More stories

  • in

    Ford Mustang GT Performance Badge Teased ahead of Next-Gen Model's Debut

    Ford has posted a short video on social media that teases a new Mustang GT Performance model.The 10-second clip shows a piece of luggage in a trunk before the lid closes to show a chrome “GT Performance” badge.We can’t tell if the badge will adorn a model from the outgoing generation or the new one, but we’ll likely know once the next-gen Mustang is revealed on September 14.With the debut of the next-generation 2024 Mustang just over a week away, Ford has dropped a teaser video online that shows a GT Performance badge on what is clearly a Mustang’s trunk lid.
    This content is imported from Facebook. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    The short clip was posted on September 2 on Ford Performance’s Facebook page along with some of the company’s other social media accounts. The 10-second video opens with a retro-looking piece of luggage with an old-school Mustang logo on it sitting in the trunk of a car. The trunk lid then closes to reveal a chrome “GT Performance” badge. The rest of the video mentions the new Mustang’s reveal date on September 14 as well as the Stampede event that’s set to precede the reveal.

    Whether the GT Performance badge is worn by a new model from the outgoing generation or a new model from the next-gen one is hard to say, but it has us intrigued. It also has us speculating about a potential 60th Anniversary edition, since the badge that was teased has a distinct typeface and chrome plating that recalls Ford Mustang’s of yore.Either way, we’re sure to find out by the time Ford pulls the covers off the next-gen pony car next week. In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more clues and teasers as the week ahead is sure to be full of them.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. 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

  • in

    2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed Comes Exclusively with 6.0-Liter W-12

    The 2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed is powered by the familiar 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W-12 engine that produces 626 hp and 664 pound-feet of torque. The Speed is set apart by dark trim, unique 22-inch wheels, and lots of speed badges.The W-12 is no longer offered in the base $200,000 Flying Spur, with the new Speed expected to fetch around $80,000 more.Bentley has rounded out the lineup of its sole remaining sedan with the new 2023 Flying Spur Speed, which arrives as a more performance-focused version of the opulent cruiser. It will also become the only way to get a Flying Spur with the W-12 powertrain after production of the standard Flying Spur W-12 ended in May, unless you want to go through Bentley’s even pricier Mulliner customization program.
    The 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W-12 engine is unchanged, still offering 626 horsepower, an 84-hp bump over the V-8-powered S model, with torque coming in at 664 pound-feet. Bentley claims a zero-to-60-mph time of 3.7 seconds, but in Car and Driver testing, a 2020 W-12 did the 60 mph run in 3.5 seconds. Top speed is still a claimed 207 mph. Like other Flying Spurs, the Speed uses a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and comes with all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering as standard. The Speed is also fitted with a brake-based torque vectoring system and Bentley’s Dynamic Ride system, which uses a 48-volt electrical system that adjusts the stiffness of the anti-roll bar to keep the Flying Spur level through corners. Stopping power comes thanks to 16.5-inch iron front brake discs, shared with the Continental GT and the largest in the world according to Bentley. The front calipers are painted red with Bentley branding, but can be finished in black for an extra cost.
    The Speed model is distinguished from lesser Flying Spurs by a dark tint applied to the front grilles, headlights, and taillights. Speed badges adorn the front fender and there are also unique 22-inch wheels, with dark tint, gloss black, and silver finishes available. There is a second 22-inch wheel option offered in Pale Brodgar satin, and the Speed also gets jeweled fuel and oil filler caps.
    The decadent interior uses a material Bentley calls “Dinamica Pure,” said to be made from 73 percent recycled polyester, while the leather color choices jump from five to fifteen options. The trim is Piano Black veneer as standard, but can be swapped out for Crown Cut Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut or Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus for no additional fee. Bentley says there are new performance infotainment graphics inspired by luxury chronograph watches. More Speed logos are found inside, and the badges also appears illuminated on the door sills.

