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    2023 Lexus UX Is Now Hybrid Only, Gains Interior Upgrades

    The 2023 Lexus UX will be offered exclusively as a hybrid, with the base 169-horsepower inline-four powertrain no longer available.The UXh also gains a larger optional screen, a redesigned center console, and a new voice activated assistant. The 2023 UXh goes on sale this summer, but pricing has yet to be announced.Lexus is giving its smallest crossover, the UX, an update for the 2023 model year, and the biggest news is that the subcompact SUV will become exclusively a hybrid, with Lexus dropping the 169-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four powertrain. Under the name UXh, it will now only be powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four and an electric motor powering the rear wheels, with a combined 181 horses.
    Along with removing the gas-only model, Lexus made a few small changes to the UXh. Lexus says 20 spot welding points were added to the body to boost structural rigidity, while new Bridgestone 18-inch run-flat tires were designed to reduce noise and vibration. Inside, the optional larger screen grows two inches to 12.3-inches, and the center console has been reconfigured. There’s also a new voice activated assistant and other tech like a digital app-based key.

    The 2023 UX 250h F Sport models also gain a Design and a Handling package. The former adds F Sport-specific wheels, grille, a black roof, painted wheel arches, and goodies like a moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic headlamp leveling. On top of that, the F Sport Handling gains performance dampers and Active Variable Suspension. There are also interior upgrades, with heated and ventilated F Sport seats, steering wheel, shift knob, and aluminum pedals. Lexus has yet to announce pricing for the 2023 UXh, but previously the cheapest UX hybrid trim, the UX 250h, started at $36,825, and we don’t expect the price to increase dramatically. The 2023 UXh goes on sale late this summer.
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    Island Dreams: Window Shop with Car and Driver

    Mix yourself the biggest Mai Tai and stick a flower behind your ear for this episode of Car and Driver’s Window Shop, the videocast that shows up somewhat weekly, depending on how many of us have managed to finish our real work. It appears that someone has vacation on their mind this week, as our challenge was tropical: Find a car for sale on any of the Hawaiian Islands. The budget was $15,000, with a $5000 bonus unlockable by wearing a Hawaiian shirt for the filming. Did anyone pay attention to these caveats? Is this your first time here?Our would-be vacationers included the surf-happy K.C. Colwell, friend of seat turtles Jonathon Ramsey, professional hula-dancer John Pearley Huffman, Pina-Colada-drunk Elana Scherr, and potential volcanic sacrifice Tony Quiroga. Things started off with a minty Volkswagen—that’s minty as in toothpaste-colored, not so much on the collector condition. “Is that a check engine light?” It might have been, but as Pearley pointed out, it only had to last through his vacation. Scherr chose small, but got big points for finding a car with graphics that suited island living, as well as making a map marking every racetrack on every island. Ramsey and Colwell made sensible choices, and at first it seems Ramsey has a slam dunk with a truck that has everyone oohing and ahhing—almost as much as they are over his on-theme wardrobe choice—he quickly loses ground for being both over budget and choosing a vehicle that isn’t actually in Hawaii. Colwell wins over Pearley by appealing to his deep brand loyalties. Quiroga comes in hot with a choice that horrifies most of the team, except Scherr, who is clearly angling for a raise. He has the last laugh though, as the only member of the group with actual tickets to actual Hawaii in the next month. Instead of voting, the gang argues about frog-licking and the exact conversion between “island time” and mainland time as it applies to zero-to-60 runs, and in the end we might have picked a winner or we might have just called it so Pearley could catch a flight. Not to Hawaii. Let us know what you’d choose for a Hawaiian road trip, and what beaches you think Quiroga should visit on his upcoming vacation.

