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    2022 Hero Splendor Plus Xtec Launch Price Rs 73k – New Features, Colours

    Hero Splendor Plus has been updated for 2022 – It gets the Xtec treatment, which Hero has given to some of its vehicles already2022 Hero Splendor Plus XtecThe name Splendor has an emotional connection with masses in India. Multiple generations of countless families in the country have owned a Splendor. This is because the bike ticks all the boxes for almost every middle-class Indian. It has been in the market for almost three decades now and continues to pull sizable volumes even today.Since its launch way back in the early 1990s, multiple other iterations of the motorcycle have been introduced like Super Splendor and Splendor iSmart with different engine configurations. However, there is no match to the charm of the original 100cc Splendor.2022 Hero Splendor Plus XtecThe entry-level bike has remained more or less similar, in terms of specs, barring a few additional surnames like ‘Plus’ and ‘Pro’. The motorcycle offers bare basic equipment and focuses more on reliability which has been one of its key USPs. That said, Hero MotoCorp has now launched Splendor Plus XTEC.All new 2022 Hero Splendor Plus Xtec is priced from Rs 72,900 ex-sh. It is packed with features such as Full Digital Meter with Bluetooth connectivity, Call & SMS alert, RTMI (Real Time Mileage Indicator), low fuel indicator, LED High Intensity Position Lamp (HIPL) and exclusive graphics.2022 Hero Splendor Plus XtecRanjivjit Singh, Chief Growth Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Hero Splendor has been a trend-setter for decades. The motorcycle has been impressing a diverse range of customers with its trust, style, performance and its enhanced range of comfort features. We are certain, Hero Splendor+ XTEC will yet again set a new benchmark – in terms of both technology and visual style, and deliver on the brand promise of comfort and safety.”Malo Le Masson, Head of Strategy and Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Hero Splendor is the most popular and the best-selling motorcycle in India, a true companion to millions across India. It has been an icon for almost three decades and will still continue to inspire many with the launch of the Splendor+ XTEC model, adding technologically advanced features and a smart modern design.This is the latest model complementing the XTEC technology umbrella that has been an overwhelming success since its launch on the Hero Glamour 125, Pleasure+ 110 and Destini 125.” Take a look at the detailed walkaround video of the all new 2022 Hero Splendor Plus Xtec below, credited to Bike Point By Mintu & Rahul.[embedded content][embedded content]Hero Splendor Plus Xtec – New Features, Specs2022 Splendor XTEC gains new colour options as well as some funky body graphics. The four new colour schemes in Sparkling Beta Blue, Canvas Black, Tornado Grey and Pearl White. The Xtec range comes equipped with a wide range of features including a digital instrument console enabled with Bluetooth, a turn-by-turn navigation system, notification alerts, weather updates, a side-stand engine cut-off function, and a USB charger.The Splendor+ XTEC with segment-first Full Digital meter with Bluetooth connectivity, provides the rider with maximum functionality and information.  The full digital display offers practical and user-friendly functions, such as incoming and missed call alerts, new message alerts, two trip meters along with the RTMI (Real Time Mileage Indicator) and low fuel indicator. It also gets an integrated USB charging port.2022 Hero Splendor Plus XtecSplendor Plus Xtec is powered by a 97.2cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that pushes 7.9bhp of power at 8,000rpm and 8.05Nm of peak torque at 6,000rpm. This unit is paired with a 4-speed gearbox. Suspension duties of the bike consist of telescopic forks up front and a mono-shock at rear while braking duties are carried out by drum brakes at both ends. More

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    2023 Toyota Sienna Celebrates 25 Years with Special Edition

