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    Winnebago e-RV Electric Camper Van Concept Has 125 Miles of Range

    Winnebago unveiled the electric e-RV camper van concept at the Florida RV SuperShow.The e-RV concept uses the existing Ford Transit base vehicle but swaps its gasoline powertrain for an electric motor and an 86.0-kWh battery pack.Not only does the battery provide up to 125 miles of range it also provides power to run the concept’s interior appliances.Recreational vehicles rounded the corner into the electric era today with the unveiling of the Winnebago e-RV concept at the Florida RV SuperShow. Using a Ford Transit van as the basis of the concept, Winnebago and its powertrain partner, Lightning e Motors, swapped in an an electric motor and an 86.0-kWh battery pack.

    While Winnebago did not release an estimated horsepower rating for the e-RV camper van concept, it did say that estimated driving range would be 125 miles per charge, which is significantly shorter than today’s EV passenger vehicles. But the Winnebago has a bed, a kitchenette, and wet bath with a shower, all home-style amenities you won’t find in a Tesla.

    Speaking of amenities, Winnebago says the interior is decked out in sustainable materials, including rubberized cork for the flooring and wool wall trim that serves double duty as extra insulation. A high-speed Wi-Fi network is also incorporated into the e-RV’s design, which Winnebago says provides high data-streaming levels. Luxury travel trailer Bowlus offers a similar electric concept with its Road Chief line, but unlike the Winnebago e-RV, that camping trailer doesn’t run under its own power. Instead, the Road Chief’s on-board battery pack is utilized as a source of power for off-grid camping.For right now, the e-RV is merely a concept and Winnebago says that as battery technology evolves there’s a potential for additional range. The e-RV concept has an onboard charger that is capable of juicing the battery at an owner’s home, at public high-speed charging ports, or while plugged into shore power at a campground. According to Winnebago, the e-RV can charge up in about 45 minutes using a high-speed public charging station. Pricing for the e-RV hasn’t been announced but we expect the all-electric powertrain will increase the price beyond that of a traditional gas-powered Winnebago camper van when it eventually reaches dealerships.
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    How We'd Spec It: 2022 Lexus LX600 SUVs for On- and Off-Road

    Lexus recently released the online configurator for the new 2022 LX600, so naturally we set out to build our ideal versions of this luxury version of the 300-series Land Cruiser. Although there’s only one powertrain available, the LX600 is offered in a variety of trim levels and configurations ranging from the two-row base model to the F Sport to the four-seat Ultra Luxury model. While each of our editors chose different trim levels for various reasons, you’ll notice that two of them gravitated to the same distinctive exterior color. Let us know how you’d spec your own personal LX600 in the comments below.

    Dan Edmunds’ $97,860 LX600 Premium

    Lexus

    Lexus

    I won’t buy an off-road vehicle unless going off-road is part of the plan. I’m gutted we’re not getting the new 300-series Land Cruiser, but the LX600 can be had in a similar configuration. I’ve chosen the Premium model, the second tier in the five-rung price ladder. This trim lacks Automatic Height Control, which gets in the way of aftermarket suspension mods, and it also offers the $1295 Appearance package that blacks out the exterior trim and that massive grille. Crucially, this package is a prerequisite for the no-cost 18-inch wheels and tires I’d want for the benefit of having actual sidewalls. I’ve chosen Nori Green because I’m in the “anything but monochrome” camp, and I skipped the Interior Upgrade package. The standard leather and open-pore wood setup is attractive, and I’d rather have a center console than a Cool Box. Add another $220 for all-weather mats, and my spec comes out to $97,860. My only regret: I wish I could have added these options to the base model, because its two-row seating offers more cargo capacity than the three-row Premium.Caleb Miller’s $107,745 LX600 F Sport

