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    Kawasaki 300cc ADV Spied In Pune – A Screamer To Rival Himalayan

    Kawasaki 300cc ADV Spied In PuneThe same 296cc DOHC 4V liquid cooled parallel-twin engine from Ninja 300 will do duties on Kawasaki Versys X-300 spotted in IndiaThe iconic Japanese motorcycle brand, Kawasaki seems to be on the verge of expanding its lineup in India. Especially in sub 500cc segment. In that regard, we saw Kawasaki launching Eliminator 400 in India at Rs. 5.62 lakh (ex-sh). Now, the company is considering re-introducing its Ninja 300-based ADV.Where will Versys X-300 operate?India is no stranger to Kawasaki Versys X-300 that used to be on sale in India, albeit at a premium. Because it was based on Ninja 300, many components were shared between the two. The same ideology seems to hold with the new Kawasaki Versys X-300 that has been spotted testing around Pune.Kawasaki Versys X-300Adventure and lifestyle vehicles have been gaining prominence in the recent past. We saw the success story that Royal Enfield and Hero MotoCorp wrote with Himalayan and Xpulse 200 respectively. With champs, there are challengers and we saw Yezdi Adventure, KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G 310 GS, Triumph Scrambler 400X and the new Himalayan 450.Honda launched NX500 too at Rs. 5.9 lakh (ex-sh), which is a multi-cylinder ADV/Tourer-style motorcycle. Kawasaki’s current ADV-style motorcycle for the mainstream audience is Versys 650, which costs Rs. 7.77 lakh. If priced around Rs. 4 lakh (ex-sh), Kawasaki could establish a decent bridge between Himalayan 450 and Honda NX500.Kawasaki 300cc ADV Spied In PuneKawasaki Versys X-300 Spotted TestingTeam Green currently sells Versys X-300 in overseas markets. Test mule spotted around Pune, India, looks very similar to the global model. For starters, Kawasaki Versys X-300 will be a Sports Touring/Adventure motorcycle. We say this because the test engineer is donning fancy riding gear with knee sliders and everything. So, there seems to be a sporty edge.Kawasaki Versys X 300There is a single-pod headlight housed in this handsome fairing. A tall transparent windscreen looks like it protects the rider from wind blasts. Speaking of rider, this test engineer is sitting quite relaxed with an upright seating position and centre-set footpegs. Rider triangle looks to be quite comfy for the long hauls.Conventional RSU telescopic forks take care of front suspension duties and we can see a mono-shock at the rear. Global model comes with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoke wheel setup. The same was spotted in India too. We wish tyres were fatter, as 100-section front and 130-section rear look too skinny to be on a Rs. 4 lakh motorcycle.125cc and 160cc bikes are getting USD telescopic front forks and LED lighting all around and Kawasaki is less likely to implement both. What it will implement with Kawasaki Versys X-300, though, is Ninja 300’s 296cc DOHC liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that delivers around 39 bhp and 26 Nm, mated to a slipper clutch and 6-speed gearbox. Launch could happen by the end of 2024.Source More

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    World’s First Electric Cargo Scooter Spied Testing – 150 Kms Range