    Bentley says that one in three Flying Spurs in those the United States and Europe are expected to be the Speed. No pricing details were revealed, but it should cost significantly more than the approximately $200,000 base V-8 model, with the Speed models bringing an approximately $80,000 increase for the Continental GT and Bentayga model lineups.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. 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

  • in

    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Spied With Adventure Panniers

    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 ADV comes across as an impressive rally-raid machine that will surely have better capabilities than Himalayan 411Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Touring Accessories SpiedConsidering Royal Enfield’s new-gen products such as Hunter and upcoming 450 ADV, it’s clear that the Chennai-based manufacturer is upping its game in a big way. Like Bajaj, Royal Enfield may also have plans for a much larger footprint in global markets. RE has promised an average of one new product every quarter and things seem to be going as per plans.While Himalayan 411cc has its merits, it lacks the numbers when compared to rivals like KTM 390 Adventure. The latter has 44 bhp, as compared to a modest 24.3 bhp of Himalayan. Even in actual ride conditions, users have pointed to Himalayan’s limitations when it comes to negotiating steeper inclines in slippery conditions. All such issues are set to be resolved with Royal Enfield 450 ADV.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 PanniersRelative to Royal Enfield’s standard design language, this new ADV bike has a radically different profile. There’s hardly any resemblance to Himalayan, which is likely to be intentional. RE may want to protect this 450 ADV from any type of known inadequacies associated with its predecessor. Retro flavour stands reduced, limited to features like round headlamp and circular instrument dial.Considering its largely unkempt profile, it is apparent that the bike will be getting some more skin and refinements as it nears production stage. Some key features include a muscular tank, front racks, split seat design and compact exhaust. While the test mule spotted does not have a bash plate, the production variant is most likely to get one.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Touring Accessories SpiedOne of the biggest updates is USD front forks, a first for a Royal Enfield motorcycle. At rear, the bike has monoshock mounted on the right side. It links the swingarm to the central frame located under the fuel tank. Rear suspension is expected to have preload adjustability. It appears to have long travel for handling the most gruelling off-road tracks.Things that are similar to Himalayan include 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoked wheels. The bike has disc brakes at both ends and dual-channel switchable ABS is likely to be offered as standard. Riding ergonomics look quite comfortable and low seat height will ensure optimal balance and handling. Latest spy shots show the new Himalayan 450 wearing touring accessories – metal panniers.Royal Enfield 450 ADV performanceEngine deployed is a compact, single-cylinder unit. This one has liquid cooling and the engine head leans forward at an angle. Engine of other single-cylinder Royal Enfield bikes have an upright head. While specs are yet to be revealed, Royal Enfield 450 ADV can be expected to match or narrow the performance gap with rivals like 390 Adventure, BMW G310GS and upcoming Hero Xpulse 300.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Touring Accessories SpiedIn line with its rally-raid profile, Royal Enfield 450 ADV can get features such as assist and slipper clutch, GPS navigation, ride modes and ride-by-wire system. Customization options will also be available, as the bike has significant scope for enhancing its capabilities with a range of accessories.Source More

  • in

    2023 Toyota GR Corolla Pricing Ranges from $36,995 to $50,995

    Toyota has announced pricing for the 2023 GR Corolla hot hatchback.It starts at $36,995 for the base Core model, $43,995 for the Circuit, and $50,995 for the Morizo Edition.The Core will go on sale later this year, while the Circuit and Morizo won’t arrive until next year.Pricing for the highly anticipated 2023 Toyota GR Corolla spans a wide range, from $36,995 for the base Core model up to $50,995 for the track-oriented Morizo special edition. All GR Corollas have the same 300-hp turbocharged inline-three, all-wheel-drive system, and six-speed manual transmission, but there are various performance options available as you move up the price ladder.It’s worth noting that the Core’s base price undercuts the AWD hot-hatch competition, which for now consists only of the VW Golf R, starting at $45,385. The previous-generation Honda Civic Type R started at $38,910; a new model is arriving for 2023, also only offering front-wheel drive, and will likely be more expensive still.Trim Levels and Options

