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    Finding Santa's New Sleigh: Window Shop with Car and Driver

    This content is imported from youTube. 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.We don’t measure reliability for sleighs yet. However, the odds suggest that one of these years, Santa’s going to walk out one Christmas Eve to a sleigh and reindeer team that won’t start. A clairvoyant Window Shop viewer asked the crew to come up with replacement rides for Santa’s 23-hour trip around the world. Kris Kringle’s on a budget this year (who isn’t?), so he has just $30,000 to spend. Road & Track senior editor John Pearley Huffman’s Toyota Tundra fixation finally found its outlet. The shiny burgundy pickup’s cloth interior turned into a brief discussion about whether Santa prefers textiles to leather, but there were no questions about toy-carrying capability. Best of all, if Santa delivered to Pearley’s house last, he could leave the Tundra under Pearley’s tree.Video mastermind Carlos Lago began his presentation with Santa’s favorite Christmas treat: an Excel spreadsheet. After doing the math to figure out how efficient Saint Nicholas needs to be to complete his appointed rounds—something something speed of light magic!—he chose a convertible Mustang SVT Cobra with a manual transmission. Because trunk space. And magic.Senior editor Joey Capparella stuck with muscle and the manual but flipped to the Mopar side. Inspired by one of Dodge’s responses to the same quandary, Capparella chose a red Dodge Challenger, a car nearly as old as Santa’s sleigh and just as cool.We’d describe senior editor Elana Scherr’s car advice this week as, “What would I like?” She chose a red vintage Dodge W150 pickup, perhaps pulled from her own Mopar collection. Santa’s budget was too low for a suitable Lil Red Express, but the marvelous red interior in the W150 might make up for that.Speaking of fixations, contributor Jonathon Ramsey’s ardor for Class 8 trucks finally found its outlet, too. He crossed the border to Canada to find a 1995 Peterbilt. Problem is, he also unwittingly and egregiously crossed the budget border as well. And that’s all there is to say about that.Executive editor K.C. Colwell joined Pearley and Scherr kicking tires in the pickup lot. His Rudolph-nose-red Ford F-450 dually with tan leather could have been nicknamed the Big Red Express. The only thing it was missing was a bumper sticker telling everyone at the North Pole, “We don’t need no stinkin’ reindeer.”Editor-in-chief Tony Quiroga grew up with the slickest, snazziest Santa on the planet. Only a Cadillac Eldorado would do for a superstar probably called Kris “Primetime” Kringle, the ginormous coupe done up in red with a white roof, a herringbone interior, and some suss door pulls for the rear occupants. Let’s hope the sleigh and reindeer team work as intended this year. Or else Santa’s got a hard choice to make, one of which could be going on strike.More Window ShoppingThis content is imported from youTube. 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

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    Apple Self-Driving EV Delayed to 2026, Likely to Start under $100,000

    The rumored Apple car has been delayed yet again, with Bloomberg reporting that the electric vehicle will go on sale in 2026.Apple has also scaled back its self-driving plans, with the car including traditional driving controls and only planned to be capable of autonomous driving on highways.The target is to sell the Apple car for less than $100,000, and Apple is still searching for a partner to provide an electric skateboard platform to build the vehicle on. Apple has been rumored to be developing an electric car, code-named Titan, since 2014, and the tech giant has faced numerous setbacks in its quest to expand into the automotive realm. Massive layoffs in 2019 sparked talk that the project had been canceled, while a deal to partner with Hyundai fell through in 2021. Now a report from Bloomberg says that the Apple car has been delayed by a year, with the launch now scheduled for 2026, and that Apple has abandoned plans to make the vehicle capable of full self-driving. Bloomberg cites unnamed sources close to the project claiming Apple has come to the realization that its initial goals of a Level 5 fully autonomous vehicle are impossible with current technology. Apple had envisioned a lounge-like vehicle without a specific driver’s seat, steering wheel, or pedals, but the company is now backtracking on that fantasy. When the Apple car arrives in 2026, it will include driver’s controls and will only be capable of full autonomous driving on the highway. Still Looking to Free Drivers from DrivingStill, Apple’s plans for highway autonomy seem ambitious. Unlike systems like General Motors’ Super Cruise that require the driver to keep their eyes on the road, Apple’s goal is to allow drivers the freedom to take their attention away from the road to do things like watch a movie or play a game. The driver will be warned “with ample time” if they need to take over when exiting the highway or approaching stormy weather.The Apple car will be centered around a powerful onboard computer, internally referred to as Denali, which has processing power equivalent to around four top-end Mac chips. The vehicle’s chip, which is paired with lidar and radar sensors along with cameras, is reportedly almost production ready. Tesla’s Autopilot system, meanwhile, relies solely on cameras. Apple had originally anticipated the car starting at over $120,000 but is now hoping to get the price under $100,000, according to the Bloomberg story. The design has yet to be finalized but Apple seems to have ditched its original plans for a pod-like vehicle—similar to the Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle—in favor of a more traditional car shape. It appears Apple intends to finalize the design next year and lock in the features by the end of 2024 before embarking on a testing program in 2025. Apple is also still said to be looking for a partner that will supply an electric skateboard platform. Around 1000 employees are focused on the Apple car, with Apple investing around $1 billion into the project each year. Still, Apple has encountered myriad challenges in the eight years that it has been working on Titan, and it still has a long way to go before the Apple car becomes a reality. 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

