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      in Electric Cars

      Tork Kratos R Electric Motorcycle – First Ride Review

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      Tork Kratos R ReviewTork Kratos and Kratos R are meant for consumers looking for a premium offering in the electric mobility spaceAfter being in development for years, Tork Motors finally launched its much ambitious electric motorcycle named Kratos last month. The Pune-based EV manufacturer has introduced two variants of the battery-powered motorcycle- standard and a slightly more powerful R trim. We recently got an opportunity to test the latter and check how it performs in the real world.Will it be able to create a niche for itself amongst the plethora of other two-wheelers cropping up in the market in recent times even though most of the offerings in the current two-wheeler space are scooters? Will it be able to challenge conventional IC engine motorcycles which are still going strong? Let us answer these and a few more questions through our first ride impression.Tork Kratos Review – Design & QualityBased on the pre-production Tork T6X prototype, Kratos is claiming to be the first indigenously developed electric motorcycle in India. This essentially means that everything in the motorcycle, barring the battery cells, including the electric motor, battery pack and its casing, running gear, electronics, etc., have been designed, conceptualised and manufactured in India.Starting with its design, Kratos doesn’t stray too far from the T6X prototype although there are substantial differences to tell them apart. For starters, it gets a V-shaped headlamp cluster but the LED internals inside Kratos give the electric bike a Transformers-like appearance. The curves and edges along the body panels give the motorcycle a sharp look.Tork Kratos R ReviewFurther, a raised tail section along with split-style seats and split grab rails lend it a much-needed sportiness to its closet. While the muscular tank accentuates its aggressive nature, the bulkiness of the huge electric motor placed underneath takes some sheen off the otherwise beautiful-looking Kratos. Overall, Kratos is one handsome motorcycle that is bound to catch enough attention.However, that doesn’t necessarily translate to the bike’s fit and finish. Quality of switchgear, mirrors and even the instrument console were found to be substandard at best and could do well with some improvements. While quality of brake levers aren’t bad, metallic finish levers instead of plastic units would do justice to this premium offering. The bike also misses out on a proper metallic crash guard or a belly pan which could prevent scraping the battery pack.Tork Kratos Review – ErgonomicsFootpegs on Kratos are slightly rear-set which translates to a slightly committed yet comfortable riding stance thanks to a taller handlebar. The seat itself is very well cushioned with the right amount of padding. The pillion seat also looks decently spacious enough although we couldn’t test it with a pillion behind. An accessible saddle of 785mm would make this motorcycle comfortable for riders of most heights.Tork Kratos R ReviewTork Kratos Review – FeaturesBeing a premium offering, Tork has loaded Kratos, especially the top-spec Kratos R, with very impressive equipment. It gets a digital instrument console that displays a wide range of information but has some visibility issues under direct sunlight and needs a serious upgrade. Apart from the three ride modes, you get reverse mode to pull yourself out of a tricky parking space.The faux fuel tank gets some space to store one’s knick-knacks but isn’t big enough to store even a half-face helmet. It also gets a USB charger inside the storage. The biggest highlights from its feature list are the connectivity options that offer remote functionalities such as geo-fencing, find my vehicle, motor walk assist, track mode via Bluetooth, crash alert, etc.Tork Kratos ReviewUnfortunately, we weren’t able to test any of them since our test bike was a pre-production model with a Beta version of the software sans all the features mentioned above. Other notable features on offer include in-built navigation, all-LED illumination, regenerative braking, hazard lights, OTA updates, Active throttle control, smart charge analysis, guide me home headlights and more.Tork Kratos Review – Ride & HandlingTork has been clear since the initial phase of its development that this bike will offer a sporty riding experience. For some parts, this does hold true with its slightly stiff suspension setup which offers sure-footedness while on the go. However, as a side effect, you do feel firmness in the ride quality when you move across a pothole or a sharp bump.Tork Kratos ReviewWhile you do wish the ride was a tad bit more comfortable, it isn’t as harsh and unnerving as a sports bike and it’s something that one can get used to. The positioning of the battery does provide stability to the bike but it also makes it a little tricky while manoeuvring through congested traffic. This would also result in the rider putting an extra effort while leaning into a sharp corner, especially on a track.The bike rides on 17-inch front and rear wheels that are shod with MRF Zapper which provide decent enough grip. However, a thicker front tyre instead of 90/80 section would have inspired more confidence in the rider. While brakes felt adequate enough during moderate speeds, they missed out on a sharper bite required to bring a vehicle to a halt from a high speed.Tork Kratos ReviewSlamming the brake levers too hard might result in locking up the wheels which could be a recipe for disaster. Hence, at this price point, especially for the top-spec Kratos R, Tork must upgrade to an ABS setup for a safer ride experience.Performance & RangeKratos R comes with three ride modes namely- Eco, City and Sport with different levels of performance and range attached to each of them. The bike always starts on the Eco mode as default before the rider changes the mode through the switchgear. In Eco mode, performance is adequate but definitely doesn’t excite and the active throttle control (ATC) starts intruding once you reach 45 kmph.Tork Kratos ReviewWe spent most of our time in the Sport mode extracting most of the performance and in this mode, the ATC was the least intrusive. Unlike most EVs, performance in Kratos R is in line with a conventional petrol-powered two-wheeler which gradually develops power. There isn’t a mad rush of torque generally associated with EVs but the surge is felt linearly as one pulls the throttle.A top speed of 80kmph was reached on a busy highway stretch beyond which the bike felt a little wobbly. Pulling the throttle hard did take an effect on the indicated range on the console but while riding through traffic the range stayed stagnant for a long duration. This suggests that regenerative braking was working properly.Tork Kratos ReviewWe rode the top-spec Kratos which comes with a stronger 9kW motor and dishes out a peak torque of 38 Nm. Tork claims a real-world range of 120km in Eco mode which drops to around 70km in Sport mode. But since we got to ride the bike only for a short duration we aren’t able to confirm the exact range in a real-world scenario.Price & OfferingsThe two variants of the electric bike- Kratos and Kratos R are priced at Rs 1.08 lakh and Rs 1.23 lakh (both ex-showroom, Pune) that are inclusive of FAME II and state subsidies. Apart from the extra bit of performance, consumers opting for the top-spec Kratos R benefit from the free access to the charging network established (or will be established) by Tork across the various centres for two years.Tork Kratos ReviewAlso, the standard Kratos misses out on a fast-charging capability offered in the top-spec trim. While Kratos is available in a single white paint scheme, Kratos R gets three additional options in the form of blue, red and black. The Pune-based EC manufacturer is also offering a warranty for a period of 3 years or 40,000km as standard on both variants.The company will be opting for a dealership model starting with Pune and then spreading to Tier 1 metros like Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad. Tork is also promising doorstep services which we are yet to receive details about. It is planning to tie with local entities to set up a widespread charging network that will be further expanded to smaller centres.Tork Kratos ReviewVerdictKratos R is able to score high on most aspects but there isn’t escaping the fact that refinement is missing in this pre-production model. The motorcycle has small yet noticeable drawbacks which can hinder one’s ownership or riding experience. However, these drawbacks aren’t that glaring as seen in some other modern EVs that have come out in the recent past.Good thing, though, that Tork has taken all feedback into account and promised to make the final production-spec model an overall better package. If you could look past the small niggles mentioned above, there is plenty to like about the motorcycle. However, it will be too soon to recommend one before all the rough edges are ironed out. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Tata Electric Truck Of Future Imagined As Render – Tesla Rival

