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      in Bike

      Benelli Keeway Maxi Scooter Debuts In India – 278cc, 18.7 hp

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      Upon its launch in India, Keeway Vieste 300 maxi-scooter is expected to be priced around Rs 2.50 lakh (ex-showroom)Benelli Keeway 300cc ScooterKeeway made its grand entry into the Indian market by unveiling not one but three new products. We have already discussed the K-Light 250V cruiser motorcycle and the Sixties 300i retro-style scooter in detail. The third model in the company’s India lineup will be Vieste 300 which is a Maxi-style scooter. All three will be sold via the Benelli dealer network. Keeway and Benelli are owned by China’s QJ Motor Group.The Maxi scooter space hasn’t been a mass volume churning segment since there are only a handful of such options available in the country and Keeway intends to utilize this wide space by introducing Vieste 300. When launched it will be slotted right in between Yamaha Aerox 155 and BMW 400 GT in India.Benelli Keeway Vieste 300 ScooterPrices of Keeway Vieste 300 are expected to be announced a few months later at the time of its official launch. Like other Keeway models, Vieste 300 will be sold alongside Benelli motorcycles through the latter’s showrooms. Bookings for all three Keeway two-wheelers are currently open and interested buyers can book their vehicles at a token amount of Rs 10,000.Deliveries of Vieste 300 will commence from June onwards whereas test rides are slated to begin from May 26 onwards. Coming to its design, Vieste 300 is a traditional Maxi scooter in terms of its overall aggressive styling and dimensions, which coincidentally resembles the Keeway GT270 sold overseas. Like contemporary Maxi scooters, it sports an angular front apron that houses four LED projector lamps with DRLs.Benelli Keeway 300cc ScooterVieste 300 flaunts signature Maxi scooter highlights like a long body, a tinted windscreen, a free-standing handlebar, a split step-up seat and a long transmission tunnel. Turn indicators sit flush with the bodywork lending it a distinctly clean look. The Hungarian brand is offering Vieste in three colour options including Matte Black, Matte Blue and Matte White.Features & Specs on offerIn terms of features, the Maxi scooter receives full LED illumination, a keyless fob and what Keeway calls a ‘continental drive system’. The traditional key slot has now been replaced with an illuminated knob which adds to its premium appeal. Further, it has been equipped with a part-digital and part-analog instrument console that appears to be borrowed from a car.The console comes with an ambient temperature gauge, tripmeter, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge and maintenance indicator among others. The split-style seat comes with lumbar support for the rider for enhanced lower back comfort during long rides. The scooter gets a 12-litre fuel tank. Take a look at the detailed walkaround of Benelli Keeway in the video below by Aayush SSM.[embedded content][embedded content]Powering Keeway Vieste 300 is a 278.2cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine that churns out 18.7hp at 6500rpm and 22Nm at 6000rpm. Suspension duties are carried out by telescopic forks in front and hydraulic shocks at rear. Anchorage duties are handled by a 240mm disc up front and a 220mm disc at rear which are aided by dual-channel ABS. More

    • 125 Shares99 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Mahindra Electric SUVs To Use Volkswagen Components – XUV400, XUV900

