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    Maruti EVX Electric SUV spied for first time – Launch in 2025

    Maruti EVX Electric SUV spiedMaruti Suzuki EVX electric SUV will have a 60-kWh battery pack, with range of up to 550 kmInternally codenamed YY8, Maruti Suzuki had showcased the EVX electric SUV concept at 2023 Auto Expo. It will be the company’s first born-electric car and is expected to debut next year. It will go on sale in 2025. One of the key rivals will be upcoming Hyundai Creta EV.Ahead of its launch, a Suzuki EVX electric SUV has been spotted at a charging station in Krakow, Poland. The test mule wears a black camouflage, not intending to reveal the finer details. However, the tight wrapping does show a close resemblance to the concept version.Maruti EVX Electric SUV spiedSuzuki EVX electric SUV featuresAs compared to the heavily muscled concept, the test mule appears to have a relatively toned-down styling. However, quite a few features have been carried forward such as the butch front fascia, sculpted bonnet design and thick body cladding. The SUV has a tapering roofline, which helps achieve a sporty profile. At rear, Suzuki EVX will have a layered spoiler, rugged bumper and edgy tail lamps with full-width connecting LED strip.Suzuki EVX test mule can be seen with temporary lighting all across. It has a standard set of alloy wheels, which are likely to be changed onboard the production version. The concept version had aerodynamic alloy wheels, especially designed to reduce drag. Other noticeable features include C-pillar mounted rear door handles, shark fin antenna and rear wiper.Maruti EVX Electric SUV spiedInside, the test mule has a number of wires dangling around. It clearly shows that this test vehicle is largely a work-in-progress. A significant section of the dashboard has been camouflaged. It does appear to have a simple, minimalistic design.Maruti EVX Electric SUV interiors spiedSome features that are clearly visible include a two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, steering mounted controls and a rotary control dial on the centre console. The showstopper is a large, horizontally mounted touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrument console.Suzuki EVX electric SUV performanceAs compared to other OEMs that are converting existing ICE cars into electric, Maruti Suzuki will move directly to born-electric vehicles. Suzuki EVX electric SUV is based on an entirely new platform. It will be used to develop a range of future EVs. Overall performance of Suzuki EVX electric SUV will closely match that of similar-sized ICE SUVs such as Hyundai Creta.Maruti EVX Electric SUV spiedSuzuki EVX electric SUV will be equipped with a 60-kWh battery pack, offering a range of up to 550 km. The electric motor is expected to deliver around 138-170 hp of max power. Both 2WD and all-wheel drive options will be available.With a dedicated EV platform, Suzuki EVX will have spacious interiors. It will be 4,300 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,600 mm tall. Wheelbase is expected to be best in segment. The SUV will have large wheels, which will ensure a strong street presence and high ground clearance.Source More

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    New Hero Motorcycle Spied – Xtreme 125cc to rival Pulsar 125?

