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      New Hero Maxi Scooter Spied Testing – Aerox 155 Rival?

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      New Hero Maxi Scooter SpiedConsidering the maxi-scooter’s brawny proportions, the 163cc engine from Xtreme 160R seems like a perfect matchWith recent launch of Xtreme 160R 4V and upcoming Karizma fully-faired bike, it is evident that Hero MotoCorp has stepped up focus on premium segment. The company seems to be following a similar strategy for its scooter portfolio as well. Earlier this month, a design patent had revealed details about Hero’s new maxi-scooter.In the latest development, a maxi-scooter in camouflage has been spotted near Hero MotoCorp’s R&D centre in Jaipur. It appears to be largely the same as the scooter revealed in the design patent. As the test mule looks near-production ready, it won’t be surprising to see its launch around festive season or by end of this year. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Pushpender for sharing these exclusive spy shots.New Hero Maxi Scooter SpiedHero maxi-scooter featuresSome of the key highlights of Hero’s first-ever maxi-scooter include split headlamp setup, angular front fascia, trendy rear view mirrors and sharp turn indicators. An all-LED lighting setup is likely for the scooter. It can be seen with a stubby upswept exhaust. Side panels have sharp design elements, which help achieve a sporty profile for the scooter.Raked design of the stepped seat ensures a sporty stance, all while allowing optimal control and handling across busy city streets. The single-piece seat seems comfortable for both rider and pillion. The test mule is missing the rear rack that was seen in the design patent. It is likely that the rear rack will be offered as an accessory. The scooter is equipped with an ergonomically placed handlebar.New Hero Maxi Scooter SpiedAlthough not clear in the images, it is likely that Hero’s new maxi-scooter will have a fully digital instrument console. It could get telematics features, accessible via Hero Connect mobile app. Some of the key telematics features could include ignition alert, SoS alert, accident/crash alert, topple alert, over-speed alert, theft alert, battery removal alert, geofence alert and remote immobilization.Hero maxi-scooter performance, specsHero’s maxi-scooter could be a rival to Yamaha Aerox 155. In that case, it could borrow the 163 cc, air-cooled engine from Xtreme 160R. It generates 15 bhp of max power and 14 Nm of peak torque. Some tweaks could be performed to align the engine with the specific needs of the scooter. For reference, Aerox 155 is equipped with a 155cc, liquid cooled engine. It makes 15 PS and 13.9 Nm.Hero new maxi-scooter has telescopic forks at front and a single-sided monoshock unit at rear. It gets a disc brake at front. Single-channel ABS could be offered as standard. One of the most notable features is the large alloy wheels, which appear to be 14-inch units. Large wheels not only improve street presence, but also offer smoother and safer rides across bad patches.To push sales, Hero could offer its first-ever maxi-scooter at an affordable price. While Aerox 155 is available at a starting price of Rs 1.43 lakh, Hero maxi scooter could be launched at around Rs 1.20 lakh (ex.sh). More

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      New Hero Maxi Scooter Design Patent Leaks – Looks Dope

