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    2022 BMW G310R India Launch Soon – New Colour Options Teased

    2022 BMW G310RFor 2022 G310R, the new colour options are Cosmic Black 2 and Vibrant Kyanite Blue Metallic. The Polar White option has been discontinued, whereas Limestone Metallic has been retained in its current form. It is likely that these updated colour options will be the same for India.
    New colour shade of Cosmic Black 2 is essentially an all-black colour theme. Existing Cosmic Black in India has a matching shade of Black, but it has white panels on the sides. Parts of the headlamp cowl are also done in white. In comparison, the new Cosmic Black 2 wears an all-black uniform. It covers the front fender, alloy wheels, headlamp, side panels, chassis, engine, engine cowl and exhaust.
    Official Teaser
    The only other colours visible include the BMW logo, white coloured rear shock absorber and golden coloured USD front forks. All all-black theme of Cosmic Black 2 certainly looks more satisfying as compared to the current Cosmic Black option. The deep contrast it creates with the golden USD forks is a real treat for the eyes.
    The second new colour option of Vibrant Kyanite Blue Metallic is a lot more flamboyant in comparison to Cosmic Black 2. The theme utilizes an exciting mix of four different colours, white, black, red and blue. The white shade can be seen on the front fender, side panels, and fuel tank. It works as a perfect background to accommodate the contrasting bits of blue and red.
    BMW G310R New Colour Teaser
    A number of components have been blacked out such as engine, engine cowl, swingarm, and exhaust. The frame is done in a combination of red and black whereas the wheels are entirely red. Golden USD forks further enhance the bike’s flashy profile. You will need this if you want human heads to take notice on the streets.
    2022 BMW G310R engine and specs
    Engine and most other hardware will be the same as earlier for 2022 BMW G310R. The bike is powered by a 313 cc, water cooled, single cylinder motor that is capable of generating 34 ps of max power at 9,250 rpm and 28 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm.
    It is mated to a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox. The bike utilizes closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter to meet BS6 / Euro 5 emission standards. Rated top speed of the bike is 143 kmph.
    BMW G310R has a tubular frame with USD front forks and monoshock rear suspension with spring pre-load adjustability. Braking system comprises 300 mm front and 240 mm rear disc brakes. BMW Motorrad ABS is offered as standard. With the updates, 2022 BMW G310R could get a small price hike. The current model is available at a starting price of Rs 2.60 lakh. More

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    Many Chevy Bolt EV Owners Ignoring Charging Safety Rules amid Recall

    As the battery-related recall expands to include every Bolt EV and Bolt EUV Chevrolet has sold in the U.S., the automaker and NHTSA have offered updated suggestions to Bolt owners to minimize the risk of fires. One temporary remedy for the defective battery is that Bolt EVs should not be charged indoors, overnight, or to more than a 90 percent state of charge. They should also not be driven so that the battery shows less than 70 miles left in the pack. But Recurrent, which can monitor battery usage from its subscribers, says that up to 30 percent of Bolt drivers are not following these rules.The already large Chevy Bolt EV recall grew this week to include every unit that Chevrolet has sold in the U.S., even the new Bolt EUVs that use the same battery pack. The problem, as we’ve known since General Motors announced the initial recall in the fall of 2020, is that in rare circumstances the battery could ignite due to “defective battery modules.” The recall now involves 110,000 EVs, and their owners have been given specific guidance about how to take care of their vehicle while waiting for a full replacement to happen. The problem, according to battery-monitoring service Recurrent: about 30 percent of Bolt drivers aren’t following that guidance correctly.

    Chevrolet

    As we’ve noted, GM and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have offered different fixes for this problem since it first announced a recall for 2017-2019 model year Chevrolet Bolt EVs in November 2020. At the time, GM said Bolt owners should not park indoors and also limit charging to at most 90 percent full (the setting can be adjusted using the Bolt’s Hilltop Reserve mode in 2017–2018 vehicles and Target Charge Level mode in later models). Then, in July, owners were told not to recharge their EVs overnight and to not drive so much on one charge that the battery drops to below 70 miles of remaining range. This month, the recall was expanded to include 2019 model Bolt EV and all 2020–2022 Bolt EV and Bolt EUV models. The total cost to GM is now estimated to be $1.8 billion.

