More stories

  • in

    Dodge Quietly Removed the Manual-Transmission Challenger Hellcat Sometime in 2021

    If you go to the online configurator for the 2022 Dodge Challenger, you can spec all kinds of crazy combinations for paint color, stripe packages, interior trims, wheels, spoilers, hood scoops, the works. You can pick an engine ranging from a 303-hp 3.6-liter V-6 to an 807-hp SRT Super Stock. But if you want a 2022 model with the 6.2-liter Hellcat supercharged V-8, you can’t choose a six-speed manual.While I only noticed this issue today, Challenger enthusiast forums have been talking about it since 2021. I asked Dodge what’s up with the stick-shift Hellcat, and a spokesperson explained that the six-speed manual was removed from the configurator late in the 2021 model year. The spokesperson described it as a temporary situation and said that a revised calibration for this powertrain combo will be coming that will allow the stick-shift Hellcat to go on sale again. The spokesperson was not able to say when ordering will reopen for the manual Challenger Hellcat but specified that production of stick-shift models was suspended in November 2021.It’s a disappointment, for sure, because the manual Hellcat was a charming mix of modern performance and retro engagement. But fear not: Challenger R/T models with the 375-hp 5.7-liter V-8 and Scat Packs with the 485-hp 6.4-liter V-8 are both still available with a six-speed manual.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • in

    Upcoming Jeep Electric SUV Debuts – Smaller Than Renegade

    Upcoming Jeep Electric SUVThe upcoming electric SUV from Jeep will share its architecture with the upcoming RAM 1500 electric pickup truckJeep has been very vocal about its intentions to go green in the coming future. The plans have received a fresh impetus after the company, along with other subsidiaries from FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) formed part of a new conglomerate called Stellantis in 2020.Now, the Italian-American brand has globally revealed images of its first-ever fully electric model. There are other details attached to these images but Jeep has confirmed that this new electric SUV will make its debut sometime in the first half of 2023.Upcoming Jeep Electric SUV – Exterior DesignThe images reveal a concept prototype of a compact SUV that is smaller than Jeep Renegade that will be based on a born electric platform. Exterior design of this concept is in line with the current Jeep models which flaunt a signature seven-slat grille upfront but doesn’t feature a mesh interior. The faux grille is flanked by LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs on both sides.The front grille also sports an ‘e’ symbol to distinguish itself from its fossil fuel powered siblings. It gets traditional Jeep characteristics including the flared wheel arches and muscular front and rear bumpers which lend it a brawny appearance. The electric SUV is wrapped in a yellow and black dual-tone paint scheme that accentuates its sportiness. Rear door handlebars have been incorporated into the C pillar.Upcoming Jeep Electric SUV2023 Jeep electric SUV receives the same alloy wheel designs as seen in the facelifted avatar of Compass Trailhawk which was launched recently. It also sports a black decal on its hood similar to Trailhawk. At rear, the EV boasts a sculpted tailgate which features a roof-mounted spoiler, wraparound LED tail-lamp and the Jeep logo at the centre. Black plastic claddings around wheel arches and door arches further amplify its SUV stance.Jeep’s electrification planEarlier last year, Jeep unveiled plug-in hybrid derivatives of Renegade, Wrangler, and Grand Cherokee SUVs and soon plans to introduce off-road friendly versions of Grand Cherokee and Trailhawk with hybrid powertrains. Previously, Jeep had revealed its vision that by 2025 all its models will be electrified- either fully electric or hybrid powertrains.The yet-unnamed electric SUV will be heading towards European markets first followed by other international markets. It is expected to be laced with all modern technologies and is likely to offer all-wheel-drive capabilities as well. As mentioned earlier, it will be an entry-level EV smaller than the Renegade compact SUV and will be underpinned by the STLA platform developed by Stellantis.Apparently, there will be four different iterations of this STLA architecture including- STLA Small, STLA Medium, STLA Large and STLA Frame. Most electric SUVs under the various subsidiary brands of Stellantis will be based on one of these STLA platforms. For example, Stellantis also teased the upcoming Ram 1500 electric pickup truck that will also be based on the STLA architecture. More

