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    DeLorean, Reborn as the EVolve, Reveals More of Its Rear End

    UPDATE 5/4/2022: DeLorean’s revealed even more of the upcoming EVolved’s rear end, including the vehicle’s full-width taillight and badging.UPDATE 4/4/2022: DeLorean revealed the first image of the upcoming EVolved. The company plans to reveal this new model at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18, a few days before its originally planned reveal on the event’s Concept Lawn. The image shows the left-rear corner of the electric car, including its wide rear fenders, louvered rear roof panel, and silver and black two-tone paint job, which appears to be a nod to the original DeLorean’s stainless steel body panels and black trim pieces.Not everyone is familiar with the DeLorean Motor Company name, but most people know the automaker’s now legendary product: the DMC DeLorean. Although sold only for the 1981–1983 model years, the sports car’s stainless steel body panels and gullwing doors made it—and continue to make it—a wholly unique and head-turning vehicle. No wonder director Robert Zemeckis chose the car to serve as the time machine in the Back to the Future movie franchise.

    It was only a matter of time, then, until another entity brought the notorious vehicle back to life. DeLorean Motors Reimagined is doing just that. The company, whose largest shareholder is the DeLorean Motor Company that sells parts for and restores original DeLoreans, is set to reveal its new-age take on John Z. DeLorean’s classic coupe at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August.

    DeLorean

    The car DeLorean parks on the Concept Lawn at the Concours will bear the name EVolved and is set to preview the company’s low-volume production vehicle. Unlike the gasoline-powered DeLorean of yore, the EVolved will receive motivation from a battery-electric powertrain. Company officials are keeping mum on most of the car’s key details at the moment, but chief executive officer Joost de Vries, who previously held positions at companies such as Volvo and Tesla, shared with Car and Driver that the reborn DeLorean is expected to offer at least 300 miles of driving range.The finished product ought to crib styling cues from its forebear without recycling its looks. As chief marketing officer Troy Beetz said, the car the company plans to show off at Pebble Beach imagines what a modern DeLorean might look like “had it been around for the last 40 years.”Whether this results in a car that turns heads in the same way its predecessor did remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the company wants to create a vehicle that caters to people’s emotions, with de Vries divulging that the forthcoming DeLorean sacrifices some aerodynamic efficiency in the name of style.

    Nicole Rivelli Photographie

    Despite its looks, the original DeLorean’s performance was rather unimpressive. Don’t expect that facet of the old car to carry over to the new one. Although de Vries was adamant about the DeLorean redux “not [being] a hypercar,” he did state that the company is engineering the vehicle to appeal to “people who want to drive.”It’s clear the folks spearheading this project possess the experience and passion to theoretically create a competitive high-end electric sports car. Still, it’s neither easy nor inexpensive for a rather small organization to build and produce a new and profitable vehicle. We certainly want to believe in the promise of a modern-day DeLorean, and we’re excited to see what the company brings to Pebble in August. That said, we’ll likely maintain a bit of healthy skepticism until we see the operation start delivering vehicles to customers.
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    2023 KTM Duke Electric Motorcycle – Render Based On Leaked Sketch

