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      New KTM RC 125, 200, 390 Front Look Modified Via Render

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      2021 KTM RC 200 RenderKTM has introduced significant changes to its RC range across styling, features and ride dynamics
      Auto companies invest a lot of time and effort to ensure their products meet customer expectations. However, as tastes and preferences vary, it’s usually not possible to get positive reaction from each and every user.
      Whenever a new product is introduced, there are bound to be some negative feedback. This has been the case with KTM’s new RC range. Some users have been critical of the front fascia and fairing design of new RC range. In view of this feedback, digital artist Pratyush Rout has come up with an alternative version of new RC range.
      2021 KTM RC Front Modify – Render
      Primary focus of this render is to give a different front look. This is not a complete makeover project. Much of the bike has been retained in its original format. Most changes have been incorporated at the front and sides.
      At the front, stock headlamp has been replaced with a sharper two LED units on each side. These are flanked by LED DRLs have a similar boomerang shape, but there are changes to its angle and placement. Windscreen is now flatter and wider and wears a blacked-out look.
      2021 KTM RC 125 Render
      Another key change is the sleek rear view mirrors that have been equipped with an auxiliary set of LED lights. All these changes have helped achieve a dominating street presence for the bike. These changes have been introduced in a precise manner, so as not to disturb the aerodynamic properties of the bike.
      At the sides, fairing has been expanded to merge seamlessly with the fuel tank. It fills the gaps that can be seen on original RC motorcycles. Changes to the fairing ensure a more cohesive look and feel for the bike’s components. The fairing also gets new graphics. Apart from these, rest of the bike is the same as the original version.
      KTM new RC range details
      While new RC 125 and RC 200 have much in common, they have some unique features. For example, RC 125 uses LED headlamp whereas RC 200 has halogen light. Another key difference is upswept side exhaust for RC 125 and underbelly exhaust for RC 200. There are variations in colour options as well. Both bikes get an updated trellis frame with bolt-on sub-frame.
      2021 KTM RC 390 Render
      Talking about suspension, RC 125 gets WP Apex open cartridge fork whereas RC 200 has WP Apex big piston fork. At the rear, both bikes get a new WP Apex shock absorber. Engine is the same as earlier for both bikes. However, KTM has carried out some tweaks to ensure higher torque delivery and faster acceleration.
      Changes on RC 390 are not very different from that of RC 125 and RC 200. The bike gets a new single-piece LED headlight flanked by LED DRLs. Other components such as handlebar, front fairing, and turn indicators have been updated. A new TFT instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity has been added. Engine is the same as earlier, but torque output has been increased to 37 Nm. This pushes the top speed of the bike by a good 11 kmph. More

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      Mercedes Suspended V-8 Sales over 'Quality Issue,' AMG Boss Says

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      When Mercedes abruptly pulled the vast majority of its V-8 models from the U.S. market for the upcoming model year, it did something not just bizarre in the conservative auto business but unheard of in any sector. It’s certainly not typical for a large automaker with huge manufacturing capacity to close the ordering books on its most popular and profitable products—especially when many of those models have recently debuted. As for why, the company can’t seem to get its story straight.Reached for comment in August when the news first broke, a Mercedes-AMG spokesperson provided the following carefully parsed statement:”The Company’s prioritized focus to comply with various global, external and internal requirements, as well as several other factors, including but not limited to challenges in the supply chain, have an impact on the offering of the product portfolio in various markets.• Mercedes-Benz is exploring every opportunity to solve the challenges at hand as soon as possible.• We will be working closely with our dealers and customers to help alleviate any inconvenience resulting from delays.• We are working on a solution as quickly as possible.• Depending on the market, this concerns different model series for model year 2022. Please understand that we will not comment further on this matter.”Ahead of the Munich IAA auto show, though, Road & Track sat down with Mercedes’s head of the Top End Vehicle Group, Philipp Schiemer. Schiemer, who oversees Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, and the G-class, said that he couldn’t provide more info than that information-light official statement. Despite that, his response suggested a different reason than what we’ve heard so far.”I cannot provide you with more details. It’s a quality issue. We are updating our vehicles every year, and we are not satisfied with the quality. And for us it’s quality first. So we have to do some retesting and this is the process we are in at the moment. So it depends from model to model,” Schiemer said, noting that the V-8 S580 is still being offered in the U.S. “So it’s from vehicle to vehicle, from country to country a different kind of situation.”Asked whether he could elaborate on the quality issue, Schiemer replied bluntly: “No.”

