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    Honda CB350 Modified Into Racing Motorcycle – Weight Reduced

    Although modified CB350 uses the stock engine, performance will be better owing to reduced weight of the bikeHonda CB350 Modified. Image – Young MachineOne of the leading providers of high performance products and motorcycle accessories, Japan-based Moriwaki Engineering has undertaken several notable customization projects in the past. Their latest creation is a track-ready version of Honda H’ness CB350 nicknamed Tetsuba. Just for information, Tetsuba is a club-like weapon with spikes, probably used centuries earlier.Track-ready modified Honda CB350Unlike other customization projects that don’t have a specific end goal, this Tetsuba CB350 has been specially designed for the upcoming Tesuuma race. Much of the changes are not mere visual enhancements, but have been carried out to improve the bike’s performance in a track environment.Talking about the paint job, modified CB350 gets the signature Moriwaki blue and yellow theme. This colour scheme is part of their brand identity and can also be seen on the company’s logo. The blue shade is predominant, as evident on the front fender, fuel tank, full-size belly pan, side panels and seat section. The yellow bits work to create an interesting contrast.In terms of functional improvements, a number of parts have been removed or replaced to make the modified bike a lot lighter. For example, front mud guard has been replaced with a smaller unit whereas the rear mudguard has been completely removed.Honda CB350 ModifiedThe number board is placed on the side. Another key change is custom full-system upswept exhaust, which is compact and appears to be lightweight in comparison to the stock unit. The bike also gets NGK spark plugs for improved performance.Ride ergonomics has been completely transformed with a single piece seat, rear set footpegs and low-set clip-on handlebar. Other components like the round headlamp, instrument console and suspension system have been retained in their original form. It is possible that some changes may have been introduced in the suspension setup to make it stiffer. Parts like rear view mirrors and turn signals have been removed.Another performance boost comes from 17-inch front wheel, replacing the stock 19-inch unit. Rear wheel is the same size as stock variant. Both wheels get Pirelli SuperCorsa tyres, which are specially designed for tracks.Honda CB350 ModifiedNo engine tweaksMoriwaki Engineering has capabilities to retune the engine for improved performance, as needed for racing events. However, this has not been done, as per the regulations of the upcoming Tesuuma race. Modified CB350 will continue to deliver 21 PS of max power and 30 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. It is likely that the ECU has also been retained in its original form.While this is a race-specific customization project, it is possible that the same look and feel could be made available for enthusiasts via bolt-on kits. Such kits could soon be offered on Moriwaki’s official website. More

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    Tata ACE Electric Launched – 36 Hp, 130 Nm, 154 Kms Range

    After taking lead in the electric PV segment, Tata Motors is looking to strike early in commercial EV spaceNew Tata ACE ElectricWhile the electric 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler segments have attracted dozens of companies, the commercial EV space has remained largely untapped. In overall EV sales in 2021-22, the percentage share of electric goods vehicles was just 0.24%. This is exactly where Tata Motors is sensing a significant opportunity to be explored.Tata Ace electricTata Motors is placing its bet on Ace brand, which is one of the most popular mini trucks in the country. Tata Ace is currently available in petrol, diesel and CNG options. This range will be expanded to include an all-electric Ace. At an event today, Tata Motors has officially launched the new ACE electric small cargo vehicle. Prices of Tata Ace Electric will be announced when delivery starts.Tata Ace Electric LaunchedIn terms of design, Tata Ace electric is largely the same as its fossil fuel powered counterpart. However, it gets a dedicated EV branding for proper differentiation. At the unveiling, Tata showcased a fully covered cargo cabin with ‘ACE EV’ branding in big, bold lettering.Speaking about features, on the inside it gets a 7 inch infotainment system with bluetooth connectivity. Instrument cluster is mounted on the center dash, just about the infotainment system. It gets a rear parking camera, tyre pressure monitoring system, etc.New Tata ACE ElectricMr. N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons and Tata Motors, said, “E-mobility is an idea whose time has come. At Tata Motors, we are moving with speed and scale to lead this change – in passenger cars, commercial vehicles and Jaguar Land Rover. I am delighted today that with the launch of the Ace EV, we are entering a new era of e-cargo mobility. Tata Ace is India’s most successful commercial vehicle ever. It has revolutionised transportation and created millions of successful entrepreneurs over the years. It will further build on this legacy by providing a technologically-advanced, clean and smart mobility solution. I am excited about the electrification of commercial vehicles.”Tata Ace Electric SpecsTata Ace electric SpecsThe Ace EV is the first product featuring Tata Motors’ EVOGEN powertrain that offers an unparalleled certified range of 154 kilometres. It delivers a safe, all-weather operation with an advanced battery cooling system and regenerative braking system to boost the driving range.The vehicle allows regular and fast charging capabilities for high uptime. It is powered by a 27kW (36hp) motor with 130Nm of peak torque, to ensure highest cargo volume of 208 ft3 and grade-ability of 22% allowing easy ascend in fully loaded conditions. The Ace EV’s container is made of light-weight, durable materials that perfectly suit the requirements of e-commerce logistics.Tata Ace Electric SpecsAce electric prospectsWith growing awareness and government’s push for EVs, Tata Ace electric could emerge as a popular choice for B2B and B2C operators. In recent times, there have been calls to step up focus on electrification of the commercial vehicle segment. Petrol/diesel powered trucks are among the key contributors to vehicular pollution.Companies like Tata Motors have the capability and resources to promote the use of electric commercial vehicles. Tata already has a robust EV platform, which has been successfully deployed with its Nexon EV. Tata also happens to be the largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in the country. All these advantages can help the company to emerge as a leader in the commercial EV segment.Tata Ace Electric LaunchedTata Motors also announced signing of strategic Memorandum of Understanding with leading e-commerce companies and logistics service providers – Amazon, BigBasket, City Link, DOT, Flipkart, LetsTransport, MoEVing and Yelo EV. This includes delivering 39,000 units of the Ace EV; setting up dedicated Electric Vehicle Support Centres for maximum fleet uptime; deployment of Tata Fleet Edge – the next-gen optimal fleet management solution; and support of Tata UniEVerse, the proven enabling eco-system of relevant Tata Group companies. More

