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      in Motor News

      Audi Entering F1 in 2026

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      Audi has officially announced that it will enter Formula 1 in 2026 as an engine supplier.Which team Audi will supply its F1 engine to will come by the end of 2022, but Sauber—which also announced the end of its partnership with Alfa Romeo today—seems a likely candidate.Audi said F1’s new power unit regulations, which will bring a 100 percent sustainable fuel and increased use of electric power, were crucial to its desire to join the sport.A little more than a week after Formula 1 approved new engine regulations that will go into effect in 2026, Audi officially announced its plans to compete in the premier open-wheel motorsport series. Audi’s entry into F1 coincides with the start of these new engine rules, with the German automaker announcing its intent to start supplying engines for the 2026 season. Audi will develop its power unit at the Audi Sport facility in Neuburg, the first time in more than a decade an F1 powertrain will be assembled in Germany.

      Formula 1

      One of the stated goals of F1’s revised engine regulations is to attract new power unit suppliers. Starting in 2026, the turbocharged 1.6-liter V-6 engines used in Formula 1 will run on a 100 percent sustainable fuel, while the electric portion of the hybrid powertrain will produce three times the power as today’s setup, two factors that Audi explicitly stated were critical to its decision to join F1.Starting in 2026, the MGU-K, which harvests kinetic energy and deploys electrical energy via the crankshaft, will see its output nearly triple to 350 kilowatts, or about 469 horsepower. This will boost the total system output to well over 1000 ponies. The MGU-H, which currently harvests heat energy via exhaust gases in the turbocharger and can deploy electrical energy to reduce turbo lag, will be removed from the F1 power unit in 2026. The increased reliance on electricity will see the amount of fuel used in a race drop from 100 kg to 70 kg, while the removal of the MGU-H, along with other measures, is intended to decrease costs.

      Formula 1

      The announcement came with images of a Formula 1 car mocked up with Audi livery. That said, take this image with a grain of salt as it may not be indicative of what the actual Audi-powered F1 cars will look like during the 2026 season. Audi will not field its own team, but it will provide powertrains to at least one team. The brand said it will reveal which team they plan to partner with by the end of 2022. This team will likely be Sauber, which also announced today that its technical and commercial partnership with Alfa Romeo will end after the 2023 season. Alfa Romeo-Sauber is currently in sixth in the championship, which would be the team’s best result since 2012 if it can maintain this position.

      The possibility of Audi joining Formula 1 has been rumored for years. Audi says it is currently focused on hiring personnel and sourcing the technical infrastructure and buildings needed to develop the power units. These components should be in place by the end of the year, giving Audi three years to prepare its power unit before the 2026 season kicks off. With Porsche also said to be entering F1 as an engine supplier, potentially with Red Bull Racing, 2026 is set to be an important year for the biggest global motorsports series.
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      in Motor News

      We Blew Up the Engine in Our Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing During Initial Testing

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      We took delivery of a long-term Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing in March of 2022.After respecting the 1500-mile break-in period, we hit the track for initial performance testing.After about 15 standing-start launches, the LT4 V-8 started misfiring severely. Our elation after taking delivery of a 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing for a 40,000-mile long-term test quickly turned to despair after its 668-hp supercharged V-8 suffered a catastrophic engine failure during our initial test session. After respecting the 1500-mile break-in period—keeping the revs below 4000 rpm and not sitting at a constant speed for extended periods—we hit the test track with just over 1800 miles on the odometer to log its initial performance figures.

      General Motors

      General Motors

      We took our time playing with the Blackwing’s exceptionally adjustable launch-control feature that allows the driver to select separate launch-rpm and slip-target settings, and then tried a few unassisted dances on the pedals with our ham hocks to see if we could beat it (we could). After about 15 launches, we were almost ready to call it when disaster struck. While coasting to the far end of the straightaway after a run, a host of warning messages popped up on the gauge cluster, all tied to a severe misfire.

