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    2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic Is the Manual 911 Turbo We've Always Wanted

    The 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic uses the 911 Turbo’s engine, albeit with reduced output of 543 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque.This lesser output allows the rear-wheel-drive Sport Classic to adopt a seven-speed manual transmission.Porsche intends to cap production at 1250 units worldwide. The 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic is a 911 Turbo by any other name. Limited to 1250 units worldwide, the Sport Classic shares its engine with the Turbo, but not its drivetrain or transmission.

    Whereas today’s Turbo-grade 911 comes exclusively with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the 911 Sport Classic pushes its power strictly to its rear wheels by way of a manual transmission. A classic approach to a sports car, indeed.In order to ensure the twin-turbocharged 3.7-liter flat-six plays nice with the seven-speed gearbox, Porsche reduces the engine’s output to 543 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque—a loss of 29 horses and 111 lb-ft of torque relative to the Turbo. If you’re after peak performance, then you’re better off with the quicker shift times and superior traction of the self-shifting all-wheel-drive 911 Turbo. The 911 Sport Classic instead sacrifices the lofty straight-line acceleration capabilities of its Turbo kin at the altar of a more involving driving experience.
    Though it’s sure to require a few more ticks to hit 60 mph (the 572-hp 911 Turbo did it in 2.4 seconds in our testing), the Sport Classic ought to maintain much of the dynamic competence of the Turbo on twisting tarmac. Credit features such as rear-wheel steering, active anti-roll bars, and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) Sport active dampers, which lower the car’s ride height by 0.4 inch. Model-specific revisions to the front springs and staggered 20- and 21-inch front and rear wheels are also included. Stopping power comes courtesy of black-painted 10-piston front and four-piston rear calipers that clamp down on 16.5-inch front and 15.4-inch rear carbon-ceramic rotors. Along with its engine, the Turbo also lends its wider body to the Sport Classic. Like the prior 911 Sport Classic that Porsche revealed in late 2009, the latest 911 Sport Classic wears Fuchs-style wheels, a retro “ducktail” rear spoiler, and a double-bubble roof panel. A carbon-fiber hood with a central dip complements the look of the aforementioned roof panel, which Porsche also constructs from carbon fiber.
    Additional alterations include LED headlights with black housings, Porsche script on the model’s lower sides, side-mounted white circles designed to house numeric decals of the driver’s choice, and a number of special badges shared with the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition. A Porsche crest that mimics the automaker’s 1963 design, real gold badging at the likes of the car’s rear end, and a Porsche Heritage badge mounted to the rear grille complement a set of badges on the front quarter panels.Despite its Turbo-sourced engine, the Sport Classic ditches the active aerodynamic equipment and side air intakes of its 911 Turbo and Turbo S stablemates. Forgoing the latter feature required Porsche to develop new tooling to stamp the intake-less wide-body panels it fits on this special-edition model. The Sport Classic channels additional air into its engine bay by way of ducts mounted under the rear spoiler as a way of compensating for the missing holes in its sides.Tweaks to the interior accompany the exterior modifications. Both the tachometer and dash-mounted clock of the standard Sport Chrono package include white needles set against faces with green numerals and accents, while Porsche embosses logos into the headrests and center-console lid. There are also distinct door sill plates and a dash-mounted badge.
    Pepita cloth lines the door panels and seat centers, contrasting with the cabin’s black and brown leather decor. An all-black leather interior is optional for those in search of a low-key look.Unlike Porsche’s previous 911 Sport Classic, all 250 of which were built for markets outside of the United States, the brand plans to ship an undisclosed number of its latest Sport Classic to our shores. Pricing remains under wraps, but we wager the Sport Classic will sticker for a good deal more than the $208,350 starting price of a 911 Turbo S.The 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic is due to hit dealers before the end of the year, with customers able to outfit the car in one of four paint options: gray, black, dark gray, and blue—each with contrasting light gray stripes.
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    Damaged C8 Corvettes Are Being Parted Out on eBay after Tornado

    Screenshot: Stricker Auto Parts on Facebook

    When a tornado struck General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly plant in December, it caused fires and leaks that forced GM to write off 122 Corvette vehicles. Those Corvettes, mostly still on the assembly line, died before they ever got to live.But thanks to CorvetteBlogger, which was tipped off by one of its readers, we now know that the ‘Vettes didn’t die completely in vain. The site located a bunch of eBay listings by user Stricker Auto Parts for 2022 Corvette parts, pulled from cars that in some cases show 0 miles on the odometer.

