More stories

  • in

    2022 KTM 390 Adventure Rally Spied, Is From Turtletech – Update

    2022 KTM 390 Adventure Rally Variant SpiedThe KTM 390 Adventure test mules have a significantly different front face featuring a tall windscreen which is reminiscent of Dakar rally bikes
    A few days ago, KTM unveiled the updated Adventure range of motorcycles which included 1290 Super Adventure S, 1290 Super Adventure R, 390 Adventure and 250 Adventure. The latter two hold more significance for the Indian market as they are locally manufactured in the country for domestic sales and export purposes.
    Two test mules of the updated 390 Adventure were recently spotted testing in India under heavy camouflage. These have now been spied again, while performing off-road testing. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Karan Vazirani for sharing these new spy shots.
    Initial looks suggest these prototypes are more off-road friendly variants of the ADV bike. The new KTM 390 ADV spy shots reveal some significant visual updates on the prototypes over the regular models.
    2022 KTM 390 Adventure Turtletech – Update 12th Dec 2021
    After the spy shots went viral in the motorcycle community, the folks behind the test mules have revealed new details. As per the latest updates, the test mules are not from KTM, but from aftermarket company called Turtletech.

    As per the update shared, “KTM ADV RALLY TOWER by @turtletechx. Last week has seen quite a lot of speculation with our test proto spy pics. We thought it’s about time we set the records straight.We are Turtle Tech and we are coming soon.
    A first of it’s kind Rally Tower for the KTM Adventure developed in collaboration with @motourenn @monkeyautocrafts and tested by @asadracing from @motorsportmagnum . We are currently under beta testing for our 4th prototype. Preorders will start soon so make sure you follow the @turtletechx page and watch this space.
    2022 KTM 390 Adventure Rally – Design Updates
    For starters, the most noticeable change is witnessed at its face. The fascia is reminiscent of the bikes participating in Dakar Rally thanks to a huge transparent windscreen that looks utilitarian. The windscreen is mounted on the front forks and extends above the oddly-shaped headlamp bezel. Another visible variation in these mules is a different exhaust which resembles the one used in Husqvarna Svartpilen 250.
    2022 KTM 390 Adventure Rally Variant Spied
    A major gripe of 390 Adventure owners is its on-road friendly mannerisms which KTM is trying to address with this variant. A wider and taller handlebar has been employed which should offer better ergonomics while off-roading especially while standing to tackle rough terrains. While the bike rides on standard alloy wheels they are wrapped around by rugged block pattern tyres for improved off-roading credentials.
    Interestingly, neither of the prototypes didn’t feature any bash plate to protect the engine underbelly but we expect the company to offer it in the production-spec model. Thanks to the revised front face, the TFT display has also been positioned much higher than normal. Apart from these, every other detail has been carried forward from the current 390 Adventure.
    2022 KTM 390 Adventure Rally Variant Spied
    Same Mechanical Setup
    Everything including the exposed trellis frame, side panels, split-style seating, suspension setup and braking hardware seems to be lifted off from the current 390 Adventure. Even the engine casing looks very familiar which means the same 373cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled will be plonked to the frame.
    In regular variants, this engine pumps out 43 bhp and 37 Nm of peak torque while being paired with a six-speed gearbox via a slipper and assist clutch. However, we expect the Austrian bikemaker to make some tweaks to this powertrain so that it offers a better lower-end grunt. This will further accentuate its off-roading credentials. The motorcycle will also boast certain creature comforts like a quick-shifter, cornering ABS and traction control.
    The aforementioned updates are expected to come with a significant premium over the standard model which is currently priced at Rs 3.28 lakh (ex-showroom). Going by the spy images, it appears as though the bike is still in its pre-production phase and there is still time for launch. More

  • in

    1972 BMW 3.0CS Looking Good, up for Auction on Bring a Trailer

    We might need a word to describe looking at excellent classic cars on auction sites during a pandemic. Something like doomscrolling, but without the negative connotation. (Or maybe: Window Shopping.)For example, how about this 1972 BMW 3.0CS that was originally sold in Germany and was imported to the U.S. in the ’80s? Sure, it’s been repainted, and who knows how many miles are actually on it. But it looks good and appears to be in excellent shape.The current bid is $50,000, and the auction ends Friday.Scrolling through classic car auction sites has become more popular than ever during the pandemic, if the prices of many recent auctions tell us anything. Our friends at Bring a Trailer continue to provide social media with plenty of “Can you believe this?” listings as final bids for these classics mimic the higher prices we’re seeing across the board for new and used cars. Today, we’ve got our eye on a 1972 BMW 3.0CS, listed for auction on BaT, with a 3.0-liter M30 straight-six engine and a four-speed manual transmission. This elegant example of an E9 series was purchased new in Germany and imported to the U.S. in 1984.