    The overall number of Bolt EV fires suspected to be caused by this defect is quite low. NHTSA started investigating the issue due to three fires and later said it was aware of four fires that started despite drivers following the suggested remedies. However, despite the potential seriousness of the problem, it appears not all Bolt drivers are listening to the company or NHTSA. This insight comes to us from Recurrent, which monitors battery information from electric=vehicle drivers who subscribe to the service in order to analyze battery health. Recurrent has been watching 1000 Chevy Bolt subscribers since early August, and this week said its real-world numbers show that up to 30 percent of these Bolt owners are not following GM’s new charging guidelines to keep the pack below 90 percent full and above 70 miles of remaining range, which the NHTSA calls “deep discharge mode.””Our data is showing that a lot of Chevy Bolt owners are going to have to change their behavior,” said Recurrent CEO Scott Case in a statement. “For some, this could be a hardship if they have long commutes and require more range than the new guidelines allow, especially during the summer when hot temperatures and extra A/C usage affect battery performance.”

    Recurrent says its subscribers represent “highly engaged and attentive owners,” and that, in general, they did respond to the new charge level guidance from GM, but there are still people who either don’t know about the safety suggestions or have decided not to follow them. The recall’s expansion to include 2019–2022 Bolt vehicles means it’s likely it will take even longer for GM to provide permanent fixes. “Newer Chevy Bolt owners need to pay attention to this recall now,” Case said. “One hundred thousand batteries can’t get replaced overnight given supply-chain woes and high demand for new EVs so this will take some time.”
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    2021 Honda XRE 300cc ADV Motorcycle Debuts – RE Himalayan Rival

    2021 Honda XRE 300In Brazilian market, Honda XRE 300 primarily rivals the likes of Yamaha XTZ 250 and the Royal Enfield Himalayan
    Rivalry between Honda XRE 300, Royal Enfield Himalayan and Yamaha XTZ 250 is pretty tough in Brazil, although XRE leads in sales. However, if we look at overall two-wheeler market in Brazil, it’s Yamaha that dominates.
    Taking about Honda XRE 300, the 2021 model has been launched in Brazil. Converted in Indian Rupee, the bike is available at a starting price of approximately INR 3.48 lakh. Higher variants like the XRE Adventure and XRE Rally will cost around Rs 3.58 lakh. XRE 300 is preferred for its toughness, reliability and easy maintenance. Price of Royal Enfield Himalayan in Brazil is in similar range.
    2021 Honda XRE 300 styling and features
    As far as the core silhouette is concerned, Honda XRE 300 looks familiar to Africa Twin. Some key features of Honda XRE 300 include a pointy nose, dual-LED headlamp, long suspension travel at the front, ergonomically placed handlebars, sleek LED turn indicators, sculpted fuel tank, and Pro-Link rear suspension.
    XRE 300 is equipped with a digital instrument console that displays a range of information such as speedometer, odometer, fuel level gauge, clock, and tachometer. The screen is positioned at a slanted angle, which makes it easier for the rider to view it without taking their eyes off the road.
    2021 Honda XRE 300
    Honda has ensured that XRE 300 offers a comfortable riding stance. The centre of gravity has been perfectly balanced to ensure better control and handling. The raised seat position is another factor that ensures optimal comfort for both rider and pillion.
    2021 Honda XRE 300 engine and specs
    Powering the bike is a 291.6 cc single-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled motor that is capable of generating 26 hp of max power and 27 Nm of peak torque. The motor has been especially tuned to reduce emissions and vibration level. Users can expect optimal performance and comfort across varied terrains.
    2021 Honda XRE 300
    The engine is equipped with FlexOne technology, which allows an easy switch between gasoline and ethanol. When running on ethanol, the bike produces slightly more power and torque. Engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission. Top speed of 2021 Honda XRE 300 is 135 kmph.
    2021 Honda XRE 300
    Spoke wheels ooze out their classy charm and also work to improve the bike’s off-roading capabilities. The bike utilizes dual-purpose knobby tyres, making it suitable for both on-road and off-road tracks. It has 90/91-21 front and 120/80-18 rear tyres. Braking duties are performed by 256 mm disc at the front and 220 mm disc at the rear. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard with 2021 Honda XRE 300.
    In terms of safety, the bike is equipped with a guide to prevent the drive chain from coming loose. A chain protector has also been included for added protection.
    2021 Honda XRE 300
    It is not certain if and when Honda will launch XRE 300 in Indian market. The name ‘XRE 300’ was registered in India in 2017. However, beyond that, there are no updates about India launch plans. If launched in India, Honda XRE 300 will rival the likes of Royal Enfield Himalayan and KTM 390 Adventure. More

