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    Mahindra Atom Electric Launch Soon – Variants, Battery Specs Leak

    First showcased as a concept at the 2022 Auto Expo, Mahindra Atom electric is expected to be launched in the coming weeksMahindra Atom ElectricThe Mahindra Atom electric quadricycle which made its debut at the 2018 Auto Expo is inching close to its launch, as suggested by this near-production prototype which was spotted testing in Bangalore. The compact and boxy urban runabout will be pitched as a last mile transport solution.Mahindra Atom electricThe Mahindra Atom was originally supposed to be launched sometime in the festive season 2021, but it looks that the lockdown has pushed the timeline by a few months. Despite the delay, the Atom is poised to become the first electric quadricycle in India. It will be competing with the Bajaj Qute which is currently available only with an IC engine. Bajaj Auto is working on an electric variant.Developed by Mahindra Electric, Atom was envisioned as an integral part of growing shared mobility apparatus in urban areas, feeding Metros and BRTS. However, the pandemic has tilted the balance heavily in favour of personal transport. It remains to be seen how Mahindra will market the Atom in this era where people are thinking twice before opting to use shared mobility solutions.Mahindra would be hoping to tweak its market strategy to target private buyers for the Atom electric but given that it was primarily conceived for shared mobility, pitching it as a compelling private mode of transportation would be easier said than done.Mahindra Atom Electric – Variants and SpecsMahindra Atom – Variants and SpecificationsAs can be seen in the above document, Mahindra Atom Electric has been homologated ahead of launch. It will be offered in a choice of 4 variants – K1, K2, K3 and K4. The base variants K1 and K2 will be powered by 7.4 kWh / 144 Ah battery pack while the top two K3 and K4 variants will be powered by 11.1 kWh / 216 Ah battery pack.Depending on the battery pack, range of Mahindra Atom will vary. Mahindra Atom K1 and K2 will deliver lower range as compared to K3 and K4. Battery pack weight for K1 and K2 is at 98 kgs while that of K3 and K4 is at 145 kgs. Electrical energy consumption for K1 and K2 stands at 90 Wh / Km, while that for K3 and K4 is at 106 Wh / Km.Kerb weight of the Mahindra Atom ranges from 434 kgs to 458 kgs – depending on the variant. Gross vehicle weight ranges from 832 kgs to 903 kgs. It is rated to have a seating capacity for 4 adults, including driver. Mahindra Atom electric range has not been revealed. It will be revealed at the launch event in the coming weeks. Govt has approved it for registration as a Non-Transport vehicle.Mahindra Atom Quadricycle on Test. Image – AshutoshExpect Mahindra Atom Electric range to be in the 80-100 kms. Wheelbase is at 1885 mm, width is 1452 mm, length is 2728 mm and height is 1576 mm. Top speed should be around 50-60 kmph. The primary target customers will be existing auto rickshaw owners who are looking to upgrade to a cleaner and fully enclosed workhorse.Launch and priceAs shown at the auto expo, interiors of the Mahindra Atom will be basic. The door panels and wheel arches are devoid of padding or sound deadening material to keep the cost in check. The simple plastic dashboard has a utilitarian appeal to it and higher variants will offer AC. The Mahindra Atom electric will be equipped with 4G connectivity to enable easy bookings and payments for the ride. There will also be an app for the drivers to monitor the vehicle status.Expected to be introduced sometime in mid 2022, the Mahindra Atom electric is estimated to have a start price point a little over INR 3 lakh (ex-showroom). The vehicle’s sales performance would prove to be a valuable insight for other players who are interested in this segment. More

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    2022 Aprilia Tuono 250cc Debuts As New GPR 250S

