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    2022 KTM Duke New Colours Launched – 125, 200, 250, 390

    KTM 390 series is currently the highest selling series comprising of Duke, RC and adventure range2022 KTM Duke 200 New ColourWhat comes to your mind when you think of a KTM? A lightweight and sporty machine that looks as funky as it can look. But definitely in orange, isn’t it? Orange has been one of the most identifiable colour options for a KTM product. But in a way, the company tastefully does the orange combinations to strike the right balance. Kudos!But that perception is slightly changing as black, white and even hints of blue are coming into the mix. But still, KTM does it tastefully and appeals vastly to youngsters. Truth be told, orange wheels are a little too much for my taste. KTM has been listening to feedback from people like me too and hence 390 Duke now doesn’t get orange wheels. Let’s take a look at what all is new.KTM Colourways UpdatedLet us start with 390 series as it is the highest-selling of all KTMs. For MY2022, KTM RC 390 and 390 Adventure get black wheels. But the same was not translated to 390 Duke as it still has orange wheels since its inception 9 years ago. But now, 390 Duke gets two new colorways, Dark Galvano and Liquid Metal.Liquid Metal gets orange majorly including the frame, but has blue and black highlights while the sub-frame and wheels are now black. Dark Galvano looks the best of all KTM Duke colourways, I should say. Coming to 250, 200 and 125 Duke, and Husqvarna Svartpilen 250, they all get one new colourways each while 390 got two. Hey, 390 Duke has bragging rights, okay?2022 KTM Duke 390 New ColourHusqvarna Svartpilen 250 gets a new black/blue/beige colourway that replaces the one currently on sale. 250 Duke gets a grey/black shade that is called Ebony Black and it is accentuated by subtle orange.I literally rubbed my eyes twice to see one of the most subtle colour schemes that KTM ever offered. It is called Drak Galvano and 390 gets it for the first time now. It looks stealthy and immaculate at the same time. Silver colour is axed, though.125 & 200 Duke200 Duke and 125 Duke also get one colourways each. 200 Duke gets a new grey colour that acts as the base while a combination of blue/white/orange goes on top. This colourway gets is called Dark Silver Metallic and gets a black frame coupled with a black subframe along with orange wheels. Electric Orange colourway is carried over as is. But the Ceramic White colourway that was offered before, is no more with 200 Duke.2022 KTM Duke 125 New ColourKTM’s smallest machine gets the flashiest colour of all KTM Duke colourways. Again, tastefully done and executed too. It is a tasty white subframe along with a black frame and orange wheels. The colourway is white/orange/blue and is called Ceramic White similar to one offered with 200 Duke. It looks very funky and youthful. Just like its bigger sibling 200 Duke, Electric Orange is carried over too. Mechanically, all bikes are identical. More

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    Ford and Ram to Drop Compact Vans, and There Goes the Segment

    Ford is reportedly pulling the Transit Connect from its lineup, and Ram will end production of the ProMaster City for the U.S.Mercedes-Benz also recently announced it’s dropping the Metris and Nissan had already ended production of the NV200.This means the compact cargo van segment is disappearing in the U.S. entirely—at least for now.As recently as 2018, there were five brands selling compact vans in the U.S.: Chevrolet, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Ram. Soon, with both the Ford Transit Connect and the Ram ProMaster City set to end production by 2023, there will be none left.Ford has scrapped plans for a new generation of the Transit Connect that was set to be built in Mexico, according to Automotive News. The report states that the current model, which is built in Spain, will exit the U.S. market in 2023, and no direct successor is planned. A Ford spokesperson told C/D, “we do not comment on speculation.” Meanwhile, Ram will also stop importing the Ram ProMaster City to the U.S. by the end of this year, a Ram spokesperson confirmed to C/D. Like the Ford, the Ram is built in Europe, and it is based on the Europe-market Fiat Doblo.These cancelations follow in the footsteps of Mercedes-Benz’s decision to drop the Metris from its U.S. lineup after the 2023 model year. Though it’s slightly larger and based on a rear-wheel-drive platform, there was some overlap between the Metris and the smaller, front-wheel-drive Transit Connect and ProMaster City in terms of price.Nissan was the first to exit this segment when it dropped the NV200 after the 2021 model year. Chevrolet had also sold a rebadged version of the NV200, called the City Express, from 2015 to 2018.