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    Hero Sales, Exports Breakup July 2021 – Splendor, Deluxe, Glamour, Pleasure

    Image – BikewayzDespite a decline of over 14% in domestic sales, Hero MotoCorp continues to be the leader in two wheeler segment
    Hero MotoCorp has reported total domestic sales at 4,29,138 units, a de-growth of 14.23 percent over 5,00,307 units sold in July 2020. Exports on the other hand grew 233.42 percent YoY to 25,190 units in the past month up from 7,555 units shipped in July 2020. MoM growth was however on the down side both in terms of domestic sales and exports which dipped 2.20 percent and 17.80 percent respectively.
    Hero MotoCorp Domestic Sales
    Hero Splendor, an entry level commuter bike, remains a hot favorite in domestic markets. It has topped the sales charts with 2,50,794 units sold in the past month, up 17.52 percent over 2,13,413 units sold in July 2020. Hero Splendor holds a 58.44 percent share and along with HF Deluxe at No. 2 with 1,06,304 units sold, were the only two bikes from Hero MotoCorp to amass sales over the 1 lakh unit mark in the past month. Hero Splendor was not only the best-selling bike in the company lineup but the most sold motorcycle in the country in the month of July 2021
    However, apart from Hero Splendor and Pleasure, every other bike in the company portfolio posted de-growth in the past month. MoM sales of Splendor dipped 5.13 percent as against 2,64,369 units sold in June 2021. HF Deluxe too reported de-growth, down 3.99 percent over 1,10,724 units sold in June 2021.
    3rd highest selling motorcycle in Hero MotorCorp’s portfolio was Glamour of which the company sold 20,606 units in July 2021, a massive de-growth of 59.77 percent over 51,225 units sold in July 2020. MoM sales of this bike however noted a 9.85 percent growth as against 18,759 units sold in June 2021. Later last month, Hero MotoCorp had teased the 2021 Glamour Xtec 125 which will now come in with Bluetooth connectivity, H shaped LED DRLs and new black paint scheme.
    Hero MotoCorp Sales, Exports July 2021 vs July 2020 (YoY)
    Posting a 58.73 percent YoY de-growth was the Hero Passion at No. 4. Sales dipped from 44,377 units sold in July 2020 to 18,316 units in the past month. It was however, a growth of 13.67 percent MoM as compared to 16,113 units sold in June 2021.
    At No. 5 was Hero Pleasure scooter with 8.74 percent YoY growth from 16,290 units sold in July 2020 to 17,713 units sold last month. MoM sales however dipped 1.25 percent as against 17,937 units sold in June 2021.
    Hero Destini, Maestro and Xpulse 200 each posted YoY de-growth while Destini 125 and Maestro performed better in a MoM basis. Xtreme 160R sales grew 126.35 percent MoM from 1,017 units sold in June 2021 to 2,302 units in July 2021 while Xpulse 200 sales dipped 23.51 percent to 1,402 units in the past month.
    Hero MotoCorp Sales, Exports July 2021 vs Jun 2021 (MoM)
    Hero MotoCorp Exports
    Hero MotoCorp exported a total of 25,190 units in the past month, a growth of 233.42 percent as against 7,555 units exported in July 2020. MoM exports however dipped 17.80 percent as against 30,646 units shipped in June 2021.
    In export lists, Hero Achiever was most in demand in global markets. Shipments stood at 8,623 units, up 771.89 percent over 989 units exported in July 2020. MoM growth stood at 5.73 percent over 8,156 units shipped in June 2021.
    Hero Splendor and Hunk exports grew 181.43 percent to 7,925 units and 811.40 percent to 3,518 units respectively in the past month. However, MoM export figures dipped 10.86 percent and 34.55 percent respectively from 8,891 units and 5,375 units shipped in June 2021.
    Exports of HF Deluxe surged 7,530 percent YoY from 40 units shipped in July 2020 to 3,052 units in the past month. MoM sales suffered de-growth of 5.22 percent over 3,220 units shipped in June 2021.
    YoY export growth was reported for Xpulse 200, Maestro, Pleasure and Destini 125. MoM exports dipped for Xpulse 200 and Maestro but increased in case of Pleasure and Destini 125 by 42.22 percent and 207.69 percent respectively. More

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    New Royal Enfield Classic 350 Arrives At Dealer Showroom Before Launch

