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      in Motor News

      Shelby Will Sell You an 800-HP Cobra With an 88-Pound Carbon Fiber Body for $1.2M

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      Shelby American announced Wednesday it plans to build a limited run of extra-special Cobra continuation race cars for the company’s 60th anniversary. Limited to just 10 examples, these Cobras will have up to 800 horsepower and use a uniquely designed carbon fiber body that weighs just 88 pounds. Yes, you read that correctly. 88 pounds.

      The carbon Cobra, dubbed the Diamond Edition, was developed in conjunction with Classic Recreations, the same Texas-based shop that helped create the all-carbon GT500CR Mustang re-creation released in 2021. That 88-pound measurement for the body includes the front and rear clips as well as the doors and the floor. The engine bay has been designed to accept a Generation 3 Coyote V-8 from Ford Performance, with space for a T56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission to get power to the rear wheels. If you want all 800 horses, you’ll have to option the available VMP supercharger kit. There are six-piston Wilwood brakes front and rear to bring the carbon-wrapped missile on four wheels to a stop. Shelby says each Diamond Edition Cobra will be assembled by “an elite team of designers and technicians” at Classic Recreations. It also promises the car will handle like a modern vehicle thanks to its incredible power-to-weight ratio. Each example will receive a coveted CSX serial number, running from CSX4521 through CSX4530, from Shelby Licensing.

      Shelby American

      “Carroll Shelby taught me the significance of pushing the envelope through innovation and passion,” Classic Recreations founder Jason Engel said in a statement. “A dream of Carroll’s was always to place the highest-horsepower engine possible in the lightest, most agile car imaginable and it is our honor to have met that challenge.”Cobras this special come at a price. The Diamond Edition starts at an incredible $1.2 million before options—roughly four times the price of the carbon-bodied GT500CR. Considering the raw performance potential from this platform and the fact these are officially licensed Cobras, we have no doubt they’ll sell out in no time.

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      in Bike

      Ather Electric Scooter Sales Feb 2022 – Grows YoY, Declines MoM

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      Ather Electric ScooterAther Energy currently has the capacity to manufacture 5,000 electric scooters a month in addition to building its own lithium-ion battery packElectric two-wheelers, especially scooters have seen tremendous growth in the last few months, thanks to the push being given to electric mobility by the Government of India. Ather Energy has come out as one of the primary contributors in the electric mobility space in our country for the past couple of years.The Bengaluru-based EV startup is currently the third-largest manufacturer in the electric two-wheeler space in India after Hero Electric and Okinawa. The company currently retails two electric scooters under its folds including 450 Plus and 450X. Ather in recent times has accelerated its network expansion across the country.Ather Electric Scooter Sales Feb 2022Where petrol scooter sales are on a decline, Ather has recorded a YoY growth of 140 percent in comparison to February 2021. The EV manufacturer has clocked a cumulative sales volume of 2,042 scooters in February 2022. Ather sold about 850 electric scooters in Feb 2021 – translating in a YoY growth of more than 140%. In Jan 2022, Ather had sold 2,825 scooters – translating into a decline of 27% MoM.The low numbers despite growing demand are a result of the global semiconductor chip shortage reeling the automotive industry for more than a year. The ongoing crisis has led to the disruption in the supply chain management which is why the company is unable to keep pace with the rising demand. Ather claims only a fraction of the pre-pending orders were cleared in February.Ather Electric Scooter Sales Feb 2022. Feb 2021 number is an estimate, basis of 140% growth.Setting Up New Charging GridsThe company is hopeful of improvement of the market situation in the next 2-3 months where supplier partners are able to reduce the demand-supply gap. On the other hand, Ather signed an MoU with Govt. of Karnataka to install 1000 charging grids across the state to help make EVs go mainstream. This development was confirmed by the CEO of Ather Energy, Tarun Mehta, on his official Twitter account.Ather has also laid out its growth plan for the next few years. Over the next three years, the EV manufacturer plans to increase its annual production capacity to one million scooters from 400,000 by the end of 2022, install 5,000 fast chargers across India, develop new products and increase its network to 600 stores.Other developmentsAther currently has 29 retail stores spread across 24 cities. More than 300 fast-charging Ather Grid Points are available across these cities. The EV firm has plans to expand its footprint to 100 cities across the country by March 2023. Around 150 experience centres will be set up.On a slightly different topic, Ather Energy was recently announced as the principal sponsor of Gujarat Titans for a period of two years. The Ahmedabad-based franchise is one of two new additions to the Indian Premier League (IPL). More

