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    Tata Nano May Launch As A New Gen Electric Car – 200 Kms Range

    Tata Nano was a dream project of Ratan Tata – Production started in 2008 and lasted till 2018File photo of Tata Nano on testRemember Tata Nano? It was Ratan Tata’s dream to offer a car to middle-class families at the price of a two wheeler. The brainchild of Ratan Tata’s vision was launched as Tata Nano in 2008 and stayed in production till 2018, before it was axed.Even though Tata Nano has been discontinued, it has immense brand recall. One which could be utilized by Tata Motors in the future. Now, a recent report claims that Tata Motors is reviving the Nano project back from the dead. Only this time, it will be launched in the form of an electric vehicle.Tata Nano To Return As EV ?As of now, Tata Motors is the No 1 electric car maker in India. When total EV sales are accounted for in the country, Tata has over 80% of market share. Currently, they offer Nexon EV, Tigor EV and Tiago EV. To maintain lead in the growing EV segment, plans are afoot to launch more electric cars in the near future.There is a new breed of electric cars that is likely to create a lot of buzz in India. This is the micro EV segment, which is currently booming in China. For example, Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is China’s highest-selling car. This is a 2 door micro electric vehicle that is perfect for city excursions and comes at a relatively affordable price point.Ratan Tata With His Electric NanoRecently, we saw the launch of PMV electric car with 200 km of range and costs 4.79 lakh. MG is set to bring its Air EV to India as well. There might be a lot of startups jumping on this bandwagon of micro EVs. This is where Tata’s electric Nano will fit in if it does materialise. Unlike previous attempts, where Tata Motors tried to retrofit electric motor and battery in the existing Nano, this time things could be different. It is likely to be an all new car, with a modern day design – built as a Born Electric Vehicle.Jayem Neo – Nano Electric CabIn the past, Tata Motors’ partner Jayem Automotives, had announced an electric version of Nano under Jayem Neo brand. 400 unit order size of these were planned in 2017 to be used as city taxis for Ola Electric’s fleet operations. This project never saw the light of day.In December 2020, Jayem Neo electric test mule spotted testing on a public road near Akurdi, Pune. Jayem Automotives had managed to cram in 17 kWh of battery in Nano’s small real estate. It promised 203 km of range from a single charge, certified by ARAI. Along with it, a top speed of 85 km/h.Tata Motors have not officially announced the Nano EV. If it is being considered, it might be one among the 10 new EVs that Tata is planning to launch in the next five years. Earlier this year, they showcased Curvv and Avinya EV concepts.Source More

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    Lexus Built an EV with a Fake Manual Transmission

    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.The manual transmission is almost gone. Even if you ignore that manual-transmission cars account for less than 2 percent of the auto market today, you have to accept that the transition to EVs will likely spell the end of shifting yourself. Toyota wants to change that, which is why the company is showing off a prototype EV with a faux manual shifter. The company has spent the last couple of days showing European journalists a special version of the Lexus UX 300e. The small electric crossover isn’t sold in the U.S. and isn’t particularly exciting in its normal form, but this version has a simulated shifter and clutch to provide a taste of old-school engagement. The driver can shift between different gears when they get to the far end of the fake tachometer and, if they blow a shift, can even stall the electric car. The driving video from EVO is certainly worth a watch. Electric vehicles rarely have more than one or two forward gears, so it is unlikely that this is going to be a useful technology for future mainstream EVs. But Lexus says it is developing the concept to make more engaging EVs, and may actually use the system on a production BEV if the development work is promising. We’re not sure a simulated shifter could ever scratch our itch, but we’re certainly interested in trying it out. 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. More

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    Ford Fiesta, Focus Owners Are Still Facing Infuriating Waits for Gearbox Fixes

