News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 100 Shares179 Views

      in Motor News

      'Rain Man' 1949 Buick Roadmaster Hits Scottsdale Auction

      by

      Movie cars headed to auction are not rare, but this particular example, a 1949 Buick Roadmaster convertible seen in the 1988 movie Rain Man, has never been available for sale since actor Dustin Hoffman acquired it after the movie wrapped and kept it.Bonhams, presenting it at its Scottsdale auction on January 27, expects the Buick to bring in somewhere between $150,000 and $250,000.Other delightful classics up for sale that day include a 1958 AC Ace roadster, a 1989 Lamborghini Countach, and a 1965 Jaguar E-type coupe.If the Academy Awards ever handed out a prize for Best Supporting Car, the 1949 Buick Roadmaster convertible seen in the 1988 movie Rain Man should at least be a contender. Hagerty said as much in a profile of this famous car a few years ago, noting that it was a sort of third character in the film. The movie also raised awareness for autism at a time when that wasn’t a common topic of discussion. Whether or not you’re interested in the car for its movie connection, you’ll have a chance to buy it when the Bonhams auction firm’s Scottsdale auction starts taking bids later this month.
      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.

      The 2022 edition of the Bonhams Scottsdale auction will feature way more classic cars along with the Roadmaster, including a 1958 AC Ace roadster (expected to go for $325,000 to $375,000), a 1989 Lamborghini Countach (up to $350,000), and a 1965 Jaguar E-type Series I 4.2 coupe (up to $275,000).

      Bonhams

      But it’s the “I’m an excellent driver” Roadmaster that attracted our attention. Bonhams expects the Buick to fetch between $150,000 and $250,000 when the bids are all said and done. Not bad for a vehicle that sold for $3150 when it was new (around $34,045 in today’s money), especially considering that similar Roadmasters, ones that were not once the conveyance of actors Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, usually go for around $80,000.

      Bonhams

      The 1949 Buick Roadmaster has a 320-cubic-inch inline-eight-cylinder engine. It produces 150 horsepower that goes through a two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmission to the wheels. The car features an independent front suspension and four hydraulic drum brakes.

      Bonhams

      The vehicle that will be sold at the Bonhams Scottsdale auction on January 27 is one of two that were used in the filming of Rain Man. Hoffman, who played the character Raymond Babbitt in the film, acquired the car after shooting wrapped. Bonhams said it has “remained in Hoffman’s ownership” but has been restored by Larry Payne of Glendora, California. Since the car hasn’t been seen much in the decades since Hoffman got it—it was shown at a 1989 Buick Car Club event—it looks pristine. It’s time to let someone else drive it anywhere they want, as slow as they want.

      Bonhams

      Rain Man was awarded Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay at the 61st Academy Awards in 1989. Hoffman also won for Best Actor. “The Buick’s been in storage too long,” Hoffman said in a statement. “It should be driven, enjoyed, and cherished.”The auction will be January 27 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
      This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