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      Mahindra has plans to launch as many as eight electric SUVs by 2027Image for reference.Mahindra has something big planned for its grand re-entry into the electric mobility segment. The homegrown carmaker has already teased its upcoming trio of electric SUVs ahead of their maiden official appearance slated in July later this year.While Mahindra continues to focus on IC engine models, it will spend significant resources on its upcoming battery-powered vehicles. The electric vehicles (EVs) teased by Mahindra recently will be based on a new Born electric skateboard hence they are being termed as Born EVs from Mahindra.Mahindra Volkswagen PartnershipToday, Mahindra and Volkswagen announced an interesting partnership. Mahindra intends to equip its ‘Born Electric Platform’ with MEB electric components such as electric motors, battery system components and battery cells. The Partnering Agreement evaluates the scope of collaboration – it indicates binding rules for the evaluation phase as well as the non-binding scope of supply.The binding supply agreement will be negotiated in a continued constructive and legally compliant way to conclude by the end of 2022. Designed as an open vehicle platform, the MEB electric platform and its components allows car manufacturers to build their portfolio of electrified vehicles, quickly and cost-effectively. The shared objective of the two companies is to electrify the Indian automotive market, one of the most important automotive growth markets and a key element in the global decarbonisation of the mobility sector.New Mahindra Electric SUVs – TeaserThomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board of Management member for Technology and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, stated, “Mahindra is a pioneer in the electric mobility space in India and a great partner for our MEB Electric Platform. Together with Mahindra, we want to contribute significantly to the electrification of India, a huge automotive market with enormous growth potential and high relevance for climate protection. It’s another proof point that the MEB is both technologically state of the art and highly competitive in terms of cost. The MEB is thus progressively developing into the leading open platform for e-mobility, generating significant volume and economies of scale. That’s crucial for every company in the EV world and the key to competitive solutions for our customers.”Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director, Auto and Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., stated: “We are very pleased to have Volkswagen, a significant global investor in the electric mobility space, as a strategic partner in achieving our ambitious Born Electric Vison. The complementarity of their extensive technology, innovation, and vertical integration in supply chains, will provide a framework to develop our next gen “Born Electric Platform”, to be revealed soon in Oxfordshire UK. Our teams across India, UK and Detroit are passionately creating a breath-taking future.”Volkswagen’s MEB Electric Platform is used by the Group brands Volkswagen, Audi, SKODA and SEAT/CUPRA as well as external partners. Responsibility for these partnerships has been assigned to the “Platform Business” unit created specifically for this purpose.Mahindra Electric SUVs teasedThe company will be introducing three new fully electric SUVs under its new ‘Born Electric Vision’. All three SUVs have reportedly been designed and conceptualised by Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (MADE) which is the brand’s new global design centre based in United Kingdom and headed by Pratap Bose. As per teaser videos released previously, the three born EVs consist of a compact SUV, a mid-size SUV and a Coupe SUV.All three SUVs will be underpinned by a new bespoke platform. First of them will be a compact SUV which is expected to be the battery-powered equivalent of XUV300. It is likely to be christened as XUV400 upon launch. Next will be a mid-size SUV that can share some similarities with XUV700. Last will be a premium coupe-style SUV which could wear a new name tag of XUV900. The company had filed a trademark for the same in the country earlier last year. More

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      in Bike

      350cc Motorcycle Sales Apr 2022 – Classic, Meteor, Bullet, Electra, CB350

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      Royal Enfield motorcycles continue to dominate with more than 90% market share – CB350 tops in exportsModified Meteor by Ironwood Custom350cc motorcycle segment registered modest gains of 8.77% in April with sales of 51,827 units. Sales during the corresponding period last year was at 47,650 units. Bullet and Meteor have negative YoY growth in the month.MoM sales have taken a hit, down by -6.50%. Sales in March 2022 were higher at 55,432 units. All motorcycles have negative MoM growth in April. Exports growth is at 89.82%, with a total of 5,163 units in April. Exports in April last year were at 2,720 units. MoM growth is also positive at 26.64%, as compared to 4,077 units exported in March 2022.350cc motorcycle sales – Classic 350 leadsWith 62.85% market share, Classic 350 continues to dominate this space. Sales were at 32,575 units in April, marking gains of 39.82%. Sales in the corresponding period last year were at 23,298 units. Classic MoM growth is down marginally by -0.36%, as compared to 32,694 units sold in March. Royal Enfield recently increased prices of Classic 350 in the range of Rs 1,846 to Rs 2,846. The bike is now available in the price range of Rs 1.90 lakh to Rs 2.20 lakh.At number two is Bullet 350, with sales of 7,513 units in April. YoY growth is down by -24.17%, as compared to 9,908 units sold in April last year. Market share is at 14.50%. MoM growth is down by -9.30%, as compared to 8,283 units sold in March. Enthusiasts can look forward to the new-gen Bullet that will be launched later this year. It will have refreshed styling, new platform and engine and some new features as well.350cc Motorcycle Sales April 2022Next in the list is Meteor 350 with sales of 4,617 units in April. YoY growth is down by -41.14%, as compared to 7,844 units sold in April last year. Market share is at 8.91%. MoM growth is down by -29.93%, as compared to 6,589 units sold in March. Meteor was recently updated with three new colour options of green, blue and red. Another update was price cut by Rs 5k, owing to Tripper navigation becoming an optional feature.Fourth is Electra 350 with sales of 3,918 units in April. YoY growth is 7.90%, as compared to 3,631 units sold in April last year. Market share is at 7.56%. MoM growth is down by -12.15%, as compared to 4,460 units sold in March. Honda CB350 is fifth with sales of 3,204 units in April. YoY growth is 7.92%, as compared to 2,969 units sold in April last year. Market share is at 6.18%. MoM growth is down by -5.93%, as compared to 3,406 units sold in March.350cc motorcycle exports – CB350 races aheadCB350 has made impressive gains of 164.40% in April. Share in export markets is at 43.02%. A total of 2,221 units were exported in April 2022, as compared to 840 units in April last year. MoM growth is 393.56%, as compared to 450 units exported in March. Classic 350 is second with exports of 1,797 units in April. YoY growth is 148.20%, as compared to 724 units exported in April last year. Market share is at 34.81%. MoM growth is down by -30.38%, as compared to 2,581 units exported in March.350cc Motorcycle Exports April 2022At number three is Meteor with exports of 1,138 units in April. YoY growth is marginally down by -0.44%, as compared to 1,143 units exported in April last year. Market share is at 22.04%. MoM growth is 8.80%, as compared to 1,046 units exported in March. Fourth in the list is Bullet with exports of 7 units in April. Electra 350 had nil exports in the month. More

