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    Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 Delivery Units Spotted With Apollo Tyres – Instead Of Pirelli

    Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 Delivery UnitsAt the time of launch, Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 was shodded with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyresBajaj is having a busy 2024. Not only with their own brand, but also with their KTM and Husqvarna brands. After the 2024 KTM 390 Duke, KTM is launching an RC and an Adventure motorcycle based on the new 399cc platform. Ahead of that, Husqvarna launched the Svartpilen 401 based on the same platform. With a radical new design and attractive pricing, Husqvarna is poised to offer a better value proposition.Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 With Apollo TyresWhen opposed to the Rs. 3.10 lakh (ex-sh) pricing of the new 2024 KTM 390 Duke, the Rs. 2.92 lakh (ex-sh) pricing of Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 comes off as VFM, especially considering the shared underpinnings and platform. Also, Svartpilen is a scrambler-style design that is currently more trending than a street fighter.Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 – Pirelli Vs Apollo TyresAt the launch, Husqvarna promised the same 399cc engine as 390 Duke, a quick shifter, adjustable 43mm USD telescopic front forks from WP, Bybre brakes, Bosch dual channel ABS system, a 5-inch TFT instrument cluster, premium finishing, 17-inch wire-spoke wheels shod with Pirelli Scorpion Scorpio Rally STR tyres and more.The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres were showcased with the motorcycle at launch and the company’s official website mentions Pirelli tyres as well. However, some or most of the Husqvarna Svartpilen motorcycles about to be delivered to customers, don’t get Pirelli tyres.Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 – Spec Sheet Promising PirelliInstead, they are shod with less pricey locally manufactured Apollo Trampler XR tyres. The performance of Apollo Trampler XR tyres is not under scrutiny, but Husqvarna promised to deliver Svartpilen 401 motorcycles with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres.Customers who got in touch with Rushlane, stated that Apollo tyres are not as pricey as Pirelli ones. Despite that, there is no price reduction for customers who booked a Svartpilen 401 with Pirelli tyres. This has proved to be a turn-off for some customers.Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 – Pirelli Vs Apollo TyresWhat next?It is unsure whether this development is due to a supply-chain issue only for limited units temporarily or Pirelli tyres are not part of the package at all. There are a few images of Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 units at dealerships confirming the presence of both Pirelli and Apollo tyres.Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 – Pirelli Vs Apollo TyresHusqvarna has not yet revealed any reasoning regarding this. Both tyres offer a block-type pattern for traction on loose surfaces. Not just that, these tyres enhance the visual appeal of a scrambler-style motorcycle as well.Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 – Apollo TyresHusqvarna is also prepping to launch Svartpilen 250, sharing powertrain and platform with Vitpilen 250. The same has been homologated and is set to launch soon. Which tyres will be offered on the 250cc model? Only time will tell.Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 – Apollo Tyres More

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    2024 Bajaj Pulsar N125 First Ever Spy Shots – Launch Soon

