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    2023 Audi S6 and S7 Add Yet Another Black Appearance Package

    The 2023 Audi S6 sedan and S7 four-door hatchback are available with a new Design Edition package.The kit includes exclusive paint options, black and dark chrome exterior trim, and more microsuede interior surfaces.The Design Edition package costs $2500, and Audi says it’ll only be offered for the 2023 model year.Black appearance packages are currently trending. Actually, the sinister-looking treatment has been popular for quite some time, but now even minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey can be made to look like the Batmobile. For 2023, the Audi S6 and S7 capitalize on the fad with the new Design Edition package.

    Based on Audi’s widely available Black Optic package, which basically swaps all shiny body trim for black bits, the Design Edition also adds dark chrome accents and blacks out the brand’s four-ring logo on the grille and rear decklid. The roof is painted Brilliant Black, too. While shoppers can choose one of the many normal paint options, only models with the Design package are available with Liquid Chrome Dark or Arrow Gray (pictured here).

    Audi S6
    Audi

    The package includes a few interior differences, too. The kit covers more surfaces with microsuede—or Dinamica in Audi parlance. This includes the shifter, the bottom of the console, and the knee pads. The steering wheel is also covered in faux-suede, and it has red contrast stitching that also appears on the leather seats, door armrests, and other parts of the cabin.
    The Design Edition package is priced at $2500 and will only be available on the S6 and S7. Audi says the appearance package will only be offered for the upcoming model year, with orders opening in June 2022. The 2023 S6 starts at $73,795 and the S7 starts at $83,595.
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    Ford Cancels Plan To Make Electric Cars In India – To Sell Both Plants

    Ford India drops plan to make electric vehicles here as part of the Champion OEM Incentive scheme, part of PLI schemeImage for reference.Ford India has been gulping down the humble pie for a while now. In 2019, the auto manufacturer announced an agreement with Mahindra to work on a JV. Less than 2 years later, the collaboration ended. The outline focused on cost effective vehicle development and production for emerging markets.While initial outlook pointed to Ford continuing with its own production plans in smaller UV segments, the manufacturer finally chose to exit manufacturing in September 2021. Ford was again back in focus having made it to the list of 20 carmakers that were part of the Champion OEM Incentive scheme, part of the PLI scheme. The announcement was made in February 2022. Plans pointed to EV manufacturing.Ford Does Not Want To Invest Any Further In IndiaDespite approval of its Production Linked Incentive (PLI) application, this plan has now been dropped. Ford’s decision is to not advance its EV manufacturing plans in India. While the auto manufacturer expresses gratitude for having its proposal approved, this option is now not being explored. The application won’t see the light of day as Ford isn’t investing in India.The Champion OEM Incentive Scheme has a budgetary outlay of about 26k crore. In the meantime, Ford has been partaking in dialogue with other Indian manufacturers regarding its 2 plants here. This is part of the initial plan wherein both plants are sold. Gujarat plant is all set to be sold to Tata Motors, claims unconfirmed reports.Ford Mustang ElectricIndian car manufacturersCurrent business undertones point to a shift to EVs. The goals set point to substantial transition by the end of the decade for electric two-wheelers, CVc, and passenger cars. To this end, Central and select State governments have announced specified incentives. While there has been much activity in the electric two-wheeler front, it’s not the same for cars.A large number of new manufacturers have either already entered the 2W segment or have announced their intent to do so. However, where passenger car manufacturing is concerned, the market has over time lost multiple manufacturers. Datsun being the most recent manufacturer to choose an exit. Prior to Ford, General Motors exited production for India. Somewhere along the way, Fiat stopped making cars here. In comparison, 3 new entrants have been working their way up – MG Motor India, Kia, and Citroen.Shift to electric carsFor now, the electric car market in India is small. This is wholly dominated by Tata Motors currently. Other manufacturers who are selling at least 1 electric car in India, do so in price tag variation that at best is a high price point. It would be interesting to see if India’s focused development of electric cars focuses on keeping things simple. The need of the hour is mass market EVs that are affordable. The world however has advanced manifolds and manufacturers are able to make available luxury electric cars.This makes sense because buying predictions are based on whether a buyer can afford the car. And, a luxury electric car always stands a chance because its buyers can afford the price tag. So, while a Tesla is everything one can want, this pricey proposition isn’t going to benefit buyers. For the market to grow, it’s an open playfield for manufacturers like Maruti, Hyundai and Honda to introduce budget EV cars.Source More

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    Honda NX500 Trademark Filed – New 500cc ADV To Rival RE Himalayan 450?