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      Hero maxi scooter patentedFor the first time, Hero maxi scooter patented, surfaced on the internet and it looks like nothing else from India’s highest-selling 2W brandHero MotoCorp is on a mission to revamp its premium motorcycle portfolio. Just yesterday, Hero MotoCorp launched Xtreme 160R 4V with oil cooling, USD forks and Bluetooth connectivity starting from Rs. 1,27,300. We will witness the launch of Karizma flagship fully-faired motorcycle soon. But what about premium scooters?As of now, Hero has Maestro Edge 125 as its flagship scooter and the newest entrant is Xoom 110. Hero MotoCorp has patented a new maxi scooter in India and it is unlike anything we have ever seen from Hero. Quite literally! It has a lot going for it where design and desirability are concerned. Let’s take a look.Hero Maxi Scooter Patented – Launch in 2023?The company’s new direction in scooters with Xoom has yielded good results. Xoom is now highest-selling scooter from Hero. Sporty non-step-through maxi-styled scooters are quite a niche, but given that Yamaha is at it, Hero might as well. Looking at the patented image, it looks like Hero maxi scooter gets an all-new swingarm-mounted single-cylinder engine.This swingarm has a single-sided mono-shock suspension mount similar to Xoom 110. When compared to Hero’s Destini 125, the new maxi scooter features a slightly chunkier engine setup. So, there is a possibility of it being a 163cc scooter with Xtreme 160R’s engine to rival Yamaha Aerox 155 as well.Hero maxi scooter patent detailsPossibility of carrying something on the floorboard is thrown out the window by the presence of a central tunnel. This is where Hero is likely to mount its fuel tank. Finally, an external fuel filler cap on a Hero scooter. The front apron is huge when compared to what Hero is selling now. It has two separate headlight chambers for low and high beam. LEDs are highly probable.These look like eyes and there is a presence of a faux beak as well. There is a fairly large windshield above it. There is a stepped single-seat setup which will ensure a comfortable riding posture and a neutral rider’s triangle. Hero has given it a massive rear rack which looks funky and will easily take a top box.The first Maxi-styled scooter from the brandTail section looks fairly minimal and turn indicators look like halogen units at both ends. Componentry include RSU telescopic front forks and a single-sided rear mono-shock, brand new 14” (not confirmed) alloy wheels with an interesting pattern, disc brake at the front and more. With the fuel tank re-positioned, under-seat storage will be massive, around 30L in capacity or more.Yamaha Aerox 155 (14.75 bhp, 13.9 Nm, VVA, 4V head, liquid-cooled) is currently the only maxi-styled, non-step-through and sporty scooter in India in mainstream market and costs Rs. 1.43 lakh (ex-sh). Hero seems to be rivaling it with a 125cc engine (9 bhp, 10.4 Nm, air-cooled, 2V head). We really hope this is an apples-to-apples rivalry and Hero offers a slightly detuned 163cc engine (14 bhp, 13 Nm, 4V head, oil-cooled) and price it for around Rs. 1.2 lakh (ex-sh). More

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      in Electric Cars

      2024 Mahindra XUV500 Coupe SUV Spied – Or is it BE.05 Electric?

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      New Mahindra XUV500 Spied or is it BE.05 Electric Coupe SUV?It is likely that the test mule spotted is either new gen Mahindra XUV500 to rival Creta or BE.05, which is planned for launch in October 2025With the launch of XUV700, Mahindra discontinued XUV500. But they promised to bring the XUV500 back, in a new gen avatar, probably based on their futuristic BEV design language. Now, a test mule has been spied in Chennai, which could likely be the new gen XUV500 coupe SUV.It is also possible that this could be one of their new born electric SUV. Last year in August, Mahindra had unveiled its born-electric range. It includes the XUV range (XUV.e8, XUV.e9) and the BE range that has BE.05, BE.07 and BE.09. All of these are based on the born-electric INGLO platform. Apart from the new technology, the test mule also wears a unique, colourful camouflage wrapping. It is quite different from the usual black and white wrapping seen on Indian roads.2024 Mahindra XUV500 Coupe SUV or BE.05 Electric?As compared to the radical design of the concept unveiled last year, the test mule has transformed into a more practical form. While the core silhouette and design of the front fascia have been retained, the panelling is now a lot smoother. The concept version had deep grooves and sharp curves, which have been chiselled down a bit. However, BE.05 continues to have a sporty and unique styling, unlike any other Mahindra car in production right now.Some of the key highlights include C-shaped LED DRLs, sculpted tapering bonnet, squarish wheel arches and sporty alloy wheels. As compared to the concept that had camera-based rear-view assembly, the test mule can be seen with conventional ORVMs. At rear, some key features of BE.05 include a tapering roofline with sporty spoiler, prominent tail gate and full-width LED strip.New Mahindra XUV500 Spied or is it BE.05 Electric Coupe SUV?Inside, Mahindra BE.05 has two large touchscreens and sporty two-spoke steering wheel. The SUV has an aircraft-style large gear selector and a rotary control dial. The driver and front passenger area are neatly divided into two separate sections by the central console. BE.05 will have premium upholstery and soft-touch surfaces all around.New Mahindra XUV500 Spied or is it BE.05 Electric Coupe SUV?Mahindra BE.05 range, specsWhile official numbers are not available, it is expected that Mahindra BE.05 will have a range of around 400-500 km. Mahindra BEVs based on the INGLO platform will be powered by LFP battery packs. Both Blade and Prismatic cell architectures will be used. Battery packs will be in the range of  60-80 kWh. These are chargeable with high-powered 175 kW fast-chargers that can load up to 80% in less than 30 minutes.Underpinned by the INGLO platform, Mahindra BEVs including BE.05 are promising an exhilarating performance. Both rear wheel and all-wheel drive options will be available, generating 170-210 kW and 250-290 kW respectively. 0 to 100 kmph will be achievable in just 5 to 6 seconds.New Mahindra XUV500 Spied or is it BE.05 Electric Coupe SUV?BE.05 will be 4,370 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,635 mm tall. It will have a wheelbase of 2,775 mm. All Mahindra BEVs will be getting a comprehensive range of advanced safety features. They will comply with leading safety benchmarks such as GNCAP. Equipped with 5 Radars-1 Vision ADAS architecture, Mahindra BEVs based on INGLO platform are future ready up to L2+ autonomy. More