    The Toyota Sienna celebrates a quarter of a century since its 1998-model-year debut with the 2023 Sienna 25th Anniversary Edition.Based on the XSE, the special edition adds unique badges and floor mats and is offered in Celestial Silver or Wind Chill Pearl.The anniversary model also gets fancy cabin features from the Limited, and Toyota will only build 2525 units for the United States.The Toyota Sienna first hit the market for the 1998 model year and has since sold over 2.2 million units, so Toyota is celebrating with the 2023 Toyota Sienna 25th Anniversary Edition. The special-edition minivan, based on the Sienna XSE, gains unique trim inside and out and also cribs luxury interior features from the more expensive Limited model.
    The 25th Anniversary Edition is offered in two colors: the Celestial Silver seen here or Wind Chill Pearl. The exterior badges, mirror caps, and shark-fin antenna are finished in black. The special edition also borrows mirrors with memory, auto-dimming, puddle lights, and power-fold and reverse-tilt-down functionality from the Limited trim. Inside you can find “25 Years”–branded floor mats and more Limited trim goodies like heated and ventilated memory front seats, memory steering column, and illuminated doorsills. The seats are wrapped in black leather with silver stitching, and there’s also a special “25th Anniversary” key-fob cover.

    The 25th Anniversary Edition comes in front- or all-wheel-drive versions and features the sporty design elements found on the XSE, such as gray 20-inch wheels and a more assertive mesh lower grille. On top of this, the celebratory model is fitted with the XSE Plus package, adding roof rails, a JBL speaker system, wireless charging, and a 1500-watt converter. Toyota says it will build just 2525 units of the 25th Anniversary Edition for the United States, and there’s no word yet on price, although it will probably fall somewhere in the high-$40,000 range.
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    Benelli Keeway Maxi Scooter Debuts In India – 278cc, 18.7 hp

    Upon its launch in India, Keeway Vieste 300 maxi-scooter is expected to be priced around Rs 2.50 lakh (ex-showroom)Benelli Keeway 300cc ScooterKeeway made its grand entry into the Indian market by unveiling not one but three new products. We have already discussed the K-Light 250V cruiser motorcycle and the Sixties 300i retro-style scooter in detail. The third model in the company’s India lineup will be Vieste 300 which is a Maxi-style scooter. All three will be sold via the Benelli dealer network. Keeway and Benelli are owned by China’s QJ Motor Group.The Maxi scooter space hasn’t been a mass volume churning segment since there are only a handful of such options available in the country and Keeway intends to utilize this wide space by introducing Vieste 300. When launched it will be slotted right in between Yamaha Aerox 155 and BMW 400 GT in India.Benelli Keeway Vieste 300 ScooterPrices of Keeway Vieste 300 are expected to be announced a few months later at the time of its official launch. Like other Keeway models, Vieste 300 will be sold alongside Benelli motorcycles through the latter’s showrooms. Bookings for all three Keeway two-wheelers are currently open and interested buyers can book their vehicles at a token amount of Rs 10,000.Deliveries of Vieste 300 will commence from June onwards whereas test rides are slated to begin from May 26 onwards. Coming to its design, Vieste 300 is a traditional Maxi scooter in terms of its overall aggressive styling and dimensions, which coincidentally resembles the Keeway GT270 sold overseas. Like contemporary Maxi scooters, it sports an angular front apron that houses four LED projector lamps with DRLs.Benelli Keeway 300cc ScooterVieste 300 flaunts signature Maxi scooter highlights like a long body, a tinted windscreen, a free-standing handlebar, a split step-up seat and a long transmission tunnel. Turn indicators sit flush with the bodywork lending it a distinctly clean look. The Hungarian brand is offering Vieste in three colour options including Matte Black, Matte Blue and Matte White.Features & Specs on offerIn terms of features, the Maxi scooter receives full LED illumination, a keyless fob and what Keeway calls a ‘continental drive system’. The traditional key slot has now been replaced with an illuminated knob which adds to its premium appeal. Further, it has been equipped with a part-digital and part-analog instrument console that appears to be borrowed from a car.The console comes with an ambient temperature gauge, tripmeter, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge and maintenance indicator among others. The split-style seat comes with lumbar support for the rider for enhanced lower back comfort during long rides. The scooter gets a 12-litre fuel tank. Take a look at the detailed walkaround of Benelli Keeway in the video below by Aayush SSM.[embedded content][embedded content]Powering Keeway Vieste 300 is a 278.2cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine that churns out 18.7hp at 6500rpm and 22Nm at 6000rpm. Suspension duties are carried out by telescopic forks in front and hydraulic shocks at rear. Anchorage duties are handled by a 240mm disc up front and a 220mm disc at rear which are aided by dual-channel ABS. More

