News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 113 Shares99 Views

      in Motor News

      Demolition Derby Cars: Window Shop with Car and Driver

      by

      In this week’s episode of Window Shop with Car and Driver, we look for vehicles that we think will survive a demolition derby. While the regulars have certainly crashed cars before, they didn’t do it on purpose—or so they say. For an expert opinion, we invited contributor Derek Powell, who has competed in numerous demo derbies over the past two decades and has a rather garish trophy to prove it. Powell gets the show rolling with a car he’s taken to victory: the Lincoln Mark V. With bodywork drawn using a T-square, massive overhangs, and a well-protected radiator, this car can withstand a lot of abuse. Powell also gives us some pointers on how to win. Next up, senior editor Elana Scherr surprises us with a Rolls Royce. The pick is a controversial one, but Scherr makes a strong case for the outrageousness of repeatedly crashing a Rolls. The conversation turns to all of the valuable things you can sell off this car as you prepare it for gladiatorial glory or death. In much the same vein, contributor Jonathon Ramsey selects a remarkably clean but high-mileage Mercedes-Benz S-class of the W126 vintage. Ramsey’s battle cruiser looks far too nice to send to automotive Valhalla, but the showmanship can’t be denied. Following Ramsey is Road & Track senior editor John Pearley Huffman, who presents a late-model Lincoln Town Car. The Lincoln certainly has its advantages, but the crew is a bit bored by the thought of seeing a Town Car smashed to bits. Deputy editor Tony Quiroga’s choice isn’t quite as exciting as some of the other contestants, but this car’s four-wheel-drive system raises some questions about what’s allowed to run in a demo derby. Come voting time, we argue about style over substance and whose car will be talked about after the derby ends. We also get so nostalgic for the celebrity demo derbies covered by ABC’s Wide World of Sports, we start watching a video of one from 1976.

      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

    • 175 Shares129 Views

      in Bike

      Hero MotoCorp Starts Retail Ops In Mexico – Xpulse 200, Hunk 190, Ignitor, Dash

      by

      Hero Hunk In Mexico. Image – SamuelHero MotoCorp begins retail ops in Mexico through distributor network
      As part of Hero Motocorp’s aggressive expansion plans in furthering global business, the auto manufacturer has started retail sales in Mexico. Business in the key market had been announced earlier in the year. And now sales channels have been set up to see the growth plan come to fruition.
      Product portfolio that has been currently introduced includes motorcycles and a scooter. This helps reach out to a diverse segment of customers. Vehicle range includes Xpulse 200, Xpulse 200T, Hunk 190, Hunk 160R, Hunk 150, Eco 150 TR, Eco 150 Cargo, and Ignitor 125, and Dash 125 scooter.
      Distributor, agencies and dealers
      The company has been able to offer these products at competitive prices through the retail arm of the distributor, agencies and dealers. This extensive network helps have control over distribution costs. Products will be distributed through an extensive retail distribution network encompassing dealer and consumer outlets, and service centres.
      The distribution agreement introduces a good range of products for Mexican customers. Alongside, customers can benefit from attractive financing options. With this development, buyers can now pick from a range of stylish and affordable two-wheelers. Vehicles are available with a warranty of three years or 30,000 kilometers. The products compliment Hero’s aim to improve its market share in the international market.
      Hero Dash. Image – hirudov
      Over time, Hero MotoCorp has reported phenomenal growth spurt in sales owing to their wide variety of high-quality products at efficient price points. In addition to this, they have built upon market reach that is envied by most other companies.
      Growth in exports
      Hero MotoCorp being a multinational conglomerate has a wide array of operations in many different countries around the world. The company has grown considerably over the years. In recent years, we can see its ever-growing presence an international level, and not just from its ever-growing revenues.
      Growth in global operations can be evidenced by volumes which have increased year on year. Amidst difficulties through the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Hero MotoCorp registered its highest-ever monthly dispatch to global markets in March 2021. Growth has been reported in the current financial year (FY22) too.
      Sanjay Bhan, Head of Global Business, Hero MotoCorp, said, “This is an important development in our international business growth story. Mexico will be a key market for us in the future and this is the first step in this direction. The range of products that we have introduced here should excite and cater to a wide segment of customers.” More

