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      in Bike

      Bajaj Blade Name Trademark Filed – New Electric Scooter?

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      Trademark application for Bajaj Blade was filed in March and is currently under evaluation from registration authorityImage for referenceWith eyes on the future, Bajaj is proactively working on multiple new products. Evidence to that can be seen in the trademark applications filed by the company in recent times. In March, two applications were filed for Pulsar Elan and Pulsar Eleganz. Now, another name ‘Bajaj Blade’ has emerged, which was also filed in March. While Pulsar Eleganz name has been approved, Pulsar Elan and Bajaj Blade are awaiting approval.Bajaj Blade electric scooter?Trademark application for Bajaj Blade has been filed under Class 12. This makes it difficult to make an accurate guess, as this class includes everything from motorcycles to scooters, electric vehicles and three wheelers.Based on recent developments, it can be said that Bajaj’s primary focus will be its Pulsar motorcycles and electric two-wheelers. The company is currently on a mission to upgrade its Pulsar range and also introduce some new models. Another focus area is electric two-wheelers, which is where Bajaj Blade seems to fit in most appropriately.As may be recalled, Bajaj Blade name was used by the company to showcase a 125cc scooter at 2006 Auto Expo. This increases the possibility that Bajaj Blade could be a modern interpretation of the earlier Blade scooter. Bajaj Blade electric scooter is likely to have sportier styling, targeted at younger audiences. It will be different from Chetak, which has the classic, old-school retro look and feel.Bajaj Blade Trademark RegisteredInterestingly, the name Blade belongs to Mahindra Two Wheelers. Bajaj had applied for Blade trademark back in 2006 as well, but was refused. They have now once again applied in 2022. While the trademark application has been filed, it is not certain exactly when Bajaj Blade will be seen in flesh and blood. If it’s an electric scooter, launch is unlikely before 2023 or even 2024.To make it appealing to young users who prefer style and performance, Bajaj could equip the Blade electric scooter with a larger battery pack and higher capacity motor. This would mean an even higher pricing than Chetak, which is already one of the costliest electric two-wheelers in the country. Chetak ex-showroom price in Delhi is currently Rs 1.48 lakh.Bajaj Blade commuter bike?Even though Bajaj Blade is more likely to be an electric scooter, the possibility of a new commuter bike cannot be completely ruled out. One of the main reasons being, Bajaj had said that their electric vehicles will be branded under Chetak, and not Bajaj. Considering that the trademark filed is Bajaj Blade, it is likely that this could not be an electric vehicle.Bajaj currently sells Platina and CT commuter bikes in the domestic market, which are among the most affordable in this segment. These continue to register consistent sales for the company. Platina was ranked in the top ten list of bestselling two wheelers in FY 2022 with sales of 5,75,847 units.However, Bajaj’s commuter portfolio looks jaded even though the bikes have received updates at regular intervals. A brand new commuter bike can infuse fresh blood to boost sales further. In the past, Bajaj had used funky names like XCD 125, Wind 125 and Byk for its commuter motorcycles. As the ‘Blade’ name also seems eccentric, it could be a new commuter bike from Bajaj. More

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      in Motor News

      2005 Ferrari F430 Spider Is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick of the Day

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      This 2005 Ferrari F430 is equipped with the six-speed manual and shows 13,000 miles on the odometer. It’s powered by a 483-hp 4.3-liter V-8 that revs to 8500 rpm. Bids are up to $125,000 as of May 12, and the auction ends on Tuesday, May 17.Ferrari hasn’t sold a manual transmission in about a decade, so I often find myself daydreaming of ripping an Italian V-8 and rowing the gears myself. A convertible would be the icing on the cake, so that’s why I’m salivating over this 2005 Ferrari F430 Spider manual that’s up for bidding on the Bring a Trailer auction site—which, like Car and Driver, is owned by Hearst Autos.

      Bring A Trailer

      Bring A Trailer

      After the F430 came the 458 Italia, which was the last of the high-revving naturally aspirated mid-engine V-8 Ferraris. But that car wasn’t offered with a manual transmission, just a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox since less than 1 percent of F430 buyers went for the stick. Shame. Good thing this F430 with the six-speed manual is up for grabs. Or you could go for this six-speed conversion, but we wouldn’t.