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      in Bike

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

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      Royal Enfield modified by Rebellious GarageEach of the leading 6 two wheeler makers in India reported a YoY de-growth both in domestic sales and exports for February 2022Two wheeler sales slumped in February 2022 with every leading manufacturer posting a YoY de-growth in terms of domestic sales. Taking into account sales of Hero MotoCorp, Honda, TVS, Suzuki and Enfield, total sales in domestic markets stood at 9,97,598 units, down 26.90 percent over 13,64,734 units sold in February 2021. MoM sales on the other hand dipped 8.27 percent from 10,87,496 units sold in January 2022. Even as Hero MotoCorp, Honda, Bajaj and Suzuki posted MoM de-growth, TVS Motors and Royal Enfield posted more positive sales.Two Wheeler Sales Feb 2022 – YoY and MoMHero MotoCorp sales dipped 31.58 percent YoY to 3,31,462 units, down from 4,84,433 units sold in February 2021. MoM sales dipped 7.58 percent over 3,58,660 units sold in January 2021 while share percentage increased from 32.98 percent to 33.23 percent MoM. Hero is likely to enter the electric two wheeler segment with its first launch this month.Honda two wheeler sales dipped 30.59% in February 2022 to 2,85,677 units, down from 4,11,578 units sold in February 2021 with share at 28.64 percent. MoM sales also saw a decline of 9.37 percent from 3,15,196 units sold in January 2022 with share at 28.98 percent. Honda gears up for launch of the electric scooter to take on the likes of Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube Electric and Suzuki Burgman Electric. We can expect the manufacturer to launch this new electric scooter next year, priced at around Rs 1.20 lakh.TVS Motor sales stood at 1,73,198 units last month relating to a YoY de-growth of 11.25 percent over 1,95,145 units sold in February 2021. MoM sales ended more positively with a 3.72 percent growth over 1,67,795 units sold in January 2022. Bajaj Auto along with Suzuki posted YoY de-growth of 35.19 percent and 1.56 percent respectively along with MoM degrowth of28.76 percent and 3.33 percent to 96,523 units and 58,603 units sold last month.Two Wheeler Sales Feb 2022Even as Royal Enfield ended last month with a de-growth of 19.93 percent YoY to 52,135 units over 65,114 units sold in February 2021, its MoM sales increased 4.84 percent over 49,726 units sold in January 2022. Royal Enfield has trademarked a new Constellation name – likely for its upcoming 650cc motorcycle which could borrow features and engine from the 650 Twins- Interceptor and Continental GT.Two Wheeler Exports Feb 2022 – YoY and MoMYoY exports increased 2.84 percent to 3,51,599 units over 3,41,894 units shipped in February 2021. MoM shipments however, dipped marginally by 0.59 percent from 3,53,688 units sold in January 2022. Bajaj Auto and Honda Two Wheelers posted a YoY de-growth of 0.44 percent and 13.41 percent respectively. TVS, Hero MotoCorp, Suzuki and Royal Enfield ending the month with more positive exports.Bajaj Auto commanded a 52 percent share among these 6 leading two wheeler makers. However, sales dipped YoY to 1,82,814 units from 1,83,629 units shipped in February 2021. MoM shipments declined 2.72 percent from 1,87,934 units shipped in January 2022.Two Wheeler Exports Feb 2022TVS Motor exports increased 5.58 percent to 94,427 units from 89,436 units shipped in February 2021 while on a MoM basis, exports increased 9.36 percent from 86,344 units sold in January 2022. TVS Motor Company has launched a new motorcycle called the TVS Raider. This 125cc segment motorcycle is exclusively targeting a younger segment of buyers across countries in Latin America.Honda’s two wheeler exports also suffered a YoY de-growth of 13.44 percent to 26,944 units last month over 31,118 units shipped in February 2021 with share percentage at 7.66. MoM sales dipped 30.94 percent from 39,013 units sold in January 2022.Two Wheeler Domestic Sales + Exports Feb 2022Hero MotoCorp has seen its YoY and MoM exports increase 27.37 percent and 22.81 percent respectively to 26,792 units last month. Suzuki and Royal Enfield exports increased 12.08 percent and 54.57 percent on a YoY basis while MoM shipments saw Suzuki post a 43.59 percent growth to 13,597 units while Royal Enfield shipments dipped 22.90 percent to 7,025 units.Total Two Wheeler Sales February 2022These domestic sales and exports took total two wheeler sales to 13,49,197 units last month down 20.94 percent over 17,06,628 units sold in February 2021 while MoM sales fell 6.38 percent over 14,41,184 units sold in January 2022. YoY de-growth was posted by Hero (3,58,254 units), Honda (3,12,621 units), Bajaj (2,79,337 units), TVS (2,67,625 units) and RE (59,160 units)while Suzuki sales increased marginally by 0.75 percent to 72,200 units. MoM sales saw TVS, Suzuki and Royal Enfield end on a more positive note. More

