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    Toyota Crown Will Reportedly Be a New Hybrid SUV for the U.S.

    Toyota will launch a new SUV model in the U.S. and other markets called the Crown.It will be offered as a hybrid at first, with plug-in and EV versions to follow.The Crown will likely be the most expensive SUV in the lineup, although it might not be the largest.The Crown nameplate is one of Toyota’s oldest, even if most Americans aren’t familiar with the moniker. After being used for Toyota sedans in Japan for decades, the name is set to make its return to our market soon as a hybrid SUV that will be more expensive than any of Toyota’s current crossover offerings, according to a report from Reuters.

    While the report states that the Crown will be costlier than the Sequoia, putting its starting price in the $50,000 range, we don’t think it will be larger than that full-size, truck-based model. If we were to guess, we think the Crown will be a mid-size unibody crossover with more of a luxury bent. It will reportedly offer hybrid, plug-in-hybrid, and electric powertrains, although we’re not sure if all of those variants will make their way to the U.S.The current Crown (pictured above) is a rear-wheel-drive sedan sold only in Japan, so it’s clear that the model will be making a significant transformation for its new generation. We expect the new Crown SUV to look totally different despite sharing its name with this lineage of staid four-doors. The Crown was the first Toyota model sold in the U.S. starting in the late 1950s, but it was later discontinued on our shores as Toyota started selling the Corona and Corolla models here.Look for more information on the new Toyota Crown SUV to come later this year. It may go on sale as soon as the end of 2022 as a 2023 model.
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    2023 GMC Canyon Will Add AT4X Off-Road Model

    GMC will debut a new Canyon mid-size pickup this summer, and it will introduce the new AT4X off-road model.It’ll be GMC’s version of the Colorado ZR2, so expect Multimatic spool-valve dampers along with front and rear lockers, and all-terrain tires. This teaser image shows the truck’s rock rails and 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. GMC’s Canyon mid-size pickup is due for a refresh, and a new model will debut this summer for the 2023 model year. With it will come a more hardcore off-road AT4X model, which was also recently added to the full-size Sierra. It will be GMC’s version of the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and aid in competing with the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, and even the upcoming Ford Ranger Raptor.

    GMC currently offers a Canyon AT4, minus the X, and it comes with Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, locking rear differential, and a skid plate for the transfer case. The AT4X will make the truck even more off-road capable, adding tons more goodies. While GMC hasn’t revealed any specs on the AT4X, we expect it’ll borrow bits and pieces from the Colorado ZR2, which should include Multimatic’s spool-valve dampers, locking front and rear differentials, Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires, and a wider stance with increased clearances. The new Canyon will also debut a new look. This teaser image shows the AT4X’s badging, rock rails, and 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. Look for more information on the 2023 GMC Canyon and the new AT4X model this summer, and we’ll fill you in on all the truck’s details then.
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    Trouve Electric Scooter Teased – Range Up To 230 Kms