    Instead of going full power like its current motorcycle range, KTM’s EV strategy will initially focus on developing smaller, affordable units2023 KTM Duke Electric – RenderWith the shift to electric inevitable, popular brands like KTM are busy creating an entirely new portfolio. Things will be challenging, as it’s an entirely new tech. KTM will try to leverage its expertise in areas like design, ride dynamics and brand positioning to stay ahead in the electric two-wheeler segment.A basic sketch was shared by KTM in their annual report. Taking that as reference, automotive rendering artist Pratyush Rout has created a production spec version of the 2023 KTM Duke electric, called the DUK-E.2023 KTM Duke Electric MotorcycleIn terms of power output, KTM E-Duke will be comparable to entry-level 125 Duke. It will have a 5.5 kWh battery pack, supplying power to a 10 kW (13.4 bhp) motor. Range is not officially revealed, but it is likely to be around 100+ kms on a full charge. The battery pack will be a fixed unit, indicating that users won’t have access to benefits possible through swappable battery network.From a design perspective, KTM E-Duke has some of the signature features of existing KTM motorcycles. It has an aggressive front fascia with sharp headlamp, low-set handlebar, sculpted tank design, sporty side panels and short tail section. Based on the colour theme, the bike will have differently coloured wheels at both ends. Sporty graphics can be seen on the tank and side panels.KTM Duke Electric Motorcycle – Sketch from KTM annual reportOverall, the bike has a largely barebones structure if we choose to ignore the side fairing. It helps to keep the weight in check, which in turn contributes to optimizing range. Side fairing may also help in a way by improving the bike’s aerodynamic properties. Shape of the faring suggests that it is designed to channel air, probably to cool down the battery pack and other linked parts.KTM E-Duke launchEven though KTM electric bike development has been confirmed, a timeframe for launch has not been provided. In view of prevailing market trends, it is likely that KTM’s first electric motorcycle will be launched next year. Shortage of auto parts has gotten worse with the ongoing conflict situation and consumer sentiments have also been impacted.It is not certain if KTM will introduce the E-Duke in India. KTM has a significant fan following here, but the response may vary in case of its electric two-wheelers. KTM is likely to initially focus on European markets, where the level of awareness and acceptance for EVs is much higher. The focus will be on young customers who are looking for affordable, environment-friendly ways of mobility.2023 KTM Duke Electric – RenderIn case KTM decides to bring E-Duke to India, it is likely to be manufactured by Bajaj Auto. The company has already designated a new facility in Pune, which will cater exclusively to production of electric vehicles. An investment of Rs 300 crore has been allocated for this facility. Other electric two-wheelers from KTM and Husqvarna as well as Bajaj’s own EV products will be manufactured at this plant. More

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    2023 Kia Soul Gets Cheekier Looks, Drops Turbo Engine

    Kia has updated the Soul for 2023 with new front- and rear-end designs.The Turbo model and X-Line trim level have been dropped from the lineup.The 2023 Soul will arrive at dealerships in late summer.Kia has been working to simplify the Soul lineup for a few years now: after dropping the base model’s manual transmission last year, it’s now killing off the optional 201-horsepower Turbo engine and the rugged-looking X-Line trim level along with the 2023 Soul’s facelift.

    This leaves the Soul’s sole engine option as a 147-hp naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four with a continuously variable automatic transmission. In our testing, this version got to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds, while the Turbo did the deed in 6.4 seconds. The trim levels that remain include LX, S, EX, and GT-Line.
    All of those models benefit from new styling for 2023, which includes reshaped headlights and a different front bumper, along with new taillights and a revised rear fascia. New 17- and 18-inch wheel designs complete the new look. Kia is offering two new two-tone color combinations: Surf Blue with a black roof, like you see here, and Clear White with a black roof.Kia has yet to announce pricing, but we think it’ll rise slightly from the current model’s starting price of $20,545.
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    Yamaha XSR GP Trademark Filed – New Variant For XSR Range?

