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    Bajaj Pulsar Electric Launch Planned – KTM, Husqvarna EVs Incoming

    Bajaj Auto will maintain a fine balance between IC engine vehicles and EVsImage of Zero Motorcycle for referenceBajaj Auto is one of the most prominent two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturers in the world. Though India is their biggest market, they also have a global presence unlike any other. Bajaj exports to about 70 countries around the world. This is why Bajaj claims that they are The World’s Favourite Indian.Bajaj Auto recently inaugurated Chetak Technology’s new manufacturing facility at Akurdi. This manufacturing facility has been created for EV development and production for Bajaj’s subsidiary company Chetak Technology. Rakesh Sharma, exec director at Bajaj Auto, Sharma revealed what Bajaj Auto has on its plate right now and what it expects to be in the future.Bajaj Auto EV PortfolioThe Indian automaker is keen on maintaining a synergy between both its EV portfolio and IC engine vehicles portfolio. Sharma also expressed Bajaj Auto’s reservations as to why they’re not going all hands on deck with EVs just yet. This is because the transition from IC engine vehicles to EVs is not yet happening at a pace to justify the outright change in strategies.But Bajaj Auto realises the significance of EVs in markets like India where it is raining EVs and not in a good way. To provide undivided attention and developments, Bajaj decided to create its subsidiary Chetak Technology. With Chetak Technology, Bajaj aims to make it a global hub for EV design, development and production.2023 KTM Duke Electric – RenderBajaj believes that the scope of ICE vehicles will not get over in a hurry. Even optimistically considering that 50% of the bikes somehow become electric by the end of 2030, the other half will still be reliant on IC engines. Bajaj Auto is also expected to learn a lot of things from its new partnership with Yulu allowing it to integrate them with their product solutions. They will be launching a new EV later this year, exclusively for Yulu.Bajaj is also expected to expand Chetak’s EV portfolio both vertically and horizontally. Sharma also hints at possible sub-segments within Bajaj Auto or Chetak Technology in the form of Pulsar Electric two-wheelers while RE branding will still adhere to three-wheelers. He also mentioned that KTM is keen on electric motorcycle and so is Husqvarna electric scooter (spied testing in pune). According to him, Bajaj is still not in talks regarding EVs with its British partner Triumph.Chetak’s Global ExpansionChetak technology is toying with the idea of selling Chetak EVs overseas. Particularly, ASEAN markets where scooters form more than 90% of the market share in countries like Vietnam. Even though Bajaj Auto is still young in ASEAN markets, with supply-chain stabilisation, we can expect Bajaj to jump into this popular market with its EVs.If Pulsar electric will become a reality, we can expect Bajaj to base it on the existing Pulsar range of motorcycles with the same chassis and even body panels too. We can also see similar hardware like brakes and suspension that are currently doing duties in the Pulsar lineup. It will be interesting to see a mainstream manufacturer like Bajaj to expand its EV portfolio from just electric scooters to motorcycles.  More

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    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Scrambler Dual Exhaust – Modified By Modbike