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    Toyota C-HR Will Be Dead in North America after 2022

    The Toyota C-HR will be discontinued in the U.S. and Canada after 2022, the automaker confirmed to Car and Driver.Toyota also confirmed that the next-gen C-HR will not make it to North America and instead will be sold in Europe only. Previewing the next generation is the C-HR Prologue concept, which shares design cues with the extroverted Toyota bZ concept. It was fun, it was real, but it wasn’t real fun. The Toyota C-HR, which stimulated our eyes but never our hearts, will be pushing daises after the 2022 model year—at least in the U.S. and Canada. Toyota has confirmed to Car and Driver that its funky subcompact SUV will not return to either market for 2023, effectively ending the model’s North American run after just one abbreviated generation that began back in 2018.Remembering the C-HRC-HR Exit Stage LeftThe death of the C-HR means Americans who want a subcompact Toyota SUV will now be limited to the Corolla Cross, which looks comparatively bland but offers all-wheel drive and improved practicality versus the front-drive-only C-HR. Of course, there’s also the hugely popular RAV4, but its larger dimensions coincide with a higher price tag.2018 model shown.During its brief five-year life cycle, the first-generation C-HR captured our attention with its interesting bodywork featuring a determined-looking face, prominent character lines, and an available two-tone roof that ended with an integrated spoiler. Despite its undeniable curbside appeal, the C-HR always stymied our excitement with its snooze-worthy driving demeanor. We won’t bore you with the details, we’ll just point out that the trip to 60 mph took 11 seconds thanks to its indifferent 144-hp four-pot.Next C-HR Looks Even CoolerAlthough the C-HR nameplate will soon cease to exist on our shores, the people across the pond will be getting a second generation. Toyota confirmed that it’ll only be sold in Europe. Based on images that Toyota released of the C-HR Prologue concept (as seen below), the next-gen version looks legitimately rad. With the company’s proclamation that the successor to the original C-HR will be even bolder, we feel confident the production model will look similar to the concept. ToyotaMaybe if shoppers in North America had shown the first generation of the quirky subcompact SUV more love, Toyota wouldn’t have axed it. Either way, those who love the look of the next C-HR will likely be satisfied with the company’s upcoming bZ electric SUVs, which share design cues with the Prologue concept.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

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    Bajaj Pulsar 150 Discontinued – Replaced By New P150