    Yamaha could launch a special edition model based on the flagship XSR 900 named XSR GP2022 Yamaha XSR 155The XSR sub-brand of Yamaha has gained huge popularity across several international markets in a relatively short period. The range comprises neo-retro naked street bikes of varying displacements starting from XSR 125 and ending with the flagship XSR 900. In between, it consists of models like XSR 155, XSR 300 and XSR 750.Yamaha XSR GP trademarkedThe Japanese bikemaker is now looking to expand this lineup by adding a new model to this lineup. In this regard, Yamaha has filed a new trademark for ‘XSR GP’ at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). However, the trademark application document lacks any specific detail regarding the upcoming bike.This leaves endless possibilities on the table. The application was filed on 21 April 2022 suggesting that whatever XSR GP is, it is likely to be launched later this year. The trademark also doesn’t feature a number, therefore, leaving no hint of its engine displacement. However, use of GP in the trademark suggests that it should be connected to Grand Prix in some way.Expected SpecsIn all likelihood, the GP name tag is expected to be reserved for the flagship model. Hence, XSR GP is expected to be a special edition model based on XSR 900. which should offer cosmetic and feature enhancements over the regular model. It could also receive some tweaked mechanicals like more output from the engine or more dynamic handling of the bike.2022 Yamaha XSR 125Most of its underpinnings would be derived from its ultra naked sibling, like an Ohlins shock absorber at rear and DLC-coated KYB front forks. Yamaha could also use MT-09 swingarm which is 2.2 inches shorter than the one seen in XSR900 in order to reduce wheelbase and sharpen the handling.It can also be the case where Yamaha introduces a neo-retro version of the MT-10 naked streetfighter which takes the XSR moniker with the GP suffix. If and when launched, this version of XSR will go up against Honda CB1000R. However, there are fewer chances for this case. There’s also a chance that the ‘XSR GP’ name will actually feature more than one model.Other recent launches/unveils by YamahaThis explains why the title doesn’t include a number to represent capacity. That said, Yamaha is unlikely to bring the XSR sub-brand to India anytime soon, leave alone XSR GP. Fans of Yamaha expected the company to launch XSR 155 based on R15 and MT-15 already on sale in India. Instead, Yamaha launched FZ-X in the country last year which is a neo-retro motorcycle based on the FZ range.In recent times, Yamaha has introduced upgraded versions of R15 and MT-15 although there are no signs of XSR 155 in India. Yamaha also recently unveiled its first electric scooter for the Indian market which is expected to go on sale later this year. More

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    Two Wheeler Sales April 2022 – Hero, Honda, Bajaj, TVS, Suzuki, Royal Enfield

    Among leading two wheeler makers, Bajaj and Suzuki posted a YoY decline in domestic sales while Hero, Honda, TVS and Enfield saw significant growthImage – Auto Moto ShowWith the opening of economy, continued government support coupled by a more positive consumer sentiment – two wheeler sales are in the green. Domestic sales of the top 6 two wheeler makers saw a total of 10,99,167 units sold in April 2022, up 15.30 percent over 9,53,338 units sold in April 2021. This was a 1,45,829 unit volume growth with each of these automakers, with the exception of Bajaj and Suzuki posting a YoY growth in sales. MoM sales however, dipped 3.46 percent from 11,38,561 units sold in March 2022.Two Wheeler Sales April 2022Hero MotoCorp once again led the list with sales of 3,98,490 units in April 2022, up 16.31 percent over 3,42,614 units sold in April 2021. Commanding a 36.25 percent share, Hero MotoCorp found its Splendor motorcycle the best-selling model in the company portfolio not only where sales in April 2022 were concerned but also during the FY2022 period. MoM sales of Hero MotoCorp dipped 4.15 percent over 4,15,764 units sold in March 2022.Honda two wheeler sales increased YoY and MoM by 32.75 percent and 2.97 percent respectively. Sales in the past month stood at 3,18,732 units, with market share of 29 percent up from 3,09,549 units sold in March 2022 when market share was at 27.19 percent. TVS Motor domestic sales increased 37.41 percent to 1,80,533 units, from 1,31,386 units sold in April 2021. Market share stood at 16.42 percent up from 17.30 percent held in March 2022. MoM sales dipped 8.34 percent from 1,96,956 units sold in March 2022.Bajaj Auto saw its domestic sales fall 26.24 percent in April 2022 to 93,233 units from 1,26,570 units sold in April 2021. MoM sales also slipped 12.93 percent over 1,07,081 units sold in March 2022. Share also fell from 9.40 percent to 8.48 percent. However, the company has achieved a major milestone where the Bajaj Pulsar 250cc is concerned and in just 6 months of launch, total sales have crossed 10,000 unit mark.Two Wheeler Domestic Sales April 2022Suzuki two wheeler sales dipped 14.95 percent in April 2022 to 54,327 units, from 63,879 units sold in April 2021 while MoM sales increased 7.08 percent from 50,734 units sold in March 2022. Best sellers in the company lineup continued to include the Access, Gixxer along with recently launched Avenis and Burgman. Royal Enfield sales increased 10.38 percent in April 2022 to 53,852 units, up from 48,789 units sold in April 2021 while MoM sales dipped 7.91 percent from 58,477 units sold in March 2022.Two Wheeler Exports April 2022Where exports are concerned, it was a YoY de-growth of 7.64 percent to 3,76,357 units, down from 4,07,505 units shipped in April 2021. MoM exports improved 19.14 percent from 3,15,890 units sold in March 2022. Bajaj Auto topped the list with 1,88,478 units shipped last month, this was a 14.95 percent YoY de-growth over 2,21,603 units exported in April 2021 with a 50.08 percent market share. MoM sales improved 26.29 percent from 1,49,243 units sold in March 2022.TVS Motor saw a YoY growth of 4.94 percent to 99,489 units while MoM exports increased 3.68 percent over 95,962 units sold in March 2022. Honda and Hero MotoCorp exports dipped 1.51 percent and 32.15 percent YoY to 42,295 units and 20,132 units respectively while Honda exports improved 258.61 percent MoM from 11,794 units shipped in March 2022. Hero continued to experience MoM de-growth by 42.36 percent.Two Wheeler Exports April 2022Suzuki and Royal Enfield YoY exports increased 26.41 percent and 84.14 percent respectively to 17,660 units and 8,303 units while Suzuki MoM shipments improved 19.64 percent from 14,761 units sold in March 2022. Enfield exports dipped 9.75 percent MoM.Two Wheeler Total (Sales + Exports) April 2022Total two wheeler sales in the past month stood at 14,75,524 units, up 8.43 percent over 13,60,843 units sold in April 2021. MoM sales also improved 1.45 percent over 14,45,451 units sold in March 2022. Hero MotoCorp and Honda experienced increased YoY sales to the extent of 12.45 percent and 27.55 percent to 4,18,622 units and 3,61,027 units commanding a market share of 28.37 percent and 24.47 percent respectively.Two Wheeler Sales + Exports – April 2022Bajaj Auto suffered YoY de-growth of 19.09 percent to 2,81,711 units from 3,48,173 units sold in April 2021 while MoM sales increased 9.90 percent over 2,56,324 units sold in March 2022. TVS also saw a YoY increase of 23.80 percent to 2,80,022 units while MoM sales dipped 4.40 percent from 2,92,918 units sold in March 2022. April 2022 sales of Suzuki stood at 71,987 units and Royal Enfield at 62,155 units. More

