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    2023 Kia Soul Gets Cheekier Looks, Drops Turbo Engine

    Kia has updated the Soul for 2023 with new front- and rear-end designs.The Turbo model and X-Line trim level have been dropped from the lineup.The 2023 Soul will arrive at dealerships in late summer.Kia has been working to simplify the Soul lineup for a few years now: after dropping the base model’s manual transmission last year, it’s now killing off the optional 201-horsepower Turbo engine and the rugged-looking X-Line trim level along with the 2023 Soul’s facelift.

    This leaves the Soul’s sole engine option as a 147-hp naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four with a continuously variable automatic transmission. In our testing, this version got to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds, while the Turbo did the deed in 6.4 seconds. The trim levels that remain include LX, S, EX, and GT-Line.
    All of those models benefit from new styling for 2023, which includes reshaped headlights and a different front bumper, along with new taillights and a revised rear fascia. New 17- and 18-inch wheel designs complete the new look. Kia is offering two new two-tone color combinations: Surf Blue with a black roof, like you see here, and Clear White with a black roof.Kia has yet to announce pricing, but we think it’ll rise slightly from the current model’s starting price of $20,545.
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    Yamaha XSR GP Trademark Filed – New Variant For XSR Range?

    Yamaha could launch a special edition model based on the flagship XSR 900 named XSR GP2022 Yamaha XSR 155The XSR sub-brand of Yamaha has gained huge popularity across several international markets in a relatively short period. The range comprises neo-retro naked street bikes of varying displacements starting from XSR 125 and ending with the flagship XSR 900. In between, it consists of models like XSR 155, XSR 300 and XSR 750.Yamaha XSR GP trademarkedThe Japanese bikemaker is now looking to expand this lineup by adding a new model to this lineup. In this regard, Yamaha has filed a new trademark for ‘XSR GP’ at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). However, the trademark application document lacks any specific detail regarding the upcoming bike.This leaves endless possibilities on the table. The application was filed on 21 April 2022 suggesting that whatever XSR GP is, it is likely to be launched later this year. The trademark also doesn’t feature a number, therefore, leaving no hint of its engine displacement. However, use of GP in the trademark suggests that it should be connected to Grand Prix in some way.Expected SpecsIn all likelihood, the GP name tag is expected to be reserved for the flagship model. Hence, XSR GP is expected to be a special edition model based on XSR 900. which should offer cosmetic and feature enhancements over the regular model. It could also receive some tweaked mechanicals like more output from the engine or more dynamic handling of the bike.2022 Yamaha XSR 125Most of its underpinnings would be derived from its ultra naked sibling, like an Ohlins shock absorber at rear and DLC-coated KYB front forks. Yamaha could also use MT-09 swingarm which is 2.2 inches shorter than the one seen in XSR900 in order to reduce wheelbase and sharpen the handling.It can also be the case where Yamaha introduces a neo-retro version of the MT-10 naked streetfighter which takes the XSR moniker with the GP suffix. If and when launched, this version of XSR will go up against Honda CB1000R. However, there are fewer chances for this case. There’s also a chance that the ‘XSR GP’ name will actually feature more than one model.Other recent launches/unveils by YamahaThis explains why the title doesn’t include a number to represent capacity. That said, Yamaha is unlikely to bring the XSR sub-brand to India anytime soon, leave alone XSR GP. Fans of Yamaha expected the company to launch XSR 155 based on R15 and MT-15 already on sale in India. Instead, Yamaha launched FZ-X in the country last year which is a neo-retro motorcycle based on the FZ range.In recent times, Yamaha has introduced upgraded versions of R15 and MT-15 although there are no signs of XSR 155 in India. Yamaha also recently unveiled its first electric scooter for the Indian market which is expected to go on sale later this year. More

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    Two Wheeler Sales April 2022 – Hero, Honda, Bajaj, TVS, Suzuki, Royal Enfield

