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    2022 Toyota Tundra Recalled over Loose Nuts; New bZ4X also Recalled as Wheels Could Fall Off

    Toyota has issued a recall of Tundras from the 2022 model year to fix a problem with nuts on the rear axle assembly.Approximately 46,000 Tundras are part of the recall in the United States.The recall report filed with NHTSA blames the loosening of certain nuts on the rear axle assembly and said, “If complete separation occurs, this can affect vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.”Nearly 50,000 Toyota Tundra pickup trucks are being recalled due to risk of rear axle assembly nuts loosening and potentially falling off the vehicle completely. The automaker says that “Vehicles in this recall have certain nuts on the rear axle assembly that can loosen over time.” In the event that the nut does fall off, Toyota said it could potentially cause the axle subassembly to separate from the axle, potentially risking a crash.The announcement states that owners of affected vehicles will be notified by late July 2022, but does not give a specific date. Dealers will inspect and tighten loose nuts or, if necessary, replace them, Toyota said.

    2023 Toyota bZ4X.
    Toyota

    The Tundra recall comes just one day after the company issued a separate recall on the just-released 2023 bZ4X EV over wheels that could fall off. In this case, the hub bolts on a wheel could come loose, causing the wheel to detach from the car. While the bZ4X recall only affects 260 vehicles in the U.S. and about 2700 total worldwide, the company stated that no one should drive these cars until a remedy is found. Owners of these cars should have been notified on June 23. In both cases, vehicle owners can check the NHTSA recalls website where the recall information should be posted soon, to find out if their vehicle is included

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    Best Car Commercial Jingles: Window Shop with Car and Driver

    This week’s challenge comes from the vital fringes of the automotive industry: find the best car-commercial jingle and a car to go with it. According to the contestants, catchy hooks have been hard to find of late. If this week’s episode of Window Shop were a radio station, it would be dedicated to the oldies.John Pearley Huffman, known for his radio voice intros and love of old cars, combined both talents. He played a repurposed 1964 song out of Nashville that hawked a 1983 Volkswagen from Pennsylvania. Pearley then hit the high note with a listing for a little red hatchback so sweet it could have given Prince ideas about a little red Corvette. California girl Elana Scherr bopped to an English cover of a song by California group Sonny & Cher. Considering the age of the Plymouth advertised, unless Scherr is reincarnated, we don’t know when she would have seen the commercial before digging it up on YouTube. We suspect she just wanted to plug the fact that her personal Dodge version of that Plymouth was for sale on eBay. Joey Capparella stuck to form with his jingle, keeping it simple. An upbeat ditty out of Brazil advertised a smorgasbord of Mazdas by repeating a single word for 30 seconds. He broke his own mold with his listing, however, cueing up one of the most complicated and delicate Mazdas ever sold in the U.S. Bacon- and bourbon-loving Jonathon Ramsey went for a heartland anthem, calling on George Thorogood’s help selling a Buick. Nothing should make an enthusiast pine for the good old days faster than hearing classic song lines turned into shilling like “200 horsepower, no time for chrome.” Speaking of the heartland, Tony Quiroga’s jingle was another American standard, based on a song about a train ride that almost everyone remembers. Almost no one remembers the Cutlass that jingle advertised except the despondent men reportedly in the core demographic. This week’s episode proved that earworms might not sell cars, but they can be more memorable than the product they’re flogging and sometimes of better quality.

