More stories

  • in

    New Ampere Electric Scooter Magnus EX Launch Price Rs 69k – 121 Kms Range

    Ampere Magnus EX Electric ScooterNew Ampere Electric Scooter Magnus EX offers best in class driving speed of 53 km/h and a range at 121 km per charge
    Just at the start of the festive season Ampere Electric has launched a new variant to its Magnus lineup. The electric two wheeler market is already at a new high, and continues to grow even higher. India’s leading electric two-wheeler companies like Hero, Okinawa and Ampere are already seeing a 25-30 percent surge in demand, thanks to festive season. Many buyers in the Indian cities are now opting for electric vehicles due to ever escalating fuel prices and greater affordability thanks to several State Government subsidies.
    Ampere Vehicles with its two existing e-scooters of Magnus and Zeal has launched the new Ampere Magnus EX e-scooter priced at Rs 68,999. This price, with added state government subsidies, could go down further making it an attractive and lucrative buy for those seeking a cheaper alternative to conventionally powered scooters.
    Magnus EX is presented in three colour options of Metallic Red, Graphite Black and Galactic Grey. It gets an extended driving range of 121 kms per charge as per ARAI certification. It comes in with a 3 year warranty that covers aggregates and assurance of after sales support.
    Ampere Electric Scooter Magnus EX – Key Features
    Ampere Magnus EX measures 1,920mm in length, 685mm in width and 1,120mm in height. It gets a wheelbase of 1,390mm and ground clearance of 147mm. Maximum load capacity stands at 150 kgs. Magnus EX gets a detachable 60V, 38.25Ah Advanced Lithium Battery which can be charged via a 5 amp home/office/plug on the wall charging point.
    Ampere Magnus EX Electric Scooter Specs
    Its 121 km range per charge offers the rider an economical ride while it highly capable battery offers both increased power and better performance. It also gets best in class driving speed of upto 53 km/h while its 1200 watt motor is among the highest in capacity in its segment. Magnus EX also receives 2 modes of Eco Mode and Power Mode.
    On board features include keyless entry, vehicle finder, an anti-theft alarm system, a wide seat for better rider comforts and legroom space of 450mm. This new e-scooter also gets an LED headlamp with chrome accents, large under seat storage and boot light. For pillion safety, the scooter gets large foot rest and grab handles.
    Roy Kurian, COO, Ampere Electric said, “Customers are looking for more affordable ways to travel as petrol prices heavily dent savings of everyday 2W commuters. Magnus EX with its long distance per charge enables users to do multiple trips and complete their work & life goals easily. Magnus has been the preferred choice of multiple EV prospects across the country owing to its large comfortable space and distinctive ride comfort. In addition, now every smart Indian customer will get superior style, extra power & performance delivering extraordinary savings & smart ride every km of the drive.”
    Ampere Electric Two Wheeler Plant
    Ampere Vehicles is setting up an electric two-wheeler plant in Ranipet in Tamil Nadu. The plant is set to commence production by the end of this year. Current production of electric two wheelers being carried out at Coimbatore will also shift to Ranipet. Production capacities, which currently stand at 60,000 units per annum, are set to touch the 1 lakh unit mark by the end of this year. The company will follow a platform based approach with common components for different models. More

