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    Brabus P 900 Rocket’s 900-HP V-8 Makes the Ford Raptor R Look Weak

    The Brabus P 900 Rocket Edition is a heavily revised Mercedes-AMG G63 featuring a pickup truck bed and a very angry front fascia.900 horsepower and 922 pound-feet of torque are shot out of the twin-turbo 4.5-liter V-8 through a nine-speed automatic, with this brick able to hit 62 mph in a claimed 3.7 seconds.The interior features Rocket Red accents and plenty of black leather with a “Seashell Diamond” quilting pattern.What do you buy if all of your friends own Ford Raptor Rs and Ram 1500 TRXs and you want to stand out? The latest creation from German aftermarket tuning company Brabus would be a great choice—along with its over-the-top styling and a prodigious power output, the P 900 Rocket Edition will also be limited to a production run of just ten units. The P 900 Rocket Edition is based on Brabus’s XLP pickup truck conversion of the Mercedes-AMG G63, with a large, boxy four-door cabin and a stubby bed. Powering this beast is a twin-turbocharged 4.5-liter V-8 blasting out 900 horsepower and 922 pound-feet of torque, routing that through a nine-speed automatic. That’s enough oomph to fire this Rocket to 62 mph in claimed 3.7 seconds and on to a 174 mph top speed.The P 900 Rocket Edition has one mean-looking mug, with blocky vents in the bumper and a carbon-fiber front splitter with red end plates. The carbon grille also includes red-accented strakes and is even backlit red at night, creating an ominous, bloodthirsty appearance. The aggressive front end is topped off with the “PowerView” hood, fashioned yet again from carbon fiber. The fender flares have also been redesigned with protruding vents sporting a carbon weave, and lo and behold, there is more carbon fiber adorning the tailgate, which sits above a small rear diffuser.More Bonkers Brabus G-wagensThe side-exit valve-controlled exhaust—decked out in carbon fiber with red ambient lighting—is said to deliver “earth-shattering sounds.” Owners might want to be careful with their right foot if they find themselves in one of the six California cities with camera-automated exhaust noise enforcement, or at least set the adjustable sound management to the “Coming Home” mode. The P 900 pickup rides on ginormous 24-inch Monoblock Z “Aero-Disc” wheels, which are hooked up to an aluminum coilover suspension that can adjust the ride height by 1.8 inches.The interior is just as crazy as the exterior, with oodles of black leather sporting a so-called “seashell diamond” quilting pattern, which even spreads to the footwells. “Rocket Red” accents appear on more than 206 interior components, such as the A/C vents, seat adjustment controls, and gas and brake pedals. The cabin also, of course, features its fair share of carbon fiber. There’s no word on price for Brabus’s monstrous creation, but we would expect it to cost well over $500,000.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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    Our Favorite French Cars: 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.When it comes to cars, the only thing stranger than French exterior design is French intake runners. That’s what the crew found out this week with a challenge to find something from the land of brie for la somme généreuse of $50,000. They went everywhere but France to do it.Road & Track senior editor John Pearley Huffman headed to Belgium for a chunk of French history: a Panhard Dyna Z rarer than a truffle and no more pleasant to look at. Panhard was an innovator, creating some of the earliest clutch pedals and steering wheels, building the first series production car, and inventing us the Panhard Rod. This Dyna Z was avant garde all over until it opened its hood. Then it was a Hungry Hungry Hippo, a look that has no French translation. Senior editor Joey Capparella, who used this show to reveal he has a degree in French, opted for beauty and another hemisphere over innovation. His Peugeot 406 Coupé located in Argentina could be considered the least French car of the lot, designed as it was by Pininfarina without a weird line on it. It could also be considered the most French car of the lot in that it’s gorgeous, comfortable, and underpowered. Contributor Jonathon Ramsey alighted on a Peugeot 505 Turbo sedan pulled out of a barn in Vermont. The 505 was the standard bearer of Peugeot’s misadventure in North America, but panelists were more interested in peculiarities like the hub bolt pattern, the umbrella in the back seat, and the startling fact that Pug set up assembly operations in 14 countries.Executive editor K.C. Colwell went to that most French of American cities, Phoenix, Arizona, to cruise the boulevards in a Paris icon, the Citroen XM Berline. A set of anonymous 1990 aftermarket wheels couldn’t hide the ultimate Frenchness of Syd Mead sci-fi lines, a pneumatic suspension, and an ashtray half as large as the radio. The manual transmission might make it tough to enjoy a café au lait on the morning commute through Scottsdale, though.Editor-in-chief Tony Quiroga swung by Portugal for a French legend, the Peugeot 205. The rally maestro was almost everything you’d want from a hot hatch named “GTI,” including a (more) reasonable price. Shame about the ride quality, but Quiroga set a new benchmark for accessory shopping to allay that. Cue up the latest weekly episode for diversions into Michelin, European versus U.S. headlights, Capparella’s French translations, and how long it takes air in a 205 engine to travel from the intake to the manifold. No Le Cars were hurt in the making of this video. Although they were insulted.More Window ShoppingThis 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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    Mercedes Paints AMG GT 4-Door Tennis-Ball Yellow to Honor Roger Federer