    Ford Fiesta and Focus owners are expressing how frustrated they are about long wait times for transmission repairs, via a report in the Detroit Free Press today (subscription required). Problems with Ford’s faulty PowerShift gearboxes, found in its 2011—2016 small cars, began a decade ago and led to a 2020 settlement of more than $30 million.Ford told the Free Press that service and repair delays are due to a shortage of transmission control modules, but this problem predates the supply-chain issues, making some customers express the belief that the company is indifferent.Trouble over Ford’s infamous PowerShift transmission continues to haunt the automaker. As the Detroit Free Press reported this week, many current owners of 2011–2016 Fiesta and 2012–2016 Focus models still afflicted by problems are furious. Their frustration over delays in getting a fix for their cars is understandable, given that several told the Free Press they’ve waited multiple months for their gearboxes to get fixed.2016 Ford Focus.Highlighting more than two dozen experiences, the newspaper cites months-long wait times and claims that Ford is ignoring customers seeking updates on the status of their repairs. Back in 2019, the paper also reported claims that some Ford dealerships were declining to repair their defective transmissions. A Decade-Old DebacleFord’s faulty PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmissions gained notoriety almost as soon as they went into production in 2011, with the first lawsuit filed against the company just one year later in 2012. The transmissions were prone to rough shifts and required frequent repairs, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) never reported evidence that they posed a safety risk.Ford’s PowerShift ProblemsIn 2019, an investigative piece by the Detroit Free Press revealed Ford knew about the problems with the PowerShift transmissions during development and decided to continue with production anyway. The rest is history, including the company extending the powertrain warranty on affected models from five years or 60,000 miles to seven years or 100,000 miles. Ford also eventually agreed to a settlement in 2020 that required it to buy back defective Fiesta and Focus models as well as pay out at least $30 million in cash.Ford Says: Call Our Help LineWhile it makes sense that supply issues play a part in the long wait times currently facing Fiesta and Focus owners, as the Free Press points out, the problems with Ford’s PowerShift transmissions predate the scarcity of semiconductors. Combine that with owners’ personal stories of hardship, and it is not surprising that customers who are receiving poor service might start to believe the company is indifferent.The current situation, Ford says, is due to a shortage of the transmission control modules that are necessary for the fix. Speaking to the Free Press, Ford spokesman Said Deep said the company is aware of the delays and is “trying desperately” to acquire the modules. He also encouraged people who need help while their car is in for service to call Ford’s customer support line at 800–392–3673. Car and Driver reached out to Deep for more comment on this story, but we haven’t yet gotten a response. 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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    Jeep Recalling Nearly 63,000 Wrangler 4xes Over Engine Shutdown Issues

    Jeep has issued a recall of 62,909 Wrangler 4xe SUVs due to the possible unexpected loss of engine power. The root cause of the issue is not clear, but the problem can be fixed with an updated software calibration for the transmission control module and auxiliary hybrid control processor. NHTSA suggests that 100 percent of the vehicles recalled could have the issue; Jeep is aware of two accidents and one injury that could be related to the defect. Jeep is recalling just under 63,000 Wrangler 4xe SUVs due to an issue that has the potential to unexpectedly shut off the engine while driving, which could lead to a crash. The defect affects some 2021–2023 4xe models and looks to be associated with the plug-in-hybrid powertrain. However, according to documents filed by Jeep with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 100 percent of the 62,909 vehicles involved are defective. Jeep is still investigating the root cause of the problem which appears to stem from somewhere in the transmission control module and the auxiliary hybrid control processor. A fix is said to be available with a software update to both systems. According to paperwork filed on Nov. 3, 2022, Jeep is aware of two accidents and one injury that are potentially related to the 4xe’s defect. At that point in time, Jeep knew of 112 customer-assistance records, 196 warranty claims, and 65 field reports potentially linked to this issue over a two-year period between Dec. 17, 2020 and Oct. 26, 2022. As of the most recent NHTSA filing, Jeep hasn’t announced a “Stop Drive” order. The company plans to begin notifying dealers and owners on Jan. 12, 2023. Before then, owners are able to check the NHTSA recalls site for more information about the recall, and to plug in their VIN to see if their vehicle is affected. This 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

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    Nissan GT-R R34 Lego Set Coming—including a Brian O'Conner Minifig