  • in

    New Hero Xtreme 160R Stealth Edition Launch Price Rs 1.17 L

    Hero Xtreme Stealth EditionHero Xtreme 160R Stealth Edition will primarily focus on style updates including new colours and graphics
    With enhanced aesthetics, Hero Xtreme 160R Stealth Edition could compete better with rivals such as Suzuki Gixxer, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Honda X-Blade. Launch of new Xtreme 160R Stealth variant is in line with the company’s strategy to continually refresh its portfolio.
    Earlier this month, the company had launched Xpulse 200 4V (4-valve engine), Pleasure Plus Xtec (improved styling and features), and Maestro Edge 125 (with Hero Connect system). It is priced from Rs 1,16,600, ex-sh. Stealth Edition brings several additional first-in-segment features such as integrated USB charger and LCD brightness adjustment. It also gets a new gear indicator feature on the speedometer.
    [embedded content]
    Hero Xtreme 160R Stealth key updates
    It is likely that Hero Xtreme 160R Stealth will get a new dark shade in matte finish. The primary objective will be to enhance the bike’s dominating road presence. Front fascia could be slightly tweaked to achieve that look. For a sportier feel, the bike will get graphics in contrasting shade. The wheel rims will have strips in contrasting shade. There could be other similar highlights on the headlamp cowl, engine, frame and rear tail section.
    Dark shade for Xtreme 160R will definitely improve the bike’s sporty profile. In its current form, the bike is offered in three dual-tone colour options. These are Sports Red (black and red combo), Pearl Silver White (black and white), and Vibrant Blue (black and blue). The bike is also available in 100 Million Limited Edition. This utilizes a combo of white and red on the front cowl, fuel tank and tail section.
    Hero Xtreme Stealth Edition
    Xtreme 160R Stealth features and specs
    Apart from aesthetic updates, Xtreme 160R Stealth will be largely the same as the standard model. The bike has a muscular profile, LED headlamp, sharp DRLs, sleek LED turn signals, sculpted fuel tank, compact sporty exhaust, integrated pillion grab, short tail section and unique H-shaped LED tail lamp. Most components including the engine assembly, frame, exhaust pipe, and alloy wheels have a blacked-out look.
    The bike has an LCD instrument console, which displays a range of information. Xtreme 160R customers can opt for Hero Connect that offers a range of connectivity features across vehicle safety and user safety. Hero Connect is available as an option for Rs 4,999. Other key features of Xtreme 160R include hazard lights, auto sail technology, and side stand engine cut-off.
    Hero Xtreme 160R Stealth will be powered by the same 163 cc, air cooled, single cylinder, OHC engine. It is capable of generating 15 bhp of max power at 8500 rpm and 14 Nm of peak torque at 6500 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed constant mesh transmission. The bike offers best-in-class acceleration, with 0-60 kmph achieved in just 4.7 seconds. It weighs 138.5 kg with single disc and can carry 12 litres of fuel.
    Hero Xtreme Stealth Edition
    Improved handling and stability is made possible with the use of a rigid diamond frame. The bike has Showa front forks and 7-step adjustable rear monoshock suspension. Braking duties are performed by 276mm front and 220 mm rear petal disc. Single-channel ABS is offered as standard. More

  • in

    Honda Electric Scooter Launch Next Fiscal Year – Chetak, Ather, Ola Rival

    Image for referenceIn the next few years, most mainstream two-wheeler manufacturers are expected to launch their electric models
    Although volumes are still low, things are moving in the right direction for electric two-wheeler segment. With huge subsidies, increased range and massive investment in charging infrastructure, consumers are willing to shift to electric. More momentum is expected in coming years, as established players like Hero MotoCorp, Honda, and Yamaha enter this space.
    Honda new electric scooter
    India’s second largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is expected to launch their first electric scooter in India in 2022-23. Although details about the scooter are not available, the plans have been confirmed by HMSI president Atsushi Ogata. It is known that the company is currently testing the BENLY e electric scooter.
    However, it is not certain if BENLY e is the product that will be launched in India. The scooter was showcased in 2019 at Tokyo Motor Show. BENLY e has been positioned as an electric two-wheeler for commercial use. So, the one meant for India could be an entirely new electric scooter. Globally, Honda Motor has plans to launch three new electric two-wheelers for personal use by 2024.
    Eye on global markets
    Along with domestic sales, Honda will be aiming to introduce its made-in-India electric scooter to international markets as well. The plan is to achieve a high level of localization. Honda is currently carrying out discussion with various component suppliers. Ogata said that due to its global plans, the launch has been shifted to next financial year. If the electric scooter was to be sold only in domestic market, it could have been launched this year itself.
    Honda Benly e Electric scooter
    An advantageous factor for Honda is that it already has the expertise and knowhow to develop an electric two-wheeler. The company is likely to use the Honda Mobile Power Pack (MPP) for its electric two-wheeler. MPP is environment friendly in the real sense, as it uses electricity produced though renewable energy sources such as solar power. MPP can also be used for other electric products such as e-rickshaws. Demand for the latter has consistently increased in India.
    Talks with dealers
    Honda is likely to hold discussion with its dealers to ensure that their business is not adversely impacted with the entry of electric two-wheelers. Since electric two-wheelers require relatively less service and maintenance, it could impact dealer profitability. To avoid such issues and protect its dealer network, Honda is working on various solutions.
    One possibility is to equip dealer facilities with battery charging stations. This will create a new revenue source for dealers. It will be beneficial for users as well.
    With localization, it is expected that HMSI will be able to launch its electric scooter at a competitive price point. If it has ample range and features, Honda electric scooter could emerge as another bestseller. The biggest success story so far in electric segment is that of Ola Electric. The company had registered bookings worth Rs 1,100 crore in just a 2-day sale period. Other scooters it will rival include Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, Ather 450X and many more. More