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      Future Tata Electric Truck – RenderA heavy-duty Tata electric truck may not be as far from reality as one might thinkAlthough the diesel engine in commercial vehicle applications may survive for a few more decades, the future of mobility is electric. Full fledged electric trucks have already started hitting the roads in several countries, mostly finding themselves restricted to specific applications like dump trucks.Tata Electric Truck RenderingTata Motors, being one of the major commercial vehicle manufacturers in the world in terms of volume, will have to embrace electrification of this range sooner and later. The OEM has been showcasing electric trucks and buses at the Auto Expos for nearly a decade now.So, the technology is production ready and is just waiting for the market to become conducive. We think a heavy-duty Tata electric truck is not too far from seeing the light of day. Our bright in-house design specialist Pratyush Rout presents you his take on how a future electric prime mover from the Indian stalwart would look like, and we love it.Given that heavy-duty trucks, in general, are used for long-haul applications, an appeal of a 100% electric truck is limited to certain niche sectors, at least until the battery tech and charging infrastructure attain a high-level of maturity.Future Tata Electric Truck – RenderSo, under these circumstances, starting with premium offerings and then gradually moving towards mid-premium and mass market segments makes better business sense. What you see here is a speculative rendering of what could be Tata’s flagship electric truck.The design language is a posher and futuristic take on the brand’s Prima family of mid-premium heavy commercial vehicles. The bright colour options just add to the style, not to mention improves safety by enhancing visibility.The low-slung cabin with smooth surfaces make for good aerodynamic performance which will ultimately translate into better overall range. Low-slung LED headlamps, prominent black pseudo grille, and high-mounted cabin conform to world-class truck design standards.Future Tata Electric Truck – RenderPossible ApplicationHeavy-duty electric trucks may find their way into sectors like mining, transportation of over-dimensional cargo over short to medium distance, last mile transportation, etc. Some countries are also experimenting on electrified truck lanes for long distance transportation.Hydrogen fuel-cell technology is also emerging as a viable alternative source of energy for commercial vehicles. With such a significant technological shift, the design and market positioning of the product will also evolve.Future Tata Electric Truck – RenderThe future electric trucks will no longer be rolling out of production lines as ladder-frame skeletons, to be finished by third party fabricators. They will boast well-equipped factory-built cabins with enhanced safety and a comprehensive range of ADAS features to reduce the driver’s workload. Tesla showed us a glimpse of their upcoming Semi electric truck with all the latest driver assist features. Other OEMs are likely to equip their future electric trucks with similar advanced tech.From the fleet owner’s perspective, electric trucks could come at a much higher investment compared to their conventional diesel engined counterparts but advantages include lower running and maintenance costs. The new age of mobility is almost upon us! More