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      2023 Honda CB350 Cafe Racer Showcased To Dealers – New Launch Soon

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      After CB350 and CB350 RS, Honda will add 3rd motorcycle in their 350cc range next month2023 Honda CB350 Cafe RacerHonda launched the CB350 back in Sep 2020. In the initial months, it had registered good response from bike enthusiasts. Later in Feb 2021, Honda launched a scrambler version based on the CB350, called CB350 RS. Despite two motorcycles on offer in the 350cc range, Honda has not come anywhere close to sales numbers registered by Royal Enfield.In Jan 2023, Royal Enfield registered sales of over 26k units for their Classic 350. While sales of Honda CB350 range was 1,086 units. To bring a boost to their sales in the 350cc range, Honda is getting ready to launch a new motorcycle next month.Honda CB350 Cafe RacerTo provide more options to customers in the 350cc segment, Honda will soon launch a new cafe racer motorcycle based on CB350. Honda has chosen to challenge Royal Enfield and this new motorcycle is expected to improve its prospects in this space.Likely to be called Honda CB350 Cafe Racer, the motorcycle has been showcased to dealers. Launch is expected next month. It will come with Cafe Racer style single seat, revised headlamp cowl, black alloys, black engine with chrome Honda logo, etc.2023 Honda CB350 Cafe RacerSpeaking of the new Honda CB350 Cafe Racer, the motorcycle sports a neo-retro look. Some key features include round headlamp, sculpted fuel tank, single piece seat, chrome finish exhaust, alloy wheels, an all-LED setup and semi-digital instrument cluster. It also has a smartphone charging USB port.2023 Honda CB350 Cafe RacerCB350 Cafe Racer powertrainHonda’s 350 cc Cafe Racer will use the same engine as that of CB350. It is rated to deliver 21.07 ps @ 5500 rpm and 30 Nm @ 3000 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The motorcycle will also be sharing a number of other components with CB350. This will help Honda to reduce costs and improve production efficiency.Just like CB350, its cafe racer version could be equipped with assist and slipper clutch, dual channel ABS, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), and Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCS).2023 Honda CB350 Cafe RacerThe instrument console could also be the same, which displays a range of information such as average mileage, real time mileage, gear position indicator, distance to empty, and battery voltage. Expect prices to be in the Rs 2.2 lakh to Rs 2.3 lakh range, ex-sh. More details to be revealed at the launch event next month. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Hyundai Creta Electric Spied For First Time – 2025 Launch Plan