    Among leading two wheeler makers, Bajaj and Suzuki posted a YoY decline in domestic sales while Hero, Honda, TVS and Enfield saw significant growthImage – Auto Moto ShowWith the opening of economy, continued government support coupled by a more positive consumer sentiment – two wheeler sales are in the green. Domestic sales of the top 6 two wheeler makers saw a total of 10,99,167 units sold in April 2022, up 15.30 percent over 9,53,338 units sold in April 2021. This was a 1,45,829 unit volume growth with each of these automakers, with the exception of Bajaj and Suzuki posting a YoY growth in sales. MoM sales however, dipped 3.46 percent from 11,38,561 units sold in March 2022.Two Wheeler Sales April 2022Hero MotoCorp once again led the list with sales of 3,98,490 units in April 2022, up 16.31 percent over 3,42,614 units sold in April 2021. Commanding a 36.25 percent share, Hero MotoCorp found its Splendor motorcycle the best-selling model in the company portfolio not only where sales in April 2022 were concerned but also during the FY2022 period. MoM sales of Hero MotoCorp dipped 4.15 percent over 4,15,764 units sold in March 2022.Honda two wheeler sales increased YoY and MoM by 32.75 percent and 2.97 percent respectively. Sales in the past month stood at 3,18,732 units, with market share of 29 percent up from 3,09,549 units sold in March 2022 when market share was at 27.19 percent. TVS Motor domestic sales increased 37.41 percent to 1,80,533 units, from 1,31,386 units sold in April 2021. Market share stood at 16.42 percent up from 17.30 percent held in March 2022. MoM sales dipped 8.34 percent from 1,96,956 units sold in March 2022.Bajaj Auto saw its domestic sales fall 26.24 percent in April 2022 to 93,233 units from 1,26,570 units sold in April 2021. MoM sales also slipped 12.93 percent over 1,07,081 units sold in March 2022. Share also fell from 9.40 percent to 8.48 percent. However, the company has achieved a major milestone where the Bajaj Pulsar 250cc is concerned and in just 6 months of launch, total sales have crossed 10,000 unit mark.Two Wheeler Domestic Sales April 2022Suzuki two wheeler sales dipped 14.95 percent in April 2022 to 54,327 units, from 63,879 units sold in April 2021 while MoM sales increased 7.08 percent from 50,734 units sold in March 2022. Best sellers in the company lineup continued to include the Access, Gixxer along with recently launched Avenis and Burgman. Royal Enfield sales increased 10.38 percent in April 2022 to 53,852 units, up from 48,789 units sold in April 2021 while MoM sales dipped 7.91 percent from 58,477 units sold in March 2022.Two Wheeler Exports April 2022Where exports are concerned, it was a YoY de-growth of 7.64 percent to 3,76,357 units, down from 4,07,505 units shipped in April 2021. MoM exports improved 19.14 percent from 3,15,890 units sold in March 2022. Bajaj Auto topped the list with 1,88,478 units shipped last month, this was a 14.95 percent YoY de-growth over 2,21,603 units exported in April 2021 with a 50.08 percent market share. MoM sales improved 26.29 percent from 1,49,243 units sold in March 2022.TVS Motor saw a YoY growth of 4.94 percent to 99,489 units while MoM exports increased 3.68 percent over 95,962 units sold in March 2022. Honda and Hero MotoCorp exports dipped 1.51 percent and 32.15 percent YoY to 42,295 units and 20,132 units respectively while Honda exports improved 258.61 percent MoM from 11,794 units shipped in March 2022. Hero continued to experience MoM de-growth by 42.36 percent.Two Wheeler Exports April 2022Suzuki and Royal Enfield YoY exports increased 26.41 percent and 84.14 percent respectively to 17,660 units and 8,303 units while Suzuki MoM shipments improved 19.64 percent from 14,761 units sold in March 2022. Enfield exports dipped 9.75 percent MoM.Two Wheeler Total (Sales + Exports) April 2022Total two wheeler sales in the past month stood at 14,75,524 units, up 8.43 percent over 13,60,843 units sold in April 2021. MoM sales also improved 1.45 percent over 14,45,451 units sold in March 2022. Hero MotoCorp and Honda experienced increased YoY sales to the extent of 12.45 percent and 27.55 percent to 4,18,622 units and 3,61,027 units commanding a market share of 28.37 percent and 24.47 percent respectively.Two Wheeler Sales + Exports – April 2022Bajaj Auto suffered YoY de-growth of 19.09 percent to 2,81,711 units from 3,48,173 units sold in April 2021 while MoM sales increased 9.90 percent over 2,56,324 units sold in March 2022. TVS also saw a YoY increase of 23.80 percent to 2,80,022 units while MoM sales dipped 4.40 percent from 2,92,918 units sold in March 2022. April 2022 sales of Suzuki stood at 71,987 units and Royal Enfield at 62,155 units. More

