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    2023 BMW Alpina XB7 Packs a 630-HP Twin-Turbo 4.4-Liter V-8

    The 2023 BMW Alpina XB7 gains the same front-end revisions as lesser X7s, while also boosting output from the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 to 630 horsepower.BMW claims the XB7 can hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and a 180 mph top speed.The XB7 also gets an opulent interior with an illuminated gear selector and an Alpina steering wheel with blue and green stitching. The starting price is $145,995.A mid-cycle update for BMW’s largest SUV, the X7, earlier this year brought more powerful and efficient engines and a revised front end with squintier headlights sandwiching the vast front grille. Now BMW has revealed the most expensive and high-performance version of the X7, giving the 2023 Alpina XB7 the same visual upgrades and the most powerful engine in the X7 lineup.The XB7 continues to use a tuned version of the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 found in the X7 M60i, but while the pre-facelift XB7 made 612 horsepower, the new version boosts that to 630 ponies. Torque stays the same at 590 pound-feet—a 37 pound-foot advantage over the M60i—and BMW says the torque peak arrives 200 rpm earlier, at 1800 rpm, and lasts until 5600 rpm. The latest X7’s V-8 also includes 48-volt hybrid assistance that improves engine responsiveness and efficiency, and Alpina’s version of the 4.4-liter also gains a unique cooling system.The motor is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission which includes the 48-volt starter-generator, and the XB7 has all-wheel-drive with an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle. BMW claims the XB7 can reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and run the quarter mile in 12.4 seconds, impressive figures for a vehicle with a curb weight around 6000 pounds. Top speed is said to be 180 mph if the XB7 is outfitted with the performance tire package and 21-inch wheels, which can be added at no extra cost. The XB7 rides on an air suspension with unique Alpina dampers, and the SUV can raise its ride height by 1.6 inches below 19 mph. Putting the vehicle in Sport mode or driving over 100 mph lowers the XB7 by 0.8 inches, while Sport+ mode or breaking the 155 mph barrier lowers it by 1.6 inches, although we’re not sure where American Alpina owners would reach these speeds in their colossal SUV.BMW also says the Alpina gains reinforced torsion struts for increased rigidity, while stiffer rear-axle bushings and the M60i’s electromechanical anti-roll bars are said to reduce body roll. Rear-wheel steering, also found on the M60i, can move the rear wheels by up to 2.3 degrees in either direction. Braking power is provided by four-piston fixed Brembo calipers clamping onto 15.5-inch discs up front and floating calipers with 15.7-inch discs at the rear. The calipers are painted in blue with “Alpina” written in white. More on AlpinaThe XB7 is available with two wheel choices. 21-inch Dynamic wheels can be had with 285-width summer or all-season rubber at all four corners. The 20-spoke, 23-inch Classic wheels are standard and are wrapped in Pirelli summer tires, with a staggered setup of 285-width tires up front and 325-width at the rear. Other design changes for the XB7 include a new front bumper with chiseled air intakes and a body-colored rear bumper.Inside, the XB7 is decked out with a glass Alpina infotainment control dial, a blue illuminated gear selector, illuminated door sills, and a unique steering wheel finished in Lavalina leather with blue and green stitching. The gauge clusters are accented by Alpina blue, changing to Alpina green when in Sport or Sport+ modes, and there are three trim options—Myrtle Luxury wood, Piano lacquer, or Natural Walnut Anthracite.Pricing for the Alpina XB7 will start at $145,995, with deliveries set to begin in early 2023.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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    2023 Bajaj Pulsar N 150 In New Spy Shots – More Sporty