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      in Bike

      Bajaj Pulsar 250 Blue Colour Launched – First Look Walkaround

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      Bajaj Pulsar 250 F Blue ColourMore colour options a bike has, the easier it becomes to satisfy varying user tastes and preferencesExpanding its Pulsar range, Bajaj had launched its biggest ever Pulsar motorcycles N250 and F250 last year in October. These were offered at introductory price of Rs 1.38 lakh and Rs 1.40 lakh, respectively. Current colour options for Pulsar 250 are Racing Red and Techno Grey. Although both N250 and F250 have the same colour option, they have different graphics.Bajaj Pulsar 250 BlueA move likely based on market feedback, a new blue colour has been introduced for Pulsar F250. This shade of blue is slightly different from blue shades used on other Bajaj motorcycles. Bajaj offers blue colour option with several of its bikes such as Pulsar NS200, 220F, Pulsar 150, NS125, Platina 110ES and CT110.This new colour is a darker shade of blue, which comes across as sportier and more eye-catchy. It appears to have a stronger gravity that immediately gets your attention. Not only this shade of blue is different, but also covers proportionately larger surface area in comparison to that of other blue-coloured Bajaj bikes.The blue shade covers most of the front cowl, side fairing and fuel tank. It has also been applied on the front fender, engine cowl and rear tail section. Sporty graphics and stickering further enhance the bike’s visual appeal. Take a look at the detailed walkaround of new Pulsar 250 blue colour in the video below by Dino’s Vault.[embedded content][embedded content]The rest of the bike’s surfaces are in black, which creates an exciting contrast. Bronze shade on the engine adds another interesting dimension to the bike’s aesthetics. On other bikes, this blue shade may come across as gaudy. But on Pulsar F250, it works to compliment the bike’s stunning design and styling. This is truly for those with ‘have it flaunt it’ mindset.It is possible that this new blue shade can be introduced for Pulsar N250 as well. Both bikes have quite a few similarities, so the new blue shade can work for N250 also. We will have to wait for an official confirmation on this.No other updatesApart from the new colour option, everything else is the same as earlier. Pulsar 250 is powered by a 249.07 cc, single cylinder, 2 valve, SOHC, oil cooled motor that generates 24.5 ps of max power at 8,750 rpm and 21.5 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. It is mated to a constant mesh 5-speed gearbox.Bajaj Pulsar 250 F Blue ColourBraking duties are performed by disc brakes at both ends, integrated with single-channel ABS. Pulsar 250 has telescopic front forks and Nitrox monoshock suspension at rear. The bike runs on 17-inch wheels at both ends, shod with 100/80 front and 130/70 rear tubeless tyres.It is rumoured that Bajaj could launch a 500cc Pulsar in future. It will be powered by a new 490cc parallel-twin engine that is currently under development in collaboration with KTM. Bajaj has registered the ‘Twinner’ word mark, which has fuelled speculations about a 500cc Pulsar. More

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      in Motor News

      Cars for a European Road Trip: Window Shop with Car and Driver

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      This content is imported from YouTube. 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.