    New Hero Xtreme 125R spied. Image – MRD VlogsUpon launch, Hero new commuter bike will rival the likes of TVS Raider, Bajaj Pulsar NS125 and Honda SP 125While Hero is the market leader in commuter motorcycle segment, there’s heavy reliance on Splendor 100cc bike. In April, share of Splendor in overall sales was more than 2/3rd. From a business perspective, this is quite like putting all your eggs in one basket.For a more diversified portfolio, Hero MotoCorp has been working on a new range of bikes. It comprises both new commuter bikes as well as premium offerings in middleweight segment. Xtreme 160R 4V was recently launched at Rs 1.36 lakh. Karizma XMR is expected to be launched later this year. Hero is also developing a new maxi scooter. These clearly indicate that Hero MotoCorp is looking to reduce dependence on its 100cc commuter bikes.New Hero Xtreme 125R spiedHero new commuter bike detailsStandard telescopic suspension and rear drum brake indicate that the test mule is a new 125cc commuter bike. With TVS Raider being the primary rival, Hero new bike has a sporty profile. Some key features include sharp headlamp, sculpted fuel tank with extensions, compact rear-view mirrors, sleek turn signals, all-LED lighting, split-seat design and stubby exhaust. The bike has a short tail section and rear tyre hugger.Hero new commuter bike can be seen with a fully digital instrument cluster. This could be the same or similar to the one used with other 125cc Hero bikes such as Glamour XTEC and Super Splendor XTEC. Or it could be similar to the inverted LCD console used with recently launched Xtreme 160R. To present it as a capable machine, Hero could equip the new commuter bike with Bluetooth connectivity.New Hero Xtreme 125R spiedAll while having a sporty profile, the bike has a comfortable riding stance. It has wide, pulled-back handlebar and centrally mounted foot pegs. Rider seat section has a scooped profile, ensuring lower seat height and optimal comfort. Pillion seat section appears a bit narrow, although the thick grab rails should be able to ensure adequate stability.New Hero Xtreme 125R spiedHero new commuter bike performanceHero new commuter bike is likely to borrow the 125cc motor from Hero’s other 125cc bikes. On-board Glamour XTEC and Splendor XTEC, the air-cooled engine churns out 10.7 bhp of max power and 10.6 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.The bike has telescopic forks at front and a monoshock unit at rear. Braking duties are performed by a disc brake at front and a drum brake at rear. The bike is likely to be using 18-inch wheels at both ends.Hero’s new commuter bike could be launched later this year. Possibly around the festive season. Hero could be planning to launch the bike at a competitive price point. For reference, rival TVS Raider is available at a starting price of Rs 93,719 (ex-showroom Delhi). More

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    Mahindra BE.05 Electric spied along with XUV700 – Rear design revealed

    Mahindra BE.05 rear designMahindra BE.05 eSUV will be the smallest and the least expensive SUVs among other Born Electric BE rangeIndian homegrown brand Mahindra is entering a new era of futuristic EVs. We’re not talking about the ICE spinoffs that XUV.e8 and XUV.e9 will be. Instead, we are talking about the Born Electric BE.05, BE.07 and BE.09. Mahindra designed these from the ground up, to be electric vehicles and will feature a wild design language.Mahindra showcased all five of its EVs and their expected design language on August 15th, 2022 at M.A.D.E HQ in UK. We had expressed how BE.05 will be the most important vehicle among the five showcased. Within a year, we can see Mahindra commencing testing for BE.05 on Indian roads. Now, for the first time, the rear profile has been caught on camera in Chennai, where it was seen testing along with XUV700.Mahindra BE.05 Rear Design SpottedWe have seen the front profile and its interiors before. Now, with rear design out, we can compile a basic silhouette to see how BE.05 might look like. For starters, we like what we see. At their debut, Mahindra had promised most of the design elements of the concept will make it to production phase.Looking at the production-spec body under testing, Mahindra is living up to its promise. Mahindra BE.05 looks just as wild as it did in its concept form. We can see how organic and animalistic BE.05’s design aesthetics really are. The rear gets massive LED tail light signatures that not only get connected-type elements, but they also extend further down as well.Mahindra BE.05 electric SUVIn effect, these LED tail lights are so dominating, they eat into the rear windshield quite a bit. This makes the rear windshield very small. Mahindra is offering a massive roof spoiler too, which is very stylistic in its appeal. But it further eats into the rear windshield area. Visibility at the back will not be BE.05’s forte.There is a vent-like element in the center of the rear bumper, which is highly likely to be for styling purposes only. BE.05 will not feature Mahindra’s Twin Peaks logo. Instead, there is an illuminated BE logo in rear tail lights. Rear haunches are immense and tyres look to be 235-section, which lends a lot of muscle to this SUV.What do we know so far?Mahindra is sticking to its plan and roadmap with INGLO platform that the company divulged at its debut event. This is a derivative of Volkswagen’s scalable and modular MEB platform, rebranded. Capacity will be between 60 and 80 kWh. INGLO platform is compatible with both single-motor and dual-motor layouts as well.Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV coupeMahindra BE.07 is a Creta-sized compact eSUV measuring 4370 mm in length, 1900 mm in width, 1635 mm in height, and boasts a wheelbase of 2775 mm. This will be the smallest and the most affordable electric SUV with Mahindra’s new INGLO platform. Vehicles in this segment top out at 50 kWh battery (MG ZS EV). It will be interesting to see how BE.05 fares in India and in global markets. XUV.e8 will be the first to launch, though. More