  • in

    Honda Motorcycle, Scooter Sales Feb 2022 – Activa, Dio, Shine, Grazia, CB350

    Honda DioHonda has reported a de-growth both in terms of domestic sales and exports and on a YoY and MoM basisHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has not begun the New Year on a very optimistic note. Its sales figures have been steadily falling not only in domestic markets but also in terms of exports. The company’s best sellers continue to include Activa, CB Shine, Dio and Grazia while the CB350 continues to deliver about 3k units a month.Honda Motorcycle, Scooter Sales Feb 2022Total sales (domestic and exports) in February 2022 stood at 3,12,621 units, down 29.38 percent over 4,42,696 units sold in February 2021. Domestic sales dipped 30.59 percent to 2,85,677 units in February 2022 from 4,11,578 units sold in February 2021 with a share percentage of 91.38.Exports on the other hand dipped 13.41 percent to 26,944 units in the past month from 31,118 units shipped in February 2021. Exports commanded an 8.62 percent share.Comparing Honda’s two wheeler sales and exports on a MoM basis has also seen de-growth. Total sales (domestic and exports) dipped 11.74 percent to 3,12,621 units, down from 3,54,209 units sold in February 2021. Domestic sales dipped 9.37 percent from 3,15,196 units sold in January 2021 while exports fell 30.94 percent over 39,013 units shipped in February 2021.Honda Two Wheeler Sales Feb 2022Honda 2 Wheelers – Highlights through February 2022Honda Electric scooter is in the making with launch date set for 2023. This will be the company’s first electric two wheeler in India and is set to rival the likes of Ola S1, Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube and upcoming Suzuki Burgman Electric. It will be offered with swappable batteries and will likely come in with standard ownership and subscription based plans.Honda has also filed a patent for NT1100, its flagship touring motorcycle which if launched in India will be sold via the company’s BigWing dealerships. It will be available in two variants of NT1100A and NT1100D and will sport distinctive adventure styling. Both variants get their power via a 1,084cc engine that also powers the CRF1100L. The engine offers 101 hp power at 7,250 rpm and 104 Nm torque at 6,250 rpm mated to 6 speed manual and 6 speed DCT automatic gearbox respectively.In January 2022, HMSI also introduced the CBR650R at Rs 9.35 lakhs. It is opened for bookings at all company’s premium BigWing Topline showrooms and will be brought into the country via the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route. In its segment, it will rival the Kawasaki Ninja 650 that is priced at Rs 6.68 lakh.Honda is also keen to expand its BigWing dealership base. Following its new dealership in Mumbai, the company now has a new showroom of the BigWing in Pimpri, Pune. The company has also opened its BigWing outlets in Hoshiarpur (Punjab), Rajahmundry (Andhra Pradesh)and Belagavi (Karnataka). More

  • in

    Mahindra Electric SUVs Concept 2nd Teaser – XUV300, XUV700, XUV900?

    Mahindra XUV900 Electric SUV teased?Last year, it was revealed that Mahindra will be launching 9 new products by 2026 including two born-electric vehiclesEven with ongoing challenges, Mahindra has been able to put its plans to action in most parts. Both new Thar and XUV700 have already received an overwhelming response. Other upcoming launches include new-gen Scorpio, Bolero and XUV300 and 5-door Thar. Enthusiasts are also eager to know how Mahindra will tackle the EV space.Mahindra new EVs detailsThe EV race is expected to intensify phenomenally in coming years. Just like other carmakers, Mahindra will be looking to take an early lead in this space. The company already has E-Verito, but it hasn’t been able to establish itself as a popular electric car. To ensure a better market response, Mahindra will be pushing a more aggressive EV strategy in the near future.It includes three new electric SUVs, which are expected to be launched during the period 2024 to 2027. These will be unveiled in July 2022. Part of the company’s ‘Born Electric Vision’, these electric SUVs have been designed by UK-based entity Mahindra Advance Design Europe (MADE).It is currently headed by Pratap Bose, who had earlier worked at Tata Motors for around 14 years. He is credited with the design of several successful models such as Nexon, Harrier and new Safari. Below is the second teaser of the upcoming Mahindra Born Electric Vision SUVs concept.An electrifying presence that feels so human, it can communicate with you. With our Mahindra Advanced Design Europe team, we reimagine ‘Born Emotional’. Unveiling soon in July 2022.Know more: https://t.co/SubOYLyKSQ#BornElectricVision pic.twitter.com/rD5uQ6gpOk— Mahindra Born Electric (@born_electric) March 2, 2022All three new electric SUVs will be utilizing an entirely new ‘Born Electric’ EV platform. One of these will be a compact SUV. It will be different from the electric version of XUV300 that was recently spotted on road tests. Second EV will be a midsize SUV, most likely the electric version of existing XUV700. There’s a strong possibility for this, as XUV700 platform supports EV powertrain.Third EV product from Mahindra could be the XUV900 coupe. It will be the first four-door SUV coupe in the company’s portfolio. As far as design is concerned, XUV900 will be unlike any other Mahindra SUV we have seen thus far.Mahindra EVs common featuresGonig by the teasers, it is apparent that Mahindra’s new electric SUVs will share quite a few styling bits. It includes C-shaped LED lights at front and rear. There will be variations, but the core design philosophy will be largely the same for all three electric SUVs.Mahindra Electric SUV ConceptAs already seen with XUV700, a number of hi-tech features including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can be expected with Mahindra’s electric SUVs. XUV700 comes with features such as front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, smart pilot assist, driver drowsiness detection, adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, and traffic sign recognition. Several new ADAS features could be added to Mahindra’s new electric SUVs.Range of these new electric SUVs could be around 400-500 km. Mahindra is expected to launch these at a competitive price point. Rivals will include the likes of Nexon EV, MG ZS EV and upcoming Maruti-Toyota electric SUV. More