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      A 100 kW electric motor and a battery big-enough for a 400+ km range should make for an interesting proposition for our marketHyundai Creta Electric SpiedHyundai India has kick-started its electric vehicle onslaught by launching the Ioniq 5 and showcasing Ioniq 6 at the Auto Expo last month. But the Korean automaker is also working on a more mainstream EV for our market. It was recently reported that Hyundai is working on an electric Creta crossover (codenamed SU2i EV) and an early prototype based on the conventional variant has been spotted for the first time in public.Automotive enthusiast Nitin Tyagi was charging his EV while the Hyundai Creta EV prototype stopped by for a recharge, and he promptly clicked these photos. There were a total of two test mules of the Hyundai Creta Electric. As you can see, the test mules do not have any camouflage but there is an easily noticeable protrusion from the floor pan which appears to be a structural member supporting the battery pack.2025 Hyundai Creta Electric SpiedConverting an in-production IC-engined car into a fully electric prototype is not a walk-in-the-park but Hyundai engineers and technicians seem to have done a pretty neat job. Save for the visible floor pan extension and different body panel colours, there is nothing on the exterior to suggest it is not a regular Creta.The production version is also expected to be based on the modified version of the current IC-engine platform. This approach will allow Hyundai to optimize cost since its almost fully localized. Tata has applied the same formula to Nexon EV, and Mahindra to XUV400.Hyundai Creta Electric SpiedThis will also help the automaker produce the vehicle with minimal modifications and investments to its existing assembly lines. However, in the long term, Hyundai India will localize its fully electric E-GMP architecture for both domestic and export markets.Hyundai Creta EV SpecsNot much is known about the specifications of the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV but we expect critical sub-systems to be derived from the Kona EV. That would mean a 100 kW (136 hp) PMSM electric motor with a peak torque output of 395 Nm of torque.The battery pack is also likely to be derived from the international sibling. With a capacity of 39.2 kWh, the lithium-ion polymer unit should be good for an ARAI-certified range of over 400 km. The Creta EV could be used with some significant aero optimizations over its IC-engined sibling to improve energy efficiency.Hyundai Creta Electric SpiedNew Hyundai Creta EV is expected to be ready for its global debut at the 2025 Auto Expo before going on sale later that year. Interestingly, the debut timeline is similar to its primary competitor Maruti YY8 electric SUV (codename). Expect the pricing to  be somewhere between Rs 20 to 30 lakh.Tata, Maruti, Mahindra and other OEMs will be aiming to position their volume-oriented electric crossovers in the same segment. That should make for an intense competition which will ultimately benefit the customers. We think Hyundai will easily attain its volume target of around 25,000 units per annum with its mid-premium EV offering. More

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      New Honda Motorcycle To Rival Splendor – Patent Design Leaks (Flex Fuel?)