    Mercedes-Benz Metris

    Nissan NV200
    Nissan

    The trend started in 2010 when Ford brought over its Europe-market Transit Connect cargo van to the U.S. for the first time. It was meant to offer small-business owners and urban delivery services a cheaper, more maneuverable, and more fuel-efficient alternative to Ford’s massive truck-based E-series vans. Ford also offered a passenger version of the Transit Connect with rear seats and windows. Nissan joined in for the 2013 model year with the NV200, which it sold as a cargo van. There was also a taxi version of the NV200, although Nissan was ultimately unsuccessful in signing a contract to be the exclusive provider of New York City’s taxi fleet. Even still, many NV200s and Transit Connects are in use today as taxis. Ram started selling the ProMaster City for 2015, and Mercedes first brought over the Metris, sold in Europe as the Vito and V-class, for 2016.

    What’s causing these automakers to abandon small vans now? For one thing, sales have been declining for the past few years. The Transit Connect sold 41,598 units in the U.S. 2019 but managed to move just 26,112 in 2021; both of these figures pale in comparison to the full-size Transit, which racked up over 130,000 sales in both 2019 and 2020. The story is similar over at Ram, where the larger ProMaster regularly outsells its smaller City sibling by a factor of five to one.The commercial van segment is also evolving to include electric models, which requires a big investment in new platforms and battery packs. Ford has already begun selling the e-Transit, while GM has created a new division called BrightDrop that plans to sell electric cargo vans to commercial clients. Mercedes, too, has announced an electric version of its full-size Sprinter van, the eSprinter, that’s slated to begin production in 2023. Of course, it’s also possible that the scalability of electric vehicle platforms could spell a return of compact vans at some point in the near future. Startup automaker Canoo has already shown its idea of what a small EV van could look like. Although we’re not sure if that vehicle will become a reality, American small-van enthusiasts probably shouldn’t lose hope quite yet.
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    Royal Enfield Sales Aug 2022 – Classic, Bullet, Meteor, Hunter, 650 Twins

    Royal Enfield reports YTD, YoY and MoM sales growth in August 2022; Total sales surpass 70k unitsNew Royal Enfield Hunter 350While industry wide two-wheeler sales haven’t quite bounced back to its highest peaks, Royal Enfield is having a progressive quarter. Alongside a strong YoY sales performance, MoM sales too is markedly improved. Total Royal Enfield motorcycle sales last month are reported at just over 70k units.With a total of 70,112 units, the manufacturer reports 53 percent sales growth. Up from 45,860 units YoY, volume gain stood at 24,252 units. As monthly sales continue to grow, in tandem, the company has reported an improvement in YTD sales.Royal Enfield Sales Aug 2022While exports grew, it was growth in domestic sales that steered a strong result. Of total sales, the 350cc segment as always defines and dictates what happens, only this time in a stronger avatar. 350cc segment sales is reported at 62,236 units, up from 38,572 units. Volume growth is reported at 61.35 percent. Volume gain stood at 23,664 units. In this segment, RE sells Classic, Bullet, Meteor, Electra and Hunter.Above 350cc segment sales is reported at 7,876 units at 8 percent growth. Up from 7,288 units, volume gain stood at 588. In this segment, RE sells 650 Twins, Himalayan and Scram. Soon they will launch the new Himalayan 450, Scram 450 and Super Meteor 650 cruiser.Royal Enfield Sales Aug 2022Royal Enfield Exports is up at 7,220 units at 6 percent growth. Up from 6,790 units, volume gain stood at 430 units. Total domestic sales are up at 62,892 units, up from 39,070 units. Volume gain is reported at 23,822 units at 61 percent growth. Royal Enfield August 2022 results saw growth in all quarters.MoM sales growth in August 2022MoM sales are up from 55,555 units. Volume gain stood at 14,557 units at 26 percent growth. 350cc segment sales is up from 46,336 units at 34.31 percent growth. Volume gain stood at just below 16k units.The above 350cc segment saw sales decline of 14.57 percent, down from 9,219 units. Volume loss stood at 1,343 units. Domestic sales growth is reported at 35.17 percent, up from 46,529 units. Volume gain stood at 16,363 units. Exports fell from just over 9k units at 20 percent decline. Volume loss stood at 1.8k units.YTD sales soars ahead in 5 monthsYTD FY23 sales for the 350cc segment is up at 2,64,376 units. At 45 percent growth, YoY YTD sales are up from 1,82,681 units. Above 350cc segment sales is up 57 percent at 48,496 units from 30,857 units. Total YTD sales are up at 3,12,872 units from 2,13,538 units. Volume growth stood at 47 percent. Exports for the fiscal are up at 45,809 units at 50 percent growth, up from 30,501 units. With the 350cc segment being its backbone, Royal Enfield has often found a way to reinvigorate the segment. Its latest wonder kid being the Hunter 350cc launched in early August. More