    • 138 Shares179 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Honda Prologue Electric SUV Teased – New Look Of Dealer Showroom

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      The Honda Prologue electric SUV does not try too hard to look outlandish or futuristic, but it does look goodHonda Prologue Electric SUV TeaserThe rapid shift in the paradigm towards electric vehicles has been giving rise to mergers and joint production developments which were almost unthinkable a few decades ago. One such partnership is between Honda and General Motors which involves electric vehicle platform sharing. The first Japanese derivative of this tie-up has been teased in the form of an official rendering.General Motors’ Ultium modular EV architecture will be underpinning the upcoming Honda Prologue SUV. With North America as its primary target market, the Prologue is an imposing crossover with a bold new front fascia which speaks the “neo-rugged” design language. The front is characterized by narrow LED headlamps and grille, trapezoidal secondary airdam and vertically oriented foglight enclosures.Honda Prologue Electric SUV TeasedThe longish profile is composed of an accentuated waistline, prominent tyres, flared wheel arches, sleek greenhouse, and contrast ORVMs and door handles. The rear is not visible but expect it to be sculpted and sporty.The Honda Prologue’s design process commenced during COVID-19 and its creators mostly worked from home. Developed at the brand’s Los Angeles design studio in collaboration with Honda Japan, the Prologue benefited from Virtual Reality.Honda Prologue Electric SUV TeaserWe expect the Japanese automaker to tease the interiors sometime in the near future. Keeping up with the trend, the electric Honda SUV for North America is likely to be equipped with a simple, uncluttered cockpit with a good amount of colour displays. One can expect the vehicle to come packed with the latest in terms of connectivity, ADAS and safety.PowertrainGM’s Utltium architecture benefits from a floor-mounted modular battery design which allows the engineers to setup a capacity ranging anywhere between 50 kWh to 200 kWh with an autonomy starting from 300 miles (480 kms) depending on the top-hat. As per definition, a modular EV architecture should be capable of FWD, RWD or AWD configurations depending on customer preference, product and target segment.Being an SUV primarily targeting the Americans, Honda is likely to go for an AWD setup with plenty of power and torque to boot. In addition to teasing the new electric SUV, Honda has also revealed the look of their dealer showrooms and service centers of the future.Honda dealer showroom – New lookHonda Prologue Electric SUV LaunchThe Honda Prologue electric SUV is slated to be launched in North America sometime in 2024. While there is no official announcement made yet, industry reports strongly indicate the presence of an Acura derivative of the Ultium platform which is also in the works for a 2024 debut. While Honda declined to comment on possible production locations for its upcoming EV, it is being said that GM’s Mexico plant will produce it.It remains to be seen what other markets will receive the Prologue but given electrification is the talk of the town pretty much everywhere, we expect the crossover to eventually enter markets like Europe and select Asian countries. Honda’s future in India appears to be challenging to say the least, and the Prologue doesn’t appear to make a good business for our country as a CBU or CKD. More

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      in Motor News

      2011 Mercedes C63 AMG with NA V-8 is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick of the Day

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      The W204-generation C63 AMG was the last iteration of Mercedes’s compact AMG C63 sedan to offer a naturally aspirated V-8 engine.This 2011 C63 AMG includes the P31 AMG Development package, which nets 481 horsepower—30 more than the standard 2011 C63 AMG.Bidding for this car closes on May 24, 2022.We like Mercedes-AMG’s twin-turbo V-8 as much as the next car enthusiast. Even so, we still hold a spot in our hearts for the brand’s naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engines of yore. Specifically, the 6.2-liter unit AMG installed in the likes of the SLS supercar and W204 generation of the C-class sedan.