    2024 Bajaj Pulsar N125 Spy ShotsBajaj is upgrading its bestselling Pulsar range and one of the new entrants will be Pulsar N125In the 125cc motorcycle segment, Bajaj currently offers the Pulsar 125 and Pulsar NS125. The upcoming Pulsar N125 will sit between the two. It will help Bajaj strengthen its presence in the 125cc segment that continues to register strong growth. Pulsar 125 range is currently ranked second in the list of best selling 125cc bikes, trailing Honda CB Shine.Pulsar N125 – Features, performanceBajaj Pulsar N125 test mule was spotted with telescopic front forks and a monoshock suspension at rear. The bike can be seen with disk and drum combo at front and rear, respectively. The chassis and overall design will be borrowed from the Pulsar N150. For example, the LED headlamp, fuel tank and plastic parts on the sides appear to be the same as N150.2024 Bajaj Pulsar N125 Spy ShotsHowever, specific features such as the split seats and alloy wheels are borrowed from Pulsar NS125. Other key features spotted on the test mule include wide handlebar, sporty rear-view mirrors, underbelly exhaust, short tail section and tyre hugger. The bike offers a comfortable riding stance with centrally positioned footpegs and pulled-back handlebar. The seats appear to be comfy for both the rider and pillion.Pulsar N125 will have 17-inch wheels at both ends, shod with tubeless tyres. 240 mm front disc and 130 mm rear drum brakes are likely. Powering the bike will be a 124.45 cc, air cooled, SOHC engine. It churns out 12 PS of max power and 11 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox.2024 Bajaj Pulsar N125 Spy ShotsPulsar N125 – Digital instrument consoleUpcoming Pulsar N125 is expected to get the same LCD instrument unit, as was recently introduced with the updated Pulsar NS125. A range of information is displayed such as speedometer, gear indicator, trip meter, odometer, RPM, clock and fuel level. Two dedicated buttons are provided to easily navigate the instrument unit. The LCD instrument has Bluetooth and can be paired with the user’s smartphone. It unlocks functions such as calls and text message notifications.Pulsar N125 – Launch date, PricingNew Bajaj Pulsar N125 is expected to be launched later this year around June. Positioned between the Pulsar 125 and Pulsar NS125, Pulsar N125 could be launched at a starting price of around Rs 1 lakh. It will primarily take on rivals such as TVS Raider 125 and the Hero Xtreme 125R.Upcoming Bajaj bikes in 2024Apart from Pulsar N125, Bajaj is also working on the updated versions of the Pulsar N250 and F250. Among the key updates will be USD front forks and a new digital instrument console. USD forks are already offered with Pulsar bikes such as NS160 and NS200. With the updates, the Pulsar N250 will have better capabilities against rival products such as KTM 250 Duke and Dominar 250. Bajaj is also working on a new CNG bike. It is expected to emerge as a game changer in the commuter segment.Source More

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    2025 Toyota 4Runner Teased in New Photo as Reveal Approaches

    Toyota just gave us a sneak peek of the new 2025 4Runner for the first time, revealing a close-up of the redesigned SUV’s rear bumper.The 4Runner is expected to be completely redesigned for 2025, entering a new generation with the Tacoma pickup as its base.The new photo comes a month after we spotted a fully covered prototype testing near Toyota’s R&D facility in southeast Michigan. Toyota has given us our first look at the all-new 4Runner, which is expected to arrive later this year as a 2025 model. The company teased the redesigned SUV in a new Instagram post that shows the evolution of the 4Runner through the ages, culminating in a close-up shot of the 4Runner’s new rear bumper. The written-out “4Runner” badge on the rear tailgate, which has lived directly under the Toyota badge for years, has migrated to sit directly above the bumper in a new blocky font. We can also spot redesigned taillights peaking out at the top of the image. The teaser comes a month after we caught a heavily camouflaged 4Runner prototype testing near Toyota’s R&D center (and Car and Driver HQ) near Ann Arbor, Michigan. That spotting indicated that the SUV will retain a similar size to the 2024 model, though the 2025 4Runner is expected to use the mid-size Tacoma pickup truck as its base. We’ll have to wait a bit longer for confirmation from Toyota, but, we expect the new version to be equipped with both the Tacoma and Land Cruiser’s hybrid and nonhybrid four-cylinder engine options along with the truck’s off-roading goodies. More 4Runner NewsJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

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    Ford Celebrates 60 Years of Mustang with Special Retro Badges