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    Mahindra XUV700 Electric SUV spied testing in Chennai

    Spied XUV700 ElectricOn the inside, Mahindra XUV700 electric or XUV.e8 will feature a triple screen layout – One for instrumentation, one for infotainment and the last for front passengerThe Indian automotive market is opening up to the EV revolution more steadily than anticipated. At its forefront is Tata Motors. The company is expanding its EV portfolio vertically and will launch electrified versions of its flagship Harrier and Safari. Mahindra will counter Harrier EV and Safari EV with an electrified version of its XUV700.Mahindra has planned to launch five different electric SUVs based on the new INGLO platform. The company is testing it extensively and launch is likely to happen in 2024 or early 2025. Until now, all test mules didn’t show visual confirmations to suggest electric powertrains, until now. In the recent test mules, we can see HV cables running beneath the floor where the battery is. Spied XUV700 ElectricMahindra XUV700 Electric Test Mule – Harrier EV & Safari EV rivalRight after BE.05 test mules, we now get to see XUV.e8 (electric XUV700) test mules as well. This is a good indication that Mahindra is looking to launch them sooner than later. Competition in EV space is growing by the day. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Ram Prasath for sharing these new spy shots.The recent test mules show the presence of orange coloured cables at the back. Automotive powertrains have colour-coded cables. Blue coloured cables mean it carries around 36V to 42V, while Orange cables mean that they carry up to 1000V. These are also called HV cables (high voltage cables). Orange cables carry HV AC or DC current between charger, inverter, motor and battery.Spied XUV700 ElectricOn XUV.e8 test mules, these are present at the rear, which could be an indication of a rear-mounted single-motor or an AWD setup with dual motor layout. VW-sourced Mahindra’s INGLO platform supports both single-motor and dual-motor layouts.Apart from that, we can also see an independent rear suspension setup too. This will increase comfort for rear occupants. Rear independent suspension was on offer with Tata Indica and Indigo, but they are a rare find these days outside premium and luxury brands.What will it pack when launched?Mahindra XUV700 electric or XUV.e8 will pack Volkswagen-sourced MEB EV platform renamed INGLO. This is a modular and scalable platform that can be adjusted to suit a multitude of variations and applications. Mahindra has revealed battery sizes will be between 60 kWh and 80 kWh in size and will feature both single motor layout and dual motor layouts as well.It will pack all of XUV700’s strengths. We’re talking about ADAS tech, flush doors handles, 5-star crash-rated body shell, and an extensive features list including a panoramic sunroof, power adjustable driver’s seats with memory function, and a lot more. Mahindra’s XUV.e8 prototype in UK featured free-standing triple-screen layout on dashboard, which is highly likely to make it on production model.We don’t expect a lot of design changes to the main structure of XUV.e8’s body. Sheet metal body panels might be different and take on a wilder route. Mahindra XUV700 Electric prices could be around Rs. 30 lakh mark. Launch is expected to take place in late 2024 or early 2025. More

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    Himalayan 450 Accessories On Test – Aluminium Panniers, Aux Lights