      With Europe removing travel and health restrictions, the Window Shop crew decided to look at traveling though Europe by car. This exciting (ahem) episode is built around finding the right vehicle and the right drive route. That’s right, it’s in two parts. Find the right car, and then propose the right European adventure for it. Now, let’s consider something else.Tony Quiroga, Detroit Tigers fan, small-dog enthusiast, and owner of at least two German vehicles, has recently been elevated to a new position at Car and Driver. He is now Editor-in-Chief of both the paper magazine and this continuously updated website. Alas, the title is a bit of a disappointment to his mother, who expected he would be named “Potentate,” “Archduke,” or “Night-Shift Manager.” But, well, he’s still not a dictator or royalty and the Winchell’s Donuts must have lost his application. Every life comes with at least a few disappointments.In addition to the new boss, this Window Shop experience features the charming Elana Scherr, the endearing Jonathon Ramsey, the darling K.C. Colwell, and some guy who has never ever been hired by Car and Driver. Play along at home. And join all of us in graciously congratulating TQ on his ascension. The sports book at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas has opened several fascinating prop bets on exactly what he’ll do in the new job. Wager responsibly.

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    • 113 Shares189 Views

      in Motor News

      2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Stop-Sale Ordered over Unwanted Immobilizing

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      Jeep has ordered a temporary stop-sale on the 2022 Grand Cherokee due to faulty electronics. The issue is leaving some new Grand Cherokee models immobilized, according to multiple online reports.Jeep says it’s contacting customers to set up a free service repair, adding that the problem affects only a few of the SUVs and that a recall won’t be necessary.The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is under a temporary stop-sale while the company works to correct faulty electronics that are reportedly rendering some models immobilized. The key fob, sometimes on brand-new vehicles, will fail to be recognized, and the vehicle will become immobilized—perhaps reacting to what it thinks is an unauthorized break-in attempt. Accounts of customers experiencing the issue surfaced earlier this month on the online forum Jeep Garage and was also reported earlier this week by The Drive. Reportedly, the vehicles’ Radio Frequency Hub Module (RFHM) seems to be causing communication errors between some owners’ key fobs and their vehicle, according to reports citing a notice that Stellantis allegedly sent out to dealerships. Referring to the RFHM, the document is quoted as explaining that the issue “can intermittently result in a no-start condition.”A Stellantis spokesperson confirmed with Car and Driver that the issue currently affects a “limited number of vehicles.” The spokesperson also said that the company has “identified a solution and is expediting delivery of service parts to [its] dealer networks” and that Jeep will not issue a recall but is currently contacting customers to let them know that their Grand Cherokees can be repaired for free if they experience this problem.The spokesperson didn’t comment on whether the RFHM was the cause of the problem. We’ll continue to update this story if more information becomes available.

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      in Motor News

      Next-Gen Lexus RC Will Be Developed alongside GT3 Race Car

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      Toyota Racing Development president David Wilson said that the next-generation Lexus sports coupe will be developed with GT3 racing in mind from the start.The current Lexus RC F GT3 race car was created as an “afterthought,” hampering its on-track abilities.Wilson hinted that the car will be heavily influenced by the Toyota GR GT3 concept shown earlier this year. While the Lexus RC—first introduced back in 2014—is a sharp-looking car, the coupe has always been a bit on the porky side. That extra weight not only affects the road car’s performance but has also hampered the car’s motorsports efforts in the GT3 class. At the Daytona 500 last week, Car and Driver spoke with Toyota Racing Development president David Wilson and learned that we may not have to wait much longer for a more dynamic next-generation Lexus coupe built with a focus on racing.

      The current Lexus RC F GT3 race car.
      Lexus

      The current RC road car was not developed with motorsports in mind—Wilson described the current RC F GT3 race car as an “afterthought.” This has compromised its on-track performance. The RC F is heavier than its GT3 competition and has a larger frontal area, increasing drag and hindering straight-line top speed. “What we’ve all come to learn is that’s not the way you bring a GT3 car to market,” Wilson explained. “Before you put your first line on paper, you decide you’re going to race that car and that shapes the design parameters, the performance parameters of that production car.”