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    TVS Motor Sales Aug 2022 – Apache, Jupiter, iQube, Raider, Ntorq

    TVS Motor Company reported two wheeler sales growth of 15 percent in August 2022 to 3,33,787 unitsImage – Auto EraTVS Motor Company has registered total sales growth of 14.82 percent in August 2022. Total sales (2+3W) in the past month stood at 3,33,787 units as compared to 2,90,694 units sold in August 2021. On a MoM basis, sales improved 6.09 percent compared to 3,14,639 units sold in July 2022.Positive sentiments prevailed across the auto sector in the past month. Sales growth was reported by most automakers as is generally seen at the start of the festive season in the country. There have also been improvements in supply chain and improved availability of semiconductors have also boosted demand in this segment.TVS Motor 2W Sales August 2022TVS motorcycle sales improved by 17.44 percent YoY in August 2022 to 1,57,118 units from 1,33,789 units sold in August 2021. This was a 23,329 unit volume growth with a 49.79 percent share. MoM sales also increased 4.51 percent from 1,50,340 units sold in July 2022. Top selling motorcycles from TVS includes – Apache, Raider, Sport, Star City, etc. 2023 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V motorcycle has been spied testing for the first time and will see some changes along with a new exhaust.Scooter sales also increased 39.98 percent YoY and 10.59 percent MoM to 1,21,866 units in August 2022. The company had sold 87,059 units in August 2021 and 1,10,196 units in July 2022. The company’s scooter lineup currently commands a 38.62 percent share. Top selling scooters of TVS are Jupiter, Ntorq, Pep+, etcTVS Motor Sales Aug 2022 vs Aug 2021 (YoY)TVS electric scooter sales also increased 580.74 percent to 4,418 units in the past month, up from 649 units sold in August 2022 while MoM sales dipped by 30.32 percent from 6,340 units sold in July 2022. The company has increased production of its iQube electric scooter after noting outstanding demand. TVS Creon based electric scooter was also spied testing recently. There was a YoY and MoM de-growth in TVS XL100 moped sales that dipped 31.63 percent YoY to 36,555 units from 53,465 units sold in Augusts 2021 while MoM sales fell 6.59 percent from 39,122 units sold in July 2022.Domestic sales of two wheelers stood at 2,39,325 units in August 2022 up 32.96 percent from 1,79,999 units sold in August 2021 while on a MoM basis, sales improved 18.51 percent from 2,01,942 units sold in July 2022. Exports on the other hand dipped YoY (-19.19 percent) and MoM (-22 percent) to 76,214 units. This took total 2W sales to 3,15,539 units in August 2022 up 15.03 percent from 2,74,313 units sold in August 2021 and up 5.30 percent MoM from 2,99,658 units sold in July 2022.TVS Motor 3W Sales August 2022Three wheeler sales (domestic+exports) of TVS Motor Company stood at 18,248 units in August 2022, up 11.40 percent from 16,381 units sold in August 2021. MoM sales also improved by21.81 percent from 14,981 units sold in July 2022. Domestic sales were higher by 75.91 percent to 1,352 units in the past month from 768 units sold in August 2021 while MoM sales improved by 103.16 percent from 665 units sold in July 2022.TVS Motor Sales Aug 2022 vs Jul 2022 (MoM)Exports also saw a YoY and MoM growth of 8.22 percent and 18.03 percent to 16,897 units. Total domestic 2+3 wheelers sales saw a 33.14 percent YoY growth to 2,40,676 units in August 2022 from 1,80,767 units sold in August 2021 while MoM sales improved by 18.76 percent from 2,02,607 units sold in July 2022. Exports saw a YoY and MoM de-growth of 15.30 percent and 16.89 percent respectively to 93,111 units in August 2022. This was against 1,09,927 units shipped in August 2022 and 1,12,032 units shipped in July 2022. More

