More stories

  • in

    2023 Ram 1500 TRX Havoc Edition Is the 4×4 Big Bird Would Drive

    The 2023 Ram 1500 TRX is adding a limited-production Havoc Edition with exclusive Baja Yellow paint.To match its brightly colored body, the Havoc Edition’s interior includes Prowler Yellow contrast stitching.The new TRX Havoc Edition will go on sale in early 2023 with a lofty starting price of $106,445.As if a hulking pickup truck that’s over 7 feet wide and makes sounds that would haunt a satanic cult needs any more help attracting attention, allow us to introduce the brightly colored 2023 Ram 1500 TRX Havoc Edition.The Havoc Edition’s big selling point is its exclusive Baja Yellow paint job. It’s similar to what Ram previously did with the bright orange TRX Ignite Edition for the 2022 model year. Like the latter, the Havoc will have a limited-production run, but the company hasn’t said exactly how many will hit the streets.RamCurrently, the regular 2023 Ram is only available with one monotone paint color, and it’s black. The rest are part of a two-tone scheme with a black bottom strip. With the Havoc, that strip is gone, and the whole truck is yellow—besides the bumpers, overfenders, and matte black decals. Another unique detail is the truck’s beadlock-capable wheels, which are all black instead of the normal silver and gray.RamInside, the TRX Havoc Edition has Prowler Yellow contrast stitching that correlates with its outward appearance. The truck also has a special badge on its center-console lid that you won’t find on any other model. What you will find is a host of other equipment that’s normally a mix of standalone options and packages, but they’re standard on the Havoc, which is to say this rig is fully loaded. The highlights include adaptive cruise control, carbon fiber interior trim, a head-up display, leather-trimmed seats, and a panoramic sunroof.RamRequired Ram TRX ReadingWhile we think the yellow TRX is the 4×4 Big Bird would drive, its 702-hp Hellcat V-8 is undoubtedly more Nightmare on Elm Street than Sesame Street. The 2023 TRX Havoc Edition will start at $106,445 when it goes on sale early next 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.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

    KTM India Sales Nov 2022 – Duke, RC, 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

