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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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      New Ather Electric Scooter Spied – May Get Under Rs 1 L Price

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      With a steel tubular frame, smaller battery and a less powerful motor, Ather’s new affordable scooter might be priced under Rs. 1 lakhNew Ather Electric Scooter SpiedIn the first phase of EV revolution we saw manufacturers launching loaded, feature rich variants. In the next phase, we are seeing introduction of more affordable variants. Lower pricing is achieved via installing a smaller battery pack, fewer features, etc.Ola has successfully entered step 2 with S1 Air. As announced recently, Ola is offering S1 Air with 2 kWh, 3 kWh and even 4 kWh battery options. Prices range between Rs. 84,999 and 1,09,999 (ex-sh). Ola’s rival, Ather is getting to launch a more affordable version of their electric scooter.Ather’s New Affordable ScooterA new test mule of Ather electric scooter has been spied in BTM Layout, Bangalore. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Thushar for sharing the exclusive spy shot. It is likely to be of the upcoming entry variant of Ather electric scooter. The new test mule is starkly identical to existing Ather 450.Battery size is likely to go down as opposed to the 3.7 kWh unit on existing 450X Gen 3. With Gen 3, Ather promises a 146 km range and a 105 km true range. Ather’s new affordable scooter might promise slightly lesser range, albeit with a less powerful motor. Expect the 7” touchscreen with Google integration will be retained.New Ather Electric Scooter SpiedLast month, Ather launched Gen 3 of their electric scooters. Under this, the 450 Plus is priced at Rs 1.9 lakh while the Ather 450X is priced at Rs 2.13 lakh. These are ex-sh prices excluding FAME-II subsidy of Rs 55,000. With the subsidy, prices come down to Rs 1.35 lakh and Rs 1.58 lakh, ex-sh. The upcoming new Ather electric scooter is likely to get a price tag of under Rs 1 lakh, ex-sh, inclusive of subsidy.Phase II Of Battery Safety NormsPhase II of the new battery norms set by MoRTH will come into effect from April 2023. The enforcement is due to the high number of EV fire incidents reported, likely due to improperly designed batteries. Come April 2023, EV manufacturers have to meet Amendment-3 proposed to AIS 156 and AIS 038 Rev.2 across L, M and N categories.Amendment-3 of the said AIS, as issued by MoRTH, was in two phases. Phase I was in effect from 1st December 2022 and Phase II is set to take effect from 31st March 2023. Electric scooters fall into L category and should meet the new battery norms set forth by a panel under Amendment-3.Ather Electric Scooter Prices – Feb 2023Since the new changes to battery tech will add cost, Ather might strike out some elements on this upcoming budget scooter. Main among those will be 450X’s aluminium space frame. New chassis features a tubular frame that is more economical to fabricate.The chassis has seamless tubes of steel bent and welded to form a simple tubular frame. Battery placement is still in the floorboard. With FAME II subsidies expiring from March 31st 2024, EV manufacturers have to work towards expanding their scale of manufacturing to bring prices down. More

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      Jimny Styled Mini Electric SUV Spied Testing – Launch As MG?