    Bring a Trailer

    Bring a Trailer

    As with any car that has this many years behind it, there are some quirks to be found. The seller, who regularly lists vehicles on the site and bought this vehicle in late 2021, says that the windows and gauges are functioning, but not the clock. The second owner repainted it in Metallic Green sometime after 2015, covering the original Taiga metallic green paint. The interior, with its beige cloth upholstery, is all original. The brake pads, calipers, springs, struts, exhaust, water pump, and fan clutch have all been replaced at some point since 2015, the owner says. Lowering springs and Bilstein struts were installed in April 2019.

    Bring a Trailer

    The 16-inch wheels are “Alpina style” and not original. The odometer shows around 10,000 miles, but the true mileage is unknown. Service records for the car, going back to the 1970s, are included, as are the owner’s manuals, importation documents, and a clean Connecticut title. The Panasonic AM/FM–cassette stereo knows nothing about your smartphone. The vehicle is located in North Salem, New York, and anyone in the area can schedule an appointment to see the car on December 17.

    Bring a Trailer

    Similar early-1970s BMW 3.0 CS models currently for sale over on Hemmings, in wildly different conditions, range from around $16,000 to over $100,000, which admittedly tells us little about what to expect for the final price here. The current bid is $50,000 and the auction ends Friday, December 17.
    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

  • in

    Hyundai, Kia Take Action after Cars Become Theft Targets in Milwaukee

    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 city of Milwaukee is experiencing a big uptick in car thefts, and Hyundai and Kia vehicles are the majority of vehicles stolen.To address the problem, Hyundai and Kia say they are working with the local police department, which is distributing free steering-wheel locks to Milwaukee Hyundai and Kia owners through the end of the year.Starting with the 2022 model year, Kia said, it will make immobilizers standard on all trim levels of all models, a spokesperson said. Hyundai told C/D that all its new vehicles at every trim level have the immobilizers now. These have a transponder in the key fob to prevent a vehicle from being started by someone without the right key.According to city police in the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, car theft is an increasing problem during pandemic times—and it’s especially dangerous to own a Hyundai or Kia. Vehicles of these brands, in fact, represent two out of every three vehicles stolen during the first half of 2021 in Milwaukee. City officials, faced with police cuts and a record wave of violent crime, have called on the automakers to fix what they perceive as defects and have threatened to sue them.According to police and WISN-12, while total year-to-date car thefts have risen nearly 2.5 times since 2020, the number of stolen Hyundai and Kia models was 25 times higher in just the first six months. Milwaukee police reported nearly 10,000 motor vehicle thefts so far this year, compared to 4509 last year and 3487 in 2019. Fox 6 Milwaukee says it’s the highest in 11 years. When thieves successfully break into a car and start the engine without a key, the targeted vehicles are usually older, don’t have anti-theft devices, and have physical ignition cylinders that can be mechanically bypassed. But age apparently hasn’t been a factor in Milwaukee, where police say that thieves—many of them minors—are jacking late-model or brand-new Hyundai and Kia vehicles, and many are posting about it on social media.One car-repair facility owner was quoted by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel explaining that “Kia thieves know they can break the back window without setting off an alarm, unlock the door, quickly peel back the steering column, and either use a screwdriver or a USB port to crank the car and go.”City council members are blaming the automakers for allegedly not installing anti-theft devices such as engine immobilizers in their cars. Alderman Khalif Rainey said the automakers are “directly responsible” for the uptick in crime and that “it’s time to fix the problem they created.” In separate letters to the U.S. divisions of both automakers, Rainey alleged that their cars “can be stolen with nothing more than a USB cable.” The city “revealed it’s considering suing Kia and Hyundai under public nuisance laws,” according to WISN-12. No lawsuit has been filed. Spokespeople for Hyundai and Kia said in June that the companies were investigating and cooperating with police.