    On April 17, 1964, the world got its first look at a new model from Ford called the Mustang. Now, the Mustang is about to turn 60, and Ford is not letting that milestone go unnoticed. Ford announced a special Vermillion and Ebony (red and black) logo on Wednesday to pay tribute to the iconic American pony car. The new logo takes design inspiration from the badging and wheel center caps from the 1964 show car that debuted at the World’s Fair that year. The retro-themed badges are red with black stripes with “60 Years” text as a reminder of how long the Mustang has been around. FordBut the 60th-anniversary celebration does not end there. Ford teased a special feature that will be available to owners of the seventh-generation Mustang. Around April 17, Ford is going to push this new feature to those owners via a software update. There is no cost for this new feature. The automaker says owners just need to turn on Automatic Software Updates in the settings menu through their vehicle’s Sync 4 touchscreen to receive it. The Chevrolet Camaro is dead, and the V-8–powered Dodge Challenger has also driven into the sunset. That leaves the Ford Mustang as the only surviving V-8-powered American muscle car. No performance enhancements were announced along with the 60th anniversary, so it’s safe to assume the Mustang GT will continue on with 486 horsepower and 500 horsepower in Dark Horse trim. From the ArchiveThe Mustang was a sales hit the moment it launched in 1964 and has proven to be quite popular in recent years as well. Ford claims it was America’s best-selling sports car last year based on 2023 U.S. registrations. “As we get set to celebrate Mustang’s 60th anniversary, that same passion and excitement continues with our seventh-generation Mustang, now headed to customers in 85 markets around the world,” said Jeff Marentic, Ford general manager for truck, family, and enthusiast vehicles. More

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    Honda 6 Crore Sales Milestone – Crossing the Threshold

    Honda Activa6 crore sales milestone – Building Blocks from Manesar to VithalapurHonda Motorcycle & Scooter India has indeed traversed remarkable milestones, exemplifying its commendable journey in the Indian two-wheeler market. Achieving the monumental 6 crore domestic sales milestone in March 2024 is a testament to Honda’s unwavering commitment to reliability and efficiency. It marks a pivotal moment in its illustrious history.Since its incorporation (went solo) in 1999, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has strategically expanded its manufacturing plants across the country. From the first plant in Manesar to the recent expansion at the Vithalapur plant in 2024, Honda has established a robust manufacturing infrastructure. These manufacturing facilities serve as the backbone of Honda’s operations. They have enables HMSI to meet the growing demand for its products and maintain its position in the top tier.Honda 6 Crore Sales MilestoneActiva: Setting the Stage for Honda’s SuccessIn 2001, HMSI introduced its inaugural two-wheeler, Activa. Setting the stage for its remarkable trajectory in the country. The topselling Indian scooter continues to be a winning proposition this many years later.In 2002, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India commenced its exports, marking expansion of its operations beyond the domestic market. By venturing into exports, Honda demonstrated its confidence in the quality and competitiveness of its products. And this paved the way for further growth and success in the years to come.Honda 6 Crore Sales MilestoneMilestones of Triumph: Honda’s Customer JourneyThe subsequent years witnessed Honda’s steady ascent. Marked by notable achievements such as reaching the 1 crore customers milestone in 2012. A testament to the brand’s growing popularity and widespread acceptance among Indian riders. By 2015, Honda had further established itself as a dominant player in the Indian two-wheeler landscape, celebrating the 2 crore customers milestone.The years that followed saw Honda’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Milestones aplenty. HMSi announced 3 crore customers in 2017 and 4 crore customers in 2018. In 2021, Honda achieved yet another monumental feat, surpassing the 5 crore customers milestone.Honda 6 crore sales milestone, Driving into the FutureFast forward to March 2024, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has gone a step further. Achieving 6 crore domestic sales. Throughout its journey, Honda has diversified its product portfolio to cater to the evolving needs and preferences of Indian consumers. From the fuel-efficient 100cc Shine to the luxurious 1800cc GoldWing Tour, Honda offers a comprehensive range of scooters and motorcycles. There’s something for everyone.Honda continues to chart new territories and push the boundaries of innovation. Along the way, it remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering exceptional products and experiences to Indian consumers. With a legacy built on trust, and reliability, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India is poised to shape the future of mobility in India and beyond. And that future looks electric. More

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    Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Awarded World Performance Car Of The Year