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    Kia EV6 Electric Spied In Red, Silver, Black, White Colours – New Teaser

    To be imported as CBU, Kia EV6 could be launched at a starting price of around Rs 50-60 lakhNew Kia EV6 Electric CarKia EV6 marks the start of the company’s EV journey in India. First launched last year in March in South Korea, EV6 is the first all-electric model manufactured by Kia. It is expected to be launched in India by June 2022. Ahead of that, bookings will officially open on 26th May. EV6 has been widely appreciated for its advanced features and was rated 2022 European Car of the Year.Kia EV6 Colours SpiedBased on Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), Kia EV6 has a sleek design that emanates luxurious vibes. The curvy, aerodynamic surfaces are among the key elements that define the car’s innate beauty. In addition, it will be offered with attractive colour options, some of which have now been spied. These are Red, Black, White and Silver.Kia EV6 key features include LED multi-reflector headlights with DRLs, gloss black front grille, matte black accents, wheel arch moulding, blacked-out pillars, gloss black window surrounds, flush body coloured door handles and sporty alloy wheels.On the inside, Kia EV6 has dual curved panoramic 12.3 inch screens that provide a combined display of 24 inch. The wide display ensures an immersive experience, as users access navigation, entertainment, vehicle diagnostics and other vehicle information features. The screen is equipped with a blue light filter to reduce eye strain as well as driver fatigue.New Kia EV6 Electric CarAnother key feature is augmented reality head-up display (HUD) that shows navigation and key safety information. For folks who find parking a challenge, Kia is offering Virtual Valet Parking Assist. With this feature, EV6 can automatically park and exit by autonomously controlling vehicle speed, steering wheel and gear shifts. EV6 also offers a comprehensive range of connectivity features that can be accessed via Kia Connect app.Kia EV6 powertrain, range and specsFor Indian market, Kia may offer EV6 with the 58 kWh battery or 77.4 kWh battery pack or both. These options are offered in rear wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) formats. With the smaller battery pack, the RWD variant is equipped with a 170 hp single-motor. The AWD variant has a dual-motor setup that generates 235 hp.With the larger battery pack, the RWD variant is powered by a single 229 hp motor. The AWD variant gets a dual-motor setup generating 325 hp. Range topping GT Line utilizes a dual motor AWD setup that churns out 585 hp and 740 Nm. Range varies based on the variant, maximum being 310 miles (~499 km), as per EPA estimated range. EV6 can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour (0-100 kmph) in 4.6 seconds. Top speed is at 162 mph (260 kmph).[embedded content][embedded content]In terms of safety, EV6 offers a range of drive assist features. It includes forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic collision avoidance, lane keep assist, machine learning-based cruise control, surround view monitor and parking collision avoidance system. Other standard safety features include front and side airbags, traction control system, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management and hill start assist control.EV6 will be followed by multiple new EV products in India by both Kia and Hyundai. By 2024, a total of 6 new all-electric cars are planned to be launched. Kia’s EV portfolio will be expanded to include the new e-Niro as well as a mass market electric SUV. Hyundai will be launching Kona Electric facelift, a mass market electric SUV and Ioniq 5. More

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    Bajaj Blade Name Trademark Filed – New Electric Scooter?