  • in

    Bajaj Pulsar 250F Testing Continues – LED, Instrument Cluster Spied

    Bajaj Pulsar 250FPulsar 250 will be the new flagship Pulsar branded motorcycle in Bajaj Auto lineup
    Bajaj Auto is gearing up to launch the new Pulsar 250 in multiple iterations on October 28. The upcoming quarter-litre motorcycle has been spotted testing on roads in the past few months on numerous occasions. All test mules spied until now have been heavily wrapped under camouflage thus revealing very few details of the bike.
    The Chakan-based manufacturer continues to test the upcoming Pulsar ahead of its launch towards the end of this month. The new motorcycle has been spotted testing again, this time in Kolhapur. Hat tip to Omkar for sharing the latest set of spy shots which clearly reveal the design of the LED taillamps.
    The recent spy images only reveal the rear end of what appears to be the semi-faired iteration of the motorcycle which is expected to be named Pulsar 250F. The bikemaker will also launch a naked streetfighter version of the same which will most probably be called NS250.
    Bajaj Pulsar 250F – Fresh Design
    As seen in the recent spy pics, the split style taillight in Pulsar 250 seems to be an extension of the ones seen in the current Pulsar lineup. Other styling highlights include split grab rails for the pillion, a raised tail section, a rear tyre hugger, a split seating setup and a side-mounted twin-barrel exhaust canister.
    Bajaj Pulsar 250F
    From previous spy images, we have noticed design attributes such as a clip-on handlebar, an engine underbelly cowl and a muscular front fender. The front fascia of the motorcycle flaunts a single-pod LED headlamp cluster and integrated LED DRLs. The semi-faired iteration of the motorcycle gets an even more aggressive front end with a large headlamp cowl and a flyscreen that integrates into the side fairing.
    Hardware & Features
    Another major update is the semi-digital instrument console which was earlier believed to be a fully digital unit. The console could, however, benefit from Bluetooth connectivity. Coming to its hardware configurations, the new Pulsar 250 will be underpinned by an all-new frame which will be suspended on conventional telescopic forks up front and a mono-shock linked to the swingarm at rear.
    Expected Engine Specs
    Braking setup will comprise disc brakes at both ends complemented by a dual-channel ABS. The upcoming Pulsar duos will be powered by a new 249cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled engine which is likely to pump out 24 bhp and 20 Nm of peak torque. This unit will be linked to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch. This engine is also expected to be equipped with variable valve actuation (VVA) technology.
    Upon its launch, Pulsar 250 is expected to be priced around Rs 1.60 lakh (ex-showroom) for the naked iteration and an additional Rs 5,000-10,000 for the semi-faired version. The Pulsar quarter-litre siblings will rival the likes of Yamaha FZ25 and Suzuki Gixxer 250 and SF 250. More