    This custom motorcycle retains Meteor 350’s original silhouette but gets a lot of custom modsRoyal Enfield Meteor 350 ScramblerDo you feel like Royal Enfield Meteor 350 falls short in flair? Do you feel like something is missing from the overall package? Something essential that enhances the persona of the motorcycle? Then, only a custom Meteor 350 is your answer.Custom bikes come with a certain individuality that stock bikes coming straight out of the factory lacks. It is because OEMs don’t design their motorcycles to only appeal to a bunch of enthusiasts excluding the mainstream audience. They are manufactured to appeal to a wide range of customers across various regions, religions, cultures, mindsets, tastes and more aspects. So, if an individual wants something special, a custom bike is their only solution.Royal Enfield Meteor 350 ScramblerOne such company aiming to offer individuality is MODBIKE. They have created a truly unique version of Royal Enfield’s Meteor 350. The main attraction to this custom bike is not actually the stunning paint scheme. It is the fat 130/70 section tyre that is wrapped around the 17’ alloy wheel from the manufacturer.To accommodate the wider tyre at the front, it gets a custom mudguard too. They have tried to give it a scrambler vibe too. Hence, it gets custom fork gators, a modified rear subframe with integrated LED taillights and also a custom bash plate to protect the engine from bumps and obstacles. The maker has also played around with the rider’s triangle by slightly changing the positioning of footpegs.Royal Enfield Meteor 350 ScramblerApart from the fat front tyre, there are other elements added at the front to make the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Scrambler feel substantial. Some of them are a 30 mm custom handlebar with custom holder, a custom LED headlight and custom mirrors. The main visual distinction from a regular Meteor 350 in terms of road presence is the dual exhausts. These aren’t dummy, both exhausts are functional and the second exhaust is fed by a custom exhaust router. Take a look at the walkaround video below.[embedded content][embedded content]Finishing off the looks are custom seats, an aftermarket tyre hugger with registration plate mount, a custom paint scheme and custom RE logo painted on the tank. Custom Meteor 350 M also gets a custom side stand and a centre stand.Full List Of ModificationsWe don’t know the pricing of this custom Meteor 350 M by MODBIKE. It offers a unique character to the stock Meteor 350 and appeals to many if not all. Below are all the changes on offer with this latest modification.1. Front wheel 17 inch with broad tyre 130/70-172. Front mudguard modification3. Front forks boots4. Custom head lamp with head lamp stay5. 32mm thick custom handle bar with custom holder6. Custom side view mirror7. Custom exhaust both side workings8. Foot controls position changed9. Seat frame customised spl with inbuilt LED tail lamp10. Custom seat11. Both sides have attractive leather bags12. Rear tyre hugger with installation licence plate with light13. Spl Graphics painting14. Fuel tank logos changed15. Side stand settings16. Middle stand settings17. All indicators settings18. Custom made engine guardRoyal Enfield Meteor 350Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is a cruiser motorcycle that is retro in its styling and has a modern engine architecture. Gone are the days when Royal Enfield motorcycles rattled with their unbearable vibrations and crudeness.Royal Enfield Meteor 350 ScramblerIt is powered by the modern JD1 engine by Royal Enfield that displaces 349 cc and gets modern features like oil cooling and finally getting rid of pushrods in favour of a smoother SOHC setup. It makes 20.4 PS at 6100 RPM and 27 Nm at 4000 RPM. Meteor 350 comes with disc brakes at both fronts tied with a dual-channel ABS system and weighs 191 kg. Meteor 350 is very popular in India and Royal Enfield is also expected to launch a sportier version called Meteor 350X.Source More

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    1989 Porsche 944 S2 Is Our Bring a Trailer Pick of the Day

    • The 33-year-old car looks clean and has 58,000 miles on the odometer. • The paint is finished in Alpine White while dark-tinted windows protect a burgundy interior from any unwanted UV rays. • If you’re interested in bidding, the auction ends Friday, June 24. Like many other young car enthusiasts, I spent much of my spare time throughout high school scrolling through page after page of car listings I could not afford. I never worked during the school year and therefore never really had any buying power. I did, however, have eyes quite a bit bigger than my wallet—and a friend willing to drive me around in his 1982 Porsche 924.

    Bring a Trailer

    I was head over heels for that car, even if it was riddled with mechanical and electrical issues. It was simply gorgeous in its peeling burnt-orange-paint glory. It sounded the way I thought a car should, and it had a manual transmission, which intrigued me even if my 14-year-old self couldn’t realistically drive anything. I spent hours poring over examples of 924s and 944s I would never be able to buy.

    Bring a Trailer

    When I discovered the 944, I was, simply put, smitten. The Porsche 944 took the body from the entry-level 924, muscled it up, and gave the car wider proportions. This generation of 944, which is up for auction on Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos—came in 1989 and was labeled the 944 S2, the third and final variation of the car.

    The 944 S2 is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-four originally rated at 208 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. That power is mated to a five-speed manual transaxle and limited-slip differential sending power to the rear wheels. According to the listing, the timing belt, idler pulleys, tensioners, and accessory belt were all recently serviced, along with an A/C system recharge. The car is being auctioned from Arizona with an owner’s manual, service records, tool kit, and a window sticker.

    Bring a Trailer

    There are a few blemishes: the shift knob shows wear, and the top of the dash is cracking around the vents. Even so, with all the recent service and sophisticated Alpine White paint, this 944 S2 managed to charm us. If you want a crack at it, the auction ends on Friday, June 24.

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    How to Watch the 100th Running of Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

    The 100th running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb starts Sunday, June 26, at 9:30 a.m. ET (7:30 a.m. Mountain time).Tickets are sold out, but fans will be able to watch the action for free from the Mobil 1 Facebook page.More than 70 entrants will participate, including six drivers who share multiple King of the Mountain titles for quickest overall. Among them are five-time winner Rod Millen, his son and two-time king Rhys Millen, and current Time Attack 1 division record holder and three-time king David Donner.Entering the final week of practice with qualifying beginning on Tuesday, June 21, the 100th running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) is almost here. The green flag drops for the legendary race up Pikes Peak Mountain near Colorado Springs, Colorado, at 7:30 a.m. Mountain time (9:30 a.m. Eastern) on Sunday, June 26. Spectator tickets are completely sold out, but don’t let that stop you from watching the wildest motorsports event in the United States.