    • 138 Shares119 Views

      in Motor News

      Mercedes EQE Electric Sedan Teased ahead of Munich Reveal This Fall

      by

      Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the EQE will debut at the Munich (formerly Frankfurt) auto show this September, releasing a teaser image of a sedan that looks like a shrunken version of the range-topping EQS sedan.The first EV from the performance-oriented AMG division will also be revealed in Munich and will likely be based on the EQS.Mercedes will also reveal a Maybach concept at the show, which is expected to be the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV that was teased at a recent press conference.Mercedes-Benz has been on an electric-vehicle offensive this year, unveiling the subcompact EQA crossover, the slightly boxier EQB crossover, and the opulent, top-of-the-line EQS sedan. The German luxury marque is showing no signs of slowing down, announcing today that it will bring a slew of new electric-vehicle debuts to the 2021 IAA, Germany’s international auto show, being held in Munich for the first time after being hosted by Frankfurt since 1951.

      Mercedes-Benz

      According to the Mercedes announcement, two of the new EVs are set to be production-spec vehicles. The first will be the new EQE, seen in the shadowy teasers provided by Mercedes. The EQE will sit beneath the EQS in the Mercedes lineup and, as the name suggests, is effectively an E-class-size electric sedan. From the teaser, the EQE appears to have a similar jellybean shape to the larger EQS as well as smooth bodywork and a full-width taillight. The interior teaser shows ambient lighting, a digital instrument cluster, and a large central infotainment display reminiscent of the EQS’s gigantic Hyperscreen.

      Mercedes will also use the Munich show to introduce the first EV to be upgraded by AMG, Mercedes’s in-house tuner. In the announcement, Mercedes confirmed that the electric AMG will be a sedan, meaning it will likely be based on the EQS, since the only other Mercedes EV sedan is the EQE that will be unveiled at the same show.

      Mercedes-Benz

      Lastly, Mercedes will reveal an electric concept from the high-end Mercedes-Maybach luxury arm. Although Mercedes didn’t specify what shape this decadent EV will take, it will likely be an SUV, considering that Mercedes recently showed a teaser for the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV. The EQS SUV will act as an electric counterpart to the gas-powered full-size GLS, which itself has an expensive Maybach version. The concept’s design should be close to that of the production car, which has been spotted testing and is expected to go on sale next year.
      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

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Motor News

      Bowler's Defender Challenge Spec Series Rally Truck Looks Like an Absolute Blast

      by

      Bowler’s Land Rover Defender Challenge series is one of the coolest one-make championships on the planet. And with the new 2022 Land Rover Defender on the scene, that means a newly revamped spec racing truck. The Bowler Defender Challenge will use identically prepared vehicles based on the 2022 Defender 90 for the 2022 season forward, and they look like an absolute blast to drive.

      Like previous Defender Challenge trucks, each new model gets its interior stripped out and replaced by a full FIA-standard roll cage paired with racing buckets, harnesses, a fire suppression system, cut-off switches, and a host of other safety gear. There are column-mounted shifter paddles specially developed by Bowler, and a repositioned shifter for quick driver access.On the outside, Defender Challenge trucks get Bowler-designed 18-inch wheels and a modified front end to improve airflow to the 295-hp turbocharged inline-four. Underneath, there are underbody protection panels as well as modified subframes and bracing for the bespoke Fox Racing suspension setup, which increases the ride by just under an inch. Bowler is planning to run seven Defender Challenge events in the United Kingdom next year, with 12 entry spots available to customers. Each truck will cost the equivalent of around $138,000, and that includes entry fees for the season as well as full technical support at each race. If you’ve ever done a full season of stage rally before, you’ll know just how reasonable that is. You’ll be able to see the new Defender Challenge in action during its public debut at the 400-km Iceland Hill Rally, happening August 6–8, 2021.
      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