  • in

    Bizarre 'Lo-Res Car' Is up for Auction Now on Bring a Trailer

    The Lo-Res Car, created by the United Nude footwear company, takes inspiration from an abstract, low-resolution version of the Lamborghini Countach and is up for auction on Bring a Trailer.The body is composed of 12 tinted clear polycarbonate panels and sits on a steel-tube frame, with power coming from a 5-kilowatt electric motor.The Lo-Res Car is being offered for sale by the Petersen Automotive Museum, and half of the proceeds will be donated to an environmental nonprofit.While the vehicle you see here looks like a smaller, car-like sibling to Tesla’s radically styled Cybertruck, this futuristic wedge is actually the creation of footwear company United Nude. Christened the Lo-Res Car, this wacky vehicle was originally sketched by United Nude founder Rem D. Koolhaas, drawing inspiration from an abstract, low-resolution version of the Lamborghini Countach. While it’s tricky to spot the Countach heritage, the Lo-Res Car’s design is certainly stunning and now it can be yours, with United Nude’s vision up for sale on auction site Bring a Trailer.

    Bring a Trailer

    Four prototypes of the Lo-Res Car were created for promotional purposes, with the initial version winning a Wallpaper Magazine Design Award in 2016 and later prototypes appearing in music videos. This example, chassis number three, is built on a steel tube-frame chassis with a body made from 12 tinted clear polycarbonate panels. There are simple rectangular light bars in the front and rear, as well as illuminated United Nude logos. A KDS 5-kilowatt electric motor powers the Lo-Res Car through the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission, and it uses front disc brakes to come to a stop—although it likely never gets going very fast to begin with.

    Bring a Trailer

    To get inside, the remote-control clamshell bodywork raises to reveal fixed tandem seating made from polished metal with ribbed black upholstery. On either side of the seats are several light bars and the driver’s control panel—which includes an ignition switch, battery charge indicator, and other switches—sits to the right. The driver navigates via a chrome, hexagonal steering wheel, and there are simplistic digital displays positioned behind the wheel.

    This unusual creation is being sold by the Petersen Automotive Museum, which previously featured the car in its Disruptors exhibit in 2019 after acquiring it around three years ago. The Lo-Res Car’s mileage is unknown and it is not titled or registered for street driving. The Petersen says that 50 percent of the proceeds will be used to maintain the museum’s vast collection, with the other 50 percent being donated to an environmental non-profit called Energy Independence Now. Bids for the Lo-Res Car currently sit at $45,000, and the listing ends on Friday, October 15.
    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

    Lexus LX600 Looks Even Cooler in Special Off-Road Trim for Japan

    Lexus has created a special off-road version of the new LX600 SUV, but it’s only for Japan.It comes standard with locking front, center, and rear differentials and 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.We can only hope that Lexus will bring something like this to the U.S. eventually.The new LX600 is Lexus’s latest version of the legendary Land Cruiser, and Toyota’s luxury division is trying to get in on the off-road fun with a special version of the luxury SUV that’s exclusive to the Japan market. Called the LX600 Offroad, it features a few modifications that we hope will make their way to the U.S. market eventually.

    The main mechanical difference is the off-road model’s three locking differentials: one in the front, one in the center, and one in the rear, just like a Mercedes-Benz G-wagen. It also comes standard with matte-grey 18-inch wheels, compared with the standard model’s available 20- and 22-inch wheels, and different tires. Otherwise, it has the same four-wheel-drive system with a low range, height-adjustable suspension, and twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine as the other LX600 models.