    Lego released a preview of a R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec slated to join its Speed Champions lineup next year. The R34 Skyline and accompanying Brian O’Conner miniature figurine (or “minifig”) are inspired by the 2003 movie 2 Fast 2 Furious, complete with Toyo Tires badge and accurate Florida license plate.Lego hasn’t given specifics yet, but assuming it follows the blueprint of other Speed Champions sets, it will include 300 to 500 pieces and be priced between $20 and $40. In other news, Lego is adding a 905-piece, $49.99 Technic version of the Bugatti Bolide starting January 1. Lego Speed Champions is adding one of the most iconic cars from the early days of the Fast and Furious franchise. The newest kit will include a figurine of Paul Walker’s character, Brian O’Conner, and a rolling representation of his famous R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec. Through nine films, O’Conner’s R34 from 2 Fast 2 Furious is perhaps overshadowed by only the infamous A80 Supra from the first movie. LegoLego ManiaThankfully, the kit looks to honor the source material, and the famous blue-striped livery is immediately recognizable to fans of the franchise. Despite the small size of the Speed Champions builds, Lego didn’t skip out on some of the other recognizable themes from the car. The massive blue rear wing is fixed to the back, with a blue Toyo Tires sticker found stuck above the movie-correct Florida license plate. While You’re Waiting . . . LEGO LEGO Technic Dom’s Dodge Charger While You’re Waiting . . . LEGO LEGO Technic Dom’s Dodge Charger Now 20% OffIn addition to the smaller and cheaper R34 kit, Lego is planning to add a Technic kit of the 1578-hp Bugatti Bolide, minus the horsepower of course. That kit will go on sale the first of the year and will include 905 pieces for $49.99. It stands at three inches high, 12 inches in length, and five inches in width. The Technic kits are meant to help introduce kids to the world of engineering, but beyond that, they are plain cool. LegoLegoBugatti only made 40 versions of the track-only Bolide, with each costing roughly $5 million. Plus, Bugatti sold out of the Bolide and Chiron at the start of the year. Assuming you didn’t star in the Fast and Furious franchise and therefore cannot afford a sold-out $5 million car, $50 for a foot-long example complete with moving pistons seems about as close as the rest of us will ever get to owning a Bolide. 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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    Cadillac Escalade and Chevy Camaro Are the Next GM 'Brand Umbrellas'

    GM plans to expand the Escalade and Camaro names into subbrands, like the planned Corvette range of EV models.The other Escalade models could include a smaller three-row crossover and a more carlike crossover.Future Camaros could comprise a crossover, additional coupe and convertible models, and a sports car related to the Corvette.Now that we know more about Chevrolet’s plans to turn Corvette into a whole range of models, the focus turns to other high-value nameplates within the GM portfolio. The next two subbrands appear to center around the Cadillac Escalade and the Chevrolet Camaro.Escalade ExpansionAccording to our source inside GM, the automaker has looked long and hard at reinventing the Cadillac brand one more time, but management apparently came to the conclusion that it makes more sense to use the Escalade—the quintessential Cadillac—as a peg for the second Corvette-style subbrand, which stands proud in the cycle plan.More on the EscaladeA smaller version of the Escalade is a no-brainer and could take shape as a seven-seat crossover along the lines of the upcoming Porsche three-row SUV, codenamed K1. This would presumably sell well in key markets such as the U.S. and China. There is also talk of a more carlike modern-luxury segment-fusing all-terrain Escalade. Option number four is a high-end MPV that may initially only be sold in China, where the Toyota Alphard and other luxury minivans are a runaway success.Camaro SUV PossibleThe third potential GM subbrand under evaluation is Camaro. “We did look at other successful standalone products like Silverado and Suburban but found them unsuitable for various different reasons. In our view, an additional independent lineup must be compiled from three or more distinctly different offerings under the same brand umbrella.”More on the CamaroIn the case of the Camaro, these models have been provisionally defined as a fully electric 2+2-seater coupe and convertible, a decidedly sporty crossover offered in two-door and four-door body styles, and a mid-price flagship sports car loosely linked to the C9 Corvette in content but not in appearance. Substantial in-house synergies should make the all-electric Camaros a solid business case with global appeal.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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    New KTM RC 990 Spied – Successor To RC 8C Sports Bike?