      Having learned that lesson, Wilson suggested that the next Lexus sports coupe will be developed from the outset with a motorsports intent. And while he stressed that no official announcement has been made, he hinted that the car will draw heavily from the Toyota GR GT3 concept seen earlier this year at the Tokyo Auto Salon. “It’s fairly safe to connect the dots and suggest that that could be a precursor to the next global GT3 car for Lexus,” Wilson acknowledged.

      The Toyota GR GT3 concept.
      Toyota

      Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division claims there will be running prototype of the GR GT3 concept by the end of the year. The prototype will be powered by an internal combustion engine, as hinted by the concept’s side-exit exhaust pipe behind the front wheels, and it’s likely that the next-generation Lexus production car will have a hybrid powertrain. We’ll likely get more hints at what form the road and race cars will take when the running prototype hits the track, and luckily we won’t have to wait too long to see the final product, with Wilson saying the race car should arrive “hopefully in a couple of years.”
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      in Motor News

      1997 Mercedes-Benz S600 Coupe Is Our Bring a Trailer Pick of the Day

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      • We chose this 1997 Mercedes-Benz S600 coupe as our Bring a Trailer auction pick of the day; the online auction ends March 3.• It has a 6.0-liter V-12 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission.• This example has 50,000 miles on the odometer and is located in Ohio.The W140 Mercedes-Benz S-class doesn’t have the best reputation among S-class generations, as it was far more complex and expensive than its predecessor. But even if the more classically styled W126 model has aged better over time, the W140 is plenty interesting on its own—and we often forget about the relatively rare coupe body style, as exemplified by this 1997 S600 coupe open for bidding until March 3 on the Bring a Trailer auction site, which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos.

      We’ve been thinking about the S-class coupe recently, as Mercedes dropped that variant altogether when it introduced the latest W223 S-class sedan for 2021. Fans of big coupes were better off back in this S600’s heyday: 1997 did technically mark the last year of the S-class coupe model line, but instead of disappearing entirely the big two-door simply returned for 1998 as the coupe-only CL-class. The CL moniker lasted for a few generations before Mercedes changed course once again and brought this model back within the S-class lineup for the flagship coupe’s final W222 generation.

      Bring a Trailer

      This S600’s naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V-12 engine also feels like an ancient relic. Mercedes does still sell V-12 engines in certain Maybach and AMG models, but the company has discussed phasing out this type of engine entirely in the future.While it’s not as flashy as Michael Jordan’s black S600 Lorinser with chrome wheels that was up for sale back in 2020, we think this white over tan example looks clean, and it only shows 50,000 miles on the odometer. The bidding currently sits at $20,000 as of Friday and bidding will end next week, on March 3, so go have a look if it strikes your fancy.

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      in Motor News

      2023 Kia Sportage Pricing Ranges from $27,205 to $38,005

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      Kia has announced pricing for the redesigned 2023 Sportage.It starts at $27,205 and ranges up to $38,005 for a loaded X-Pro Prestige model.Pricing for the hybrid and plug-in-hybrid models is coming later.Like nearly every new model these days, the redesigned 2023 Kia Sportage receives a significant base-price bump over its predecessor. The LX trim starts at $27,205, a $1900 increase over the outgoing 2022 model. The mid-level EX, though, is $29,205, which is actually $400 cheaper than it was last year.

      The new Sportage’s other trim levels don’t line up neatly with the previous model’s lineup, as Kia has introduced a new X-Line model with an off-road appearance package that starts at $32,005 and comes standard with all-wheel drive. The previous Sportage’s SX Turbo trim with its optional 237-hp engine has also disappeared, as all Sportages now come with a naturally aspirated 187-hp 2.5-liter inline-four, with the front-wheel-drive SX starting at $32,705. All-wheel drive is an $1800 option on the LX, EX, and SX. Hybrid and plug-in-hybrid models are also set to follow, but we don’t have pricing for those yet.

      Sportage X-Pro
      Kia

      The Sportage X-Pro is also a new model that features all-terrain tires and the same appearance tweaks as the X-Line. It starts at $36,205 and offers a Prestige package with extra equipment for $1800. All-wheel drive is standard here too, as you would expect for an off-road model.Kia says that 2023 Sportage models are starting to arrive at U.S. dealerships now, and the hybrid variants will launch later this year.
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