    Aprilia Tuono 250 has been launched in China as GPR 250S – Borrows its underpinnings and powertrain from RS 2502022 Aprilia Tuono 250ccAprilia is very well-known for its racing pedigree all across the motorsport industry. Its sporting legacy also translates to fun and fast bikes which have a substantial consumer base all across the world. While the Italian brand has a very thin lineup of motorcycles in India, it continues to grow its presence in other international markets.The Piaggio-led company has launched Aprilia Tuono 250 in China which goes by the name GPR 250S. Reports of Aprilia developing a new-gen model of the naked streetfighter had started surfacing last year. A similar 125cc version of the naked street racer made its debut in European markets last year.2022 Aprilia Tuono 250One look at the new Tuono 250 and you realise that it is a very different product from its predecessor. The bike gets a completely redesigned front fascia which is dominated by new triple pod projector LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs that gives an aggressive and mean appearance.It also gets familiar front and side fairing which is unique to the Aprilia line of naked motorcycles. However, in this case, fairings are more prominent and play a significant role in amplifying the sports bike appeal of the bike. The side quarter fairing not only provides a distinct look but also adds to its aerodynamic qualities. More importantly, it also incorporates a larger radiator shroud for a new liquid cooler.2022 Aprilia Tuono 250ccOther notable visual highlights include a muscular fuel tank, a single-piece saddle, a raised tail section and a superbike-style windscreen upfront. Side fairings also flaunt striking new graphics to accentuate its sporty appeal The engine bay is protected by a large belly pan while the bike’s internals and running gear have been blacked out.Mechanical SpecsPowering Tuono 250 is the same 249cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine borrowed from RS 250. Like the fully faired sports bike, this motor pumps out 27.5 bhp at 9000 rpm and a peak torque 21.5 Nm at 7500 rpm. Power is transmitted to rear wheels via a 6-speed gearbox. Suspension duties are handled by 41mm USD forks up front and a mono-shock linked to the swingarm at rear.The naked streetfighter rides on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 100/80 and 130/70 section tyres at front and rear respectively. Braking duties are handled by single disc brakes at both ends complemented by dual-channel ABS. At a kerb weight of 145 kg, Tuono 250 is fairly nimble for its class.Expected India LaunchCurrently, Aprilia retails only four motorcycles in India including RS 660, Tuono 660, RSV4 1100 Factory and Tuono Factory. Reports of the Italian brand launching entry-level quarter-litre models in India had floated across the internet previously. However, there have been no concrete details regarding their launch in the country. More

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    2023 Bajaj Pulsar N160 Spied Testing For The First Time

    Bajaj is taking a top-down approach for the new range of Pulsar models, the next model in this lineup is expected to be a 180-200cc bike2023 Bajaj Pulsar N160Bajaj Pulsar is an aspirational brand of sporty commuter motorcycles. Strong performance backed by affordability is one of its key universal selling points. These are more than a few reasons why this motorcycle range continues to be a rage even after two decades in the market.Currently, Bajaj is in a rebuilding phase and is trying to reinvent the Pulsar series by introducing some new models under its belt. The first in this revamped lineup is Pulsar 250 twins- N250 and F250 that was launched late last year. The company confirmed that it will be launching more new models under the Pulsar moniker in the coming future.New Bajaj Pulsar Spotted- Is it Pulsar N160?Recently, a new test mule of a Pulsar motorcycle was spotted outside Pune which was speculated to be the new-gen Bajaj Pulsar 125. The prototype was under heavy camouflage and did not divulge any specific details of the upcoming bike. Now, another Bajaj Pulsar has been spied testing without any camouflage this time around.Reports indicate that it could be a Pulsar with a smaller engine displacement, most probably a new Pulsar 160. The test mule that had been spotted in Pune, looked very similar to the new Pulsar N250. Hence, the new 160cc naked streetfighter will be based on the all-new Pulsar N250 platform and could replace the current Pulsar NS160 in future.2023 Bajaj Pulsar N1602023 Bajaj Pulsar N160Headlight cowl of the test mule is a fitting image of the naked quarter-litre Pulsar. It features projector LED headlight flanked by twin eyebrows-shaped LED DRLs just like Pulsar N250. While indicators on this new prototype are bulb units, split tail lamps consist of LED internals. It receives a contoured split-seat setup with a raised tail section and split grab rails.Like N250, this new testing prototype receives a single-piece handlebar which should ensure comfortable and upright ergonomics. The motorcycle is built on the same chassis as the 250cc Pulsars, so it gets the same frame, telescopic front fork, and a rear mono-shock. Even body panels appear to be borrowed from the new generation quarter-litre Pulsars.Expected SpecsIn all probability, Bajaj will be employing a brand new engine with a construction similar to that of N250 and F250. The current NS160 is powered by a 160cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that pumps out 17.03 bhp and 14.6 Nm of peak torque. The new engine will be richer in torque and even comes with a kick-starter which is a rare feature these days.2023 Bajaj Pulsar N160It appears to ride on 17-inch alloy wheels that are shod with MRF rubber with a slightly thicker profile at rear. Braking duties are carried out by disc brakes at both ends that will be complemented by single-channel ABS. Although no specific launch timeline has been confirmed yet, the next model under the new range of Pulsar could hit markets by end of this year or in early 2023.Source More