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    Mahindra Electric SUVs To Use Volkswagen Components – XUV400, XUV900

    Mahindra has plans to launch as many as eight electric SUVs by 2027Image for reference.Mahindra has something big planned for its grand re-entry into the electric mobility segment. The homegrown carmaker has already teased its upcoming trio of electric SUVs ahead of their maiden official appearance slated in July later this year.While Mahindra continues to focus on IC engine models, it will spend significant resources on its upcoming battery-powered vehicles. The electric vehicles (EVs) teased by Mahindra recently will be based on a new Born electric skateboard hence they are being termed as Born EVs from Mahindra.Mahindra Volkswagen PartnershipToday, Mahindra and Volkswagen announced an interesting partnership. Mahindra intends to equip its ‘Born Electric Platform’ with MEB electric components such as electric motors, battery system components and battery cells. The Partnering Agreement evaluates the scope of collaboration – it indicates binding rules for the evaluation phase as well as the non-binding scope of supply.The binding supply agreement will be negotiated in a continued constructive and legally compliant way to conclude by the end of 2022. Designed as an open vehicle platform, the MEB electric platform and its components allows car manufacturers to build their portfolio of electrified vehicles, quickly and cost-effectively. The shared objective of the two companies is to electrify the Indian automotive market, one of the most important automotive growth markets and a key element in the global decarbonisation of the mobility sector.New Mahindra Electric SUVs – TeaserThomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board of Management member for Technology and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, stated, “Mahindra is a pioneer in the electric mobility space in India and a great partner for our MEB Electric Platform. Together with Mahindra, we want to contribute significantly to the electrification of India, a huge automotive market with enormous growth potential and high relevance for climate protection. It’s another proof point that the MEB is both technologically state of the art and highly competitive in terms of cost. The MEB is thus progressively developing into the leading open platform for e-mobility, generating significant volume and economies of scale. That’s crucial for every company in the EV world and the key to competitive solutions for our customers.”Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director, Auto and Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., stated: “We are very pleased to have Volkswagen, a significant global investor in the electric mobility space, as a strategic partner in achieving our ambitious Born Electric Vison. The complementarity of their extensive technology, innovation, and vertical integration in supply chains, will provide a framework to develop our next gen “Born Electric Platform”, to be revealed soon in Oxfordshire UK. Our teams across India, UK and Detroit are passionately creating a breath-taking future.”Volkswagen’s MEB Electric Platform is used by the Group brands Volkswagen, Audi, SKODA and SEAT/CUPRA as well as external partners. Responsibility for these partnerships has been assigned to the “Platform Business” unit created specifically for this purpose.Mahindra Electric SUVs teasedThe company will be introducing three new fully electric SUVs under its new ‘Born Electric Vision’. All three SUVs have reportedly been designed and conceptualised by Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (MADE) which is the brand’s new global design centre based in United Kingdom and headed by Pratap Bose. As per teaser videos released previously, the three born EVs consist of a compact SUV, a mid-size SUV and a Coupe SUV.All three SUVs will be underpinned by a new bespoke platform. First of them will be a compact SUV which is expected to be the battery-powered equivalent of XUV300. It is likely to be christened as XUV400 upon launch. Next will be a mid-size SUV that can share some similarities with XUV700. Last will be a premium coupe-style SUV which could wear a new name tag of XUV900. The company had filed a trademark for the same in the country earlier last year. More