    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Arrives At Dealer. Image – Keshav DasAt launch, New-gen Classic 350 could cost about the same as compared to the current model that starts at Rs 1.79 lakh
    Already the top selling bike in 200cc-500cc segment, things are going to get even more interesting with launch of next-gen Classic 350. The updated bike packs in a range of visual enhancements, functional improvements and new engine and chassis.
    Ahead of its launch on September 01, the motorcycles have started arriving at dealers across India. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Keshav, for sharing exclusive photos of new RE C350 while it was being off-loaded from a transport trailer and being moved into a dealership.
    New-gen Classic 350 key updates
    Some of the key changes include new headlamp with new pilot lamps, updated fuel tank graphics, new exhaust design and new tail lamp unit. Users can expect a better experience, as the bike has wide and comfortable seats for both rider and pillion. While the handlebar is the same as earlier, the ergonomics have been improved with revisions in grips, switch cubes, info switch and oval master cylinder.
    Other key features of new-gen Classic 350 include integrated ignition and steering lock, semi-digital instrument cluster with LCD info panel, and USB charger. The bike gets Bluetooth-based Tripper navigation that comes with dedicated TFT display device. It is powered by Google navigation. Tripper system was introduced for the first time with Meteor 350. Several other Royal Enfield bikes are also expected to get Tripper navigation system.
    2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Arrives At Dealer
    A range of new colour options will be available with next-gen Classic 350. As per reports, new Classic 350 will have five variants. While the lower four variants will have two colour options each, the top-spec variant will have three dual-tone colour options. The top-spec model will make liberal use of chrome.
    New-gen Classic 350 engine and specs
    Powering next-gen Classic 350 will be the new 350cc, air-oil cooled motor that first debuted with Meteor 350. It is capable of generating 20.2 bhp of max power and 27 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. As compared to current model, power output has increased by 1.1 bhp. However, torque output is down by 1 Nm. This is unlikely to make any major difference in real world riding conditions.
    Chassis has been updated, featuring a twin downtube spine frame. The current unit is a single downtube frame that uses engine as stressed member. Working together, the new engine and frame have achieved significant improvements in ride dynamics. Vibrations have also reduced dramatically, as already noted by Meteor 350 users.
    New RE C350 Arrives At Dealer Showroom
    Both front and rear tyres are now wider, as compared to that of existing model. Brake discs are larger; 300 mm at front and 270 mm at rear. The current model has 280 mm / 240 mm discs, respectively. Users will have the option to choose between single and dual-channel ABS.
    Just like the current model, new Classic 350 will be available in both single seat and dual-seat configuration. Both spoke and alloy wheel option will be available. New Classic 350 will continue to rival the likes of Honda H’Ness CB350, Jawa and Benelli Imperiale 400. More

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    Cars We Can't Get in the U.S.: Window Shop with Car and Driver

    For a variety of reasons, from emissions to safety to cost, carmakers don’t bother bringing certain vehicles stateside. While many of these cars are pretty undesirable, some are reportedly amazing. So a viewer asked us what forbidden fruit we would import if we had a shady car-smuggling friend who could bring over anything from the world beyond our borders. If you’re worried about how we might register such a vehicle, this friend also has the connections and ability to make it street legal. We set a budget of $50,000, set Google to translate, and started searching foreign websites.To answer the Window Shop challenge, we asked deputy testing director K.C. Colwell, senior editor Joey Capparella, contributor Jonathon Ramsey, deputy editor Tony Quiroga, and, of course, Road & Track senior editor John Pearley Huffman to scour the internet for contenders. Most of the crew makes smart choices. Two of the contestants pick hot performance cars from Down Under, another selects a very special Toyota Yaris that deserves to be imported, someone else champions a Renault that breaks the budget, and Pearley presents a car that he could legally import and register in the U.S. today, no shady friend necessary. (If you’ve watched this show before, you already know that Pearley isn’t a careful reader of the challenges.)There are plenty of laughs, a few Britishisms, some valuable information, a couple of trivialities, and of course a winner—sort of.