  • in

    Bajaj Auto Sales Feb 2022 – Pulsar, Dominar, Platina, Chetak, CT100

    Bajaj Pulsar 250 F Blue ColourBajaj Auto posted a 16 percent decline in two wheeler sales in February 2022 to 2,79,337 unitsBajaj Auto Limited saw its sales and exports on a decline in the past month. Total sales in February 2022 stood at 3,16,020 units, down 16 percent over 3,75,017 units sold in February 2021.On the other hand, its year to date sales ended on a more positive note, up 11 percent to 40,11,245 units from 36,03,466 units sold in the April to February 2021 period. Sales continued to be commanded by the Pulsar, Platina, CT, Dominar and Avenger in the company’s two wheeler lineup. Chetak electric scooter sales have also increased.Bajaj Auto Sales February 2022Two wheeler sales saw a 16 percent YoY de-growth in February 2022. Sales which had stood at 3,32,563 units in February 2021 dipped to 2,79,337 units in the past month. De-growth was more pronounced in domestic markets with a 35 percent dip to 96,523 units, down from 1,48,934 units sold in February 2021.Exports, on the other hand, remained flat at 1,82,814 units in the past month, from 1,83,563 units shipped in February 2021. In the past month, Bajaj Auto added new colours to Bajaj Pulsar F250, N250 priced at Rs 1.38 lakh and Rs 1.40 lakh respectively.Bajaj Auto Sales Feb 2022Commercial vehicle sales on the other hand fell 14 percent YoY to 36,683 units in February 2022 from 42,454 units sold in February 2021. Domestic sales increased marginally by 2 percent to 16,224 units while exports suffered a decline of 23 percent to 20,459 units in the past month from 26,577 units shipped in February 2021.Total domestic sales (two wheeler and CV) dipped 32 percent to 1,12,747 units from 1,64,811 units YoY while total exports fell 3 percent YoY to 2,03,273 units from 2,10,206 units sold in February 2021. Bajaj Auto had announced a price hike across its two wheeler segment in February 2022.Bajaj Auto YTD Sales and ExportsBajaj Auto Limited saw its year to date (April 2021 to February 2022) sales end on a positive note with commercial vehicle sales being a major contributor. Total sales (2 wheeler and exports) increased 11 percent to 40,11,245 units in the 2022 period from 36,03,466 units sold in the same 11 month period of 2021.Bajaj Auto Sales Feb 2022 – TYDSales of two wheelers in domestic markets suffered a YTD de-growth of 6 percent to 15,34,003 units from 16,27,982 units sold in the 2021. Exports on the other hand, increased 24 percent to 20,46,529 units in the April to February 2022 period over 16,47,778 units sold in the same period of 2021. Total two wheeler sales thus increased 9 percent to 35,80,532 units YTD.Commercial vehicle YTD sales increased 31 percent to 4,30,713 units from 3,27,706 units with both domestic sales (1,41,052 units) and exports (2,89,661 units) reporting YTD growth of 53 percent and 23 percent respectively. Total two wheeler and CV domestic sales dipped 3 percent YTD to 16,75,055 units while exports increased 24 percent to 23,36,190 units. More

