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    2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV Aims at the Heart of the Market

    Chevy says the entry-level Equinox EV will start at “around” $30,000 and have an estimated 250 miles of range.Other trim levels will offer 280 to 300 miles of range and hands-free driver assistance.The Equinox EV goes on sale in fall 2023.Following the Silverado EV and Blazer EV, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV continues to fill out the automaker’s ranks with all-electric alternatives. For the Equinox EV, that means a compact SUV that Chevy says will be priced starting at around $30,000. More expensive trim levels offer GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving, 300 miles of range, and a 19.2-kW onboard charger. The Equinox EV offers two battery sizes. Chevy hasn’t said the capacity of either, but only the entry-level 1LT trim comes with the small battery, hence its estimated range of 250 miles. Chevy estimates the large battery that powers all other trim levels to offer 300 miles of range for front-drive Equinox EVs and 280 miles when equipped with all-wheel drive. Front-drive models have 210 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque, while all-wheel drive versions offer 290 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque. The Equinox EV is built on a similar platform as the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq, though the Equinox EV is smaller than those vehicles. Versus the gas-powered Equinox, the EV has a longer wheelbase and overall length. Its wheels are pushed close to the front and rear bumpers, creating shorter overhangs that generally make for generous interior space and more attractive exteriors. Alas, the only Equinox EV’s lower roofline impacts cargo volume. At 57 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, it has a little less space on paper than its gasoline counterpart, though we look forward to loading it with our standard size carry-ons to see if the difference is meaningful. One highlight is that the cargo floor has two height settings, like the Honda CR-V. Unlike some other electric vehicles, the Equinox EV does not have a storage area under the hood. Chevy reps said frunks are both costly to implement and don’t test well with its focus groups. Inside, all Equinox EVs come with an 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster, and an impressive 17.7-inch center touchscreen is available on most trim levels. It’s the same screen as you’ll see in the Blazer EV and Silverado EV, and while the screens in the car we sat in weren’t interactive, the graphics appeared crisp and easily readable. Interior storage options appear to be numerous and well thought out. The center console has a generously sized opening under the cupholders and the tray where you set your phone, proving enough room for a large handbag. All manner of Chevy driving assistance will be available, from adaptive cruise control to a head-up display to a rear-view camera, and so on. Most impressive though is GM’s hands-free Super Cruise system, which is available on all trim levels except for the base. As for charging, most Equinox EV models have an 11.5-kW Level 2 onboard charger, which Chevy estimates can add 34 miles of range per hour. The priciest RS trim level offers a 19.2-kW charger, increasing Chevy’s estimate to 51 miles of range per hour. All Equinox EVs support 150-kW DC fast-charging. The Equinox EV goes on sale in the fall of 2023. 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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    2024 Jeep Recon, Mid-Size Wagoneer S Are Brand's First U.S.-Bound EVs

    The 2024 Jeep Recon and Wagoneer S are two new EV models and the brand’s first for the U.S. market.The Recon shares traits with the Wrangler, and the mid-size Wagoneer EV is different than the full-size, gas-fed Wagoneers.Jeep also revealed the Avenger, an electric subcompact SUV that won’t be sold in America.Jeep is venturing deeper into uncharted territory as it transitions into the EV era. It started with the plug-in-hybrid Wrangler 4xe and was followed by a 4xe version of the Grand Cherokee. Now, the company is introducing two new fully electric models that are set to arrive in the U.S. in 2024. Enter the Jeep Recon and Wagoneer S.Jeep’s Going ElectricRecon Inspired by WranglerJeep says the mid-size Recon inherits characteristics from the Wrangler. Not only does it have removable doors and glass but, the company says, it has “impressive” approach, departure, and break-over angles. The Recon also shares the Wrangler’s boxy shape and rear-mounted spare tire, but its square headlights and traditional fenders are obvious differences. While Jeep hasn’t revealed any specific powertrain details or exterior dimensions, it did say the 2024 Recon will have electronic locking diffs, off-road-rated tires, and underbody protection. We fully expect it to have dual electric motors, too, providing all-wheel drive. Based on the photos, we can see its retractable roof and tan-colored interior.JeepJeepA New Mid-Size Electric WagoneerWhile the electric Wagoneer S shares a nameplate with the full-size, gasoline-powered Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, it actually has smaller dimensions that Jeep says make it a mid-size model. That makes us think it’s more like an electric Grand Cherokee. The S is also merely a placeholder until the company presumably decides on a permanent name. As with the Recon, we didn’t get many specific details about the Wagoneer EV other than claims that it’ll have 600 horsepower and an estimated range of 400 miles. One thing we can say for sure is that its exterior styling is much prettier than the full-size Wagoneers, with an illuminated seven-slot grille, sleek bodywork, and rear spoiler that’s nicely integrated into the design. Judging by the photos, it looks like the Wagoneer S will only have two-row seating.Jeep Avenger Isn’t for AmericansEarlier this year, Jeep announced it was going to introduce its first EV, which at the time we thought would be a small SUV the size of the compact Compass based on images of a little yellow ute. As it turns out, that model is the brand’s first EV, and it’s called the Avenger, but it won’t be sold in America. The Jeep Avenger is also smaller than we realized. In fact, the company says it’s smaller than the subcompact Renegade.JeepWhile the Avenger will be built in Poland and is expected to hit the streets overseas sometime early next year, the Recon and Wagoneer EV will both be built in America. However, they’ll also be sold in Europe and other markets around the world. Jeep says orders for the 2024 Recon and 2024 Wagoneer S will open early next year, with production expected to start sometime in 2024.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 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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    Ather Electric Scooter Fined For Not Having PUC Certificate – CEO Reacts