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

    • 113 Shares99 Views

      in Bike

      Yamaha RX100 Inspired Cafe Racer Custom Motorcycle By EIMOR

      by

      This Custom Built Cafe Racer Is Yamaha Libero Underneath
      Yamaha Libero has been modified into a neo-retro cafe racer – The styling is inspired by the iconic Yamaha RX100
      Back at the start of the twenty-first century, Yamaha introduced a lightweight entry-level motorcycle called Libero in India. After initial success of the commuter, the bike simply faded with a plethora of entry-level motorcycles flushing into the market at that time.
      Libero was a bare basic bike that faced rivalry from other models sold by Hero Honda and Bajaj. The bike was finally discontinued in 2010 yet very often we can spot one on roads or in someone’s parking garage. A Hyderabad-based aftermarket workshop has restored an old unit of Libero and transformed it into a beautiful custom-built cafe racer.
      Custom Cafe Racer based on Yamaha Libero
      Pictures of the fully modified bike have been shared on the Facebook page of Eimor Customs. The owner of this particular motorcycle has sentimental value attached to it since this was his first bike. Hence, folks at Eimor not only revived the motorcycle but also customised it as per the owner’s liking into a beautiful cafe racer.
      Though the bike is based on Libero, it looks more like the RX100 after the modification. The entire bike’s appearance has been changed by a plethora of updates made on its skin. For starters, the bike gets a new headlight with a protective grille, along with a pair of aftermarket turn indicators.
      Yamaha RX100 inspired styling can be seen in the new Custom
      Both front and rear fenders have been chopped short whereas the rear also features an aftermarket tyre hugger. Another major highlight is a custom-built single-piece seat with a ribbed pattern and a signature pillion cowl.
      Circular bar-end rearview mirrors have been installed on the handlebar which enhances the bike’s retro appeal. The custom-built fuel tank has been wrapped around a beautiful green paint with yellow pinstripes, while side panels have been painted black and grey with yellow pinstripes. Internals and running gears such as wheels, engine casing and exhaust have been completely blacked-out which lends the bike a sporty dual-tone theme.
      Eimor has also incorporated a new aftermarket exhaust with a shorter tailpipe and an upswept muffler. This custom cafe racer rides on wire-spoked wheels which are shod with block pattern dual-purpose tyres which might be good enough for a certain level of soft roading. Keeping the retro theme in check, an aftermarket twin-pod analogue instrument console has also been added.
      Engine Specs
      No tinkering has been made to the engine department. Libero was powered by a 106 cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine which was paired with a 4-speed gearbox. This powertrain was used to generate a modest output of 7.7 bhp and 7.8 Nm of peak torque. The bike was considered to be the 4-stroke successor of the 2-stroke Yamaha RX-100. However, it lacked the punch of the 2-stroke motor. More

    • 125 Shares139 Views

      in Bike

      CFMoto 250cc Neo Retro Motorcycle Debuts – KTM, Husqvarna Rival

      by

      New CFMoto 250 CL-X
      CFMoto could launch the 250 CL-X Neo-Retro bike in India after it has been launched in other international markets
      CFMoto has unveiled its latest offering globally in the form of the 250 CL-X which borrows inspiration from the larger 700 CL-X. The Chinese automaker will be launching the motorcycle later this year in its home market followed by other international markets.
      The new-retro motorcycle takes design cues from its elder sibling and offers a unique combination of good looks and excellent performance. 250 CL-X is being deemed as a more accessible version of 700 CL-X. The entry-level performance motorcycle keeps up with the new-retro design theme seen in the larger and more premium 700 CL-X.
      CFMoto 250cc Motorcycle Neo-retro design
      The bike features a sharp-looking front face comprising a round LED headlamp, coupled with a big LED DRL. It also features a muscular and chiseled fuel tank and circular rearview mirrors which accentuate its retro appeal.
      Sportiness in the quarter-litre naked roadster is further highlighted with a dual-tone paint scheme with flashy body graphics and colour-coded alloy rims and headlamp bezels. The overall dark theme of the motorcycle also lends weight to its sporty characteristics.
      New CFMoto 250 CL-X
      Other notable styling highlights include a single-piece stepped-up seat with a ribbed pattern, side-mounted exhaust, an X-shaped LED taillamp and rear tyre hugger. The 250 CL-X rides on 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels dipped in black paint.
      Features & Specs
      The naked streetfighter is a well-rounded package with features such as a fully digital LCD instrument cluster and an all-LED lighting setup on offer. In terms of hardware, suspension duties are handled by inverted telescopic forks on the front side and a mono-shock unit on the rear end. Anchorage is taken care of by disc brakes on both front and rear wheels which are aided by ABS.
      Powering the 250 CL-X is a 250cc, single-cylinder motor that dishes out 27.6 bhp and a peak torque of 22 Nm. This unit is expected to be mated to a six-speed gearbox via a slip-and-assist clutch. This puts it in the same league as rest of the quarter-litre naked motorcycles in terms of engine output. The 250 CL-X could become a noteworthy rival to KTM 250 Duke and Husqvarna 250 Twins- Svartpilen and Vitpilen.
      Possible India Launch?
      Price of 250 CL-X hasn’t been revealed yet. Currently, CFMoto possesses four motorcycles under its India portfolio including 300NK, 650NK, 650GT and 650MT. Launch of 250 CL-X in India hasn’t been confirmed although considering its specs, if it is priced smartly, it could be a worthy option in the 250cc naked category. More