      The F430 was powered by a 4.3-liter F136 V-8 that revved to 8500 rpm and produced 483 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque, sent to the rear wheels through the six-speed and electronically controlled limited-slip differential. In Car and Driver testing, an F430 Spider with the F1 automated manual gearbox reached 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. This is classic Ferrari spec. It’s finished in Rosso Corsa red with tan leather Daytona seats with the prancing horse embossed into the headrests. The silver wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, and there are optional red-painted brake calipers. Rounding out the quintessential Ferrari look are red-stitched F430 floor mats and aluminum pedals.

      Bring A Trailer

      Showing 13,000 miles, this F430 Spider has had three previous owners, and I wish that I could be the next. When new, this F430 cost $203,885. On the BaT website, bidding is currently at $125,000 and sure to go up before bidding ends on Tuesday, May 17.

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      in Motor News

      2023 Subaru Legacy Gets Fresher Face, More Tech Features

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      The Subaru Legacy has been refreshed for 2023 with a fresh grille, headlights, and front bumper.The Sport trim should get sportier, gaining the 260-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four as standard instead of the 182-hp naturally aspirated unit.The 2023 Subaru Legacy will go on sale this fall, with pricing details still to come. After three years on sale, the Subaru Legacy is getting a refresh for the 2023 model year. The update brings revised styling, adds the latest driver-assistance technology, and sees the Sport trim gain the more powerful turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four as standard.
      The most obvious changes are on the front fascia, where a new trim piece in the grille spans nearly the width of the car and links the more intricate LED headlights. The grille has also swelled in size, while the front bumper has redesigned fog-lamp housings. The rear of the Legacy remains unchanged.The Sport trim now comes standard with the 260-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four, replacing the base engine, a 182-hp 2.5-liter flat-four. Hopefully this adds more sportiness to the Sport trim—the last Sport we tested took a glacial 8.0 seconds to hit 60 mph, while the pre-facelift turbocharged models were able to sprint to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds. The Sport model is differentiated by a red accent in the grille, magnetite gray side mirrors and trunk spoiler, gray 18-inch wheels, and a black-and-gray two-tone cloth interior with red stitching. The Sport also includes what Subaru describes as a “sport tuned” suspension.
      As before, the Legacy comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology, such as automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Certain models will also add automatic emergency steering, designed to help prevent collisions with objects at speeds below 50 mph. The Touring XT model also gains a wide-angle camera that expands the field of view for the EyeSight system, working in conjunction with the pre-existing dual-camera setup.

      Inside, the Sport and Touring XT trims gained a standard 360-degree heated steering wheel, and the Touring XT now features Slate Black nappa leather with silver stitching and other trim enhancements. Models equipped with the 11.6-inch touchscreen also now come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability as standard. Subaru says the infotainment display has revised controls for audio, climate control, and other settings. The 2023 Subaru Legacy will reach dealerships this fall, and pricing details will be revealed closer to the on-sale date.
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      in Bike