      The LT4’s even cylinder bank where all the damage occured.
      General Motors

      What happened? That’s a good question, one that wasn’t answered conclusively even following a complete teardown at GM’s powertrain headquarters in Pontiac, Michigan, where the engine went after it was removed by our local Cadillac dealer. The damage was limited to the even-numbered cylinder bank, with cylinder six taking the brunt of the carnage; its cylinder walls were scored, and aluminum plucked away from the edge of the piston and sprayed on top of it as well as on the exhaust valve. The severe temperature and pressure also blew off the ground strap at the end of the spark plug, and even the cast-iron cylinder liner showed some pitting.Bad fuel could have caused this kind of pre-ignition or knocking, but then both banks would have been affected. So small-block assistant chief engineer Mike Kociba thinks it was likely one of two things that happened: Either the fuel supply on that side of the rail was somehow depleted—a contaminant restricting the flow somewhere—or a similar blockage in the cooling system that allowed things to get too hot. But, during the teardown, they didn’t find such a blockage in either system.

      General Motors

      General Motors

      Kociba assured us it had nothing to do with the severity of our use, and that the engine can happily do standing-start launches all day. Furthermore, he said that of the roughly 20,000 supercharged LT4 variants of the Gen V small-block V-8 the company has sold to date—in the C7 Corvette Z06, Cadillac CTS-V, Camaro ZL1, and now the CT5-V Blackwing and Escalade V—ours is the first and only such failure.However, this isn’t the first time a Gen V small block let go in our hands. The naturally aspirated LT1 V-8 in our long-term 2014 Corvette needed to be replaced after a connecting-rod bearing failed, likely due to a metal burr that originated from the block or oil-filter threads. With our CT5, it took about six weeks for our local dealer to remove the engine, receive a new one from GM, and install it. And then, of course, we had to take it easy once again during a second break-in period. Then we again hit the test track for much hard running, and this time it took it in stride, clocking a sprint to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and 11.7 seconds through the quarter-mile at 124 mph, and shrugging off repeated runs. Just as we’d expect from one of the fiercest-ever sports sedans. More

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      in Bike

      KTM India Sales, Exports Jul 2022 – Duke, RC 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

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      KTM may not be doing very well domestically, but when it comes to exports, reported good YoY and MoM sales growthKTM India SalesKTM has been on the verge of rejigging its product lineup in India. In that regard, we have seen the launch of 2022 versions of most of their lineup. Speaking about KTM’s Indian lineup, the Austrian brand has three variations in its body style. They are RC, a sports machine, Duke, which is a street machine and lastly, we have Adventure, which is a, well, adventure machine.All three body styles get a different set of engines too, ranging from 125cc to 373cc. KTM has registered a mixed bag of sales figures with both dips and growth in sales. But that is likely to change soon when 2023 Duke range is launched in India which is in testing phase right now.KTM Sales – Domestic & ExportsWhen we take domestic sales into account, we see a sharp dip in sales YoY. KTM 200 series (Duke + RC) models sold 1,607 units in July 2022 while they sold 2,019 units in July 2021 with a 20.41% drop in sales YoY. But they sold just 767 units in June 2022 and hence registers 109.52% growth MoM with a difference of 840 units. But when it comes to exports, 200cc models follow a similar pattern. With 1,840 units sold in July 2022, they register an 11.33% drop in sales YoY and 10.18% growth in sales MoM.KTM 250 series (Duke + ADV) models follow the same pattern. In domestic market, with 847 units sold in July 2022, 250cc models register a dip of 15.47% YoY and gain 288.53% MoM with just 218 units sold in June 2022. But with exports, with 1,056 units sold in July 2022, 250cc models see a drop in sales of 12.58% YoY and 24.03% MoM. When it comes to KTM 125 series (Duke + RC) models, with just 14 units sold in July 2022, they have been a hard sell domestically and hence are likely to not be updated to MY2022 in India.KTM Sales & Exports July 2022 – DomesticBut 1,010 units of KTM 125 range models have been shipped in July 2022 with 33.25% YoY growth and a 10.46% drop in sales MoM as it shipped 1,128 units in June 2022. In domestic markets, 200cc models take up 54.25% share of all KTM products and are followed by 250 with 28.60%, 390 with 16.68% and 125 with 0.47%. But 390 (ADV + Duke + RC) is the most shipped at 48.62% share of all KTM bikes followed by 200 with 24.20%, 250 with 13.89% and lastly, we have 125 with just 13.29% share.KTM Sales & Exports July 2022 – ExportsTotal SalesWhen we take into account the total sales of all KTM models, things get a little interesting. At the top, we have 390 series with 4,190 units sold in July 2022 registering a 30.86% YoY growth with 988 units difference from 3,202 units sold in July 2021. It also register 53.59% MoM growth in July 2022 with just 2,728 units sold in June 2022.200 models take second spot with 3,447 units sold in July 2022 registering a 15.80% drop YoY and gaining 41.44% MoM in July 2022 with 2,437 units in June 2022. 250 series are next with 1,903 units sold in July 2022 registering a 32.05% drop YoY and gaining 18.35% with a difference of 295 units in July 2022. But 125 series loses 32.05% YoY and 9.30% MoM with just 1,024 units sold in July 2022.KTM Sales & Exports July 2022 – TotalTotally, KTM registers a dip in sales of 4.08% YoY with just 10,564 units sold in July 2022 and 11,013 units sold in July 2021. But KTM gains 33.69% MoM because it only sold 7,902 units in June 2022 and gained 2,662 units. KTM’s 390 series is by far the most popular of the lot with a 39.66% share of all KTM products sold. 390 range is the only one to register growth everywhere, be it domestic or exports or YoY or MoM charts. More