    Screenshot: Stricker Auto Parts on eBay

    Because cars always leave the factory with a few miles on them, we assume that these are parts from cars that never got finished. Plus, CorvetteBlogger notes that some of the listings that show full cars have “X” marked on the windshield; the site also spotted this marking on the tornado-damaged cars in drone footage from the factory. There aren’t enough listings to know if all of the 122 written-off Corvettes will eventually be parted out by the same seller, but if you’re looking for never-used C8 parts with some interesting history, we recommend perusing the Stricker Auto Parts eBay listings.

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    2023 Polestar 2 Gets New Colors and Wheels, Revised Interior

    The 2023 Polestar 2 gains two new colors, fresh wheel designs, and new interior materials.Polestar is also using blockchain technology to track metals including cobalt, mica, and aluminum to ensure they are ethically sourced and processed using sustainable energy.The 2 also gets an upgraded heat pump which Polestar claims improves real-world range.For the 2023 model year, the Polestar 2 is gaining a host of upgrades, including fresh design elements, an optimized heat pump, and new technology that aims to make the 2 more sustainable. Polestar previously updated the 2 for 2022 with a longer EPA-estimated range in the single-motor model—now 270 miles—and 68 more horsepower for the dual-motor version.
    The 2023 Polestar 2 will come with two new exterior colors. The first, called Space, is a metallic black, while the second, dubbed Jupiter, is described as a gold-grey with a red flake. These new hues can be matched with new designs for both the standard 19-inch wheels as well as the optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Nappa leather can be had in a new Zinc grey color, and a new Light Ash trim is also available.

    Polestar has partnered with software company Circulor, which uses blockchain technology to track where Polestar sources cobalt and mica, two key minerals used in electric-car batteries. Polestar says the partnership allows it to verify that the minerals are coming from ethical mining and manufacturing sources. The technology has also seen Polestar switch to aluminum suppliers which use sustainable energy. Polestar claims this has reduced the carbon emissions from producing the aluminum tray holding the 2’s battery. Polestar is experimenting with similar emissions reductions with its aluminum wheels, and expects the wheels to start saving carbon emissions in the second half of the year.Polestar also says it has bettered the optimal temperature range for the mechanical heat pump included in the Plus package to between 20 degrees and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Polestar claims that the pump, which was previously optimized for between 40 and 60 degrees, helps increase real-world range in “adverse conditions.” It’s unclear at this point if the car’s EPA-rated range will be adjusted as a result of these changes.
    Polestar has also added an advanced cabin filter and upgraded the interior particulate sensor, which is now pair with an in-car app to measure the air quality improvement in the cabin versus the outside world. Lastly, Polestar has added a removable sunshade for 2s fitted with the panoramic glass roof.Pricing hasn’t been released yet, but we don’t expect it to change much from the current car’s starting price. Look for the 2023 single-motor version to start at around $47,500 and the dual-motor version to start at around $51,500.
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    Dodge Hornet SUV, eMuscle EV Concept Set to Debut in August

    The Dodge Hornet—the brand’s first plug-in hybrid—is planned to debut in August, Stellantis CEO Tim Kuniskis confirmed on Tuesday, per The Detroit News.The Hornet is expected to be based on the plug-in version of the Alfa Romeo Tonale, but Kuniskis suggested supply chain issues might delay the Hornet’s launch. Dodge is also planning to unveil an electric muscle car concept this summer, but Kuniskis suggested this reveal could also be pushed back. Last fall, Stellantis confirmed that Dodge’s first plug-in hybrid would be shown in 2022. Rumors soon started circulating that the vehicle would be a small crossover SUV bearing the Hornet name (a rendering of which leads this piece). In February, not long after the reveal of the Alfa Romeo Tonale, which offers a plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, photos leaked of a Tonale sporting Dodge logos and styling cues—purportedly a prototype of the Hornet. Now Tim Kuniskis, chief executive officer of Dodge, has given credence to the rumors and leaked images, as he confirmed on Tuesday the Hornet will debut this summer, per The Detroit News.

    During a virtual news conference, Kuniskis shared that Dodge is preparing to show the Hornet in August. However, this plan could be affected by the supply chain issues that have been plaguing the car industry, halting production, and delaying launches. Kuniskis would not comment on where the Hornet will be built, but the SUV is expected to be assembled at the company’s plant in Pomigliano, Italy, which also builds the Tonale. The Tonale’s plug-in hybrid powertrain features a turbocharged 1.3-liter inline-four and an electric motor at the rear axle, the combination of which nets a total of 272 horsepower. The Hornet will presumably arrive with a similar, if not identical, powertrain setup when it goes on sale in 2023.