    Hyundai Ioniq 5 NWhen compared to its immediate rivals, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N packs the right balance of nostalgic design, impeccable dynamics and blistering performanceEver since its launch, Hyundai Ioniq 5 has not only grabbed eyeballs but has also gained a lot of recognition. More recently, Hyundai Motor Company has bagged yet another plaque at the 2024 World Car Awards. It was the Ioniq 5 N that facilitated this award in the World Performance Car section. This marks the fourth major victory for all-electric Ioniq 5 lineup.Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Awarded World Performance CarThis is not the first time Hyundai Ioniq 5 has made its presence known at the World Car Awards. Building on the past success on global stages, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has bagged the World Performance Car award.This recent accolade for Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is in fact the fourth one that this retro-styled fully electric crossover SUV has added to its belt within the past three years since its debut. The high-performance N version was introduced in July 2023 and is a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to designing and developing driver-centric high-performance vehicles.Ioniq 5 N is also a shining beacon highlighting company’s relentless pursuit in motorsports and is proof of Hyundai’s engineering prowess. Continuing its winning streak at the World Car Awards in 2024, Hyundai’s Ioniq lineup has bagged as many as four World Car Award wins in the last three years.Hyundai Ioniq 5 NWorld Car Awards announced this year’s winners at the 2024 New York International Auto Show. World Car Awards is an annual event witnessing around 100 international jurors across as many as 29 countries who test-drive and rank eligible cars and position them winners in their nominated segment.In both 2022 and 2023 years, IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 models from Hyundai achieved three consecutive wins in the World Car, World Electric Vehicle, and World Car Design categories. The increasing nominations and wins at global platforms like World Car Awards further cement Hyundai’s position as a leading automaker.Ioniq 5 N is a specially designed vehicle aimed to take on the mighty Nurburgring. This electric crossover SUV packs an 84 kWh battery, powering two electric motors, one at each axle. Performance metrics include a maximum of 641 horses (N Grin Boost) and a top-speed of 260 km/h. Ioniq 5 N can sprint to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds.Statement from Hyundai Motor Company“We are thrilled and honoured to receive the prestigious World Performance Car award for our IONIQ 5 N,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “This recognition is a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric performance and innovation.It is truly gratifying to see our efforts rewarded with a total of seven World Car Awards titles in the last three years. We are proud to continue our winning streak and solidify Hyundai’s position as a leader in the global EV industry.” More

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    Hero Mavrick 440 To Launch In The UK – Most Affordable A2-legal Roadster Likely

    Hero Mavrick 440 to launch in the UKSimilar to the Indian market, Hero Mavrick 440 will take on rivals such as Triumph Speed 400 and Royal Enfield Bullet 350 in the United KingdomWith its partnership with Harley-Davidson, Hero MotoCorp is looking to target the premium motorcycle segment. Harley-Davidson X440 based Hero Mavrick 440 was launched earlier this year in February. Going forward, plans are to introduce the Mavrick across international markets such as the United Kingdom.Hero Mavrick 440 – UK launch soonWhile the Hero brand is not widely known in the UK, the Harley-Davidson DNA of Mavrick 440 can work to its advantage. Hero can also deliver more value to customers by launching Mavrick 440 in the UK at a competitive price point.Hero Mavrick 440 to launch in the UKFor reference, Triumph Speed 400 is available in the UK at a starting price of £4,995. Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is offered at £4,709. While there is no official statement about the pricing of Mavrick 440 in the UK, it is likely to be cheaper than Speed 400. In India, Hero Mavrick is priced at Rs 1.99 lakh, which is approximately £1,900.In the UK, Hero Mavrick will cater to A2 motorcycle license holders. This category is for people who are 19 years or older. The engine displacement for A2 should be at least 395cc and engine output should not be more than 47 bhp.Hero Mavrick 440 to launch in the UKPowering the Mavrick is a 440cc, air cooled with oil cooler engine. It churns out 27 bhp of max power and 36 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The bike has an assist and slipper clutch, which will be useful for folks who have recently got their A2 license in the UK.Hero Mavrick 440 Vs. UK rivalsRival Triumph Speed 400 is equipped with a 398.15 cc, liquid cooled, DOHC, single cylinder engine. It generates 39.5 bhp and 37.5 Nm and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Speed 400 has 43 mm USD Big Piston forks, whereas Mavrick comes with standard telescopic front forks. Royal Enfield Bullet 350 also has standard telescopic forks. Only difference is Mavrick has 43 mm, whereas Bullet 350 has 41 mm forks. Both bikes have 130 mm of travel for the front suspension. Triumph Speed 400 offers 140 mm of travel.Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is equipped with a 349cc, single cylinder, air-oil cooled engine. It generates 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm and is mated to a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox. While Mavrick and Bullet have twin rear shock absorbers, Speed 400 is equipped with a gas monoshock RSU at rear. All three bikes have dual-channel ABS as standard. While being affordable, Hero Mavrick 440 has premium features such as a full digital instrumentation with Bluetooth and turn-by-turn navigation.In the UK, Hero has chosen MotoGB as their distribution partner. While the UK-spec version will be largely the same as sold in India, there could be some changes in colour options. It will be interesting to see how Hero Mavrick 440 performs in international markets. Before Mavrick is launched, it is possible that Hero may introduce the Vida V1 Pro electric scooter in the UK.Source More

