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    Royal Enfield Scram 411 Review – Better Than Himalayan?

    Royal Enfield Scram 411 feels like a Himalayan in most ways yet it is able to please you with its qualities that aren’t like the ADVRoyal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 ReviewRoyal Enfield hit a gold mine when it launched Himalayan back in 2016. It was the first true adventure bike for the entry-level segment in India which only had a Hero Impulse (a not-so-worthy predecessor to Xpulse) at that time. Like all Royal Enfield motorcycles, Himalayan too had its limitations.However, in this case, limitations had more to do with riders than the bike itself. Its daunting appeal, heavy feel, difficulty in manoeuvring and very tall stance, made it a complicated affair for newbie riders. With feedback received from buyers, Royal Enfield decided to offer something simpler to the buyers in terms of accessibility.Hence, it led to the birth of Scram 411 which is a leaner, a little less sophisticated and a more affordable derivative of Himalayan. It promises to do almost everything that the latter is able to do and offer a bit more. The new bike offers an easier riding experience for someone who is looking to buy his/her first big bike. So is it as fun as Himalayan or does it fall short in an attempt to be something entirely different? Let’s find out.Design- Same yet DifferentAt first glance, one can clearly identify its Himalayan lineage with a similar structure and stance. That said, multiple components have been deleted from the package which lends Scram a whole different appearance. For starters, gone are those huge side braces, that large windscreen and beak upfront and a nifty luggage rack rear.Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 ReviewAll these deletions have resulted in a more minimalist and simpler design that looks aesthetically pleasing. Scram 411 also receives subtle variations in styling like a retro round headlamp encased within a new metal cowl and a new single-piece seat as compared to a split unit in Himalayan. In a typical scrambler fashion, Royal Enfield has used shorter front and rear fenders.With the exoskeleton missing, the bikemaker has incorporated a small panel on each side of the fuel tank with the Royal Enfield branding imprinted on it, thus lending a distinct touch to the motorcycle. Other highlights like a sculpted fuel tank, a raised tail section, an upswept exhaust canister and fork gaiters have been carried forward from its ADV sibling.Another area where Royal Enfield has aced is the colour options on offer in Scram 411. A total of seven paint schemes are on offer with this bike. We especially love the one wrapped around our test bike- Silver Spirit which contains a dark theme with contrasting neon green highlights accentuating the bike’s sportiness.Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 ReviewErgonomics, Features, QualityMajor differences with Himalayan are felt when the rider takes to the saddle. For starters, the handlebar is now 60mm lower and 20mm closer to the rider which makes for a more comfortable riding posture. Rider’s seat is broad with ample cushioning that comes to aid when touring long distances. However, that comfort doesn’t translate to the pillion thanks to its odd shape and limited size.In terms of features, it gets bare basic equipment with a halogen headlight and turn indicators, LED taillight, a single-pod semi-digital instrument cluster and a side-stand engine inhibitor as standard fitment. It even misses out on a USB charger which at this segment is a must. Tripper Navigation is offered only as an optional accessory through Royal Enfield’s MIY program.Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 ReviewAs far as quality is concerned, Royal Enfield has managed to package it well enough. Quality of seats and switchgear are decent though they lack a premium feel. The offset instrument console has been borrowed from Meteor 350 but gets a different colour treatment. One major drawback is the quality of the Tripper Navigation display which isn’t much of a use when viewed under direct sunlight.Ride & Handling- Some Changes FeltScram gets a shorter 19-inch front wheel instead of a 21-inch unit in Himalayan which results in a smaller rake angle for the front suspension, therefore, leading to a tighter steering geometry. It also translates to a shorter wheelbase and a lower ride height of 200mm as compared to 220mm in Himalayan. As a cumulative effect, all this results in sharper and more precise handling, especially around twisties.Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 ReviewThe motorcycle gets a kerb weight of 185 kilos (without a centre stand) which is 14 kilos lighter than its ADV sibling. This reduced weight does not make much of a difference in a static condition as it still feels heavy managing in a tight parking space. However, it does feel a lot livelier when manoeuvring through tight spots in traffic or when pulling the throttle hard thanks to the lighter front end.Enfield has also stiffened the suspension a bit more to improve its on-road mannerisms. A firmer setup has resulted in a more planted and assured ride on tarmac which incites more confidence in the rider. That said, it also has its downsides, as bumps and potholes are felt more sharply. Front suspension travel has been reduced by 10mm which doesn’t make any noticeable effect on its off-roading capabilities.Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 ReviewDuring our testing stint, we took the Scram through some very harsh terrains which it was able to overcome with relative ease. Surely the smaller front wheel will have its limitations, especially in extreme rocky terrains but Scram 411 will be able to overhaul most adventure trails depending on the rider’s skill set.Engine Performance- Same Old, Same OldScram 411 gets the same 411cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that dishes out 24 bhp at 6500rpm and 32Nm of peak torque at 4000-4500rpm. Although output and construction of the engine remain identical, Royal Enfield claims that it has made changes to its ignition timing and this same engine mapping will be available for Himalayan as well.However, this does not result in any noticeable change in the bike’s performance. As mentioned earlier, Scram 411 feels more agile and slightly livelier thanks to the reduced weight at its front end. Throttle response remains good enough but there is a definite lack of surge felt at the top end.Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 ReviewIdeally, one would want to keep the engine revving in mid-range in order to extract the best out of this motor. Vibrations from the power mill are very well contained and only mild vibes are felt once the speedo needle hits the 100kmph mark. Scram is best enjoyed at speeds between 80 to 90 kmph where one can cruise all day long.While the engine remains quite tractable in most conditions, for instant overtakes one is often found to be one gear too high for the motor’s liking. Speaking of gearbox, it gets the same 5-speed unit which is quite smooth although positioning of the shifter could have been better as we found it a bit too much inwards. The clutch lever also takes a lot of effort and a continuous long ride throughout the day, especially in city traffic, would lead to an aching left hand.Braking setup has also been carried forward from Himalayan hence it provides adequate bite. It misses out on a switchable ABS that could have further amplified its off-road credentials but the dual-channel setup does work and provides a more assured riding experience on tarmac. It also receives the same set of rubber from Ceat Gripp that is equally potent on-road as well as off-road.Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 ReviewVerdictScam 411 has been touted as an easier and more accessible version of Himalayan but it manages to fare only slightly better than its ADV sibling in these aspects. Also, priced between Rs 2.03 lakh and Rs 2.08 lakh (ex-showroom), it isn’t significantly cheaper as well. The one area where it clearly trumps its donor model is its looks thanks to the funky paint schemes and compact proportions.In the process of simplifying the riding experience, Royal Enfield has created a product that isn’t going to set any benchmarks for any of its qualities. However, it will be able to fulfil almost everything that Himalayan does but with slight ease and more comfort and that is where this motorcycle shines.In short, Scram 411 will mostly attract buyers who love Himalayan for what it offers but it won’t be their preferred choice due to its intimidating and heavy appearance. It is very well known that Himalayan isn’t everyone’s cup of tea because to enjoy its full potential, one needs to develop a certain level of skill set. Hence, amateur riders would find it easier if they upgrade to Scram 411 which presents itself as a more likeable alternative to Himalayan. More