    Trouve H2 electric maxi scooter in the premium segment claims to go from 0 to 60 kmph in 4.3 secondsTrouve Electric Scooter TeaserIn what is being claimed as India’s first Hyper Maxi Scooter, Trouve H2 has now been teased. It will feature a liquid-cooled motor, single-speed transmission, upside-down fork, and mono-shock rear. It supports 4G connectivity.This next gen scooter claims to deliver performance. Touted to reach from 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds, Trouve Motor’s Hyper-Maxi H2 maxi scooter is designed and developed at the Bangalore R&D Centre. The scooter rides on 14 inch wheels.Trouve Electric ScooterTrouve Electric Scooter range is pegged at 130-230 kms. Currently work is ongoing for three models in the maxi-scooter category that will be shown in 2023. Current funding goals are in the territory of USD 3 million seed funding.Simultaneously, the company is also seeking dealership collaboration. With its first launch scheduled in H2 2022, finding dealer partners would be at the top of the company’s growth plans. The company had also teased an electric motorcycle a few weeks back, which claims to do 200 kmph top speed.[embedded content][embedded content]Only recently, the company offered a glimpse into its hyper-sports bike scheduled for launch in the second half of 2022. The futuristic scooter H2 maxi scooter will feature LED headlights. And will be fitted with 2-piston callipers for ‘better initial bite, and brake feel’. With continuous power of 4.8 kW and peak power of 7.9 kW, the scooter would have one of the best performance figures in the segment. On the tech front, it will offer advanced internet-backed features to riders.Trouve H2 pre-bookingTrouve H2 pre-booking goes underway in August 2022. Launch is expected in the first half of 2023. Alternatively, prospective customers can check details online, and have early access to pre booking, apart from a chance to win customised Trouve merchandise.Regular maxi-scooters by themselves constitute a small part of the scooter industry. An electric offering is likely to follow the same path and be a small segment of the growing e-scooter segment. The current range of offerings include a wide range of low-speed and high speed products catering to different buyer segments.Electric 2-wheeler segmentArun Sunny, Founder of Trouve Motor said, “The electric 2-wheeler segment in India has exponentially grown in the last few years. In 2021 alone, it recorded a staggering 132% growth, indicating that 2022 will be even better. And with the launch of our electric maxi-scooters, we not only aim to contribute to this growth trajectory but also strive to further revolutionize this space by bringing more innovation.”Keen to establish itself as a premium EV manufacturer, the company says Trouve Motor’s vehicles are ‘to be the safest two-wheelers’. The electric two-wheeler segment in India is in a stage of rapid growth. sales for the fiscal just concluded improved exponentially. The space is currently dominated by players who are attempting mass market dominance as the segment grows. The number of premium EV two-wheeler makers are far fewer in number, which gives Trouve plenty of opportunity to carve a niche for itself. More

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    Royal Enfield Sultan 650cc Modified INT 650 – Concept To Production

    Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 has been modified into a hand-built cafe racer called Sultan by Neev MotorcyclesRoyal Enfield Sultan 650ccRobustness of Royal Enfield’s architecture needs no mention. It is the same reason why numerous motorcycles from the Chennai-based brand undergo aftermarket customisation. In the past, we have covered innumerable examples of a Royal Enfield bike going under the knife to transform its looks.The latest example is a RE Interceptor 650 which has been transformed into a classy-looking cafe racer. Christened ‘Sultan 650’, this project has been designed and conceptualised by Delhi-based Neev Motorcycles. As evident from the images, this custom-built motorcycle features major changes over the stock model.Royal Enfield Sultan 650cc – Concept To ProductionIt was back in May last year, that Neev Motorcycles had shared images of the Sultan. At that time, it was just a project visualized via images. The Sultan project is now a reality.The first thing to notice is the custom-built grey shade that complements mechanical components and internals of the bike beautifully. In addition, the engine gearbox casing has been provided with a nice glossy black finish. Further, blacked-out wheel covers have been added to the stock wheels with ‘Sultan’ scribbled on the front unit. Fenders at both ends have been chopped short.Royal Enfield Sultan 650ccThis Interceptor 650 gets a custom fuel tank with braces and a fuel-filler lid with chrome and gloss black treatment. Side panels are custom-built as well that feature sporty air vents, although it is hard to judge if they are functional or not. Moreover, the stock dual-pod analogue instrument console has been uniquely placed on the side of the fuel tank.Royal Enfield Sultan 650ccSince the bike’s frame has been chopped short as well, it gets a new cafe racer-style custom single-piece seat. Illumination is fully custom consisting of an LED headlamp encased within a black-out bezel, an LED tail lamp and aftermarket turn indicators here with mesh-style covers wrapped over them. A chunky aftermarket sump guard with a large bash plate has been added to protect the engine underbelly from abrasions.Mechanical UpdatesOther than the cosmetic updates, this custom-built Interceptor has undergone major functional upgrades as well. For starters, it gets a new aftermarket clip-on handlebar which is set lower. Also, footpegs appear to be positioned slightly further back which should offer a sporty and aggressive riding posture.Royal Enfield Sultan 650ccThe modified frame now sits on aftermarket upside-down forks in front and twin shock absorbers. Nitrox gas canisters at the rear shock absorbers are gold anodised which also adds to the bike’s visual appeal. Some crucial changes have been made to the power plant as well which now features a custom-built two-in-one exhaust system, with both pipes routed to the right side.The re-routed twin tailpipes culminate at an aftermarket twin-barrel exhaust muffler sourced from Akrapovic. The outlet ports in the muffler also receive a carbon fibre finish which accentuates the premium look. It hasn’t been revealed if this revised exhaust setup has resulted in some changes in power and torque outputs from the engine.Neev Motorcycles team behind Sultan 650ccAs per Neev Motorcycles, the majority of this bike has been hand-built. Meanwhile, the stock Interceptor is powered by a 648cc parallel-twin, oil-cooled engine that churns out 47 bhp and a peak torque of 52 Nm. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a chain drive and a six-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch. More