      The new G-class has been a massive hit for the Mercedes, with a waiting list stretching far into the future and on-lot examples carrying five- and even six-figure markups. Suspending its availability is certainly strange.
      Mercedes

      Regardless, a quality issue cannot fully explain it. Because while that’d be a natural reason for an automaker to suspend production, it does not explain why the company—as a spokesperson confirmed—is extending production of the 2021 G-class despite the 2022 G-class being off-menu. It also does not explain why Aston Martin, which uses Mercedes’s 4.0-liter V-8, has confirmed that it will not be affected by this. And it certainly does not explain why this problem is different on a market-by-market basis.Supply-chain constraints are similarly unable to explain the totality of the issue, especially given that this came largely without warning and the company is still supplying Aston Martin with V-8s. That leaves the compliance angle, alluded to in the official statement and Schiemer’s comments. Most engine changes require recertification by relevant authorities, meaning that it can be a lengthy process to get a vehicle back on sale when there’s an unexpected change. American authorities, in particular, have often been slow to certify vehicles in general and especially German ones in the wake of wide-ranging emissions scandals. That may be the most likely explanation. One lingering question remains, though. Why—if it’s a bureaucratic holdup or a simple supply chain problem forcing recertification—is Mercedes being so opaque about it? We’ve reached out to the automaker for further clarification and will update when we hear back.

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      Michigan Will Build Out EV Charging Stations for Lake Michigan Road Trips

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      Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan announced the Lake Michigan Electric Vehicle Circuit this week. The plan is to get enough EV charging stations into the ground to give drivers the opportunity to visit the state’s west coast in zero-emission vehicles and not worry about where they’ll be able to charge the battery.It will take time to get the chargers installed, as the big plan for 2021 is a feasibility study.Last year, the Department of Energy announced it would build up alternative fuel stations along I-94 from Michigan’s border with Canada all the way to Montana.For a decade, most maps showing electric-vehicle-friendly highways and regions of the country have highlighted the East and West Coasts. But a new proposal announced by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this week will help turn Michigan into another EV charging hotspot.

      It’s called the Lake Michigan Electric Vehicle Circuit, and the idea is to build enough EV charging stations on Michigan’s western coast that electric-vehicle owners will be able to drive up the shore as well as reach “attractions, lighthouses, parks and local businesses” without worry about where they will recharge. Whitmer called the Circuit “the best new road trip for electric vehicle owners in America” when she made the announcement at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference, according to the Detroit News.”The circuit is going to entice residents and travelers to explore our incredible coastal communities and amenities while using clean energy, cutting pollution, and helping to protect our air and water,” Whitmer said, according to the News.

      It will take time for the Circuit to become a reality, though. The announcement may have happened this week, but the next step is to conduct a feasibility study this year and then, in the coming years, to determine how best to spend money installing the chargers in the right places. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy program will provide $1.25 million in initial funds to build out the network. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will also invest up to $5 million as it works with outside organizations on training workers who are prepared for a growing number of electric vehicles on Michigan roads.

      U.S. Department of Energy

      According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s alternative fueling station locator, there are 608 EV Level 2 charging station locations in Michigan, with 1227 total ports. There are also 148 DC fast-charge stations, with 388 ports, in Michigan. Twenty-six of those stations, with 224 ports, belong to the Tesla Supercharger network. Most of the public fast chargers are located in or near Michigan’s cities, including Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing, with around a dozen near the Lake Michigan coast.

      Michigan Governor Whitmer at Motor Bella in Detroit, September 2021.
      Michigan.gov

      Governor Whitmer’s announcement isn’t the only way Michigan is getting more EV chargers and alternative fuel stations. Last year, the Department of Energy and partners announced the Michigan to Montana I-94 Alternative Fuel Corridor, known as M2M, which will stretch 1500 miles along Interstate 94 starting at the Canadian border in Port Huron, Michigan, and continuing all the way to Billings, Montana. The M2M will include EV charging stations as well as stations offering CNG, biofuel, and propane autogas. Adding hydrogen stations in the future is also part of the discussion.
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      Ford Mustang Mach-E Passes Michigan State Police Testing