    World’s First Electric Cargo Scooter SpiedQargos electric cargo scooter will improve operational efficiency and do away with the massive backpacks carried by delivery executivesWhile two-wheelers are already extensively used in B2B and B2C segments, they have limited load capacity. Moreover, existing two-wheelers used for deliveries aren’t protected from the elements. To overcome such challenges and solve other last-mile delivery issues, Qargos has come up with the world’s first electric cargo 2-wheeler.Qargos electric cargo 2-wheeler scooter specsDevelopment of Qargos electric cargo scooter is in its final stages. Qargos is a Pune-based start-up and has been working on the cargo 2-wheeler for the last 6 years. The EV is equipped with a 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, designed by French multinational software corporation Dassault Systèmes. The battery connects to a 3.4 kW motor that generates 6 kW of peak power.Qargos electric cargo scooterQargos electric cargo scooter has a range of 150 km. Top speed is limited to 80 km/h. The EV weighs 145 kg and comes with a 225-litre cargo compartment. It can carry around 120 kg of cargo. With a standard AC power socket, the charging time is currently around 5 hours 15 minutes. There are plans to develop DC charging capabilities that will reduce charging time to around 3 hours.Qargos EV testing is currently underway and modifications are being carried out, as needed. One of the key areas the company is focusing on is to improve the aerodynamics of the EV. This is being done in collaboration with Dassault Systèmes. With reduced drag force, Qargos EV will be able to achieve a higher range.Qargos electric cargo scooterQargos cargo 2-wheeler benefitsWith a conventional two-wheeler, an average of around 35 deliveries can be done. In comparison, the Qargos cargo 2-wheeler will allow deliveries of around 70 parcels. It will be possible with the larger 120 kg cargo space. Grocery carrying capacity can be increased 3X, as compared to around 36 kg currently possible with a standard 2-wheeler.Qargos electric cargo scooterDelivery executives won’t be required to carry the heavy backpacks, something that will improve their overall efficiency. Finding the parcels will become a lot easier with the dedicated cargo compartment, as compared to finding parcels inside a bag. The cargo compartment is lockable, so no worries about parcels getting stolen. The cargo compartment will also keep the parcels protected from the elements.Qargos cargo 2-wheeler launch, priceQargos has stated that the testing and validation process will be completed soon. Homologation is expected by March or April. Bookings could be announced in the subsequent months. Qargos electric cargo 2-wheeler is expected to be launched at a starting price of Rs 2 lakh. Around 250 units will be produced by the end of this year. As demand picks-up, production will be increased to around 12,000 units in 2025. Qargos cargo 2-wheeler will be manufactured at the company’s facility in Pune.Qargos electric cargo scooterTill date, funds worth USD 1 million have been invested in the project. The company will need more funds for production and marketing purposes. The prototypes have been developed in collaboration with leading Tier 1 suppliers. Ather has helped with developing the charging systems. Qargos is also developing a 2-seater version that will have a smaller cargo compartment.Source More

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    Hyundai Creta EV To Be Based On 2024 Facelift – New Alloys Spied

    Hyundai Creta EVWhile Ioniq 5 and Kona Electric are already available, upcoming Creta EV and Exter EV will be Hyundai’s first mass market EVs for IndiaEarlier this month, Hyundai had launched the new 2024 Creta facelift at a starting price of Rs 10.99 lakh. Hyundai is also working on the electric version of Creta, which is expected to be launched later this year. New spy shots reveal that Creta EV will be based on the 2024 facelift model.Creta EV – design and featuresRecently spotted Creta EV test mule closely matches the 2024 Creta facelift model in most parts. It gets the quad-beam LED headlamps, horizon LED positioning lamps and DRLs, LED sequential turn signals at front and rear and connecting LED tail lamps.Hyundai Creta EVOf course, Creta EV will have EV-specific changes such as the closed-off grille. Front and rear bumper could be refreshed slightly, in line with the SUV’s electric underpinnings. Some EV-specific branding elements are likely across the front, side and rear.One can also notice that Creta EV has a new set of alloy wheels. They have grooved surfaces, something similar to that of alloy wheels with aero inserts used with the new Nexon EV facelift. The alloys not only complement Creta’s sporty profile, but are also likely to have aerodynamic properties. In terms of size, the alloys for Creta EV could be 17-inch or 18-inch units.Hyundai Creta EVCreta EV interiorsOn the inside, Hyundai Creta EV will have most of the features available with the new Creta facelift. Some of the key highlights include seamlessly integrated infotainment and instrument cluster screen, front row ventilated seats, voice enabled smart panoramic sunroof, 8-way power adjustable driver seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control and Bose premium sound system with 8 speakers. Some premium features could be borrowed from Ioniq 5 as well.Hyundai Creta EVAn extensive range of Level-2 ADAS features are available. Safety kit also includes 6-airbags, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, hill start assist control, burglar alarm, rear and front parking sensors, rear camera with dynamic guidelines and tyre pressure monitoring system.Borrowing heavily from the ICE sibling will help reduce development and production cost. Creta EV will be facing tough competition from upcoming Curvv EV and Maruti eVX. A competitive price point is necessary for Creta EV to emerge as the preferred option in the compact electric SUV segment.Creta EV performance, rangeCreta EV will be equipped with a 45-kWh battery pack. Hyundai will be sourcing the battery packs from LG Chem. Some of the rivals have larger battery packs such as a 50.3 kWh unit in use with MG ZS EV. Upcoming Maruti eVX is expected to have a 48 to 60 kWh battery pack. Nexon EV long range variant has a smaller 40.5 kWh battery pack. While the certified range of Creta EV could be around 450 km, real-world range could be approximately 250-300 km.Hyundai Creta EV will be borrowing the electric motor from the new-gen Kona EV sold in international markets. To be mounted on the front axle, the motor will generate 138 hp of max power and 255 Nm of peak torque. More details such as the top speed, acceleration, charging time, etc. are yet to be revealed. More