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      This new Mini eSUV from China draws inspiration from Maruti Jimny and Land Rover DefenderJimny Styled Mini Electric SUV SpiedBaojun brand is a subsidiary of SAIC-GM-Wuling JV, just like MG. They offer a lot of cars under these brands; including the newly launched Hector and Hector Plus. Same cars are shared between brands of GM, SAIC and Wuling. For example, Baojun 530 is rebranded as Wuling Almaz, Chevrolet Captiva and MG Hector.Last year Baojun showcased a new mini electric SUV concept. We are talking about KiWi mini crossover. It is a three-door electric mini SUV with incredibly cute looks. This small EV SUV has now started testing. First spy shots has leaked online.New Mini Electric SUV – Jimny InspiredNew KiWi EV is smaller than the Maruti Jimny. It retains much of its design attributes from concept. Speaking of design, LED headlights and tail lights are retained from concept car. Overall proportions and design details on the outside are retained as well.Sure, the test mule is rolling on steel wheels, but top-spec models will get alloys. If the Maruti Jimny is a miniature Mercedes-Benz G-Class, KiWi EV new crossover is a miniature Land Rover Defender 90, except for its iconic round headlight elements.Jimny Styled Mini Electric SUV SpiedEven on the inside, the twin horizontal display and dashboard layout remain true to its concept. This new mini EV would look like a fitting proposition to rival Jimny, even without a 5-door layout.It is smaller and is likely to be more city-friendly too. Internally codenamed E260S, It is not yet named. But it will bear KiWi branding instead of Baojun’s like we saw on concept vehicle. If launched in India, it will come under the MG brand.India Launch?With its retro-futuristic design and its smaller dimensions, it is likely to take the Chinese market by storm. Specifications are not yet known including battery size and range. There will be pooled components from similar Kei cars including Chinese highest-seller Wuling Hongguang Mini EV. In effect, this vehicle is the world’s first ‘electric Kei car UV’.Jimny Styled Mini Electric SUV SpiedLaunch is likely to happen in China in the first half of 2023. After that, it will be marketed by Wuling in other ASEAN markets like Indonesia. There is no official word regarding India launch under the MG brand. But we hope that it does. MG Motor India is getting ready to launch AIR EV later this year. Air EV is sold under the Wuling brand in China. It is one of the best selling electric cars in China today. More

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      Bajaj Electric Rickshaw Spied Up Close – 120 KM Range, Launch Soon

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      Bajaj RE EV electric rickshaw has been delayed due to multiple reasons, but launch may finally come through this yearBajaj Electric Rickshaw SpiedBajaj currently leads in the three-wheeler space, with a market share of more than 70%. Bajaj RE rickshaw is preferred, as it is considered to be superior in terms of performance, durability, mileage, low maintenance, resale value and range of features.Users buying Bajaj RE can choose from powertrain options of diesel, petrol, CNG and LPG. Prices for the petrol variant start at around Rs 2.05 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). Upcoming Bajaj RE electric rickshaw will have a higher acquisition cost of around Rs 3.50 lakh. But users will probably gain in terms of reduced running cost.Bajaj RE electric rickshaw featuresBajaj RE electric rickshaw has largely the same appearance as that of its ICE counterpart. It is 8.6 ft. long, 4.2 ft. wide and 5.5 ft. tall. It has a ground clearance of 170 mm. Latest spy shots are credited to Nikhil Chadwal channel.Some key highlights include rounded front fascia, all-halogen lights, front plastic panelling, metal mudguard and R12 steel wheels. Space available is almost the same as that of Bajaj RE ICE rickshaws. The battery pack is likely to have taken much of the available cabin space.Bajaj Electric Rickshaw SpiedA number of differences can be seen in the driver section, where new plastic panelling has been used. The dashboard is now larger and comes with a lockable storage compartment. Instrument cluster is now fully digital, with two dials, placed on either side of the dashboard. Users can access critical information such as battery percentage, distance travelled and distance to empty.Bajaj Electric Rickshaw SpiedBajaj RE Electric range, specsBajaj RE electric rickshaw will have a range of 120 km on a full charge. Battery charging time is 4 hours, but could vary based on the type of charger used. It is not yet known if a fast charging option will be available for Bajaj RE electric rickshaw. It is certainly desirable, as it will increase the rickshaw’s revenue generating potential. With fast charging, rickshaw drivers can easily charge their vehicle during their breakfast or lunch time.Another option is to introduce a swappable battery system, which will work out even better than fast charging. But that will involve development of a large-scale network of battery swapping stations. Even if possible, such a system will take time to become a reality. One major hassle is that there’s currently not enough demand for electric rickshaws. Much of the sales still comprise ICE-powered rickshaws.Bajaj Electric Rickshaw SpiedFor electric rickshaws to go mainstream, special incentive programs need to be introduced. Subsidies are already available, but higher acquisition cost is still a major bottleneck. General distrust in a new system is another reason why the majority of buyers still prefer diesel, petrol and CNG rickshaws. Awareness about how electric rickshaws can increase income potential can probably help boost sales of electric three-wheelers.Source More

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      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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      2024 KTM Duke 200, Duke 390 Spied Up Close – New Details