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    Ather Electric Scooter Sales Aug 2022 At 6,410 – 297% Growth YoY

    Ather Energy reports its highest electric scooter sales in August 2022 at 6,410 units; YoY growth at 297 percentAther Electric ScooterWith continued investments coming its way, Ather has concentrated on improving its market reach. This is brought about through immersive experience centres. The newest centres were opened in Pune, Chennai, and Ranchi.Growth momentum portends good tidings for the electric two-wheeler industry. A space that has been growing continually and relies on future growth projections. This is in tandem with industry wide goals to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.Ather Electric Scooter Sales Aug 2 s022August 2022 has been phenomenal for Ather Energy. The brand reported sales at 6,410 units at growth just shy of 300 percent. A year earlier this number was closer to 1.6k units. Volume growth stands at almost 4.8k units. MoM sales are up from 2,389 units at 168.31 percent growth. Volume growth stood at just over 4k units.The EV manufacturer holds a leadership position in Kerala at 34 percent market share. The month just ended also saw Ather Energy roll out it’s 50,000th unit. While the company began sales operations a little over 4 years ago, it’s only in recent months that sales momentum has taken great strides.Ather Electric Scooter Sales Aug 2022Ather sales network and production growthWhat is amazing about Ather’s sales in August 2022 is that in a not too instant past these numbers barely touched the 1k mark. Current numbers reflect not just determined focus in production but also a reliable sales network. Over time, scope for business has improved with the company beginning sales in newer markets.In quicktime the electric two-wheeler space has become competitive and is showing signs of greater acceptance. For now, the e2W space remains dominated by e-scooters. And for now, business is simple at Ather. The company has followed a conservative path and relies on two scooters for all its sales, the Ather 450 Plus and Ather 450X. In July, the company was transitioning in prep for the launch of Ather 450X Gen 3. As such, it resorted to production shutdown for a considerable period.Growing momentum in Ather productionRavneet S. Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy “We have registered the highest ever monthly sales figures, delivering 6410 scooters to our customers. The demand has always been strong, but we’ve been grappling with supply chain constraints. It is now that all the hard work on ramping up the supply chain is beginning to pay off, and we see growth in our production numbers.This growing momentum in production will ease the waiting period for deliveries, and that coupled with the ongoing distribution footprint expansion sets us up well for a great festive season.” More

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    Bajaj Sales Aug 2022 – Pulsar, Avenger, Chetak, Dominar, CT100

