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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

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    MG ZS Electric Could Get Smaller Battery, Lower Price – Rival Tata Nexon EV

    Image – Superior AutoBy reducing the battery capacity, MG might be able to price ZS EV more aggressively, thus, making it more accessible
    In a little over two years since it set foot in the Indian market, MG Motor has constantly fiddled with its lineup by introducing new updates to its models. This has been in the form of inclusion of new variants or a new transmission option. In other words, the carmaker has been wary of the volatile market and has focused on consumer needs.
    As per the latest development, the MG Motor India is getting ready to shrink the battery capacity on offer with ZS EV. The crossover is currently the only model from the company running on an electric power source. This information has been revealed from a type approval document submitted by MG Motor to the Delhi RTO office.
    New battery on offer
    At present, ZS EV is offered with a battery pack of 44.5Wh capacity which returns a claimed range of 419 kms (ICAT certification) on a single charge. With the shrink in battery capacity, it is expected to offer a lower range on a single charge. This could also result in MG Motor reducing prices for the electric SUV. According to the document, the updated ZS EV will now be equipped with a battery capacity of 40kWh.
    The downsized battery pack is also likely to take less time to get fully charged. Presently, a 7.4kW AC charger takes six to eight hours to get fully juiced up. On the other hand, a 50kW DC fast charger takes less than 50 minutes to juice up the battery from zero to eighty percent. The updated battery pack will be applied to both its trims- Excite and Exclusive.
    MG ZS EV to get 40 kWh Battery Pack?
    Currently, it is the Tata Nexon EV which is the best selling electric passenger car in the country. MG ZS EV is at No 2. Nexon EV is priced in the range of Rs 14 lakh to Rs 16.65 lakh while MG ZS EV is priced from Rs 21 lakh to Rs 24.21 lakh. By reducing size of battery pack, MG could get the price of ZS EV base variant closer to the price tag of top end Nexon EV. This will also help MG to boost their EV sales.
    Other Specs & Features
    Other than the change in battery specifications, no other updates are expected to take place on the electric crossover. The new battery pack will send power to the same three-phase permanent synchronous motor which will continue to crank out the same output of 141 bhp and 353 Nm of peak torque.
    Like every MG model, ZS EV is brimmed up with features that include an 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument console, a panoramic sunroof, connected car tech, projector headlamps, auto climate control, cruise control and inbuilt air purifier. In terms of safety, ZS EV offers six airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control (ESC), and hill descent control to name a few features.
    Existing MG ZS Electric
    MG Astor
    MG Motor is also getting ready to launch of Astor SUV. The upcoming C-segment compact SUV is essentially the IC engine derivative of ZS EV and was officially unveiled by the company recently.
    The carmaker claims that Astor will be the first car in India to be equipped with a fully inbuilt Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform. It is expected to hit showrooms by Diwali this year and will compete against the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq and the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun. More

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    GMC Canyon AT4 Ovrlandx Concept Is Ready for Any Adventure

    The GMC Canyon AT4 Ovrlandx concept takes the company’s mid-size pickup truck to the extreme, fitting a bed cap, tent, and rear awning for those seeking to live off the grid.The Ovrlandx gains a lift kit, Multimatic dampers, and 33-inch BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires, as well as custom bumpers front and rear and unique extended wheel arches.The bed cap comes with an integrated kitchenette and cooler, as well as jerry cans for extra water or gas should you run out while out exploring nature.Overlanding, a mashup of off-roading and camping, has seen a surge of popularity in the U.S. recently. Along with custom builds from creative off-road enthusiasts, automakers themselves have jumped on the trend. Last year both Toyota and Ford showed vehicles prepped for overlanding duty, and now GMC is joining the party with the Canyon AT4 Ovrlandx concept, revealed today at the Overland Expo Mountain West 2021 in Loveland, Colorado.
    Starting with a Canyon AT4, GMC added a heavy-duty front bumper with a winch and recovery points, an AEV rear bumper, increased underbody protection, and rocker-panel protectors. A lift kit and 33-inch BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires on 17-inch AEV Crestone wheels provide 10 inches of ground clearance and a 27.7-degree approach angle. The snorkel helps the Ovrlandx travel through up to 32.1 inches of water and guy lines running between the roof and hooks on the front fenders shield the windshield from branches along the trail.

    The Canyon AT4 Ovrlandx also gains Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and cast-iron control arms. Visual changes include black wheel flares with integrated lighting units, custom grille and headlight finishes, unique AT4 badges, a special leather interior, and a spare tire on a swivel mount. Most importantly for overlanding enthusiasts, there is a stainless steel bed cap with a tent perched on top and an awning that extend outwards to provide shade while you cook on the built-in kitchenette. The bed cap also includes plenty of storage, traction boards for if you get stuck, an off-road jack, and jerry cans for gas and water.GMC said the truck still uses the 3.6-liter V-6 engine and eight-speed automatic from the stock AT4. The Canyon AT4 Ovrlandx is simply a concept for now, but the company did say it is “exploring GMC’s vision for its growing lineup of premium yet capable trucks and SUVs,” suggesting that a more hard-core Canyon could potentially be in the cards.
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