    Trademark application for Bajaj Blade was filed in March and is currently under evaluation from registration authorityImage for referenceWith eyes on the future, Bajaj is proactively working on multiple new products. Evidence to that can be seen in the trademark applications filed by the company in recent times. In March, two applications were filed for Pulsar Elan and Pulsar Eleganz. Now, another name ‘Bajaj Blade’ has emerged, which was also filed in March. While Pulsar Eleganz name has been approved, Pulsar Elan and Bajaj Blade are awaiting approval.Bajaj Blade electric scooter?Trademark application for Bajaj Blade has been filed under Class 12. This makes it difficult to make an accurate guess, as this class includes everything from motorcycles to scooters, electric vehicles and three wheelers.Based on recent developments, it can be said that Bajaj’s primary focus will be its Pulsar motorcycles and electric two-wheelers. The company is currently on a mission to upgrade its Pulsar range and also introduce some new models. Another focus area is electric two-wheelers, which is where Bajaj Blade seems to fit in most appropriately.As may be recalled, Bajaj Blade name was used by the company to showcase a 125cc scooter at 2006 Auto Expo. This increases the possibility that Bajaj Blade could be a modern interpretation of the earlier Blade scooter. Bajaj Blade electric scooter is likely to have sportier styling, targeted at younger audiences. It will be different from Chetak, which has the classic, old-school retro look and feel.Bajaj Blade Trademark RegisteredInterestingly, the name Blade belongs to Mahindra Two Wheelers. Bajaj had applied for Blade trademark back in 2006 as well, but was refused. They have now once again applied in 2022. While the trademark application has been filed, it is not certain exactly when Bajaj Blade will be seen in flesh and blood. If it’s an electric scooter, launch is unlikely before 2023 or even 2024.To make it appealing to young users who prefer style and performance, Bajaj could equip the Blade electric scooter with a larger battery pack and higher capacity motor. This would mean an even higher pricing than Chetak, which is already one of the costliest electric two-wheelers in the country. Chetak ex-showroom price in Delhi is currently Rs 1.48 lakh.Bajaj Blade commuter bike?Even though Bajaj Blade is more likely to be an electric scooter, the possibility of a new commuter bike cannot be completely ruled out. One of the main reasons being, Bajaj had said that their electric vehicles will be branded under Chetak, and not Bajaj. Considering that the trademark filed is Bajaj Blade, it is likely that this could not be an electric vehicle.Bajaj currently sells Platina and CT commuter bikes in the domestic market, which are among the most affordable in this segment. These continue to register consistent sales for the company. Platina was ranked in the top ten list of bestselling two wheelers in FY 2022 with sales of 5,75,847 units.However, Bajaj’s commuter portfolio looks jaded even though the bikes have received updates at regular intervals. A brand new commuter bike can infuse fresh blood to boost sales further. In the past, Bajaj had used funky names like XCD 125, Wind 125 and Byk for its commuter motorcycles. As the ‘Blade’ name also seems eccentric, it could be a new commuter bike from Bajaj. More

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    2005 Ferrari F430 Spider Is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick of the Day

    This 2005 Ferrari F430 is equipped with the six-speed manual and shows 13,000 miles on the odometer. It’s powered by a 483-hp 4.3-liter V-8 that revs to 8500 rpm. Bids are up to $125,000 as of May 12, and the auction ends on Tuesday, May 17.Ferrari hasn’t sold a manual transmission in about a decade, so I often find myself daydreaming of ripping an Italian V-8 and rowing the gears myself. A convertible would be the icing on the cake, so that’s why I’m salivating over this 2005 Ferrari F430 Spider manual that’s up for bidding on the Bring a Trailer auction site—which, like Car and Driver, is owned by Hearst Autos.

    Bring A Trailer

    Bring A Trailer

    After the F430 came the 458 Italia, which was the last of the high-revving naturally aspirated mid-engine V-8 Ferraris. But that car wasn’t offered with a manual transmission, just a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox since less than 1 percent of F430 buyers went for the stick. Shame. Good thing this F430 with the six-speed manual is up for grabs. Or you could go for this six-speed conversion, but we wouldn’t.

    The F430 was powered by a 4.3-liter F136 V-8 that revved to 8500 rpm and produced 483 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque, sent to the rear wheels through the six-speed and electronically controlled limited-slip differential. In Car and Driver testing, an F430 Spider with the F1 automated manual gearbox reached 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. This is classic Ferrari spec. It’s finished in Rosso Corsa red with tan leather Daytona seats with the prancing horse embossed into the headrests. The silver wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, and there are optional red-painted brake calipers. Rounding out the quintessential Ferrari look are red-stitched F430 floor mats and aluminum pedals.

    Bring A Trailer

    Showing 13,000 miles, this F430 Spider has had three previous owners, and I wish that I could be the next. When new, this F430 cost $203,885. On the BaT website, bidding is currently at $125,000 and sure to go up before bidding ends on Tuesday, May 17.