    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 accessoriesAccessories for all-new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will be largely similar to that of existing Himalayan 411Expected to be launched during the festive season, all-new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 has been frequently spotted on road tests. Recent sightings included some production-spec test mules as well.As launch nears, Royal Enfield has started testing the accessories for new Himalayan. Just like existing model, accessories for Himalayan 450 will be categorized across style, comfort and protection. Latest spy shots are credited to Poonkathirvelan Boopalan.Himalayan 450 accessories spiedThe test mule can be seen with aluminium side panniers, along with a top box. The side panniers appear to have the same design, as available with existing Himalayan. However, loading capacity could be different. The side panniers will be available in both metallic and blacked-out finish.For existing Himalayan, the side panniers are priced at Rs 29,900. One also needs to buy pannier rails, costing an additional Rs 3,800. The side panniers of existing Himalayan have a loading capacity of 26 litres and come with locks for complete peace of mind.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 accessoriesHimalayan 450’s top box is larger and could have a capacity of around 40-45 litres. All corners have thick ABS protection, which helps avoid ugly dents in the metal. With around hundred litres of covered storage and ability to haul more luggage at rear, Himalayan 450 seems a perfect fit for long distance touring.Another accessory spotted is auxiliary lights. These are mounted near the radiator. It is to note that there are lots of aftermarket options available for existing Himalayan and other Royal Enfield bikes. In case of accessories that utilize the bike’s electrical and electronic systems, using aftermarket units can lead to violation of warranty rules. Choosing official accessories ensures the perfect fit and finish.All-new Himalayan is expected to get various other accessories. Styling accessories could include reservoir cap and oil filler cap. For comfort, there can be choices for the saddle. For safety, users can choose options like engine guard, master cylinder guard, oil cooler guard and hand guard. Branded bike covers will also be available.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450Himalayan 450 performance, specsHimalayan 450 is based on an entirely new 450cc platform. In future, Royal Enfield could launch other bikes based on the new platform. Powering Himalayan 450 will be a single-cylinder motor. It could generate around 35 bhp of max power and 40 Nm of peak torque. The engine is expected to get a 6-speed transmission. This will make it the first RE single-cylinder bike to get a 6-speed gearbox. Another first for Himalayan 450 is a liquid cooling setup.Other key highlights of Himalayan 450 include tall windscreen, LED lighting, USD front forks, rear monoshock suspension and stubby exhaust. The bike has disc brakes at both ends and dual-channel ABS is expected as standard. It will be getting a single circular TFT instrument console, a significant upgrade in comparison to the multi-dial setup available with existing Himalayan. More

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    Mahindra CEO shares BE.05 Electric SUV interiors first look – Looks slick

    Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV coupeScheduled for launch in October 2025, Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV will rival the likes of Tata Curvv EV, Creta EV and Honda Elevate ElectricLast year in August, Mahindra had unveiled its upcoming born-electric range. There were two sub-brands, XUV (XUV.e8, XUV.e9) and BE (BE.05, BE.07 and BE.09). Among the two sub-brands, it’s the BE range SUVs that have a truly radical design. At the time of their unveiling, Mahindra had provided a clear roadmap about the launch of these new BEVs. With BE.05 test mule spotted on road tests, it indicates that Mahindra is keen on launching these electric SUVs as per the scheduled plan. Latest image gives us a sneak peak into the interiors of this futuristic Mahindra EV. The image was shared by Mahindra CEO, Rajesh Jejurikar. The images were clicked during a recent event, where Mahindra’s leadership team was driving this eSUV in Chennai city.Mahindra BE.05 – Captivating, futuristic designIn terms of its design, Mahindra BE.05 seems to have time-travelled into the 21st century from the future. With its radical design, BE.05 easily gets everyone’s attention on the streets. Most striking aspect is the front fascia, where the SUV gets massive C-shaped LED DRLs.Another key highlight is the layered design of the body panelling. As compared to smooth panels seen with other SUVs, BE.05 has aggressive cuts and creases all around. It gives the sense of a stealth aircraft with angular panels, designed to deflect radar waves.Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV coupeMahindra BE.05 is expected to have roomy interiors. The SUV measures 4,370 mm x 1,900 mm x 1,635 mm (L X W X H) and has a wheelbase of 2,775 mm. This seems adequate for comfortably seating five adults. BE.05 is expected to get a range of hi-tech features including ADAS.Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV coupeOther highlights could include a large horizontally-mounted touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument console, premium sound system, wireless charging, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ventilated seats, leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. BE.05 will have embedded 5G network capability. Users will be able to access new features via OTA updates. The SUV will comply with the strictest safety standards, such as those defined by GNCAP.Mahindra BE.05 range, performanceMahindra born-electric SUVs will be based on the INGLO platform. Battery options will be available from 60 to 80 kWh. Range will be around 450 km. All Mahindra BEVs will support fast charging with a 175 kW fast-charger. With this, users will be able to load up to 80% in less than 30 minutes. This will go a long way in eliminating range anxiety. Users won’t have to worry about waiting for hours to charge their vehicle.Mahindra BEVs including BE.05 will be offered in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive formats. Power output will be 170-210 kW and 250-290 kW, respectively. BE.05 and its siblings will be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in around 5 to 6 seconds.While it’s BE.05 that has been spotted, the first Mahindra BEV to be launched will be XUV.e8. It will go on sale in December 2024. BE.05 will come around a year later in October 2025. Similarly, XUV.e9 will debut in April 2025 and BE.07 in October 2026. Launch timeline of BE.09 is yet to be announced. More

