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      2021 MV Agusta F3 Rosso Revealed – Gets Updated Powertrain, Features

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      2021 MV Agusta F3 RossoMV Augusta F3 Rosso is pitted against the likes of Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and Ducati Panigale V2
      MV Agusta is a leader in getting art and superbikes together. All their motorcycles are scorching head turners. Not just looks but the motorcycle from the Italian brand also possess some feisty performance which makes them one of the most loved machines on tracks. The company has updated another one of its speed demons for 2021 with updated emission norms and a few additional techs.
      The Italian superbike maker has updated F3 Rosso for 2021 which is now Euro-5 compliant and gets a brand-new set of electronics. However, the upgrades are far more complex and nuanced which is said to offer even better driving pleasure without compromising on environment.
      2021 MV Agusta F3 Rosso
      Design
      In terms of design, the overall styling of F3 Rosso is still intact with subtle tweaks added to accentuate the bike’s sporty appeal. As evident, the design of F3 has been derived from its larger sibling F4 which is considered to be one of the best-looking motorcycles ever made. It continues to feature a single-pod headlight, a fully-faired design, rear-view mirrors mounted on front fairing with integrated turn indicators and split-style seats.
      The exhaust setup has been revised slightly. The triple-outlet rectangular exhaust canisters are now wrapped in a black heat shield instead of the old silver one which looks sharper. In addition, the dazzling Agostini Red colour scheme with the contrasting black engine-gearbox assembly and underpinnings would swoon the hearts of any racer.
      2021 MV Agusta F3 Rosso
      Updated Features, Rider Aids
      The updated equipment gets a new 5.5-inch TFT instrument console with legible readouts, however, the graphics seem underwhelming. The display comes with Bluetooth connectivity as well as MV Ride App which can be paired to any Android or iOS device which enables riders to customise the settings according to their liking. It also provides turn-by-turn navigation and allows riders to share their trip information on social media platforms.
      2021 F3 Ross also gets an updated set of electronics with a new IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) platform. It is now offered with cornering ABS which has been developed by Continental and a lean-sensitive traction control system for a better grip on the road. MV Agusta has provided an updated Front Lift Control system or wheelie control in common terms that allows a controlled wheelie rather than prevent it altogether.
      More Accessible High-End Performance
      The middleweight superbike is still powered by the same 798cc, inline three-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor but has undergone some small yet significant updates. The DLC (Diamond-like-Carbon) coating on cylinder walls and redesigned valve guides have resulted in a reduction in internal friction. Other updates include new injectors offering more injection pressure and a revised exhaust manifold have led to better power and torque curves.
      2021 MV Agusta F3 Rosso
      Although the output figures of 145 bhp at 13,000 rpm and 88 Nm at 10,100 rpm are almost similar to its predecessor, the peak torque is now achieved 500 rpm earlier. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox which gets a new clutch basket and a third generation Quick-Shift EAS 3.0 bi-directional quick-shifter which makes faster and smoother shifts.
      No changes have been made to its suspension setup which gets Marzocchi USD forks at front and a Sachs mono-shock at rear, both fully adjustable. Prices for the updated F3 Rosso are expected to be announced in coming weeks. Its launch in India remains uncertain as MV Agusta currently has no local distributor since Kinetic-owned MotoRoyale terminated the agreement with the company a year ago. More

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      Seatbelt For Motorcycle Riders Patented By Italdesign