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      in Bike

      New Honda Shine Celebration Edition Launch Price Rs 79k – Golden Theme

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      Just like Activa in scooter segment, Shine is Honda’s primary volume generator in motorcycle spaceNew Honda Shine Celebration EditionAhead of the festive season, Honda has introduced a fresh new look for its popular Shine 125cc motorcycle. The new Honda Shine Celebration Edition packs in a range of cosmetic updates. In terms of equipment list and hardware, the bike is largely the same as the standard model.Shine Celebration Edition has been launched at a starting price of Rs 78,878 (ex-showroom, New Delhi). That’s a premium of Rs 1,500 in comparison to standard Shine drum variant that is priced at Rs 77,378.With Shine Celebration Edition, Honda will be looking to leverage positive consumer sentiments generally seen during festive season. Shine is already a bestseller and consistently ranks among top 10 two-wheelers in the country. In July, it was in third place, trailing behind Hero Splendor and Activa.Honda Shine Celebration Edition featuresHonda Shine Celebration Edition gets two new colour options – Matte Steel Black Metallic and Matte Sangria Red Metallic. The special edition bike also gets a new golden theme. While the graphics have the same layout, they are done in a striking golden shade.New Honda Shine Celebration EditionThe golden theme extends to other components such as the golden wingmark emblem, Shine logo on tail section and celebration edition logo on the tank top. The headlamp cowl and side panels also get golden garnish.Among the two new colour options, the golden theme stands out with the Matte Sangria Red Metallic. The overall look and feel is more agreeable on this one, as compared to Matte Steel Black Metallic colour option. This is especially true, taking into account the brown colour seat.If the seat had the standard black shade, the Matte Steel Black Metallic colour option would have worked better with the golden theme. Users looking for a sprightly colour option are most likely to go with the Matte Sangria Red Metallic shade.New Honda Shine Celebration EditionAnother update is matte axis grey metallic muffler cover, which complements the golden theme of Shine Celebration Edition. In the standard model, the muffler cover comes in glossy chrome finish. Honda Shine Celebration Edition will be available in both drum and disc variant.No functional improvementsApart from the cosmetic updates, new Honda Shine Celebration Edition is the same as standard model. The bike is powered by a 123.94cc motor that generates 10.74 PS of max power at 7,500 rpm and 11 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox with multiplate wet clutch. The bike is preferred for its reliable performance and good mileage numbers that are around 50-55 kmpl in city conditions and around 60-65 kmpl on highways.New Honda Shine Celebration EditionHonda Shine packs in advanced tech features such as eSP (enhanced smart power), silent start with ACG, side stand engine cut-off and engine start-stop switch. Other key features include DC headlamp, integrated headlamp beam and passing switch, longer seat, 5-step adjustable rear suspension, combi-brake system with equalizer and seal chain. More