  • in

    Hero MotoCorp Sales Feb 2022 – Splendor, Glamour, HF Deluxe, Destini

    Image – Unseen AutoWith easing of Covid restrictions and favourable announcements made in FY23 Union Budget, Hero MotoCorp expects sales to improve in coming monthsWorld’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp has reported sales of 3,58,254 units in February 2022. This is negative YoY growth, as compared to 5,05,467 units in the corresponding period last year. YTD FY22 numbers are at 44,93,996 units. It is negative growth, as compared to 52,14,581 units in YTD FY21.Hero MotoCorp Sales Feb 2022In February 2022, Hero MotoCorp sold a total of 3,38,454 motorcycles. YoY growth is negative, as compared to 4,63,723 motorcycles sold in February last year. YTD numbers are 42,02,044 units for FY22 and 48,08,849 units for FY21. Motorcycles on sale from Hero include the likes of Glamour, Splendor, Passion, HF Deluxe, Xpulse, Xtreme, etcScooter sales are also negative in February 2022. As compared to 41,744 scooters in February last year, sales were at 19,800 units in February 2022. YTD numbers are 2,91,952 units for FY22 and 4,05,732 units for FY21. Scooters on offer from Hero are Pleasure, Maestro, Destini, etc.In overall volumes, share of domestic sales was 3,31,462 units in February 2022. YoY growth is negative, as compared to 4,84,433 units sold in the corresponding period last year. YTD numbers are 42,27,762 units in February 2022, as compared to 50,55,590 units in FY21.Hero MotoCorp Sales Feb 2022Hero MotoCorp exports in February have registered positive YoY growth. A total of 26,792 units were exported in February 2022, as compared to 21,034 units in February last year. YTD numbers are 2,66,234 units in FY22, as compared to 1,58,991 units in FY21.Hero MotoCorp ongoing initiativesWhile it continues to dominate petrol-powered two-wheeler segment, Hero MotoCorp has started working proactively in EV space as well. It is apparent that the company wants to achieve a leading position in EV space as well. Hero MotoCorp has yet to launch its first EV, but that could change soon.The company is currently focusing on developing two-wheeler charging infrastructure across the country. It has tied up with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to set up charging stations for two-wheelers. These will cater to all EV brands and will not be limited to upcoming Hero MotoCorp EVs. The company believes that such infrastructure is urgently needed to achieve the shift to an all-electric ecosystem.Plan is to setup an extensive network of charging stations totalling around 7,000. BPCL is in the process of upgrading its existing retail outlets to support both EV charging as well as petrol/diesel refuelling. Such a vast network will be crucial, considering that the majority of the population relies on two-wheelers.With an eye on emerging opportunities, Hero MotoCorp has introduced changes to its organizational structure. Functions like marketing, sales, after-sales and parts business have been integrated into a single unit. Ranjivjit Singh will be heading this new unit in the position of Chief Growth Officer. He was earlier in charge of marketing at Hero MotoCorp.In other updates, Hero MotoCorp has been lending a helping hand to those impacted by Covid-19. The company has come out in support of orphaned children and women who have lost their spouses to Covid-19. Hero MotoCorp is currently supporting around 500 families that have been impacted by Covid. More