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    Automakers to Face Shipping Disruptions Following Baltimore Bridge Collapse

    Numerous automakers are facing shipping challenges after Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed earlier this week.Traffic has been suspended at the Port of Baltimore until further notice, creating issues for many automakers who import vehicles through this large and busy port.According to Automotive News, Audi, Bentley, Ford, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Lamborghini, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volvo depend on the port for importing, exporting, and parts shipment.Numerous automakers are facing shipping challenges on America’s Eastern seaboard following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which left six people missing and presumed dead. The collapse occurred after a 948-foot container ship collided with the bridge, bringing it down almost immediately. On Tuesday, following the collapse, the Port of Baltimore said that vessel traffic in and out of the port would be suspended until further notice, though trucks within the port’s terminals can still be processed.KENA BETANCUR|Getty ImagesVehicles leaving the port in Baltimore after the incident on Tuesday, March 26. The port’s closing has created a logistical headache for many automakers who use the area to import vehicles into the United States. Most major automakers use this location to import and export vehicles and parts.A report from Automotive News notes that Volkswagen and BMW are two examples of automakers that will be less affected because their terminals are located east of the bridge and remain accessible. Others are not so lucky, the paper said, and are being forced to find workarounds until things can return to normal. “This is a terrible tragedy and our sympathies go out to those injured and still missing in Baltimore,” said John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a firm that represents Ford, GM, Toyota, and Volkswagen, among other major automakers in the U.S. “It’s too early to say what impact this incident will have on the auto business, but there will certainly be a disruption. Baltimore is the No. 1 automobile port in the U.S., and we’re in touch with federal officials to help them understand the scale of automotive operations there.”Cargo ContentLast year, the private and public terminals within the Baltimore port handled 847,158 cars and light trucks. That’s more than any other port inside the United States. “It’s a large port with a lot of flow through it, so it’s going to have an impact,” John Lawler, Ford CFO, said Tuesday on Bloomberg TV. “We’ll work on the workarounds. We’ll have to divert parts to other ports along the East Coast or elsewhere in the country.”Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Dimitris Psillakis told CNBC that not enough time has passed to glean an accurate picture. “It’s too early to see the effects,” Psillakis said on ‘Money Movers.’ “The situation is still developing, so we’ll do our best to make sure we find ways to supply vehicles to the market. But it is still too early to judge.” He also said the Baltimore port is one of four U.S. distribution centers that the company uses for vehicles coming from Germany. A spokesperson for General Motors told the Detroit Free Press that the automaker is working with its logistics providers to find shipping options at other ports and that GM does not expect major disruptions to its shipping operations. Like GM, many of the automakers affected by the suspension in traffic in the Baltimore port say they expect minimal impact. But the extent of the disruptions likely won’t be known for some time yet, as with the supply-chain problems that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More