    Lexus

    Lexus

    For my 2022 LX600, I started out by choosing the F Sport Handling trim, which starts at $102,345 and adds a Torsen limited-slip differential, stealthy dark gray 22-inch wheels, and most importantly, blacks out the gaping grille. I chose the $595 Manganese Luster paint to match the rims and went for the black semi-aniline leather interior, since the Circuit Red option clashed with the subtle exterior. I rarely drive without listening to music so I added the 25-speaker, 2,400-watt Mark Levinson surround sound system for $2660. I also selected Active Height Control for $1300 to ease ingress and egress from this behemoth of an SUV. I also threw in an all-weather cargo mat ($175) and all-weather floor liners ($220) to keep the interior clean in the Michigan winter, when you invariably end up tracking snow, salt, and other grime into your car. I also splurged on illuminated cargo sills, because I’ll admit I’m a sucker for light-up gimmicks. Paint protection film by 3M for $450 rounded out the options, bringing my LX600 F Sport Handling trim to a total of $107,745.Connor Hoffman’s $88,245 LX600 base

    Lexus

    Lexus

    Have you ever seen a Lexus LX set up for overlanding? If you haven’t, head over to Google and search it. I’ve spent hours daydreaming about LX builds, so I’d get a base model because I don’t need adaptive dampers, luxurious interior features, or 22-inch wheels. I’ll be cutting off the bumpers, redoing the suspension setup, adding wheels and tires, and opting for all the rest of the off-grid accessories anyway. That leaves me at the LX600’s starting price of $88,245, and it’s staying there since I’m only choosing Nori Green Pearl paint and black leather interior. Picture something like this as the finished product, but in green.

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    Ford and ADT Join Forces on Car Security with Canopy Venture

    Ford announced it’s teaming with the ADT security company in a new joint venture that will offer vehicle security systems as an aftermarket product, starting with the F-150 Lightning and E-Transit.Called Canopy, the new venture will use ADT security monitoring technology teamed with video cameras found in Ford vehicles.In a video clip similar to those used to promote Ring doorbell security systems, a would-be thief is scared away by an owner who sees the interloper via cellphone and yells at him.In 2020, the FBI estimated that auto theft and things stolen out of vehicles cost Americans more than $7.4 billion. Seeking to improve the security picture, Ford announced today that it is teaming up with security firm ADT to launch a new joint venture called Canopy, which will use ADT’s monitoring systems and Ford’s video camera technology to boost in-car security.

    Ford

    Ford said the Canopy system will use acoustic sensors, onboard cameras, radar, and GPS to help stop theft. An onboard camera will point at the pickup’s bed or van’s cargo area, and the system will use artificial intelligence to recognize and report threats while minimizing false alarms. Customers will be able to view a livestream video feed on the Canopy app, and potential threats will cause a notification to appear on the owner’s smartphone. A two-way audio feature will allow owners to let thieves know they are under surveillance and, hopefully, scare them off. ADT’s security monitoring team will also be notified if the system sees suspicious activity near the vehicle.
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    The first Canopy systems will be rolled out as an aftermarket accessory for Ford’s trucks and vans—including the new electric F-150 Lightning and E-Transit—that owners will be able to easily install starting early next year. Canopy also aims to integrate camera security systems in Ford vehicles starting next year, and will eventually try to integrate the technology into vehicles from other manufacturers. Canopy’s systems will be sold through dealerships, major retailers, and online. In the meantime, the new Canopy venture is running a waiting list, as seems to be the trend these days for new automotive products.
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    2023 Toyota Sequoia Will Arrive Soon

    Toyota shared the first image of the new Sequoia full-size SUV. It’s expected to use the same new twin-turbo V-6 engine as the 2022 Tundra pickup and also offer the new iForce MAX hybrid powertrain that makes 437 horsepower. The new Sequoia should make its debut soon and arrive by the end of the year. Toyota’s ancient full-size SUV will soon get its first new generation in more than 10 years just like the Tundra, as the company shared the first teaser image of the new Sequoia’s right rear quarter. Like the previous two generations, the big SUV will be closely related to the Tundra pickup, and it will effectively replace the Land Cruiser in Toyota’s U.S. lineup.