    KTM India sales Nov 2022 showed a YoY growth in domestic and export markets while MoM domestic sales dipped across every model in the company lineupKTM India Sales Nov 2022KTM India has posted a 5.06 percent growth in domestic markets in November 2022. Sales which had stood at 3,796 units in Nov 2021 increased to 3,988 units in Nov 2022. MoM sales however, dipped 52.14 percent from 8,333 units sold in Oct 2022. YoY sales growth was seen across every model except the KTM 125.The KTM 200 series that comprises 200 Duke and RC 200 topped sales charts with 2,293 units sold last month, up 21.07 percent over 1,894 units sold in Nov 2021. MoM sales dipped 42.70 percent from 4,002 units sold in Oct 2022. However share percentage increased from 48.03 percent to 57.50 percent in the past month.KTM India Domestic Sales Nov 2022Of the 250 series, KTM sold 909 units in Nov 2022, up 23.67 percent from 735 units sold in Nov 2021 while MoM sales dipped 58.44 percent from 2,187 units sold in Oct 2022.KTM 390 series that include the RC 390, 390 Duke and 390 Adventure, domestic sales accounted for 455 units in the past month, a YoY growth of 91.18 percent from 238 units sold in Nov 2021. MoM sales fell by 63.60 percent from 1,250 units sold in Oct 2022. Down the list was the KTM 125 with 331 units sold last month, from 929 units sold in Nov 2021 leading to a 64.37percent YoY de-growth. MoM sales fell by 62.98 percent from 894 units sold in Oct 2022.KTM India Sales Nov 2022 – DomesticKTM Exports Nov 2022Where global markets were concerned, KTM India saw a YoY and MoM growth of 55.56 percent and 140.64 percent respectively. Exports which had stood at 4,107 units in Nov 2021 increased to 6,389 units in the past month while there had been 2,655 units shipped in Oct 2022.KTM’s 200 series were highly favored in export markets with 3,531 units shipped in the past month, a growth of 239.19 percent from 1,041 units shipped in Nov 2021. MoM sales also improved by 240.83 percent from 1,036 units shipped in Oct 2022.Exports also increased YoY and MoM for the KTM 390 range by 55.50 percent and 23.17 percent respectively to 1,611 units in Nov 2022. YoY exports declined both for the KTM 125 and 250 range by 37.17 percent and 33.63 percent to 720 units and 527 units respectively. MoM performance was however, much better with 125cc sales higher by 757.14 percent from 227 units shipped in Oct 2022 while 250 series exports increased by 132.16 percent from 227 units shipped in Oct 2022.KTM India Sales Nov 2022 – ExportsKTM India Cumulative SalesTaking into account total domestic sales and exports, KTM India sold 10,377 units in Nov 2022, up 31.30 percent from 7,903 units sold in Nov 2021. MoM sales however, dipped 5.56 percent from 10,988 units sold in Oct 2022.KTM 200 saw increased sales both on YoY (98.43%) and MoM (15.60%) basis to 5,824 units commanding a 56.12 percent share on this list. KTM 390 range also increased YoY by 62.17 percent to 2,066 units from 1,274 units sold in Nov 2021 while MoM sales dipped 19.23 percent from 2,558 units sold in Oct 2022. YoY sales de-growth was also seen in the case of KTM 250 (-6.08%) and KTM 125 (-49.35%) to 1,436 units and 1,051 units respectively.KTM India Sales Nov 2022 – Domestic + ExportsTotal MoM sales (domestic+ exports) dipped in the case of KTM 250 by 40.51 percent to 1,436 units from 2,414 units sold in Oct 2022. KTM 125 sales fell YoY by 49.35 percent to 1,051 units from 2,075 units sold in Nov 2021 while MoM sales grew 7.46 percent from 978 units sold in Oct 2022. More

  • in

    Yamaha 150cc Adventure Motorcycle Launch Planned For India

    Keeping costs in mind, new Yamaha ADV can just be a pseudo one that is based on FZ-X and not a full-blown off-roader like WR 155R2023 Yamaha Crosser 150cc ADV image for illustration purposeYamaha is yet to launch an ADV in the Indian market. Not that Yamaha lacks ADVs and off-roaders in its arsenal. They have many on offer in the international market. Just that India has missed out on an ADV from Team Blue.Speaking about ADV motorcycles on sale in India – At the lower end of the spectrum, we have seen that ADVs and off-roaders have sprung up a lot lately. With Xpulse 200 being the go-to off-roader, we also have CB200X from Honda. There is wiggle room for an ADV from a mainstream manufacturer that would slot between Xpulse and Himalayan.Yamaha 150cc Adventure MotorcycleYamaha seems to have understood this and has recently revealed that a 125cc to 155cc ADV is under consideration. According to a recent report, Yamaha is planning to launch a premium ADV based on an engine with displacement ranging from 125cc to 155cc. Yamaha India Chairman, Eishin Chihana said that ADVs are in focus, owing to its massive popularity in the country.He added that Yamaha India is considering possibilities of an ADV within the 125cc to 155cc space. This narrows down the search to FZ-X based pseudo-ADV and WR 155R, which is a proper off-roader. WR 155R is one of the best off-road tools in Yamaha’s arsenal and is said to be a proper hoot.Yamaha FZ-X modified ADV by Zero CustomsIt has a 155.1cc engine that makes around 16 bhp of power and 14 Nm of torque. It gets 21” front and 18” rear spoke wheels shod with dual-purpose tyres. Add to it long travel suspension and a 245 mm ground clearance, the trail would go on as long as its 8L fuel tank would allow. If Yamaha considers this, it would be a lot more expensive than Xpulse 200 4V.If Yamaha is serious about launching an ADV in India, we would wager that it would be a pseudo-ADV based on the currently sold FZ-X. We recently covered an ADV based on FZ-X recently which won a customisation challenge held by the company. Something similar to that, has a good chance of making it to production.Legendary RX100 Will Be BackThe prospect of a pseudo ADV based on FZ-X is not very exciting. What is exciting though, is that Yamaha RX100 would be back with an ICE engine. Only this time, it would don a bigger engine than 100cc.This way, Yamaha will match the upcoming RX motorcycle with OG RX100 in terms of performance and character. Next gen RX100 will launch in a few years. Yamaha’s ADV might launch before that.Source More