    As part of the ongoing initiative to update the Pulsar range, Bajaj is expected to launch Pulsar N150 soon2023 Bajaj Pulsar N150 Spied TestingLaunch of Pulsar 250 twins was a major milestone for Bajaj, as it demonstrated a significant leap in performance as well as a new, sportier design language. Taking Pulsar 250 twins as the benchmark, Bajaj is looking to introduce a similar set of features for other Pulsar motorcycles.After N160, the next in line to get the updates include Pulsar 150 and Pulsar NS125. These two are among the primary volume generators for the company. Bajaj will be looking to launch the updated versions in the shortest possible time.2023 Pulsar N 150 spottedTwo variants of Pulsar N 150 have been spotted, one with disc-drum combo and another with disc brakes at both ends. While the test mules are fully camouflaged, the contours and outlines look familiar to pulsar 250 twins and N 160. It is apparent that some signature features of Pulsar 150 will be retained to ensure a distinctive identity.It is easy to see that Pulsar N 150 has a more aggressive profile, as compared to existing Pulsar 150. Headlamp cowl has a sharper design and front mudguard has been shortened to achieve a sporty look and feel. Tank Shrouds and side panels appear to be similar to existing variant, but Pulsar N150 is likely to get sportier graphics and decals. Some new colour options are also likely.2023 Bajaj Pulsar N150 Spied TestingIn terms of performance, one of the key updates is monoshock rear suspension. Existing Pulsar 150 has dual-rear shock absorbers. While both suspension setups have their advantages, a monoshock suspension is known to improve stability and handling. Monoshock ensures more precise damping, thereby allowing agile characteristics for the bike. This will be useful for tackling busy city streets. However, monoshock suspension is not so great for carrying heavy loads.Pulsar N150 performanceJust like N160, Pulsar N150 could also get some performance updates. For example, recently launched Pulsar N160 has been equipped with an updated engine that promises faster acceleration and improved reliability. Relevant changes have been incorporated to ensure smoother gear shifts and reduced noise and vibrations. Upcoming Pulsar N150 could also benefit from a similar set of updates.In its current form, Bajaj Pulsar 150 is powered by a 149.50 cc motor that generates 14 PS of max power at 8,500 rpm and 13.25 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The bike has 17-inch wheels at both ends, shod with 90/90 front and 120/80 rear tubeless tyres (dual-disc variant).2023 Bajaj Pulsar N150 Spied Testing2022 Pulsar N 150 is expected to be launched at around the same price as that of existing model. It will depend on the overall quantum of updates introduced for N150. Current Pulsar 150 is available at Rs 1.14 lakh. Pulsar N150 will rival the likes of Honda Unicorn, Yamaha FZ-Fi Version 3.0 and TVS Apache RTR 160.Source More

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    New Hero Maestro Xoom Scooter Spied – Honda Activa Rival

    While Hero leads in motorcycle segment, its scooter portfolio doesn’t have any segment bestsellers like Honda Activa or TVS JupiterNew Hero Maestro Xoom Scooter SpiedApart from Hero MotoCorp, other two-wheeler manufacturers have also launched products to take on Activa. However, sales numbers indicate that Activa continues to dominate. In August 2022, Activa had close to 50% market share among the top 10 scooters in the month.In case of Hero MotoCorp, it’s 110cc scooters like Pleasure and Maestro Edge 110 are way behind Activa. While Pleasure was at sixth spot in August, Maestro Edge did not even make it in top ten. In an attempt to fix this gap, Hero will soon launch a new 110cc scooter named Maestro Xoom. The new name has already been registered by the company, with trademark approval received earlier this year in June.New Hero Maestro Xoom Scooter SpiedWith the Maestro prefix, it would be safe to assume that the new scooter will have most of the features currently offered with Maestro Edge scooter. Maestro Xoom will not stop at that; instead, it will come with an additional set of features to emerge as a more capable rival to Honda Activa. Hero’s new scooter was showcased at a dealer event and only limited information is available as of now.One of the key upgrades for Hero Maestro Xoom is a full digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity. Users should be able to pair their smartphones to access phone functions like calls, SMS, music, etc. Things like ride analytics and remote functions may also be available. Hero’s current breed of 110cc scooters like Pleasure and Maestro Edge 110cc are equipped with a semi-digital instrument console. Latest spy shots of the new Hero Maestro XOOM are credited to X Automobile.New Hero Maestro Xoom Scooter SpiedHero Maestro Xoom can be more economical, as it will have the company’s proprietary i3S technology. i3S can sense when the engine is idling, for example, at a traffic signal. In such situations, it automatically shuts down the engine. The scooter restarts on its own when the clutch is engaged by the rider. i3S is primarily designed to save fuel. It can be activated via a dedicated switch on the handlebar. Users can keep it switched off if they like.Other key differentiating factors for Hero Maestro Xoom include cornering headlamp and 12-inch alloy wheels at front and rear. Existing Maestro Edge has 12-inch front and 10-inch rear wheels. Visually, the silhouette looks familiar to Maestro Edge 110cc. However, Maestro Xoom has a completely refreshed front fascia with Apron-mounted X-styled headlamp. Rear tail lamp also gets the ‘X’ treatment.Hero Maestro Xoom performanceHero is unlikely to make any performance tweaks to Maestro Xoom, as the current motor doesn’t seem lacking in performance. The 110.9 cc, air cooled motor onboard Maestro Edge generates 8 hp of max power at 7,250 rpm and 8.7 Nm of peak torque at 5,750 rpm. It is mated to a variomatic drive.Hero Maestro Xoom is likely to be positioned above existing Maestro Edge 110cc, thereby commanding a slightly premium pricing. Hero Maestro Edge 110cc is available at Rs 66,820 (drum) and Rs 73,498 (disc variant). More