    Dodge

    Dodge also plans to reveal a concept version of its electric muscle car, which is due in 2024, before the end of the year. Kuniskis said Dodge is aiming to show the concept before the Hornet’s reveal, but the brand still needs a key piece that is, “outside of my control, it’s outside our industry, quite frankly,” before the reveal can happen. Dodge’s first electric car will utilize the “eMuscle” name. A teaser for the vehicle reveals it will feature a boxy front end that’s reminiscent of the brand’s Chargers and Challengers of the 1960s and 1970s.
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    Honda Sales Breakup March 2022 – Activa, Dio, Shine, Grazia, CB350

    Honda Activa scooter was the best-selling model in the company lineup in domestic markets while it featured at No.10 in terms of exportsImage – The Bengal RiderHonda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) has posted a 21.71 percent de-growth in terms of domestic sales in the past month. Exports on the other hand dipped 21.91 percent YoY. Total sales (domestic + exports) stood at 3,23,164 units in March 2022 from 4,12,816 units sold in March 2021.Honda sales in domestic markets dipped to 3,09,280 units last month. This was a 21.71 percent de-growth over 3,95,037 units sold in March 2021 leading to an 85,757 volume de-growth. Every model in the company lineup posted a YoY de-growth except for the Dream, CB650 and Africa Twin.Honda Sales Breakup March 2022 – Activa No 1Honda Activa scooter topped the sales charts with sales of 1,60,361 units last month, down 19.50 percent over 1,99,208 units sold in March 2021. The Activa commands a 51.85 percent share. No other model was able to see sales above the 1 lakh unit mark. Honda Activa 125 and 6G have recently received a price hike of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 respectively.At No. 2 was the Honda CB Shine. Sales dipped 19.29 percent to 95,197 units last month, down from 1,17,943 units sold in March 2021. This was a 22,746 volume de-growth while the CB Shine commands a 30.78 percent share. Honda Dio scooter sales fell 27.23 percent to 16,501 units from 22,677 units sold in March 2021. Honda Dio also got more expensive from 1st April 2022 and is now available from Rs 66,862.Honda Sales Breakup March 2022Honda Dream sales increased 83.30 percent YoY to 16,352 units from 8,921 units sold in March 2021. However, Unicorn 160 (12,889 units), Hness 350 (3,406 units) and Livo (2,731 units) suffered heavy YoY de-growth. Grazia sales dipped 94.21 percent to 398 units from 6,879 units sold in March 2021 while Hornet 2.0 sales fell to 368 units from 2,058 units sold in March 2021 leading to an 82.12 percent YoY de-growth. Honda noted increased demand for its CB650 and Africa Twin with sales increasing 170 percent and 88.89 percent to 27 units and 17 units respectively.Honda 2W Exports March 2022It was also a YoY de-growth in terms of exports that the company suffered in the past month. Exports fell to 13,884 units, down 21.91 percent over 17,779 units shipped in March 2021. The Honda Dio was the most exported model with 3,904 units shipped in March 2022, down 19.12 percent over 4,827 units sold in March 2021. The Dio commands a 28.12 percent share.Honda Navi exports increased 5.82 percent YoY to 3,548 units as compared to 3,353 units shipped in the same month last year. CB Shine saw lower exports to the extent of 47.74 percent to 1,790 units, down from 3,425 units shipped in March 2021 while X-Blade was the 4th highest export with 1,380 units shipped, up 34.24 percent YoY over 1,028 units exported in March 2021.Honda Exports Breakup March 2022Honda Dream exports fell 19 percent YoY to 1,040 units while the Unicorn 160 and CB350 saw demand in global markets increase 100 percent and 200 percent to 768 units and 450 units respectively in March 2022. Even as Livo (400 units) and Grazia (240 units) saw lower YoY exports, that of the Activa scooter increased 25.64 percent to 196 units. Aviator (160 units) and Hornet 160R (8 units) completed the export list while there were 0 units of Unicorn 150 and Hornet 2.0 exported last month. HMSI now plans an onslaught into the electric mobility space with new technologies such as flex-fuel, etc. The company plans a host of new EV offerings over the next couple of years. More

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    2012 Titan Adrenalin Industries Motorhome Is Our BaT Auction Pick