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    2023 Subaru Legacy Gets Fresher Face, More Tech Features

    The Subaru Legacy has been refreshed for 2023 with a fresh grille, headlights, and front bumper.The Sport trim should get sportier, gaining the 260-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four as standard instead of the 182-hp naturally aspirated unit.The 2023 Subaru Legacy will go on sale this fall, with pricing details still to come. After three years on sale, the Subaru Legacy is getting a refresh for the 2023 model year. The update brings revised styling, adds the latest driver-assistance technology, and sees the Sport trim gain the more powerful turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four as standard.
    The most obvious changes are on the front fascia, where a new trim piece in the grille spans nearly the width of the car and links the more intricate LED headlights. The grille has also swelled in size, while the front bumper has redesigned fog-lamp housings. The rear of the Legacy remains unchanged.The Sport trim now comes standard with the 260-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four, replacing the base engine, a 182-hp 2.5-liter flat-four. Hopefully this adds more sportiness to the Sport trim—the last Sport we tested took a glacial 8.0 seconds to hit 60 mph, while the pre-facelift turbocharged models were able to sprint to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds. The Sport model is differentiated by a red accent in the grille, magnetite gray side mirrors and trunk spoiler, gray 18-inch wheels, and a black-and-gray two-tone cloth interior with red stitching. The Sport also includes what Subaru describes as a “sport tuned” suspension.
    As before, the Legacy comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology, such as automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Certain models will also add automatic emergency steering, designed to help prevent collisions with objects at speeds below 50 mph. The Touring XT model also gains a wide-angle camera that expands the field of view for the EyeSight system, working in conjunction with the pre-existing dual-camera setup.

    Inside, the Sport and Touring XT trims gained a standard 360-degree heated steering wheel, and the Touring XT now features Slate Black nappa leather with silver stitching and other trim enhancements. Models equipped with the 11.6-inch touchscreen also now come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability as standard. Subaru says the infotainment display has revised controls for audio, climate control, and other settings. The 2023 Subaru Legacy will reach dealerships this fall, and pricing details will be revealed closer to the on-sale date.
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    Ather Raises Rs 991 Cr In Funding – New Electric Scooters Incoming

    India’s sovereign wealth fund, NIIFL, Hero MotoCorp lead Series E funding. Ather Energy raises $128 millionAther Electric ScooterAther Energy has reported a strong start in 2022. In April 2022, the manufacturer reported its highest ever monthly sales having delivered 3,779 units. Simultaneously, bookings for Ather 450X have been growing 25 percent quarter-on-quarter.Currently, the company’s retail sales network spans 32 cities with 38 Experience Centres. This will be expanded to 150 Experience Centres in 100 cities by 2023. And now the manufacturer boasts of yet another feather in its cap. It has bagged the first direct investment in the electric mobility manufacturing sector by the country’s sovereign wealth fund.NIIFL, Hero MotoCorp – Ather investorsThe Series E funding amounts to $128 million or Rs 991 crores. Investment agreements were signed with National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited’s (NIIFL) Strategic Opportunities Fund (SOF), Hero MotoCorp, a leading shareholder of Ather, and additional investors. The latest infusion of cash adds to the amount raised in earlier rounds of funding. To date, Ather Energy has raised over $230 million financing. Tiger Global and Flipkart cofounder, Sachin Bansal are investors.In this round, Hero MotoCorp invested $56 mil, about Rs 420 crore. Most of the remaining amount is invested by NIIFL. Other existing investors, including angel founders further boosted the round with minor investments. To date Hero MotoCorp is the largest investor. Ather Energy plans to remain independent with investor goals aligned towards an Initial Public Offering (IPO).Ather electric scooter fast charging techElectric two-wheeler segmentAs has been previously stated by the company, funding is earmarked to attain certain time-bound goals. This includes expansion of its manufacturing facilities, research and development, charging infrastructure, and retail network growth. Ather also has plans to launch new electric scooters, based on their current 450 series.Being NIIFL’s first direct investment in the manufacturing sector and in electric mobility bodes well. Both avenues have often been discussed and are key to ‘India’s green mission and decarbonisation goals’. NIIFL investment is a boost to the electric 2-wheeler sector in India. A segment in early stages development, and one with serious growth goals by the end of the decade.The funding directly supports 1st-gen local entrepreneur-manufacturers. Ather has already proven its growth potential with a limited line of new products built with a high level of indigenisation. SOF has previously invested in Aseem Infrastructure Finance, NIIF IFL, and Manipal Hospitals.Ather Energy capacity enhancementTarun Mehta, CEO, Ather Energy, said “The switch to electric is inevitable and FY 21-22 was the turning point for electric two-wheeler adoption in India. We are super excited to have NIIF come on board as an investor. They have been at the forefront of the country’s green transition through their investments and initiatives, and we look forward to our association.We would also like to thank Hero MotoCorp, our long-term investor and strategic partner who continues to support our growth. The current round of investment will help us enhance capacities across the board, bring additional focus on new platforms, expand into new geographies, expand our fast-charging network and double down on the reputation we’ve built for making a product that’s high on quality.” More