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      A space between Splendor and HF Deluxe is likely where Honda’s new budget commuter will fall in terms of pricingNew Honda Motorcycle To Rival SplendorHonda Motorcycles & Scooters India (HMSI) has utter dominance in scooter segment. Thanks to its ever-popular Activa range, Honda has kept scooter sales charts under its grasp and is likely to stay that way for a long time.With motorcycles, Honda has an entry-level offering called CB Shine. It is the second highest-seller for HMSI and highest-seller when Honda’s motorcycle range is considered. Where the Indian motorcycle market is taken into account, it is Hero MotoCorp that absolutely decimates the competition.New Honda Motorcycle To Rival SplendorSplendor is the one to beat in India with 2.25 lakh units sold last month while Honda Shine was at No 2 behind Splendor and HF Deluxe with 87k units sold. Honda has been reportedly working on a new budget commuter. Now, the Japanese brand has patented a new design in India in that regard. Let’s take a look.Looking at the design patent, one can immediately say that it has been built to be priced aggressively in the entry segment. Even with budget commuter standards. As of now, the name of this upcoming motorcycle is not known. That said, it bears semblance with CG Dream series of budget commuters that is sold in underdeveloped markets like Pakistan.New Honda Motorcycle To Rival SplendorSpeaking of Pakistan, Honda offers a CG 125 Dream with spoked wheels. In India, HMSI is likely to plonk a 110cc engine that currently does duty in CD 110 Dream. Honda’s entry-level offering CD 110 Dream is currently not doing well against Hero Splendor despite offering a larger 110cc engine as opposed to 100cc and matching the price too.There can be an attempt by Honda to offer a 125cc motorcycle with spoked wheels and barebones functionality and match Splendor Plus’ Rs. 71.5K price point. This way, Honda can expect to push more volumes and grab some of Splendor’s pie.There is a third possibility of offering a new 100cc engine and going toe-to-toe with Splendor Plus which gets a 100cc engine as well and even undercuts the latter in pricing. By going this route, HMSI can bring a contender to rival Hero HF Deluxe which is the 4th highest-selling motorcycle in India and is priced at an absolute steal at Rs. 55K.Flex Fuel?Even though it is very early in the time frame for speculating a flex-fuel offering, it is a possibility. We say this because Honda’s new budget commuter which is patented in India has an unusually large engine casing for a budget commuter motorcycle.But it looks like the engine casing is extending beyond its cradle frame. This is unusual for a budget motorcycle with just a 100-125cc engine unless it is holding additional equipment for flex-fuel tech. Notable features include a double cradle chassis, telescopic front forks and twin shock absorbers at the rear, a single-piece seat, and spoked wheels. When launched this year, Honda’s new budget commuter will take on Hero HF Deluxe and Splendor Plus. A price bracket of around Rs. 60-70k is likely to be a logical bet for this upcoming motorcycle. More

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      Magron Novus Electric Motorcycle Spied In Bengaluru – Gets Forged Carbon Fiber

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      A new EV startup based in Bengaluru is getting ready to launch World’s first fully forged carbon fiber electric motorcycleMagron Novus Electric Motorcycle SpiedEV scene in India is on the rise and there are more players now than there ever were. Bhavish Aggarwal led Ola Electric and is currently in the lead where two wheeler EV sales are concerned. Other players include Hero Electric, Ampere Electric, Okinawa, TVS, Bajaj, Hero MotoCorp, etc In November 2022, 2W EV sales stood at just over 75,000 units.With electric scooter and motorcycle sales on the rise, more and more new companies are getting ready to enter the market. One such company is Magron Novus which is eyeing premium electric motorcycle space. This is a segment where there are not many players as of now.Magron NovusIn the premium motorcycle space we have Bangalore based Ultraviolette, who recently launched F77 electric sportsbike at a starting price of Rs 3.8 lakh. Seems like soon there will be a rival in the form of Magron Novus Electric Motorcycle. It will be the world’s first fully forged carbon fiber electric motorcycle.Yes, you read that right. A fully forged carbon fiber body is set to be draped on a sporty electric motorcycle which is currently under testing. This Bengaluru-based startup is currently testing its maiden product. Thanks to automotive enthusiast Paul Thomas, we now have exclusive spy shots of this electric sports bike.Magron Novus Electric Motorcycle SpiedIt was spotted testing on the Outer Ring Road, wearing a green number plate that reads Magron Novus. Usually, test mules are seen with a red number plate, no matter what type of powertrain they are testing. This is a little unusual to see green plates on a test mule that don’t have any numbers. Front fascia is not visible from spy shots, but the company website has a teaser which shows presence of sequential LED DRLs, that might double up as turn indicators.Magron Novus Electric Motorcycle gets a full fairing which looks sleek and minimal in its appeal. Magron has stuck to minimalist design language instead of that of aggression. The overall product looks very appealing and sporty. There is a neatly integrated LED taillight and LED blinkers as well. It gets a rear mono-shock and a mid-mounted motor.Battery Specs, New FeaturesPowertrain details are not confirmed. But the company website reveals up to 7.5 kWh of battery pack. Magron Novus will come with AI, VCU, ADAS, RAS, 6-axis IMU, blind spot detection, lane-change warning, LDR, and secure access and we can expect more tech with a production-spec model.Magron Novus Electric Motorcycle SpiedBlind spot detection and ADAS on motorcycles are unique and are expected to generate a lot of buzz in the industry. There will be forced induction to actively cool batteries and an acoustic sound chamber to mimic ICE sounds. Magron Novus looked fairly production-ready and could be launched this year.Forged carbon, which is found on Magron Novus, has some advantages over regular woven carbon fiber. When new, this tech was only found on expensive supercars like the Lamborghini Huracan Performante. It is made of chopped-up carbon fiber strands instead of woven fabric and is bonded by epoxy resin and baked in an autoclave. Toyota GR Yaris and GR Corolla both have a forged carbon fiber roof. But Toyota chose to cover it with regular woven carbon fiber effect vinyl for some reason, while it is proudly embraced and displayed on a Huracan Performante. More