    Lexus

    The Offroad also features black plastic cladding on the fenders and a different grille treatment than the Premium, Ultra Luxury, and F Sport models that have been confirmed for the U.S. Lexus says that the LX600 Offroad is only for Japan for now, but we wouldn’t be shocked if it eventually offers some sort of off-road package for the U.S.-market car.
    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 Lexus LX600 Is the Luxury Land Cruiser We Deserve

    Lexus has revealed the new version of the LX, which is called the LX600.It is a more luxurious version of the 300-series Land Cruiser and has the same twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 with 409 horsepower.The 2022 LX600 will go on sale in the U.S. starting next year.The Land Cruiser nameplate may be gone from the U.S. market, but Lexus is keeping the flame alive with the new 2022 LX600. The latest LX continues to be a spiffed-up version of Toyota’s iconic SUV with different exterior styling and a ritzier interior but the same hardware underneath. Given how close in price the previous Land Cruiser and LX models were, we can’t really argue with the company’s decision to have the Lexus be the only version of the latest 300-series model that’s available in America.

    The basics haven’t changed much, as the LX600 retains its body-on-frame construction, but it migrates onto the new platform shared with the Tundra and Land Cruiser and loses a claimed 441 pounds compared with the old model. Four-wheel drive with a low range is again standard, and the only powertrain for now is a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine with 409 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers beat the old naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V-8 on both counts. A ten-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.
    The new LX has the same blocky shape as before, but we like the more modern detailing and the spindle grille is better-integrated into the front-end design while still remaining imposing. Lettering that spells “LEXUS” replaces the “L” badge in the rear. An F Sport model is available with a blacked-out grille and 22-inch wheels, and it also adds a Torsen limited-slip differential in the rear and different tuning for the dampers.Lexus says that the approach and departure angles are the same as before, and an adjustable-height suspension offers three different levels. There’s a Multi-Terrain Select system with different drive modes, and various off-road camera views are available including a new angle that can show the ground under the rear of the vehicle.

    Several different seating arrangements are available, starting with the base trim that has a two-row setup that seats five. The Premium, Luxury, and F Sport models have a three-row setup with seven seats, and the third row now folds flat in the floor unlike the old model which had seats that would fold up to the sides of the cargo area. And there’s a new Ultra Luxury version with an interesting four-seat setup with two opulent chairs in the rear that recline up to 48 degrees and offer a footrest.
    A dual-screen infotainment setup uses the latest Lexus Interface software, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen up top and a smaller 7.0-inch touchscreen that controls the HVAC system and the Multi-Terrain Select modes. There’s also an 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster. Many driver-assistance features are standard equipment, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.Lexus says that the LX600 will arrive in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2022, and we expect it to start around $90,000 with the Ultra Luxury version reaching into the six-figure range.
    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

    Honda Reveals Details on New EV Lineup for China

    Honda is showing a range of concept cars that preview its upcoming EV lineup for China.The cars will be badged e:N and the concepts preview three different models including an SUV, a sedan, and a coupe-y hatchback.Honda’s first EV in the U.S. will be called the Prologue and will be based on GM’s Ultium battery platform.Honda won’t launch its first EV in the U.S. for a few more years, but things are progressing more quickly in China. The company is detailing its upcoming China-market EV lineup with a range of concept cars that preview upcoming models that will fit under a new subbrand called e:N. While we’re unlikely to see these models on our shores, they could provide some indication of Honda’s design direction for future EVs that we’ll eventually see in our market.The three e:N concept cars include a sedan called the e:N GT, an SUV called the e:N SUV, and a sporty-looking hatchback called the e:N Coupe. Honda says it will start selling these models in China within the next five years. All have angular styling with an interesting lighting setup that includes horizontal and vertical light strips on the front end.

    Honda

    Honda says it will begin production of these EV models in China by 2024, and the company also plans to created dedicated e:N dealerships in certain major cities. Eventually, e:N models will be exported globally, although we don’t know if that means they’ll reach the U.S. market. So far, all we’ve heard about Honda’s U.S. EV plans is that the company will launch an SUV model called the Prologue, along with an Acura variant, in 2024. These initial models will use GM’s Ultium battery packs, but Honda plans further EV models in the future as it works towards its goal of selling only electric and fuel-cell vehicles by 2040.
    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