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    Bentley Shows Off Custom Flying Spur Hybrid in Miami

    This special Bentley Flying Spur is a collaboration between luxury automaker Bentley and custom shoemaker Dominic Ciambrone (a.k.a. “The Surgeon”), and comes directly after the pair released 10 sneakers, each based on a Bentley livery.The Flying Spur Hybrid Surgeon car is one of three Bentley Artwork vehicles being shown at the Art Basel in Miami over the weekend, with a Continental GT Speed Convertible and Continental GT V8 Convertible also being displayed. Bentley was tightlipped on price, though it is likely this version will top the standard Flying Spur Hybrid’s $217,525 starting price in a private sale. If you ask us, buying a Bentley is all about flexing the depth of your wallet and the bounds of your creativity. For those with that kind of coin who prefer to rely on the taste of others, Bentley has a solution in the form of this one-off Flying Spur Hybrid. The car is a collaboration effort between the automaker and custom shoemaker Dominic Ciambrone, more commonly referred to as “The Surgeon.” Car and DriverBentleyFrom the exterior, the special Flying Spur could be mistaken for any other NBA-star-carrying luxury machine. It wears dual-tone Anthracite over Anthracite Satin black paints, which are accented by Satin Bronze pinstriping and piping. The result shows off a glittering finish from the combination of matte and metallic paints. It’s an attractive but muted look for a car that otherwise carries so much presence on the road. BentleyBentleyThe interior of the bespoke vehicle is where the Surgeon really made his mark. Quite literally. His personal Jolly Roger–esque logo along with branding of the word “Surgeon” are visible throughout the cabin. The interior seems perfect if you are a fan of pirate logos, or perhaps made a fortune performing medical procedures and need constant reminders of your career. Car and DriverBentley remained silent on the price of this bespoke Flying Spur, but we would expect it to range somewhere north of the standard Flying Spur Hybrid’s $217,525 starting price in a private sale. On the upside, the owner of the car will also receive a pair of limited-edition Bentley/Surgeon Adidas Forum Low sneakers along with the car. 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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    1975 Pinzgauer 710K Is Today's Bring a Trailer Auction Pick

    Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer military vehicles are a product of Austria and designed to be able to topple off-road obstacles deep or tall. This 1974 710K uses an 89-hp air-cooled 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a five-speed manual transmission. Locking front and rear differentials and portal axles made the Pinz an incredible tool for armies across the world during and after the Cold War. Currently located in Portland, Oregon, this Pinzie is up for auction on Bring a Trailer until December 8. I’ve never been good at conflict. Argue with my mother-in-law? No, thank you. Plot a revolution? Ugh, way too much work. No, the closest I came to enacting a new order was getting enough people in our office to agree to a recycling bin for the kitchen. It turns out clicking “reply all” is an incredible tool for modern democracy, and today’s Bring a Trailer pick is, too, in its own way. No stranger to war, this 1975 Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer 710K has served its time but is currently parked somewhere in Portland, Oregon. After this auction ends, its next deployment could be anywhere.BRING A TRAILERPinzgauer military utes were built in Austria, named after the region’s indigenous Norico-Pinzgauer draft horse and used by armies across the world from the U.K. to Saudi Arabia (following #pinzgauer on Instagram returns an interesting mix of horses, cattle, and mud). Many of the Pinzies for sale today were once enlisted by the Swiss Army. The early editions of this off-road eponym come in two different drivelines. The 710 has four-wheel drive, while the 712 is six-wheel drive. A four-wheel-drive 716 and six-wheel-drive 718 followed in the 1980s. Under the 710K Pinz’s center armrest sits an 89-hp air-cooled 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. The K denotation signifies that it’s a hardtop wagon and has a five-passenger capacity. Other versions such as the 712AMB-Y (three-door ambulance) and 712FW (fire truck) have more specific duties. BRING A TRAILERTo ride in a Pinzgauer is to experience off-roading without the fear of getting stuck. Its ground clearance is measured in feet. This 710K has a two-speed transfer case, front and rear locking differentials, and portal axles that allow the axles to sit higher than the wheel centers for the sake of ground clearance. The biggest obstacle facing a Pinz is the highway. Due to their extreme levels of capability, the 710 can only reach as much as 68 mph. That’s more than the 6×6’s 62-mph limit, but these military utility trucks were built to dominate intensive operations, not paved ovals. Its engine and electrical systems were designed to be well protected and waterpoof. They use two oil pumps to prevent starvation because that’s just how tilted this mini Unimog can get. With more than 27 inches of fording depth, a river or ditch won’t stop a Pinzgauer. They’re also capable of out-towing a new Jeep Gladiator, though its ratings change depending on whether you’re pulling through mud or on pavement. The current owner has outfitted this 710K with some meaningful updates. The black steel 16-inch wheels are from a Ford Transit, and they’re wrapped in BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 tires. Rancho shocks and Mastercraft limiting straps have also been installed. To make it more livable, the seller is including heated front seats and a backup rearview-mirror camera. BRING A TRAILERLooking back at previous auctions, the value of these rad little Pinzies spans wider than its front track. A supremely refurbished 1986 718 sold for $100,000 in May 2022. A noticeably cleaner softtop 1974 710 sold for $12,200 in 2018. Bidding for this example is at $700 as of this writing with five days left at auction. As strongly as we wish for world peace, we’re hoping this one goes to a good home that will treat it to some mud play. 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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    City of Chicago Towed Nearly 250 Cars on First Night of Winter Parking Ban