  • in

    Top 10 Motorcycles Nov 2022 – Pulsar, Apache, Classic 350, Hunter

    Even though sales thrived YoY, top 10 motorcycles collectively registered a degrowth MoM – losing over 1.3 lakh unitsImage – Throttle98After taking a look at the top 10 two wheelers Nov 2022 and top 10 scooters Nov 2022, here is how the top 10 motorcycles list stand in Nov 2022. With 6,77,202 units sold in November 2022, India’s top 10 motorcycles showed positive growth YoY. When compared to 5,48,624 units sold in November 2021, top 10 motorcycles segment grew by 23.44% with 1,28,578 units gained in volume YoY. There is a sharp drop in sales when compared to October 2022 charts.Country’s highest-seller is still the evergreen Splendor by Hero MotoCorp. With 2,65,588 units, splendor showed good growth of 37.97% on a YoY basis. As opposed to 1,92,490 units sold a year ago, Splendor gained 73,098 units in volume YoY. Splendor alone accounts for 39.22% of the market share among the top sellers.Top 10 Motorcycles November 2022Honda’s CB Shine is the Japanese brand’s highest-selling motorcycle and takes 2nd spot on this list. With 83,622 units to beat from last year, CB Shine sold 1,14,965 units and recorded a 37.48% YoY growth and volume growth stood at 31,343 units YoY. CB Shine holds 16.98% of market share among this list.At 3rd spot, we have the Pulsar lineup from Bajaj. The company sold 72,735 Pulsars last month, up by 17.48% YoY as opposed to 61,913 units sold a year before in the same time frame. Bajaj Pulsar gained 10,822 units in volume on a YoY basis and holds 10.74% market share. When compared to 1,13,870 units sold in October 2022, Pulsar lost over 40,000 units in volume MoM. Bajaj has launched the new Pulsar P150, which is expected to boost sales.Top 10 Motorcycles November 2022At 4th place, we have Hero HF Deluxe which registered a de-growth of 14.54% YoY by selling just 65,074 units as opposed to 76,149 units sold a year ago. Volume loss stood at 11,075 units. Bajaj Platina lost 44.43% sales YoY as it sold just 33,702 units with 60,646 units to beat. Platina lost 26,944 units in volume YoY. The recently launched Bajaj Platina ABS 110 is likely to boost this budget commuter’s sales in the future.Honda Unicorn came close to doubling its sales by registering 84.69% YoY growth. Unicorn sold 28,739 units, up from 15,555 units sold last year. Volume gained YoY by Unicorn is 13,174 units. TVS Apache lags behind its main rival Bajaj Pulsar by over 45K units. Apache sold 27,122 units in November 2022 and sales dropped by 5.19% YoY as opposed to 28,608 units sold a year ago. Apache’s market share is around 4%, while Pulsar’s stands at 10.74%.Raider Registered 168% GrowthRaider 125 by TVS sold 26,997 units and took 8th spot on this list. Raider often don’t feature on top 10 motorcycles list, the recent update with a modern 5” TFT display with a ton of features must have worked its charm. Raider registered 168.89% YoY growth as opposed to 10,040 units sold a year before.Top 10 MotorcyclesNov-22Nov-21Growth % YoY1. Hero Splendor2,65,5881,92,49037.972. Honda CB Shine1,14,96583,62237.483. Bajaj Pulsar72,73561,91317.484. Hero HF Deluxe65,07476,149-14.545. Bajaj Platina33,70260,646-44.436. Honda Unicorn 15028,72915,55584.697. TVS Apache27,12228,608-5.198. TVS Raider26,99710,040168.899. Royal Enfield Classic 35026,70219,60136.2310. Royal Enfield Hunter 35015,5880–Total6,77,2025,48,62423.449th and 10th spots are occupied by Royal Enfield motorcycles – Classic 350 and Hunter 350 with sales figures of 26,702 and 15,588 units respectively. This is for the first time after a long time that two Royal Enfield motorcycles have featured in the top 10 list. Classic 350 registered 36.23% YoY growth when compared to 19,601 thumpers sold a year ago and gained 7,101 units in volume YoY. Hunter 350 was launched this year and sales have been holding on to itself. More