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    Next-Generation BMW M2 Starts to Take Shape

    BMW M has posted photos of a prototype for the next-generation M2.It has a wider body than the 2-series coupe and is packing considerably more horsepower. A manual transmission is rumored.We expect the new M2 to debut later this year.We like the latest generation of the BMW 2-series coupe quite a bit, but the high-performance M2 is what enthusiasts are really waiting for. BMW M gave us a taste of what’s to come by posting these photos of a camouflaged M2 prototype on Instagram and announcing that it will start production at the company’s plant in Mexico by the end of this year.
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    The M2 has a considerably wider body than the 2-series coupe, with the difference especially noticeable around the rear haunches. We can also see quad exhaust tips, larger wheels and tires, and a few extra vents for enhanced cooling. The M2’s interior likely won’t be that different than the standard 2-series coupe’s, meaning it’ll offer a usable set of rear seats unlike many of its sports-car competitors.

    The outgoing M2 used the S55 twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, which produced 405 hp in the Competition model. BMW may switch the new model to a version of the S58 twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six that makes 473 hp in the base version of the M3 and M4. It likely won’t have as much power as those cars, but it’ll have to sit somewhere in the mid-400-hp range in order to provide a significant boost over its predecessor and the current M240i’s single-turbo B58 engine, which makes 382 hp.Thankfully, we’ve heard rumors that BMW will continue to offer a manual transmission in the M2 despite removing that option from the base 230i and M240i models. It’ll likely be the same six-speed unit from the M3. We’re not sure if the automatic-transmission option will be a dual-clutch unit, like the last M2’s, or the torque-converter eight-speed auto from the M3 Competition.Look for more official information to come within the next few months, as we expect BMW to reveal the new M2 in the fall before it goes on sale by the end of the year.
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    Stolen Chevy Camaros Cause Police Chase Involving a Helicopter, Drones, and Spike Strips