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

    Bajaj Auto sales declined 35.71 percent in domestic markets while exports saw a 1.45 percent YoY growthBajaj PulsarBajaj Auto has seen a 35.71 percent YoY de-growth in terms of domestic sales in February 2022. Sales stood at 91,977 units in February 2022, down from 1,43,063 units sold in February 2021. This was a 51,086 unit volume loss. Every bike in the company lineup, except for the Chetak, posted reduced sales in the said month even as the Pulsar and Platina ruled the list.Bajaj Sales Breakup Feb 2022Bajaj Pulsar sales were at 54,951 units, down 32.54 percent over 81,454 units sold in February 2021. This was a 26,593 unit volume loss while the Pulsar commanded a 59.74 percent share. In the Pulsar range, it was the 125cc bike that received more attention over its 150cc – 200cc counterparts.Pulsar 125 cc sales were at 30,006 units, down 23.69 percent over 39,323 units sold in February 2021. Of the 150cc, Bajaj sold 17,804 units, down 30.32 percent over 25,550 units sold in February 2021 while there were 4,666 units of the Pulsar 150-200cc sold in the same month, relating to a 59.92 percent YoY de-growth. 250cc Pulsar sales stood at 2,475 units in Feb 2022. Last month, the company introduced a new Blue paint scheme with grey and white highlights for the Pulsar 250cc which was only offered in Racing Red and Techno Grey.Bajaj Platina sales dipped 37.32 percent YoY from 46,464 units sold in February 2021 to 29,124 units in February 2022. Platina commanded a 31.66 percent share. Bajaj Pulsar was at No. 5 on the list of best-selling two wheelers in February 2022 while the Platina featured at No. 10. 4,985 units of the Bajaj CT were sold in February 2022, down 47.32 percent over 9,462 units sold in the same month a year earlier.Bajaj Sales Breakup Feb 2022Bajaj Avenger and Dominar sales dipped 73.79 percent and 53 percent respectively to 1,000 units and 807 units while Chetak sales increased 640 percent YoY to 1,110 units, up from 150 units sold in February 2021.Bajaj has also updated the Dominar 250cc with a new set of alloy wheels for the year 2022.Bajaj Exports Breakup Feb 2022Total two wheeler exports of Bajaj Auto stood at 1,75,443 units in February 2022. This was a growth of 1.45 percent over 1,72,936 units shipped in February 2021. Bajaj Boxer was the most exported model in the company lineup in February 2022 with 1,10,084 units, down 0.57 percent over 1,10,716 units exported in February 2021. It commanded a 54 percent share of overall Bajaj exports.Boxer 110cc model commanded more attention with 94,740 units shipped in February 2022, up 4.21 percent over 90,912 units exported in February 2021 while there were 3,200 units of Boxer 125cc shipped, 28.21 percent over 2,496 units sold in February 2021.Bajaj Exports Breakup Feb 2022Bajaj Auto saw exports of the Pulsar dip 16.46 percent to 25,783 units, down from 30,863 units shipped in February 2021. In global markets, it was the Pulsar 200cc that saw more demand with 13,158 units exported while the Pulsar 125cc had 4,065 units exported in the same month along with 772 units of the Pulsar 250cc.Bajaj CT and Discover shipments increased on a YoY basis to 17,504 units and 14,708 units respectively. This was an increase of 27.32 percent and 35.93 percent over exports in the same month of the previous year. Again it was the Discover 125cc that commanded more attention with 13,628 units exported in February 2022, an increase of 79.79 percent over 7,580 units shipped in February 2021.Bajaj Dominar exports increased 134.88 percent to 3,758 units while Platina exports dipped 18.75 percent to 3,510 units in February 2022. There were also 96 units of the Avenger exported in the same month, down 88.95 percent over 869 units shipped in February 2021. More