    Pulsar 150’s successor P150 has already been launched, which will continue to rival the likes of Honda Unicorn, Yamaha FZ 15, TVS Apache 160 and Gixxer 155Old Gen Bajaj Pulsar 150 DiscontinuedPulsar 150 and Pulsar 180 have played a key role in establishing Bajaj Auto as a leading player in motorcycle segment. The bikes are preferred for their sporty profile and powerful performance. Pulsar range has been expanded over the years and it continues to be the primary contributor to overall sales.After an exciting journey of more than two decades, Bajaj has taken the decision to discontinue Pulsar 150. It was inevitable, as Bajaj had launched the successor Pulsar P150 in November 2022. Pulsar 150 discontinuation is part of Bajaj’s ongoing initiative to revamp its Pulsar range. As part of that plan, Pulsar 180 was discontinued in August 2022, whereas Pulsar 220 production was stopped in 2021.Pulsar 150 evolutionWhile Bajaj had once dominated the scooter segment in 1980s and 90s, the market transformed rapidly with availability of affordable 100cc commuter bikes. These were faster, more agile and offered higher fuel efficiency. Such developments prompted Bajaj to step-up focus on motorcycles, which eventually resulted in launch of Pulsar 150 and Pulsar 180. The Pulsar twins got the attention of enthusiasts with their superior look and feel and peppy performance.Over the years, a number of changes and generational updates have been introduced for Pulsar 150. The first-gen Pulsar 150 used to generate 12 bhp of max power and was mated to a 5-speed gearbox. A big update for the bike was DTS-i Digital Twin Spark Ignition technology in 2003. It boosted overall performance and also improved fuel efficiency.New Pulsar P150Another feature that made Pulsar 150 popular was Nitrox rear suspension, which was probably a best-in-segment feature at that time. It ensured smoother rides and was especially useful in tackling rough patches on the streets.In its current form, Pulsar 150 churns out 14 PS of max power and 13.25 Nm of peak torque. The bike has a dominating street presence, with features such as wolf-eyed headlamp, carbon fibre accents and dagger-edged graphics. Pulsar 150 runs on 17-inch wheels at both ends and comes with 260mm ventilated front disc, integrated with ABS.Pulsar P150 featuresWhile legends are difficult to replace, the successor Pulsar P150 has a lot more to offer. Design has been completely overhauled to achieve a sharper, sportier profile. Some of the key highlights include sleek headlamp, sculpted fuel tank, slim waistline, underbelly exhaust and crystalline LED tail lamp. The bike is available in a range of exciting single-tone and dual-tone colour options.Power-to-weight ratio is higher now, as the bike weighs 10 kg less than the outgoing model. The all-new refined engine onboard Pulsar P150 generates 14.5 PS and 13.5 Nm. Improvements have also been made across torque availability, gear shift smoothness and reduction in noise and vibrations. Users can expect better ride quality, as Pulsar P150 has advanced monoshock rear suspension. All these updates have prepared P150 to take on the baton from Pulsar 150. More

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    Royal Enfield Scram 650 Rear Subframe Spied – Single Exhaust

    When compared to Interceptor 650, RE Scram 650 will be considerably lighter owing to its single exhaustRoyal Enfield Scram 650Royal Enfield is currently expanding its 650cc portfolio apart from expanding its 350cc and 450cc portfolio. There was an internal document used in one of the meetings of Royal Enfield. That document got leaked online. It revealed that there are multiple new motorcycles planned for launch.One of these new motorcycles is a cruiser and a tourer which seem to be the recently revealed Super Meteor 650 and Super Meteor 650 Tourer. There was also a bobber, an ADV and a scrambler. There have been multiple sightings of a Royal Enfield Scrambler based on a 650cc platform. Test mules are spotted both overseas and also here in India. Recent test mules divulge further info on this upcoming RE Scram 650.RE Scram 650 Rear SubframeMechanically, upcoming scrambler by Royal Enfield is likely to be kept as is. A slight retune to suit a scrambler character is likely. This is a potent 648 cc parallel-twin engine that generates around 46 bhp and 52 Nm of torque. This is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and gets a slipper clutch and oil cooling.The chassis on which Royal Enfield’s 650cc platform is based will undergo slight modification to suit different characters of intended variations. On Scram 650, Royal Enfield has modified its rear subframe which gives it that much-needed scrambler aesthetic. There is a single-seat setup, which gets a ribbed pattern cover.Royal Enfield Scram 650Seating posture is fairly upright with a neutral riding posture. Footpeg placement for rider seems to be slightly rear set which should add that sense of sportiness. Handlebars and instrumentation seem to be lifted off the recently launched Hunter 350. A tripper screen was not found on this test mule and might be made standard with production-spec model.Hardware ComponentsOne of the main highlights of this upcoming RE Scram 650 is its single exhaust. It gets a different exhaust header rerouting exhaust gases into one channel. This will reduce weight considerably and make the motorcycle peppier, which is a win-win situation. According to the report, this new exhaust packed a lot of bass and was slightly louder as well.In terms of componentry, Royal Enfield is offering front USD forks and LED headlights like the ones found on Super Meteor 650. There is exposed wiring that seems to be testing new LED turn indicators.Royal Enfield Scram 650RE Scram 650 still rides on spoked wheels which seem to be 17” in size. Wrapped to these wheels are block pattern tyres that should ensure slight trailing capability. Given Royal Enfield’s extensive testing, Scram 650 seems to be far from launch. When launched, pricing might be around Rs. 3.5 lakh.Source More

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    800-HP Ford GT Mk IV Send-Off Is the Final, Wildest Version of All