    Chicago put its winter parking ban into effect on December 1—and towed nearly 250 cars for breaking the rules on the first night alone. The ban takes effect on 107 miles of road throughout the city, regardless of snow, with a further 500 miles of road parking available to be banned in the event of two or more inches of snowfall. (The photo here depicts a typical Chicago winter scene from last February.)Any unlucky violators are forced to pay a minimum $235 for their mistake, a figure that includes a $25-per-day storage fee. If you are one of 242 unfortunate Chicago residents, you may have gotten up on Thursday morning, brewed your morning coffee, and walked outside to find that your car was no longer where you had left it the night before. Fortunately, the missing cars weren’t actually missing: they had been towed by the city due to the return of Chicago’s winter parking ban, which went into effect on December 1, blocking 107 miles of roads from parking between 3:00 and 7:00 a.m. Every year between December 1 and April 1, Chicago puts an overnight parking ban on more than 100 miles of roads, regardless of weather. A ban of a further 500 miles of Chicago roadways can be put in place anytime throughout the year when more than two inches of snow have fallen—although, according to the city government’s website, the larger ban is rarely invoked. Winter ReadsPrime Parking Will Cost YouMaking the mistake of not moving your vehicle to a legal parking spot is costlier than a trip to the impound lot. Violators are on the hook for a $150 towing fee, $60 ticket, and $25 per day in storage fees. Assuming you are in town and available to recover it immediately after your vehicle gets towed, that adds up to $235 in fines. Local laws have a lot of variation, so we can’t give a clear picture of what your local laws will look like, though Chicago is not the only city with parking laws that change in the winter. If you live somewhere that regularly sees snowfall in the winter, it is more than likely there are local laws in place to accomodate plows. Some cities only change parking laws when a snow emergency is put into effect—including Ann Arbor, Michigan, home of Car and Driver’s editorial office. Others, much like Chicago, put laws in place on a standing annual basis. If you regularly park on the street, it’s important to check out your municipality’s website and know the local guidelines. 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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    Royal Enfield Sales Nov 2022 – Classic, Bullet, Meteor, Hunter