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      in Bike

      RE Bobber 650, Himalayan 450 Spied Together – Cruising At 100+ Kmph

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      New products like Bobber 650 and Himalayan 450 will help Royal Enfield maintain its dominance in middleweight motorcycle segmentRoyal Enfield Bobber 650 and Himalayan 450 spied togetherEven with more than 85% market share in middleweight segment, Royal Enfield doesn’t seem to be infected by a complacency bug. On the contrary, the Chennai-based manufacturer is working aggressively by launching new products at regular intervals. This approach has become all the more necessary with availability of new rival products such as those launched by the likes of Honda, Jawa, Yezdi and TVS. In the future, Royal Enfield is likely to face new challengers from Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj as well.Over the next five years, Royal Enfield will be launching an average of one new product every quarter. Things seem to be going as per plans so far, as Scram 411 and Hunter 350 have already been launched this year. Other upcoming Royal Enfield bikes include Himalayan 450 and Bobber 650, which were recently spotted on road test by happinessperkm.Himalayan 450 featuresHimalayan 450 has undergone some major transformations, helping achieve a design that’s a lot more pleasing to the eyes. As compared to the sharp profile used for Himalayan 411, new Himalayan has a more rounded appearance. While Himalayan 411 is hard to miss on the streets, new Himalayan 450 has a more agreeable design that can easily blend in the crowded streets.Another key change can be seen in the design of racks, which also get a rounded appearance. Rear racks seem to be missing on the test mule, which indicates that some of these components could be made optional. They could be offered as an accessory via the company’s MIY personalization platform. It makes sense, as not everyone may be planning long-distance touring on Himalayan 450.[embedded content][embedded content]Other changes that are evident include new fuel tank design, single-piece saddle, compact exhaust and longer front beak. Retro bits are largely the same such as round headlamp and rear view mirrors and wire-spoke wheels. Most significant upgrade will be the new 450cc motor, which is likely to generate around 40 bhp of max power and 45 Nm of peak torque.Bobber 650 featuresFor wide open roads, Royal Enfield Bobber 650 seems like the perfect cruising machine. Its large size exudes powerful vibes and the bulk keeps it firmly planted on the tarmac. Even when cruising at high speeds, absolutely no turbulence or vibrations are noticeable. Some key features of Bobber 650 include round headlamp and rear view mirrors, classic tear-drop shaped fuel tank, single-piece seat, dual chrome exhaust, broad rear mudguard and circular tail lamp and turn signals.Bobber 650 is equipped with dual instrument dials, something similar to that of Meteor 350. The smaller unit on the right is likely to be Tripper navigation screen. The bike has a comfortable riding stance with pulled back handlebar and forward-set footpegs. USD forks at front will make the rides a lot safer. While the test mule does not have a visor, it could be offered as an accessory.Powering Bobber 650 will be the 648cc parallel twin motor that makes 47.5 PS and 52 Nm. It is mated to a constant mesh 6-speed transmission. It is possible that some engine retuning may be done in line with Bobber 650’s cruising needs. The bike is expected to be launched at a price of around Rs 3 lakh to Rs 3.5 lakh. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Mahindra Electric SUVs To Get Volkswagen Battery System, Electric Drivetrain