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    350cc Motorcycle Sales Apr 2022 – Classic, Meteor, Bullet, Electra, CB350

    Royal Enfield motorcycles continue to dominate with more than 90% market share – CB350 tops in exportsModified Meteor by Ironwood Custom350cc motorcycle segment registered modest gains of 8.77% in April with sales of 51,827 units. Sales during the corresponding period last year was at 47,650 units. Bullet and Meteor have negative YoY growth in the month.MoM sales have taken a hit, down by -6.50%. Sales in March 2022 were higher at 55,432 units. All motorcycles have negative MoM growth in April. Exports growth is at 89.82%, with a total of 5,163 units in April. Exports in April last year were at 2,720 units. MoM growth is also positive at 26.64%, as compared to 4,077 units exported in March 2022.350cc motorcycle sales – Classic 350 leadsWith 62.85% market share, Classic 350 continues to dominate this space. Sales were at 32,575 units in April, marking gains of 39.82%. Sales in the corresponding period last year were at 23,298 units. Classic MoM growth is down marginally by -0.36%, as compared to 32,694 units sold in March. Royal Enfield recently increased prices of Classic 350 in the range of Rs 1,846 to Rs 2,846. The bike is now available in the price range of Rs 1.90 lakh to Rs 2.20 lakh.At number two is Bullet 350, with sales of 7,513 units in April. YoY growth is down by -24.17%, as compared to 9,908 units sold in April last year. Market share is at 14.50%. MoM growth is down by -9.30%, as compared to 8,283 units sold in March. Enthusiasts can look forward to the new-gen Bullet that will be launched later this year. It will have refreshed styling, new platform and engine and some new features as well.350cc Motorcycle Sales April 2022Next in the list is Meteor 350 with sales of 4,617 units in April. YoY growth is down by -41.14%, as compared to 7,844 units sold in April last year. Market share is at 8.91%. MoM growth is down by -29.93%, as compared to 6,589 units sold in March. Meteor was recently updated with three new colour options of green, blue and red. Another update was price cut by Rs 5k, owing to Tripper navigation becoming an optional feature.Fourth is Electra 350 with sales of 3,918 units in April. YoY growth is 7.90%, as compared to 3,631 units sold in April last year. Market share is at 7.56%. MoM growth is down by -12.15%, as compared to 4,460 units sold in March. Honda CB350 is fifth with sales of 3,204 units in April. YoY growth is 7.92%, as compared to 2,969 units sold in April last year. Market share is at 6.18%. MoM growth is down by -5.93%, as compared to 3,406 units sold in March.350cc motorcycle exports – CB350 races aheadCB350 has made impressive gains of 164.40% in April. Share in export markets is at 43.02%. A total of 2,221 units were exported in April 2022, as compared to 840 units in April last year. MoM growth is 393.56%, as compared to 450 units exported in March. Classic 350 is second with exports of 1,797 units in April. YoY growth is 148.20%, as compared to 724 units exported in April last year. Market share is at 34.81%. MoM growth is down by -30.38%, as compared to 2,581 units exported in March.350cc Motorcycle Exports April 2022At number three is Meteor with exports of 1,138 units in April. YoY growth is marginally down by -0.44%, as compared to 1,143 units exported in April last year. Market share is at 22.04%. MoM growth is 8.80%, as compared to 1,046 units exported in March. Fourth in the list is Bullet with exports of 7 units in April. Electra 350 had nil exports in the month. More

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    Honda Prologue Electric SUV Teased – New Look Of Dealer Showroom