    Royal Enfield sales have declined across the board in MoM analysis – including 350cc to 650cc, domestic and exportsRoyal Enfield 350cc Custom By EimorIf there is one two wheeler brand in India that has a monopoly in retro classic motorcycles, it is Royal Enfield. Manufacturers like Honda, Jawa and Yezdi have tried their hand at this segment and results haven’t been as fruitful.The brand’s 350cc portfolio includes bikes like Classic 350, Hunter 350, Meteor 350 and Bullet 350. These motorcycles drive sales unlike any other segment for Royal Enfield. This segment sold 65,956 motorcycles last month. In YoY analysis this segment performed very well as it grew 52.16% YoY as opposed to 43,346 units that it sold last year.Royal Enfield Sales Nov 2022Volume gain YoY for 350cc segment is 22,610 motorcycles and this segment commands 80.20% of Royal Enfield’s total manufacturing capacity. This used to be 91.15% in October 2022, just a month before. The 350cc segment had sold 74,828 motorcycles that month. MoM sales dropped by 11.86% with 8,872 motorcycles lost in volume.Royal Enfield 350cc YTD sales stood at 4,79,366 motorcycles, which grew by 65.90% YoY, as opposed to 2,88,956 motorcycles sold a year ago. Volume gained was 1,90,410 motorcycles YoY. Royal Enfield has its fair share of above 350cc bikes including Himalayan, Scram 411, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650.Royal Enfield Sales Nov 2022This segment sold 4,810 units last month and sales dropped by 42.10% YoY and 35.06% MoM. Volume loss stood at 3,498 units YoY and 2,597 units MoM. YTD sales for this segment stood at 68,604 units as opposed to 53,898 units sold a year ago in the same period and gained 27.28% YoY. Royal Enfield is bringing new products like Himalayan 450, Scram 450, Super Meteor 650 to this segment to boost sales.In domestic market, Royal Enfield sold 65,760 units last month. When compared to 44,830 units sold a year ago and 76,528 units sold a month before, the domestic market registered 46.69% YoY growth and 14.07% MoM decline in sales. Volume gained YoY is 20,930 units and volume lost MoM is 10,768 units.Royal Enfield Exports Nov 2022YTD sales for domestic market stood at 4,82,997 units and grew 63.33% YoY. While doing so, the company gained 1,87,286 units in volume YoY. The British brand shipped 5,006 units overseas in November 2022. In contrast, 6,824 units were shipped last year and 5,707 units were shipped in October 2022.Royal Enfield registered 26.64% YoY decline and 12.28% MoM decline. Exports YTD stood at 64,973 units, up from 47,143 units sold a year before. Exports YTD grew by 37.82% YoY and gained 17,830 units in volume. In total, Royal Enfield sold 70,766 motorcycles in November 2022 and gained 37% YoY as opposed to 51,654 motorcycles sold in November 2021.Total sales dropped by 13.95% MoM due to 82,235 motorcycles sold in October 2022. Royal Enfield’s total YTD sales stood at 5,47,970 motorcycles and registered a 59.83% YoY growth and gained 2,05,116 motorcycles in volume. More

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    BMW Expands into Hydrogen Power with Fuel-Cell SUV Based on the X5

