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    Citroen eC3 Electric Interiors Spied – New Details Before Launch

    Citroen eC3 will be unveiled at 2023 Auto Expo – Launch is expected soon after, which is when prices and range details will be revealedCitroen eC3 Electric InteriorsIf we look at the Indian electric car market, there is one brand that has firmly established itself. We are talking about Tata Motors. They have a diversified portfolio including an electric hatchback, an electric sedan and an electric SUV. Tata’s modern day EV journey started with the Nexon EV in Jan 2020. And today, they also offer Tigor EV, Nexon EV Max and now Tiago EV.There is no imminent challenger to Tata Motors in the entry level electric car market. Closest rivals could be MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona EV, BYD Atto 3, etc. But these are a segment or two above Tata’s EV offerings.Citroen eC3 Electric InteriorsCome 2023, we will have more rivals to Tata’s electric cars. Mahindra will have the XUV400 electric to rival Nexon EV, MG Air EV will take on Tiago EV. Another rival to Tiago EV will come in the form of Citroen eC3, which has been spied again. But this time, we get a closer look at the interiors, dashboard of the Citroen electric car. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Chandrakanth Reddy M for sharing the exclusive spy shots.Speaking about external design, Citroen C3 electric test mule looks identical to its ICE counterpart. However, production-spec eC3 is likely to get new highlights, EV badge – helping it easily differentiate from its ICE counterpart. Tata Motors follows a similar path and offers blue highlights and EV-specific colour shades to help identify it apart from its ICE counterparts.Citroen eC3 Electric InteriorsInteriors of eC3 are similar to petrol version. It gets the same touchscreen infotainment system, steering wheel with controls, AC vents, etc. What is different is the missing gear lever. Citroen eC3 gets a drive mode selector with RND option along with an ECO mode button.C3 Electric Specs, RangeCitroen eC3 specs are not yet made official. That said, sources reveal that it is likely to come with a 30.2 kWh battery. This is a bigger battery pack as compared to Tiago EV long range variant’s 24 kWh. The motor on Citroen eC3 is said to make 86 bhp of power and 143 Nm of torque as opposed to 74 bhp and 114 Nm on Long Range models.Tata Tiago EV offers a range of up to 315 km on a single charge with Long Range version. One can expect that Citroen eC3 will offer a real-world range close to 300 km from its larger battery. Mechanically, suspension will be tuned differently or stronger struts will be used to accommodate heavier batteries.Citroen C3 Electric Charging next to Nexon EVBy keeping the exteriors and interiors of ICE and EV versions similar, Citroen will be able to save significantly on development costs. This will help bring overall costs down and launch eC3 at an aggressive price tag. Launch price of Citroen eC3 could be in the region of Rs 10 lakh. More

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    Harley Davidson 350cc, 500cc First Photos Leak – Royal Enfield Rival

    With lower pricing, Harley-Davidson X350 and X500 will mainly target developing countries like India, ASEAN region and the likesNew Harley Davidson 350cc MotorcycleHarley-Davidson has been expanding its portfolio. Even though the company has been introducing new motorcycles in varied segments, there hasn’t been much success when budget and inexpensive motorcycles are concerned. Sure, we got Street 750. And later, Street Rod 750 was launched with improved quality. But their sales numbers failed to increase and Harley-Davidson’s dream of budget motorcycles still remained at large.American brand Harley-Davidson is known to offer quintessential cruiser bikes with a roaring V-twin engine. It has been one of the most popular and sought-after motorcycle brands where cruisers and choppers are considered. With prices on the higher side, its products are not often accessible to people looking for a cruiser on a budget.Harley Davidson 350cc Photos LeakThis is why Royal Enfield’s 650cc platform is currently one of the most popular choices. Not only RE 650 twins are top sellers in its category in India, but are also generating good sales outside India. Apart from offering good quality and performance, another reason for RE’s success in the 650cc segment is due to its aggressive pricing.To match in pricing, Harley-Davidson is now sourcing motorcycles from QJ Motor, parent to Keeway and Benelli brands that are currently on sale in India. Two motorcycles are in the works between both brands codenamed HD350 and HD500. First images of these motorcycles have now leaked online.New Harley Davidson 350cc MotorcycleIn reality, they are highly likely to be called X350 and X500 as seen in the leaked spy shots. The smaller X350 looks a lot like 338R concept design shown in 2019. It was supposed to be equipped with Benelli 302S’ 338cc engine. Times have changed and there is a new 353cc version of that engine in production. Hence the name X350.X350 gets a frame that is quite similar to QJ SRK350 sold overseas. Both motorcycles seem to share their USD forks at front, petal disc brakes and alloy wheel design. This 350cc engine makes around 36 bhp and doesn’t seem adequate when 195 kg weight is considered. In contrast, SRK350 weighs only 176 kg.New Harley Davidson 500cc MotorcycleThis is the one that is likely to make a lot of buzz. Harley-Davidson X500 will be vastly similar to Benelli Leoncino 500 that is sold in India. It gets a 500cc parallel-twin engine and makes 47 bhp of power. Going with its displacement, X500’s 207 kg of weight seems to be right for the segment.New Harley Davidson 500cc MotorcycleLeoncino 500 and X500 will share chassis, braking components and suspension as well. X500 dons a larger conventional dual disc setup than X350’s smaller petal discs. Stopping power comes from 4-pot calipers. With these motorcycles, Harley-Davidson is set to venture into budget cruiser motorcycles. But those who were expecting a V-Twin with belt drive, will be slightly disappointed. Both these motorcycles are expected to be launched in India next year.Source More