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      The Ford Mustang Mach-E has passed the Michigan State Police test to see if it is eligible to be rolled into the fleet.The Michigan State Police put Ford’s Mustang Mach-E through a battery of tests to evaluate everything from its vehicle dynamics to its ergonomics.A police-ready version of the Mach-E has already been rolled out for the United Kingdom.A Ford Pro electric police pilot vehicle based on the Ford Mustang Mach-E has passed rigorous Michigan State Police testing, the first battery-electric vehicle to do so. There’s no word yet if this means the Mustang Mach-E will roll into the police fleet. Ford also has yet to mention the differences between the Mustang Mach-E that Ford sent in for police work and the standard-issue Mach-E. Results of the 2022 round of testing, which took place September 18 and 20, will be published in detail later this fall, Ford said.The Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s first jump into a mass-market EV, which means it was only a matter of time before it was considered for use in a police force. Ford recently debuted a police-ready variant of the Mustang Mach-E in the U.K., so it probably isn’t a surprise that state police in the U.S. are also pursuing the idea. It’s perhaps even less surprising that the folks testing Ford’s latest are the Michigan State Police.

      Rod Kirkpatrick/F Stop Press/Immediate Network

      Looking over last year’s Michigan State Police 2021 Model Year Police Evaluation, it looks like this Mustang Mach-E will run through various tests ranging from standard acceleration, top speed, braking, and high-speed pursuit to vehicle dynamics evaluations and ergonomic tests.
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      As companies begin to bow out of internal-combustion-engine development, it is probably only a matter of time before EVs become common on your local streets. That also means police departments can be expected to switch to electric power, although that may happen slowly.
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      Top 10 Motorcycles 500cc+ Aug 2021 – RE 650 Twins, Hayabusa, Trident, Pan America

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      Image – Neev Motorcycles
      The premium segment of motorcycles include mostly foreign brands such as Triumph, Kawasaki, Harley Davidson barring Royal Enfield
      Popularity of big bikes with an engine displacement greater than 500cc has grown over the last few years with entries of many premium brands in the Indian market. Last month 1,247 motorcycles from this space were sold in the country, therefore, witnessing a YoY growth of 17.64 percent.
      Top 10 Motorcycles 500cc+ Aug 2021 – RE 650 Twins Lead Segment
      During the same period last year, 1,060 bikes from this category were sold. The segment was led by the 650cc Twins from Royal Enfield- Interceptor and Continental GT. Cumulatively, both these motorcycles witnessed a sales volume of 834 units last month which is 30 units short of August last year. It resulted in a YoY decline of 17.64 percent.
      Kawasaki dispatched 55 units of its flagship naked Z900 last month whereas Triumph sold 43 units of its entry entry-level naked motorcycle- Trident 660. Suzuki delivered 42 units of its flagship supersport Hayabusa last month and Honda sold 37 units of its middleweight naked CBR650. British brand Triumph dispatched 27 units of the recently launched new-gen Speed Twin. All these motorcycles have been fairly new entrants to the Indian market.
      Harley Davidson Continues Trotting
      Team Green sold 24 units of Ninja 650 in August this year as opposed to 33 units sold in August last year which translated to 27.27 percent YoY negative growth. The latest entrant to this list is Harley Davidson Pan America.
      Motorcycle sales 500cc+ Segment in Aug 2021
      While the iconic American motorcycle brand has quite independent operations in the country, it continues to retail its motorcycles through dealerships run under Hero MotoCorp. The Indian bikemaker sold 20 units of the flagship adventure tourer last month.
      Another Harley product Low Rider made it to the list at the ninth spot with 19 units sold in August this year instead of seven units during the same month last year. The flagship supersport offering from Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R witnessed a sales volume of 14 units. Triumph siblings Speed Triple and Street Twin also witnessed the same number of units sold.
      Kawasaki, Triumph Feature Multiple Models
      Ninja 1000 from Kawasaki witnessed a YoY decline of 47.83 percent in August this year as only 12 units of the sports bike were dispatched. The sole cruiser from the Japanese brand registered a sales volume of 11 units. Honda sold 10 units of its flagship adventure tourer last month while Triumph sold an identical number of Street Triple. All other models witnessed a volume of fewer than 10 units last month.
      This includes models such as Versys 650, 1200X Forty-Eight, Versys 1000, Iron 883, Fat Boy and more. Most of the motorcycles in this list are fully imported via the Completely Built-up Unit (CBU) route while others are CKD units. Only the 650 Twins for Royal Enfield are completely locally manufactured in India. More