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    Hero Karizma XMR 210 Spotted Ahead Of Launch – Fresh Details!

    New Hero Karizma XMR 210New Hero Karizma XMR 210 features a brand new 210cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that is likely to generate 25 bhp of power and 30 Nm of torqueIndia’s largest motorcycle manufacturer is set to revamp its premium motorcycle space (160cc+ and above). As of now, the company has unprecedented dominance in budget commuter space, while sales are often dwindling at the flagship grade. To fix this, Hero Moto is launching an updated Xtreme 160R on 14th June 2023 with a 4V head.But at its flagship level, Hero is introducing a new motorcycle that is likely to turn the tide for the brand. We’re talking about Karizma XMR 210, which will probably make more buzz than Hero’s current fully-faired Xtreme 200S. Fresh spy shots are credited to Utkarsh Prajapati, who spotted it at Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur.Hero Karizma Spotted Ahead Of LaunchKarizma brand has primarily rivalled Bajaj’s Pulsar 220. Historically, Hero has offered a semi-faired Karizma R and a fully-faired Karizma ZMR. This is true with OG Karizma and the facelifted models in 2014. Even though Hero MotoCorp has trademarked both Karizma XMR and Karizma XMR 210 names, we expect only one fully-faired motorcycle.Hero is also updating Xtreme 200S with a 4V head and new brakes as seen with a recent spy shot. But these might only be applicable to export markets. As opposed to the Xtreme 200S, Karizma is more macho in its appearance and is an overall tastier motorcycle. Hero MotoCorp Chairman Dr. Pawan Munjal recently showcased Karizma at a dealer event.New Hero Karizma XMR 210 FairingOn stage, we can see a flaming red motorcycle. It has a drooping front face that lies well below its handlebars, similar to its rival Suzuki Gixxer SF 250. Hero has placed ORVMs on its fairing instead of its handlebars as seen with Xtreme 200S. Fairing is neat and doesn’t have any clutter. Split seats, and a stubby exhaust are notable elements.2023 Hero Karizma ZMRRecent spy shots show a brand-new tubular trellis frame. Even though there is a subframe-mounted tail section, Hero MotoCorp is offering a tyre hugger as well. This tyre hugger was not present during the recent showcase by Dr. Pawan Munjal. Cost cutting is evident in the form of a box-section swingarm and RSU telescopic front forks instead of USD forks.An all-new 210cc liquid-cooled engineWhere Hero hasn’t cut corners, or it appears to be, is in the engine department. There is a new 210cc single-cylinder engine that gets liquid-cooling equipment. This is the first liquid-cooled motorcycle from Hero and even the upcoming flagship Xpulse 440 ADV will be oil-cooled. Rumour mills suggest a 6-speed gearbox too. Again, a first for Hero.New Hero Karizma XMR 210 Tyre Hugger25 bhp of power and 30 Nm of torque are likely to be the output figures from this engine. LED lighting, Bluetooth connectivity and dual-channel ABS will probably be standard fitment. Karizma brand has a high recall among Indian motorcycling enthusiasts and the company seems to be banking on it to rejuvenate its premium motorcycle lineup. Launch is likely to be closing, considering the increasing frequency of test mule sightings. More

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

    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