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    Porsche 963 Endurance Racer Brings Retro Look to Goodwood Festival of Speed

    On Friday, Porsche revealed the Porsche 963 endurance-racing car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.The car is the result of a collaboration between Porsche Motorsport and Team Penske first announced in 2021.The Porsche 963 will compete in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, as it’s built to new-for-2023 LMDh specification.After nearly 15 years of separation, Porsche Motorsport and Team Penske have gotten back together. This time, the collaborative effort, known as Porsche Penske Motorsport, will field a new endurance race car, the Porsche 963, which was unveiled Friday at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The renewed partnership was first announced in May of 2021 with the intention of running factory entries in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. That dream has now come to fruition with the 963 set to debut in the new GTP class at the 24 Hours of Daytona in January 2023.
    The hypercar is built to LMDh specifications, with a LMP2-category chassis supplied by Canada-based Multimatic and spec hybrid components from Bosch, Williams Advanced Engineering, and Xtrac. However, the star of the show is the 963’s 4.6-liter twin-turbo V-8, which is based on the hybrid 918 Spyder’s engine. The powertrain will deliver 680 horsepower to the rear wheels in an effort to snag overall victories in races like the Le Mans 24 Hours and the 12 Hours of Sebring. The body of the 963 is reminiscent of the smooth, rounded look of previous Porsche-Team Penske collaborations like the Porsche 962 of the 1980s, but sharper headlights and a rear light bar reminiscent of the current 911’s give the 963 a more modern look. The paint design, too, is at once retro and sleek. Black, white, and red color blocking give a traditional race-car look, while gradient white-to-black lines arching over the red section inspire images of air flowing across the vehicle.
    LMDh cars are new for 2023, and they are the first category of hypercars to be able to race in championships both in North America and across the Atlantic. The use of spec parts like the chassis and hybrid systems also cuts costs for OEMs, so the category has attracted entries from many manufacturers, with Acura, BMW, and Cadillac in addition to Porsche already confirmed for 2023. The 963 has already seen 4900 test miles and will get a full practice run when it drives non-competitively in the FIA WEC’s 8 Hours of Bahrain in November. After that, Porsche Penske Motorsport will prepare four total cars to be based in Mooresville, North Carolina, and Mannheim, Germany, and compete in the IMSA and FIA WEC circuits.
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    Bentley Speed Six Continuation Recaptures the Glory Days of Le Mans in 1930

    Bentley’s second Le Mans–inspired re-creation made its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed today. Just 12 will be made, and all are sold already.It features a 200-hp 6.6-liter straight-six engine and a claimed 125-mph top speed, for the very brave.Bentley is a brand that often tells us of its urgent desire to move forward into an electrified future. This definitely isn’t that, although it is truly glorious. Having previously produced an all-new “continuation” version of the famous Blower that drove at Le Mans in 1930, the British company is now following up with another seven-figure re-creation, this time of the slightly slower, but more successful, Speed Six that actually won the race.When we drove the Blower Continuation last year, we emerged from the experience wearing fly-spattered goggles, and amazed that Volkswagen Group’s lawyers had allowed such a vehicle to be built in the careful age we live in. The Blower’s imprecise steering and almost entirely ineffectual brakes meant it felt like a driving adventure at 80 mph—with Bentley saying it was capable of 125 mph flat out. Now a lucky few will have a chance to experience something similar with the Speed Six.
    Bentley’s Mulliner division is going to build just 12 of the new car, with each one costing more than $1.8 million at current exchange rates. Don’t bother sending an appropriately Edwardian telegram or a carrier pigeon to the company’s Crewe factory expressing interest: the entire allocation have already been sold.

    Constructed by the same team behind the Blower Continuation, the Speed Six Continuation is based on new parts built to match carefully scanned cars that competed at Le Mans. The first of these is a genuine works car, “old number three,” which competed in 1930 but crashed out after two hours. The second is a 1929 road car wearing identical Vanden Plas bodywork to those of the works cars; these were the days when you really could buy a race winner and drive it on the street. Along with original blueprints, these were used by Mulliner to create a 3D CAD model of the car, which will be used as the basis for the new dozen.Bentley won the 1929 Le Mans 24 hours in dominant style, the Speed Six driven by company chairman Woolf Barnato and Sir Henry “Tim” Birkin finishing seven laps ahead of a chasing pack of 4.5-liter Bentleys that took second, third and fourth places. Competition was tougher in 1930 with the entry of a powerful Mercedes SSK driven by Rudolf Caracciola and Christian Werner, one that was a strong favorite before the race started. But Birkin, driving a privately entered supercharged Bentley Blower, set a pace that caused both his and Caracciola’s chasing car to break. Barnato’s Speed Six took another victory, with a second works car finishing in second place.Bentley’s eponymous founder, W.O. Bentley, didn’t like supercharging and so had given the Speed Six a brawny naturally aspirated 6.6-liter engine. In roadgoing form, it made 147 horsepower—at a time when the Model T Ford made 20 hp—and in race trim the ‘Six was claimed to make 200 hp.Having announced the Speed Six Continuation at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Bentley says it will be building a prototype version in the second half of the year, with the run of customer versions following behind. Just don’t forget your flying goggles.