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    401-HP 2022 Audi RS3 Starts Just under $60K

    The 2022 Audi RS3 has a starting price of $59,995.It has a 401-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five engine and all-wheel drive.Audi says it will reach U.S. dealerships starting this summer.The new 2022 Audi RS3 keeps many of the best characteristics of the old one, most notably its characterful turbocharged five-cylinder engine. But the price will rise somewhat to a new starting cost of $59,995, in accordance with some new features and the redesigned exterior and interior shared with the latest generation of the lesser A3 and S3 models.

    The turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five stays roughly the same as before but now produces 401 horsepower, compared with 394 hp for the 2020 RS3 (Audi skipped the 2021 model year). Torque is also up 15 pound-feet, to 369 pound-feet. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard, as is an all-wheel-drive system that now boasts torque-vectoring capabilities and a drift mode.Audi hasn’t released detailed pricing information for the new model, but if it’s anything like the old car it’ll be offered in a single trim level with various option packages. We know for sure that an upgraded exhaust will cost extra; summer tires are standard, but aggressive Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R rubber will be optional, too. Eight colors will be offered, including the Kyalami Green you see here.Audi says the new RS3 will start arriving at dealerships this summer.
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    Tobias Moers Is Out as Aston Martin Replaces CEO, Again

    Tobias Moers is replaced as the boss of Aston Martin after less than two years. Former Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa is the new Aston boss. Another ex-Ferrari exec, Roberto Fedeli, is set to become Aston CTO.It has not quite been two years since we last told you about Aston Martin ousting a CEO and installing a replacement from another automaker. Now history is repeating with confirmation that the AMG executive who took the top job at the British sports-car maker in 2020, Tobias Moers, is himself leaving—and is being succeeded by one-time Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa.The official release announcing the change thanked Moers for his service to Aston, and said that—although he has already left the company’s board—he will continue to support the leadership team until the end of July. Felisa is already a non-executive director of Aston Martin, but previously worked at Ferrari for 26 years, leading road car development for much of that time and latterly as the Italian company’s CEO. Yet at 76 years of age, Felisa seems unlikely to be taking on such a demanding and likely stressful new job for the long haul. He will be joined at Aston by another former Ferrari executive, Roberto Fedeli, who will serve as Chief Technical Officer.

    While Moers’s sometimes abrasive management style was at least partially responsible for some of Aston’s executive exodus (chief designer Miles Nurnberger, chief engineer Matt Becker and head of Special Operations David King all left last year) the German did help to bring some much-needed stability to the brand and also to increase sales. Aston’s first-quarter results for 2022, released alongside news of Moers’ departure, show that although the company is still losing money it has increased revenues and is on track to deliver more than 6600 cars globally this year. Last year it managed 6182. Moers also spearheaded development of the well-received Vantage F1 Edition, DBX 707 and the sold-out Vantage V12.