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      New KTM Duke 200/250/390 pack in a new chassis and subframe, enhanced styling and updated swingarm and suspension2024 KTM Duke 200 Spied TestingKTM has been steadfast in introducing updates across the range at regular intervals. Be it new colour options, visual tweaks, performance boost or hi-tech features, KTM has always focused on staying one-step ahead in the game.KTM’s efforts have paid rich dividends, as is evident from its growing popularity across the globe. The company recently achieved a key production milestone of 1 million units at Bajaj plant.KTM 2023 Duke 200/250/390 updatesLater this year, KTM will be launching the updated versions of 200 Duke, 250 Duke and 390 Duke. Sightings of test mules reveal quite a few exciting updates. Duke range is among the primary volume generators for the company. So, it’s apparent that KTM will ensure the new Duke motorcycles meet expectations and have better capabilities than rivals.New 2023 KTM Duke gets a refreshed headlight and tail light. Fuel tank appears to be a larger unit and shoulder fairing seems to be a few centimetres longer than that of the current model. The grooves on the fairing appear to be deeper, which could possibly help improve the bike’s aerodynamics. Overall, the bike looks sharper and sportier in comparison to the current model. 2023 KTM Duke bikes could also get new colour options. Take a look at the detailed spy video of new gen KTM Duke shared by The Fat Biker.[embedded content][embedded content]Users can expect improved ride dynamics, as 2023 KTM Duke motorcycles utilize a new chassis and subframe. Exact details are not known, but past updates have focused on improving balance and handling. Changes introduced in the past have also resulted in a lightweight profile for the bike. A similar approach is likely for 2023 KTM Duke as well.In terms of core hardware, one of the key updates is offset monoshock rear suspension and new swingarm geometry. An offset rear monoshock can have various advantages, depending on the design. In general, it helps reduce clutter, improves space utilization and allows easy access for repairs and maintenance.KTM 2023 Duke 200/250/390 performanceNew 20223 KTM Duke motorcycles will be getting upgraded engines. Users can expect improved performance and possibly some fuel savings as well. In India, the engines will be greener with OBD-2 compliance. New 2023 KTM 390 Duke is expected to get a higher displacement 399cc motor. In its current form, 390 Duke is powered by a 373.2 cc motor that makes 43 hp of max power and 37 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.Along with cosmetic touch-ups and hardware upgrades, 2023 KTM Duke bikes could get a range of new tech features. There could be a new digital instrument console or additional features could be introduced. Rider aids could be expanded and there could be new functions on the KTM MY RIDE connectivity platform. 2023 KTM Duke bikes are expected to be launched sometime in mid-2023. As they pack in a comprehensive range of updates, pricing will be on the higher side. More

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      RE Himalayan 450 Spied In Ladakh – Snow Chain On Tyre