    • 138 Shares169 Views

      in Motor News

      2022 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition Dresses Up SUV and Coupe Versions

      by

      The 2022 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition is available in SUV and coupe body styles.The least expensive Cayenne Platinum Edition starts at $80,350.The Platinum Edition kit is available on Cayenne, Cayenne S, and Cayenne E-Hybrid models.Porsche’s flagship Panamera is no longer the only vehicle from the German brand to sprout a stylish Platinum Edition trim. Now the Cayenne welcomes the Platinum Edition kit to its SUV and coupe body styles for 2022 as well. Despite its moniker, the Platinum Edition of Porsche’s mid-sizer does not include any bits of the previous metal it’s named after, just attractive platinum-painted details. In the case of its Cayenne Platinum Edition, Porsche applies a coat of Satin Platinum paint to a number of the vehicle’s badges, as well as its fascia-mounted intake treatment and its distinct 21-inch wheels. Black exhaust tips and window trim add an extra hint of menace to the model.
      Looking to add some color to your Cayenne Platinum Edition? Then we hope you like dark brown or blue, otherwise, you’re looking at variants of black, white, or light gray (Chalk in Porsche-speak). Regardless of its exterior hue, the Cayenne Platinum Edition comes fitted with Chalk-colored seatbelts, textured aluminum interior trim, and model-specific brushed-aluminum kick plates. With a starting price of $80,350, the Platinum Edition SUV costs $10,000 more than its run-of-the-mill counterpart (the Platinum Edition coupe, meanwhile, starts at $84,650, or $5800 more than the standard Cayenne coupe). The extra coin, however, nets the Platinum Edition a number of goodies that Porsche charges extra for in lesser Cayennes. This includes swiveling LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, Bose premium audio, eight-way power sport seats, and ambient interior lighting. The highest-priced Platinum models are the E-Hybrid coupe at $95,150 and the Cayenne S coupe at $96,950.Look for the 2022 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition SUV and coupe to go on sale this summer in 335-hp Cayenne, 434-hp Cayenne S, and 455-hp Cayenne E-Hybrid forms.
      This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

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

    • 125 Shares99 Views

      in Motor News

      26,000 Hyundai Sedans, SUVs Recalled over Windshield That Could Detach

      by

      David Dewhurst Photography/Hyundai

      Hyundai has announced it’s recalling 26,413 2020 Sonata and Elantra sedans and 2020–2021 Santa Fe SUVs to fix a windshield problem.Improper bonding of the windshield because of faulty clearcoat paint means that the windshield could detach in a crash.No accidents or injuries have yet been reported as a result, and owners of affected vehicles will be notified to bring their vehicles in for the recall starting February 25.Hyundai will recall 26,413 of its 2020 and 2021 vehicles because the windshield may be improperly attached and could come loose in a crash. A recall report filed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains that the use of “non-conforming” flow additive mixed into clearcoat paint from a supplier, Axalta, may have caused “inadequate adhesion of the front windshield to the vehicle structure.” According to the report, drivers of affected Hyundais may notice wind noise or water leaking from the windshield. The recall involves 8256 2021 Elantra, 8561 2020 and 2021 Santa Fe, and 9596 2021 Sonata vehicles assembled beginning October 29, 2020. The report states that Hyundai stopped using the “suspect nonconforming clearcoat paint” on vehicles after December 16, 2020, and that there have been no reports of accidents or injuries as a result of the windshield issue.Hyundai will notify owners of the affected vehicles on February 25 and will remove and reinstall the windshields at no charge. In the meantime, owners can check the NHTSA recalls website to see if their vehicle is one of those being recalled.