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    Next-Generation BMW M2 Starts to Take Shape

    BMW M has posted photos of a prototype for the next-generation M2.It has a wider body than the 2-series coupe and is packing considerably more horsepower. A manual transmission is rumored.We expect the new M2 to debut later this year.We like the latest generation of the BMW 2-series coupe quite a bit, but the high-performance M2 is what enthusiasts are really waiting for. BMW M gave us a taste of what’s to come by posting these photos of a camouflaged M2 prototype on Instagram and announcing that it will start production at the company’s plant in Mexico by the end of this year.
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    The M2 has a considerably wider body than the 2-series coupe, with the difference especially noticeable around the rear haunches. We can also see quad exhaust tips, larger wheels and tires, and a few extra vents for enhanced cooling. The M2’s interior likely won’t be that different than the standard 2-series coupe’s, meaning it’ll offer a usable set of rear seats unlike many of its sports-car competitors.

    The outgoing M2 used the S55 twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, which produced 405 hp in the Competition model. BMW may switch the new model to a version of the S58 twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six that makes 473 hp in the base version of the M3 and M4. It likely won’t have as much power as those cars, but it’ll have to sit somewhere in the mid-400-hp range in order to provide a significant boost over its predecessor and the current M240i’s single-turbo B58 engine, which makes 382 hp.Thankfully, we’ve heard rumors that BMW will continue to offer a manual transmission in the M2 despite removing that option from the base 230i and M240i models. It’ll likely be the same six-speed unit from the M3. We’re not sure if the automatic-transmission option will be a dual-clutch unit, like the last M2’s, or the torque-converter eight-speed auto from the M3 Competition.Look for more official information to come within the next few months, as we expect BMW to reveal the new M2 in the fall before it goes on sale by the end of the year.
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    Stolen Chevy Camaros Cause Police Chase Involving a Helicopter, Drones, and Spike Strips

    Several stolen Chevy Camaros led authorities on a high-speed chase that ended in multiple arrests, according to Twitter posts by the Michigan State Police.The Camaros, including at least two 650-hp ZL1s, were stolen from an assembly plant in Lansing, Michigan.Other local news outlets, such as the Detroit Free Press, reported that the chase included a drone, a helicopter, spike strips, and speeds of over 100 mph. A heist involving multiple brand-new Chevy Camaros leads to a wild police chase that includes a drone, a helicopter, spike strips, and triple-digit speeds. That’s not a scene from a new Fast & Furious film or Grand Theft Auto video game, it’s a real-life incident that occurred early yesterday morning, according to posts on social media by the Michigan State Police as well as reports from local news outlets.

    Just after midnight on Monday, the MSP posted on Twitter that multiple vehicles had been reported stolen from GM’s Grand River Assembly Plant in Lansing, Michigan, and that officers were patrolling I-96 for the suspects. As it turns out, the stolen cars were five Camaros, including at least two 650-hp ZL1 models that have a claimed top speed of 190 mph. When it became clear that the suspects, who were allegedly traveling at speeds over 100 mph, weren’t stopping, an epic chase ensued. It eventually spread across three different counties, with the suspects at some point splitting into two separate groups of two to four cars.