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      USD forks on new Himalayan 450 are likely to offer a lot more front-end feel and increase agility considerablyRE Himalayan 450 Spied In LadakhRoyal Enfield has been testing its 450cc platform for quite some months now. Given the company’s extensive testing patterns, it is likely that the launch is not scheduled for any time soon. There are two motorcycles based on this new 450cc platform. One is Himalayan 450 and the other is likely to be called Scram 450.With the ADV trend catching up, Royal Enfield is set to offer a new product, more capable than its current ADV, Himalayan 411. The main objectives for the new Himalayan 450 will definitely be high-speed touring, good off-road prowess and optimum traction in varied road conditions. New spy shots of Himalayan 450 show the ADV being tested in Ladakh. This way, Royal Enfield can test a vehicle’s performance in high altitude conditions and in snowy and icy terrains.Himalayan 450 Spied In LadakhThis is the first time Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 has been testing in snow. Almost all car and bike manufacturers in India send their upcoming vehicles to test in the difficult terrain of Ladakh. The temperatures there are extreme, and so are the road (or no road) conditions. This makes Ladakh the best geographical location to test high-altitude response of a vehicle.Both RE Himalayan 450 test mules were spotted with snow chains, as the terrain they were traversing, got trickier. The upcoming Himalayan 450 will build on the strengths of outgoing Himalayan 411. This means an upright riding stance and a fairly relaxed rider’s triangle, center-set footpegs, and high-set handlebars facilitating standing and gripping the motorcycle between one’s thighs.High altitude & snow testing of the upcoming @royalenfield Himalayan 450 starts. Spied between Khardung la and Nubra valley by one of my trusted local drivers.More details soon! @91Trucks #Himalayan450 pic.twitter.com/uP47dYycnE— Bunny Punia (@BunnyPunia) February 14, 2023There are new elements like LED turn indicators, all-terrain tyres and a slightly stubbier and up-swept exhaust end can. The new design will still be purposeful with provision to hold panniers and jerry cans. RE Himalayan 450 will feature USD front forks and a rear mono-shock with decent suspension travel.Wire-spoke wheels are likely to be retained from current Himalayan 411 – these are 19” front and 17” rear. The front beak and a windscreen are part of its package. Round headlights will house LEDs this time, instead of halogen bulbs found on current models.Specs & RivalsThe new platform is rumored to displace around 450cc while developing around 35 bhp of power and around 40 Nm of torque. A 6-speed transmission is finally making its way into Royal Enfield’s single-cylinder lineup. A circular fully-digital speedometer is placed vertically and is expected to get Bluetooth functionality with turn-by-turn navigation. No more jugaad tripper screens with Himalayan.There will be a price increment with the new Himalayan 450 as opposed to the outgoing model. This price hike is likely to put it against rivals like KTM 390 Adventure and BMW G 310 GS. But as we all know, the arch-rival for Himalayan 450 pound-to-pound, is Hero’s upcoming Xpulse with almost double the engine as its 200cc model.Source More

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      Upcoming MG Electric Small Car Spied In Baroda – LED Lights

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      Entry-level electric PV segment is gaining traction with cars like Tata Tiago EV, Citroen C3 electric and upcoming Tata Punch EVNew MG Electric Car For IndiaWith huge unlocked potential in entry-level EV space, OEMs are looking to make early gains. A relevant example is MG Motor that is working on its 2-door mini electric car MG Air. It has been spotted on road tests multiple times, most recently near Baroda. Latest spy shots are credited to Digvijay Singh.At just 2,900 mm long, MG Air will not have any direct rival. Only possibility is Tata Nano electric, but its launch is not 100% sure. Assuming MG Air is affordably priced, it can go up against the likes of Tiago EV and Citroen eC3. MG Motor is likely to be aiming for a sub-10 lakh rupees price point for MG Air EV.MG Air EV featuresMG Air EV has a compact, tall boy design with large doors and windows. Front and rear windscreen are also sizeable, especially in proportion to the car’s compact dimensions. Users can expect roomy interiors and scenic views of the outside world. MG Air EV has a boxy profile with a largely non-existent bonnet. Front section features a prominent bumper, large headlamps and top-mounted LED strip.Side profile has flat panelling and comes with large window panes for rear passengers. Based on the variant, MG Air EV can have options of both steel wheels and alloy wheels. At rear, the profile is largely a repeat of what we see at the front. There’s a full-width light bar and trapezoidal tail lamps.[embedded content][embedded content]Even though affordability is a key focus area in entry-level EV space, MG Motor will make sure that Air EV gets a comprehensive range of features. It could get a large touchscreen infotainment system, along with a wide range of connectivity features.MG Air EV range, specsMG Air EV will be based on MG’s latest Global Small Electric Vehicles (GSEV) platform. It is capable of supporting multiple body styles. To ensure it justifies its name, MG Air EV will have a lightweight body. Battery pack is also expected to be a compact unit of around 20kWh to 25kWh capacity. Max power output could be around 40 hp. Expect a real-world range of approximately 150 km. Both standard and fast charging options will be available.MG Air EV is being developed with Indian weather and driving conditions in mind. Hot and humid environments are of special concern, which necessitate a robust battery thermal management system and air conditioning.Earlier, it was revealed that MG Air EV production is planned to commence from March 2023. Initial production target has been set at 36,000 units per annum. While MG Air EV has cute, easy-going vibes, it remains to be seen the level of response it generates. It can surely work for younger audiences looking for a showstopper ride that’s also environment-friendly. More