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      2022 Yamaha R15 V4 Front Look Spied – Gets More Sporty And Aggressive

      by

      Yamaha F 155 Concept Image For Reference
      Yamaha YZF-R15 rivals the likes of Suzuki Gixxer SF, Pulsar RS200, KTM RC 200 and TVS Apache RTR 200 4V
      R15 is among the popular entry-level sports bikes in the country. It has consistently featured in the top ten list of bestselling 150cc – 200cc motorcycles. Yamaha YZF-R15 has been in service in India since 2008. Over the years, it has received two generation updates, the last being V3 in 2018. To keep it fresh and relevant to evolving market dynamics, Yamaha will soon be launching the fourth generation model R15 V4.
      Yamaha YZF-R15 V4 key updates
      While the core silhouette remains unchanged, Yamaha YZF-R15 V4 gets an updated front fascia. Changes at the front appear to be inspired by R15’s elder sibling R7. As may be recalled, R7 had received significant enhancements earlier this year.
      One of the key changes is a single LED headlight setup. This replaces the dual-LED headlamps of the current model. The single LED headlight will be accompanied by integrated LED DRLs. The single LED unit in the front seems like the same unit which also powers the headlight of MT15 in India.
      It is also possible that front fairing may also sport a refreshed look. Other update includes USD front forks. The international spec R15 V3 already gets USD forks in the front. An updated digital instrument cluster could be another key change for Yamaha YZF-R15 V4.
      2022 Yamaha R15 V4. Image – iwanbanaranblog
      Apart from above, other visual aspects and hardware are expected to be the same as earlier. Riding posture is largely the same, a mix of comfort and forward-leaning stance. The bike has small clip-on handlebars and slightly rear-set foot pegs. Riding stance is sportier, yet comfortable enough for everyday commutes in city conditions.
      2022 Yamaha R15 V4. Image – iwanbanaranblog
      Yamaha YZF-R15 V4 engine and specs
      Powering YZF-R15 V4 will be the same engine as the current model. It is unlikely that Yamaha will fiddle with engine output. The 155cc, liquid cooled, SOHC motor is capable of generating 18.6 ps of max power at 10,000 rpm and 14.1 Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed constant mesh transmission.
      The engine comes with Variable Valves Actuation (VVA), which ensures ample torque delivery even at low rpm. The bike is also equipped with assist and slipper clutch. It reduces the effort required for clutch pull and ensures smooth downshifts during fast deceleration.
      New Yamaha R15 V4. Image – Abhinav Bhatt
      Yamaha YZF-R15 utilizes a deltabox frame that ensures superior rigidity balance. It has telescopic forks at the front and monocross rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by 282 mm disc at the front and 220 mm disc at the rear. Dual channel ABS is offered as standard. Other key features include multi-function LCD instrument cluster with gear shift indicator, side stand engine cut-off switch, and dual horn. More