    Ather is an electric scooter and does not need to possess PUC certificate, but still this incident took placeAther electric scooter owner gets fined for not having a PUC certificateThis is not the first time we have seen illogical challans and fines from Police department. All automobiles that are subjected to travel on roads, can be fined by Police as a part of enforcing laws. We get it. It’s their job and is much needed to keep road users in check. But when things like this pop-up, it begs the question of how enforcing should the enforcers be?Ather 450X is currently in its 3rd gen avatar. It is one of the best premium electric scooters out there to be bought. It offers a reasonable range, good performance and is consistent. Icing on the cake is that it is also one of the safer electric scooters with no history of fire hazards. Now, one Ather user recently got fined for not possessing a PUC certificate. Yeah! It is bizarre. But it happened. Let’s take a look.Ather Electric Scooter Owner FinedAn Ather Energy product is a fully electric scooter with no IC engine to combust hydrocarbons to cause pollution. That means it does not emit any gases. No Carbon Monoxide, no Carbon Dioxide, no NOX emissions and no carbon soot either.PUC certificate means ‘Pollution Under Check’. Which is proof for ICE-powered vehicles that they are not emitting any pollutants over the permissible limit set for the class of vehicle that it lays in. This limit is set by concerned authorities in collaboration with various departments and boards.Ather electric scooter owner gets fined for not having a PUC certificateYet, an Ather 450X owner from Kerala has been fined Rs. 250 for not producing a PUC certificate when demanded. Offence committed according to the challan is, “Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) not produced on demand”. Ather owner has been fined under Section 213(5)(e) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.Ather CEO ReactsThe photo has now gone viral on social media. When a twitter user tagged Ather CEO, he responded with a “Sigh”. Another user, Rohan Khare had an interesting reply – Similar incident happened with me a year ago when Ather was still not very popular in Mumbai. I replied with, “Show me the exhaust pipe on my scooter and then I will show you the PUC record that you require”. He went home without paying any fine.This is not the first time that something hilarious like this has been done by the Police. There have been cases where a car driver has been fined for not wearing a helmet. A few weeks back, a guy in Kerala was fined for not having sufficient fuel in his motorcycle. This incident was later rectified by Kerala Police. They said that the fine was not for having low fuel, but for something else. Maybe the Ather electric scooter above is yet another case of being fined for incorrect reasons.Ather CEO reacts to the viral photoThere is some confusion as to whether Policemen should be allowed to stop citizens for random checks for documentation. In Karnataka, senior Traffic Police official has instructed citizens to not stop for random checking of papers done by policemen, unless they have violated a law.  More

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    New TVS Apache 160, Apache 180 Launch Price Rs 1.18 L Onwards