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    Bajaj Pulsar 900RR Fully Faired Superbike Based On KTM 890 – Render

    Bajaj Pulsar 900RR sources most of its components from the KTM 890 series including hardware and powertrainBajaj Pulsar 900RR Sportsbike Render By Vinay Raj SomashekarPulsar brand is synonymous with sporty commuter bikes in India. Pulsar has been instrumental in Bajaj Auto’s success in domestic as well as overseas markets in the last two decades. Bajaj offers the Pulsar range in multiple iterations with varying engine displacements.Currently, the flagship motorcycles in this series are Pulsar N250 and Pulsar F250. A designer has digitally imagined a supersport version of the bike called Pulsar 900RR. Created by Vinay Raj Somashekar, this digitally rendered design showcases how this motorcycle could turn out if Bajaj thinks of introducing this in the market.Bajaj Pulsar 900RR Superbike RenderedThe rendering takes inspiration from a sprinting athlete stance – since the existing range of Pulsars particularly NS200 and RS200 borrow their stance from various postures of an athlete. Signature styling elements like a high and swooping shoulder line along with muscular and chiseled surfaces form an integral part of the current Pulsars. Hence, these elements have been carried forward in this digitally imagined Pular 900RR.Pulsar 900RR gets an aggressive and pouncing stance which enhances its aerodynamic properties. It gets a slightly unconventional design with part split panels. Side fairing has incorporated vents for smoother airflow during high speeds whereas sharp cuts and creases with a muscular fuel tank give it an appearance of a proper racing machine.Bajaj Pulsar 900RR Design InspirationFront fairing with a twin-pod headlamp setup and a tall windscreen gives it a menacing look of a very familiar masked superhero vigilante. At rear, it gets a very sharp and upright tail section with a very small pillion seat. A clip-on style low-set handlebar complemented by rear-set footpegs makes for a very sporty and committed riding posture as expected.Bajaj Pulsar 900RR Sportsbike RenderBajaj Pulsar 900cc Expected SpecsPulsar 900RR utilises a similar perimeter frame in line with existing Pulsars, however, some structural modification would have to be made. The frame is suspended on upside-down forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. Within this frame, an 890cc parallel-twin, DOHC liquid-cooled engine has been employed which has been derived from KTM. In its standard tune, this power dishes out around 114 bhp.However, for Pulsar 900RR, it could be slightly detuned to 108 bhp at 9000 rpm and 90 Nm of peak torque at 8100 rpm. Other specifications attached to this illustration include a seat height of 825mm, ground clearance of 180 mm and a wheelbase of 1440 mm. It has a fuel tank capacity of 14.4 litres.2026 Bajaj Pulsar 900RR Engine SpecsIn the final sketch, the designer has created multiple renditions of the fully faired superbike with various colour schemes on offer. Some key visual highlights from the final sketch include an underbelly exhaust, funky body graphics and silver-coloured alloy wheels shod with slick rubber. The illustrator expects such an iteration of Pulsar to be introduced by Bajaj during the 25th Anniversary of the Pulsar range, i.e., in 2026.Source More

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    Mahindra KUV100 Electric Launch In 2022 – Before Tata Punch EV

    Mahindra eKUV100 has been spied testing on multiple occasions – It gets the same exterior design as its ICE powered siblingMahindra eKUV100 Spied – Rival To Upcoming Tata Punch ElectricMahindra was considered as a pioneer by many, when it came to electric car segment. They had on offer cars like e2O and later e2O Plus, when there were hardly any rivals. Unfortunately, these cars never delivered sales performance as per expectations. Some were of the opinion that sales were not there, as there was no demand.But that has changed now. With the buzz around EVs gaining momentum, Mahindra is planning launch of multiple new products in the coming years. At the last Auto Expo, Mahindra showcased three pre-production concept EVs. One of them was eKUV100 which is a battery-powered version of KUV100 Nxt.Mahindra eKUV100 Launch DetailsSpeculations regarding launch of the KUV100 electric have been around since it was showcased. A few months back, the company even teased the electric cross hatch on its official website for a brief period. Later, reports indicated that Mahindra had scrapped plans for the electric KUV100 for now and that it could be launched as a dedicated EV for the fleet segment.However, latest report from ET Auto reveals that the entry-level electric crossover is in its final stages of development and testing and will be hitting markets by the end of this year. It is likely to precede the upcoming XUV300 Electric which is expected to be launched somewhere at the start of 2023.Upcoming Mahindra KUV100 ElectricExpected Price & RangeAt the time of its unveiling at 2020 Auto Expo, Mahindra had pegged the starting launch price of eKUV100 at Rs 8.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) including the FAME incentives. However, that might be difficult to achieve considering the rise in input costs over the past few months due to multiple factors.That said, Mahindra would still want to price it below Rs 10 lakh mark which will make it a perfect rival to Tata Tigor EV which is currently the most affordable electric car in India. We expect the upcoming Mahindra KUV100 Electric to offer a range of around 250 kms on a single charge. Upon launch, it will rival the upcoming electric versions of Punch, Kwid, etc.Mahindra’s Electric Mobilty PlansMahindra has been active in the commercial segment of EVs with three-wheelers and smaller LCVs like Treo and eAlfa. Last year, Mahindra & Mahindra strengthened its electric mobility operations by establishing two separate EV verticals namely Last Mile mobility (LMM) and Electric Vehicle Tech Centre.The company also announced a fresh capital investment of over Rs 3000 crores in LMM and launch of new electric SUV platform – Born Electric Vision. Mahindra has teased three new electric SUVs under the of Born Electric Vision platform on social media. These will be making their maiden appearances in July this year.Source More