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    Tata Motors To Manufacture 2 L Electric Cars, EVs At Ford India Plant

    Tata Motors will be investing Rs 2,000 crore in the Sanand-based manufacturing facility in Gujarat previously owned by Ford IndiaImage – National GeographicTimes of India claims that Tata Motors has taken over the Ford India plant in Sanand. Tata Motors has not yet officially announced the take over. As per the report, Tata Motors has acquired Ford India’s manufacturing facility based out of Sanand in Gujarat for an undisclosed amount.There have been talks of the Indian automaker taking over the American auto giant’s plants in India. The latter quit retail and manufacturing operations in the country in September last year. Tata Motors is planning to invest an additional Rs 2,000 crore in the newly acquired facility. The homegrown carmaker intends to manufacture two lakh electric vehicles (EVs) by 2026 at the Sanand factory. Ford also owns a vehicle and engine manufacturing plant in Maraimalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu.Tata Motors Acquiring Ford India’s plantAs a part of this takeover, Tata Motors will not be laying off any of the existing employees of Ford in this facility. The facility has given employment to as many as 23,000 personnel either directly or indirectly. The company already owns a manufacturing facility in Sanand, built to manufacture Tata Nano. Ford India plant is just opposite the Tata Motors plant in Sanand.This plant currently serves as a manufacturing hub for the brand’s EVs and other models like Tiago and Tigor. As of now, Tata Motors produces 10,000 EVs per year, at its existing Sanand-based factory. This facility has an overall production capacity of 1.5 lakh units per annum. Tata Motors was one of the first major automakers to enter Sanand with an investment of Rs 4,500 crore to build India’s most affordable car in the form of Nano.Tata CURVV Electric SUV Coupe ConceptConcessions sought by Tata MotorsTata Motors has also sought concessions in land transfer rate where it has proposed to pay 20% of jantri rate of the land which translates to Rs 66 crores. It has also asked for balance eligible incentives which were promised to Ford till 2030. Report further reveals that the state government has given its nod to these concessions sought by Tata Motors.Earlier this year, both Tata Motors and Ford India submitted a consent proposal for transfer of ownership of the latter’s manufacturing plant to the former. The high-powered committee met recently and gave a nod to this proposal including concessions sought by Tata Motors as part of this deal. The proposed takeover is expected to become a major landmark in EV production in the country.Tata Motors as an EV manufacturerTata Motors is currently the largest EV manufacturer in the country with two mass-market products in the form of Tigor EV and Nexon. In February this year, the brand sold a total of 2,264 units of battery-powered vehicles. The company recently previewed an upcoming Coupe Electric SUV in the form of Curvv Concept which is expected to go on sale by 2024.Source More

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    Yamaha MT15 New Vs Old Compared – First Look Walkaround