    Mercedes has created a special one-off AMG GT 4-Door to honor tennis player Roger Federer’s retirement.The special model is a GT63 S E-Performance hybrid that’s painted in tennis-ball yellow.Federer will play his last match today at the Laver Cup, a team competition held in London.Mercedes offers a wide range of colors as part of its Designo customization program, but this particular shade of tennis-ball yellow is not one of them. That’s because this special one-off version of the AMG GT 4-Door was created specially to honor tennis great Roger Federer’s retirement, which he recently announced on social media. Federer is scheduled to play his last match today at the Laver Cup, a team competition held in London of which Mercedes-Benz is a sponsor.Aside from the color, the AMG GT will also feature Federer’s “RF” logo. Naturally, it’s the top version of this AMG model, the new GT63 S E-Performance hybrid that pairs a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 with an electric motor on the rear axle for staggering output figures. It produces a total of 831 horsepower and 1082 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in-hybrid model isn’t on sale in the U.S. yet but is slated to arrive here sometime next year.More on AMG HybridsFederer is a 20-time Grand Slam champion and will play alongside longtime rival Rafael Nadal in a doubles match at the Laver Cup later today. His retirement announcement follows that of fellow tennis legend Serena Williams, who announced last month that she is “evolving” away from tennis. A 23-time Grand Slam champion herself, Williams played her last match at the U.S. Open just a few weeks ago. She is a spokesperson for Lincoln and has been seen in ads for the Navigator SUV, but we haven’t seen a special version of that vehicle in her honor—yet.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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    2011 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon Is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick of the Day

    • This 2011 BMW 328i Sports Wagon is one of fewer than 400 3-series wagons fitted with the M-Sport package.• The wagon’s naturally aspirated 3.0-liter straight-six makes less power than BMW’s turbocharged engines, but it is less complex and thus more reliable.• The result is a car that’s quick, practical, and fun to drive, and the icing on the cake here can be found between the seats: a six-speed manual transmission.”They don’t make them like that anymore” is both a cliché and a double-edged sword. Hyundai, for instance, would be positively eager to point out that its factories don’t make ’em like the old Sonata or Excel any more, and good thing too. In the case of BMW, however, power and sheer speed have increased, but the 3-series is now styled like a visual head butt. Here, on the other hand, is the kind of enthusiast secret handshake that BMW used to be so good at.Up for auction at Bring a Trailer (which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos), this 2011 BMW 328i wagon checks all the possible boxes. First of all, this North America–spec wagon is one of only a few equipped with the desirable M-Sport package. Along with 18-inch wheels and some more aggressive bodywork, the M-Sport also got sportier seats and a lovely leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel.Bring a TrailerEven better, and rarer, it’s a manual. The bulk of 3-series sold in 2011 were, of course, equipped with automatic transmissions. Today, it’s rare to see even an M-car with a stick shift. In this case, the six-speed manual and three-pedal setup unlocks quite a bit more fun when seated behind the wheel.From the C/D ArchiveSpec-wise, the engine seems unremarkable, but it’s a trick. Peak power from the naturally aspirated straight-six is 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. Even with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive sapping some power through parasitic losses, it’s still plenty. It’s a BMW straight-six, after all: an inherently perfectly balanced engine built by a German company whose middle initial is literally “Motoren.”Bring a TrailerIn an M4, stomp the throttle and go directly to jail, do not collect $200. But in this wagon, you could wind it out on your favorite back road, taking that straight-six to redline again and again. You paid for the whole tachometer, so why not use it? Then, back to work on the Monday rat race, it’s a competent cruiser with gutsy torque. Plus, there’s enough cargo room to haul groceries or the dog or your road bike. Throw in all-wheel drive for four-season drivability, and you’ve got a Munich-built Swiss Army knife of a car.Bring a TrailerAs far as the rest of the crossover-driving masses around you know, it’s just another car on the road. But show up at your local Cars and Coffee event in this wagon, and those gathered there will know. Nods of approval. Knowing smiles. Oh, is that a manual? Sweet. Too bad we don’t get the wagon over here. Yeah, they just don’t make ’em like that anymore. With six days to go on the auction—which ends on Thursday, September 29–early bidding stands at $13,400. Whoever wins the auction will be getting a very special machine.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 160cc Detailed In First Look Walkaround