    Bajaj Auto reported a 49 percent YoY growth in total (2Wh + CV) domestic sales while a de-growth of 28 percent was seen in the case of total exports in August 2022New Bajaj Pulsar 160NBajaj Auto Limited has seen outstanding sales in domestic markets in August 2022. Total sales which included that of two wheelers and commercial vehicles increased by 49 percent. Exports, on the other hand dipped 28 percent YoY.In domestic markets, total sales stood at 2,56,755 units, up 49 percent from 1,72,595 units sold in August 2021. Exports dipped 28 percent to 1,44,840 units in the past month from 2,00,675 units shipped in August 2022. This led to total sales of 4,01,595 units in August 2022 up 8 percent over 3,73,270 units sold in August 2021.Bajaj Auto Sales August 2022Two wheeler sales of the company stood at 2,33,838 units in August 2022. Bajaj Auto has also reported highest ever sales for the Bajaj Platina. This was a 48 percent YoY growth over 1,57,971 units sold in August 2021. Other motorcycles in the lineup also performed well, including Pulsar, Dominar, Avenger, CT100. Chetak electric scooter sales are also on the rise.Exports of two wheelers however, dipped 32 percent YoY to 1,21,787 units in August 2022, down from 1,80,339 units exported in August 2021. This took total sales in this segment to 3,55,625 units, up 5 percent from 3,38,310 units sold in August 2022.Bajaj Sales Aug 2022Commercial vehicle sales in domestic markets experienced a 57 percent YoY growth to 22,917 units in August 2022, up from 14,624 units sold in August 2021. There was also a 13 percent increase in exports to 23,053 units, up from 20,336 units exported in August 2021. Total commercial vehicle sales were higher by 31 percent YoY to 45,970 units in August 2022 from 34,960 units sold in August 2021. Bajaj RE EV 283 and RE EV Cargo have been recently spotted on test and features have been detailed. The RE EV 283 electric auto rickshaw could launch in cities of Pune and Bengaluru first.Bajaj Auto YTD Sales and ExportsYear to date (YTD) sales during the period April-August 2022 saw a total (2W + CV) de-growth of 3 percent to 16,89,911 units down from 17,48,400 units sold in the same period of 2021. Again it was domestic sales that ended on a positive note with a 14 percent growth to 7,92,547 units from 6,97,005 units sold in the same 5 month period of 2021. Total exports (2W+CV) fell 15 percent to 8,97,364 units in the April-August 2022 period from 10,51,395 units sold in the same period of 2021.In domestic markets, Bajaj Auto two wheeler sales improved by 9 percent to 7,12,640 units, up from 6,56,755 units sold in the April-August 2021 period while exports fell 12 percent to 8,05,197 units from 9,11,429 units sold in the corresponding period of 2021. This took total 2W sales down 3 percent to 15,17,837 units in the first 5 months of 2022 from 15,68,184 units sold in the same period of 2021.Bajaj Sales Aug 2022 – YTD FY 2023Commercial vehicle YTD sales nearly doubled in domestic markets during the April-August 2022 period. It was a 99 percent growth to 79,907 units sold during the 5 month period, up from 40,250 units sold in the same period of 2021. Exports fell 34 percent to 92,167 units from 1,39,966 units sold in the 2021 period.  Total sales of CVs thus dipped 5 percent to 1,72,074 units from 1,80,216 units sold in the April-August 2021 period. More

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    2023 Honda Civic Type R Has 315 HP and Track-Minded Improvements

    The 2023 Honda Civic Type R’s 2.0-liter turbo-four makes 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque—up 9 and 15, respectively.The new CTR also has track-minded upgrades that are said to improve engine cooling and make it perform better.While we still don’t know how much the 2023 Civic Type R costs, Honda says the car’s price will be announced closer to its launch this fall.Honda has revealed the latest Civic Type R like a multi-course meal, serving up details piece by piece. We savored the first photos and few specs that came out in July, but we’ve been starving for the juicy technical details, many of which the company finally released today.More Power!Ladies and gentlemen, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R has 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. That represents an increase of 9 ponies and 15 pound-feet compared with the previous-generation car, which had totals of 306 and 295, respectively. Max horsepower now arrives 100 rpm sooner at 6400 rpm, whereas peak torque is produced between 2600 and 4000 rpm. Previously, peak torque was available from 2500–4500 rpm.
    While the new CTR features the same K20C1 turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four as before, Honda made myriad modifications that contributed to the power boost and that it claims will improve engine response. The enhancements include a freer-flowing air intake, a redesigned turbo, and a revised exhaust system with an active valve that now opens at higher rpm.