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    Mercedes and will.i.am Turn the AMG GT 4-Door into a Wild One-Off

    Mercedes teamed up with will.i.am to create this one-off concept called WILL.I.AMG.It’s based on the AMG GT 4-Door and has a face similar to the G-wagen’s.The car supports will.i.am’s philanthropic project called “The Flip.” Musician and philanthropist William James Adams, Jr, better known as will.i.am, has joined forces with Mercedes-AMG to create a one-off concept car called “WILL.I.AMG.” The car will serve as the centerpiece of will.i.am’s latest philanthropic project, but, before we get into that, let’s examine the creation itself. It’s based on a Mercedes-AMG GT Four-Door and was built by West Coast Customs, a purveyor of multiple over-the-top one-off automobiles—you might recognize the name from MTV’s “Pimp My Ride.” This is the sixth project will.i.am has employed West Coast to build for him, and it’s far more restrained than most of the far-out rides he’s had West Coast put together for his personal use.Will.i.am and West Coast Customs reworked the AMG GT’s body to convert it from four doors to two—we’re thinking these must be in contention for the largest doors on any car, ever. Hinged at the rear, suicide-style, they open like a pair of welcoming arms. If this were a daily driver, you’d be trapped inside after pulling into a parking spot at your local grocery store.

    Mercedes-Benz

    We don’t know what inspired the squared-off, truck-like front end clearly taken from the G-Wagen, but it certainly won’t be confused with your neighbor’s AMG GT. The three-pointed Mercedes star in the grille was replaced with the image of a bear, which symbolizes the phrase “Bear Witness.” It’s the name of line of limited-edition apparel and accessories that Mercedes says will be available online and at its Mercedes-AMG Experience Center in Miami. There’s also a six-part documentary covering the build, titled “Drive” that will premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.The car is part of will.i.am’s latest philanthropic undertaking called “The Flip – Innovation for Purpose,” which is intended to give students from disadvantaged communities access to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) education. That, in turn, will enable them to grow the skills needed to earn future tech-focused jobs that help them lift themselves, their families, and their communities out of poverty. The rapper/song writer/singer and founding member of the Black Eyed Peas explained his desire to build a special Mercedes this way: “I grew up in a ghetto. I grew up with hip-hop. I watched legendary hip-hop artists rap about Mercedes, so it was always a dream to own a Mercedes. For a lot of inner-city kids, owning a Mercedes is a symbol of progress and advancing out of struggle.”

    Mercedes-Benz

    The Flip program is new, but it’s actually one of many STEAM educational initiatives supported by the musician’s i.am/Angel Foundation, which has been performing these good works for more than a decade. The organization supports and funds students in underserved communities including will.i.am’s home town, the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. The support enables participation in courses focused on robotics, information systems, computer coding, computer-aided design, and art. The foundation has also supplied both after-school tutoring and scholarships that have helped inner-city students attend and graduate from college. The foundation has raised millions of dollars of funding for these programs.At this point, will.i.am and Mercedes have said only that all the activities surrounding the WILL.I.AMG will benefit the efforts of the singer’s i.am/Angel Foundation “to help build a STEAM-ready talent pool that will lift families and communities out of poverty.” When it comes to custom cars, there are as many opinions of what looks cool as there are people. But no one can argue with the good intentions, positive outcomes, and hopes for the future that this one represents.