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      Motorcycle seatbelt patent by Italdesign
      The system is built around a backrest shell and sensors which are controlled by onboard computers
      Seatbelts have proven to be a boon to vehicular safety and we cannot thank Volvo enough for not just creating them but also releasing the patents to the entire world. While this simple and purely mechanical technology has been a mainstay for safety in vehicles with four or more wheels, it strangely hasn’t found any place in two-wheelers.
      However, it seems that an Italian designing firm has come with a solution regarding this. Italdesign has patented a smart seat belt system for motorcycles and scooters which will protect the rider in case of an accident. The company is also responsible for creating some of the most iconic automotive designs including Ducati 860 GT, first-gen Volkswagen Golf and Lamborghini Gallardo.
      This system has the capability to recognise the type of accidents and react accordingly and thereby minimising possible injuries. It has been designed to keep the rider in place in certain accidents while in other kinds of accidents it allows a rider to separate from the bike if and when needed. This is carried out with the help of onboard computers and sensors.
      How Does the System Work?
      The system is built around a rigid, shell-like backrest that is attached to the two-wheeler via a flexible joint. The rider wraps around the backrest shell is a type of 6-point harness allowing the rider to move to a certain degree. A quick-release system that allows the entire backrest shell to get uncoupled from the two-wheeler when needed.
      Motorcycle seatbelt patent by Italdesign
      In the event of an accident, the algorithms from the computers will be able to identify the best course of action whether to release the rider or hold them intact. It is somewhat similar to deployment of airbags in cars.
      Motorcycle seatbelt patent by Italdesign
      In case of a head-on collision, the system will keep the rider in place and thus prevent him/her from being flung off the two-wheeler and making the situation grimmer. In other cases like losing traction around a corner and sliding the system will detach the rider from the vehicle along with the backrest.
      Applicable to which kind of vehicles?
      It is still unclear as to which stage of development this system is in. While the idea appears to be an interesting concept, more details on it will help us reach an appropriate judgment.
      And although the smart seatbelt mechanism does allow a wee bit of movement for riders, it certainly does not seem suitable for engaging types of motorcycles where movement of body is of paramount importance to gain optimal performance. At best, it could be tried out for beginner riders or at scooter and commuter motorcycles. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Ford EV Plans For Future Revealed – Bronco Electric Could Be A Possibility

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      Ford EcoSport Electric In Bronco Styling – RenderThe upcoming lineup of Ford EVs will comprise battery-powered versions of Explorer, Aviator and maybe Bronco as well
      With future of the global automotive industry heavily dependent on battery-powered solutions, automakers worldwide have started planning their future ahead accordingly. One of the largest auto manufacturers Ford recently held a Capital Markets Day presentation which was mostly dedicated to future electric vehicles to be rolled out by the company.
      The American carmaker announced that it will be launching new dedicated electric vehicle platforms and will develop new IonBoost batteries for future EVs. The company estimated that almost 40 percent of its global sales will be EVs by the year 2030. Laying the groundwork for its next decade of vehicle production teased several new products and services.
      Future EV Platforms
      The Blue Oval brand announced that it will be spending more than USD 30 billion on electrification of vehicles by 2025. The company had previously committed USD 22 billion toward electrification.
      Furthermore, it went on to add that it currently possesses five global vehicle platforms but with EVs coming into picture, these architectures need to be reimagined to meet required conditions. Cars based on these new platforms will be able to share motors, gearboxes, battery packs and battery management systems across the lineup.
      Ford Electric Platform
      This is in addition to other cross vehicle technologies which will enable Ford to share up to 80% of a vehicle’s components across its portfolio. The company also previewed its upcoming RWD / AWD BEV Flexible Architecture which will underpin several new generation models of high-volume battery-powered vehicles between now and 2030 including some ‘rugged SUVs’.
      Prospective Ford EV Lineup
      While Ford didn’t dive into specifics, it confirmed that the upcoming platform will be available in two derivatives- one for 2- and 3-row crossovers, cars and SUVs and the other mid-size and full-size pickup trucks. The former category will comprise models such as electric versions of Explorer and Lincoln Aviator. Although the American carmaker didn’t specifically mention it, we also expect an electrified Bronco underpinned by the same architecture in future.
      The second derivative will underpin the F-series pickup trucks for example the next-gen F-150 Lightning which could arrive as early as 2025. The first-gen model made its debut a few days back and is expected to go on sale in the coming months, it is also expected to form bases for electric versions of Expedition and Navigator.
      Ford Electric Platform
      The electrification of the pickup segment is critical for Ford since it expects about 1/3rd of full-size pickup trucks to be fully electric by 2030. This would mean around 800,000 electric pickup trucks will be produced annually.
      Battery Development
      Ford also shed light on its battery manufacturing segment and revealed that the BlueOvalSK joint venture will develop battery packs and arrays at two different facilities in the US. The next generation of batteries from Ford will be called IonBoost+.
      The company also unveiled its plans would include development of IonBoost lithium-ion batteries, IonBoost Pro lithium iron phosphate batteries (for commercial vehicles), and long-range, low-cost solid-state batteries. The carmaker finally added that it will be expanding its commercial vehicle business by nearly double to $45 billion by 2025. More