    From recent developments, it is clear that Honda is developing a mid-displacement as well as an entry-level adventure bike in the form of NX500 and NX200Image for reference.Honda recently filed trademarks for the names ‘NX’ and ‘NX500’ in the European Union in addition to another trademark filed by the company for ‘NX’ in New Zealand. This hints at the Japanese brand working on a new middleweight adventure bike. The NX moniker is usually associated with the Dominator range of Honda.The Dominator series comprised dual-sport adventure bikes popular in the 1980s and 90s. The most prominent of those was NX650 Dominator which was sold in international markets until 2003. In fact, the Honda Dominator range was one of the first proper adventure bikes on offer in global markets.Honda NX500 Adventure Bike In MakingWith the global motorcycle industry seeing an influx of mid-capacity ADVs in recent times, Honda seems to go back in time and revive one of its most popular name tags. The ‘Dominator’ moniker can’t be used since Norton already owns the trademark rights to it. Therefore, trademark applications only consist of the NX tag.The original NX500 was powered by a single-cylinder engine. The upcoming iteration of the middleweight ADV could be based on the underpinnings of Honda CB500X which itself is described as a road-biased adventure tourer. However, the upcoming NX500 is likely to be more capable off-road than its road-biased sibling with more suspension travel and dual-purpose tyres.Honda NX200 name registered in IndiaThis means it will be powered by the same 471cc eight-valve, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine as CB500X which kicks out 47 bhp at 8,500rpm and 43.2 Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch. Honda might even opt for a bigger 21-inch front wheel in NX500 instead of a 19-inch unit offered in CB500. The rear wheel is likely to remain a 17-inch unit.Honda NX200 Also On CardsAs far as design goes, the new NX500 is expected to flaunt a similar styling as the flagship CRF 1100L Africa Twin. This can be proven through a series of design patents filed by Honda with the European Union Intellectual Property Office. However, there’s a big catch. These patents which were filed on 17 December 2021, showcase a smaller motorcycle.From the patent images, it can be seen that the bike features a smaller air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. This unit appears to be similar to a 184.4 cc, single-cylinder motor that powers CB200X and Hornet 2.0. In fact, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) had trademarked the NX200 name in India last year but chose to launch a road-biased tourer in the form of CB200X.Upcoming 2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 – RenderThis also suggests that apart from NX500, Honda is also developing an entry-level adventure bike that could take on Hero Xpulse 200. As mentioned earlier, it will be powered by a 184cc, single-cylinder motor that kicks out 17.03 bhp at 8,500rpm and 16.1 Nm of peak torque at 6,000rpm. This unit comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox.We expect at least one of these upcoming ADVs to reach Indian shores sometime. Upon launch in India, the NX200 could take on the likes of Hero Xpulse 200, while the NX200 could lock horns with the upcoming Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. More

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    Tata Nexon Electric Vs EV MAX – Specs, Price, Range, First Look