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    2023 Rolls-Royce Phantom Gets Subtle Trim Revisions, New Wheels

    The revised 2023 Rolls-Royce Phantom gets an illuminated grille and an option for darker trim. There’s also available split material for the cabin that installs leather up front and fabric in the back.The twin-turbo V-12 powertrain is unchanged.Lesser automakers might give their cars facelifts, but Rolls-Royce clearly feels itself above such gimmicky marketing. So although the eighth-generation Phantom sedan has been given a subtle set of revisions after five years on sale, there is no mention of anything redolent of cosmetic surgery in the official announcement. Rather the Phantom has been given “a new expression.”Based on the images that have been released, the new car’s physiognomy is very similar to that of the outgoing version, but there are some subtle differences. The revised Phantom’s front end now gets a horizontal line above the strakes of its Parthenon-inspired grille, this intended to give “a new and assertive modernity, reflecting [the car’s] driver-focused character.” The grille itself is now illuminated, the headlights have star-light detailing, and the winged Spirit of Ecstasy mascot is slightly more prominent.

    Rolls-Royce

    Rolls-Royce has also responded to customer demand for darkened finishes, with the ability to specify a blackened trim for the grille bezel, windshield surround and side glass finishers. The result is hardly murdered out, but it is certainly less chintzy than the more traditional chrome accessories. It will also be possible to order two new wheels, one having a milled stainless steel finish, the other a disc wheel inspired by the company’s 1920s era.The interior design is barely changed. Rolls cites a slightly thicker steering wheel rim as the most significant difference, and the company has broadened its range of trim offerings with the arrival of what it calls Phantom Platino. This combines leather seats up front for the chauffeur and softer fabric trim in the rear that’s made from a combination of bamboo and cotton. The Phantom’s dashboard clock is now surrounded with a new 3D-printed ceramic finish.

    Rolls-Royce

    There are no mechanical changes for the revised car. But nor, to be honest, did there really need to be. The 563-hp twin-turbo V-12 has the manners of an attentive valet and the Phantom’s cabin refinement is probably the best in the world.No official Rolls-Royce announcement can seemingly be made without the brand’s enjoyably verbose official style, what we like to think of as a periphrastic prolixity of pleonasm, and the Phantom II’s release is no exception. The revised car is aimed at pretty much anybody with the considerable funds to afford one. Or, as Rolls-Royce puts it: “Self-evidently, there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ Phantom client. Spanning the ‘poles of luxury’, they may be ever-younger or older, modern or traditional, self-made or from long-established wealth. Their commissions reflect a full spectrum of interests and influences. At one extreme, Phantom takes on a subversive, almost rebellious character–youthful, dynamic and daring. At the other, Phantom transforms into an ode to luxury grandeur and timelessness.”This ability to indicate a preference for subversive rebellion will continue to come with serious pricing, of course, as the Phantom sits at the pinnacle of the Rolls-Royce range. We don’t have any official confirmation on pricing yet, but can safely predict this subtly revised Phantom will be at least as expensive as the model it replaces.

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