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    200,000+ Nissan Titan, Frontier Pickups Recalled over Rollaway Risk

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported a plan to recall more than 200,000 Nissan Titan (above) and Frontier trucks to address a problem that could lead the vehicles to roll away unexpectedly when parked.The problem involves a defective parking pawl, which is supposed to hold the vehicle in park, Nissan said in documents filed with NHTSA.Owners will be notified starting November 1.Nissan will be recalling more than 200,000 of its 2020 through 2023 model Frontier and Titan pickups over a defect that could make the trucks roll away while parked. In documents filed with NHTSA, the automaker said the problem is “non-engagement of the parking pawl” on trucks from 2020 through 2023 model years, which have a nine-speed automatic transmission.Nissan spotted the problem at its Canton, Mississippi, plant and had it confirmed through testing by Jatco, the maker of the nine-speed transmission. The supplier said “insufficient lifting force of the parking pawl, due to friction” was believed to be the problem, according to NHTSA filings.2022 Nissan Frontier.NissanIncluded in the recall are trucks built between December 13, 2019, and June 14, 2022. There have been no reported accidents, the automaker said. Nissan said it will notify owners by November 1, and in the meantime owners are asked to use the parking brake every time they park the vehicles. In the meantime, owners can determine whether their vehicle is included in the recall by visiting the NHTSA recalls website.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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    Uber Is Expanding EV Rides, Commits to an EV-Only Fleet by 2030

    Uber’s Comfort Electric service, which lets customers request EVs, is expanding from operating solely in California to 25 cities throughout North America. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi reaffirmed in an interview with CBS News that he wants all Uber fleet vehicles to be electric by 2030.Drivers with gasoline-powered vehicles at that time will be forced to either switch to an electric vehicle or stop driving for the company. Uber has expanded its Comfort Electric service from operating solely in California to 24 cities throughout the United States and in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. The Comfort Electric service within the app allows users to specifically request electric vehicles over traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.The Comfort Electric service separates itself from Uber Green (another electrification effort) by requiring vehicles to be fully electric. Uber Green is less stringent, allowing both EVs and hybrids to qualify for the service. Uber specifically singles out Tesla, Polestar, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E as the “premium” electric vehicles available with Comfort Electric. We checked to see where Comfort Electric sits in the menu of price choices for Uber, using a weekday trip between two locations in central San Francisco. For this one example, the Comfort Electric choice was priced at $26.72, almost $10 more than the other EV choice, Uber Green, which cost $15.71. Opting for a standard UberX ride was $15.93, whereas an Uber Black SUV, the most expensive option, cost $48.95 for the same trip. More on UberThe company announced in 2020 it would commit $800 million in funding to help drivers make the transition to electrification by a fast-approaching 2025. The funding, along with the expansion of Uber Green and Comfort Electric services, is part of Uber’s goal of completely transitioning away from internal combustion by 2030. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi recently affirmed that goal in an interview with CBS News. According to Khosrowshahi, drivers who have not made the switch to an EV by 2030 will not be allowed to drive for the company. Drivers who do make the switch, and participate in the Comfort Electric service will earn an additional $1 per ride, a perk that cuts off at $4000 annually. The Comfort Electric service will now be available in the following places: Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Connecticut, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New Jersey, NYC suburbs, Philadelphia, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Saint Louis, Vancouver (Canada), and Washington, D.C. 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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    Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato Test Mule Spotted Looking Tall Leaving the Factory