    Morizo (white), Core (red), Circuit (gray)
    Toyota

    The Circuit model splits the difference between the GR Corolla’s Core and Morizo trims, at $43,995, and comes standard with front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials, upgraded brakes, and a host of comfort and convenience equipment including heated seats and a nicer audio system. The Core does offer a few packages to bring it closer to the Circuit: the $1180 Performance package adds the Torsen differentials and larger brakes; the $770 Technology package adds the JBL audio system and wireless smartphone charger; and the $500 Cold Weather package adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.The Morizo Edition is a bigger step up because of its more significant changes that include a rear-seat delete, more aggressive Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and extra 22 pound-feet of torque from the turbo-three for a total of 295 pound-feet. Toyota claims it is 106 pounds lighter and that it is more rigid thanks to extra strut braces. Only 200 units will be available in the U.S.The GR Corolla Core will be the first model to arrive and is slated to reach dealerships later this year. Those who want the Circuit or Morizo Edition models will have to wait until 2023.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. 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

  • in

    New Toyota bZ3 Electric Sedan Spied In Production Ready Guise

    Toyota bZ3 seems to borrow its design inspirations from its elder sibling bZ4X and also Hydrogen-powered MiraiNew Toyota bZ3 Electric SedanbZ series is Toyota’s electric vehicle family that means “beyond Zero”. Toyota has even announced that it will launch fifteen EVs in its global lineup. Out of these fifteen, seven will be launched under this bZ family. Toyota has big ambitions with this new bZ series of EVs.First of the bunch is called bZ4X which could be generalized as an electrified RAV4. It was not a bad thing given RAV4’s immense popularity in North American, South American, European, Middle-Eastern and even Asian countries. Since the crossover part is covered, it was time for a sedan under bZ series.In that regard, we now get the first ever pictures of bZ3 from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Toyota bZ3 electric sedan is based on bZ SDN concept that was showcased last year. The vehicle in the pictures looks production ready and is largely similar to bZ SDN concept. Let’s take a closer look.Toyota bZ3 Electric SedanWhile bZ4X was developed in collaboration with Subaru and sourced its battery from GAC, Toyota has collaborated with BYD for bZ3 electric sedan. For starters, Toyota bZ3 electric sedan can be generalised as an electric version of company’s Corolla sedan like RAV4 was to bZ4X. bZ3’s headlights and LED light bar are somewhat similar to bZ4X. bZ3 also gets large side windows for a spacious and airy feel.New Toyota bZ3 Electric SedanComing to the side, bZ3 gets an interesting window line that rises near its C-pillar. It doesn’t look as neat as a German sedan would. But, okay. bZ3 also gets a lot of design cues from Toyota’s Hydrogen-powered Mirai too, especially with side profile. Highlights include flush door handles and aerodynamic wheels both of which contribute to a low drag coefficient.At the rear, things spruce up quite a bit. Toyota bZ3 electric sedan gets a wide LED bar working as its taillights that runs across the width and ends in a Y pattern at both ends. Some pictures also show a white and black dual-tone paint scheme that looks decent. For now, bZ3 is set to be China exclusive and it is not yet known as to which markets get it apart from China.Powertrain By BYDToyota bZ3 electric sedan sits on the company’s e-TNGA platform. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries for this vehicle are sourced by BYD and its subsidiary Fudi Industrial. This company pioneers the blade-style cells for BYD products. The size of this is not yet known, though. bZ3 is likely to be offered only in RWD configuration. It will be made available with either a 181 bhp motor in lower-spec trims or a 240 bhp motor in top-spec trims.New Toyota bZ3 Electric SedanAlong with battery, interiors are also not known yet. But it is speculated that Toyota bZ3 electric sedan will get a similar portrait-styled touchscreen, a digital instrument console and an optional steering yoke as bZ4X gets. More details will be unraveled when bZ3 will be officially revealed at Guangzhou Auto Show in November. More