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      TVS iQube Electric Scooters Reach World’s Highest EV Charging Station

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      TVS iQube Electric Scooter at the highest EV charging station in the world
      This new EV charging station is situated at an altitude of 3,720m – It is setup by goEgoNetwork, who claim that this is the highest EV charging station in the world
      goEgoNetwork, a Pune-based company has set up two EV chargers for two and four wheelers in Kaza. Located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, in the district of Lahaul and Spiti. This endeavor was a part of the World Zero Emission Day celebrations and a part of the Government of India’s Make-in-India policy.
      World’s highest electric vehicle (EV) charging station is a bid to promote electric vehicle infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. Its inauguration was marked by a Mission 0 Emission ride launched from Manali to Kaza with two TVS iQube scooters which was ridden by two woman bikers Ms. Maanvi Rawlley, Marketing Communication Specialist at goEgoNetwork, and Ms. Pratiksha Das, motorcycle influencer from Mumbai. The riders went through the Manali-Kaza route passing over the Kunzum-La Pass.
      TVS iQube Electric Scooter Ride To Kaza
      The EV charging station was installed with Bharat AC and Dual Socket Type 2 charger and has set a record of being the world’s highest EV charging stations (at 3,800m) in Kaza, Spiti valley. The two TVS iQube electric scooters did not encounter any problem while crossing the Kunzum Pass, which is at an altitude of 4,551m.
      The two riders covered the distance of 320 kms from Manali to Kaza by charging their TVS iQube EVs at 3 points. The scooters took on adverse weather conditions and mountainous terrain on the dangerous road from Manali to Kaza via Batal with ease. The ride was taken by these two women riders who also wanted to dispel the myth that EVs are not practical for long-distance travel.
      TVS iQube Electric Scooter In Spiti Valley
      Kaza Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Mahendra Pratap Singh, who inaugurated the EV charging station, stated that this would motivate people in the area to adopt use of electric vehicles. It would significantly help to reduce auto emissions and protect the mountains which are ecologically fragile.
      Made-in-India EV Charging Station
      The setting up of this charging station came after complaints were received from tourists about there being no EV charging stations in Spiti Valley. It is also a part of Government of India’s vision to becoming a 100 percent EV nation by 2030 and Pune based goEgoNetwork is committed to setting up more such charging stations at popular destinations in the country.
      The Bharat AC and dual socket Type 2 chargers possess a Made-in-India certificate and are in compliance with ARAI and OCA certifications. The main charging station is located at Hotel Dayzor and can be used for charging of all electric two and four wheelers.
      Access via goME App
      goEgoNetwork charging networks can be accessed via the goME App which can be downloaded from App Store and Play Store and helps users get to the nearest charging station via the quickest route. It also gives information on the type of chargers and charging capacity available at the station. More

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      New TVS Raider Vs Bajaj Pulsar Vs Honda SP Vs Hero Glamour – 125cc Comparo