    Hyundai and Kia spokespeople told Car and Driver that the company is currently “working closely with the Milwaukee Police Department and other local officials and departments.” The police are providing anti-theft steering-wheel locks to owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles that don’t have an engine immobilizer, a transponder in the ignition key that communicates with electronic devices inside the vehicle to prevent theft. Hyundai said it is directly supplying the Milwaukee Police Department with these locks.Spokespeople for Hyundai and Kia told C/D that every new Hyundai now has standard engine immobilizers, and that all 2022 Kias across the lineup will also have the engine immobilizer fitted as standard equipment. The Kia spokesperson also said, “While we have seen the same public statements about the potential for a lawsuit to address a crime wave in Milwaukee, we are not aware of the basis for any legal claims against Kia America.”It’s not just Milwaukee and it’s not just Hyundai/Kia products, of course. Nationwide, more cars were stolen in 2020 than any year in the past decade, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the lead data source for vehicle thefts reported to insurance companies. A total of 880,595 vehicles were reported stolen, which was an 11 percent increase from 2019. Theft increases were reported in 41 states. Interestingly, no Hyundai or Kia model made the NICB’s top 10 most-stolen vehicles list for 2020.
    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

  • in

    2022 Honda CB150X First Official TVC – Features Detailed

    New Honda CB150X
    Honda will not be launching CB150X in India anytime soon – More powerful CB200X is already on sale in the country
    Honda launched its entry-level adventure tourer last month in Indonesia and became the brand’s smallest bike in the CBX range beating CB200X. A detailed comparison between the two bikes has already been covered to give an idea between the two motorcycles.
    Making its maiden appearance at the 2021 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), the new CB150X borrows its underpinnings from its street naked counterpart- CB150R Streetfire. A new TV commercial for CB150X has been released on social media by Honda in Indonesia which highlights key attributes of the ADV tourer.
    2022 Honda CB150X TVC ADV Styling
    Like the India-spec CB200X, CB150X is a road-biased tourer with the clothing of an adventure bike. Hence, it tends to flaunt the styling of a proper adventure bike even though its credentials might not support the tag. It gets a signature ADV-style front beak along with a sculpted fuel tank with long shrouds. In fact, the tank shrouds in CB150X are functional which protects the bike’s radiator from any external debris.
    To add to its muscular appeal, Honda has also offered a bash plate which also protects the engine underbelly. Enhancing its touring capabilities is a luggage mounting rack as an accessory and comfortable riding ergonomics thanks to a straight single-piece handlebar turned inwards and centre-set footpegs. It also benefits from an accessible seat height of 805mm.
    [embedded content]
    Other notable styling highlights include a tall windscreen, a raked-up tail section, a single-piece saddle, an upswept side-on exhaust and a beefy fuel tank. The golden-coloured front forks also add to the bike’s visual appeal. Another critical aspect highlighted in the commercial video is its impressive ground clearance of 181mm which is helpful while treading along undulated paths.
    Mechanical Specs
    Powering CB150X is a 149cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. This powertrain is good enough to generate 16.5 bhp at 9000rpm and 13.8Nm of peak torque at 7000rpm. CB150X is underpinned by a diamond-type frame that sits on 37mm Showa USD forks at front with 150mm of travel and a mono-shock at rear.
    Braking is carried out by wavy disc brakes at both ends though there is no mention of ABS. CB150X rolls on 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels which are shd with road-biased tyres. Other features on offer include full LED illumination and a fully-digital LCD instrument console. However, it doesn’t offer any form of connectivity options.
    Offered at a starting price of RP 32 million (approx. INR 1.67 lakh) in Indonesia, the baby adventure tourer is not likely to be launched in India anytime soon. This is likely because it is about Rs 21,000 dearer than the CB200X, which is already on sale in the country. More