    The Ford GT Mk IV is the final special edition of the third-generation Ford halo car. Sixty-seven hand-built models of this track-only GT will be produced. Only approved clients will be allowed to hand over the $1.7 million starting price, with Ford planning to make buyer selections in the first quarter of 2023 and deliveries in the late spring. The Mk IV features a longer wheelbase, a racing gearbox, a redesigned body, and a larger-displacement engine targeting more than 800 horsepower. The Ford GT Mk IV is the last special-edition GT in a year with seemingly no end to the number of special-edition and send-off Ford GTs. Way back in August 2021, Ford came out with a 1964 prototype-themed livery to honor the GT’s final year of production. Then in February 2022 Ford paid tribute to the Mk I prototypes of the ’60s with a special red, white, and gold model. Next came a Holman Moody Edition celebrating Ford’s historic 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans in 1966. As recently as October, Ford released its racing-inspired LM send-off version of the GT as a nod to the class-winning 2016 car. The special edition announced today looks wild enough to make each and every one of the earlier GTs look almost as mundane as the squadron of Camrys you passed on your way home from work yesterday. Unlike the rest of the special-edition send-offs, the Mk IV is a track-only car that gets dedicated upgrades on top of visual alterations. FordFord increased the displacement of the twin-turbocharged V-6 engine and is now targeting more than 800 horsepower compared to the standard GT’s 660 hp. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission from the standard car has been replaced with what Ford described as a “proper racing gearbox.” The original suspension has been replaced with Multimatic’s Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) suspension. As a track car, standard road siped tires aren’t really necessary and look to have been replaced by a set of Michelin Pilot Sport racing slicks wrapped around center-locking wheels. Special Edition Ford GTsThe wheelbase has been stretched and fitted with a “longtail” carbon-fiber body; in fact, the carbon body has been completely reworked for the Mk IV. All aero elements appear to have been dialed to 11, with a massive front splitter and a set of canards protruding off the front end. At the back, a giant wing is mounted in a fixed position. The full extent of aerodynamic changes isn’t clear, but judging by the photos, those changes are extremely performance focused. The bulky headlights necessary for roadgoing GTs have been replaced by minimalistic beams that look to simply cut through the carbon body. The two channels which would so famously normally take up the hood of the car have been replaced by four overlapping vents, a change that drastically alters the look of the front end. FordFordThe Mk IV gets its name from the 1967 Le Mans-winning GT Mk IV race car, which remains the only American-built and American-operated car to win Le Mans outright. Piloted by Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt, the Mk IV took the lead in the first 90 minutes of the race, building a four-lap lead by the end of the 24 hours. For that reason, Ford is only producing 67 hand-built examples of the Mk IV. Prospective customers will need to apply directly to Ford, and only approved clients will be allowed to purchase the extremely limited car. Pricing starts at $1.7 million, with Ford planning to make selections in the first quarter of 2023, and begin deliveries in the third quarter of 2023. FordThis isn’t the first modern Ford GT to honor the famous 1967 win at Le Mans; that award goes to this version in 2017. Boy, does Ford love a special editon. But it looks as if time has run out for Dearborn to make more of them before production ends with the year. Probably.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

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    BMW CE04 Electric Scooter Teased Ahead Of India Launch

