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    2023 Ather Electric Scooter Spied – New Affordable Variant?

    Ather new electric scooter could get a smaller battery pack, which could mean lower range in comparison to 450X and 450 Plus2023 Ather Electric Scooter SpiedHigh acquisition cost is a key factor that is limiting sales of electric two-wheelers. It’s true that EV sales have registered triple-digit YoY growth in recent times. But overall numbers are still a fraction of ICE-based two-wheeler sales. That ICE two-wheelers continue to register positive growth shows electric two-wheelers are still out of reach of a large section of the masses.While the likes of Hero Electric have been able to match pricing of entry-level ICE-based two-wheelers, it will be difficult for Ather to achieve the same due to the advanced battery packs and hi-tech features offered with 450X and 450 Plus.2023 Ather Electric Scooter SpiedAs a solution, Ather appears to be working on a new scooter that will have a smaller battery pack and hence could be offered at a lower price point. This is something similar to Ola Electric that recently launched a more affordable Ola S1 at Rs 1 lakh with a range of 141 km.2023 Ather Electric Scooter is expected to have the same level of performance as that of 450X and 450 Plus. Only thing is that range will be less with the smaller battery pack. Top speed could also be impacted to some extent. There are unlikely to be any compromises on equipment list, as Ather is positioned as a lifestyle product. Ather new electric scooter will have features such as OTA updates, touchscreen display, turn-by-turn navigation, etc.2023 Ather Electric Scooter SpiedIt is likely that Ather new electric scooter will be based on 450X Gen 3, which was launched earlier this year in July. It comes with a range of upgrades such as a certified range of 146 km. True range is 105 km. It has a 25% bigger 3.7 kWh battery pack. With use of performance tyres, stopping distance has been reduced and grip on wet roads has improved by 22%. Dashboard interactions are now 80% faster, ensuring smoother maps and faster loading of apps.Why launch affordable variant?There are multiple reasons why OEMs have launched or are working to launch affordable versions of their existing scooters. One likely reason is rise in input costs, which has forced EV manufacturers to increase prices. Such price hikes have made these EVs even more inaccessible to a large section of consumers.Second reason is discontinuation of state EV subsidies, as already announced by states like Goa and Maharashtra. It is possible that more states could discontinue EV subsidy, something that will push EV prices significantly. Even central government EV subsidy available under FAME II is set to expire on March 31, 2024. It has already received an extension, so is unlikely to get another one.2023 Ather Electric Scooter SpiedAnother factor is that recharging infrastructure is now more easily accessible, as compared to earlier times. For example, Ather has more than 350 charging stations spread across more than 30 cities. And it’s only getting better with every passing day. So, even with low range, users don’t have to worry about getting stranded.Source More

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    2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Starts at $105,550 and Crests $133K

    The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS450+ SUV starts at $105,550, which is only $100 more than its sedan counterpart.The SUV’s all-wheel-drive models, the EQS450 4Matic and EQS580 4Matic, start at $108,550 and $127,100, respectively.The 2023 EQS580 4Matic SUV in the fanciest Pinnacle trim level crests the $133k mark. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV has a base price of $105,550. Surprisingly, that’s only $100 more than the starting price of its EQS450+ sedan counterpart, which opens at $105,450 for the 2023 model year.

    That $100 price difference continues to separate the 2023 EQS SUV and sedan for each of their available powertrains, which include the aforementioned rear-drive EQS450+ as well as the all-wheel-drive EQS450 4Matic and the EQS580 4Matic. The SUV version of each starts at $108,550 and $127,100, respectively.

    Mercedes-Benz

    As with the sedan, the EQS SUV and its three powertrains are available in three trim levels: Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle. All the prices listed above are for the Premium, which represents the entry-level trim and comes standard with heated and ventilated front seats, leather interior upholstery, a Burmester sound system, rear-axle steering, and a boatload of driver assists.

    Mercedes-Benz

    The Exclusive trim adds a head-up display, four-zone climate control, massaging front seats, and more. With dual motors and all-wheel drive, the 355-hp EQS450 4Matic costs $112,800, and the 536-hp EQS580 4Matic costs $131,350. The Pinnacle trim essentially upgrades the second-row seats with an Executive package, an MBUX tablet and wireless charging in the middle armrest, and more comfortable headrests. The EQS450 4Matic costs $114,800, whereas the EQS580 4Matic crests $133k, with a starting price of $133,350.The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV goes on sale this fall, meaning it should reach dealerships any day now.
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    Listen to the Ferrari Purosangue's Exhaust before Its September 13 Reveal

    Ferrari has confirmed that it will unveil the Purosangue SUV next Tuesday, September 13.In this just-released teaser image, Ferrari shows a front-facing silhouette of the car in semi-darkness. We originally speculated the Purosangue would debut as a 2022 model, but it’s now looking more likely to be a 2023 model.Heresy or not, Ferrari is plunging into the super-SUV fray with the Purosangue. The newest prancing horse will take on a growing list of ultra-high-performance models that includes the Lamborghini Urus, Aston Martin DBX 707, and Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. In a post to the Ferrari Twitter account, the Maranello-based automaker announced a reveal date of September 13 and offered up a short teaser of the exhaust note. Ferrari’s not calling this new model an SUV or even a crossover, instead referring to the Purosangue as a Ferrari Utility Vehicle (FUV).
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    The teaser video shows off the same sloping figure, this time giving us a look at a set of angled headlights. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna confirmed in May that the Purosangue will be powered by a naturally aspirated V-12. While the company has not confirmed a V-8 version of the vehicle, it could also get the same twin-turbo V-8 seen elsewhere in the Ferrari stable. Unlike some of the other high-performance SUVs in the class, the Purosangue is thought to be heavily focused on roadgoing performance. Expect off-road options and performance upgrades to be pretty scant. We don’t know yet what the power output will be, but the Porsche offers 631 horsepower, the Urus offers 641 or 657 horsepower, and the Aston comes with 697 hp. Our colleagues at Road & Track think the Purosangue may share its V-12 with the 819-hp 812 Competizione, which could put the Ferrari at the top of the heap. Whatever the exact figure is, it is sure to provide serious performance for an SUV, and we’d expect handling to match.With the full reveal only a week away, there is not long to wait now for more information on what is arguably the most significant Ferrari in recent memory.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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

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    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.
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    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