    The BMW iX5 hydrogen fuel-cell SUV is now entering low-volume production and will begin testing in select regions next spring.Based on the regular BMW X5, the iX5 is retrofitted with a fuel-cell stack, an electric motor and battery, and a new floor to fit its hydrogen tanks. BMW believes both electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles are necessary to combat climate change, with the iX5 a potential precursor to future models.Along with a growing number of automakers, BMW says it’s committed to combatting global climate change and aims to be carbon neutral by 2050. Unlike many automakers, however, the German brand believes hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles will play a big role in reaching that goal, alongside battery-electric vehicles, of course. Leading the charge is the hydrogen-powered BMW iX5 SUV that has just begun low-volume production. It was first previewed a few years ago by the i Hydrogen Next concept that appeared at the 2019 Frankfurt auto show. Starting sometime next spring (2023), the small batch of iX5s that BMW is now building will hit the streets in select regions around the world for testing purposes.BMWBased on the regular BMW X5, which is built in the company’s factory in Spartansburg, South Carolina, the iX5 is assembled at BMW’s Research and Innovation Center in Munich, Germany. The transformation from X5 to iX5 includes swapping in an entirely new floor to fit the fuel-cell system’s two hydrogen tanks that are located under the mid-size SUV’s central tunnel and rear seats. The tanks have a total capacity of about 16 pounds and feed an underhood fuel-cell stack paired with a rear-mounted electric motor and battery.BMWBMW says the iX5’s entire fuel-cell-electric system makes a combined 374 horsepower. The company also says its curb weight is comparable to the plug-in-hybrid X5, which weighed 5627 pounds on our scales. BMW claims the iX5 can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in under seven seconds and has a top speed of 118 mph. It also has an estimated driving range of around 310 miles, although that claim is based on the optimistic European WLTP cycle.BMWBMW believes that fuel-cell powertrains will provide a carbon-free alternative to customers with needs that can’t be met by EVs, such as those who need to refuel quickly and don’t have fast-charging access. The company also thinks hydrogen power will help offset the challenges that electrification faces, especially with medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Other issues the technology is said to address include regions with constraints on electrical-grid capacity and renewable resources. Plus, BMW says more than 40 countries worldwide currently have a strategy regarding hydrogen power and cites the continuous build-up of hydrogen refueling stations since 2020.More About Hydrogen PowerFor now, the BMW iX5 is being produced merely as a pilot program, but it could lay the groundwork for future BMW fuel-cell vehicles. In similar news, Honda recently announced plans to build a hydrogen-powered CR-V, which would make it just the third hydrogen model sold in the United States. Only time will tell if fuel-cell technology will be as viable as BMW hopes.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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    Most Reliable American Cars for $10K: 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.The United States, consistently rated one of the top three countries in North America, is a nation built around motor vehicles. We depend on cars and trucks to get us back and forth to work, to move our families between bonding activities, and to go where we eat many of our meals. What Americans need in their moving machines is reliability.But Americans need it on the cheap too. So, what’s a good, reliable, and American car for under $10,000? That’s the premise of this episode of Car and Driver’s hit sitcom, Window Shop. In this hijinks-filled misadventure of mish-mashed miscommunication, the goony editors and writers come up with vehicles ranging in age from about 20 to almost 95 years old. Is it early-onset dementia? Or is it too late for early-onset anything?In a daring strategic decision, editor in chief Tony Quiroga has expanded the panel to six members. They are, in addition to Quiroga himself, executive editor K.C. Colwell, senior editors Elana Scherr and Joey Capparella, free-floating decimal point Jonathon Ramsey, and some guy named John Pearley Huffman who would never be hired by C/D.No, Toyotas, Hondas and other foreign brands assembled in America were not eligible for this challenge. Only vehicles built by manufacturers native to the continent were allowed. That meant no Camrys and no Accords. And a tempting invitation to find a clean late-model Buick from an estate sale. But things took a turn for the goofball this time.So, sit back or don’t sit back. What do we care? Just take the time to watch this masterpiece of Zoom art on YouTube. Then like it, and subscribe to the channel. Please.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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    Mercedes GLB, Electric EQB SUV Launch Price Rs 63.8 L, Rs 74.5 L

    Launched alongside Mercedes-Benz GLB, EQB electric SUV is priced at Rs. 74.5 lakh (ex-sh) and carves its own niche of a 7-seater electric luxury SUVMercedes-Benz GLB And EQB LaunchedWhen it comes to luxury cars in India, there is no beating the three-pointed star. Even with high-seller like the E-Class in its arsenal, Mercedes-Benz India reported a slight decline in Q3 2022. Still, it outsells all rivals to remain the No 1 luxury car brand in India.Mercedes-Benz continues to expand its Indian portfolio with the launch of the much-awaited GLB three-row SUV and its electric sibling, EQB. Introductory pricing for GLB 200 is INR 63.8 Lakhs, GLB 220d is INR 66.8 Lakhs, GLB 220d 4MATIC is INR 69.8 Lakhs and EQB 300 4MATIC is INR 74.5 Lakhs (all prices are ex-showroom).Mercedes-Benz GLB and EQBAfter Mercedes-Benz EQC and EQS, EQB is the third all-electric vehicle launched this year. This way, Mercedes-Benz displays its commitment to an eco-friendly future. The company claims that GLB’s striking design, flexible seating positions, legroom, and load compartment make it a highly practical urban SUV for daily usage.Launching the SUV siblings, Martin Schwenk, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “We are excited to wrap up 2022 with the key introduction of two versatile 7-seater SUVs the GLB & EQB. Both these SUVs are highly versatile, spacious and ideal for large nuclear families requiring extra space and a pair of seats, for the pre-teens or even pets.GLB SpecsHe said, “They can seat up to 7 passengers and offer a choice of space configurations while also being able to navigate rough terrain effortlessly. For the first time, we are offering three powertrains, a petrol, diesel, and an electric for our customers.The launch of the EQB is also a significant step towards our vision of transitioning to a climate-neutral fleet gradually, with four luxury EVs in Mercedes-Benz India portfolio. We have also introduced attractive ownership propositions like industry best warranties on both the SUVs for an enhanced customer experience.”Specs & FeaturesWith GLB and EQB 7 seater SUVs, Mercedes-Benz is targeting large nuclear families wanting more space for their active lifestyle and dynamic requirements. Mercedes-Benz GLB offers a 40:20:40 split and folding second-row seat, and a lot of knee room for 2nd-row passengers. Both GLB and EQB bear similar designs as global models. Three powertrain options are available for GLB: Petrol 4×2, Diesel 4×2 and Diesel 4×4.EQB SpecsThe EQB 300 4MATIC is fitted with a 66.5 kWh battery. It has two motors with a combined power output of 168 kW and torque of 390 Nm and the 4Matic AWD system is standard. EQB can be charged with a maximum power of up to 100 kW with DC charging. With that, the charging time is 32 minutes for 10-80% charge.On the inside, Mercedes-Benz boasts high-resolution screens and graphics, a customizabledisplay, learning-capable software, and Voice Control with natural language recognition. Active park assist is offered as well. Starting from Rs. 63.8 lakh (ex-sh), GLB competes with Land Rover Discovery Sport, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the likes, while EQB seems to be a lone ranger as there are no 7-seater electric SUVs in India at that price. More