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    Hyundai Hints at Upcoming Hydrogen-Powered Sports Sedan

    Hyundai will host “Hydrogen Wave,” a virtual event where the company will discuss its plans for hydrogen fuel cells and show off some new hydrogen-powered vehicles.A teaser video shows a hydrogen-powered sports sedan speeding around a racetrack, but Hyundai did not provide any more details on this potential new model.Another teaser shows a long-distance freight truck, with a design that shares some similarities with the HDC-6 Neptune concept from 2019.Most automakers have been pledging to convert their lineups to battery-powered electric vehicles, touting gains in charging times and range, but a few companies have continued developing hydrogen fuel-cell technology, which promises sustainability and quick five-minute refills. Hyundai was one of these companies. It has offered the Nexo, a hydrogen-powered crossover, in California since 2019. While the Nexo is a niche vehicle finding only a couple hundred buyers each year, Hyundai is doubling down on hydrogen technology, announcing yesterday that it will host a virtual forum called “Hydrogen Wave,” during which the Korean automaker will reveal its vision for a hydrogen-fuel-cell future.
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    Along with outlining its plans for hydrogen fuel-cell development, Hyundai says that it will unveil “state-of-the-art future fuel-cell electric vehicles” at the event, although it did not specify how many or what they might be. However, a few short teaser videos provide some hints. In the first video, we catch a few glimpses of a hydrogen-powered sedan decked out in blue, black, and white camouflage as it tears up a racetrack. The vehicle appears to be an athletic sports sedan, and Hyundai has said before that its N performance subbrand will include hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles as well as traditional EVs. The vehicle looks roughly similar in size to the Sonata, but it’s not yet clear whether Hyundai’s first performance hydrogen car will be based on an existing model or new from the ground up.

    In one of the other videos, we get a brief look at a hydrogen-fuel-cell truck as the camera pans along the side of a vehicle with HTWO logos, Hyundai’s nascent hydrogen fuel cell sub-brand. Although it’s not a perfect match, some of the vehicle we see looks similar to the design of the HDC-6 Neptune semi-truck concept Hyundai showed off in 2019. The virtual forum will take place on September 7 on the Hyundai Motor Group Youtube channel before the company hosts a physical exhibition, presumably of the new vehicles, in Goyang, South Korea, from September 8 to 11.
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    2022 Indian Chief Range Launched In India – Price Rs 20.75 L Onwards

    2022 Indian Chief Launched In IndiaThe Indian Chief range consists of Chief Dark Horse, Chief Bobber Dark Horse and Super Chief Limited
    The 2022 Indian Chief lineup has gone on sale in the Indian market from today, Aug 27th. Bookings had opened earlier this year and deliveries are set to commence. Its launch marks the 100th anniversary of Chief brand in its lineup. The Indian Chief lineup consists of Chief Dark Horse, Chief Bobber Dark Horse and Super Chief Limited, each of which target different rider segments.
    Indian Motorcycle was supposed to bring these three models to India earlier this year but the pandemic situation derailed launch plans. Bookings for all three bikes had also commenced in March this year for a token amount of Rs 3 lakhs. Price starts from Rs 20.75 lakh onwards.
    2022 Indian Chief Range
    Indian Motorcycle 2022 Chief range in India take one back to old school touring motorcycles in terms of its design. Each of these three motorcycles sport bobbed rear fender and dual exhausts while they ride on Pirelli Night Dragon tyres. Colour schemes on the Chief and Bobber include a premium gloss black while Super Chief Limited gets premium chrome accents.
    Minimalistic styling is seen on the Chief Dark Horse while the Bobber gets a more vintage design with a massive rear tyre, muscular front end and bobber style seating. Super Chief Limited on the other hand is designed for long distance touring with a high windshield, saddle bags and cruiser styled handle bars. It also receives chrome exhausts and floor boards.
    Mr Lalit Sharma, Country Manager, Polaris India with the 2022 Indian Super Chief
    Indian Chief range in India are based on a classic steel welded tube framework. They receive a 15.1 liter fuel tank and dual exhausts. Features also include LED lighting, keyless ignition and adjustable throttle response via three ride modes of Sport, Standard or Tour. Dimensions are at 662mm seat height, 1,626mm wheelbase and wet weight at 304 kgs along with a 28.5 degree lean angle.
    Ride Command System
    Indian Chief range offers a premium riding experience with industry first 101mm round Ride Command System. This system can be operated via grip control or through a digital IPS touchscreen display. Riders also have access via multiple interfaces with two different gauge configurations, bike and ride information and turn by turn navigation.
    A wireless helmet allows riders to access music within Ride Command System with the smartphone synced via Bluetooth or USB. Riders can then avail all phone information with access to calls, contacts, number pad and text message and take in or decline incoming calls.
    2022 Indian Chief Dark Horse
    Engine specs on board each of the three Indian Chiefs will see a 1,890cc, V Twin Thunderstroke engine offering 162 Nm torque at 2,900 rpm. Suspension will be via 46 mm front forks with 132 mm wheel travel along with dual outboard preload-adjustable rear shocks. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) will be offered as standard. More