    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.A test mule for Lamborghini’s upcoming Safari-style Huracán Sterrato has been spotted for the first time leaving the company’s Sant’Agata factory in Italy. The high-riding prototype, spotted by Varryx on YouTube, gives us our first real look at the factory-safari’d supercar outside of the promotional material released by Lamborghini so far. In addition to the taller ride height, we can also see tweaked fascias, a roof scoop, and a couple of roof racks. Though it’s tough to tell from the exhaust sound captured in this clip, it’s very likely the Sterrato will use a version of the Huracán’s long-standing 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V-10 engine paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Whether it will have rear- or all-wheel drive has yet to be confirmed. The Huaracán Sterrato started off as a concept vehicle shown in 2019 before being greenlit for production, presumably thanks to the positive reaction and press generated by the car. Lamborghini released a short video in January showing a camouflaged prototype—likely the same car you see here today, drifting and sliding on dirt to drum up hype. Lamborghini is expected to show the production Huracán Sterrato in December. More Lamborghini DetailsThis 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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    2022 Hero Splendor New Colour Launched – Silver Nexus Blue

    Splendor Plus is one of the few products to come on a 100cc platform to offer more frugalityHero Splendor New Colour LaunchHero MotoCorp has knocked it out of the park completely when it comes to budget commuters. Rivals often seem like they’re not in the same league. Heck, some rivals don’t even feel like they’re in the same sport. Such is the popularity that revolves around Splendor’s name.A pedigree like this, often makes competitors yearn for more success. But, to keep themselves ahead like they are now, Hero offers a slew of colour choices, engine choices and even features like XTEC connectivity for Splendor range. A combination of which makes a product what it is today, a force to be reckoned with. To keep the winning streak going, Hero has now added a new colour. Let’s take a look.Hero Splendor New Colour – Silver Nexus BlueHero MotoCorp sold 2,86,007 units of Splendor in August 2022. This volume consists of all the motorcycles that fall under Splendor branding. Like Splendor Plus, Splendor Plus XTEC, Super Splendor and Splendor iSmart 110. Splendor is backed up by HF Deluxe, Passion and Glamour brands to make Hero MotoCorp undisputed king of budget commuters. Honda is coming up with a new 100cc bike too.To put it into context, Honda CB Shine takes second place and sold just 1,20,139 units in the same month with declining sales YoY. Compared to motorcycles, Honda has seen more success in the scooter segment. Any update, no matter how small, is quite a big thing for Splendor series considering the scale at which it sells.[embedded content][embedded content]In that light, Hero has added a fresh new colour palette to the mix. This new colour option was on offer a long time ago and has been added back into the mix recently. It gets a base silver colour, on which Hero branding is engulfed in Nexus blue shade. This Nexus Blue shade is further engulfed by a layer of dark grey and then, a dark olive green.Hero logo is integrated into its fuel tank graphics and is not a 3D metallic one. On the side panels, we can see Splendor+ badging along with i3S badging. i3S is Hero’s proprietary technology that enables stop-start functionality which further boosts fuel efficiency. Video is credited to Biker Mjk.Specs & FeaturesFor all you minimalism aficionados, Hero has a Matte Shield Gold shade that gets 3D Hero and Splendor+ lettering along with a single-tone gold palette. If you are willing to make your wallet lighter, Splendor Plus also gets an XTEC variant with a slew of connected features along with a fully digital instrument display. This bike gets a Canvas Black colour option that probably looks the neatest.Standard Splendor Plus gets a USB charger, 18” alloy wheels, a side stand indicator along with an engine cutoff sensor and switchable i3S tech. It is powered by a 97.2cc FI engine. It is capable of kicking out 7.9 bhp of power and 8.05 Nm of torque. This engine is coupled to a 4-speed gearbox. With this new colour, Hero is bringing back an iconic paint scheme. This might help Hero to eat further into the rival’s pies. As far as rivals are concerned, we have Bajaj Platina, Honda’s upcoming 100cc bike and then Hero’s own HF Deluxe in 100cc segment. More