    For MY2022, TVS Apache RTR 2V new model gets slightly more power and at the same time, slightly less weightNew TVS Apache 160ccApache is to TVS what Pulsar is to Bajaj. With arch rivalry between the two for more than a decade. Pulsar was an instant hit for Bajaj and marked a new direction for the brand. For a long time, TVS Apache series is the only logical and significant rival for Pulsar series. This duo was also joined by FZ series by Yamaha.Even today, when we take motorcycle sales, Pulsar series outsell both Apache series and FZ series. That is because Bajaj has a lot more motorcycles under its Pulsar series than TVS has in Apache series and Yamaha has in FZ series.Recently, TVS updated its Apache RTR 2V range to MY2022 with subtle upgrades. They make the Apache RTR 2V New model a better offering than its predecessor. Let’s take a look at what all the changes are.New TVS Apache 160cc WalkaroundFor starters, these upgrades are offered with both 160cc model and 180cc model as well. With its Apache RTR 4V range, TVS had offered a slew of new and modern features. In comparison, one could say that 2V range was a little uninspiring. But that has now changed. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video below, credited to The Sameer Vlogs.[embedded content][embedded content]Newer bikes have been blessed with slightly more power. And, at the same time, reduced the weight as well. Weight reduction is 2 kg with Apache RTR 160 and 1 kg with Apache RTR 180. This allows for higher power:weight ratio than before. The fact that this weight reduction is possible despite added features, is even more commendable.Previously, RTR 160 made 15.31 bhp and 13.9 Nm and now, it makes 16 bhp and 13.85 Nm. RTR 180 however, made 16.56 bhp and 15.5 Nm and now makes 17 bhp and 15.5 Nm. These upgrades are under the skin and are not visible to naked eye. What is visible though, are the added features.Feature AdditionsSpeaking of upgrades, the one that is immediately noticeable is its new headlight design. Previously, both RTR 160 and 180 used to get halogen bulbs along with LED DRLs. But now, both models are upgraded to LED headlights and slightly redesigned LED DRLs. Even the LED taillights are new and get 3D LED elements that look sharper than the previous model.New TVS Apache 160ccOther changes include a slightly redesigned chrome exhaust cover, grippier and wider tyres and some more. The main change is in the form of its fully digital instrument console which now gets Bluetooth connectivity along with 3 riding modes. Old model used to get an analog tachometer with a small digital display for speedo and other functions. Apache RTR 2V new models get dual channel ABS, slipper clutch and also a new fuel injection system.TVS offers a slew of new colours too. Both get Matt Blue, Racing Red, Gloss Black, T Grey and Pearl White option. In terms of pricing, Apache RTR 2V new models start at Rs. 1,17,790 for 160cc model and Rs. 1,30,590 for 180cc model. More

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    Royal Enfield Sales Breakup Aug 2022 – Classic, Himalayan, Hunter, Meteor