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      Image – Deepak Rao VlogsTVS Raider and Hero Glamour Xtec are the most feature-packed models in the 125cc motorcycle segment
      TVS has thrown in a very strong card in the form of Raider as the Hosur-based bikemaker makes its return to the coveted 125cc bike segment after a hiatus of over a decade. At first glance itself, Raider manages to grab everyone’s attention with its impressive styling and sporty design elements.
      The 125cc commuter segment is already a crowded space with multiple strong players and TVS has put everything into making this a compelling product. Here we have compared it some of its strongest rivals such as Honda SP 125, Bajaj Pulsar 125 and Hero Glamour and see how does it stack up against its counterparts.
      For convenience, we have only considered the top-spec disc brake variants of each of the models mentioned above. The current disc brake variant Raider, in this comparison, has been considered as its top-spec trim. The bike will receive a new range-topping model with a range of connectivity features in the next couple of months. That model will be discussed at length later.
      Dimensions
      Starting with dimensions, the newly launched Raider is by far the longest in the segment and hence offers space for the rider and pillion alike. It also has the lowest seat height in this segment with 780mm and the joint highest ground clearance of 180mm, same as Glamour. At a kerb weight of 123kg, Raider feels extremely agile and nimble on road. However, on paper, SP 125 is the lightest at 116 kg.
      New TVS Raider Vs Bajaj Pulsar Vs Hero Glamour Vs Honda SP 125
      Features on offer
      In terms of features, TVS has loaded Raider with many features that are usually offered in a segment above. However, it gets trumped by the top-spec Glamour called X-Tech which comes with a wide range of exclusive features including Bluetooth connectivity, Navigation Assist and AutoSail. Other notable features such as a digital instrument console, side stand engine inhibitor and USB charging option are available in most of these bikes.
      The instrument console of Sp 125, Raider and Glamour Xtec provide a lot more information than the one in Pulsar 125. Barring Pulsar 125, all other models receive a full LED headlamp in their top-spec trim. Apart from SP 125, all other motorcycles receive an LED taillamp. TVS and Honda offer an integrated starter generator in their respective offerings for a silent start. This feature also turns off the engine when the bike is idle and can be started at just a blip of the throttle.
      Specifications
      Coming to specifications, all are powered by 125cc engines but Pulsar 125 is the most powerful in this segment with 12 PS whereas Raider is the torquiest of them all by a whisker at 11.2 Nm. Raider gets the advantage of 3 valves which should offer a smoother and linear power delivery. All these bikes are offered with a 5-speed gearbox paired with a multi-plate wet clutch.
      New TVS Raider Vs Bajaj Pulsar Vs Hero Glamour Vs Honda SP 125
      All motorcycles mentioned above feature telescopic forks upfront. While Pulsar 125 and Glamour receive twin shock absorbers, others receive a mono-shock at rear. Braking hardware consists of disc brake at front and drum brake at rear assisted by a Combi Brake System (CBS) for safety.
      As far as price is concerned, Hero Glamour has the most affordable base variant in this segment at Rs 74,900. Whereas the split-seat disc brake variant of Pulsar 125 is the most expensive in this space at Rs 87,409 (all prices ex-showroom). More

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      Super Soco CT3 Electric Scooter Debuts – 180 Kms Range, First In Class Features

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      SuperSoco CT-3 Electric ScooterSuper Soco CT-3 will rival the likes of BMW CE-04 that was unveiled earlier this year in July
      One of the leading manufacturers of electric scooters and motorcycles, China-based Super Soco has unveiled its first electric maxi-scooter named CT-3. This provides Super Soco the opportunity to make its mark in the premium electric two-wheeler space.
      The new electric scooter was unveiled during China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition, held at Chongqing International Expo Center in China. In addition to its home market, Super Soco CT-3 will be launched in European markets as well.
      Super Soco CT-3 design and features
      Maxi-scooters are known for their beefed-up proportions and Super Soco CT-3 follows on the same design language. It has a broad front fascia with LED headlamp and DRLs placed on the apron. Lighting apparatus has a simple, elegant design that’s neither too loud nor too dull. The scooter has a large visor, which should be able to provide adequate wind protection. It is held to the frame with four protruding hooks, which enhance the scooter’s sporty character.
      Body panels come with sharp curves and grooves, which work to ensure a dominating street presence for the scooter. They also help reduce drag and boost aerodynamic properties. This becomes all the more important for a scooter that runs on battery. It will allow the scooter to cover more miles on a full charge.
      SuperSoco CT-3 Electric Scooter
      Users can expect comfortable rides with Super Soco CT-3, as it has an ergonomic riding stance. The scooter has wide, elevated handlebar, which should work as an appropriate resting angle for the hands. Foot comfort has also been taken into consideration by providing ample space on the floorboard.
      For the pillion rider, the scooter has been equipped with large sized split grab rails. Pillion footrests are foldable units that fit in snugly inside the frame when not in use.
      Super Soco CT-3 gets a comprehensive range of hi-tech features such as NFC smart unlocking, parking assist function, and facial recognition. The scooter has a large 7-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Users can pair their smartphones with the digital instrument console to access a range of features such as turn-by-turn navigation.
      SuperSoco CT-3 Electric Scooter
      Super Soco CT-3 engine and specs
      CT-3 performance is just as good as conventional ICE powered maxi-scooters. It packs in an 18kW motor, connected to a 7.2kWh battery pack. On a full charge, the scooter can travel a distance of 180 kms. Top speed is around 125 kmph. These numbers are pretty good for an electric maxi-scooter. BMW CE-04 has comparable top speed of 120 kmph. However, its range is 130km. Recently launched Ola S1 Pro has top speed of 115 kmph whereas range is 180 km on full charge.
      Suspension system of Super Soco CT-3 comprises telescopic fork at front and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at rear. The scooter has disc brakes at both ends and ABS is offered as standard. More