    Aston Martin DBX 707
    Aston Martin

    But Moers also seems to have had a strained relationship with Aston’s executive chairman, Lawrence Stroll, the Canadian billionaire who also owns a substantial stake in the company. In January Autocar reported that Moers’s future was in doubt, and although the company responded with a statement denying the claims, the relationship only lasted for another five months.What does this mean for Aston products? In the short term, probably not a great deal: development of revised versions of the company’s sports-car range is well underway, and Aston has already agreed a deal with Mercedes for widespread technology sharing. But Felisa’s arrival suggests there may well be another change of direction for Aston’s supercar projects, with the company having previously committed to developing two mid-engined models around a hybridized powertrain. The original plan had been for Aston to develop its own electrically assisted V-6 for these, one that Moers switched to proposed use of an AMG-sourced V-8. Given Felisa and Fedeli’s long association with Ferrari, another new direction may be on the cards, with Aston insiders saying consideration is already being given to opening an engineering center in Italy. Whether those models can bring the volumes that Aston needs for long-term viability is a different question: the official target is to move production to 10,000 cars a year, something that would doubtless be made easier in the current market with more SUV variants than pure-blooded sports cars.One thing we can safely predict is that Aston’s future will continue to provide plenty of drama, as well as—we hope—compelling products. We promise to report all of it.

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    Fisker Teases Its Third Model, a Grand Tourer Called Ronin

    Fisker has shown a teaser image for what will be its third model, after the Ocean and the Pear, called Project Ronin.The slinky sports car is aiming to have the longest range for a production EV and will include active aerodynamics and snazzy doors. A full reveal will come in August of 2023, with Fisker aiming for production in the second half of 2024.Production of Fisker’s first new electric vehicle, the Ocean crossover, is set to begin this November, but before the Ocean officially arrives Fisker has already announced what it hopes will become its third model. Dubbed Project Ronin, the vehicle will be an electric sports car with seating for four and dramatic proportions, as revealed by the accompanying teaser image.

    The Fisker Ocean.
    Fisker

    The name is a reference to the 1998 action film Ronin, starring Robert De Niro and remembered for its realistic car chases featuring European sedans sliding around Paris and the French countryside. Development of the grand touring sports car began last year, and Fisker’s lofty goal is for the Ronin to have “the world’s longest range for a production EV.” That means it will have to beat the Lucid Air, which is rated to deliver up to 520 miles of range by the EPA. Fisker claims that Project Ronin will have “an innovative battery design” that incorporates the battery pack into the structure of the vehicle. The sports car will also feature active aerodynamics and lightweight materials.

    Fisker also says the Ronin will have unique doors that improve ingress and egress, but didn’t reveal what form these apertures will take. The cabin is described as “a luxurious, sustainable vegan interior.” Fisker says that Project Ronin will be fully unveiled in August 2023, with production beginning in the second half of 2024. Before then, Fisker is expected to reveal its second crossover, the Pear, with sales also planned for 2024.
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    1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Is Our BaT Pick of the Day

    • We chose this 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS 396 as our Bring a Trailer pick today. (BaT, like Car and Driver, is owned by Hearst Autos.• The Chevelle has a four-speed manual and a 402 cubic inch V-8 engine.• The auction ends in four days and bidding currently sits at over $55,000.Let us tell you what Melba Toast is packin’ here, all right. We got 3:31 Positrac out back, 402 cubic inches, 10.25:1 pistons, single four-barrel carb, Turbo-Jet 350 horsepower. We’re talkin’ some muscle. Say, do you own this 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 that’s on Bring a Trailer? No? It’d be a lot cooler if you did.

    Bring a Trailer

    That’s because this car has a Muncie M-21 four-speed transmission, front disc brakes and cowl induction, for when your buddy rolls up alongside in White Lightning and wants to prove he’s got better shoes. But this isn’t some stripped down racer, no sir. It’s got luxury, too—check out the vinyl roof and AM/FM radio. And that trunk would look just right filled with ice and your favorite beverages when there’s a fiesta in the making out at the moontower. The spare tire is in there, too.No need to have your friends watch the leather, man, because the interior is black vinyl. It used to have a white interior, but black was the original so they put it back that way. Crazy. Speaking of, what’s up with the badges saying “396” but the engine is a 402? Did it get bored out or something along the way? No, that’s just what Chevy did back in ’70. They stashed an extra six cubes in there and didn’t tell anybody. Right on. That’s what we call livin’, man: L-I-V-I-N.

    Bring a Trailer

    The older you get, the more rules they’re going to try to get you to follow, so keep that in mind when you’re deciding whether to bid on one of the last great Heavy Chevys. Maybe your financial advisor says not to invest in Chevelles, but that’s what a square would say. A car like this keeps getting older, but it’ll always make you feel the same age. Alright, alright.

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

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

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

    DeLorean

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

    Nicole Rivelli Photographie

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

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