  • in

    Royal Enfield Sales Feb 2022 – Classic, Meteor, Himalayan, 650 Twins

    Image – Auto Moto ShowRoyal Enfield’s 350cc motorcycles continue to be primary volume generators in domestic marketA total of 52,135 units were sold in domestic market in February 2022. YoY growth is down by -19.93%, as compared to 65,114 units sold in the corresponding period last year. In exports, a total of 7,025 units were sent overseas. This is more than fifty percent growth in YoY terms. Ratio of domestic sales to exports in February was close to 88% – 12%. Taken together (domestic + exports), overall growth is negative at -15.07%.Royal Enfield Sales Feb 2022 – 350cc MotorcyclesRoyal Enfield 350cc portfolio currently has popular bikes like Classic, Meteor, Electra and Bullet. Total sales + exports were at 49,484 units in February. This is a decline of -23.12% YoY, as compared to 64,362 units in February last year.Above 350cc bikes that include Himalayan and 650 Twins contributed 9,676 units in February. This is impressive YoY growth of 82.67%, as compared to 5,297 units in February last year. Percentage contribution is 83.64% for 350cc motorcycles and 16.36% for above 350cc bikes in February.In terms of MoM growth, domestic sales have improved by 4.84%. A total of 49,726 units were sold in January this year. MoM exports are down by -22.90%, as compared to 9,112 units exported in January. Overall MoM growth (domestic + exports) is largely flat at 0.55%.Royal Enfield Sales Feb 2022Share of Royal Enfield 350cc bikes declined -0.21% MoM, as compared to 49,586 units in January 2022. 350cc+ bikes registered MoM growth of 4.58%, as compared to 9,252 units in January 2022.Year to Date (YTD) sales FY22During the period from April-2021 to February-2022, Royal Enfield 350cc motorcycles total volumes (sales + exports) were at 4,50,569 units. This is de-growth of -10%, as compared to 4,99,683 units in the corresponding period in FY21. Average monthly sales work out at approximately 40,960 units per month.In above 350cc category, YTD numbers are at 84,022 units. This is significant growth of 80%, as compared to 46,609 units in the corresponding period in FY21. Average works out at around 7,638 units per month.Royal Enfield Sales Feb 2022Upcoming Royal Enfield bikesRoyal Enfield currently dominates the middleweight segment with market share of more than 75%. To ensure it remains that way, the company has planned several new products this year and beyond. These new bikes will also help tackle competition from the likes of Jawa, Yezdi and Honda. Royal Enfield may also have to face competition from new bikes spawning from the partnership between Bajaj and Triumph.Royal Enfield’s next launch is new Scram 411 motorcycle that is scheduled to debut next week. It is primarily a road-biased derivative of Royal Enfield Himalayan ADV. The bike has been designed for highway cruising and can also take on some mild off-roading. It gets a smaller 19-inch front wheel, as compared to 21-inch unit used with Himalayan. Most of the key hardware including engine will be same as Himalayan.In 350cc segment, Royal Enfield is working on a scrambler bike, likely to be called Hunter 350. In 650cc segment, upcoming Royal Enfield bikes include Classic 650, a cruiser and a 650cc bobber. More

  • in

    Ford Mustang Shelby GT500's $10,000 Stripes Are Surprisingly Popular

    About one in six Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 orders each year choose to pay an extra $10,000 for optional stripes, Ford tells Car and Driver.There are $1000 vinyl stripes on the options list, but the more expensive choice is a hand-painted application.The Shelby GT500’s $10K stripes are available in Absolute Black, Kona Blue, and Oxford White.In 2020, when Ford announced that the new Mustang Shelby GT500 would be offered with hand-painted racing stripes that cost an extra $10,000, we questioned how many people would actually buy the pricey option. However, it sounds like the hand-painted stripes are more popular than we imagined. We checked in with a Ford spokesperson, who told us that every year since the start of production, about one in six Shelby GT500s is ordered with the hand-painted stripes.

    The 2022 Shelby GT500 carries an MSRP of $78,350, so checking the box for the expensive stripes adds nearly 13 percent to the car’s starting price. They come in three paint colors: Absolute Black, Kona Blue, and Oxford White. For shoppers who crave the striped look but want to save $9000, a set of $1000 vinyl stripes in similar shades is also available.

    Ford

    We were surprised to learn that approximately 17 percent of people who purchase a GT500 pay for the painted-on stripes. We were also surprised when Ford told us that overall sales of the stripes exceed those of the $10,000 Carbon Fiber Handling package, which included upgrades such as aerodynamic add-ons, adjustable strut top mounts, and 20-inch carbon-fiber wheels. It’s not an apples-to-apples comparison, though, since the $10K carbon-fiber kit was only offered for one year. Ford says it doesn’t track specific production numbers by packages or models, so we obviously can’t say for sure whether the stripes or the handling package was more popular for the 2021 model year, but it sounds like sales were closer than we’d have expected.

    Ford

    Every new Ford Mustang–including the GT500–is built at the company’s assembly plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. However, Shelby models optioned with the painted stripes have them applied after the cars leave the assembly line; it’s part of a partnership with Penske. We’ve been told the process involves hand-prepping, painting, and then clear-coating. Initially, that detailed process meant limited availability, but Ford says it has since improved production and has been able to meet customer demand.Considering the $10,000 stripes are surprisingly popular on the GT500, we asked the folks on Ford’s PR team if there are any plans to offer them on more mainstream Mustang models. They declined to comment on future products. After all, it’s hard to imagine a future when someone would pay $10K to paint stripes on a $30,000 to $40,000 pony car. Then again, we’ve clearly been surprised by Mustang shoppers’ appetite for pricey stripes before.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More