500 – 500cc motorcyclePowering Harley-Davidson X500 will be a 500cc motor, generating 47.5 PS and 46 Nm. This engine is already in use with bikes like Benelli TRK 502 ADV, Leoncino 500 scrambler and 502C cruiser. Harley-Davidson X500 will have kerb weight of 207 kg, making it a bit lighter than respective Benelli bikes. X500 top speed is claimed at 99 mph or approx. 159 kmph.If launched in India, Harley-Davidson X350 and X500 will primarily rival Royal Enfield bikes. In 350cc segment, Harley-Davidson X350 will compete against the likes of Classic 350, Meteor 350 and Hunter 350. On the other hand, Harley-Davidson X500 will take on the 650 twins – Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650.New Harley Davidson 500cc MotorcycleLaunch of these new bikes in India has not been confirmed yet. Harley-Davidson has a JV in India with Hero MotoCorp. Here too, the plan is to aggressively target the middleweight segment that is currently dominated by Royal Enfield.Backed by Hero’s affordable manufacturing, it is possible that Harley-Davidson may be able to achieve a competitive price point for its first small-capacity bike for Indian market. Harley will also benefit from Hero’s vast countrywide network of dealerships. Once launched, these new Harley’s will take on Royal Enfield and upcoming Bajaj Triumph motorcycles. More