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    2010 Nissan Altima Daily Driver Keeps MLB Star ‘Humble’

    Even if you had enough money to buy almost any car you wanted, sometimes the faithful old car—say, a Nissan Altima—you’ve been driving for a decade is and remains the right answer.That’s the story of Brandon Nimmo, who has made millions but still shows up to games in his 2010 Altima, even when the players’ parking lot is full of much more expensive machines.Nimmo, who plays for the New York Mets, told MLB.com that the old Altima makes sense in a city where you always have to watch for aggressive drivers.There was a time when Hollywood was amazed and amused by A-lister Leonardo DiCaprio cruising around town in a Toyota Prius. Then the movie stars were entertained by Jennifer Lawrence and her Volkswagen Eos. There are plenty of other examples of people with more than enough money decidedly not spending it on expensive vehicles.Over in the world of baseball, we have Brandon Nimmo, an outfielder for the New York Mets who just signed a new one-year, $7 million contract to stay on the team. The only reason we care here today is because Nimmo isn’t likely to spend his fortune on a new car. He’s been playing with minor league teams affiliated with the Mets since 2011 and has been in the majors since 2016, so he’s had money for some time. MLB.com estimates Nimmo has made over $10 million throughout his career (not counting the new contract). And even so, the car he is driving around spring training this year is decidedly affordable: a 2010 Nissan Altima sedan with around 65,000 miles on it, which is worth around $7000 to $8000 on the used-car market these days.
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    Nimmo’s reasons for driving an Altima in a sea of pricier cars driven by his teammates are logical and sentimental. Speaking to MLB.com, Nimmo said the car “keeps me humble” and is actually a much smarter car to drive around town than more expensive options. “It still does what I need it to do,” Nimmo told MLB.com. “When I throw luggage in the back, do I want to be doing that on a $100,000 Mercedes?”

    Nimmo’s Altima is still kicking around for sentimental reasons, too. He told MLB.com that he got the car after graduating from high school in Cheyenne, Wyoming, because some of the money his family had saved up for college became available when he got a scholarship to the University of Arkansas. He later discovered an Altima was just the thing on the streets of his new home. “When I got to New York City, I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’ve got to be a defensive driver all the time,’ ” Nimmo told MLB.com. “People are always trying to cut in front of you. I was like, ‘You know what? I don’t need a nice car, because you’ve got to play chicken with these people anyway. If the Altima gets a little beat up, I don’t care.”Nimmo told the baseball publication that he also owns a 2011 GMC Sierra that he uses when he is back in Wyoming, but for now he seems to be keen on keeping the Altima on the east coast. Sure, Bluetooth and a backup camera would be nice, he told MLB.com, but that’ll come in time. For now, the Altima isn’t going anywhere. “It kind of reminds me of where I came from,” Nimmo said. “When I have a bad game, I can hop in and be like, ‘I’m glad I didn’t buy that $100,000 Mercedes.’ . . . I’ll probably run her till she’s ragged, and then we’ll see what happens.”
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    Honda Sales Breakup Feb 2022 – Activa, Dio, CB Shine, CB350, Grazia