    Outgoing RC 8C makes 135 bhp of power and 98 Nm of torque, while KTM RC 990 spied testing recently is likely to offer more oomphImage – MotorradKTM big bikes are quite popular in global market. Unfortunately, most of them are not on sale here. In India, 390 Adventure is the flagship, which is set to receive a major update in the coming years. It will also get a new 390 Enduro version, as seen with recent spy shots.Sticking with big bikes, KTM currently has 890 platform and used to have 1190 platform. In early 2022, new Duke was spotted donning what could be a 990 platform from the Austrian brand. Now, we get to see spy shots of a new faired sports bike prototype.KTM RC 990 Spied TestingIt looks fairly pre-production and sports a matte black fairing with rough edges. It gets a new design language which is radical over 8C faired motorcycle. Even with a fairing, the chassis on this RC 990 is slightly different than what was spotted on Duke 990 papped earlier. Let’s take a look.KTM traditionally uses chrome molybdenum steel tubes for its trellis frame. Rear subframe is slightly different than found on Duke 990 test mules. On the Duke 990, KTM used a die-cast aluminium rear subframe and on KTM RC 990 spotted testing, the company has used a bolt-on type aluminium frame.KTM RC 990Even swingarm is kept different for upcoming 990 platform. KTM is using a banana-shaped swingarm on RC 990, while Duke 990 makes do with a regular profile aluminium swingarm. Both of these swingarm designs are different from KTM’s current RC 8C. KTM RC 990 sports a different TFT display as well which is different from the one found on 890 Duke.Hardware-wise, KTM RC 990 is equipped with a WP monoshock at the rear and WP Apex USD forks at front. These are fully adjustable types that get rebound and compression adjustments. Similar components are found on 890 Duke as well. Braking duties are taken care of by Brembo Stylema calipers.Specs & LaunchCloser inspection reveals that both rider and pillion footrest placement is not yet finalised. This is because of the testing rig incorporated with the test mule. KTM seems to be offering a decent balance between committed seating position and comfort. This is still a pre-production test mule and hence production-spec model can get a revised seating posture.KTM RC 990We can spot a single projector integrated into the front fairing. Also present are bar-end mirrors. There is a new engine behind the fairing which is said to be close to 990cc in cubic displacement. Outgoing 890 Duke and RC 8C is powered by an 889cc twin-cylinder engine.On 890 Duke, this engine is tuned to make 120 bhp and 99 Nm, while on RC 8C, it makes 135 bhp and 98 Nm. KTM RC 990 spotted testing is likely to offer more performance than RC 8C. Launch timeline is not known. Looking at the test mule, it is likely to break the covers at EICMA 2023. India launch could be a possibility.Source More

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    Polestar 2 Owners in North America Can Finally Add More Power over the Air

    Polestar 2 owners in North America can now add more power via an over-the-air software update for a one-time fee of $1195. The OTA update is for all 402-hp dual-motor models, and it adds 67 horses (469 total) and 15 pound-feet of torque (502 total). While it has been available in Europe since last year, Polestar said the power increase was delayed due to CARB and EPA approval in the U.S. and Canada.The wait is finally over. People who own a Polestar 2 in North America can now purchase additional horsepower and torque over the air. It took almost a year since the over-the-air software update became available in Europe, but Polestar has now announced that owners of eligible models who live in the U.S. and Canada can now buy the OTA power increase for a one-time fee of $1195—no annual subscription necessary.When asked why it took so long for the update to become available here, a Polestar spokesperson told Car and Driver the delay was due to pending approval by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Behind the Wheel of the Polestar 2Now that the OTA update is available on our shores, anyone who owns a 402-hp dual-motor Polestar 2 (regardless of the model year) can have more power. The software unlocks an extra 67 horses and 15 pound-feet of torque from the quirky-looking sedan’s electric motors, pushing its total output to 469 and 502, respectively. Those figures are identical to Polestar 2 models equipped with the optional Performance pack as well as the low-volume BST Edition.As people might expect, opting for the OTA power increase is said to improve acceleration times. Polestar claims the added oomph will shave a couple of tenths off the car’s time to 60 mph. The company also says accelerating at highway speeds is quicker than before. However, we’ll have to wait to test one ourselves to confirm how much its performance numbers have improved.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