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    Royal Enfield Scram 650 Rear Subframe Spied – Single Exhaust

    When compared to Interceptor 650, RE Scram 650 will be considerably lighter owing to its single exhaustRoyal Enfield Scram 650Royal Enfield is currently expanding its 650cc portfolio apart from expanding its 350cc and 450cc portfolio. There was an internal document used in one of the meetings of Royal Enfield. That document got leaked online. It revealed that there are multiple new motorcycles planned for launch.One of these new motorcycles is a cruiser and a tourer which seem to be the recently revealed Super Meteor 650 and Super Meteor 650 Tourer. There was also a bobber, an ADV and a scrambler. There have been multiple sightings of a Royal Enfield Scrambler based on a 650cc platform. Test mules are spotted both overseas and also here in India. Recent test mules divulge further info on this upcoming RE Scram 650.RE Scram 650 Rear SubframeMechanically, upcoming scrambler by Royal Enfield is likely to be kept as is. A slight retune to suit a scrambler character is likely. This is a potent 648 cc parallel-twin engine that generates around 46 bhp and 52 Nm of torque. This is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and gets a slipper clutch and oil cooling.The chassis on which Royal Enfield’s 650cc platform is based will undergo slight modification to suit different characters of intended variations. On Scram 650, Royal Enfield has modified its rear subframe which gives it that much-needed scrambler aesthetic. There is a single-seat setup, which gets a ribbed pattern cover.Royal Enfield Scram 650Seating posture is fairly upright with a neutral riding posture. Footpeg placement for rider seems to be slightly rear set which should add that sense of sportiness. Handlebars and instrumentation seem to be lifted off the recently launched Hunter 350. A tripper screen was not found on this test mule and might be made standard with production-spec model.Hardware ComponentsOne of the main highlights of this upcoming RE Scram 650 is its single exhaust. It gets a different exhaust header rerouting exhaust gases into one channel. This will reduce weight considerably and make the motorcycle peppier, which is a win-win situation. According to the report, this new exhaust packed a lot of bass and was slightly louder as well.In terms of componentry, Royal Enfield is offering front USD forks and LED headlights like the ones found on Super Meteor 650. There is exposed wiring that seems to be testing new LED turn indicators.Royal Enfield Scram 650RE Scram 650 still rides on spoked wheels which seem to be 17” in size. Wrapped to these wheels are block pattern tyres that should ensure slight trailing capability. Given Royal Enfield’s extensive testing, Scram 650 seems to be far from launch. When launched, pricing might be around Rs. 3.5 lakh.Source More

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    MG Air Electric Car Production Target 36k, SOP March 2023 – New Spy Shots