  • in

    New Honda 125cc Scooter, 2 Motorcycles – Launch Confirmed

    Honda currently has products in most engine capacities and also segments, and is pushing sales envelope further2022 Honda ADV ScooterHonda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) is currently the second highest-selling 2W manufacturer in India. But in the month of August, Honda pushed on and in a nail-biting fight with Hero for the top spot in overall sales (domestic + exports), Honda just fell short by 85 units only. Just 85 units!Honda sold 4,23,216 units domestically in the month of August while Hero sold 4,50,740 units in the same time. But Honda exported 39,307 units while Hero only exported 11,868 units. When added up, Hero sold 4,62,608 units while Honda sold 4,62,523 units. Just 85 units short which is commendable. Good luck next time champ.Honda Upcoming BikesAccording to reports, Honda is expected to launch 3 new products in the Indian market to close the gap on Hero even more domestically. Those three products are said to fall in 125cc scooter segment, 160cc segment and the 300cc to 350cc segment.If we look at the 150cc to 200cc bikes segment, Honda doesn’t have a trendy name to rely on. Bajaj has the ever-expanding Pulsar brand, TVS has Apache brand and Yamaha has FZ brand. These brands have massive cult following which Honda’s Unicorn and Hornet have not been able to spawn.Honda Scrambler 350cc – Render based on leaked patent by Young MachineBut looking at recent sales trends, Unicorn 160 sold 11,203 units in July 2022 while it only sold 1,906 units on June 2022. Hornet 2.0 sold 1,240 units in July 2022 while it only sold 79 units in June 2022. There is a huge potential in the 160cc – 180cc space which rivals like Bajaj and TVS are making use of. When launched, it will take on Pulsar N160, Apache RTR 160 4V and the likes.But when it comes to scooters, Honda is the undisputed champion. With heavy lifters like Activa brand in its bag, there is no real threat for Honda’s scooters. But to keep the winning streak going, Honda seems to be launching a 125cc scooter. We hope it is a maxi-styled scooter though as that is the one segment Honda has still not ventured into.300cc – 350cc BikesIn 200cc to 500cc category, there is no beating Royal Enfield. In July 2022, Royal Enfield alone took the first five spots with 48,840 units combined. With the launch of Hunter 350, sales numbers are likely to go off the roof. But at the same time, Honda only sold 2,120 units in that month contributed by CB350.Honda ADV 160cc for India?Honda recently launched CB300F and going by Honda’s previous launches, we can expect a CB300X ADV based on it. This would take on BMW G 310 GS, KTM 390 Adventure and the likes. Honda has also trademarked the name Brigade which is believed to be a special edition of CB350.Together, in the coming year, Honda is expected to launch at least 3 products to push sales envelopes further. Even though Honda scooters are fantastic for sales charts, motorcycles are not compelling when compared to rivals in terms of pricing strategies. With better pricing, Honda can definitely take on Hero in terms of overall sales. More

  • in

    Buick Will Buy Out Dealers Who Don't Want to Start Selling Electric Cars

    Buick has made it clear that its future lies in two directions. First, the brand will only sell EVs after 2030. Second, all Buicks will be SUVs.Dealers who aren’t aligned with that future will be given an off-ramp, Buick global vice president Duncan Aldred said this week.The first all-electric Buick, the Electra, should be revealed sometime in 2023 and will arrive in 2024 as a 2025 model. Its look is expected to be influenced by the Buick Wildcat concept shown above.General Motors continues its push toward electrification, and it might take out a few Buick dealerships on its way.Duncan Aldred, global vice president of Buick and GMC, revealed to the Wall Street Journal this week that all of the 1900-plus Buick dealerships in the U.S. will be given buyout offers to those who don’t want to be a part of the brand’s shift to selling only electric vehicles. Buick is requiring its dealers to invest in charging stations and other store upgrades as part of this change.

    The 2022 Buick lineup: Encore, Encore GX, Envision, and Enclave.
    Buick

    “Not everyone necessarily wants to make [the electric] journey, depending on where they’re located or the level of expenditure that the transition will demand,” Aldred told the Journal. “So if they want to exit the Buick franchise, then we will give them monetary assistance to do so.”