      Ather Raises Rs 991 Cr In Funding – New Electric Scooters Incoming

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      India’s sovereign wealth fund, NIIFL, Hero MotoCorp lead Series E funding. Ather Energy raises $128 millionAther Electric ScooterAther Energy has reported a strong start in 2022. In April 2022, the manufacturer reported its highest ever monthly sales having delivered 3,779 units. Simultaneously, bookings for Ather 450X have been growing 25 percent quarter-on-quarter.Currently, the company’s retail sales network spans 32 cities with 38 Experience Centres. This will be expanded to 150 Experience Centres in 100 cities by 2023. And now the manufacturer boasts of yet another feather in its cap. It has bagged the first direct investment in the electric mobility manufacturing sector by the country’s sovereign wealth fund.NIIFL, Hero MotoCorp – Ather investorsThe Series E funding amounts to $128 million or Rs 991 crores. Investment agreements were signed with National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited’s (NIIFL) Strategic Opportunities Fund (SOF), Hero MotoCorp, a leading shareholder of Ather, and additional investors. The latest infusion of cash adds to the amount raised in earlier rounds of funding. To date, Ather Energy has raised over $230 million financing. Tiger Global and Flipkart cofounder, Sachin Bansal are investors.In this round, Hero MotoCorp invested $56 mil, about Rs 420 crore. Most of the remaining amount is invested by NIIFL. Other existing investors, including angel founders further boosted the round with minor investments. To date Hero MotoCorp is the largest investor. Ather Energy plans to remain independent with investor goals aligned towards an Initial Public Offering (IPO).Ather electric scooter fast charging techElectric two-wheeler segmentAs has been previously stated by the company, funding is earmarked to attain certain time-bound goals. This includes expansion of its manufacturing facilities, research and development, charging infrastructure, and retail network growth. Ather also has plans to launch new electric scooters, based on their current 450 series.Being NIIFL’s first direct investment in the manufacturing sector and in electric mobility bodes well. Both avenues have often been discussed and are key to ‘India’s green mission and decarbonisation goals’. NIIFL investment is a boost to the electric 2-wheeler sector in India. A segment in early stages development, and one with serious growth goals by the end of the decade.The funding directly supports 1st-gen local entrepreneur-manufacturers. Ather has already proven its growth potential with a limited line of new products built with a high level of indigenisation. SOF has previously invested in Aseem Infrastructure Finance, NIIF IFL, and Manipal Hospitals.Ather Energy capacity enhancementTarun Mehta, CEO, Ather Energy, said “The switch to electric is inevitable and FY 21-22 was the turning point for electric two-wheeler adoption in India. We are super excited to have NIIF come on board as an investor. They have been at the forefront of the country’s green transition through their investments and initiatives, and we look forward to our association.We would also like to thank Hero MotoCorp, our long-term investor and strategic partner who continues to support our growth. The current round of investment will help us enhance capacities across the board, bring additional focus on new platforms, expand into new geographies, expand our fast-charging network and double down on the reputation we’ve built for making a product that’s high on quality.” More

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      in Motor News

      2023 Audi S6 and S7 Add Yet Another Black Appearance Package

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      The 2023 Audi S6 sedan and S7 four-door hatchback are available with a new Design Edition package.The kit includes exclusive paint options, black and dark chrome exterior trim, and more microsuede interior surfaces.The Design Edition package costs $2500, and Audi says it’ll only be offered for the 2023 model year.Black appearance packages are currently trending. Actually, the sinister-looking treatment has been popular for quite some time, but now even minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey can be made to look like the Batmobile. For 2023, the Audi S6 and S7 capitalize on the fad with the new Design Edition package.

      Based on Audi’s widely available Black Optic package, which basically swaps all shiny body trim for black bits, the Design Edition also adds dark chrome accents and blacks out the brand’s four-ring logo on the grille and rear decklid. The roof is painted Brilliant Black, too. While shoppers can choose one of the many normal paint options, only models with the Design package are available with Liquid Chrome Dark or Arrow Gray (pictured here).

      Audi S6
      Audi

      The package includes a few interior differences, too. The kit covers more surfaces with microsuede—or Dinamica in Audi parlance. This includes the shifter, the bottom of the console, and the knee pads. The steering wheel is also covered in faux-suede, and it has red contrast stitching that also appears on the leather seats, door armrests, and other parts of the cabin.
      The Design Edition package is priced at $2500 and will only be available on the S6 and S7. Audi says the appearance package will only be offered for the upcoming model year, with orders opening in June 2022. The 2023 S6 starts at $73,795 and the S7 starts at $83,595.
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      in Motor News

      2023 Rolls-Royce Phantom Gets Subtle Trim Revisions, New Wheels

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      The revised 2023 Rolls-Royce Phantom gets an illuminated grille and an option for darker trim. There’s also available split material for the cabin that installs leather up front and fabric in the back.The twin-turbo V-12 powertrain is unchanged.Lesser automakers might give their cars facelifts, but Rolls-Royce clearly feels itself above such gimmicky marketing. So although the eighth-generation Phantom sedan has been given a subtle set of revisions after five years on sale, there is no mention of anything redolent of cosmetic surgery in the official announcement. Rather the Phantom has been given “a new expression.”Based on the images that have been released, the new car’s physiognomy is very similar to that of the outgoing version, but there are some subtle differences. The revised Phantom’s front end now gets a horizontal line above the strakes of its Parthenon-inspired grille, this intended to give “a new and assertive modernity, reflecting [the car’s] driver-focused character.” The grille itself is now illuminated, the headlights have star-light detailing, and the winged Spirit of Ecstasy mascot is slightly more prominent.