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    Mahindra XUV.e9 EV Coupe Reveals Flamboyant Design

    Mahindra XUV.e9 EV CoupeWhen compared to XUV.e8 with a regular monocoque SUV proportions, Mahindra XUV.e9 EV Coupe emerges as significantly more stylishCoupe SUVs have been catching up in recent times. What started as a design trend with BMW X6 has reached mainstream car markets. Mahindra is also taking up the trend and developing XUV.e9 and BE.09. There have been spy shots showing profile, but the new spy shots show rear section as well.Mahindra XUV.e9 EV CoupeFor starters, the new XUV.e9 is essentially an electrified version of upcoming XUV700 Coupe or XUV800. While XUV.e8 is an electrified version of XUV700, XUV.e9 is an electrified version of XUV800, which could be launched at a later date. To ace aerodynamic performance of a coupe SUV, Mahindra seems to be benchmarking a Tesla Model Y, spotted at Mahindra’s premises.The recent XUV.e9 spy shots were captured by automotive enthusiast Anto Leo Thomson. This particular test mule was found trundling along near Paranur toll gate outside Mahindra City, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. These are the clearest and the closest pictures of XUV.e9 yet. Most of the components like tail lights and headlights seem to be production-spec.In many Mahindra prototypes, we have seen temporary tail lights, but these seem to be finalised. We can see how massive Mahindra XUV.e9 looks and the massive road presence it exudes. Wheels look a tad small for a vehicle of this size. However, the coupe roof line is the primary highlight here.Mahindra XUV.e9 EV Coupe shapeIt smoothly flows into rear section that features a connected tail light design along with a fake air vent-type element. We can see split aero rear spoiler along with a shark fin antenna. Front door handles are flush, but rear door handle is in the C-pillar. Chunky body claddings will cut down on visual mass too.Immersive interiorsAnto Leo Thomson also mentioned that this particular test mule features a triple-screen setup – one for main infotainment, one for driver’s instrumentation and one for front passenger. We will see Mahindra’s new steering wheel which looks to be inspired by Tata’s new steering design. Like BE.05, XUV.e9 could feature a fixed glass roof too.Powertrain-wise, Mahindra’s new INGLO platform will underpin this stylish coupe SUV. Battery size will vary between 60 kWh to 80 kWh. Single motor RWD and dual motor AWD layouts will be offered as options. Performance with these SUVs will be plenty with instant electric torque. Mahindra demonstrated a 200 km/h top speed as well.Mahindra BE.09 Production DesignIn India, Tata Tigor was the first mainstream coupe vehicle, followed by Maruti Suzuki Fronx. That said, Mahindra had established interests in coupe vehicles much earlier and had even showcased XUV500 Aero Concept with a sloping roof line. The new BE.09 and XUV.e9 are spiritual successors of that design. More

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    Maruti Suzuki eVX Spotted With ADAS Module – Launch Nearing?