    Nexon EV sales could hit a new high with the Max variant effectively eliminating range anxiety and offering several new featuresNew Tata Nexon EV MaxWith focus on introducing continuous improvements across its portfolio, Tata Motors has launched Nexon EV Max at a starting price of Rs 17.74 lakh. The increased range of 437 km ensures reduced recharging frequency. Plus, inter-city travels will become a lot more convenient. Here’s a quick comparison between Nexon EV vs. Nexon EV Max to understand which model offers the best value.New Tata Nexon EV MAX Vs Nexon ElectricAs compared to the 30.2 kWh battery pack used with the standard model, Nexon EV Max has been equipped with a larger 40.5 kWh battery pack. Both battery packs are IP67 rated to provide effective protection against the elements. However, there’s a difference in that the larger battery pack weighs 100 kg more. Despite the larger battery pack, Max boot space is the same as that of the standard variant at 350 litres.Tata Nexon Electric Vs Nexon EV MaxTo ensure overall performance is not impacted by the heavier battery pack, power and torque output has been increased to 143 PS and 250 Nm. The numbers for standard variant are 129 PS and 245 Nm. Drive mode options have been expanded with Nexon EV Max to include a new Eco mode. This is in addition to Drive and Sports modes offered with standard model.Nexon EV Max is more agile, achieving 0 to 100 kmph in under nine seconds. The standard model takes 10 seconds to achieve the same. Another improvement relates to regenerative braking, which is available with 4 levels of adjustability with Max variant. The standard variant has non-adjustable regenerative braking. Take a look at the first look walkaround of new Nexon EV Max below, credit to 91 Wheels.[embedded content][embedded content]Talking about range, Nexon EV Max can travel 437 km on a full charge. Actual range in real world conditions could be around 300 km. Nexon EV standard variant has a certified range of 312 km. Based on user reviews, actual range comes at around 200 km. Range of electric cars can vary based on various factors such as outside temperature, traffic conditions, use of AC, driver skills, etc.Tata Nexon Electric Vs Nexon EV MaxNexon EV Vs Max – features, charging, pricingUsers can expect improved braking with Nexon EV Max, as it comes with disc brakes on all four wheels. The standard model has disc at front and drum brakes at rear. Nexon EV Max packs in a range of new features such as ventilated seats, gear selector knob with integrated active mode circular display, air purifier, wireless phone charger, cruise control, auto dimming IRVM and electronic parking brake.To ensure reduced charging time, Nexon EV Max comes with the option of a 7.2 kW AC wall box charger. This is in addition to the 3.3 kW charger that is also available with the standard variant. With the 7.2 kWh charger, Max variant can be charged in 6.5 hours. The standard model takes 8 hours to achieve 20-100% with the 3.3 kW charger.Tata Nexon EV vs EV Max PricesWarranty terms remain the same for both models. Vehicle warranty is 3 years or 1,25,000 km whereas battery warranty is 8 years or 1,60,000 km. Nexon EV standard variants are priced in the range of Rs 14.54 lakh to Rs 17.15 lakh. In comparison, Nexon EV Max variants are priced in the range of Rs 17.74 lakh to Rs 19.24 lakh. More

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    Scout to Return in 2026 as VW's EV Off-Road Brand

    Volkswagen will join the electric off-road market by creating a new company with the long defunct Scout nameplate, once used by International Harvester.The Scout brand will begin production in 2026, with an electric pickup truck and SUV duo.Prototypes will be revealed next year, and the vehicles will be based on a new platform and designed specifically for the U.S. market. Volkswagen is entering the electric off-roader scene, and in doing so will revive a legendary nameplate: the Scout. Made famous by truck and tractor maker International Harvester in the 1960s and 1970s, the Scout moniker will return on an electric SUV and pickup truck designed for the American market, with production planned for 2026.

    The 1978 International Scout II family.
    International

    The Scout name will be bestowed upon a new company under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, which will be established this year with the first prototypes unveiled in 2023. Along with the announcement, Volkswagen provided sketches of a rugged, boxy SUV and pickup truck duo, with an upturned window line that recalls the rear glass from the ‘60s original. VW says the new Scouts will be based on a new EV platform, and more details will presumably arrive next year when the sketches come to life.

    The return of the Scout name had been rumored recently in a report from the Wall Street Journal, which hints at other details of the Scout’s rebirth. According to the report, VW is aiming to ultimately end up selling 250,000 Scout-branded vehicles per year in America. Volkswagen came by the Scout moniker when its Traton truck division took control of Navistar International, the descendant of International Harvester, in 2020.The report also suggested that the Scout brand will have its own factories and that these are likely to be in the United States. A separate listing on a stock exchange for the new company is also rumored. By the time the Scout duo arrive, the electric off-roader space will be fairly crowded, with the current players—the GMC Hummer EV and Rivian R1T—set to be joined by an electric Jeep Wrangler and others.
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    Canoo Production in Doubt as the EV Startup Burns through Cash

    Electric-vehicle startup Canoo writes in its first-quarter earnings report that “there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.”The company lost $125.4 million over the first three months of 2022 and says it has just $104.9 million in cash and cash equivalents as of March 31.Canoo had planned to begin production this year of its Lifestyle Vehicle in Arkansas, with the goal of building between 3000 and 6000 units. It still claims to have money set aside for start of production.This was supposed to be the year that American startup Canoo would start building its podlike electric Lifestyle Vehicle, but it’s now looking like the project may never get fully off the ground. In its first-quarter earnings report, Canoo acknowledged that it is running out of cash, writing that “there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.”