    TVS Motor has announced the launch of updated Apache 160 and Apache 180 today – New colours, more power, ride modesNew TVS Apache 160TVS Motor has the Apache series of motorcycles that have had a huge following. You can say that it also has a cult following too. In terms of appeal, Apache series goes head to head with Pulsar series. In 2022, there is a surge in 150cc to 200cc segment and premium motorcycles account to 1,51,270 units of total sales in FY 2021-2022.Today, the 4V range of Apache products like Apache RTR 160 4V and Apache RTR 200 4V are more dominant in terms of sales charts. While 2V range like Apache RTR 160 and Apache RTR 180 received less love from the company. Until now. TVS knows that these bikes are the ones that heavy-lifted the Apache series in the past.When compared to 4V range, 2V range was devoid of features and was generally a little uninspiring. That’s where TVS has worked most. New Apache RTR 160 and Apache RTR 180 are launched and promise better overall appeal. Let’s take a look.New TVS Apache BikesRight off the bat, we can see that the company has improved its 2V motorcycle range with more power and at the same time, reduced the weight as well. This is a win-win both ways. The total weight reduction is 2 kg with Apache RTR 160 and 1 kg with Apache RTR 180. Both of these vehicles now don higher power:weight ratio than before.New TVS Apache 160Earlier, Apache RTR 160 made 15.31 bhp and 13.9 Nm of torque and weighed 139kg. But now, it makes 16 bhp and 13.85 Nm and weighs 2 kg less. Coming to Apache RTR 180, it made 16.56 bhp and 15.5 Nm torque and weighed 141 kg. Now, it makes 17 bhp and 15.5 Nm with 1kg weight reduction.New TVS Apache 160These weight reductions are despite the feature additions, which is impressive. Also impressive is the fact that both 160 and 180 now get riding modes that 200 4V gets. These modes are three in number, Rain Mode with least performance and most ABS intervention, middle ground Urban Mode and Sport Mode where the full tap is opened. Dual-channel ABS, slipper clutch and a new fuel injection system are other additions.Features & PricingSpeaking of features, TVS Motor has loaded them both to the gills with features. TVS claims a total of 28 feature additions. These include TVS’ proprietary SmartXonnect system with Bluetooth connectivity enabling turn-by-turn navigation, race telemetry, call/sms notification, gear position indicator, gear shift indicator, lap timer, adjustable brightness and crash alert system.New TVS Apache 180Not just these, wider 120-section Remora tyres at the rear, and a fancy chain drive with low power loss. Main design changes are confined to the front, which gets a new LED face with a distinct LED DRL pattern. It looks far better than the 2021 MY 4V range whose face looked like the emoji on Moj app. There, I said it. Rear taillight is new too and gets 3D LED elements.TVS Motorcycle Price Range With New BikesBoth of these vehicles are offered in Matt Blue, Racing Red, Gloss Black, T Grey and Pearl White colours. Prices range from Rs. 1,17,790 for Apache RTR 160 with rear drum brakes and go to Rs. 1,30,590 for Apache RTR 180. SmartXonnect, and rear disc are optional with 160 while it is standard on 180. Riding modes are standard on both. More

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    New HOP Electric Motorcycle Vs Rivals – Tork Kratos, Revolt, Oben Rorr