    Here’s how to watch it for free. Pikes Peak Live, presented by Mobil 1, will be hosting live video from their official Facebook page. We’ll embed that video here on race day. If you’re unable to watch but want to listen to the action, Live flag-to-flag coverage by Colorado Springs’s own news station, KRDO, will be featured on their website and FM radio channel. For those who tweet, the PPIHC Twitter will continue to post updates and behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the week.This year’s roster includes more than 70 entries, with drivers from some of the most exciting circles of motorsports. Rod Millen, who turned 71 this year, returns with the legendary 1998 Toyota Tacoma hill-climb pickup in which he achieved two of four consecutive King of the Mountain wins. This time, the road up the mountain is completely paved, but in the dirt, Millen’s quickest run in the Tacoma was 10:07.70 in 1998. Rhys Millen, Rod’s son, nearly beat Romain Dumas last year for an overall win. Rhys returns for an attempt at his third King of the Mountain title in a 2016 Porsche GT3R built by E-Motion Engineering.

    Glen Cordle/000

    Three-time King of the Mountain David Donner is back for his 26th attempt at Pikes Peak with a 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo S 000 production car. Donner currently holds the record for the quickest climb of the Time Attack class with a blistering 9:36.559 time, but this year he’s back to reclaim the production car record of 10:18.488 set by Rhys Millen 2019.Acura is debuting its race-prepped 2023 Integra alongside two 2022 NSX Type S and a pair of 2021 TLX Type S sedans. The NSX Type S is the official pace car for this year’s event piloted by Renée Brinkerhoff, who has competed in La Carrera Panamericana Mexican Rally three times. The race up Pikes Peak is a 12.42-mile time trial event, where one car at a time climbs the 156-turn paved scenic roadway and finishes at the summit at 14,115 feet above sea level. Six divisions of cars compete, ranging from production cars to open-wheel aerodynamic freak shows. Each year brings quicker and more powerful competition. It’s how records are made, and later broken. The quickest time yet, a mind-blowing 07:57.148, was set by Romain Dumas in 2018 with Volkswagen’s electric ID. R, and there’s plenty of horsepower (and downforce) in Colorado this year to potentially beat it. Everyone’s chance hinges on successfully completing this week’s practice and qualifying leading up to an exciting race on Sunday. Until then, we highly suggest watching last year’s PPIHC from the Mobil 1 YouTube channel.
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    BMW G310RR Instrument Cluster, Decals – Revealed In New Teaser

    While it borrows much of the hardware from Apache RR310, styling and graphics of G310RR are inspired by S 1000 RR2022 BMW G310RRAhead of its launch on July 15, new details about BMW G 310 RR have been revealed. Earlier teasers posted by the company indicated that the bike will be getting fully-adjustable suspension setup. But the teaser shared today, misses out on adjustable front suspension. Is BMW planning on offering multiple variants? One with adjustable suspension and one without?Adjustable suspension option helps rider to tune the motorcycle in a more friendly manner. Based on riding style and terrain, the user will be able to adjust the firmness and flexibility of the suspension system.BMW G310RR adjustable suspension?Earlier teaser revealed adjustable knobs on fork tops, which are similar to the ones offered with Built to order (BTO) version of TVS Apache RR310. It is possible that other features too that are offered with RR310 BTO may be available as standard with G310RR. This will work as a means of differentiation and justify G310RR’s premium profile and pricing.Suspension is likely to be the same as that used with Apache RR310 BTO. For example, the Dynamic Kit comprises fully-adjustable KYB front suspension. It has 15mm of preload adjustability and 20 sets of damping. Rear monoshock KYB suspension is also fully adjustable with 10 steps of preload adjustment and 20 sets of damping. Stiffness can be adjusted, as per track requirements for optimal race experience.[embedded content][embedded content]Apache RR310 Dynamic Kit also comprises brass coated drive chain. It enhances the bike’s sporty profile and also works as an anti-rust agent. In Race Kit of RR310, equipment list includes lower set handlebars that boost performance on the race track. However, it is not yet known if all these features will be introduced with G310RR as standard.Foot pegs onboard G310RR appear to be the same as those offered with stock version of RR310. Race Kit of RR310 has race designed foot pegs that offer improved grip and stability during cornering. It also has raised footrest assembly that allows faster speeds on corners and higher lean angle. These components may not be available as standard with G310RR.BMW G310RR performancePowering BMW G310RR will be the 312.2 cc liquid cooled, reverse inclined motor, currently used with Apache RR310. It generates 34 PS of max power at 9,700 rpm and 27.3 Nm of peak torque at 7,700 rpm. This peak performance can be accessed with Sport and Track ride mode. In Urban and Rain mode, performance drops to 25.8 PS and 25 Nm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. RR310 top speed is 160 kmph and it can reach 0-100 kmph in 7.17 seconds.2022 BMW G 310 RR – RenderAs compared to Apache RR310 that has Michelin Road 5 tyres, BMW has chosen to stick with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres for G310RR. Another difference is conventional disc brakes, as compared to petal discs used with Apache RR310. Instrument cluster is same as seen on Apache, but has been with BMW Motorrad graphics.As of now, two colours have been teased – Factory colour of White, Blue and Red as well as a Black. Pre-bookings have commenced on a brand new website that BMW has dedicated exclusively for G310RR. The company is also offering attractive finance schemes for the bike with monthly EMI of just Rs 3,999. Based on customer profile, there will be an option to fund insurance and accessories as well. More