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    2023 Chevy Colorado Will Debut in ZR2 Off-Road Form July 28

    A new version of the Chevy Colorado pickup is coming for 2023.This teaser shows the ZR2 model, which has numerous add-ons for off-roading.The new truck will debut July 28, and a similar GMC Canyon AT4X is coming too.A new teaser video shows an updated 2023 version of Chevrolet’s mid-size pickup truck, the Colorado, bounding around the desert ahead of its official debut July 28. Both of GM’s smaller trucks, the Colorado and the closely related GMC Canyon, are being redesigned for the 2023 model year, and the company describes the trucks as “all-new.” We reckon that means they will both have new bodies and upgraded interiors, although we think the trucks’ underpinnings will largely stay the same.

    In the teaser, we can see that the Colorado’s front end looks different, as do the taillights. The version shown is the off-road-oriented ZR2, which has chunky all-terrain tires, a light bar behind the cab, and what Chevy calls a “Safari Bar” on the front. Like the current ZR2, the new model will likely have suspension upgrades including different shocks and a higher ride height. The Chevy’s GMC sibling, the Canyon, will also add an off-road model called AT4X that should be equivalent to the ZR2; that model has also been teased and appears to have a different body than the current truck.The current Colorado and Canyon offer three engine choices: a 2.5-liter inline-four, a 3.6-liter V-6, or a turbodiesel 2.8-liter inline-four. We’re guessing that the base four-cylinder might be dropped, and that GM could add the Silverado’s turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four as an option. Both rear- and four-wheel drive will remain on the menu.Stay tuned to learn more about the 2023 Colorado and Canyon, as the Chevy will debut July 28 and the GMC should follow soon after.
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    Hero Passion XTEC Launch Price Rs 75k – Gets LED DRLs, Bluetooth

    Hero Motocorp is offering a 5-year standard warranty with Passion Xtec2022 Hero Passion XTECHero MotoCorp has expanded its Xtec lineup by introducing Passion Xtec at a starting price of Rs 74,590 (ex-showroom). Prior to this launch, the Xtec range from Hero comprised four models including Splendor+ XTec, Glamour 125 XTec, Pleasure+ 110 XTec and Destini 125 XTec.The Indian bikemaker is offering Passion Xtec in two variants- drum brake and disc brake, the latter gets a price tag of Rs 78,990 (ex-showroom). This makes it Rs 5,000-6,000 more expensive than base Passion Pro. For the additional premium, the Xtec version of Passion gets plenty of useful features over the standard model.Hero Passion Xtec – Features on offerSpeaking of features, Passion Xtec is laced with amenities like a first-in-class projector LED headlamp, a fully digital instrument cluster with readouts for Real-Time Mileage Indicator, Low-Fuel Indicator and Service Reminder; USB charging port and a side-stand engine cut-off switch. The instrument console is also enabled with Bluetooth connectivity that offers SMS and call alerts.The Blue backlit instrument cluster also shows phone battery percentage. The company has also claimed that the new LED headlamp offers the best in segment brightness with a 12 percent longer beam than the conventional halogen lamp. The latest iteration of the commuter motorcycle features a chromed 3D branding and rim tape on its fuel tank that increases its premium appeal.2022 Hero Passion XTECOn the occasion of this launch, Ranjivjit Singh, Chief Growth Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The Hero Passion is an iconic brand and enjoys massive customer trust for over a decade. With its new style and new attitude, the Passion XTec will appeal to the new age riders and with the latest technology features, it will set the benchmark for the segment.”2022 Hero Passion XTECPowertrain & Hardware SpecsMechanical specs of Passion Xtec remain identical to the standard model. Powering Passion Xtec is the same 110cc BS-VI compliant engine that produces an output of 9 bhp at 7500rpm and a peak torque of 9.79 Nm at 5,000rpm. This motor is paired with a 4-speed gearbox. It is also offered with the patented i3S start/stop technology for better fuel efficiency.Cycle parts of Passion Xtec also remain similar with a suspension setup consisting of conventional telescopic forks up front and twin shock absorbers at rear. Braking duties are handled by drum brakes as standard on both ends with an optional disc brake at front. Braking hardware is complemented by a Combi Braking System (CBS).2022 Hero Passion Prices June 2022The commuter bike rides on 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 80/100 sections of tyres at both front and rear ends. The motorcycle sits on a diamond frame with a wheelbase of 1,270 mm and a ground clearance of 180mm. It has a saddle height of 799mm. Hero MotoCorp will be increasing prices by up to Rs 3k from 1st July. More