    Maruti Suzuki eVX spotted with ADAS moduleProduction-spec Maruti Suzuki eVX spotted testing, will rival ZS EV, upcoming Creta EV, Curvv EV, Elevate EV, Mahindra BE.05 and othersIndia’s leading carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, currently lacks an electric offering. This auto giant has a strategic partnership with Toyota and together, both the manufacturers are expected to launch their first electric vehicle for Indian markets. Maruti Suzuki eVX has been spotted testing multiple times and will launch before Toyota counterpart, based on Urban Crossover Concept.Maruti Suzuki eVX Spotted Testing AgainGlobal Suzuki has unveiled exteriors and interiors of eVX e-SUV in concept form. However, eVX has been spotted testing multiple times both overseas and here in India. Looking at the testing prototypes, we would wager that this product will probably take a lot more time than what was earlier predicted.But the testing is running in full swing, as observed with increasing frequency of test mule sightings. We can predict a launch timeline around the end of 2024. That said, the recent spy shots are some of the clearest, lending a perspective as to what we can expect from upcoming Maruti Suzuki eVX e-SUV.Considering that Suzuki has already revealed exteriors in concept form, we can compare how close the final production-spec model is going to be. Especially when compared to what was showcased as a concept.Maruti Suzuki eVX ConceptHow true is production model to conceptMaruti Suzuki eVX production model looks like it is toned down a lot from the concept version. We say this because the concept looked a lot more chiselled, edgy and flexed character lines that were quite complex to achieve in mass manufacturing. However, production model does retain design ethos where core silhouette is concerned.Front fascia ditches the sleek LED headlights in favour of a more conventional one. Concept has a closed-off grill, but production model features a grill that is a lot more open. Almost like a normal IC engine-equipped vehicle. Upper grill has a radar module too for ADAS suite. This could be the first Maruti vehicle to get ADAS. Maybe Grand Vitara may offer ADAS before eVX launch.Wheels are nothing fancy like the aero ones seen on concept model. A rear-view camera and flush door handles on concept make way for conventional ones with production-spec models. Rear door handle is on C pillar, which is interesting. Side profile almost carries design ethos from concept including an almost three-box design.Maruti Suzuki eVX dummy tail lightsTail lights of this particular test mule were dummy units for a temporary purpose. When launched, Maruti Suzuki eVX will feature connected tail lights that almost every car is offering these days. Other notable attributes include a shark-fin antenna, a subtle rear spoiler and a non-flashy bumper.Where powertrains are concerned, Maruti Suzuki eVX e-SUV will be based on born-electric YY8 skateboard, which is derived from Toyota’s 27PL platform. Battery options might include 45 kWh and 60 kWh units with single motor FWD and dual motor AWD layout options. Range can be around 550 km on a single charge.Maruti Suzuki eVX alloy wheel designSource More

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    2024 Royal Enfield Hunter 450 On The Prowl – New Details Revealed