    The Honda Prologue electric SUV does not try too hard to look outlandish or futuristic, but it does look goodHonda Prologue Electric SUV TeaserThe rapid shift in the paradigm towards electric vehicles has been giving rise to mergers and joint production developments which were almost unthinkable a few decades ago. One such partnership is between Honda and General Motors which involves electric vehicle platform sharing. The first Japanese derivative of this tie-up has been teased in the form of an official rendering.General Motors’ Ultium modular EV architecture will be underpinning the upcoming Honda Prologue SUV. With North America as its primary target market, the Prologue is an imposing crossover with a bold new front fascia which speaks the “neo-rugged” design language. The front is characterized by narrow LED headlamps and grille, trapezoidal secondary airdam and vertically oriented foglight enclosures.Honda Prologue Electric SUV TeasedThe longish profile is composed of an accentuated waistline, prominent tyres, flared wheel arches, sleek greenhouse, and contrast ORVMs and door handles. The rear is not visible but expect it to be sculpted and sporty.The Honda Prologue’s design process commenced during COVID-19 and its creators mostly worked from home. Developed at the brand’s Los Angeles design studio in collaboration with Honda Japan, the Prologue benefited from Virtual Reality.Honda Prologue Electric SUV TeaserWe expect the Japanese automaker to tease the interiors sometime in the near future. Keeping up with the trend, the electric Honda SUV for North America is likely to be equipped with a simple, uncluttered cockpit with a good amount of colour displays. One can expect the vehicle to come packed with the latest in terms of connectivity, ADAS and safety.PowertrainGM’s Utltium architecture benefits from a floor-mounted modular battery design which allows the engineers to setup a capacity ranging anywhere between 50 kWh to 200 kWh with an autonomy starting from 300 miles (480 kms) depending on the top-hat. As per definition, a modular EV architecture should be capable of FWD, RWD or AWD configurations depending on customer preference, product and target segment.Being an SUV primarily targeting the Americans, Honda is likely to go for an AWD setup with plenty of power and torque to boot. In addition to teasing the new electric SUV, Honda has also revealed the look of their dealer showrooms and service centers of the future.Honda dealer showroom – New lookHonda Prologue Electric SUV LaunchThe Honda Prologue electric SUV is slated to be launched in North America sometime in 2024. While there is no official announcement made yet, industry reports strongly indicate the presence of an Acura derivative of the Ultium platform which is also in the works for a 2024 debut. While Honda declined to comment on possible production locations for its upcoming EV, it is being said that GM’s Mexico plant will produce it.It remains to be seen what other markets will receive the Prologue but given electrification is the talk of the town pretty much everywhere, we expect the crossover to eventually enter markets like Europe and select Asian countries. Honda’s future in India appears to be challenging to say the least, and the Prologue doesn’t appear to make a good business for our country as a CBU or CKD. More

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    2011 Mercedes C63 AMG with NA V-8 is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick of the Day

    The W204-generation C63 AMG was the last iteration of Mercedes’s compact AMG C63 sedan to offer a naturally aspirated V-8 engine.This 2011 C63 AMG includes the P31 AMG Development package, which nets 481 horsepower—30 more than the standard 2011 C63 AMG.Bidding for this car closes on May 24, 2022.We like Mercedes-AMG’s twin-turbo V-8 as much as the next car enthusiast. Even so, we still hold a spot in our hearts for the brand’s naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engines of yore. Specifically, the 6.2-liter unit AMG installed in the likes of the SLS supercar and W204 generation of the C-class sedan.

    From model years 2008 to 2014 (and 2015 if you include the C’s two-door coupe body style), the AMG arm of Mercedes-Benz fit a 451-hp variant of its burly V-8 under the hood of the three-pointed star’s small four-door—with enough grunt to push a 4034-pound example of the model to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds in our testing.