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    Kawasaki Ninja 400 BS6 Launch Price Rs 4.99 L – Official Website

    Ninja 400 was available earlier in India, but had to be discontinued due to stricter BS6 emission norms2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 BS6Since April 2020 when BS6 emission norms came into effect, Kawasaki has worked consistently to expand its portfolio in India. Most of the models were updated to BS6 in 2020-2021. Among the ones that are still pending is Ninja 400. Not anymore.Kawasaki recently launched Euro 5 compliant version of Ninja 400 in international markets In Europe, Kawasaki has also updated Z400 to Euro 5 standards. Now they have launched the updated BS6 Ninja 400 in India. As per the official website, 2023 Ninja 400 India price starts from Rs 4.99 lakh, ex-sh. This is the same price at which the BS4 Ninja 400 was available, before it got discontinued.2023 Ninja 400 stylingKawasaki Ninja bikes are designed to be gorgeous and new Ninja 400 carries forward that pedigree. Quite a few styling bits have been borrowed from Ninja H2. Some of the key features include slim dual LED headlamps, sleek LED DRLs, transparent windscreen, front cowl-mounted funky rear view mirrors, low-set, wide handlebar, sculpted fuel tank, split-seat design and upswept exhaust. Bodywork adds significant volume, which ensures the big bike look and feel for Ninja 400.Colour options for Ninja 400 include Lime green and Metallic Carbon Gray. Both colour themes are equally appealing, although the Gray version appears to have a far more magnetic persona. It also looks superior in terms of aggression, dominance and street presence. Both colour variants have lively graphics that add an extra dose of sportiness.2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 BS6 – Launch price official websiteNew Ninja 400 has a hybrid cockpit, featuring a large analogue tachometer at the centre. On left are the warning lamps, while the right side has a multi-function LCD screen. Gear position indicator is placed centrally for easy viewability.New Ninja 400 performancePowering Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a 399cc, liquid cooled, parallel twin, DOCH, 8 valve motor that generates 45 PS of max power at 10,000 rpm and 37 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission. The engine has been tuned to deliver optimal performance across the rev range along with smooth response and controllability. Kawasaki has also improved the engine’s design, making it as compact as a 250cc motor.Ninja 400 utilizes a Trellis frame, integrated with 41mm telescopic forks at front and gas charged monoshock suspension with preload adjustability. Braking is handled by 310 mm and 220 mm petal discs at front and rear, respectively. Dual-channel ABS from Nissin is offered as standard.2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 BS6 – SpecsWith a relaxed rider triangle, Ninja 400 can suit a wide variety of rider sizes and riding environments. The bike has ergonomically placed handlebar and slightly foot-forward foot pegs, which ensure comfortable rides and optimal control and handling. Seat height of 785 mm also helps achieve better control and handling, even for shorter riders. More