    2024 Royal Enfield Hunter 450 SpiedRoyal Enfield’s new 450cc platform will spawn multiple new bikes, one of which will be Hunter 450Royal Enfield has benefitted immensely by introducing new products at regular intervals. With multiple options already available in 350cc and 650cc segments, the company will now step-up focus on its new 450cc platform. After Himalayan 450, the next bike in this range is expected to be Hunter 450. Launch is expected later this year, around the festive season.Hunter 450 – What to expect?With Hunter 450, Royal Enfield will be looking to replicate the success it has achieved with Hunter 350. With its compact design, a seamless neo-retro profile and agile performance, Hunter 350 had emerged as the second best selling Royal Enfield bike. It is currently ranked third, trailing Classic 350 and new Bullet 350. Hunter 450 will have the same USPs as highlighted with the smaller sibling. Enthusiasts looking for enhanced performance will probably choose the larger capacity Hunter 450.2024 Royal Enfield Hunter 450 SpiedIn terms of design, a number of features will be borrowed from the smaller Hunter 350. A test mule spotted recently was seen with round headlamp and rear-view mirrors, a circular instrument console, single-piece seat and engine bash plate. The fuel tank design is similar to that of Hunter 350. It is completely different from the one used with Himalayan 450. Rear lighting setup has been copied entirely from Himalayan 450. The bike has the tail lamps installed within the indicators. It helps declutter the rear view and reduce weight as well to some extent. Use of LEDs improves visibility and reliability.No USD forksUnlike Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 that has USD forks at front, Hunter 450 can be seen with standard telescopic forks at front. Fork gaiters have been used for a sporty look and feel and to improve the bike’s off-roading capabilities. Just like the smaller sibling, Hunter 450 has a comfortable, upright riding stance. The bucket rider seat should ensure a seat height of around 800 mm. This will allow improved control and handling and make the bike suitable for even shorter users.2024 Royal Enfield Hunter 450 SpiedThe circular instrument console appears similar to the one used with Himalayan 450. The 4-inch TFT dash complements the bike’s profile and displays a range of information using a simple and intuitive UI/UX. Users can also access Google-powered turn-by-turn navigation.Hunter 450 specs, performanceAt rear, Hunter 450 has a monoshock suspension. Braking setup comprises disc brakes at both ends. Dual-channel ABS is expected to be offered as standard. Powering the bike will be the 452cc liquid cooled, single cylinder Sherpa engine. It generates 40.02 PS of max power and 40 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Royal Enfield could introduce some changes to the engine in line with the needs of a roadster.In the company’s lineup, Hunter 450 will be positioned below the Himalayan 450. Hunter 450 will be the most affordable bike in Royal Enfield’s 450cc portfolio. While a name hasn’t been finalized, ‘Hunter 450’ doesn’t sound bad at all.Source More

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    Tata Sanand Plant To Start EV Production Soon – Curvv, Harrier, Safari EVs Spied Together

    Along with Harrier EV, Tata is also planning the launch of Curvv EV and Safari EVTata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, a unit of Tata Motors, had acquired this Sanand facility from Ford India in January 2023Tata Motors, with an extensive range of electric vehicles in its portfolio, is planning to commence production from its new Sanand plant from April 2024. This plant was acquired from Ford India early last year and it is from this manufacturing unit that Tata Motors also produces the ICE versions of Nexon.Tata to make EVs at Sanand PlantThe Sanand plant which has been acquired from Ford India at Rs 725.7 crore, has a current capacity of 3 lakh units per annum though production capacity can be extended to 4.2 lakh units. Even as the company has announced that production of the Nexon EV will soon commence, Tata Motors also plans launch of the Curvv EV and Harrier EV, all of which will be produced from the same plant.[embedded content]There is also the Safari EV in the making. All three of these new EV SUVs were spied together recently in Pune. Targeting a 5 percent growth in the passenger vehicle segment, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles MD Shailesh Chandra revealed the timeline for launch of the Curvv EV and Harrier EV. The Curvv EV is planned for launch in Q3/Q4 of CY 2024 while later this year the company will also launch the Harrier EV.Earlier this week the company introduced Punch.ev. It comes in at a competitive pricing of Rs 10.99 lakh to Rs 14.49 lakh, ex-showroom and booking open at Rs 21,000. It competes with the Citroen eC3 and upcoming Hyundai Exter EV and Kia Clavis. Punch.ev is being offered with two battery packs. The standard model gets a 25-kWh battery pack offering a 315 km range while the Long Range (LR) variant sports a larger 35 kWh battery pack with a 421 km range.Tata Safari EV spied in PuneTata Curvv has been spied on test and prices are likely to be announced by June 2024. It enters the compact SUV space and will have both ICE and electric powertrains. The ICE variant will take on the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos along with the Maruti Grand Vitara while the electric version of Curvv will compete with the upcoming Creta EV, Maruti eVX and Mahindra BE.05.Tata Harrier EV spied in PuneTata Harrier EV, Safari EV Design Patent LeakedTata Harrier and Safari EVs will be the company’s flagship electric vehicle. Design leaks show off a more futuristic design with extensive exterior updates along with a host of interior features. These include a twin spoke steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, touch based HVAC system, a 360 degree camera and ADAS. Cabin comforts also extend to automatic climate controls, wireless charging, ventilated seating in the front and ambient lighting.Tata Harrier EV and Safari EV will be positioned on the company’s Gen II EV architecture, an improvement over the Gen I platform seen on the Nexon EV. It will likely draw its power via a 60 kWh to 80 kWh battery pack to offer a range of around 500 kms on full charge. Expect prices to be in the Rs 25-35 lakh range upon launch. More