    The Sequoia will be built on Toyota’s new TNGA-F body-on-frame platform that underpins the Tundra and the global Land Cruiser. Those two trucks use a solid rear axle (the Tundra now has rear coil springs), but the Sequoia, like the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition, will continue to have an independent rear suspension. This teaser image shows a thin taillight and chrome window trim, door handles, and wheels. Expect various improvements carried over from the Tundra such as the large 14.0-inch touchscreen, digital gauge cluster, and various TRD packages including an off-road-oriented TRD Pro model. A twin-turbocharged V-6 that produces either 348 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque or 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque in the Tundra will likely replace the current Sequoia’s 381-hp V-8. Toyota’s new iForce MAX twin-turbo V-6 hybrid, which makes 437 horsepower, should also be available in the SUV. Look for more information on the new Sequoia to trickle out in the coming months as we expect this to be the first of many teasers Toyota drops before its full debut.
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    Tork Kratos Electric Motorcycle Launch On 26th Jan – Revolt Rival

    Tork T6X Electric MotorcycleTork Kratos will be powered by a first of its kind axial flux electric motor with an energy efficiency of 90-96 percent
    Tork Motors finally has a launch date for its upcoming electric motorcycle called Kratos. The Pune-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer will be launching its first electric two-wheeler on January 26 this year through a virtual event. Official bookings for the electric bike also start on the same day.
    Interested buyers will be able to reserve their bikes with an online order. According to the company, deliveries of Kratos are expected to commence around March this year. At the time of its reveal back in Sep 2016, the motorcycle was expected to be priced at Rs 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom).
    Tork Kratos based on T6X
    Formerly known as Tork T6X, the electric motorcycle has been in development for almost six years. Tork claims that Kratos is the country’s first indigenously designed and engineered motorcycle to go on sale.
    The market already has prominent brand names like Revolt and Ultraviolette which have developed battery-powered motorcycles. However, the former has DNA of the British brand Super Soco and the latter is yet to go on sale in the country.
    Tork Kratos Electric Motorcycle
    Kratos is said to be the fifth working prototype of T6X which has been developed for the production line. The electric bike will be manufactured at the company’s facility in Chakan. The manufacturer intends to sell around 5,000-10,000 units per annum for the first three years.
    Multiple iterations of T6X have been spotted on previous occasions with most of the bodywork on the initial test mules from a Yamaha FZ-16 donor bike. However, the production-spec Kratos is expected to be a completely new motorcycle with new bodywork. Tork has gone in with a sporty styling for Kratos with sharp fuel tank extensions, edgy body panels and split seats.
    Battery & Electric Motor specs
    The battery-powered motorcycle will feature the company’s proprietary, Tork LIION, lithium-ion battery pack. This battery will supply energy to an axial flux motor which is said to have an efficiency rating of 90-96 percent. The company says that a larger battery pack will ensure a greater range on a single charge although official specifications will be revealed at the time of its launch.
    Tork T6X Electric Motorcycle
    The earlier T6X prototype was powered by a 6kW (peak power) DC axial flux motor which produced 27 Nm of torque. The company claimed a range of 100 kms on a single charge and had a top speed of 100 kmph. It came with a fast charger that could rejuvenate the battery from 0-80 percent in an hour. Further, the battery pack was IP67-rated for optimum protection against water damage and came with an aluminium alloy casing.
    Features Expected
    Like most EVs, Kratos will be equipped with a dedicated operating system that will manage the dynamics of the vehicle. Called TIROS (Tork Intuitive Response Operating System), this AI system will analyze and compile the data for every ride and will manage crucial components such as real-time power consumption and management, and range predictions. Additionally, it also features a 4.3 inch TFT screen enabled with app and cloud connectivity, geo-fencing, etc. More

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    Hero Splendor Electric Conversion Kit Demand High – GoGoA1