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      in Bike

      Yamaha MT15 Discontinued Ahead Of New Version Launch

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      2022 Yamaha MT15 Facelift to get Bluetooth / updates2022 Yamaha MT15 will continue to rival the likes of KTM 125 Duke, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Bajaj Pulsar NS200After R15, Yamaha will be introducing significant changes to its popular hyper-naked MT15 bike. Updated MT15 is expected to be launched soon, possibly next month. Ahead of that, the existing MT15 has been discontinued. From selling an average of 5k units per month, sales of MT15 dropped to just 17 units in Jan 2022. This is likely in anticipation of the updated variant.It has been reported that production of current version of the bike has been stopped and the company has started manufacturing the updated MT15. Yamaha operates three plants in India, located in Faridabad (Haryana), Surajpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu). These cater to both domestic and international markets.Updated Yamaha MT15 styling2022 version of MT15 will pack in a number of changes including visual and mechanical updates. MT15 already has a smashing profile, something that kind of limits the quantum of visual changes that can be introduced for the bike. The current look and feel of the bike has been achieved over a period of several years.Some key features include an aggressive front fascia, bi-functional LED headlight, wide handlebar, sporty rear-view mirrors, sculpted fuel tank, prominent engine guard, radiator side fins, short rising tail and compact upswept exhaust. It remains to be seen if Yamaha chooses to experiment or continues with the current styling.Yamaha MT15 Sales Last 6 Months – Sales declined by 99% in Jan 2022Scope for cosmetic enhancements exists more in the form of new graphics and colour options. The current model is available in Metallic Black, Dark Matt Blue, Ice Fluo-Vermillion and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition.Updated Yamaha MT15 new featuresA key update for MT15 could be USD front forks. A number of users have requested this feature and it has already been introduced with R15. Both bikes have the same platform, so introducing USD forks for MT15 shouldn’t be much of a problem. The only thing is that price may have to be increased to accommodate such updates.If MT15 gets USD forks, it could be offered in sporty golden finish. That will definitely make the bike a lot more fun on the streets. In its current form, the bike is offered with standard telescopic forks at front. Rear linked-type monocross suspension will be same as earlier.Another key update could be dual-channel ABS. The existing model is offered with single-channel ABS. Braking system will be same as earlier, 282mm disc at front and 220mm disc at rear. The bike has 17-inch wheels at both ends, shod with 100/80 front and 140/70 rear tubeless tyres.2022 MT15 could also get a revised LCD instrument console with Bluetooth-based connectivity features. Just like R15 V4, users will be able to access the connectivity features via Yamaha’s Y-Connect app. Other possibilities for MT15 include quick-shifter and traction control system.Engine will be same as current model, a 155cc liquid cooled, 4-valve unit that makes 18.5 ps of max power at 10,000 rpm and 13.9 Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed constant mesh transmission. The bike is equipped with advanced features such as variable valve actuation (VVA) and assist and slipper clutch.Source More

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      in Motor News

      Mercedes-Benz Reveals Special-Edition G-Wagen Edition 550

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      Mercedes is introducing a new special-edition version of the G-wagen called the Edition 550.It comes in either red, grey, or white and has black bumpers and fender flares, along with a special badge.The interior has fancier leather and carbon-fiber trim.The G-wagen briefly exited Mercedes-Benz’s lineup along with most of the automaker’s other V-8–powered models, but now it’s back and has added an exclusive special edition. 200 units of the G-class Edition 550 will make their way to the U.S. and feature a few appearance tweaks inside and out along with special badging.