      Rolls-Royce

      Rolls-Royce has also responded to customer demand for darkened finishes, with the ability to specify a blackened trim for the grille bezel, windshield surround and side glass finishers. The result is hardly murdered out, but it is certainly less chintzy than the more traditional chrome accessories. It will also be possible to order two new wheels, one having a milled stainless steel finish, the other a disc wheel inspired by the company’s 1920s era.The interior design is barely changed. Rolls cites a slightly thicker steering wheel rim as the most significant difference, and the company has broadened its range of trim offerings with the arrival of what it calls Phantom Platino. This combines leather seats up front for the chauffeur and softer fabric trim in the rear that’s made from a combination of bamboo and cotton. The Phantom’s dashboard clock is now surrounded with a new 3D-printed ceramic finish.

      Rolls-Royce

      There are no mechanical changes for the revised car. But nor, to be honest, did there really need to be. The 563-hp twin-turbo V-12 has the manners of an attentive valet and the Phantom’s cabin refinement is probably the best in the world.No official Rolls-Royce announcement can seemingly be made without the brand’s enjoyably verbose official style, what we like to think of as a periphrastic prolixity of pleonasm, and the Phantom II’s release is no exception. The revised car is aimed at pretty much anybody with the considerable funds to afford one. Or, as Rolls-Royce puts it: “Self-evidently, there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ Phantom client. Spanning the ‘poles of luxury’, they may be ever-younger or older, modern or traditional, self-made or from long-established wealth. Their commissions reflect a full spectrum of interests and influences. At one extreme, Phantom takes on a subversive, almost rebellious character–youthful, dynamic and daring. At the other, Phantom transforms into an ode to luxury grandeur and timelessness.”This ability to indicate a preference for subversive rebellion will continue to come with serious pricing, of course, as the Phantom sits at the pinnacle of the Rolls-Royce range. We don’t have any official confirmation on pricing yet, but can safely predict this subtly revised Phantom will be at least as expensive as the model it replaces.

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      in Electric Cars

      Ford Cancels Plan To Make Electric Cars In India – To Sell Both Plants

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      Ford India drops plan to make electric vehicles here as part of the Champion OEM Incentive scheme, part of PLI schemeImage for reference.Ford India has been gulping down the humble pie for a while now. In 2019, the auto manufacturer announced an agreement with Mahindra to work on a JV. Less than 2 years later, the collaboration ended. The outline focused on cost effective vehicle development and production for emerging markets.While initial outlook pointed to Ford continuing with its own production plans in smaller UV segments, the manufacturer finally chose to exit manufacturing in September 2021. Ford was again back in focus having made it to the list of 20 carmakers that were part of the Champion OEM Incentive scheme, part of the PLI scheme. The announcement was made in February 2022. Plans pointed to EV manufacturing.Ford Does Not Want To Invest Any Further In IndiaDespite approval of its Production Linked Incentive (PLI) application, this plan has now been dropped. Ford’s decision is to not advance its EV manufacturing plans in India. While the auto manufacturer expresses gratitude for having its proposal approved, this option is now not being explored. The application won’t see the light of day as Ford isn’t investing in India.The Champion OEM Incentive Scheme has a budgetary outlay of about 26k crore. In the meantime, Ford has been partaking in dialogue with other Indian manufacturers regarding its 2 plants here. This is part of the initial plan wherein both plants are sold. Gujarat plant is all set to be sold to Tata Motors, claims unconfirmed reports.Ford Mustang ElectricIndian car manufacturersCurrent business undertones point to a shift to EVs. The goals set point to substantial transition by the end of the decade for electric two-wheelers, CVc, and passenger cars. To this end, Central and select State governments have announced specified incentives. While there has been much activity in the electric two-wheeler front, it’s not the same for cars.A large number of new manufacturers have either already entered the 2W segment or have announced their intent to do so. However, where passenger car manufacturing is concerned, the market has over time lost multiple manufacturers. Datsun being the most recent manufacturer to choose an exit. Prior to Ford, General Motors exited production for India. Somewhere along the way, Fiat stopped making cars here. In comparison, 3 new entrants have been working their way up – MG Motor India, Kia, and Citroen.Shift to electric carsFor now, the electric car market in India is small. This is wholly dominated by Tata Motors currently. Other manufacturers who are selling at least 1 electric car in India, do so in price tag variation that at best is a high price point. It would be interesting to see if India’s focused development of electric cars focuses on keeping things simple. The need of the hour is mass market EVs that are affordable. The world however has advanced manifolds and manufacturers are able to make available luxury electric cars.This makes sense because buying predictions are based on whether a buyer can afford the car. And, a luxury electric car always stands a chance because its buyers can afford the price tag. So, while a Tesla is everything one can want, this pricey proposition isn’t going to benefit buyers. For the market to grow, it’s an open playfield for manufacturers like Maruti, Hyundai and Honda to introduce budget EV cars.Source More