    We already knew the new Type R would have a standard six-speed manual. However, we didn’t know what changes, if any, Honda made to the DIY transmission. Now, we’re told that the six-speed has a stiffer shift lever and updated shift-gate pattern that together are said to make gearchanges more precise and satisfying. Plus, the ’23 CTR has a lighter flywheel, and Honda says it revised the transmission’s rev-match feature to work better. While rumors swirled about a possible dual-clutch automatic, that isn’t currently part of the picture. Track-Minded ImprovementsHonda says it spent lots of time testing the newest Civic Type R on racetracks around the world. The most notable names the company dropped are Germany’s Nürburgring and Japan’s Suzuka Circuit, where the Type R set a track record for a front-drive production car. We hope all those development hours pay dividends when the production versions start hitting local road courses.
    Among the various track-minded improvements made to the R-rated Civic is better engine cooling. Honda says it accomplished this by enlarging the car’s grille opening and bolting in a bigger radiator with a large-diameter fan. Also addressed are the brakes, which are said to benefit from better cooling and an updated brake booster that supposedly makes the pedal easier to control. While Honda hasn’t said exactly how much the new Type R weighs, a spokesperson told Car and Driver that its curb weight has “gone up slightly.” The CTR also now rolls on 19-inch wheels that are smaller than the old 20-inchers, which might reduce unsprung weight, but we can’t say for sure. The new rollers are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer rubber that is 0.8 inch wider and has a slightly taller sidewall.
    As for the rest of the Civic Type R’s chassis, its front track is 1.0 inch wider and its rear track is 0.8 inch wider than its predecessor. Honda also says it retuned the dual-axis strut front and multilink rear suspension, but it doesn’t say what specifically is changed, other than it should provide better steering feel and straight-line stability. The hatch’s new bodywork, including hips that are 0.6 inch wider, is more aerodynamic than before and is said to generate more downforce. Also, its body structure is said to be more rigid than before.

    Honda

    Honda

    Just Waiting on PriceWithout a doubt, the most important detail about the 2023 Honda Civic Type R that we’re still waiting to find out is how much it’ll cost. We think its starting price will likely end up around $39,000, but Honda says we’ll have to wait until closer to the car’s launch this fall to learn pricing—the final piece of this multi-course reveal.
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    Super Bee Badge Returns to Dodge Charger for 2023 Send-Off

    The 2023 Dodge Charger Super Bee is the latest “Last Call” edition to be revealed before the current Charger and Challenger are killed off after 2023.The Super Bee uses the Scat Pack as a starting point, adding adaptive dampers with a “Drag Mode” and wide drag radial tires.The Super Bee also gets snazzy exterior graphics and will come in either Plum Crazy or B5 Blue paint jobs.After more than a decade in production, the current generation of the Dodge Charger is set to be discontinued after the 2023 model year. Before an electric replacement inspired by the Charger Daytona SRT concept arrives, Dodge is giving the Charger (and the Challenger coupe) a farewell with a series of “Last Call” special editions. The 2023 Charger Super Bee is the latest of those sendoffs to be revealed, arriving with unique graphics and performance equipment.

    Dodge

    The Super Bee name first debuted in 1968, based on the Coronet coupe, and migrated to the Charger in 1971. The moniker returned in 2007 using the Charger SRT-8 as the base, and then reappeared for 2012 as a 392-powered variant of the current generation, acting as a cheaper performance model below the SRT. The latest Super Bee continues in that vein, using the Scat Pack as its base and attempting to balance daily driving with drag-racing performance. To that end, the Super Bee gains adaptive dampers with a special “Drag Mode,” and rides on drag radial tires. Super Bees equipped with the Widebody design—which will account for half of production—will use 18-inch wheels wrapped in 315-width tires, while the standard narrow-body Super Bees will feature 20-inch wheels shod in 275-width tires. Other performance gear includes red-painted four-piston Brembo brakes, an SRT hood with a functional scoop and dual heat extractors, and black SRT exhaust tips.

    Dodge

    Visually, the Super Bee stands out with a stylized graphic on the hood and a stripe on the rear fender, along with Super Bee badges on the grille and front fenders. There is also a black Mopar hood pin kit, and Super Bee logos appear on the seatbacks and instrument panel. The Super Bee is outfitted with equipment from the Plus Group and Carbon/Suede package.

    Dodge will build 1000 units of the Super Bee. The 500 Widebody examples will be painted in Plum Crazy with white graphics, while the 500 with the standard body will come in B5 Blue with blue graphics. Pricing will be shared when orders open later in the fall. The Super Bee is the second “Last Call” model to be revealed after the Challenger Shakedown, with five more special edition Chargers and Challengers coming out this fall. Dodge says the next “Last Call” variant will be revealed September 7.
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