  • in

    Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato is a Slinky One-Off with a Manual Gearbox

    The Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato is a one-of-one creation by Italian coachbuilder Zagato, using a Giulia Quadrifoglio as its base.The twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 has been upgraded to GTAm spec, sending 533 horsepower through the six-speed manual gearbox offered on the Quadrifoglio in Europe. The unique bodywork is made from carbon fiber and features a fierce front end covered in vents with smooth curves wrapping around the two-door cabin.The Alfa Romeo Giulia is not long for this world, at least as we know it. Starting in 2027, the Italian marque aims to only sell electric vehicles, with the current gas-powered lineup giving way to battery-powered replacements around 2025. But before that happens, famed Italian design house Zagato has decided to celebrate the Giulia with a striking one-off called the Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato.While it wears completely unique bodywork, the SWB Zagato is based on the high-performance Giulia Quadrifoglio, packing a twin-turbo 2.9 liter V-6 and the ZF six-speed manual gearbox available in Europe. However, Zagato boosted the engine to the specification found in the track-focused, automatic-only Giulia GTAm, providing a stout 533 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. As the SWB portion of the name implies, Zagato shaved some length out of the Giulia’s wheelbase to create the svelte two-door body, which is fashioned from carbon fiber. Zagato doesn’t make any performance claims for the one-off model, but we would expect similar metrics to the GTAm, with the sprint to 60 mph in the mid-three-second range and a quarter-mile time under 12 seconds. The real highlight of the Giulia SWB is the Zagato bodywork which pays homage to the SZ, an unusually styled Zagato-built sports car from the 1990s. The slinky two-door shape has hints of Jaguar F-type to it, but with a distinctively Alfa Romeo face. The headlights are reminiscent of those on the new Tonale crossover and an air intake carved out above the triangular grille adds aggression. The expressive front end is followed by a smooth profile and a clean rear end that features a thin taillight wrapping around the edge of the body above a burly diffuser.More Beautiful ZagatosThe Giulia SWB Zagato was built for a German customer who is a loyal Alfa Romeo enthusiast, owning every vehicle from the company’s modern lineup as well as a 1990 SZ and a rare 8C Competizione. His garage also apparently features several special edition Aston Martin Zagato models. While there was no price announced for the Giulia SWB Zagato, we imagine the customer paid a hefty sum for the one-off. But given the customer’s passion for both Alfas and Zagatos and the Giulia SWB Zagato’s jaw-dropping looks, we imagine the price was well worth it.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.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