      From model years 2008 to 2014 (and 2015 if you include the C’s two-door coupe body style), the AMG arm of Mercedes-Benz fit a 451-hp variant of its burly V-8 under the hood of the three-pointed star’s small four-door—with enough grunt to push a 4034-pound example of the model to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds in our testing.

      Bring a Trailer

      In 2010, Mercedes answered the call for even more power by way of the optional P31 AMG Development package. Thanks to a new tune to the engine management system and connecting rods, pistons, and a crankshaft cribbed from the SLS, the engine’s stable added 30 horses to the mix, bringing output up to 481 horsepower. Not quite the more than 500-hp the big bent-eight produced in other AMG models of the time, but still plenty for a car of this size. In fact, the P31 package’s additional power wasn’t very useful at less than three-digit speeds, as the rear-drive sedan was no quicker to 60 mph with it installed (it was quicker to 100 and 150 mph, though, by 0.1 and 1.1 seconds, respectively). The package’s other features failed to sway us, as well, and we ultimately wrote that we would “forgo” the P31 package when we reviewed a so-equipped C63 AMG in 2010.

      Bring a Trailer

      We’re starting to think a bit differently about it in 2022, though. Yes, we stand by the fact that the P31 package’s performance upgrades fail to notably improve the dynamics of the C63 sedan, but we also think there’s a value to the kit from a collector’s standpoint. After all, for a brief period of time, the P31 package marked the peak of C63 AMG performance. That’s why we’re drawn to this 2011 example. Sure, a C63 AMG with the P31 package is not quite the gem of the later Edition 507 (or the coupe-only Black Series), but it still seems just a wee bit more special than your average W204-generation C63 AMG. It certainly helps that this approximately 35,000-mile example’s Quartz Blue paint and 18-inch wheels provide the wide-fendered C63 AMG with a low-key look that fails to call attention to itself while simultaneously enhancing the sedan’s menacing, AMG-specific styling. Though this C63 AMG may do without Mercedes’s latest technology, its naturally aspirated V-8 provides a far different experience from the outgoing W205-generation C63 sedan’s forced-induction unit. The chasm will only grow once Mercedes-AMG unveils the next-generation C63 sedan, which will reportedly adopt a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain centered around a four-cylinder engine.
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    • 113 Shares119 Views

      in Motor News

      2024 Honda Prologue Looks Smooth, Sorta Rugged in Sketch

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      A sketch provides our first look at the styling of the 2024 Honda Prologue, an upcoming electric SUV.Honda says the Prologue’s clean design will include a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and “capable tires.”The Prologue was developed in partnership with GM, which is providing Honda with powertrains and battery packs.Judging by a sketch released today by Honda, the company’s upcoming electric SUV won’t have a wild design. Instead, the 2024 Honda Prologue looks to have smooth surfaces with subtle notes of ruggedness.

      The sketch represents our first glimpse at what the Prologue might look like, even if some parts are clearly exaggerated for dramatic effect. The color illustration gives off heavy anime vibes. Still, our eyes are drawn to the thin element that spans the top half of the front end and surrounds the slim lighting elements. The chunky grille on the front bumper along with the fog lights, lower cladding, and noticeable roof rails wouldn’t look out of place on a Subaru or really any modern crossover with adventurous aspirations.

      Honda

      Honda says the Prologue’s design will incorporate a long wheelbase between short overhangs. The company also says the EV SUV will be fitted with a “capable tire.” While a set of Firestone Destination LE 2 all-season tires—like those found on the Honda Passport TrailSport we tested—look aggressive, they definitely don’t have the same low rolling resistance as the rubber on most electric vehicles. Perhaps to offset this, Honda also says it focused on aerodynamics with the Prologue’s styling, with the obvious goal of maximizing efficiency but also reducing interior sound levels, which can be more noticeable when there’s no combustion engine making noise.For anyone who forgot or wasn’t already aware, the 2024 Prologue is part of Honda’s joint venture with General Motors. GM will share its Ultium battery platform, which underpins upcoming models including the Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer EV. Honda will then design the bodies and interiors on vehicles like the Prologue; Acura will also have its own more luxurious version, which has not yet been publicly named.