    Hero Splendor ElectricEV Conversion Kit company GoGoA1 announces footprint expansion to 50+ franchises across India
    An EV conversion kit does exactly what it says. And for it to be dependable, it must be RTO approved. Most recently such kits were mentioned in relation to older cars plying in NCR streets.
    With such vehicles falling foul to current norms of worthiness to ply on roads, such vehicles could get a new lease of life if they were converted to EVs. The idea sounds good. The problem however is complex considering there are no OEMs who manufacture and sell such EV conversion kits.
    GoGoA1 is empanelled by Delhi Government under compliance with National Green Tribunal(NGT). This makes them the only company from Maharashtra to participate in a process to convert 10 year old Hero Splendor motorcylces into electric vehicles. Hero Splendor Electric Conversion Kit cost is about Rs 35k. Range claimed is up to 151 kms.
    This in turn benefits existing motorcycle owners as one can continue to use the bike for longer. Life span increase estimation of existing vehicles is at about 5-7 years. These would also not fall into the new scrappage policy.
    Hero Splendor Electric
    Policy support for retrofitting companies
    Current laws pertaining to retrofitting are stringent. Only authorized state agencies can install the retrofit kits. For this to be a robust platform teeming with tech and innovation, more RTO Approved companies should be recognised.
    Policy support for retrofitting companies from governing bodies is a need. Such kits convert current vehicles into being EV capable without adding new vehicles. Extending the life of vehicles that are at risk from the new scrappage policy could still be kept on the road.
    Keeping in mind potential demand, private players have entered the market. In recent years, EVs are an important part of future mobility discussions. Given potential demand, the two wheeler market in India has seen a spurt of new entrants at the manufacturing end.
    Petrol to electric conversion kit by GoGoA1
    Never before has such a large multitude of two wheelers manufacturers entered the marketplace in such quicktime. And while this transition begins, the opportunity for transitioning could be made easy through retrofitted kits.
    50+ franchises
    GoGoA1, a Mumbai based entity offers a RTO-Approved Electric Conversion Kit for motorcycles. And they say, demand has increased by 60 percent since the announcement. Since demand for EVs is already increasing, more-so for two-wheelers, it’s but natural that the company’s retrofit kit is filling the gap for smoother transitions. GoGoA1 is focused on ‘transformation of existing fuel 2 wheelers, 3-wheelers, and cars into electric-powered technologies by creating hybrid and complete conversion kits’.
    Shrikant Shinde, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, GoGoA1 shared, “We have a strong footprint of franchise networks with over 50+ franchises registered pan India in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, Delhi and across India”. For all the franchise owners GoGoA1 provides options including partnering for installation of the conversion kit, battery swapping and leasing the vehicle”. More

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    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Vs Yezdi Roadster – Specs, Price Comparison

    Yezdi Roadster. Image – Biker Prakash ChoudharyBoth Yezdi Roadster and Royal Enfield Meteor closely match each other’s specs and prices
    Classic Legends recently brought the Yezdi brand back to life by launching three motorcycles under its anvil- Adventure, Scrambler and Roadster. All three bikes hold distinct identities in the brand’s lineup. With this launch, Classic Legends has thrown in another dice to take on the supremacy of Royal Enfield in the 250-500cc motorcycle segment.
    While Adventure locks horns with Royal Enfield Himalayan, Scrambler will rival the upcoming Scram 411 from the Chennai-based bikemaker. On the other hand, Yezdi Roadster appears to take on Meteor 350. This story focuses on how both these motorcycles stack up against each other, on paper of course.
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Vs Yezdi Roadster
    When it comes to design, both motorcycles feature a low-sling cruiser-like stance with a new-retro design theme. While Yezdi has stayed clear from terming it as a cruiser, Royal Enfield is happy to call Meteor one. That said, neither of the bikes can be called proper cruisers and more roadsters trying to be cruisers. Meteor gives a slightly more cruiser feel due to its wide and tall handlebar as opposed to the low-set handlebar in Roadster.
    That said, both motorcycles receive centre-set footpegs which give better ability to maneuver than a traditional cruiser and a comfortable riding posture. Both flaunt a neo-retro styling theme with common elements such as round headlamps, teardrop-shaped fuel tanks and circular turn tail lights, turn indicators and rearview mirrors. Roadster looks slightly bulkier than Meteor thanks to the broader fenders in the former.
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 vs Yezdi Roadster
    Powertrain Specs
    Meteor is powered by a 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled SOHC motor whereas Roadster is propelled by a smaller 334cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC motor. Despite being at a disadvantage for a smaller cubic capacity, Roadster extracts more power and torque from its engine. While the engine in Meteor kicks out 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque, the one in Roadster pumps out 29.7 bhp and 29 Nm of torque.
    Dynamics
    As far as dynamics are concerned, both motorcycles are underpinned by a similar dual-cradle frame. Chassis on both bikes are suspended on telescopic forks upfront and twin shock absorbers at rear. In terms of braking, both motorcycles utilise disc brakes at both ends aided by a dual-channel ABS. While Yezdi offers a larger front disc of 320mm, Royal Enfield provides a larger rotor of 270mm at rear.
    Meteor offers a more accessible saddle of 765mm as compared to a 790mm seat height of Roadster. However, Roadster is slightly more nimble at 184kg in comparison to 191kg of Meteor which should translate to sharper handling. Meteor also features a larger 15-litre fuel tank as compared to a 12.5-litre tank in Roadster that should provide a longer range to Meteor.
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 vs Yezdi Roadster
    Features and Price
    In terms of features, Roadster gets all-LED lighting in addition to a semi-digital instrument console. It, however, misses out on Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation which is offered as standard in Meteor. The latter also gets LED DRLs, an LED taillight and a USB charger.
    Coming to prices, both motorcycles are very closely priced to each other but Roadster offers a slightly lower starting price of Rs 1.98 lakh. On the other hand, prices for Meteor start at Rs 2.01 lakh (both prices ex-showroom). More