    • 150 Shares139 Views

      in Bike

      New BGauss Electric Two Wheelers Launch In 2021 – Made In India

      by

      BGauss Electric ScooterWith these two upcoming electric two wheelers, RR Global owned BGauss company portfolio will consist of four products
      As demand for electric two wheelers increase, automakers are keen to introduce new and improved products into this segment. It may be noted that such is the growing demand for electric two wheelers that more electric two-wheelers were sold in first half of 2021 than in all of 2020. Total electric two wheeler sales stood at 29,288 units in the first 6 months of 2021 as against 25,598 units sold last year.
      It has just been announced that BGauss, Electric Vehicle Arm of RR Global, will be introducing two new electric two wheelers in India by Q4 2021. Ahead of official launch, the company has strengthened its manufacturing facility in Chakan, near Pune.
      100% Made In India
      The company has also stated that these two scooters will be 100 percent Made-in-India products. Not only that, these have been completely designed in India and developed in-house from the ground up. Special attention has been paid to design and safety, performance and efficiency of the upcoming electric vehicles designed by the BGauss team. Both the EVs have been developed to aid faster adoption of electric two wheelers in India.
      These soon to be launched e-scooters from BGauss will be added to the company’s current lineup consists of two models both of which were launched in October 2020. It is growing demand for these to existing models that has spurred the company to introduce two new zero-emission and eco-friendly offerings.
      BGauss Electric Scooter
      BGauss Electric Scooters
      The company’s current models – B8 and A2 scooters cater to the high speed and low speed e-scooter space respectively. The flagship BGauss B8 is offered in three variants of Lead Acid (Rs 62,999), Lithium ion (Rs 82,999) and LI Tech (Rs 88,999). BGauss A2 scooter is available in two models of Lead Acid (Rs 52,449) and Lithium ion (Rs 67,999).
      B8 receives its power via a 1.9 kW motor with 94.6 Nm of peak torque to offer a top speed of 50 km/h and range of 70 kms. BGauss A2 on the other hand offers a range of 75 kms and top speed of 25 km/h. Both scooters are available with a choice between a lead-acid battery and a lithium-ion battery.
      Along with enhancing its product portfolio, BGauss is intent on expanding its dealership networks across the country and specifically in all Tier-I and Tier-II cities. The company targets a network 35 showrooms to be added to its current count of 13 dealerships by the end of this year. Plans are also afoot to expand to over 100 showrooms by March 2022.
      As per the upcoming electric two wheelers, not much is known. These could be mopeds or scooters or motorcycles. These could also be for B2B usage, as load carriers. No prices of the upcoming EVs have been announced but they promise to be highly affordable and yet of premium appeal so as to cater to demands of buyers in India. More

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Bike

      KTM RC 200 Modified With Custom Kit, New Colour – For Rs 52k

      by

      KTM RC 200 ModifiedKTM is currently looking to overhaul its current generation lineup with next-gen models including a new-gen RC 200
      KTM is one of the most sought-after motorcycle brands in the aftermarket industry in India. The robust structure of the bikes gives tonnes of options to customisers to play with. We have another case of an RC 200 being modified into a custom bike which has been built for the purpose of taking it to the race tracks.
      The images are credited to biking enthusiast Adarsh Suresh and this particular MY2019 RC 200 is his personal possession. This custom motorcycle gets a complete styling overhaul by replacing the stock body panels with aftermarket panels. These aftermarket units have been sourced from Autologue Design, a customisation workshop based out of Pune.
      Modified Design
      The entire front fairing has been replaced by aftermarket fairing panels which are lighter and more aerodynamically enhanced. Front end of the bike wears an aftermarket wind visor which is larger than the stock unit.
      The stock dual-pod headlamp setup has been carried forward in the custom motorcycle. It gets a completely revised tail section with a rounded cowl and could now accommodate a single-seater saddle which can only accommodate a rider.
      KTM RC 200 Modified
      Like the stock RC 200, this modified bike also gets an underbelly exhaust. Even the front fender is attached to the front suspension forks. The underbelly engine used in this custom unit looks different and more sporty than the regular unit.
      The overall bike feels more sporty and aggressive thanks to aftermarket livery and body decals. The dual-tone colour scheme of red and grey is unique and would surely stand apart in a crowd.
      The exposed rear frame, subframe and alloys have been painted in black and not traditional KTM orange which goes well with the modified theme of the faired sports bike. Minor changes might have been done to its swingarm as well as its handlebar. Kit cost is Rs 35k (including KTM powerpart visor). Painting and graphics cost is Rs 17k. Total cost is Rs 52k.
      KTM RC 200 Modified
      Mechanical Specs & Features
      This means, mechanically this bike is identical to the stock RC 200 and with no change in configurations. The trellis frame sits on inverted forks up front and a mono-shock at rear. On the other hand, braking duties are handled by single disc brakes at both ends assisted by a dual-channel ABS as standard.
      The entry-level superbike is propelled by a 199.5cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which pumps out 25.4 bhp and a peak torque of 19.5 Nm. This unit is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. On the features front, RC 200 gets an all-digital instrument console loaded with details like real-time fuel efficiency, average speed, gear position indicator, shift light and regular data. More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      Okinawa Electric Scooter, EV Sales Cross 15k In Q2 2021 – iPraise And Praise Pro In Demand