    Royal Enfield Classic 350 continued to be the best-selling model in the company lineup in India in August 2022 with sales of 18,993 unitsRoyal Enfield Meteor 350The 350cc segment of Royal Enfield lineup in India continued to gain prominence over sales of the Himalayan and 650 Twins in August 2022. Total sales increased 58.64 percent on a YoY basis while MoM sales were higher by 33.21 percent.Exports also increased YoY by 5.91 percent but dipped 20.01 percent MoM. Domestic sales increased 58.64 percent YoY to 61,982 units in August 2022, up from 39,070 units sold in August 2021. MoM sales improved by 33.21 percent from 46,529 units sold in July 2022.Royal Enfield Sales Breakup Aug 2022Despite a YoY de-growth, it was the RE Classic 350 that commanded the sales list in domestic markets with 18,993 units sold in August 2022, down 19.02 percent over 23,453 units sold in August 2021. MoM sales also fell 18.21 percent from 23,223 units sold in July 2022. Share percentage also dipped MoM from 49.91 percent held in July 2022 to 30.64 percent in the past month.The second best-selling Royal Enfield motorcycle was the recently launched RE Hunter 350. Sales stood at 18,197 units in August 2022. Hunter 350 is offered in a price range of Rs. 1.49 – 1.66 Lakh and in 3 variants – Retro, Metro and the top variant Hunter 350 Metro Rebel. RE Meteor 350 sales increased 46.72 percent YoY to 9,362 in August 2022 from 6,381 units sold in August 2021. It was also a 15.75 percent MoM growth from 8,088 units sold in July 2022.Royal Enfield Sales Aug 2022Sales also increased YoY by 107.63 percent and MoM 109.07 percent for the RE Bullet 350 and Electra 350 to 7,618 units and 4,104 units sold respectively in August 2022. This was over 3,669 units and 1,963 units sold in August 2021. Sales in July 2022 had stood at 6,530 units and 3,853 units respectively. The new-gen Royal Enfield Bullet 350 has also been spied on test and is slated to go on sale in the coming months.Lower down the list was the Himalayan with 2,320 units sold in August 2022. This was a 16.25 percent YoY de-growth over 2,770 units sold in August 2021. MoM sales dipped by 32.58 percent from 3,441 units sold in July 2022. 650 Twins sales grew by 66.43 percent on a YoY basis to 1,388 units in August 2022 while there had been 834 units sold in August 2021. It was a marginal MoM de-growth of 0.43 percent from 1,394 units sold in July 2022.Royal Enfield Exports Breakup Aug 2022In global markets, Royal Enfield posted a growth of 5.91 percent YoY to 7,220 units in August 2022, up from 6,817 units sold in August 2021. MoM sales dipped 20.01 percent from 9,026 units sold in July 2022. It was the RE Meteor 350 that topped the export list with 2,204 units sold in August 2022, down 7.67 percent from 2,387 units sold in August 2021. MoM sales fell by 22.50 percent from 2,844 units exported in July 2022. The Meteor 350 commanded a 30.53 percent share in exports.Royal Enfield Exports Aug 2022It was followed by the Classic 350 which posted a 133.66 percent YoY growth to 1,680 units shipped in August 2022, up from 719 units sold in August 2021. MoM exports dipped 6.56 percent from 1,798 units sold in July 2022. At No. 3 in terms of exports was the RE Himalayan with an 11.52 percent YoY growth to 1,675 units up from 1,502 units sold in August 2021 while MoM sales fell by 28.66 percent over 2,348 units sold in July 2022.Exports of the 650 Twins fell on YoY (-25.82 percent) and MoM (-22.25 percent) to 1,583 units in August 2022. The RE Hunter that was high in demand in domestic markets was lower down the order in the export list with 78 units shipped in the past month while Classic 500 and Electra 350 found no buyers in August 2022. More

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    Honda Activa Owner Charged Rs 55,000 At Petrol Pump – Instead Of Rs 550