  • in

    2022 KTM 390 Adventure Rally Spied During Off-Road Testing

    2022 KTM 390 Adventure Rally Variant SpiedThe KTM 390 Adventure test mules have a significantly different front face featuring a tall windscreen which is reminiscent of Dakar rally bikes
    A few days ago, KTM unveiled the updated Adventure range of motorcycles which included 1290 Super Adventure S, 1290 Super Adventure R, 390 Adventure and 250 Adventure. The latter two hold more significance for the Indian market as they are locally manufactured in the country for domestic sales and export purposes.
    Two test mules of the updated 390 Adventure were recently spotted testing in India under heavy camouflage. These have now been spied again, while performing off-road testing. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Karan Vazirani for sharing these new spy shots.
    Initial looks suggest these prototypes are more off-road friendly variants of the ADV bike. The new KTM 390 ADV spy shots reveal some significant visual updates on the prototypes over the regular models.
    2022 KTM 390 Adventure Rally – Design Updates
    For starters, the most noticeable change is witnessed at its face. The fascia is reminiscent of the bikes participating in Dakar Rally thanks to a huge transparent windscreen that looks utilitarian. The windscreen is mounted on the front forks and extends above the oddly-shaped headlamp bezel. Another visible variation in these mules is a different exhaust which resembles the one used in Husqvarna Svartpilen 250.
    2022 KTM 390 Adventure Rally Variant Spied
    A major gripe of 390 Adventure owners is its on-road friendly mannerisms which KTM is trying to address with this variant. A wider and taller handlebar has been employed which should offer better ergonomics while off-roading especially while standing to tackle rough terrains. While the bike rides on standard alloy wheels they are wrapped around by rugged block pattern tyres for improved off-roading credentials.
    Interestingly, neither of the prototypes didn’t feature any bash plate to protect the engine underbelly but we expect the company to offer it in the production-spec model. Thanks to the revised front face, the TFT display has also been positioned much higher than normal. Apart from these, every other detail has been carried forward from the current 390 Adventure.
    Same Mechanical Setup
    Everything including the exposed trellis frame, side panels, split-style seating, suspension setup and braking hardware seems to be lifted off from the current 390 Adventure. Even the engine casing looks very familiar which means the same 373cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled will be plonked to the frame.
    2022 KTM 390 Adventure Rally Variant Spied
    In regular variants, this engine pumps out 43 bhp and 37 Nm of peak torque while being paired with a six-speed gearbox via a slipper and assist clutch. However, we expect the Austrian bikemaker to make some tweaks to this powertrain so that it offers a better lower-end grunt. This will further accentuate its off-roading credentials. The motorcycle will also boast certain creature comforts like a quick-shifter, cornering ABS and traction control.
    The aforementioned updates are expected to come with a significant premium over the standard model which is currently priced at Rs 3.28 lakh (ex-showroom). Going by the spy images, it appears as though the bike is still in its pre-production phase and there is still time for launch. More

  • in

    TVS Jupiter Price Hike Dec 2021 – Prices Increased By Rs 600

    TVS Jupiter Price Hike Dec 2021While there’s no official statement, latest round of price increase for TVS Jupiter is likely due to rising input costs
    TVS Jupiter is among the bestselling scooters in the country and the top selling product in the company’s portfolio. It primarily competes with Honda Activa 6G. Jupiter prices have been increased multiple times this year including in January, April, and August. In the latest round of price hike, all variants of Jupiter 110 have become costlier by around Rs 600.
    TVS Jupiter 110 new prices December 2021
    Base variant of Jupiter 110 is the one that comes with sheet metal wheel. It now costs Rs 66,273. Next is standard variant, which is now available at Rs 69,298. Moving up, prices of ZX (drum brake) and ZX (disc brake) have been increased to Rs 72,773 and Rs 76,573, respectively. Top-spec Classic variant is available at Rs 76,543.
    Jupiter 110 recent price hike doesn’t come as a surprise, as most two-wheeler manufacturers have increased prices across the range multiple times this year. In most cases, such price hikes were attributed to rising input costs.
    As may be recalled, global supply chain network has been severally impacted due to Covid-19 pandemic. As demand picked up again, there was significant shortage of auto components. This resulted in increased input costs for manufacturers.
    Jupiter 125 prices have not been changed
    Another reason for rising input costs is the transition to stricter fuel emission norms. This is being deployed at several locations across the globe. There’s increased demand for catalytic converters, a key component used to reduce emissions to mandated standards such as BS6 / Euro 5.
    TVS Jupiter 2021 Dec – No updates
    No changes have been introduced for Jupiter 110 with the latest round of price hike. With its simple, elegant design, the scooter is a perfect fit for everyday commutes and errands. Some key features include LED headlamp, classy front apron, sturdy metal body, large comfy seat, and thick grab rail. A total of eleven colour options are on offer, which vary based on the variant.
    The scooter is especially designed for optimal comfort and convenience. It has a large flat floorboard, which can be used to carry a wide variety of cargo such as groceries, bags, luggage items, cartons, etc.
    The scooter also offers decent amount of storage space under the seat. This space is more secure as it can be locked with the key. There’s storage space at front as well along with mobile charging port. Other key features include all-in-one lock, trendy speedometer, foldable rear-view mirrors, dual bag hooks, external fuel filling and an easy-to-use centre stand.
    TVS Jupiter 110 is powered by a 109.7 cc motor that generates 7.77 hp of max power at 7,500 rpm and 8.8 Nm of peak torque at 5,500 rpm. It is mated to a CVT automatic gearbox. The scooter has telescopic front suspension and 3-step adjustable coil spring with hydraulic damper at rear. In terms of safety, the scooter packs in features such as large alloy wheels, parking brake and pass-by switch. More