      Mercedes-Benz

      Mercedes-Benz

      The Edition 550 models are based on the non-AMG G550 model with a 416-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, rather than the more powerful 577-hp AMG G63. It will be offered in either Jupiter Red, Arabian Grey, or a new hue called Moonlight White. Rather than the standard model’s body-color bumpers and fender flares, the Edition 550 has black lower trim. The wheels appear to be the same black 20-inch AMG 14-spoke wheels that are available as an option on the standard model.

      Mercedes-Benz

      Mercedes-Benz

      The interior has two-tone Nappa leather upholstery, carbon-fiber trim, and options including massaging front seats. There’s also a badge on the passenger’s side grab handle denoting the special-edition as 1 of 200, and a similar emblem on the front fenders with a cool graphic of a G-wagen climbing a mountain.Mercedes has not yet released a price for the Edition 550, but we reckon it will be at least $150,000 given the price of an equivalent G550 with these appearance upgrades.
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    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Motor News

      1991 Mazda Miata Is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick of the Day

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      • When it comes to the question of lightweight, slick-shifting rear-drive roadsters with four-wheel independent suspension, the answer is always Miata.• The Bring a Trailer auction site has listed this one, with a mid-1991 VIN number that falls on the right side of a major crankshaft redesign.• Bidding is open on this 1991 Miata until Sunday, March 6, with current bidding at a mere $9750.Those who know me understand why I’m keeping an eye on this car, my choice as Auction Pick of the Day on the Bring a Trailer auction site—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos. I have a soft spot for the 1.6-liter Miata because back in the day I managed to get my hands on one of the three original prototypes that were unveiled at the 1989 Chicago auto show. The red and blue ones went into the press fleet, but the white car, VIN 000017, ended up in my lap after a stint at the Mazda Service Training center, where it was taken apart and reassembled by countless mechanics. A group of us added a roll cage and got it an SCCA logbook because we were going to take it endurance racing, but that project was stillborn and I ended up with the car because, quite simply, it was being stored in my enclosed trailer.

      Bring a Trailer

      Bring a Trailer

      I could only ever race that car because it could not be registered for the street, but I was immediately smitten by its sophisticated rear-drive chassis with independent double-wishbone suspension at each end. The 1.6-liter four-banger only made 116 hp at 6500 rpm, but that was enough to make it a Showroom Stock C (SSC) terror because its approximate 2150-pound race weight and well-balanced chassis made it the ultimate momentum car. The factory brakes were more than up for track duty, and the fact that the shift lever jutted directly out of the transmission made it one of the best-shifting manuals I can name. It was extremely easy to work on, too.At one point I bought a red 1991 Miata very much like the one in the BaT listing, including the desirable A package that included cruise control and power windows. I bought mine for $850 from a California Highway Patrol officer because it had high mileage and a blown-out ring and pinion. I plopped in the engine from the now-retired race car and installed a spare diff I had laying around, and I finally had a street-drivable Miata. Soon after, however, I was encouraged to restore the old race car, so the engine came out and went back into old #17. My red Miata sits engineless in my garage to this day.

      Bring a Trailer

      The Miata that is the subject of this auction benefits from the same advantage I found in the red car I bought: it’s a mid-1991 build that has the desirable “big nose” crankshaft that was installed starting at VIN 209447. All 1990 and early 1991 Miatas were built with short-nose cranks with a fragile keyway where the lower timing belt sprocket was indexed. The keyway was prone to breakage if the key was installed improperly or if the bolt was not torqued just so, which made it necessary to replace the entire crankshaft. Current advice for those changing a timing belt on the affected early cars is to not remove the lower timing belt sprocket if the front crank seal isn’t weeping. Some even go so far as to advise that you roll the car in fifth gear instead of turning the crank with a wrench when aligning the timing marks. But old motors eventually need to be rebuilt, so having the “big nose” crankshaft avoids a lot of hand wringing.

      Bring a Trailer

      It’s not clear if the Miata in this auction has ever had its timing belt replaced. On mileage alone, it’s not necessary. But this car was built 31 years ago, and I’d want to confirm the age of the timing belt and plan on replacing it if it turns out to be original. The rest of the car looks very original, too. There’s a bit of wear, but only enough to perhaps keep it from going for top dollar. The headlight doors line up nicely with the hood, and there’s not much rust underneath, both of which suggest it has been treated nicely and stored inside in winter. The tires are the wrong size, but that’s understandable because 185/60R-14 tires are hard to find unless you’re looking for high-performance autocross rubber, which is very much available in that size. This car shows only 17,000 miles and is currently in North Carolina, with bidding set to end on Sunday, March 6. It’d be a shame to see this car continue to sit mostly undriven, but I guess I have to come to grips with the fact that early Miatas might have become a classic when I wasn’t looking.