      General Motors

      After the Prologue and its Acura counterpart hit the market, Honda will introduce new models based on the company’s own electric platform, which is called e:Architecture. These are slated to start production in 2026. In 2027, Honda and GM will team up again to build and sell a “new series” of affordable, electric compact crossovers. All of it culminates in Honda’s goal of selling 500,000 EVs in North America by 2030 as well as fulfilling its commitment to selling only EVs and fuel-cell vehicles by 2040.
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    • 175 Shares129 Views

      in Motor News

      Here's a Look at the 2023 Lexus RX's Face ahead of May 31 Debut

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      The 2023 Lexus RX’s front end is teased ahead of the new generation’s debut later this month.Lexus today announced the new RX will debut at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 31.We speculate that the ’23 RX will introduce a plug-in-hybrid model, possibly called RX500h+. The world will get its first look at the 2023 Lexus RX at the end of the month. Lexus today posted a teaser image of its most popular model and announced that the new generation of the SUV will debut at 8 p.m. EST on Tuesday, May 31.

      The image released by Lexus provides an up-close look at the new RX’s front end. The brand’s spindle grille is still alive and well, with the latest rendition mixing a mostly black mesh design with a partly-blocked-off white panel at the very top. The reshaped headlights feature a familiar check-mark lighting signature, but the headlights themselves are shrouded in darkness. The prominent intake vent on the edge of the front bumper suggests this teaser image could be of an F Sport variant.

      Lexus

      Lexus

      Since Lexus only released this one photo, we’re left in the dark about what the rest of the next-gen RX will look like as well as what features and powertrains will be offered. Still, we can make some educated guesses about the latter two. The ’23 will surely be offered with the huge 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that debuted on the 2022 Lexus NX and will be available on the upcoming electric Lexus RZ. While the current generation of the RX is available with two or three rows of seats, we’re not sure whether or not its replacement will also offer both configurations.As for what’s under the hood, we expect the entry-level RX350 model to have the turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four that also powers the NX350. In that application, the engine is rated at 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. We also expect a hybrid variant wearing the RX450h moniker. Finally, we think the RX lineup will welcome a plug-in hybrid. Toyota applied for the RX500h trademark about two years ago, and since Lexus’ PHEV models are denoted with a “+” at the end, we think the plug-in variant could be called RX500h+.
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    • 125 Shares199 Views

      in Motor News

      Ken Block Will Race 1400-HP 'Hoonipigasus' Porsche at Pikes Peak

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      Ken Block has raced just about everywhere you can take a high-powered all-wheel-drive car. He’s even run the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb once, all the way back in 2005 in a Group N rally car. But he’s never fought for the overall title, the single most prestigious win in American point-to-point racing. He intends to change that this year, and, being Ken Block, he intends to do it in a car built for the occasion.

      This is the Hoonipigasus, the dream creation of Hoonigan Racing Division and BBi Autosports. Like the other cars BBi has raced at Pikes Peak in the past, it’s a Porsche. Unlike those modified modern cars, however, this one is a ground-up creation resembling a vintage 911. It’s in the style of an early 911, yes, but it’s a mid-engine AWD car boasting some 1400 horsepower from a 4.0-liter flat-six. If all of that is somehow underwhelming, it also weighs just 2200 pounds.

      Hoonigan

      Hoonipigasus gets some of its wordplay from the livery. Street artist “Trouble” Trevor Andrew designed the scheme, a tribute to the 1971 917/20 known as the Pink Pig. The rest comes from a partnership with Mobil 1, which lends oil expertise and a Pegasus logo in its traditional place on the side of a vintage Porsche body.LOVE RALLY? SIGN UP FOR THE UPCOMING ROAD & TRACK EXPERIENCE, RALLY-ULast year, the overall win at Pikes Peak went to a Wolf GB08 prototype by a margin of over 30 seconds on a shortened course. Block will also be chasing the all-time course record, 7:57.148 in the all-electric Volkswagen ID. R, but that run was so quick that it may be safe for another year.The 2022 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be held on June 26. Block and the Hoonipigasus will be among the favorites for the overall win.

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