    • Designed for overlanding or doomsday scenarios, this RV is a mash-up of a camper and a military-grade truck chassis.• It has a Cummins diesel 6.7-liter inline-six, four-wheel drive, a queen-size bed, a shower, and roof-mounted solar panels.• Registered as a 2012 BAE Systems Titan motorhome, it currently has an $85k bid on Bring a Trailer, and the auction ends on Wednesday, May 4.If Instagram has taught me anything, it’s that people who have vans converted into campers are cooler and happier than I am. The proof is in the perfect composition of their photos, from the unwaveringly sunny vistas to their unquestionably authentic smiles. However, in the event of the Apocalypse, when even the brightest Insta filter can’t hide the hellscape in the background, I suspect the happy-go-lucky vibes of #vanlife to go on hiatus. Meanwhile, I’ll be getting the hell out of Dodge and seeking safety in this military-grade motorhome that I found on the Bring a Trailer auction site–which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos.

    Sure, this thing looks as inviting as an ice-cream truck in the Arctic Circle, but it’s that industrial aesthetic that captured my attention. Is it a truck? Is it a camper? Upon closer inspection, it’s a little bit of both. Beneath the camper portion is a medium-duty, flat-bed truck. While it features the same platform as trucks that BAE Systems supplied to the U.S. military, this example is said to be one of about 50 that were sold to civilians as part of the now seemingly defunct Titan Trucks brand.

    Bring a Trailer

    According to an old brochure, this 4×4 “Extreme Duty” chassis has a 153.0-inch wheelbase, measures 96.0 inches wide, and has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 24,700 pounds. Moving the 10-plus-ton machine is a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six, which in stock form is said to make as much as 325 horsepower and 860 pound-feet of torque. The engine pairs with a seven-speed automatic transmission and feeds all four wheels. The rear axle also has a locking differential to help in treacherous terrain. The truck rolls on a set of 10-lug wheels wrapped with 395/85R20 Goodyear MV/T tires that are rated for combat duty, and what’s good enough for Uncle Sam is good enough for me.Obviously, this Frankenstein RV has more than a few interesting features. Its roof has been reinforced so that it can be walked on, but most of the real estate on top is occupied by a 1200-watt solar-panel system. Above the roof of the cockpit is an aluminum storage bin that can be accessed by ladders on both sides. There are additional storage compartments on the bottom of the camper as well as two power-retractable awnings, LED auxiliary lighting, and even an exterior shower. The long steel bumper that pokes out from behind the truck also has a neat trick; it pivots and is connected to a winch that can raise it for a greater departure angle.

    Bring a Trailer

    Bring a Trailer

    Despite the RV’s military specifications, the inside of its aluminum camper looks a lot more comfortable than an army barracks. It might even be something you’d see in your grandparents’ Winnebago, except it’s a lot more stylish. There’s a queen-size bed and still room for serviceable kitchen space and a bathroom with a shower. A pair of folding bench seats with seat belts face each other in the middle of the camper, and when it’s time to eat or, say, play some cards, a wood table slides out from under the nearby bed frame. If things inside the camper get too hot or cold, there’s an air-conditioning unit and a diesel-powered heater. If things get too boring, there’s a TV and a JL audio system to blast some tunes. I can think of one especially fitting song by R.E.M.

    Bring a Trailer

    In the event that any of my passengers and I need some space as we try to survive the Apocalypse, the cab of the truck is separate from the camper. Up front, there’s a set of aftermarket racing seats that look comfy and supportive. The driving position is perfect for big-rig cosplay, with a sky-high seat height and a comically large steering wheel. The huge windshield and flat-nose configuration should provide excellent forward visibility. The truck’s abbreviated front overhang should provide terrific approach angles, and in the worst-case scenario of a zombie apocalypse, the steel front bumper will make for an excellent battering ram.
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    Ather Electric Scooter Prices April 2022 – In All Cities