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      in Motor News

      Ford Restructures, Splitting into Ford Blue and Ford Model e (for Electric)

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      Ford announced today a major restructuring, with two new divisions, Ford Model e and Ford Blue, joining the existing commercial arm, Ford Pro.Ford Model e will center around developing technologies for Ford’s future EVs as well as software and vehicle connectivity.Ford Blue will streamline the internal-combustion business and strengthen existing subbrands including the Bronco, F-series, and Mustang with new models and accompanying “brand experiences.”Jim Farley, who has been praised for his leadership since taking over as Ford president and CEO in October 2020, continues to shake things up at the long-lived American automaker. The company announced today that it will form two separate but interdependent businesses under the Ford banner—Ford Model e, which will focus on electric vehicles and connectivity, and Ford Blue, which will be dedicated to the company’s traditional internal-combustion-engine business. The division is part of Farley’s Ford+ plan introduced last year, and the two new branches join Ford Pro, the company’s commercial vehicle department.

      Ford

      Ford says that Ford Model e and Ford Blue “will be run as distinct businesses, but also support each other”—for instance, Ford Blue will make use of the software developed by Ford Model e—and both will also serve Lincoln. Ford Model e will center around future technology, developing things like electric platforms, batteries, e-motors, and recycling capabilities for Ford’s next generation of EVs. Ford Model e will also focus on the software and vehicle architectures that future Fords will run on, as well as the future of the car shopping, buying, and ownership experiences. Farley will add the role of president of Ford Model e to his list of duties.

      Ford Blue, on the other hand, will “strengthen the iconic Ford vehicles” via investments in new models and related experiences and services having to do with the F-series, Ranger, Maverick, Bronco, Explorer, and Mustang. Ford says these brand experiences will range “from off-roading to performance to family activities,” particularly for “situations when ICE capabilities are required.” The Ford Blue division also intends to decrease waste and production costs as ways to streamline the internal-combustion business. Blue will support Ford Model e and Ford Pro through the global engineering, manufacturing, and testing systems that Ford already has. Kumar Galhotra, previously president of Ford North America, will become president of Ford Blue. Whatever this means for EV development, it seems clear that the traditional gas-powered Ford vehicles that buyers clearly still want are still getting Ford’s attention, not moving to any kind of back burner.
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      in Motor News

      Polestar O2 Electric Roadster Concept Has Its Own Drone

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      The Polestar O2 concept is a two-door, hardtop electric roadster riding on the bespoke aluminum platform set to underpin the 2024 Polestar 5.The design is similar to the Precept concept, with sharp, minimalist lines.A drone can be deployed and autonomously follow the car at up to 56 mph, filming content that can be edited and shared directly from the car.Polestar already confirmed that the stunning Precept concept from 2020 will reach production in 2024 as the Polestar 5 riding on a bespoke bonded aluminum chassis. Now Polestar is showing more of what can be done with the 5’s new platform with the O2 concept, a sharp two-door electric roadster.
      The O2 (which Polestar stylizes as O₂ like the molecular formula for oxygen) features front and rear lights similar to those on the original Precept concept but with a cleaner, sleeker front bumper. The proportions are balanced, with the cabin sitting perfectly in the center of the car. There’s a blacked-out A-pillar, giving off a hint of the new Nissan Z when the hard top is up. Polestar says that the bonded aluminum chassis will increase rigidity and improve body control while also keeping weight down. No specifics about the electric powertrain were revealed.

      Aerodynamics play a big role on the O2. Ducts that exit behind the front wheels help smooth airflow over the side, and Polestar says the thin taillight acts as “air blades” to quell turbulence off the rear of the roadster. There is also aerofoil behind the rear seats that extends to create a “calm area of negative pressure”—crucial for the O2’s pièce de résistance, a drone, to take off. The autonomous drone can follow the car at up to 56 mph, with the driver able to select whether they want the drone to film an “atmospheric sequence” or an “action-filled sequence.” The video can then be edited and shared directly from the 15-inch center screen when the O2 is parked. Inside, the O2 features a recycled polyester for the soft-touch areas as well as lots of aluminum. There are currently no plans to put the Polestar O2 concept into production, but since it rides on the same platform as the upcoming 5, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility.
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