    New Yamaha MT15 V2.0 packs in multiple updates across styling, functionality and performanceYamaha MT15 Ver 2.0 – New vs OldAfter updating R15 last year in September, Yamaha launched new-gen MT15 a few days back. Both bikes share the same platform and most of the upgrades introduced with R15 V4 are now available with MT15 V2.0.New MT15 has been launched at a starting price of Rs 1.6 lakh, which is around Rs 10-15k more than the earlier model. Here’s a quick comparison between old MT15 vs. MT15 V2.0 to understand the key differences between the two bikes.Yamaha MT15 New Vs Old – Styling and FeaturesWhile R15 V4 has received multiple visual updates in comparison to its predecessor, new MT15 Ver 2.0 remains largely the same as earlier in terms of its design and styling. Visual updates on MT15 Ver 2.0 are limited to things like refreshed front mudguard, body graphics and raised tail lamp. Quality of mudguard appears to have been improved with the use of thicker plastic material.Some visual changes are based on functional improvements such as USD front forks in golden finish. Old MT15 had standard telescopic forks at front. Talking about colour options, MT15 Ver 2.0 gets two new colour options of Cyan Storm and Racing Blue. Earlier colour options of Metallic Black and Ice Fluo-Vermillion have been retained. Dark Matt Blue and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition options have been discontinued for new MT15 Ver 2.0.[embedded content][embedded content]Features that are the same as earlier include bi-functional LED headlights, multi-function negative LCD instrument console, sporty rear view mirrors, sculpted fuel tank, rugged engine guard, uni-level seat with grab bar and upswept exhaust.As compared to old MT15, the newer model has been equipped with Bluetooth-based connectivity features. These are the same as available with other Yamaha bikes such as R15 V4. Connectivity features can be accessed via Yamaha Y-Connect app. Users can get notified about calls, SMS, email, app connectivity status and phone battery level.Y-Connect app also has other functions such as fuel consumption tracker, last parking location, revs dashboard, malfunction notification and maintenance recommendations. Some of these can be quite useful. For example, the revs dashboard can show information that is not displayed on the instrument console. It shows information such as engine RPM, rate of acceleration, degree of throttle opening, real-time fuel consumption and eco-friendly riding indicator.Yamaha MT15 Ver 2.0 – New vs OldMT15 vs. MT15 V2.0 engine and specsPowering MT15 V2.0 is the updated 155cc liquid cooled motor that was introduced last year with R15 V4. It generates 18.4 PS of max power and 14.1 Nm of peak torque. These numbers are largely the same as that of old MT15. The engine is paired with a 6-speed constant mesh transmission.In other changes, rear swingarm has been updated for MT15 V2.0. Braking apparatus remains the same, dual discs with single-channel ABS. There were talks about dual-channel ABS, but that hasn’t been the case. In comparison, R15 V4 has dual-channel ABS. More

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    Genesis X Concept Evolves into Elegant Speedium Coupe

    Genesis created a new version of the X concept called the Speedium Coupe.It has a different roofline and new lighting elements, among other changes.We don’t expect anything like this to become a reality, but design elements from this car will be seen on future Genesis EVs.Last year’s gorgeous Genesis X coupe concept caught our attention with its athletic proportions and clean integration of the brand’s “two lines” design motif. Now, a team of designers led by Luc Donckerwolke has transformed the concept into something a bit more interesting to look at. This new version of the Genesis X concept is called the Speedium Coupe, and it features a reworked roofline, updated lighting elements, and a grille shape that will supposedly make its way onto Genesis’s upcoming lineup of EVs.

    Genesis

    The Speedium name refers to a racetrack in Korea, and although the company is still referring to this as a coupe, we’re thinking it looks more like a two-door hatchback or even a shooting brake from certain angles. The greenhouse extends much further back than on the original concept, and the roofline tapers down gradually and ends in a ducktail-style rear spoiler. The previous concept’s mesh grille is swapped out for a body-color panel bracketed by light bars arranged in a triangular shape, while the lower front fascia now incorporates wider mesh intakes.

    Genesis

    While Genesis is not talking about the Speedium Coupe’s powertrain, it is certainly electric—although, as a mere design study that’s not meant to preview any direct production models, it doesn’t necessarily have a real drivetrain at all. Donckerwolke described the Speedium Coupe as a kind of creative exploration that the design studio would not typically show to the public—a “peek behind the curtain” if you will.If all of the Genesis designers’ freestyle exercises look this good, we’re definitely curious to see what else is behind that curtain. And while we won’t necessarily see a car like this at Genesis dealerships anytime soon, we can only hope that its interesting shape and knockout proportions might make their way onto production Genesis vehicles in the near future.
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    Genesis

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