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      in Motor News

      SSC Gave the Track-Only Tuatara 500 More Horsepower

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      The SSC Tuatara is one of the more extreme cars on sale right now. With a 1750-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 and a verified top speed of 282 mph, there isn’t much else out there that can compete. If you think those numbers just aren’t extreme enough, don’t fret. The company has just revealed two new variants of the car, each more extreme than the next. The first, dubbed the Tuatara Striker, gets a heaping of added downforce over the normal car thanks to a new fixed rear wing with an added active element, a vertical stabilizer, a large splitter, dive planes, vaned side rockers, and an augmented diffuser out back. SSC claims approximately 1100 pounds of downforce across the car at 160 mph—triple what the base car produces at the same speed. The weight is distributed 45.4 percent front and 54.6 percent rear, “ensuring optimized balance, predictability, and exceptional confidence in stability,” according to SSC. The 1750-hp drivetrain remains unchanged, suggesting top speed is down versus the standard car thanks to all the additional drag (SSC did not release performance figures for the Striker).

      Then there’s the Tuatara Aggressor. It’s a track-only variant that takes many of the upgrades found on the Striker and adds a bunch of customer bespoke options not available on the street-legal version, allowing buyers to customize nearly every aspect of the car to their liking. Add-ons include things like five-point harnesses, racing buckets, and even a custom-tuned exhaust sound. The Aggressor can also be ordered with a power upgrade option that bumps output to 2200 horses.

      SSC says production of the Tuatara and its newly announced variants is already underway. The company plans to build 100 examples of the base and Striker versions combined, and another 10 Aggressors. If you want one, we suggest getting your order in sooner rather than later. Just be prepared to lay down the $2 million plus for the opportunity.

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      in Motor News

      Morgan Makes Minor Updates to Its 2022 Lineup

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      Yes, the venerable British automaker Morgan is still around and still making sports cars.Both the Plus Four and Plus Six now ride on a new bonded aluminum platform.Model year 2022 will see those cars get some very minor improvements.Morgan is still making cars over in Jolly Old and still selling them here in the U.S. In fact, it has just released the new 2022-model-year version of its Plus Four and Plus Six roadsters, with a small smattering of minor improvements throughout each model.But before we get into that, first maybe we’d better remind you of all that Morgan is and has been. The company was founded in 1909 when H.F.S. Morgan built his first car, a three-wheeled sporty thing called, appropriately, the Three Wheeler. Morgan still makes a Three Wheeler—two in front and one driven wheel in back—that is legal for all U.S. roads.

      The company still has Morgan family members involved, too, with the fourth generation now of age. But the majority shareholder is a company called Investindustrial, with holdings in everything from water parks and chocolate to health care and . . . sports cars. Through it all, Morgan has managed to remain true to its roots promising products made of “ash, aluminum, and leather.” (Sounds like that bumper sticker you had on your custom van in the ’60s.)

      The four-cylinder Morgan Plus Four.
      Morgan Motor Company

      In 2019, when Investindustrial took over, Morgan introduced a new bonded-aluminum platform called CX-Generation. The first model to get it was the Plus Four, so called because it has a four-cylinder engine. The following year the Plus Six got the CX-Generation platform. The Plus Six has, obvs, a six-cylinder powerplant. Both powertrains are from BMW, a power source for Morgan for the past two decades. The Plus Four gets a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo good for 255 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque between 1000 and 5000 revs. You can choose between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Get the automatic, since it gets to 62 mph quickest, in 4.8 seconds.The Plus Six gets a BMW B58 TwinPower Turbo inline-six making 335 hp at 6500 rpm and 369 pound-feet, with 62 mph coming up in a brisk 4.2 seconds. Which leads us now to the updates for the 2022 model year. Okay, they’re not a lot of updates, but they’ll make for a more comfortable Morgan:A new hood keeps the water out of the engine compartment and eliminates the need for those hood rail fasteners”Vastly improved” seals around the windows and doors, again to keep the rain out, along with some noiseA new Morgan “wings” badge, the first new badge in 10 yearsActive sport exhaust lets you set the sound level of your four- or six-cylinderNew seats offer more comfort and better bolsteringLockable storage More lights insideUSB ports!