  • in

    Maruti Ignis Electric Conversion Kit Launched By Northway – 240 Kms Range

    Maruti Ignis Electric Conversion KitPune based Northway has launched Maruti Ignis Electric conversion kit – Total cost will be cheaper than top selling Tata Nexon EV
    A leading name in EV R&D and EV conversion kits, Pune-based Northway has launched EV conversion kit for Maruti Ignis. The model used for this project is 2022 Ignis Alpha MT variant. Total cost of the kit and the car comes to Rs 12.5 lakh for standard range (120 kms) kit and Rs 14.5 lakh for long range (240 kms) kit.
    The conversion kit will be available for Ignis MT 2021 and later models. Northway also offers electric conversion kits for other vehicles such as Swift Dzire and Tata Ace.
    Maruti Ignis electric with manual transmission
    When talking about electric cars, it’s difficult to imagine that it will have anything but automatic transmission. However, folks at Northway have dared to stray away from established industry standards. Their pre-convert Maruti Ignis Electric has been equipped with manual transmission, which offers multiple benefits.
    In real-world conditions, Ignis EV with manual transmission can supply extra torque whenever needed. This can come handy in situations like heavy traffic when one needs to accelerate fast from stop position. Take a look at the first drive experience shared by Northway in the video below.
    [embedded content]
    It can also be useful while overtaking another vehicle, especially when the car is climbing a slope. Ignis EV with manual transmission will also appeal to folks who just love the experience of shifting gears.
    Another benefit is that the manual transmission can supply braking power. For this, users just need to shift to lower gears such as second gear. This in turn will recharge the battery via the regenerative braking system installed in the car. In traffic conditions and during downhill journeys in mountainous regions, using the lower gears as braking aid can provide tangible improvements in range.
    Maruti Ignis Electric also meets the needs of folks who prefer automatic transmission. Although the car has manual transmission, there is no compulsion that users will have to change gears every time they want to accelerate. For an automatic experience, users just need to use the car in top gears like third and fourth gear. In this way, the car will function similar to an automatic electric car.
    While testing Maruti Ignis Electric kit, Tesla was spotted
    Maruti Ignis Electric – range and specs
    Pre-convert Maruti Suzuki Ignis EV is available with two battery configurations. With Drive CT, max range is 120 km. This can work for folks who plan to use the car only for city-specific commutes.
    Users looking for longer range can choose Inter CT, which offers 240 km. Top speed of the car is rated at 140 kmph. It generates 170 Nm of max torque. The car can be charged at home or any of the available charging stations. Charging time is in the range of 3-7 hours.
    Key things to note here is that OEM warranty will be void once the car is converted to electric. For the conversion kit, the warranty is 60,000 km or 2 years, whichever is earlier. The converted car is street-legal, as all the necessary approvals and documents will be provided by RTO. However, users won’t be eligible for any subsidies, as there are currently no such rules for EV retro fit kits. More

  • in

    Report: GM Aims to Invest $3 Billion in Michigan on Electric Vehicles

    A Wall Street Journal report today, citing “people familiar with the matter,” says General Motors is planning to spend about $3 billion and add some 2700 jobs to produce EVs and batteries in Michigan.The paper noted that Ford and Toyota both announced big expenditures on EV and battery production recently, both in the southern U.S. rather than in Michigan.We have reached out to GM for details and will update this story when we know more.General Motors will reportedly invest around $3 billion to produce electric vehicles and batteries in Michigan, according to a report today by the Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources. The automaker is set to update the Orion Assembly plant, which currently produces the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, to serve as a production facility for its electric pickups.

    Additionally, GM is preparing to build a battery production facility in Lansing. This project will supposedly be done in partnership with LG Energy Solutions. Each project is estimated to cost approximately $2 billion, with the latter battery plant’s cost split evenly between GM and LG. The two investments are set to create more than 2700 jobs, with more than half of those new jobs reportedly earmarked for the updated Orion Assembly plant, according to the WSJ. We’ve reached out to GM for comment and will update this story with more information as it becomes available.

    Ford announced earlier this year that it will make batteries for the upcoming F-150 Lightning electric pickup at a new plant under construction in Georgia. The automaker will also produce EVs and batteries in Tennessee and Kentucky and will develop batteries at the newly announced Ion Park in southeastern Michigan. Stellantis, parent company of Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, will produce battery cells for future vehicles in North America but has not yet said where. Toyota is opening an EV battery production “megasite” in North Carolina that will open in 2025.
    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