    Honda 2Wheelers reports over 30 percent decline in domestic sales in February 2022, exports fall 13.33 percentImage – Bike RockersFebruary 2022 saw most two-wheeler manufacturers report a dip in sales. Domestic Honda two wheeler sales fell to 2,85,706 units, down from 4,11,622 units. Volume loss is 1,25,916 units at 30.59 percent decline.Honda Sales Breakup Feb 2022 – Activa No 1Honda Activa sales are down to 1,45,317 units from 2,09,389 units. Volume loss is reported at 64k units at 30.60 percent decline. CB Shine sales declined to a similar extent, down at 81,700 units from 1,15,970 units. Volume loss stood at 34,270 units.Dio sales fell 45 percent at volume loss of 12,684 units. Sales were down to 15,487 units from 28,171 units. Dream sales however improved. The only motorcycle to be reported at growth, up at 44.15 percent at volume gain of 4,740 units. Sales were up at 15,476 units from 10,736 units.Unicorn 160 sales decline is 42.50 percent. Sales are down at 12,812 units from 22,281 units at 9,469 units volume loss. Livo sales declined 12.41 percent at volume loss of 1,047 units. Sales fell to 7,392 units from 8,439 units. Hness 350 sales stood at 3.1k units, marginally down from 3,268 units. Sales decline stood at 5.17 percent at volume loss of 169 units.Honda Sales Breakup Feb 2022Grazia sales decline was steep at 64.02 percent. Volume loss stood at over 5k units, down at 2,846 units from about 8k units. CB200X sales are reported at 538 units, and CB300R at 429 units. Hornet 2.0 sales decline is at over 88 percent, down at 422 units from about 3.6k units. X-Blade sales fell to 150 units from 1,844 units at a 91.87 percent decline. CB650 and CB500 sales are reported at 19 units each.Honda Exports Breakup Feb 2022Honda exports volume is much less in comparison to domestic sales. Even so, Honda reported a decline of 13.33 percent. Sales fell to 26,944 units, down from 31,088 units. Volume loss stood at 4,144 units. While Navi sales have been stopped in India, in export markets, it’s a top seller.Navi export is up at 7,767 units from 6,398 units. Volume gain stood at 1,369 units at 21.40 percent gain. Dio numbers fell marginally to 5,423 units, down from 5,695 units. Volume loss stands at 272 units, at 4.78 percent decline. In 21 years, Honda has exported 30 lakh units, and Dio has played an important role.Honda Exports Breakup Feb 2022X-Blade export is up at 3,844 units from 3,252 units. Volume gain stood at 592 units at 18.20 percent growth. Dream numbers fell by 7.78 percent, down to 3,128 units from 3,392 units. CB Shine exports fell to 2,518 units from 4,794 units at 47.48 percent decline. Hornet 160R export fell to 1.6k units, down from about 1.9k units at 16 percent decline.Honda CB350 export is up at 1,200 units from 300 units. Unicorn 160 numbers more than doubled at 576 units, up from 240 units. Grazia’s decline was steep, down at 320 units from 1,480 units. Activa, Aviator and Unicorn 150 exports are reported at a decline. More

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    2023 Renault Kwid Electric Spied – Upcoming Tata Punch EV Rival

    Renault is developing a battery-powered version of Kwid for many international markets2023 Renault Kwid Electric SpiedLike many other automakers, Renault is planning on venturing into the electric mobility space in many international markets. The company’s new electric car Kwid E-Tech has been touted to cater to the entry-level EV segment in several markets. This model is already on sale in China where it is known as City K-ZE.A test mule of this EV was recently spotted on the streets of Brazil ahead of its official launch in South America. A concept of the fully electric Kwid also made an appearance at the last edition of Auto Expo in 2020. As seen in the recent spy shots, Kwid E-Tech is very similar to its IC engine counterpart with its design based on the facelifted Kwid.2023 Renault Kwid Electric SpiedBarring the closed-off front grille, Kwid E-Tech is more or less similar to the gasoline version of this hatchback. Also, there is no exhaust in the battery-powered vehicle. In fact, the test unit seen in these spy shots resembles the China-spec City K-ZE very closely. Side and rear profiles of the car are exactly identical to the regular Kwid.While there are no confirmed technical details on the Brazilian-spec Kwid EV, reports suggest that it will be equipped with a more powerful electric powertrain than the one offered in Dacia Spring offered in Europe. The latter is also a Kwid-based EV. The European electric hatch is powered by a 26.8 kWh battery pack which returns an output of 44 bhp and 125 Nm of peak torque.2023 Renault Kwid Electric SpiedIt claims a range of 295km on a single charge as per the WLTP cycle. In China, K-ZE is offered with the same battery pack and offers a range of 271km (NEDC cycle).A relatively small battery size aided by a low kerb weight of 970 kg allows the battery unit to be charged at a quick rate. Using a standard 7.4kW wall box AC charger, it takes four hours for the battery to get rejuvenated fully.On the heels of the 2020 Auto Expo, Renault announced that it will be launching Kwid EV in India in the next two years. But that has not happened yet. If the Kwid electric is launched in India, it will rival the likes of upcoming electric cars – Tata Punch EV, Maruti EV, etc.Existing Kwid in IndiaCurrently, Kwid in India is available in four trims namely RXL, RXL (O), RXT and Climber which are priced between Rs Rs 4.49 lakh to Rs 5.83 lakh (ex-showroom). It is offered in two naturally aspirated petrol engine options- a 0.8-litre unit and a 1.0-litre unit. The former produces 53 bhp and 72 Nm of peak torque whereas the latter kicks out 67 bhp and 91 Nm of peak torque.Source More

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    Tata Tigor Electric Spied – More range, Larger Battery Like Nexon EV?