      Morgan will make just nine of these Plus 8 GTRs, and you may or may not be able to import one to the U.S.
      Morgan Motor Company

      Morgan is also working on a special project involving several “found” Plus 8 GTRs.”The Plus 8 GTR gives Morgan designers and engineers the opportunity to reignite one of the marque’s heroic legacy models with a ‘gloves off’ special edition,” Morgan said in a release. The project will produce no more than nine examples, and it marks the first in a line of Morgan special projects set to commence this year.”The Plus 8 GTR has only been possible because of the recent availability of a number of Plus 8 rolling chassis, which have been reacquired from a third party following a discontinued project,” Morgan said. Does that sound like a certain Shelby Cobra project from decades ago? “These were all built by Morgan before 2018, and were never used for their intended purposes. All are to be recommissioned and will benefit from the upgrade of selected mechanical components.”Okay.Power for all nine Plus 8 GTRs will come from a 362-hp BMW N62 4.8-liter V-8 engine, mated to your choice of six-speed manual or ZF six-speed automatic gearbox. The catch may be in whether you can import one of these stateside. Morgan states that “the transformed special project will be available in certain worldwide markets, subject to local rules on the importation of European vehicles.” So who knows?
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      There are 12 Morgan dealers in the U.S., as well as one in Mexico and another in Costa Rica. So get to one of those and buy one or two of these. You’ll be doing your part to keep a now-113-year tradition alive.
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      in Bike

      Jawa Classic Matte Black Colour Inspired By Perak – Offered At Authorized Dealer

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      Jawa Classic Matte Black. Credit – Jawa Surat / Agozee KustomsJawa is no doubt a beautiful classic worth admiring at, but colour options are fairly limited
      For most people buying Jawa, the choice would be either Black or Maroon. There’s a Grey option as well, but that colour theme may not appeal to everyone. In comparison, Jawa forty two offers lot more colour options such as Nebula Blue (Glossy), Comet Red (Glossy), Starlight Blue (Matte), Lumos Lime (Matte), Halley’s Teal (Matte) and Galactic Green (Matte).
      It’s always possible that a customer wants the standard Jawa, but doesn’t like the available stock colours. In this situation, the right thing to do would be to approach a customization shop. This way, the customer can have their preferred ride in the colour of their own choosing.
      A recent example comes from Surat based agozee_kustoms that has carried out a seamless transformation of Jawa in Matte Black colour. This customization job is done for Seema Bikes, which is the authorized dealer of Jawa India. Cost of the modification is Rs 15,000 – above the cost of the motorcycle.
      Jawa Matte Black key details
      The bike gets Matte Black shade all around. It covers the headlight, front and rear fenders, rear view mirrors, fuel tank, radiator, front suspension, and side panels. Engine, spoke wheels and exhaust have also been blacked out. The only metallic bits that are left can be seen on the headlight ring, turn indicators, rear suspension and kick-start lever.
      Jawa Classic Matte Black. Credit – Jawa Surat / Agozee Kustoms
      The golden pinstriping has been retained in largely the same format as is available with the stock variant. This is an integral design element that gives the bike its retro flavour. The golden pinstriping can be seen on the headlight cowl, front and rear fenders, fuel tank and side panels.
      Jawa Classic Matte Black
      If we compare the customized Matte Black with stock Black colour, the latter can be seen with liberal use of metallic bits. Components like the front suspension, fuel tank, engine, exhaust, rear suspension and spoke wheels wear a metallic shade. For folks with relatively sober colour preferences, the customized Matte Black shade could be an ideal choice.
      Factory finish
      A notable aspect of this customization project is that the workmanship is truly outstanding. The Matte Black shade looks even all across and other finer details have been executed with perfection.
      The bike’s design and Matte Black shade have turned out to be a perfect match. It’s something that the company can consider launching as a new shade for Jawa and Jawa forty two. Something similar is already offered with Jawa Perak. More

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      Hero Sales, Exports Breakup April 2021 – Splendor, Deluxe, Glamour, Pleasure