    Michigan State Police

    Michigan State Police

    At least eight different police departments were involved in the pursuit, according to the MSP. Along with a police helicopter, the Detroit Free Press reported that drones were also used during the chase. Authorities were able to stop some of the Camaros with spike strips while others lost control and crashed. Some of the suspects tried to flee on foot before finally being arrested. Photos on the MSP’s Twitter page show four different models either crashed or disabled on the side of the road. We recognize a coupe and convertible ZL1 plus two other black coupes that could be V-8-powered SS models.

    Michigan State Police

    Miraculously, no pedestrians and none of the suspects or police officers involved in the hot pursuit were injured. The MSP said that nine men between the ages of 20 and 24 were arrested and taken into custody. They face multiple charges that include fleeing and eluding police as well as receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle. It’s estimated that the total value of the stolen Camaros is around $375,000.
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    2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Is a Fully Loaded Luxo-Barge

    The 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate features a dark chrome look for the exterior and an interior with nicer leather.The 16-way power front seats feature a massage function and speakers built into the headrests.The Denali Ultimate can also be had with the Super Cruise driver assistance technology and a rear-seat entertainment package. The GMC Yukon Denali is already one of the blingiest SUVs on sale thanks to its glitzy chrome grille and well-appointed interior. But now GMC is turning the Yukon’s opulence up a notch with the 2023 Yukon Denali Ultimate, a new range-topper that brings subtle exterior tweaks, nicer interior materials, and even more technology to the already luxurious Denali.
    You might expect every inch of an even swankier Denali to be coated in chrome, but in fact the Denali Ultimate gets a more understated look, with much of the trim bearing a darkened “Vader” chrome look. The GMC badges feature a darker finish, but GMC did leave some trim in a brighter coating, such as around the windows, for contrast. The Denali Ultimate also gains unique, 22-inch, seven-spoke wheels. The biggest upgrades are to the interior. All three rows of seating are wrapped in richer leather with plaited stitching, and the front thrones are 16-way adjustable and equipped with a massage function. The dashboard features Paldao wood trim with a topographical map of Mount Denali etched in, which is echoed on the seat backs. Aluminum trim completes the look.The Denali Ultimate is also packed with features. There’s a new 18-speaker Bose sound system with speakers built into the headrests and an optional rear-seat entertainment package that attaches screens to the back of the front seats. But the real highlight is the optional Super Cruise driver assistance tech, which includes automatic lane changing and a setting designed for towing.

    The 2023 Yukon Denali Ultimate comes with the 6.2-liter V-8 or an optional Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel, with both engines mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Magnetorheological dampers and an air suspension also come standard.The Yukon Denali Ultimate goes on sale this fall. GMC has yet to release pricing, but given that its pickup-truck sibling, the Sierra Denali Ultimate, carries a $20,000 premium over the standard Sierra Denali, we expect the Yukon Denali Ultimate to ring in close to $92,000.
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    2008 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet Is Our BaT Pick of the Day

    • The 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet combines a soft top with a 355-hp 3.8-liter flat-six and all-wheel drive.• This particular 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet includes a six-speed manual transmission.• Bidding closes on Monday, May 9.It only takes a few gray Michigan winters under your belt to appreciate the sunshine of spring. That’s why this 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet that’s currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is owned by Hearst Autos—caught our attention.

    This specific 997-generation 911’s allure stems from the fact it combines the model’s drop-top body style with a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. The fact this 911 is a Carrera 4S and not a lesser Carrera 4 is the cherry on top of the cake, as its 3.8-liter flat-six engine produces a total of 355 horsepower—30 horses more than the lesser Carrera 4’s 3.6-liter unit.What better way to enjoy the warm weather than in an open-top stick-shift 911 with power to spare? This car’s all-wheel-drive system means it ought to offer reasonable competence on subpar surfaces, as well. After all, sometimes it snows in April—or May—in the midwest.