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    Bajaj Pulsar 250 Black Dual ABS Launch Price Rs 1.5 L – Rs 5k More Than Single ABS

    The Eclipse Black is the fourth colour option for the Bajaj Pulsar 250 lineup2022 Bajaj Pulsar 250 Black Dual ABSAfter mysteriously teasing a new colour variant of its flagship Pulsar models a few days back on its social media handles, Bajaj Auto has finally launched the new Eclipse Black colour of Pulsar 250. Both quarter-litre Pulsars- N250 and F250 have benefitted from this new all-black paint scheme. This is similar colour that was seen on the recently launched new Pulsar N160.Prices for the new Eclipse Black Edition of Pulsar 250 start at Rs 1.5 lakh for the naked N250 and max out at Rs 1.5 lakh for the semi-faired F250 (both prices ex-showroom). The earlier colour options continue to be on offer as usual. Prior to this launch, the flagship 250cc Pulsar models were available in three colour options including Caribbean Blue, Techno Grey and Racing Red.Bajaj Pulsar 250 Eclipse Black LaunchedApart from the new all-black paint scheme, these new Pulsar 250 units also get Dual ABS setup. Earlier colour options came with single ABS. This is why there is a price difference of Rs 5-6k between the single ABS Pulsar 250 and dual ABS Pulsar 250 Black.Bajaj Pulsar Eclipse Black shade resonates with the Pulsar brand with every model of this series available in some form of black paint since its inception. Sitting on top of the Pulsar range of sporty commuter motorcycles, Pulsar 250 has been well received by experts and buyers alike.2022 Bajaj Pulsar 250 Black Colour – Dual ABS launchedMr Sarang Kanade, President of Motorcycle Business – Bajaj Auto, said, “Bajaj Pulsar 250 has enjoyed the immense response from riders across the country. We will continue to entice them with the newly launched Dual-Channel ABS variant, which comes on top of already existing features. Rider safety is of utmost importance for us at Bajaj Auto and the introduction of dual-channel ABS on Pulsar 250 combined with an all-black variant will further spruce up the demand for Pulsar 250.”Bajaj Pulsar 250 – Fastest to reach 10k salesLaunched in November last year, both quarter-litre siblings are considered to be spiritual successors to the iconic Pulsar 220F which since then has been discontinued. While 250F gets a semi-faired body, the N250 gets a completely naked streetfighter design. Another critical difference is the riding ergonomics between the two bikes.The semi-faired F250 gets a clip-on handlebar which is slightly taller and offers a comfortable posture. On the other hand, N250 gets a single-piece handlebar which is set slightly lower and thus offers a more committed riding posture. Both models come with rear-set footpegs in order to accentuate their sporty stance. All other visual and mechanical details on both motorcycles are identical.2022 Bajaj Pulsar 250 Black Colour – Dual ABS launchedMechanical & Feature HighlightsPowering the quarter-litre Pulsar siblings is a 249.07cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine with fuel injection technology that delivers 24.1 bhp at 8,750rpm and 21.5 Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm. This motor is linked to a five-speed gearbox that benefits from an assist and slipper clutch function.Based on a new tubular chassis, both Pulsar 250 twins get an identical hardware setup. Suspension duties are handled by 37mm telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock with Nitrox at rear. Stopping duties are taken care of by a 300mm disc at the front and a 230mm disc aided by a single / dual ABS depending on variant. The bikes ride on 17-inch alloy wheels that are wrapped in 100/80 section and 130/70 section tyres at the front and the back, respectively.Bajaj Pulsar 250 SpecsIn terms of feature highlights, both 250cc Pulsars receive a semi-digital instrument cluster, all-LED illumination, split-style seats and a side-slung twin-barrel exhaust. Pulsar 250 twins compete against Gixxer 250 siblings from Suzuki and Yamaha FZ25 and FZS 25. More