    BMW CE04 electric scooter packs a punch with 42 hp of max power and top speed of 121 kmphBMW Electric ScooterAs a time when Indian market is witnessing strong demand for electric two-wheelers, BMW has introduced its CE04 electric scooter. It’s unlike any other product available here and will surely be on the wish list of enthusiasts. Everything from the scooter’s design to its performance and tech features create a heightened sense of awe and excitement.BMW CE04 is available in several overseas markets. In US, the scooter is offered at a starting price of $ 11,795 (approx. Rs 9.71 lakh). In future, BMW could introduce more affordable electric two-wheelers for India.BMW CE04 range, specsOn a full charge, BMW CE04 electric scooter can travel around 129 km as per WMTC standard. The range seems more than adequate for everyday needs. BMW CE04 is powered by a permanent-magnet liquid cooled synchronous motor that generates 42 hp of max power at 4,900 rpm and 62 Nm of peak torque at 1,500 rpm. Top speed is electronically limited to 121 kmph. Acceleration is pretty good, with 0-50 kmph achieved in just 2.6 seconds.BMW CE04 electric scooter utilizes high voltage battery technology, which is placed inside the scooter’s underbody. This placement helps achieve a lower centre of gravity, which in turn ensures easy ride dynamics and fun handling. Standard charging time in a home environment is 4 hours 20 minutes. When a quick charger is used, charging time is reduced to 1 hour 40 minutes. 0-80% charge with a quick charger can be achieved in just 65 minutes.BMW Electric Scooter – teased ahead of India launchBattery charging information is displayed on the digital instrument panel. It can also be accessed via the BMW Motorrad Connected app. Range can be maximized with use of Eco ride mode. The scooter has an energy recovery system, which is used to charge the high-voltage battery via recuperation.BMW CE04 featuresWhile performance numbers are impressive, it’s the scooter’s design and features that make it truly remarkable. EVs have provided designers more freedom to experiment and come up with some really unique creations. BMW CE04 seems like a relevant example in that context. The scooter has a brawny profile and is being offered in dual-tone colour options.Some key features include sporty headlamp design with LED lights, large 10.25-inch TFT display with BMW Motorrad Connectivity, striking disc wheel, flat seat design, integrated side stand and stylish decorative stickers. Riding ergonomics appear fairly comfortable for both rider and pillion. Seat height of 780 mm will ensure optimal control and handling.BMW Electric Scooter CE 04Other key highlights of BMW CE04 include keyless access, ride modes of Eco, Rain and Road, ASC, BMW Motorrad ABS and electronic reverse. The scooter has a ventilated storage compartment with USB as well as side loading storage unit with inbuilt lighting. Users looking for a better experience can upgrade with optional equipment such as heated grips, anti-theft alarm, high windscreen and tire pressure monitoring system. More

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    2002 Ferrari 456M GT 6-Speed Is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick of the Day

    Can’t swing a 550 Maranello or one of the rare manual-transmission 575s? Here’s an overlooked GT that delivers the full Ferrari experience.Front-engined Ferraris aren’t exactly cheap to own, but servicing costs are far below most of the smaller mid-engined cars.Searching for a suitable comparison vehicle, Car and Driver once put the 456 up against an airplane. You can get your hands on your own V-12 long-distance missile, now up for auction at Bring a Trailer until Wednesday, December 14.Let the maxim be written: there are no cheap Ferraris. Not even the Mondial. However, there are a few stallions from Maranello’s stable that have been somewhat overlooked: either not as pretty as Pininfarina’s best work or not as quick around a racetrack as the mid-engined stuff. Here’s a great example of the full-fat Ferrari experience without (potentially) the big-ticket expense: a 2002 456M, up for auction this week at Bring a Trailer.The 456M is a proper GT car from Ferrari, one of the front-engined V-12–powered machines that sucks down interstates with Luciano Pavarotti–like virtuosity. And with much the same soundtrack: with the click-clack of an exposed metal gate on its manual transmission and a 440-hp 5.5-liter V-12, the 456M loves to belt out operatic arias from the golden age of internal combustion. Bring a TrailerBasically, we’re talking a 550 Maranello for people who missed out before those cars started climbing in value. This one looks especially elegant in black and is from the final years of 456M production. It’s subtle-looking, but with a Tubi exhaust fitted, it will surely be capable of shattering all wine glasses in the vicinity when the throttle is vigorously provoked.Matchup for the AgesWith just 24K miles on the odometer, this car should also be considered an opportunity to right a wrong. Like Car and Driver, Bring a Trailer is part of Hearst Autos. When, in 1995, the Car and Driver team got their hands on the keys to an early 456, they called up another Hearst magazine, namely, Flying. “Wanna race this Ferrari versus one of your beloved planes?” was the challenge. Spoiler alert: the Ferrari lost, but only by nine minutes over 263.8 miles. The thing was a monster for carrying speed.Bring a TrailerFuel will not be cheap. Replacement parts will not be cheap. But the maintenance on a front-engined Ferrari is much less expensive than might be expected, at least when compared to the smaller mid-engined cars. Where the latter seems to be Step A: Remove Engine for pretty much anything, the front-engined Ferrari GTs are a bit less needy. Happily, this one has new Continental ExtremeSport tires, and the timing and accessory belts were all replaced just two years ago.FerrariThere is, however, a little work to be done on the interior. The listing notes sheepskin seat covers, which are probably very comfortable, but they look like the car has been upholstered in labrador retriever. So toss those in the dumpster.Bring a TrailerThen, settle back in your stylish black-on-tan Ferrari ICBM and point that sleek nose at the horizon. Sure, your buddy with the private airplane might get there a few minutes ahead of you. But you’ll be having all the fun. With just six days to go, bidding sits just north of $42,000. Millennial Matchups from the C/D ArchiveThis content is imported from OpenWeb. 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