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    Hyundai Ioniq 7 EV Connected LED Tail Light Spied – India Launch 2025?

    Hyundai Ioniq 7 EV SpiedHyundai Ioniq 7 is expected to be launched in India sometime next year – It is based on the Kia EV9 which will launch in India this yearIn the realm of electric vehicles, Hyundai is gearing up to launch its much-anticipated Ioniq 7, a 7-seater electric SUV that is set to redefine the standards of flagship electric vehicles. The latest spy shots of the Hyundai Ioniq 7 have surfaced, showcasing an eye-catching design feature – a massive connected LED tail light setup that spans from one corner to the other at the rear.Hyundai Ioniq 7 EV Spied – Massive LED connected tail lightThe Ioniq 7, poised to be Hyundai’s flagship electric vehicle upon its international launch later this year, stands as a direct counterpart to the Kia EV9 flagship electric SUV. The Ioniq 7 is the production version of Hyundai’s SEVEN electric SUV concept, which was unveiled a couple of years ago.Hyundai Ioniq 7 EV SpiedThe most distinctive feature revealed in the spy shots is the impressive connected LED tail light, creating a visually striking and cohesive design at the rear. This design choice adds a futuristic and dynamic element to the overall aesthetic of the Ioniq 7.Moving to the front, the SUV boasts vertically-stacked headlights adorned with pixel-shaped LEDs. These Pixel LEDs not only contribute to the illumination but also form the LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) that give the Ioniq 7 a distinctive and high-tech appearance. The side body claddings, reminiscent of the Hyundai Kona, further enhance the SUV’s robust and modern appeal.Hyundai Ioniq 7 EV SpiedWhile the interior details are not fully disclosed, expectations lean towards a design inspired by the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 models. Dual 12.3-inch screens on the dashboard, coupled with a blend of modern aesthetics and functionality, are anticipated. The Hyundai logo is likely to be replaced by the distinctive four-dot emblem, consistent with the brand’s recent design language.Specs, Range and Speculated India LaunchUnder the hood, the Hyundai Ioniq 7 is speculated to share the same powertrain as its Kia counterpart, the EV9. This includes a dual-motor layout with a total system output of 380 bhp and a substantial battery capacity of up to 100 kWh. The claimed range for the EV9 is 350 miles (563 km), and with the Ioniq 7’s aerodynamic design, it is expected to push the boundaries of electric vehicle range further.In terms of features, the Ioniq 7 is anticipated to incorporate level-three autonomous driving aids, the use of recycled materials in its interior, third-row seating, and Hyundai’s latest operating system, as seen in the Kona EV.While an India launch for the Ioniq 7 is yet to be officially confirmed, considering the strategic moves by Hyundai and Kia in the past, industry experts speculate a potential launch in 2025. With Kia’s EV9 slated for release this year in India, it seems likely that Hyundai will follow suit, mirroring the sequence observed with the EV6 and Ioniq 5 launches. More