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      Mahindra’s new INGLO platform means that it is IN-dian by heart and is GLO-bal in standardsMahindra INGLO Platform for upcoming Electric SUVs. Image – Thomas SchmallMahindra electric SUVs under BE range and XUV range will dominate Indian 4-wheeled EV space in the near future. While most manufacturers offer downgraded products in India when compared to global-spec models, Mahindra is aiming to offer global-spec cars right from the get go. That’s what GLO in INGLO signifies.But what is this INGLO platform? How is it global-spec worthy? Is it really designed by Mahindra? Did Mahindra only source the LFP battery cells or the entire powertrain? Is upcoming XUV400 electric based on INGLO? Well, hold your horses. We’ll break it down for ya.Mahindra Electric SUVTake a guess at what is common between Audi’s Q4 e-tron, Q4 Sportback e-tron, Q5 e-tron and Cupra’s Born, upcoming Urban Rebel and Tavascan, Skoda’s Enyaq iV, Enyaq Coupe iV and Volkswagen’s ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.6, ID. Buzz, and ID. Buzz Cargo? Not just them, Ford’s upcoming two electric crossovers for the old continent (Europe) and also Mahindra’s XUV.e8, XUV.e9, BE.05, BE.07 and lastly, BE.09.On the surface, you can immediately say that all of them are EVs. You’re half right. Under the skin, they all have the same MEB platform developed by Volkswagen. MEB platform or Modularer E-Antriebs-Baukasten is a modular and scalable EV platform developed by VW Group. MEB platform was made available to other manufacturers to procure under licensing and Mahindra is the second customer after Ford.Volkswagen plans to provide Mahindra with Electric Drivetrain as well as Battery SystemThere are two types of MEB platforms, one for passenger cars and the other for UVs that can take heavier cargo like pickup trucks or LCVs. Mahindra has revealed that they are using MEB components sourced from Volkswagen. But they aren’t specifying what exactly are the components used on new Mahindra electric SUV range.VW Group Board of Management member and CEO of VW Group Components, Thomas Schmall, revealed that VW Group is providing Mahindra with electric drives, battery systems and also VW’s unified cells. He also revealed that they have partnered up with Mahindra to supply MEB components to over a million (10 lakh) vehicles over the platform’s lifetime.What Do MEB Components Include?Schmall says that VW will explore further potential areas of cooperation with Mahindra including vehicle projects, local cell manufacturing and charging solutions such as VW’s Flexpoles too as a broader strategic alliance to accelerate the electrification of the Indian automotive market is the common goal for both the companies.Mahindra INGLO SUVs Powered By Volkswagen Battery System, Electric DrivetrainGoing by Schmall’s statement, Mahindra has procured electric drives, battery systems and unified cells. Electric drives mean that Mahindra seems to have obtained APP310 motor which is VW’s proprietary PMDC motor which MEB platform supports. The number 310 means that it will have 310 Nm of peak torque.It also gets a 1-speed gearbox handling all of the motor’s speed range. Along with this gearbox, APP310 motor only weighs 90 kg. Coming to battery systems, means a complete energy storage system. It includes all the battery modules along with the individual battery cells, BMS (Battery Management System), integrated thermal sensing and monitoring systems and also the algorithms and software. Mahindra may have procured some or all of these.Lastly, unified cells are again VW’s proprietary prismatic battery platform. It boasts three main chemistries within, they are LFP based for entry-level vehicles, Manganese based for high-volume vehicles and Nickel based for premium and high-end cars. Mahindra has revealed that they have procured LFP cells.Implications Of Mahindra-VW Venture In IndiaVW-Mahindra cooperation comes as a massive boost to the future of Indian electric four-wheeler market as it facilitates localization of one of the most important modular global EV architectures. Global technology benefited from attractive Indian cost structure will emerge as a highly competitive package for both domestic and international markets.Moreover, we hope to see a whole array of locally produced MEB-based Skoda and VW models at the right price bracket in the medium term once Mahindra is done setting up its supply chain system for critical components. Synergies between the two in vehicle projects could further make things interesting. Looking at Mahindra, other manufacturers are also likely to at least consider VW’s cost-effective, modular and scalable MEB EV platform.  More