    Several stolen Chevy Camaros led authorities on a high-speed chase that ended in multiple arrests, according to Twitter posts by the Michigan State Police.The Camaros, including at least two 650-hp ZL1s, were stolen from an assembly plant in Lansing, Michigan.Other local news outlets, such as the Detroit Free Press, reported that the chase included a drone, a helicopter, spike strips, and speeds of over 100 mph. A heist involving multiple brand-new Chevy Camaros leads to a wild police chase that includes a drone, a helicopter, spike strips, and triple-digit speeds. That’s not a scene from a new Fast & Furious film or Grand Theft Auto video game, it’s a real-life incident that occurred early yesterday morning, according to posts on social media by the Michigan State Police as well as reports from local news outlets.

    Just after midnight on Monday, the MSP posted on Twitter that multiple vehicles had been reported stolen from GM’s Grand River Assembly Plant in Lansing, Michigan, and that officers were patrolling I-96 for the suspects. As it turns out, the stolen cars were five Camaros, including at least two 650-hp ZL1 models that have a claimed top speed of 190 mph. When it became clear that the suspects, who were allegedly traveling at speeds over 100 mph, weren’t stopping, an epic chase ensued. It eventually spread across three different counties, with the suspects at some point splitting into two separate groups of two to four cars.

    Michigan State Police

    Michigan State Police

    At least eight different police departments were involved in the pursuit, according to the MSP. Along with a police helicopter, the Detroit Free Press reported that drones were also used during the chase. Authorities were able to stop some of the Camaros with spike strips while others lost control and crashed. Some of the suspects tried to flee on foot before finally being arrested. Photos on the MSP’s Twitter page show four different models either crashed or disabled on the side of the road. We recognize a coupe and convertible ZL1 plus two other black coupes that could be V-8-powered SS models.

    Michigan State Police

    Miraculously, no pedestrians and none of the suspects or police officers involved in the hot pursuit were injured. The MSP said that nine men between the ages of 20 and 24 were arrested and taken into custody. They face multiple charges that include fleeing and eluding police as well as receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle. It’s estimated that the total value of the stolen Camaros is around $375,000.
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    2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Is a Fully Loaded Luxo-Barge

    The 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate features a dark chrome look for the exterior and an interior with nicer leather.The 16-way power front seats feature a massage function and speakers built into the headrests.The Denali Ultimate can also be had with the Super Cruise driver assistance technology and a rear-seat entertainment package. The GMC Yukon Denali is already one of the blingiest SUVs on sale thanks to its glitzy chrome grille and well-appointed interior. But now GMC is turning the Yukon’s opulence up a notch with the 2023 Yukon Denali Ultimate, a new range-topper that brings subtle exterior tweaks, nicer interior materials, and even more technology to the already luxurious Denali.
    You might expect every inch of an even swankier Denali to be coated in chrome, but in fact the Denali Ultimate gets a more understated look, with much of the trim bearing a darkened “Vader” chrome look. The GMC badges feature a darker finish, but GMC did leave some trim in a brighter coating, such as around the windows, for contrast. The Denali Ultimate also gains unique, 22-inch, seven-spoke wheels. The biggest upgrades are to the interior. All three rows of seating are wrapped in richer leather with plaited stitching, and the front thrones are 16-way adjustable and equipped with a massage function. The dashboard features Paldao wood trim with a topographical map of Mount Denali etched in, which is echoed on the seat backs. Aluminum trim completes the look.The Denali Ultimate is also packed with features. There’s a new 18-speaker Bose sound system with speakers built into the headrests and an optional rear-seat entertainment package that attaches screens to the back of the front seats. But the real highlight is the optional Super Cruise driver assistance tech, which includes automatic lane changing and a setting designed for towing.

    The 2023 Yukon Denali Ultimate comes with the 6.2-liter V-8 or an optional Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel, with both engines mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Magnetorheological dampers and an air suspension also come standard.The Yukon Denali Ultimate goes on sale this fall. GMC has yet to release pricing, but given that its pickup-truck sibling, the Sierra Denali Ultimate, carries a $20,000 premium over the standard Sierra Denali, we expect the Yukon Denali Ultimate to ring in close to $92,000.
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