    Canoo MPDV.
    Canoo

    According to Canoo, the Arkansas company has $104.9 million in cash and cash equivalents as of March 31. Meanwhile, Canoo says that in the first three months of this year, it lost a whopping $125.4 million, versus the first quarter of 2021 when Canoo lost $15.2 million. Canoo was founded in 2017 under the name Evelozcity after former BMW executive Stefan Krause jumped ship from perennially troubled startup Faraday Future. Canoo unveiled the Lifestyle Vehicle in 2019, revealed a delivery van called the MPDV in 2020, and showed a pickup truck in 2021.

    Despite the dire financial circumstances, the earnings report also stated that the company has “more than $600 million in accessible capital to support Start of Production.” Canoo claims it built 17 production-intent prototypes in the first quarter, bringing the total prototype count to 39 vehicles, and completed more than 2000 miles of winter testing. Canoo also says it constructed battery modules for 43 test vehicles. The startup claims it has more than 17,500 preorders and did not explicitly revise its plans to start production this year in Arkansas. Canoo had previously announced that it was aiming to build between 3000 and 6000 units in 2022, but we would be surprised if even one consumer-ready Canoo ever rolls off the production line.
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    2023 Cadillac Escalade-V Has the Heart of a Blackwing with 682 HP

    The 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V debuts with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 that makes 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque.Cadillac says it can hit 60 mph in under 4.4 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds at 110 mph.The Escalade-V will start at $149,990 when it goes on sale late this summer.Certain Cadillacs are meant to be driven at the track, and others are meant to be driven to the track. The new 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V falls into the latter category. However, this three-ton SUV still makes for one helluva shuttle thanks to the 682-hp supercharged V-8 hiding under its hood.

    This marks the first time an Escalade has worn the brand’s V badge, which broadcasts its high-performance nature. Its 6.2-liter V-8 is essentially the same engine used by the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. In fact, they’re both hand-built at the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The biggest difference is the SUV has a 2.7-liter supercharger versus the sedan’s 1.7-liter unit. This helps the Escalade-V generate 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque—14 more horses and 6 fewer pound-feet than the CT5-V Blackwing.

    Cadillac

    All that power is channeled through a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Unfortunately, there’s no setting to route torque exclusively to the rear axle, so smoky burnouts sound like a no-go. The Escalade-V does have an electronic limited-slip differential for maximizing traction, though, and it also has a launch-control feature that can be activated in V-Mode. Cadillac estimates the super Slade can hit 60 mph in under 4.4 seconds and quotes a quarter-mile time of 12.7 seconds at 110 mph. We’ll verify those claims once we have the chance to test one.Every Escalade-V has specially tuned adaptive dampers and air springs at all four corners, with stiffer springs in the rear. Drivers can also choose between Tour and Sport settings for the suspension, steering, brake-pedal feel, and engine sound. There are multiple adjustments for the all-wheel-drive system and engine performance that include a snow/ice mode. These can be accessed by punching the V-Mode button on the center console, which also automatically lowers the ride height by 0.8 inch.
    Compared with the blingy standard Escalade, the 2023 Escalade-V has a more menacing appearance. There’s no chrome trim or brightwork. The huge mesh grille is black (obviously), as are the window moldings, the lower trim pieces, and the quad exhaust tips that flank the faux rear diffuser. A set of gigantic 22-inch rims comes standard, available in black or gray. Behind the wheels are red calipers; a pair of Brembo six-piston units pinch the massive 16.1-inch iron front rotors, and single-piston calipers clamp the 13.5-inch rear rotors. Cadillac says it won’t offer summer tires on the Escalade-V. Instead, all models come with a set of 275/55R-22 all-seasons. The V is also rated to tow 7000 pounds, which is 1000 pounds less than the non-supercharged V-8 model with all-wheel drive. When the 682-hp, 6200-plus-pound three-row SUV isn’t shocking unsuspecting passengers with its heart-stopping takeoffs and snarling, supercharged soundtrack, Cadillac’s luxury pedigree should be on full display. Every Escalade-V has black or Dark Auburn leather in all three rows plus shiny zebrawood trim, and front-seat riders are treated to heated and ventilated cushions with massage functions. As on other Escalades, the V has an enormous curved OLED display with three screens measuring a total of 38 inches. The screen size is almost matched by the 36 speakers that come with the AKG audio system. The Caddy’s other marvel is its optional $2500 Super Cruise hands-free driving tech. However, due to the chip shortage, it’s expected to have late availability.
    Cadillac says the Escalade-V is “the industry’s most powerful full-size SUV,” but that’s an easy claim to make when there’s no direct competition. The company shouldn’t have any problem selling them, either, even with a startling starting price of $149,990. (Compare that to the regular Escalade, which starts at $77,840.) The long-wheelbase ESV also receives the V treatment, and opting for it is expected to cost an extra $3000. Both models will have limited availability based on volume, but Cadillac wouldn’t disclose numbers and insists the decision is based on keeping the Escalade-V “exclusive and exciting” and not the chip shortage. Whatever the reason, the company won’t be taking reservations before the 2023 Escalade-V and Escalade-V ESV go on sale late this summer.
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    Benelli Tornado 400cc Motorcycle Patent Leaks – KTM 390 Rival