    Mercedes-Benz

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    2023 Acura Integra Begins Production ahead of June On-Sale Date

    Acura announced that it has begun production of the 2023 Integra at its plant in Marysville, Ohio.The Integra is powered by a 200-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four, mated to either a continuously variable automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.Pricing starts at $31,895, and the Integra will start to reach dealerships in June. Acura recently revealed pricing for the 2023 Integra, and now production has officially begun for the luxury brand’s new entry-level hatchback. Acura announced today that the Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio has started building customer-ready Integras, signaling the return of one Acura’s most beloved nameplates and the return of a manual transmission to the Acura lineup for the first time since 2015. The Integra is being built on the same assembly line as the larger TLX sedan, and it also shares the Marysville facility with the Honda Accord. This is the first time a car bearing the Integra name has been built in the United States, and it becomes the fifth car in the Acura lineup to be produced in Ohio.

    The 2023 Integra comes standard with a 200-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four borrowed from the Honda Civic Si. The base Integra starts at $31,895 and comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission, but buyers can also opt for a six-speed manual. This requires choosing the A-Spec and technology packages, adding goodies like a limited-slip differential and adaptive dampers but boosting the price to $36,895. The 2023 Integra will start to hit dealerships in early June and Acura is taking reservations on its website.
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    2009 Audi R8 4.2 Is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick of the Day

    • This 2009 Audi R8 4.2 has a current bid of $41,226 on the Bring a Trailer auction website.• The car shows 12,000 miles on its odometer.• Bidding ends Wednesday, May 11.The ever-faster march of technology makes it easy to stay focused on the next greatest thing. But it also makes it easy to forget how great some of the automotive world’s “less-advanced” vehicles were not long ago—and, in many cases, still are. Case in point is arguably one of the most underrated modern supercars, the first-generation Audi R8, such as this 2009 model we came across on the Bring a Trailer auction site—which, like Car and Driver, is owned by Hearst Autos.

    The original R8, which debuted for 2008, hails from a simpler time, back when Ferrari SUVs and widespread electrification were only fever dreams. True, the R8 still exists in V-10 form as a 562- or 602-hp bastion of internal-combustion fury, but today’s second-gen car has been infected by more computer processors and has lost some of the original’s elegance. In contrast, the soft, sultry lines of the first-gen R8 say exotic without shouting it, and in base form it had a mere 420 horsepower from a 4.2-liter V-8. But that melodious naturally aspirated engine loved to rev and, unlike today’s automatic-only R8, could be paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Just as important is the satisfying clack-clack action you get from working that shifter through its exposed metal gates as you bolt to 60 mph in a little over four seconds.

    Bring a Trailer

    While that may be slow by contemporary supercar standards, it’s more about the theater of speed here, and the manual R8 is a Sydney Opera House of driving enjoyment. Which is exactly what you want in a comfortable, well-mannered performance car that you can savor every day. “The R8 will cruise the freeway with as little ride disruption and mechanical commotion as an (Audi) A4,” we wrote in 2007. “Yet at speed the R8 gathers itself into a tautly controlled crouch, heading where it’s pointed with remarkable precision and exhibiting none of the propensity for snap rotation that some mid-engined cars have made famous.” Pitted against the Aston Martin Vantage and Porsche 911 Turbo, the R8’s goodness earned it a comparison-test win in 2008. Much of the R8’s ”wonderfully neutral” character can be traced to its rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, as well as the optional magnetorheological dampers found on this 2009 example painted in Phantom Black Pearl with matching side-blade trim. Inside the surprisingly spacious cabin you’ll find lots of black leather, a Bang & Olufsen premium stereo, and long-haul friendly sport seats with heaters. Currently for sale in Texas, this car only has 12,000 miles on its clock, plus a recent service record, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Louisiana title.

    Bring a Trailer

    What really grabbed our attention is the current $41,226 bid on this car’s Bring a Trailer page. With six days left in the auction, that figure surely will creep upwards. But that’s still a discount-rack price for a car that cost around $110,000 when new. While that level of depreciation largely is the result of the greater popularity for the more powerful V-10 model that was added for 2009, we don’t care when it makes the standard car a viable alternative to a new Toyota Supra—and a far more special one at that. Besides, a little more speed is only an aftermarket supercharger away.