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    Hero MotoCorp Sales Nov 2022 – Splendor, Passion, Xpulse, Destini

    Positive growth momentum is expected to continue in coming months on account of favourable economic conditions in the countryHero SplendorIndia’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp has reported YoY gain of 12% in the month of November. A total of 390,932 units were sold in comparison to 349,393 units sold in November last year. YTD numbers are also positive with cumulative sales at 3,663,875 units during YTD FY’23. In comparison, a total of 3,360,493 units were sold during YTD FY’22.However, MoM growth is negative in comparison to 454,582 units sold in October 2022. October and November are usually the best months of the year in terms of sales. Most OEMs including Hero launch special schemes, discount offers and finance options to ensure max sales during this period.Hero domestic sales vs. exports – Nov 22Even though Hero has stepped up focus on exports, it continues to be largely dependent on domestic sales. In the month of November, domestic sales were at 379,839 units. YoY growth is positive, as compared to 328,862 units sold in November last year. Domestic sales during YTD FY’23 was at 3,539,944 units, as compared to 3,163,155 units during YTD FY’22.Hero exports have taken a hit in November, possibly due to inflationary conditions prevailing in several overseas markets. India is among the few countries that have relatively less inflation in comparison to global average. Hero export numbers in November were at 11,093 units, a significant fall from 20,531 units exported in November last year. Cumulative numbers tell a similar story with 123,931 units exported during YTD FY’23. Exports were higher at 197,338 units during YTD FY’22.Hero MotoCorp domestic sales – YoY vs MoMOverall, it’s the motorcycles that continue to generate majority of sales for Hero MotoCorp. Some of Hero’s bestsellers include Splendor, HF Deluxe, Hero Passion and Glamour. Contribution of scooters in overall sales was around 10% in November 2022. Both motorcycle and scooter sales were positive in the month. A total of 352,834 motorcycles and 38,098 scooters were sold, as compared to 329,185 motorcycles and 20,208 scooters in November last year.Hero MotoCorp Sales Nov 2022Growth momentum to continueWith favourable economic indicators such as encouraging farm activity, along with positive consumer sentiments and upcoming marriage season, Hero MotoCorp expects the sales momentum to continue in coming months. Sales will also get a boost from VIDA electric scooter, which is currently available in Bengaluru, Delhi and Jaipur. Deliveries are scheduled to commence from second week of December 2022.Hero MotoCorp continues to focus on strengthening the social ecosystem, as part of its CSR program. The company recently provided 50 motorcycles and 10 scooters to Gurugram police. These will be used for patrolling to keep a check on crime and ensure safety of women.There’s focus on promoting biking as well, via special events such as Hero Dirt Biking Challenge (HDBC). The company recently concluded the first edition of this event, which witnessed participation from riders and enthusiasts across the country. The event was spread over a period of 120 days, covered 41 cities and had 1 lakh registrations. Asad Khan was announced as the off-Road Riding Champion in this year’s event. The complete story will be aired soon on MTV and Voot. More