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

    • 113 Shares99 Views

      in Motor News

      Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco Crash Tests Compared: It's Eye-Opening

      by

      With the revival of the Ford Bronco, the Jeep Wrangler is faced with a genuine hometown rival for the first time in more than a quarter-century. And while plenty of folks are happy to debate the merit of the two SUVs’ off-road capabilities, a recent upload to the YouCar YouTube channel might help you decide which truck belongs in your garage. That’s because we now have a chance to better see how the two off-roaders compare when faced with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s most difficult crash test: the small overlap front impact. Spoiler alert: Things don’t look great for the old seven-bar grille. The small overlap front impact test is the most brutal task that a car undertakes during crash testing. It consists of accelerating a vehicle up to 40 mph before smashing at least 25 percent of the frontal area into a five-foot-tall barrier. The area that makes impact must be biased toward the driver’s side, which helps simulate hitting another vehicle or an object such as a telephone pole. As the IIHS has previously reported, the Ford Bronco received a Good rating for its efforts in this area, whereas the Wrangler pulled away with only a Marginal score. (See the IIHS full set of ratings and test results for the 2021 Ford Bronco.) And while that might not seem like a tremendous difference, the footage speaks for itself.
      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.

      Upon smashing into the barrier, the Bronco’s front fender immediately collapses, while the front wheel is smashed up into the fender well. It isn’t a pretty thing to watch, as is made evident by the SUV’s Marginal score in the lower leg/foot evaluation. That said, the results don’t look that much better for the Wrangler. Like with the Ford, the Wrangler’s crash structure immediately begins to deform on impact. Furthermore, the front wheel once again finds itself shoved back towards the cabin. Unlike the Ford however, the Jeep scores a better Good rating in the lower leg/foot evaluation. This action nonetheless appears more violent on the Jeep, as it appears to help the Wrangler flip onto its side. According to the IIHS, this happened during both tests of this nature. (See the IIHS full set of ratings and test results for the 2019 Jeep Wrangler.) The Institute had the following to say about the Wrangler’s performance: In both of the Institute’s tests, the vehicle tipped onto its passenger side after striking the barrier. The partial rollover presents an additional injury risk beyond what the standard criteria are intended to measure in small overlap frontal crash tests. A vehicle tipping onto its side is not an acceptable outcome for a frontal crash and, as a result, the Wrangler’s overall rating was downgraded to Marginal.

      YouCar

      It is important to note that this Jeep footage is from the 2019 model year, though the scores have not changed in the subsequent years. So while there might be arguments to be made for the Jeep’s capability, it’s clearly not quite on the same level as the Ford in terms of outright safety. Whether or not that is a good enough reason to change allegiances will be a personal decision, but I know which SUV I’d rather have a bad day in.

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

    • 125 Shares99 Views

      in Bike

      Royal Enfield Himalayan Vs Yezdi Adventure – Specs, Price Comparison

      by

      Image – SKRYezdi Adventure matches spec to spec with its closest competitor Royal Enfield Himalayan
      Classic Legends recently revived the Yezdi brand by dropping three bombs- Scrambler, Roadster and Adventure. Out of these three, Adventure is garnering a lot of attention for the sheer fact it looks so similar to Royal Enfield Himalayan which also happens to be its nearest rival.
      Like Himalayan, Yezdi Adventure is also a purpose-built adventure bike and it shows in its design. Apart from their design, these two bikes are comparable to each other in a lot of ways. This article reflects how the new adventure bike from Classic Legends in the block stack up against an old seasoned rival, at least on paper.
      Royal Enfield Himalayan Vs Yezdi Adventure – Specs
      Starting with the powertrain, Himalayan obviously receives the larger 411cc SOHC engine which is surprisingly less powerful than the 334cc DOHC unit powering the Yezdi. While the former kicks out a peak power of 24 bhp, the latter pumps 30 bhp of maximum power. However, Himalayan does receive an advantage of slightly more torque which is achieved at a lower rpm than the Yezdi ADV.
      While Royal Enfield offers a 5-speed gearbox, Yezdi utilises a 6-speed unit on its adventure bike. This should help the latter cruise on triple-digit speeds for longer durations. That said, Himalayan has a much simpler setup with its air and oil cooler as opposed to a liquid cooler in Adventure.
      Royal Enfield Himalayan vs Yezdi Adventure
      Hardware Configuration
      When it comes to adventure motorcycling, dynamics of a bike is a very crucial aspect. While Himalayan is underpinned by a Half-duplex split cradle frame, Adventure is based on a dual cradle frame. Both frames are suspended on conventional telescopic forks up front and a mono-shock. Further, both suspension units on both motorcycles offer the exact same travel of 200mm and 180mm at front and rear respectively.
      Both bikes offer an identical ground clearance of 220mm, however, the saddle of Himalayan is more accessible at 800mm as compared to 815mm in Adventure. On the flip side, Yezdi is lighter at 188kg as opposed to 199kg of Himalayan. Both bikes ride on 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoked wheels shod with dual-purpose tubeless tyres. In the braking department, Adventure offers a slightly larger disc brake at front.
      Features on offer
      In terms of features, Yezdi Adventure is the clear winner with a longer list of gizmos. For starters, Yezdi receives a fully digital instrument console as compared to Himalayan’s semi-digital unit. Both bikes receive Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, however, Yezdi gets three ABS modes (Road, Off-road, and Rain). Himalayan instead gets a switchable ABS. Yezdi also receives full-LED lighting which Himalayan misses out on.
      Royal Enfield Himalayan vs Yezdi Adventure
      Price Comparison
      Coming to prices, boh bikes are precariously closely priced, however, the Royal Enfield is slightly more expensive than its Yezdi counterpart. Prices for Himalayan start at 2.14 lakh whereas Adventure is available at a starting price of Rs 2.10 lakh (ex-showroom). On paper, Yezdi Adventure certainly offers more value for money in comparison to Royal Enfield Himalayan. More