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      in Bike

      Honda NX500 Trademark Filed – New 500cc ADV To Rival RE Himalayan 450?

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      From recent developments, it is clear that Honda is developing a mid-displacement as well as an entry-level adventure bike in the form of NX500 and NX200Image for reference.Honda recently filed trademarks for the names ‘NX’ and ‘NX500’ in the European Union in addition to another trademark filed by the company for ‘NX’ in New Zealand. This hints at the Japanese brand working on a new middleweight adventure bike. The NX moniker is usually associated with the Dominator range of Honda.The Dominator series comprised dual-sport adventure bikes popular in the 1980s and 90s. The most prominent of those was NX650 Dominator which was sold in international markets until 2003. In fact, the Honda Dominator range was one of the first proper adventure bikes on offer in global markets.Honda NX500 Adventure Bike In MakingWith the global motorcycle industry seeing an influx of mid-capacity ADVs in recent times, Honda seems to go back in time and revive one of its most popular name tags. The ‘Dominator’ moniker can’t be used since Norton already owns the trademark rights to it. Therefore, trademark applications only consist of the NX tag.The original NX500 was powered by a single-cylinder engine. The upcoming iteration of the middleweight ADV could be based on the underpinnings of Honda CB500X which itself is described as a road-biased adventure tourer. However, the upcoming NX500 is likely to be more capable off-road than its road-biased sibling with more suspension travel and dual-purpose tyres.Honda NX200 name registered in IndiaThis means it will be powered by the same 471cc eight-valve, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine as CB500X which kicks out 47 bhp at 8,500rpm and 43.2 Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch. Honda might even opt for a bigger 21-inch front wheel in NX500 instead of a 19-inch unit offered in CB500. The rear wheel is likely to remain a 17-inch unit.Honda NX200 Also On CardsAs far as design goes, the new NX500 is expected to flaunt a similar styling as the flagship CRF 1100L Africa Twin. This can be proven through a series of design patents filed by Honda with the European Union Intellectual Property Office. However, there’s a big catch. These patents which were filed on 17 December 2021, showcase a smaller motorcycle.From the patent images, it can be seen that the bike features a smaller air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. This unit appears to be similar to a 184.4 cc, single-cylinder motor that powers CB200X and Hornet 2.0. In fact, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) had trademarked the NX200 name in India last year but chose to launch a road-biased tourer in the form of CB200X.Upcoming 2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 – RenderThis also suggests that apart from NX500, Honda is also developing an entry-level adventure bike that could take on Hero Xpulse 200. As mentioned earlier, it will be powered by a 184cc, single-cylinder motor that kicks out 17.03 bhp at 8,500rpm and 16.1 Nm of peak torque at 6,000rpm. This unit comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox.We expect at least one of these upcoming ADVs to reach Indian shores sometime. Upon launch in India, the NX200 could take on the likes of Hero Xpulse 200, while the NX200 could lock horns with the upcoming Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. More