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      in Motor News

      Ford Maverick Ready for Overlanding with $7700 GFC Platform Camper

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      Aftermarket supplier GFC has designed a platform camper specifically for the Ford Maverick that costs $7700.The platform camper features a 7.5-foot-tall, pop-up living area and a 50-inch-by-90-inch sleeping surface with a foam mattress.GFC says the entire unit weighs 255 pounds and fits within the outline of the Maverick’s truck bed.The Ford Maverick is an excellent little pickup truck, with a useful 4.5-foot cargo box and an affordable price tag that starts just north of $22,000. Now, aftermarket supplier GFC gives Maverick owners the opportunity to pursue their overlanding fantasies with a new $7700 platform camper.Specifically designed for Ford’s tiniest truck, the GFC platform camper has a sleep surface that measures 50 inches wide and 90 inches long. Along with a two-layer foam mattress, it also features a 7.5-foot-tall, pop-up living space. All of this fits within the outline of the truck’s bed, and—measured above the roof-mounted antenna—it adds 6.5 inches to the Maverick’s overall height when closed.

      GFC

      What’s also neat about the GFC camper is that it has a modular floor with a removable section that creates a pass-through so you can stand in the truck bed and use the other section as a desk. Plus, the roof itself is made of a translucent composite material that’s said to reflect the sun and turn direct light into diffuse light. Likewise, GFC says it provides insulation, too. If people want to hang items such as an awning or lights, the platform has racks that extend from the aluminum frame. There are also three separate side panels that can be individually raised and locked.

      GFC

      How heavy is the add-on camper unit? GFC says it weighs 255 pounds. Subtract that from the Maverick’s 1500-pound payload rating, and owners can use the remaining 1245-pound capacity for camping gear or whatever else they want. GFC also says the roof of the platform can support up to 500 pounds, and the camper portion can be opened as long as it’s supporting 75 pounds or less.For those looking to buy a GFC platform camper for their Maverick, the company says it can be available as soon as eight weeks. GFC also offers to install the camper at its facility in Bozeman, Montana, but it’s unclear if that costs extra. A GFC spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to our request for clarification. For those who want it shipped and installed on-site within the next six months, they’ll have to pay $750 if they live in the west region, $850 in the midwest, and $1000 in the east, and fuel costs can affect that price, per the company’s website.
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      Ford Mustang Mach-E Price Up $3000 to $8100 as Order Banks Reopen

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      Citing “significant material cost increases” and “rapidly evolving market conditions,” Ford announced increased pricing on the 2023 model year Mustang Mach-E as order banks reopen for the popular EV.There are some added features to come with the price increase, notably two new color choices, newly standard driver-assist technology, and a small increase in range.Orders for the 2023 Mach-E will reopen on Tuesday, August 30. Customers with unscheduled orders for 2022 models will be offered conversion to a 2023 model order.Ford announced updated pricing for the Mustang Mach-E, which will see increases across the lineup. The entry-level Select RWD trim level equipped with standard range will increase by $3000, while the top-end GT AWD trim equipped with the extended-range battery will increase by $7900. Destination charges have been raised by $200. According to a release from Ford, starting this fall, Premium models equipped with all-wheel drive will see EPA-estimated range figures increase by 13 miles to an estimated 290 miles. During our 75 mph highway range test, which we conducted prior to this update, the Mach-E with the long-range battery made it 250 miles on a single charge.

      Ford

      Ford is bringing two new colors to the lineup, Carbonized Gray Metallic and Vapor Blue Metallic, which replace outgoing Dark Matter Gray Metallic and Iced Blue Silver Metallic. The Nite Pony package will also be available to order for Premium models with the extended battery and for GT Performance edition Mach-Es. As partial recompense for the increased price, Ford is adding the Co-Pilot360 driver assist package as a standard suite of features throughout the Mach-E lineup. Co-Pilot360 includes safety features including precollision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping, and auto high-beams. The Select trim model will gain access to a 90-day trial period of BlueCruise hands-free driving, but the owner will need to pay to enable it beyond that 90-day period.
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