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    TVS Ronin Could Be Name Of Upcoming New Motorcycle

    TVS will be launching a new motorcycle on July 6 although there is no clarity on the nature of the upcoming modelNew TVS Ronin Motorcycle – Launch on 6th July?TVS recently teased its upcoming offering in the Indian motorcycling space by releasing partial teaser images of the motorcycle. Most recent reports claim that this upcoming motorcycle is expected to be the very long-awaited Zepplin that was showcased as a pre-production concept a few years back.However, TVS might have something completely different planned for its fans. The Hosur-based bikemaker has been sending out invites to media outlets that don’t mention the bike’s name but flaunt a ‘T’ design on the card. The same ‘T’ was recently caught on cameras inside a circular headlamp encasing.Upcoming TVS Bike: Is it Ronin or Zepplin or Retron?If one remembers the concept model of Zepplin, it featured a unique hexagonal headlight. Unlike other contemporary cruisers, TVS hasn’t designed the Zepplin to be a retro-style motorcycle but a modern power cruiser with futuristic styling elements. The round headlight leaked previously indicates the launch of a quintessential retro-style motorcycle where it would suit better.Among the many trademarks filed by TVS in the recent past, ‘Retron’ gathered quite a bit of attention as it fits the bill for a retro-themed motorcycle. Indian audiences have been swooning for the modern retro segment of motorcycles for many years and it might not be a bad time for TVS to dive into this space. TVS has missed out on a proper retro-themed bike for many years.Upcoming TVS Motorcycle renderAnother name that has now popped, is Ronin. As per a report by Bikewale, the upcoming TVS could be Ronin 225. It will be a cruiser, which will be powered by an all new 223cc single cylinder engine delivering about 20 hp and 20 Nm. Transmission will be via a 5 speed gearbox.Expected HighlightsIn fact, last year a test mule of the supposedly Retron was spotted on roads that flaunted signature retro-style design with a round headlamp, teardrop-shaped fuel tank and circular rearview mirrors. Previous spy shots revealed critical details of the upcoming motorcycle like a circular instrument console with part analogue and part digital readouts.By the looks of it, TVS could be employing the 159.7cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine on the upcoming Retron which it uses in the Apache RTR 160 range. This motor is available in two configurations- a 2-valve setup and a 4-valve setup. In the former, this power plant pushes out 15.3 bhp and 13.9 Nm of peak torque while in the latter this power mill dishes out 17.39 bhp and a peak torque of 14.73 Nm.New TVS Motorcycle SpiedIn either case, this engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. In terms of features, it will offer a semi-digital instrument console, LED lighting, USB charging and more. Upon launch, it is expected to rival the likes of Yamaha FZ-X.All said, these are mere speculations as there is no concrete evidence regarding details of the upcoming motorcycle. We can only know for sure when TVS presents the new model in front of the entire world on 6 July 2023.Source More

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    The Pagani Huayra Codalunga Is an Ultra-Limited $7.4 Million Longtail Edition

    Pagani first revealed the Huayra, its successor to the legendary Zonda, in 2012. In true Pagani fashion, though, the company is still releasing limited-edition and one-off versions of the mid-engine carbon-bodied supercar. The latest version is this, the Huayra Codalunga.