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    2022 Tata Nexon Electric MAX – Gets Illuminated Gear Selector

    Tata Nexon electric with a long-range battery is expected to come with some additional creature comforts as wellTata Nexon Electric MAX – Illuminated gear selectorTata Motors has been planning to launch an updated iteration of Nexon EV with more power and an extended range on offer. Test mules of the updated electric crossover have been spied testing on roads on multiple occasions in recent months. Recently, it was revealed that the updated Nexon EV would be launching on 11 May 2022.The homegrown carmaker is currently the leader of electric mobility in the passenger vehicle segment in India with two models under its umbrella- Nexon EV and Tigor EV. Ahead of its official launch next week, Tata Motors has announced the official name via teaser video. To be called NEXON EV MAX, select dealerships have started accepting unofficial bookings.Tata Nexon EV MAX Powertrain UpdatesThe new Tata Nexon MAX Electric with a more powerful battery pack will be sold alongside the current model. It is expected to receive minor cosmetic and feature enhancements over the regular model although there have been no specific details about any of those updates yet. Also, spy shots of test mules didn’t indicate any massive visual changes to the car’s exterior.Previous reports have indicated that the upcoming Nexon EV MAX will feature a larger 40kWh Lithium-ion battery pack that should offer a maximum range of around 400km on a single charge. At present, the battery-powered SUV features a 30.2kWh battery pack that is rated with a claimed mileage of 312km on a single charge. The larger battery pack is also expected to eat part of the boot space at rear.[embedded content][embedded content]Not only range but performance of the fully electric Nexon will also be amplified. According to a Delhi RTO document, the new battery pack will feed energy to a motor capable of dishing out 136 PS. In comparison, the present Ziptron powertrain in Nexon EV churns out 129 PS of power and 245 Nm of peak torque.Additional FeaturesA larger battery pack means the Nexon EV MAX will be heavier by around 100kg. The new Nexon Max Electric should support fast charging for ease of convenience. Increase in power will be compensated by more braking power with disc brakes on rear wheels. Apart from new alloy wheel designs, there aren’t noticeable visual changes made to the exterior styling of Nexon EV.As for features, Tata Motors will continue to offer creature comforts like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, connected car tech, an electric sunroof, a semi-digital instrument cluster and automatic climate control.Tata Nexon Electric MAXFurther, it is also expected to witness some feature additions like electronic stability control, auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated front seats, an air purifier and cruise control. Also seen in the teaser above are electronic parking brake with auto hold, indicating the presence of hill hold feature. It also has adjustable regen levels.Currently, Nexon EV is priced between Rs 14.54 lakh and Rs 17.15 lakh (ex-showroom). The Nexon EV MAX is expected to start at a premium of Rs 2-3 lakh over corresponding variants and hence prices could start from somewhere around Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom). More

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    Porsche Now Offering Camping Trips on Top of a Taycan Wagon

    Your next vacation could be a three-day rooftop camping adventure at one of two locations in Germany.These adventures, offered for €2490 through Porsche, include a roof-top tent and a Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo station wagon.Bring your friends along, as the excursions can be booked with enough cars and tents for up to eight people.If the road is calling you this summer, listen closely. Is it speaking German? If so, Porsche has two different camping road trips that may be of interest. You can even bring seven of your friends, so long as each camper has €2490, or around $2628 at today’s exchange rate, to drop on the three-day adventure.

    Porsche

    For that outlay of cash, Porsche will set you up with a Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo station wagon, a rooftop tent, and an itinerary of activities in either the Black Forest or the Rhine-Hesse wine region. Both start and end in Stuttgart, but the Black Forest outing includes a zipline tour and a hiking excursion while the Rhine-Hesse version offers overnight stays at wineries with a wine tasting and gourmet dinner at Sekthaus Raumland.

    Porsche

    Porsche provides meals, bedding, and other camping equipment for you, so if you’re flying in from the United States, all you need to bring is your personal items and your sense of adventure. You could, of course, get a rooftop tent for your own car but not every model can accommodate something like that. Plus, your Subaru or 4Runner isn’t going to be as much fun to drive as a 670-hp electric Porsche station wagon.
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