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    Suzuki Avenis 125cc Scooter Arrives At Dealer Showrooms – Ntorq Rival

    Suzuki AvenisSuzuki Avenis enters a segment to compete with the likes of TVS NTorq 125, Honda Grazia 125 and new Aprilia SR 125
    125cc scooters have started to find more takers in the Indian market. Most two wheeler makers have a model or two in this segment, fitting it with the latest in styling and features. Suzuki Motorcycle India released their newest offering in this segment last month. It has now started arriving at dealer showrooms across India.
    Suzuki’s new Avenis 125cc scooter is set to attract the attention of a younger segment of buyers in the country. It receives sporty styling and state of the art connectivity features. The new Avenis is a more premium offering than Access 125, but will be positioned below the Burgman Street in the company lineup.
    Suzuki Avenis 125cc Scooter – Walkaround
    Suzuki Avenis is presented in 5 dual tone colour options. These include Metallic Matte Fibroin Grey / Metallic Lush Green, Pearl Blaze Orange / Glass Sparkle Black, Metallic Matte Black / Glass Sparkle Black and Pearl Mirage White / Metallic Matte Fibroin Grey, all of which are priced at Rs 86,700. The Metallic Triton Blue (Race Edition) on the other hand carries a higher price tag of Rs 87,000.
    Key features include Suzuki Ride Connect with Turn-By-Turn Navigation system. Body mounted LED headlamps, LED tail lamps and rear indicators along with ample under seat space and front box with USB socket are also among the features seen on the new Avenis. Below is a detailed walkaround review of the new Suzuki Avenis scooter, credit to MRD Vlogs.
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    Avenis gets a Bluetooth enabled digital console which can be synced to the riders smartphone for access to incoming calls, SMS and WhatsApp alerts, missed calls and unread SMS updates. It also includes a speed excess warning, battery level display and estimated time of arrival.
    Its low body weight of 106 kgs, external hinge type fuel cap, motorcycle inspired rear indicators and sporty alloy wheels add to its sporty appeal. Avenis also sports distinctive body graphics, Suzuki branding, sporty muffler cover and split grab rails.
    The Suzuki Avenis console can be synced to both AndroidTM and iOS phones. The rider can download the ‘Suzuki Ride Connect’ application and install the application to allow for navigation assistance, last parked location and trip report.
    Suzuki Avenis
    Suzuki Avenis measures 1,895mm in length, 710 mm in width and 1,175mm in height. It gets ground clearance of 160mm, wheelbase of 1,265mm and kerb weight of 106 kgs. Underseat storage is at 12.8 liters while fuel tank is of 5.2 liter capacity.
    Engine Specs
    Suzuki Avenis Scooter gets its power via a 124cc, single cylinder motor that also powers the Access and Burgman Street. This engine offers 8.5 hp power at 6,750 rpm and 10 Nm torque at 5,500 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
    It receives telescopic front suspension and Swing Arm at the rear while braking is via disc and drum at the front and rear respectively. Suzuki Avenis enters a segment wherein it finds much competition from the TVS Ntorq, Yamaha RayZR, Honda Grazia 125 and new Aprilia SR 125. More