    Hennessey VelociRaptoR 1000 Makes the V-8 Raptor More of a Monster

    Based on the Ford F-150 Raptor R, the Hennessey VelociRaptoR 1000 is a tuned-up version with nearly 1000 horsepower. Hennessey, a Texas-based tuner, claims a larger supercharger and other upgrades increase the 700-hp Raptor R’s output by 40 percent. The 2023 F-150 Raptor R starts at $109,145, but pricing isn’t yet available for the VelociRaptoR. Builds start next year.If the 700-hp Ford F-150 Raptor R isn’t monstrous enough for you, the new Hennessey VelociRaptoR 1000 is even more of a monster, with a horsepower rating approaching four digits.We all saw this coming, right? Ford builds a mega-horsepower version of the Raptor, stuffing it with a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 from the Shelby GT500. Shortly thereafter, Hennessey Performance Engineering, a well-known tuner based in Texas, gets its gloves on that supertruck and turns it up to 11.HennesseyEnter the VelociRaptoR 1000. Hennessey has swapped the regular Raptor R’s 2.7-liter supercharger for a larger 3.8-liter unit. The company says it also adds a new supercharger belt, larger fuel injectors, upgraded fuel lines, and a high-flow intake system.Hennessey expects the enhancements to increase the output of Ford’s Predator V-8 by 40 percent. That math suggests the VelociRaptoR’s final horsepower figure will be nearly 1000 (980 horsepower, to be exact). The truck’s torque rating is expected to exceed 850 pound-feet, a considerable uptick compared with the stock motor’s 640 pound-feet.HennesseyThere’s more to the VelociRaptoR than just a more beastly engine, though. Hennessey outfits every version with unique front and rear bumpers. There’s also a front-mounted LED light bar to better spot small cars in the dark and prevent accidentally crunching them. The regular Raptor R’s standard 37-inch off-road tires remain, but they’re now mounted on a set of Hennessey-designed 20-inch rims. If you’re gonna own a super powerful pickup truck, you’re probably gonna want to broadcast that to your bros. Along with a more subtle plaque with a build serial number, Hennessey covers both sides of the VelociRaptoR with big graphics that say “R1000”. At least the Texas tuner’s livery isn’t as gaudy as the one Ford offers on the regular Raptor R’s bedsides.Must-Read Raptor StoriesFor those eager to own the Hennessey VelociRaptoR 1000, orders can be placed right now through an authorized Ford dealer or directly through Hennessey. While we currently don’t know how much the nearly 1000-hp truck will cost, we bet a sizable sum will be added to the 2023 F-150 Raptor’s MSRP, which starts at $109,145. VelociRaptoR builds are set to begin sometime in 2023. 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.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