    Ather has consistently expanded its dealer network and is now available in 30 cities across 15 statesAther Electric ScooterAn early entrant in the electric two-wheeler space, Ather Energy continues to mature as a reliable brand. The company has witnessed steady growth and is ranked among the top 10 electric two-wheeler brands. Sales will get a boost in coming months, as new dealerships are opened across the country.Ather dealer network updateWhen it had started out in 2018, Ather had presence in only a couple of cities. Around four years later, Ather has expanded across most of the major cities in the country. In the West, Ather has presence in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa. Ather showrooms in northern and central India are available in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.Eastern states such as Assam and West Bengal have also been covered. Most dense network can be seen in the southern part of India, covering states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.Number of Ather dealerships are relatively more in this region, as compared to northern parts of the country. Ather is constantly looking to onboard new dealerships who may be willing to contribute to the EV revolution taking place in the country.Ather Electric Scooter Dealer Network as of April 2022Apart from expanding its dealer network, Ather is also focused on improving its charging infrastructure. Ather Grid currently has 350+ charging points across more than 30 cities. Users can quickly locate the nearest charging station via Ather app.Ather Grid points are equipped with DC fast chargers that can load battery power at the rate of 1.5 km per minute. Ather charging stations can be used by any electric vehicle that uses a 5 Amp charger. A lot more Ather Grid points are being added, which are playing a crucial role in eliminating the phenomenon of range anxiety.Ather electric scooter prices April 2022Prices of Ather electric scooters vary based on state subsidies and other exemptions such as NIL road tax and discounted RTO and registration charges. If we take Ather 450 Plus, it is the cheapest in Delhi. On-road price after FAME II and state subsidy is approx. Rs 1.24 lakh.Ather electric scooter prices – April 2022Delhi has been promoting the use of EVs by offering attractive subsidies. The state does not charge any road tax on electric two-wheelers and RTO / registration fee is among the lowest in the country. Other cities where on-road price of Ather 450 Plus is less than Rs 1.30 lakh include Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Nashik, Nagpur, Pune and Mumbai. These states too offer high EV subsidy and other concessions.Talking about Ather 450X, the scooter’s lowest on-road price is Rs 1.44 lakh in Delhi. At the other end of the spectrum, on-road price of the scooter is highest in Lucknow at Rs 1.75 lakh. 450 Plus is also costly at Rs 1.56 lakh in Lucknow. Other places where Ather scooters are relatively pricier include Noida, Gurugram, Malappuram, Tirur, Trivandrum, Kochi, Calicut, Siliguri, Guwahati and Indore. More

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    Tata Wins Record Contract For Electric Buses Worth Rs 5,000 Crores

    Tata Motors was the lowest bidder in the tender floated by Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) and will now supply 5,450 electric buses worth Rs 5,000 croresTata Electric BusIn a massive tender for 5,450 electric buses floated by Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) under the FAME II scheme, Tata Motors has emerged as the lowest bidder. The tenders were opened by Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) on Tuesday and contained the largest ever aggregation of 5,450 buses across five major cities of Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and SuratOther automakers who took part in this tender were Switch Mobility – the electric vehicle counterpart of Ashok Leyland, Evey Trans of the Olectra group and VECV – a JV between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors.After being declared as the lowest bidder for all five categories of the tender, Tata Motors will go on to supply 5,450 electric buses worth Rs 5,000 crores under. The margin of difference between L1 and L2 bidders in all categories was Rs 10.India’s Largest Electric Bus TenderThe bidding was conducted across 5 categories that included 12 meter low floor AC and non AC e-buses, 12 meter Standard floor non-AC and 9 meter standard floor AC and non-AC buses. The prices quoted by Tata Motors were the lowest ever and were on par or close to operational cost of diesel buses.25-seater Tata Ultra Urban 9/9 electric AC busesThe price quoted for 12 meter low floor non AC bus is Rs 43.49 per km while for the 9 meter non AC bus this goes down to Rs 39.21 per km. Quoted price stands at Rs 47.49 per km for 12 meter low floor AC bus and at Rs 44.99 per km for 12 meter standard floor AC bus. The lowest bid from Tata Motors for the 9 meter standard floor AC bus was at Rs 41.45 per km. Prices quoted are also inclusive of the cost of electricity for charging.As against Tata Motors’ lowest bid of Rs 44.99 per km for the 12 meter standard floor AC electric bus, Switch Mobility had quoted Rs 53.99 per km while for the 9 meter AC bus Evey Trans quoted Rs 54.27 per km and Rs 53.12 per km for non AC. The buses will take advantage of the FAME II subsidy offered by the Government of India which in turn will relate to Rs 361 crores which could be used to procure additional e-buses.e-buses to save 1.88 billion liters of fossil fuelThe terms of contract are for a period of 12 years, with assured 10 lakh kms per bus. As per calculations, the electric buses from Tata Motors will operate around 4.71 billion kms over the next 12 years. This will help save 1.88 billion liters of fossil fuel and result in 3.31 million tons of CO2 tailpipe emissions, making strong progress in terms of climate change.As a part of this tender, there will be a total of 25,000 job opportunities raised out of which 10 percent is reserved for women. This does not include any added employment created through new manufacturing facilities. More