    Bring a Trailer

    In 2010, Mercedes answered the call for even more power by way of the optional P31 AMG Development package. Thanks to a new tune to the engine management system and connecting rods, pistons, and a crankshaft cribbed from the SLS, the engine’s stable added 30 horses to the mix, bringing output up to 481 horsepower. Not quite the more than 500-hp the big bent-eight produced in other AMG models of the time, but still plenty for a car of this size. In fact, the P31 package’s additional power wasn’t very useful at less than three-digit speeds, as the rear-drive sedan was no quicker to 60 mph with it installed (it was quicker to 100 and 150 mph, though, by 0.1 and 1.1 seconds, respectively). The package’s other features failed to sway us, as well, and we ultimately wrote that we would “forgo” the P31 package when we reviewed a so-equipped C63 AMG in 2010.

    Bring a Trailer

    We’re starting to think a bit differently about it in 2022, though. Yes, we stand by the fact that the P31 package’s performance upgrades fail to notably improve the dynamics of the C63 sedan, but we also think there’s a value to the kit from a collector’s standpoint. After all, for a brief period of time, the P31 package marked the peak of C63 AMG performance. That’s why we’re drawn to this 2011 example. Sure, a C63 AMG with the P31 package is not quite the gem of the later Edition 507 (or the coupe-only Black Series), but it still seems just a wee bit more special than your average W204-generation C63 AMG. It certainly helps that this approximately 35,000-mile example’s Quartz Blue paint and 18-inch wheels provide the wide-fendered C63 AMG with a low-key look that fails to call attention to itself while simultaneously enhancing the sedan’s menacing, AMG-specific styling. Though this C63 AMG may do without Mercedes’s latest technology, its naturally aspirated V-8 provides a far different experience from the outgoing W205-generation C63 sedan’s forced-induction unit. The chasm will only grow once Mercedes-AMG unveils the next-generation C63 sedan, which will reportedly adopt a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain centered around a four-cylinder engine.
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    2024 Honda Prologue Looks Smooth, Sorta Rugged in Sketch

    A sketch provides our first look at the styling of the 2024 Honda Prologue, an upcoming electric SUV.Honda says the Prologue’s clean design will include a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and “capable tires.”The Prologue was developed in partnership with GM, which is providing Honda with powertrains and battery packs.Judging by a sketch released today by Honda, the company’s upcoming electric SUV won’t have a wild design. Instead, the 2024 Honda Prologue looks to have smooth surfaces with subtle notes of ruggedness.

    The sketch represents our first glimpse at what the Prologue might look like, even if some parts are clearly exaggerated for dramatic effect. The color illustration gives off heavy anime vibes. Still, our eyes are drawn to the thin element that spans the top half of the front end and surrounds the slim lighting elements. The chunky grille on the front bumper along with the fog lights, lower cladding, and noticeable roof rails wouldn’t look out of place on a Subaru or really any modern crossover with adventurous aspirations.

    Honda

    Honda says the Prologue’s design will incorporate a long wheelbase between short overhangs. The company also says the EV SUV will be fitted with a “capable tire.” While a set of Firestone Destination LE 2 all-season tires—like those found on the Honda Passport TrailSport we tested—look aggressive, they definitely don’t have the same low rolling resistance as the rubber on most electric vehicles. Perhaps to offset this, Honda also says it focused on aerodynamics with the Prologue’s styling, with the obvious goal of maximizing efficiency but also reducing interior sound levels, which can be more noticeable when there’s no combustion engine making noise.For anyone who forgot or wasn’t already aware, the 2024 Prologue is part of Honda’s joint venture with General Motors. GM will share its Ultium battery platform, which underpins upcoming models including the Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer EV. Honda will then design the bodies and interiors on vehicles like the Prologue; Acura will also have its own more luxurious version, which has not yet been publicly named.

    General Motors

    After the Prologue and its Acura counterpart hit the market, Honda will introduce new models based on the company’s own electric platform, which is called e:Architecture. These are slated to start production in 2026. In 2027, Honda and GM will team up again to build and sell a “new series” of affordable, electric compact crossovers. All of it culminates in Honda’s goal of selling 500,000 EVs in North America by 2030 as well as fulfilling its commitment to selling only EVs and fuel-cell vehicles by 2040.
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