    Porsche Fires Up Production of eFuel, Made from Water in Chile

    Nearly carbon-free driving with an internal-combustion engine is possible but takes work. Porsche has been investigating synthetic eFuels for many years and turned on a new plant in Chile today to start making fuel from water and carbon dioxide.Chile is an ideal location for this facility because it has plenty of renewable energy sources, Porsche said, and the end product can easily be shipped from there around the world.The first batches of eFuel will be used for promotional “lighthouse projects,” but Porsche hopes to be selling 145 million gallons of this new eFuel on the open market each year before the end of the decade.South American wind will soon be powering Porsche vehicles around the world thanks to a new biofuel plant that started production today. The automaker announced that its pilot plant in Punta Arenas, Chile, successfully produced its first liters of eFuel, Porsche’s name for its synthetic fuel, which is made from water and carbon dioxide using renewable energy. Porsche has been working with partners on new liquid fuels for many years, as a supplement to the work on electric vehicles that the VW Group as a whole has been highlighting. Porsche sees eFuels as a green supplement to EVs on what it calls its “double-e path” that encompasses both e-mobility and eFuels. Porsche calls eFuel a practical alternative that allows internal-combustion-engine vehicles to operate in a “nearly CO2-neutral” manner and said its new plant would be able to produce up to 145 million gallons of biofuel each year before the end of the decade.Those gallons will one day be sold on the open market, Porsche representatives said during a briefing for journalists today, but the initial test batch of a modest 34,000 annual gallons is destined more for promotional purposes. The eFuel will first be shipped from Chile to what the automaker calls its “lighthouse projects,” like the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. The eFuel will also be used in vehicles at Porsche Experience Centers around the world, allowing fans to burn biomass instead of fossil fuels on the track. Once the pilot phase ends, the Punta Arenas plant will be able to produce a projected 14.5 million gallons each year by the middle of the decade, Porsche said, before hitting the 145-million-gallon target two years later.Not a New IdeaToday’s start of production can be traced back at least five years. That’s when Porsche engineers first discussed Chile’s ideal combination of reliable renewable energy sources and shipping opportunities with Siemens Energy, according to Porsche board member Michael Steiner, during a briefing with journalists today. Porsche also worked with global eFuels company HIF, ExxonMobil and other partners on the plant, he said.Using renewable energy to produce a liquid fuel has a bigger impact on reducing overall CO2 emissions than any fossil fuels that might be used to transport it to end users, according to Porsche board member Barbara Frenkel. Frenkel also spoke at the briefing and said that it makes sense to use green energy where it’s found, whenever possible. “If there is not enough renewable energy available [to make eFuels], it makes much more sense that you use this energy directly in electric cars,” Frenkel said. “Our strategy [is to] push fully on electromobility, and we have eFuels in addition. Therefore, especially when it comes to Europe, it’s of essential importance that the government increases the ambition to establish a good charging infrastructure based on renewable energy.”But that’s where Chile stands apart. It happens to provide a steady supply, which means it makes sense to use zero-emission energy there to make a liquid fuel that can then be burned in places that don’t have as strong a renewable-energy infrastructure built up but can handle a biofuel as a replacement for gasoline. This is especially important for the estimated 1.3 billion combustion-engine vehicles on roads around the world today, Steiner said.In April, HIF Global announced it had secured $260 million in equity investments from a number of companies, including Porsche. The money was raised to fund an expansion of HIF’s decarbonization business, including carbon-neutral eFuels projects in the U.S., Chile and Australia. Porsche said today that it has invested over $100 million in eFuel development and production, including $75 million in HIF.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.Porsches to Know and LoveThis 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

    Acura Shows First Glimpse of the 2024 ZDX Type S, a GM-Based EV

    The 2024 ZDX is Acura’s first EV, and it’s slated to launch sometime in 2023.The ZDX will have a Type S performance variant, likely with extra horsepower.This model is part of Honda’s collaboration with General Motors, and it will use GM’s Ultium battery platform.Acura’s new electric SUV is starting to take shape, thanks to these new photos of a 2024 ZDX Type S prototype released by the automaker. Though the S-patterned camouflage obscures the details, we can see the overall profile of this new EV model, which will be a mid-size SUV and a more luxurious counterpart to the upcoming Honda Prologue.Both the Honda and the Acura are part of a collaboration with GM, meaning they will ride on GM’s Ultium battery platform. The ZDX is rumored to be built alongside the Cadillac Lyriq in Tennessee, while the Prologue may share its production line with the Chevy Blazer EV in Mexico.AcuraAcura previewed the ZDX’s design language with its Precision EV concept car earlier this year, and this prototype shows similar proportions. The hood is long and low, but the greenhouse has a relatively conventional squareback shape, meaning this won’t be a spiritual successor to the previous ZDX, a daringly styled crossover that was an early adopter of the “coupe-SUV” sloped roofline craze.More from AcuraIf the ZDX shares mechanical components with the Cadillac Lyriq, we might expect a base model with a 340-hp electric motor powering the rear wheels. The Type S, then, could adopt the Lyriq’s all-wheel-drive dual-motor setup with over 500 horsepower. The Lyriq’s battery pack, a 102.0-kWh lithium-ion unit providing an EPA-rated driving range of 312 miles, may also indicate the ZDX’s potential offering.AcuraWe’ll have to wait a bit longer to learn more about the 2024 ZDX, as Acura says it will reveal the new electric crossover in 2023.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.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