    HOP OXO is the only electric motorcycle in this comparo that gets a rear hub motor while others get mid-mounted motorsHOP OXO Vs RivalsHOP OXO electric motorcycle was recently launched for Rs. 1.25 lakh (excluding state subsidies). The quoted price is for standard OXO and OXO X is priced at Rs. 1.40 lakh (excluding state subsidies). In India, electric motorcycle segment is not as densely populated as electric scooters are.We get why. Electric motorcycles can’t be marketed as unisex vehicles. It lacks a boot and footboard which is practical. But that said, there are a few electric motorcycles that OXO will have to compete with. They are Revolt RV400, Tork Kratos, Kratos R and lastly, we have the recently launched Oben Rorr. Let’s see how OXO and OXO X fare against these.HOP OXO Vs RivalsStarting with the way these bikes put down their power, there is no beating the Oben Rorr with its 13.4 bhp peak power. It is followed by Kratos R with 12 bhp, Kratos with 10 bhp, OXO X with 8.5 bhp, OXO with 7 bhp and lastly, we have RV400 with 6.7 bhp of peak power. When it comes to continuous power, Kratos R takes the cake with 6 bhp followed by Rorr and Kratos at 5.3 bhp.Both OXO and OXO X get a hub motor mounted on their rear. Whereas, every other bike gets a mid-mounted motor. Because of their hub motor and the different way their torque is measured, HOP claims 200 Nm torque for OXO X and 185 Nm for OXO. Rorr has 62 Nm, RV400 has 50 Nm, Kratos R has 38 Nm and lastly, we have Kratos with 28 Nm.HOP OXO Vs Rivals PowertrainIn terms of battery capacity, Oben Rorr tops the chart again with a 4.4 kWh battery pack. Also unique to Rorr is a 3kW charger that is built into the motorcycle. With a 15A socket, it just takes 2 hours to top off. While others get chargers externally and take at least twice as much time. Top speed is highest with Kratos R at 105 km/h, followed by Rorr and Kratos at 100 km/h.Claimed range is highest with Rorr at 200 km. But except for Tork products which promise a real-world range of 120 km, rest promise 150 km. In their sportiest setting, Rorr promises 100 km of real-world range followed by 80 km with RV400 while rest of the electric motorcycles claim 70 km.Specs & PricingRV400 is the only one to get USD forks at front while the rest get telescopic units. Both of HOP’s products are the only ones to get twin shock absorbers at back while the rest get monoshock units. Every single bike in this comparo also gets disc brakes at both ends too. Ground clearance is very important for an EV and RV400 gets 215mm followed by Rorr at 200mm, both OXO get 180mm and both Kratos get 165mm.HOP OXO Vs Rivals Dynamics & PricesWhen it comes to weight, RV400 takes the cake again with just 108kg, followed by Rorr weighing 130kg. The rest weigh 140kg each. With a price of just Rs. 99,999 (inclusive of state and central subsidies, Maharashtra), Rorr is the least expensive and is the most value-for-money product. It gets the fastest charging, largest battery, and highest peak power too. More

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    Ford Bronco Buyers Spend an Average of $1700 on Ford Accessories

    The Ford Bronco and its smaller Bronco Sport sibling have captured a massive fan base since their market debut. Of course now that we are starting to see these things around regularly, owners are embracing the accessory market. In fact, customers of the full-size Bronco are reportedly spending an average of $1700 on official Ford parts, with more than one million accessories sold between the two models. According to an Automotive News report, Ford executives say that the Bronco is currently the most customized product in the automaker’s portfolio. The Bronco Sport isn’t far behind, as its customers spend an average of $800 on parts from Ford’s own catalog. That figure puts the Bronco Sport right in line with the all-mighty F-150 as far as customization dollars are concerned. Warn, Yakima, Others Supplying the Goodies It can’t hurt that Ford has tailored a massive collection of parts for the Bronco and Bronco Sport with help from some of the biggest names in the automotive aftermarket. The automaker knew how important modifications are to the off-road community, and it worked with well-known companies like Warn and Yakima to create these components before the trucks even debuted. Customers can even spec the accessories they’d like to have on their truck right from the dealer before the truck arrives. This has created something of a lucrative business model for certain dealerships. Take Steve Olliges’s Team Ford dealership in Las Vegas, for example. Customers at this dealership spend an average of $4000 to $5000 on Bronco accessories with every purchase. The most popular parts that customers order across the board are the modular front bumper, winches, and off-road lighting elements. FordTested by C/D”It’s core to the success of Bronco,” Ford consumer marketing manager Mark Grueber told AN. “For dealers it’s a great opportunity not only from a profit standpoint but also long-term engagement with customers. It’s a great proof point of what Ford can do and how big this opportunity is going forward.”The success of the Bronco accessories program is multifaceted. First, the SUV was designed to enter a segment rife with customization needs and featured its own parts development cycle running concurrently with vehicle development. Second, Ford reworked its entire accessories distribution network to better serve dealer needs. By changing up the companies involved in the distribution, Ford has been able to cut back on wait times and improve inventory content. With more Bronco models continuing to roll out, one can expect the parts catalog to continue to grow as well. Not that anyone seems to be complaining about the current offerings. FordThis 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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    Honda Sports Car Spied, Looks Like a Baby NSX