    Payment systems need to be fully automated to reduce the risk of unwanted liabilities arising from human error and misjudgementHonda Activa Owner Charged Rs 55,000 At Petrol PumpWith hard cash, the usual set of problems faced include shortage of smaller denomination currency notes, risk of counterfeit notes, torn/soiled notes, etc. Digital payments have done away with all such issues, but some new ones have been created in the process. Payments getting stuck, account debited but not credited and weak network signal are among the most common.At locations where the amount needs to be entered manually, there’s always the risk of human error. A recent example involves a Honda Activa owner who was charged Rs 55,000 instead of Rs 550. The incident occurred at a Shell fuel pump in Thane, Maharashtra. Thankfully, the matter was resolved amicably, with the owner getting the refund on the same day.What Happened?After filling the fuel tank of his Honda Activa, the owner made the payment by scanning the QR code shown by the fuel pump attendant. He made the payment via Google Pay. Once the payment was made, he was surprised to see the amount that was debited from his account. The amount was to be about Rs 550. But instead, the fuel pump attendant had by mistake generated QR code for Rs 55,000.Attendants at fuel pumps have to process hundreds of payments every day. Depending on the location, a significant percentage of these are digital payments. At most fuel stations, the amount has to be entered manually on the handheld POS machine. As number of transactions is quite high, the risk of human error is always present. Moreover, attendants are under pressure, as they have to ensure that the exact amount is entered.Honda Activa Owner Charged Rs 55,000 at petrol pumpEntering the wrong amount on the POS machine can also be due to lack of proper training and awareness. Newer machines that display a QR code for making payment are relatively easier to use as compared to older versions. Newer POS machines utilize capacitive touchscreens, as compared to the button keys of older generation POS machines. Newer POS machines also have larger and clearer displays.Despite these factors, the Activa owner was still overcharged. It is not clear what exactly led to this error. As newer POS machines offer smartphone-like clarity, it is difficult to tag this incident as a casual error. On their part, users can avoid such incidents by taking a look at the amount displayed on the POS machine screen before making the payment.Integration of fuel pump and POS machinesTo avoid incidents of overcharging, the human element needs to be completely eliminated. Fuel pumps need to be connected wirelessly to the POS machines, so that the amount shown is always equal to the value of fuel dispensed. Something similar has already been implemented at various retail outlets, where POS machines automatically fetch the amount from the bill generated. As no manual entry is involved, the risk of charging less or more is completely eliminated.Petrol pump transferred the excess amount back via NEFT to Honda Activa ownerCurrent-gen POS machines that display QR code for payment can also be improved by displaying the amount more prominently. As of now, the QR code takes most of the space and the amount is displayed in a corner in small font. If the amount is displayed more clearly, users can immediately spot a wrong entry. More

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    2022 TVS Jupiter Classic Launch Price Rs 86k – New Features

    TVS Jupiter Classic Celebratory Edition marks sales milestone of 50 lakh units2022 TVS Jupiter ClassicJupiter is the best selling scooter from TVS. It is offered with 110cc as well as 125cc engine option. Now, TVS has updated their Jupiter Classic 110cc to celebrate the “Fastest Five Million Vehicles On Road” milestone. It comes in with added features and special colour schemes.2022 TVS Jupiter ClassicNew TVS Jupiter Classic scooter is positioned above the entire existing range of Jupiter scooters. It gets two new colours of Regal Purple and Mystic Grey. It sports premium black elements seen across its mirror, fenders and visor while it also sports a 3D black premium logo.2022 Jupiter Classic gets handlebar ends, diamond cut alloy wheels, premium seating with leatherette upholstery and back rest along with a new speedometer dial and USB charger. As a part of the company’s ‘Zyada ka Fayda’ philosophy, the Jupiter Classic gets added safety equipment with disc brakes, engine kill switch and an all in one locking system.New Jupiter Classic is powered by an 110cc single-cylinder engine that offers 7.8 hp at 7500 rpm and 8.8 Nm torque at 5500 rpm. The engine is capable of superior acceleration, commands best in class fuel efficiency and offers a comfortable ride both for the rider and pillion rider.2022 TVS Jupiter ClassicIt comes in with TVS patented Econometer that offers both Eco Mode and Power Mode delivering best in class fuel efficiency. Braking is via disc brakes at the front and rear along with suspension via telescopic fork in the front and gas charged shock absorbers at the rear with 3 step adjustment.The new Jupiter Classic competes with the likes of the Honda Activa Premium scooter which was also recently introduced into the Indian market last month. TVS Jupiter scooter also competes with the Hero Pleasure Plus and Hero Maestro Edge 110.TVS Jupiter Price HikeTVS Motor has also introduced a price hike across its Jupiter lineup. This price hike is by 1.40 percent to 8.26 percent depending on variant. The base Jupiter SMW which was earlier priced at Rs 68,571 is now higher by Rs 1,000 or 1.46 percent to Rs 69,571. Jupiter STD is now priced at Rs 72,517 following a Rs 1,000 price hike while Jupiter ZX is at Rs 76,844 as compared to earlier pricing of Rs 75,546.TVS Jupiter Prices Sep 2022There is also the Jupiter ZX Disc priced at Rs 80,646 and Jupiter SmartXonnect at Rs 83,646 while the Classic is at Rs 85,866. TVS Jupiter 125 Drum, Alloy and Disc are priced at Rs 81,725, Rs 83,825 and Rs 88,075 respectively following the price hike. More