    The Codalunga—Italian for longtail—was developed by Pagani’s Grandi Complicazioni special projects division. It started out as an idea from a single client that, over the course of two years, developed into a small production run of cars. Using the Huayra’s dimensions as a base, the Codalunga has a revised fascia and a totally new rear section that sports a rear hatch covering an area over 12 square feet. Underneath sits an uprated version of the AMG-supplied twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 making 840 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque. There’s also a new ceramic-coated titanium exhaust system that weighs just 9.7 pounds. In all, the car weighs just 2822 pounds—about as much as a new Subaru BRZ. Pagani says the Codalunga’s design was inspired by Italian race cars and coachbuilt machines of the Sixties.”We made the Huayra Codalunga longer and smoother, as if it had been caressed and molded by the wind, to design lines that were even more elegant than the coupe,” founder Horacio Pagani said in a statement. “We drew inspiration from the longtails of the 1960s that raced at Le Mans, which had very clean lines. The Huayra Codalunga comprises very few essential elements; we have taken away rather than added. Simplifying is not at all straightforward, and this vehicle is, above all, the result of a complex pursuit of simple ideas.”

    The Huayra Codalunga starts from an incredibly reasonable $7.4 million at current exchange rates. Not that that matters, as all five examples have already been sold. Interestingly, one of the cars was sold to a customer in the U.S., as Pagani says it was able to homologate one car for use on our roads. We hope it gets driven rather than stashed away in a collection.

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    OLA Electric Cars Teased Officially – New Premium Sedan, SUV, Hatch?

    Ola’s first electric car will be made at the company’s upcoming mother plant in Tamil NaduOla Electric CarIt is no secret that Ola Electric, soon after the launch of its S1 electric scooter, has been eyeing the Indian electric four wheeler segment which is projected to have an immense potential. It appears that, even as the company is facing several complaints related to the quality, reliability and delivery timeline issues of its S1 scooter, developing activities of the upcoming electric car are proceeding in full swing.On the sidelines of the ‘Ola Customer Day’ event held at the site of the company’s upcoming facility near Krishnagiri, TN, the EV startup released a teaser video of its upcoming premium electric cars. The 30 second teaser shows teaser of more than one Ola electric car.OLA Electric Car – Hatch, Sedan, SUV Teased ?New Ola electric car teaser gives us a sneak peak of not 1, but 3 electric cars. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Snehal Praveen for the update. One of the upcoming Ola electric car, as the teaser indicates, could be a low-slung sporty sedan with a coupe roof-line and modern design. Other two could be an electric SUV / coupe and hatchback.The Ola sedan takes a lot of aerodynamic liberty in its exterior styling which would otherwise be challenging in a conventional IC engine car like an extremely low slung nose. Salient design features include a wedged shaped front fascia, an LED lighting signature that runs across the width of the car, a swooping roofline, and Kia-like rear fascia.[embedded content][embedded content]No further details have been shared as of now but Ola Electric’s CEO Bhavish Aggarwal stated that more details will be revealed on August 15. There were reports that Ola has hired ex-Mahindra designer – Ramkripa Ananthan, who designed the current XUV700, Thar, XUV300. Ola Electric’s venture into the passenger car segment is expected in about 2 year’s time. That said, the product development process is usually hurried in a startup setting compared to a traditional OEM.What to expect?For instance, basing the product on an already existing electric skateboard from any of the several international mobility players would considerably shorten the lead time. The powertrain configuration is anyone’s guess as of now, and we think it is going to be one motor at each wheel, supported by a lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of around 60-80 kWh.Aided by an impressively low aerodynamic co-efficient and frontal area, such a battery pack could be good enough for a certified range of over 500 km. A 0-100 kph time of less than 7 seconds and a top-speed in excess of 150 kmph would be a nice place to start in terms of performance. These numbers might be similar for their sedan, hatchback and SUV, or they could be different.Ola electric cars teased – SUV, Sedan, and hatchback ?New Ola electric cars could be positioned in various segments of the Indian electric vehicle space. Ola hatchback could be the most affordable, above which could be their sedan and on top will be the electric SUV offering. One can expect a lengthy equipment list complete with ADAS features.Demand for electric vehicles is on the rise. Major OEMs like Tata, Kia, Mahindra, Hyundai have committed to launch more new EVs in India. Even premium brands like Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, etc have joined the EV revolution. With Tesla reportedly putting their India launch plans on hold, things could work in favour of Ola Electric cars. More