    Nexon EV is set to get an upgrade – New range is estimated to be around 375 km to 400 km on a single chargeTata Tigor Electric SpiedIt is not a secret anymore that Tata Motors is working on an enhanced battery pack for its EV segment leader Nexon EV. Updated version of the compact crossover is expected to be launched on 6th April.In related news, a fully camouflaged Tigo EV test vehicle has been spotted on Pune-Mumbai Expressway recently, indicating that the compact sedan too could be in for a battery update real soon. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Gaurang Chakrabarti for sharing exclusive spy shots.2022 Tata Tigor EV – What to expect?The fact that Tata Tigor Electric prototype is fully camouflaged point towards some visual changes, however its sheet metal design is not likely to undergo any modifications. Just like Nexon, major change will come in the form of a battery with enhanced capacity which means addition of more modules to existing battery pack.Other range enhancing approaches include improvement in energy density of cells and increasing depth of discharge. The soon-to-be-launched Nexon EV is reported to receive a capacity expansion to the tune of 10 kWh to reach around 40 kWh. This should be good for a range of at least 400 km.Tata Tigor Electric SpiedThe extent to which Tigor EV’s battery capacity will be enhanced depends on various factors, not the least of which is availability of space to accommodate those extra cell modules. We expect overall capacity to be extended at least by 6 to 10 kWh from existing 26 kWh. Updated Nexon will get a 40 kWh battery pack, compared to the existing Nexon EV’s 30 kWh battery.Range BoostObviously, this will translate into an improved autonomy. Currently, Tigor EV has a certified range of 306 km and we think Tata Motors will be aiming to achieve somewhere between 375 km to 400 km with battery update.Other mechanical changes would come in the form of new springs and dampers to account for added weight which could result in a mild variation in ground clearance. We expect the automaker to use this opportunity to also revise its variant-wise features list which may see some additions and deletions driven by customer feedback.Tata Tigor Electric SpiedThe existing PMSM e-motor producing 74 hp and 170 Nm of torque is not likely to witness any significant changes. The performance figures may vary slightly owing to a higher kerb weight but real world driving experience should be more or less the same.Launch TimelineTata Motors has a huge backlog of orders for their electric cars Nexon and Tigor. With demand on rise, the company is working on adding new variants to the line-up. These will come with larger battery pack, and will be more expensive. Tata will continue offering existing variants along with the new ones with higher range.Tata Tigor Electric SpiedWe expect new Tata Tigor EV with improved range to be launched a few months after Nexon EV. Despite being significantly cheaper than its SUV sibling, he Tigor EV finds fewer takers in comparison. A battery update could go a long way in enhancing its appeal as a potential choice for private buyers. The steadily rising fuel prices will only help the case of pure electric vehicles in general. More

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    Cars We Once Loved: Window Shop with Car and Driver

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    We often don’t know why we fall in love with objects we adore, like the C3 Chevy Corvette or Hot Pockets. But age, maturity, and worldly experience usually supply hyper-specific reasons for falling out of love. The 1970s Stingray, for instance, was barely a sports car, and Hot Pockets are barely food. This week’s Window Shop challenge was to find cars we once thought were great and then disavowed years later, the same way a brief, bad fling turns into decades of disavowals among the friend group: “I don’t remember that.”This one was another stumper for at least two of our five experts. Road & Track senior editor John Pearley Huffman, who has loved and hated with the force of an anvil since he was a zygote, was disenchanted by a Chrysler. From Car and Driver, senior editor Elana Scherr was disillusioned by a Dodge after it dragged her into oncoming lanes. Contributor Jonathon Ramsey’s relationship with an Alfa Romeo began with “Che bella!” and ended with “Cazzo!” Senior testing editor K.C. Colwell rode into the sunset in a Ford, then returned on foot, disgusted (or did he?). And C/D mandarin Tony Quiroga spent most of his time explaining why he liked his Lotus in the first place. The crew reached a unanimous decision after five stories with the same character arc as When Harry Met Sally, but in reverse. And now that everyone knows about these flings, we’re going to go dust off some of our excuses while you watch the show.

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