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    350cc Motorcycle Sales Aug 2022 – Classic, Hunter, Meteor, Bullet, CB350

    Royal Enfield yet again dominated the 350cc motorcycle segment – Newly launched Hunter takes No 2 spotNew Royal Enfield Hunter 350 At No 2Motorcycle sales in the 350cc segment posted significant growth in domestic market for August 2022. Domestic sales increased by 69.77 percent on a YoY basis while MoM sales were higher by 39.23 percent. Exports on the other hand did not perform as well with a marginal 0.89 percent YoY growth and a -28.49 percent MoM de-growth.Total domestic sales in the segment stood at 61,988 units in August 2022, up 69.77 percent over 36,513 units sold in August 2021. This was a 25,475 unit volume growth MoM sales also improved by 39.23 percent from 44,521 units sold in July 2022 relating to a volume growth of 17,467 units.350cc Motorcycle Sales Aug 2022 – DomesticRoyal Enfield claimed the top 5 spots on this list with the Classic 350 topping sales charts despite a YoY and MoM de-growth. Classic 350 sales stood at 18,993 units in August 2022, down 19.02 percent from 23,453 units sold in August 2021. This was a 4,460 unit volume de-growth despite which the Classic 350 commanded a 30.64 percent share. MoM sales also fell 18.21 percent when compared to 23,223 units sold in July 2022. Share in that same month had been at 52.16 percent.Following close behind was the recently launched Hunter 350. RE sold 18,197 units of this new 350cc bike in the past month to command a 29.36 percent share. The Hunter 350 was launched on 7th August and has climbed to the 2nd spot already. Royal Enfield Meteor 350cc sales increased by 46.72 percent YoY to 9,362 units, up from 6,381 units sold in August 2022. MoM sales also improved by 15.75 percent from 8,088 units sold in July 2022.350cc Motorcycle Sales Aug 2022Significant YoY sales growth was also seen for the RE Bullet 350 and Electra 350 while MoM sales also saw positive results. Bullet sales improved by 107.63 percent YoY to 7,619 units, up from 3,669 units sold in August 2021 to command a 12.29 percent share on this list. MoM sales were higher by 16.66 percent from 6,530 units sold in July 2022. Electra sales were higher by 109.07 percent YoY and 6.51 percent MoM to 4,104 units in August 2022.There was also the Honda CB350 at No. 6 with a 254.73 percent YoY growth to 3,714 units, up from 1,047 units sold in August 2021. MoM sales grew by 31.38 percent from 2,827 units sold in July 2022. Retail sales of Jawa Yezdi improved by 31.73 percent YoY and 6.33 percent MoM to 3,159 units. The company had retailed 2,398 units and 2,971 units in August 2021 and July 2022 respectively.350cc Exports August 2022Exports of 350cc motorcycles stood at 3,963 units up 0.89 percent from 3,928 units sold in August 2021 while MoM exports dipped by 28.49 percent from 5,542 units shipped in July 2022. In global markets also it was the RE Meteor and Classic that commanded the most attention.350cc Motorcycle Exports Aug 2022Meteor 350 exports fell by 7.67 percent YoY and 22.50 percent MoM to 2,204 units while there had been 2,387 units and 2,844 units exported in August 2021 and July 2022 respectively. It was followed by the Classic 350 with a 133.66 percent YoY growth to 1,680 units from 719 units sold in August 2021 while MoM exports fell by 6.56 percent over 1,798 units shipped in July 2022. Market share however improved MoM from 32.44 percent held in July 2022 to 42.39 percent in the past month.Hunter exports stood at 78 percent. It was followed by the Honda CB350 with just 1 unit exported last month, down 99.88 percent from 822 units shipped in August 2021 while there had been 900 units shipped in July 2022 relating to a 99,89 percent MoM de-growth. Bullet and Electra 350 exports were down to 0 units. More