    Bring a Trailer

    Not that we recommend regularly taking this 911 through the white stuff—especially if you’re doing so in a state that salts its roads. With approximately 5000 miles on its odometer, this 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet is in far too fine of shape to risk either rot or rust. Although this Porsche’s gray paint may come off as a tad too tame for some, the subdued hue appeals to our modest sensibilities. Plus, we think it perfectly complements the car’s gray 19-inch wheels, black soft top, and tan interior, which includes leather-lined seats, a Bose stereo, and an in-dash navigation system, the latter of which may prove more burdensome than beneficial given the setup’s age.

    Bring a Trailer

    We wager the final bid for this Porsche drop-top will top that of the last 2008 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet to cross Bring a Trailer’s virtual auction block, a 56,000-mile example equipped with the less desirable five-speed automatic transmission that sold for $41,000 late last year. Whether this 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet sells, though, ultimately depends on the seller’s reserve. Regardless, we’ll know where the proverbial hammer falls on this all-wheel-drive 911 convertible once bidding ends on Monday, May 9.

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    Suzuki 2W Sales April 2022 – Burgman, Gixxer, Avenis, Access

    Suzuki Two Wheelers report YoY domestic sales decline in April 2022, exports improvedImage – SouRik MotoworldTwo wheeler sales in April 2022 weren’t phenomenal with results being mixed. There are expectations for 2W sales to improve in the following months backed by seasonal demand, and a spurt of sales related to the wedding season.Add to it the dead as a duck scenario in recent periods owing to Covid-19 lockdown, production stops, and general economic strain. With the market having opened up, and estimates that point to an improvement in the chip / semiconductor shortage situation, things are expected to look up.Suzuki 2W Sales April 2022YoY Suzuki 2W sales for April 2022 is a mixed bag of results. Domestic sales fell, and exports improved. Domestic sales last month were reported at 54,327 units, down from 63,879 units. Volume loss stood at 9,552 units at 14.95 percent decline. Of total sales, domestic sales accounts for three-fourth of total volumes. Exports rose to 17,660 units, up from 13,970 units. Volume growth stood at 3,690 units. Sales growth stood at 26.41 percent.Total sales fell to 71,987 units, down from 77,849 units. Volume loss stood at 5,862 units. Sales decline stood at 7.53 percent. MoM sales improved in all aspects. Domestic sales improved from 50,734 units. Volume gain stood at 3,593 units at 7.08 percent growth. Best sellers for Suzuki in India are Access, Gixxer, newly launched Avenis and Burgman to some extent.Suzuki Two Wheeler Sales April 2022Exports improved from 14,761 units. Volume gain stood at 2.9k units at about 20 percent growth. Total sales are up from 65,495 units. Volume gain stood at 6.5k units at around 10 percent growth. Indian manufacturers have in recent months seen improved performance where exports are concerned. This has helped most boost their overall sales tally in a consistent manner.Semiconductor suppliesSatoshi Uchida, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd. said, “Two-wheeler industry continues to navigate through the challenges thrown by the pandemic and semiconductor shortage. Even with these challenges, Suzuki Motorcycle India has maintained its sales momentum. In April 2022, we clocked an overall sales of 71,987 units and posted Month-on-month increase of approximately 10% over March 2022.Given the fact that this is the month of April, and the acute inconsistency in semiconductor supplies that we have been experiencing, we have started the New Financial Year in a satisfactory manner. We look forward to easing out of the supply limitations so that we can cater to the ever increasing demand for Suzuki Two-Wheelers both from the Domestic and Overseas Markets.”Sales growth expectedSuzuki 2W sales through 2022 have been consistent. Though competing in the market with a much smaller volume than the top 4 names, Suzuki has continually chipped away at the market. This has helped the manufacturer be a top volume name in the market for sellers that report less than a lakh units in sales on a monthly basis. More