    • This Honda-badged sports car was spied.• Proportions suggest a mid-mounted engine (or motor).• Could it be a smaller successor to the Acura NSX?A new father’s bleary-eyed late-night run for baby supplies suddenly becomes more interesting when something catches his eye in the lighted window of a darkened office park. He swings into the lot for a closer look and discovers this: a Honda-badged sports car that looks like a shrunken Acura NSX. But what is it?Greg Fink|Car and DriverGreg Fink|Car and DriverA few months ago, Honda revealed that it is preparing two electric sports cars and showed teaser images of both. But this office-park discovery doesn’t seem to match the shape of either of the cars under the sheet. The front-end styling, the appearance of the large side air intakes, and the location of the cockpit within the body all appear similar to another unidentified Honda sports car, a roofless roadster that surfaced on the internet in 2017.Greg Fink|Car and DriverGreg Fink|Car and DriverThis time, the car is a glass-canopied coupe. Behind the glass canopy, we can see exoskeleton-like A-pillars. The car is left-hand drive, and the passenger compartment appears sized strictly for two. An ultra-short nose looks largely taken up with cooling apparatus, strongly suggesting a mid-engine—or is that mid-motor?—layout.It could be a successor to the mid-engine S660 sports car, which at one time was rumored to be headed to the United States. And that could take the form of an EV, aligning with the brand’s announcement earlier this year. With the Acura NSX now bowing out, the time is ripe for a new Honda sports car, and we’d love to see this one in the light of day.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 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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    New TVS Apache Racer’s Choice Teased Ahead Of Launch

    TVS Motor is getting ready to launch a new Apache tomorrow, on 8th Sep 2022 – It is likely to be the updated Apache 160cc which was recently spiedRender By Abin Designs. For illustration purpose.In terms of performance and equipment list, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is probably the most desirable in its segment. Credit of course goes to TVS that has introduced updates at regular intervals for Apache motorcycles including RTR 160 4V. Following on the same path, TVS has now used a new exhaust for Apache RTR 160 4V.As compared to double-barrel exhaust used with current model, the new exhaust has a compact profile. It is not necessarily better visually, but certainly ensures a fresh look for the bike. Other than the new exhaust, rest of the bike is largely the same as current model. It is likely that this new model will be launched soon, ahead of the upcoming festive season.New TVS Apache Racer’s ChoiceWhile exhaust architecture can be tweaked to boost performance, it is not certain if that’s the case with the new exhaust seen with Apache RTR 160 4V. The bike already leads in power and torque output, at 17.55 PS and 14.73 Nm. This is available in Sport mode. In Urban and Rain mode, the numbers drop to 15.64 PS and 14.14 Nm. However, considering TVS’ resolve to stay one step ahead in the game, it is possible that Apache RTR 160 4V could get some performance boost. The aural experience could also be improved with the new exhaust.Talking about rivals, Hero MotoCorp Extreme 160R probably has the sportiest looking exhaust. It’s also a stubbier unit, but runs largely parallel to the ground. It’s only slightly elevated, as compared to the higher upswept angle of current and new exhaust used with RTR 160 4V. The one on Xtreme 160R comes with a sleek cover that further enhances overall look and feel. In terms of performance, Xtreme 160R makes 15.2 PS and 14 Nm.New TVS Apache Racer’s ChoiceIn case of Bajaj Pulsar N160, the bike comes with an underbelly exhaust. It has helped reduce clutter and achieve a compact profile for the bike. Bajaj Pulsar N160 is powered by a 164.82 cc motor that generates 16 PS and 14.65 Nm. All three bikes have 5-speed transmission.TVS Apache RTRR 160 4V specsSome key features of TVS Apache 160 4V include aggressive LED headlamp, sporty rear view mirrors, sculpted fuel tank, sharp engine cowl design, glide through technology (GTT) and patented double cradle chassis. The bike has a full digital speedometer with information such as gear indicator, top speed recorder, 0-60 timer and lap timer.In Sport mode, Apache RTR 160 4V can achieve a top speed of 114 kmph. In Urban and Rain mode, top speed is 103 kmph. The bike has telescopic forks at front and monoshock rear suspension. Disc variants have 270 mm and 200 mm petal disc brakes at front and rear. Single-channel Super-Moto ABS is offered as standard.Addition of new exhaust may not result in a price hike. The current model is available at a starting price of Rs 1,21,628 for drum variant. Disc variant is priced at Rs 1,23,735 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Apache RTR 160 4V Special Edition costs Rs 1,27,825. More