      by

      Okinawa Electric ScootersSubsidies offered by many state governments across India on purchase of electric vehicles have given rise to EV sales
      Significant price cuts have been seen across the electric vehicle segment following subsidies offered by various state governments. This along with FAME II subsidy revisions by the Central Government along with ever escalating fuel prices, has led to increased demand in this segment.
      Especially talking about the e-scooter segment, Ola Electric has received resounding success for its electric scooter with 1 lakh bookings in 24 hours. Revolt sold out its entire lot for July in 10 minutes and sales of the Hero Optima electric scooter that once hovered around the 1,500 unit mark, escalated to 8,000 unit sales in the past month.
      Okinawa Sales Cross 15k In Q2 2021
      Ever since the new subsidies have been announced by various governments, the electric two wheeler market has received renewed interest. Okinawa Autotech claims to be the fastest going EV brand in India. They have now announced their sales numbers for Q2 2021.
      In April 2021, the brand sold 4,467 electric scooters, EVs while in May 2021, the numbers increased to 5,649. It went even higher in June 2021 to 5,860 units. This brought the total sales numbers for last quarter to 15,976 units. In the coming months, sales are expected to be even higher, thanks to economy opening up as well as increase in fuel prices.

      Month
      Okinawa EV Sales

      Apr-21
      4,467

      May-21
      5,649

      Jun-21
      5,860

      Total
      15,976

      Okinawa says, the company has expanded its presence with a huge customer base in the Southern states of India like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh & Maharashtra with the highest number of buyers in Madya, Bangalore, Kanchipuram, Nellore & Pune. Amongst its range of scooters, iPraise + along with Praise Pro were the most favoured EV two wheelers, built with style and high speed features. They topped the best seller chart leading to a great expansion in numbers.
      Subsidies and Related Price Cuts
      Incentives introduced by Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan Governments along with FAME II subsidy revisions by the Central Government has seen prices of electric scooters come down substantially. Premium offerings such as Hero Optima, Okinawa Praise Pro, Ather 450X, Ampere Magnus and Zeal are now cheaper by Rs 18,000-Rs 20,000 and in the past 4 weeks itself, sales have touched 18,000 units.
      Following these subsidies, e-scooters which were in the range of Rs 75,000-80,000 are now in a sub Rs 50,000 price bracket. For example, Ampere Electric has cut prices of its e-scooter by Rs 27,000 in Gujarat. Accordingly, Magnus scooter which as priced at Rs 74,990 has now come down to Rs 47,990 while price of Zeal scooter has been reduced from Rs 68,990 to Rs 41,990.
      Okinawa has noted a two fold increase in inquiries with most being for its top of the line Praise Pro variant. High demand is noted from buyers in Madya and Bengaluru in Karnataka, Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, Nellore in AP and Pune in Maharashtra. Along with rising demand for e-scooters, Tata Motors has also received increased bookings for the Nexon EV and the company is in talks with suppliers to help boost production.
      Bajaj, TVS and Hero MotoCorp EV Plans
      Thanks to rising fuel prices along with government initiatives and revised FAME II subsidy, several mainstream automakers are revising their electric two wheeler plans. Two wheeler makers Bajaj and TVS have plans to set up electric vehicle plants. Hero MotoCorp also has plans to becomes the next major EV player with Rs 10,000 crore budget allocation over the next 5-7 years along with Gogoro of Taiwan. The company has also recently unveiled the eMaestro electric scooter based on the petrol powered Maestro range.
      Set to make a foray into this segment is also Suzuki India with the Burgman electric scooter. TVS, currently has the iQube but also plans launch of Creon e-scooter while Simple One electric scooter will be unveiled on 15 August. Honda’s Benly-e is also an upcoming launch while Hero Electric already has quite a few EV models but seeks to improve on its current fleet with the AE-29. More