    • 138 Shares189 Views

      in Bike

      Ather Electric Scooter Makers Get Rs 420 Cr From Hero MotoCorp

      by

      Ather Electric ScooterHero MotoCorp has revealed that Sustainability and Emerging Mobility is priority area for the company
      Hero MotoCorp is leaving no stone unturned in creating a wider presence for itself in the electric vehicle (EV) segment in India. The world’s largest two-wheeler producer is looking for broader stakes in the electric mobility space of the country. In line with its vision of “Be the Future of Mobility”, the company has announced fresh investments in Ather Energy.
      The board of Hero MotoCorp has approved a new investment of up to Rs. 420 crore in the Bengaluru-based EV startup in one or more tranches. Prior to the proposed investment, Hero MotoCorp’s shareholding in Ather Energy stood 34.8 percent. Ather Energy are the makers of one of the best selling electric scooter in India.
      Hero MotoCorp Investments in Ather Energy
      Post this fresh investment, shareholding will increase and exact shareholding will be determined upon completion of the capital raise round by Ather. This is the fifth time Hero MotoCorp is investing in Ather. Hero MotoCorp first invested in Ather back in 2016 when it became a strategic partner.
      Earlier in July 2020, Hero MotoCorp invested Rs 84 crore to raise its stake in the EV startup. The company has also invested $12 million (Rs 89 crore) as a part of the Series D round in Ather Energy.
      Ather Energy is backed by Hero MotoCorp
      Hero was one of the early investors in Ather Energy and has continued to expand its association over the years. The company is also exploring collaborations with Ather in various other spheres such as technology, charging infrastructure and sourcing.
      Upcoming E-scooter from Hero MotoCorp
      Although Hero hasn’t officially set into the EV space by itself, it has formed strategic alliances with external EV manufacturers like Ather Energy and Gogoro. The company is gearing up to unveil its first electric vehicle in March this year. The vehicle is being developed at its R&D set-up – the Center of Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur and the Tech Center Germany (TGG) near Munich in Germany.
      The upcoming electric scooter from Hero MotoCorp will be produced at the company’s manufacturing facility at Chittoor in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Hero MotoCorp is currently engaged in a legal battle with Hero Electric over the use of its brand name ‘Hero’ for electric two-wheelers.
      In October 2021, Hero MotoCorp became the first company to adopt Ather Energy’s fast-charging technology for its own upcoming electric scooter slated to be launched in a few months. Coming to Ather Energy, the startup was established in 2013 and it is in the business of designing, manufacturing, producing, selling, servicing, software development, and software management, in relation to electric automobiles and charging infrastructure. More