    While Buick isn’t yet selling any all-electric models, the first Buick EV will be the Electra. The second and third and, well, all the rest will, too. Buick has announced that all of its EVs will carry the Electra name. The first Buick Electra should go into production in 2024 as a 2025 model. All new Buicks sold in the U.S. and Canada after that date will not only be electric, but the brand will exclusively sell SUVs in the future.We don’t know many details about the first Buick Electra, but since we expect it will use a GM Ultium battery pack with about 100.0 kWh of capacity, that should be good for 300 or more miles of range. The Electra will be revealed sometime in 2023, and we expect it will start at around $50,000.Most of the Buick dealers in the U.S. also sell GMC models. According to Automotive News, there were only around a dozen stand-alone Buick dealerships, so taking a buyout would most likely keep the dealership in the GM family.In 2020, GM offered buyouts to Cadillac dealers that didn’t want to spend the $150,000 to $200,000 that GM was requiring to update the dealerships for Cadillac’s first EV, the Lyriq, which is due next year. Around 175 Cadillac dealers took the buyouts, which were worth between $300,000 and $500,000, according to Automotive News.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. 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

  • in

    HOP OXO Electric Motorcycle Launch Price Rs 1.25 L – 150 Kms Range

    HOP Electric Mobility has launched new electric motorcycles in India via around 100 established dealershipsHOP OXO Electric MotorcycleIndia is one of the largest motorcycle markets in the world. Even though electric personal mobility is still a new and unexplored concept in India, we are seeing steady growth in this segment. A lot of startups as well as mainstream manufacturers are trying to leverage their products to attract customers. Hero Electric is also giving away free electric scooters for select buyers too. Though most of the action is in the electric scooter segment, electric motorcycles are also gaining popularity. We saw the Revolt RV400, Oben Rorr, and a few others.But now, Jaipur-based HOP Electric Mobility has entered the electric motorcycle segment with its OXO. New HOP OXO Electric price is starting from Rs. 1.25 lakh (ex-sh). Two variants are on offer – HOP OXO and HOP OXO X. It is priced in the same vicinity as electric scooters from Ola, TVS, Ather and the likes.HOP OXO Electric MotorcycleComing to the features that HOP OXO offers, it doesn’t get any of the convenience features or gimmicks that some electric scooters in the same price bracket, offer. It doesn’t get speakers enabling music streaming, cruise control, a slick interface, and more.It doesn’t even get LED headlights which in an EV, is quite illogical as LEDs slightly increase range. But it does get LED turn indicators, a 5″ digital display with necessary information and also connectivity with OXO mobile app, a comfortable and ergonomic seating position associated with naked bikes.HOP OXO Electric MotorcycleNew HOP electric motorcycle gets a rear wheel mounted hub motor that produces 6.2 kW of peak power and 200 Nm of wheel torque. It also gets riding modes too namely, eco, power and sport. Only OXO X gets a turbo mode with 90 km/h top speed. HOP OXO X can accelerate from 0 to 40 km/h in 4 seconds.It gets a 72V eFlow powertrain and its battery has 3.7 kWh worth of NMC cells. It is mounted lower on its frame to lower its centre of gravity. HOP OXO is heavily inspired by Yamaha FZ Version 2.0 in terms of design. It is muscular and mimics a street fighter look. Oxo gets disc brakes at both ends and coming to suspensions, it gets telescopic units at front and twin shock absorbers at the rear.Deliveries & CompetitionKetan Mehta-Founder and CEO, Hop Electric said, “Electric is taking the Indian market by storm. This growth is propelled by consumers’ inclinations toward sustainable, convenient and affordable mobility solutions. HOP OXO is the result of years of R&D, road testing and the hard work of hundreds of HOP employees that have put their sweat and blood to launch the most progressive e-bike in the market. Given that our dealer partners have already conducted 5000 pre-launch registrations, we foresee tremendous hypergrowth in this category. We are continuously working to strengthen our product portfolio further.”HOP OXO Electric MotorcycleWith a claimed real world range of 150 km on a single charge, OXO electric motorcycle is comparable to what Revolt RV400, Tork Kratos R, and Oben Rorr promise. Charging time is slated to be under 4 hours to go from 0 to 80% of its capacity with a 16A charger. 4G connectivity and OXO app unlocks many features like speed control, geo-fencing, an anti-theft system, ride stats, and much more. Back in June, HOP had already received 5,000 bookings from their dealer partners even before a single teaser of OXO X.HOP is expecting to sell an ambitious figure of around 50,000 units of OXO every year. With OXO, along with current and upcoming electric motorcycles, this segment is likely to slowly grow to reach a point where they’re comparable to electric scooter sales. HOP Electric Mobility is also said to invest in battery swapping tech too. More