    The upcoming motorcycle seen in the patents could be part of the Tornado range of sports bikes from BenelliBenelli Tornado 400cc MotorcycleBenelli and its parent company Qianjiang have been on a rampage as far as development of new models is concerned. In recent times, we have come across several spy shots and design patents floating on the internet. Most of these design patents have been filed by QJ Motor, a subsidiary of Qianjiang.The Chinese bikemaker is currently at the helm of operations for itself as well as Benelli. In addition, QJ Motor has partnered with several international brands which include Harley Davidson, MV Agusta for their respective entry-level premium offerings. The latest addition to the list of upcoming bikes is a 400cc sports bike from Benelli.Benelli Tornado 400cc Motorcycle – Patent LeakThis new bike is expected to be retailed under Benelli’s supersport Tornado range. A wide range of Tornado bikes is expected to be added in the future including a 550cc twin and a 650cc four-cylinder. Expected to be called Tornado 402R, this fully-faired motorcycle is most likely based on GS400RR from QJ Motor which made its debut in China recently.The bike shown in the patent follows the design language seen in Benelli Tornado 252R. This includes a vertically oriented headlight cluster with LED DRLs on both sides and shape of the front fairing that are clearly borrowed from the quarter-litre sports bike. That said, the upcoming 402R flaunts some distinct styling attributes, the most prominent of those is a single-sided swingarm.Benelli Tornado 400cc MotorcycleIt also indicates QJ Motor’s hold on drawing board operations since similar single-sided swingarms have been seen in recent small capacity motorcycles at the budget end of the spectrum. Other highlights include split seats, a clip-on handlebar, a muscular fuel tank and a sleek side fairing. Overall, the 402R appears to be quite a handsome motorcycle.Hardware ConfigurationUnderpinnings seem to be borrowed from QJ Motor’s GS400RR which includes a tubular steel frame suspended on upside-down front forks and a rear mono-shock mounted on the swingarm. The Benelli iteration gets slightly lower specifications due to its cost-effective nature. For instance, 402R receives a single front disc brake and axially mounted caliper, compared to the dual front disc setup seen in GS400RR.Expected Powertrain SpecsPowering Benelli 402R will be a 399cc parallel-twin motor which also has been borrowed from its QJ cousin. While left-side engine covers appear slightly different from the one in GS400RR, the right-side engine covers are very similar. This motor also looks uncannily similar to Kawasaki’s 400cc parallel-twin motor powering Z400 and Ninja 400.If that is the case, this unit should be capable of dishing out 45hp at 10,000rpm and 38 Nm of peak torque at 8,000rpm while being mated to a 6-speed gearbox. A few days back, QJ Motor unveiled the new SRK 400 in its home market which looks to be based on similar underpinnings and powertrain. It will rival the likes of KTM RC 390 upon launch.SOURCE More