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      Image – Biker Babu Bike hunterHero Splendor and HF Deluxe remained top-selling models in both domestic and exports
      The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has been extremely disastrous not just healthwise but also financially since businesses across the country came to a standstill once again very much similar to last year around the same time. The auto industry of the country too had to bear the brunt last month when sales plummeted drastically.
      Domestic- Splendor, HF Deluxe Lead sales figures
      Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler company, witnessed a decline in MoM sales by 37.04 percent in April 2021. The manufacturer was able to sell a total of 3,42,704 units of two-wheelers which is 2,01,836 units less than what was sold the previous month in March.
      The list was spearheaded by the brand’s most popular product- Splendor which recorded a sales volume of 1,93,598 units last month as opposed to 2,80,090 units retailed in March this year. This resulted in a decline in MoM sales by 30.88 percent.
      It was followed by another entry-level motorcycle HF Deluxe which registered a sales volume of 71,294 units in April. A decline in figure by 73,511 units translated to a negative MoM growth of 50.66 percent.
      Hero Domestic Sales Breakup April 2021
      Others too register MoM decline
      Glamour took third place with 23,627 units in April 2021 as compared to 32,371 units sold the previous month, thus registering an MoM decline of 27.01 percent. Hero’s most popular scooter Pleasure registered sales of 18,298 units last month which was 10,218 units less than the previous month. It recorded degrowth of 35.83 percent. It was followed by Passion at the fifth spot with 17,748 units sold in April. In March, the figures for the 110cc motorcycle stood at 30,464, therefore, recording an MoM decline of 41.74 percent.
      Destini (9,121 units), Maestro Edge (4,680 units), Xtreme 160R (2,293 units) and Xpulse 200 (2,045 units) formed the rest of the range for Hero’s domestic portfolio. All two-wheelers recorded negative MoM growths of 35.05 percent, 41.54 percent, 40.29 percent and 17.71 percent.
      Exports
      Things weren’t too pleasing for overseas markets as exports were hit badly due to disruption in production. A total of 29,671 two-wheelers were shipped to foreign markets in April this year by Hero MotoCorp.
      Hero Exports Breakup April 2021
      In comparison to March 2021, these numbers were less by 2,946 units which resulted in a MoM decline of 9.03 percent. HF Deluxe spearheaded the exports for April with 8,716 units dispatched to overseas markets. With 375 units less than March 2021, it translated to degrowth of 4.12 percent.
      HF Deluxe was followed by Splendor which registered exports of 5,194 units in April against 7,106 units dispatched in March. This resulted in a negative MoM growth of 26.91 percent. All models, barring Xpulse 200 and Glamour, recorded a decline in exports. Hero shipped 3,026 units and 3,012 units of both motorcycles, therefore, registering positive MoM growths of 27.41 percent and 219.75 percent. More

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      Kawasaki Ninja Copycat From China Called Finja 500

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      Kawasaki Ninja copycat Finja 500Xinshiji Finja 500 is powered by a 500cc parallel-twin motor with a power output of 200 bhp
      Chinese automakers are very infamous around the world for blatantly ripping off automotive designs of notable international models. In the past, we have come across Chinese cars and two-wheelers which have shared more than an uncanny resemblance to their overseas counterparts.
      Another recent example is Xinshiji Finja 500 which looks like a Chinese version of the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. The litre-class superbike from the Japanese manufacturer was given an update last year which saw some cosmetic change and a rise in output. From the looks of it, the designers have done a good job in mimicking the flagship Kawasaki at least in style.
      Finja 500 Design
      Almost each and every angle one looks from is reminiscent of the Ninja ZX-10R. Even the paint job and decals wear a familiar look to the signature design from Team Green. Finja 500 is built on a twin-spar frame and carries a design that is hard to ignore.
      Some of the highlights include a muscular fuel tank, a raised windscreen, split headlamps, an LED DRL housed in the air intake vent, a stepped-up seat, upswept exhaust and mirror-mounted turn indicators.
      Kawasaki Ninja copycat Finja 500
      Specs & Features on offer
      However, we can assure you that Finja 500 only mimics the Kawasaki superbike in its looks and not performance. Unlike the 998cc behemoth pumping out around 200 bhp in Ninja ZX-10R, Finja 500 is powered by a 500cc, parallel-twin engine that kicks out a more modest output of 49.3 bhp.
      Kawasaki Ninja copycat Finja 500
      Hardware on the faired motorcycle consists of a Showa’s Balance Free Fork at front and a mono-shock unit at rear. Braking is taken care of by disc brakes on both front and rear ends although it is not known if ABS is present or not.
      In terms of features, Finja 500 is equipped with an LED headlight, a digital instrument console and a sleek tail taillamp. The motorcycle rides on designer blacked-out wheels. However, the best thing about this bike is its price. At around an equivalent price of INR 1.46 lakh, Finja 500 would be one of the cheapest middleweight sportbikes in the world.
      Kawasaki Ninja copycat Finja 500
      Ninja ZX-10R Performance
      Getting back to Ninja ZX-10R, it is powered by a 998cc oil-cooled DOHC engine which is capable of churning out 200 bhp at 13,500rpm and 115 Nm of peak torque at 11,200rpm. This unit comes paired with a six-speed gearbox with a quick shifter. It can attain a top speed of 300kmph while it can sprint 0-100kmpg in just under 3 seconds making it one of the fastest production bikes on the road currently. More