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      Yamaha FZ-X Dual ABS Launch Soon – New Colour, Golden Alloys Spied

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      The TVC shoot for new FZ-X is going on in Kerala and a launch is likely to happen in the coming days2023 Yamaha FZ-X Dual ABS Launch SoonYamaha has a lot planned on their table right now. Yamaha chairman Eishin Chihana has previously stated that RX brand will return in 2026 or beyond and will feature an engine larger than 100cc. The company is also set to bring some of its big bikes like R7, MT-09 and an electric scooter along with them.But Chihana has hinted before that the company is more focused on the 125cc to 150cc segment and might consider launching an ADV in this space as well. It was speculated that it would be based on an FZ-X. Before that happened, Rushlane’s sources revealed that FZ-X is on the verge of being refreshed for MY2023.2023 Yamaha FZ-X Dual ABS Launch SoonYamaha FZ-X is the company’s attempt to take on neo-retro category with its tried and tested 150cc platform. As a result, we got an FZ-X with a circular headlamp with integrated DRL and a projector unit. It has more beef than regular FZ to offer a muscular stance, while the latter is marketed as a street bike in the commuter segment.For the 2023 update, the main highlight would be dual-channel ABS which used to be just single-channel ABS along with a twin pot-caliper at front. By doing this, Yamaha New FZ-X is the first 150cc motorcycle in India to come with a dual channel ABS option. The closest motorcycle that provides dual channel ABS option is Bajaj Pulsar N160.2023 Yamaha FZ-X Dual ABS Launch Soon – Golden AlloysAlong with improved braking, Yamaha will be offering golden-coloured alloys that we saw with FZS 25 and FZ FI before. FZ-X never received this treatment for its alloy wheels. Instead, Yamaha offered black rims along with pin-striping. With the 2023 Yamaha FZ-X, we now get golden-coloured alloy wheels that might not be to everyone’s taste. Lastly, the new FZ-X will feature a new colour. Details of this colour are not yet known.Specs & FeaturesDonning a neo-retro look, FZ-X is underpinned by the same platform and engine as FZ FI. Displacing 149 cc, this engine makes 12.2 bhp of power and 13.3 Nm of torque. A 5-speed gearbox is offered which regulates power to touch a claimed 115 km/h top speed. New FZ-X for MY2023 will remain unchanged mechanically.Except for new dual-channel ABS, rest of the componentry is kept identical as well. It remains to be seen if Yamaha is offering dual-channel ABS as standard or as an option with FZ-X. Owing to new hardware, there will be a price increment.Currently, it gets three colour options, Metallic Blue, Matt Copper and Matt Black and prices start from Rs. 1.35 lakh (ex-sh) which gets Bluetooth connectivity as well. New FZ-X will be launched in a few days and might be priced from Rs. 1.4 lakh (ex-sh). More