    With a two-door, small sized EV – MG Motor is getting ready to launch their most affordable car in IndiaMG Air Electric Car For IndiaAiming to take early lead in entry-level electric car segment, MG Motor is working on a two-door EV for Indian market. It will be based on Wuling Air EV (codenamed E230) that was recently showcased in Indonesia. At around 2,900 mm long, MG Air EV will be one of the smallest cars in India. It will be shorter than Alto by around 400 mm.New MG Air electric car for India will borrow much of its design and styling from E230. It is built on MG’s latest Global Small Electric Vehicles (GSEV) platform that can support multiple body styles. The car has a boxy, tall boy profile, which is likely to ensure adequate space on the inside.MG Air Electric Car StylingThere are some unique styling bits such as a full-width light bar that stretches to connect the rear view mirrors. The charging port is neatly hidden beneath the MG logo. Other key features include trapezoidal headlamps, rectangular fog lamps and body-coloured bumper. Latest spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast Vishal Mevawala.To allow easy ingress and egress to the second row seat, the EV has been equipped with large doors. Rear passengers need not feel claustrophobic, as they have access to large, vertically mounted windows. While the E230 showcased in Indonesia had steel wheels with plastic cover, its India-spec version is likely to get alloy wheels. Rear styling is quite similar to front fascia, with features such as full-width light bar, curved windscreen and sleek tail lights.MG Air Electric Car For IndiaMG’s new EV will be equipped with a battery pack of around 20kWh to 25kWh. Power output will be 40 hp. Real-world range could be around 150 km. In view of the varying weather and ride environments in the country, MG will introduce a number of tweaks to make the EV suitable for Indian conditions. Enhancements will cover key systems such as battery thermal management system and air conditioning. In India, E230 will be launched under MG brand.To reduce cost, MG will be sourcing key components from local vendors. For example, the battery pack will be sourced from Tata AutoComp. The latter has an agreement with Chinese battery supplier Gotion, which covers design, production, supply and service of battery packs meant for EVs in India. E230 battery pack will have LFP cylindrical cells, which are similar to that of Tata Nexon EV. LFP cells are more reliable and have already proven their worth in Indian conditions.MG Air Electric Car ProductionSources tell Rushlane that MG Air electric car production start date is in March 2023. Annual production target is set at 36,000 units. MG is likely to price the entry-level EV at around Rs 10 lakh. Primary targets will be youngsters looking for trendier, environment-friendly mobility options. The EV can also work for affluent households that would like to have an agile, compact option in their garage. People living in smaller cities can use MG’s entry-level EV as their primary car.MG Air Electric Car For IndiaTo make it an attractive proposition, MG is likely to equip its new EV with features such as a large touchscreen and a comprehensive range of connectivity features. MG is set to unveil the new EV at 2023 Auto Expo. Market launch will take place around Q2 2023. While micro EVs have been quite successful in China, it remains to be seen how they will perform in the Indian market. There are considerable risks involved, but MG seems unfazed. Reportedly, Tata Motors is also planning to enter this segment, with new gen Nano Electric. More

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    2023 Hero Hunk Spied Testing – Pulsar P150, Unicorn Rival?

    The test mules of 2023 Hero Hunk 160 seem to be close to production and were completely undisguised2023 Hero Hunk SpiedHero Hunk is a muscular 150cc motorcycle that came with the same engine as CBZ Extreme. It was not very popular in India. Hero MotoCorp had to discontinue the motorcycle from the domestic market. However, it is still manufactured here and is being shipped overseas.At 2,749 units shipped in August 2022, Hero Hunk is the highest-exported 2-wheeler from India’s largest 2W manufacturer in that month. Hunk is currently sold in Bangladesh, Angola, Argentina, Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Guyana, Madagascar, Myanmar, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Sri Lanka and a few more countries.That being said, Hero markets Xtreme 160R as Hunk 160R in a few markets, Hunk 190R gets the same engine as Xpulse 200 and in a few other markets, Hunk 150 is still on sale that gets the same features and body that we used to get years ago in India. But there is a new Hunk that is spotted testing in India. Let’s take a look.2023 Hero Hunk Spied2023 Hunk test mules in question were spotted in Jaipur, near Hero MotoCorp Tech Center. Both of them donned red number plates indicating that they are test mules. Looking at these motorcycles, I couldn’t help but think about the Hero Xtreme 200R that was launched besides Xtreme 200S and Xpulse 200. 2023 Hero Hunk SpiedCloser inspection revealed that it has similar body panels, tank design, tank shrouds design, headlight design, alloy wheels, exhaust canister, taillights and pretty much everything else. There is one major change and that is the engine. 2023 Hero Hunk which was spotted testing, was equipped with a 160cc engine that we also saw on Xtreme 160R.2023 Hero Hunk SpiedEngine casing is similar to 160’s rather than 200’s. On deduction, it looks like Hero MotoCorp is targeting the lower end of 150cc and 160cc segments. This is where Honda Unicorn is currently partying. Looking at the fairly minimal bells and whistles that Hunk 160R is donning, it is obvious where Hero has its eyes on.Specs & FeaturesSpeaking of bells and whistles, there are not a lot on Hunk 160R. This can be a boon allowing Hero to price it competitively. Single-channel ABS is present along with alloy wheels, dual disc brakes, LED taillights, halogen headlights, mono-shock rear and telescopic front suspension are some of notable features. Hero might throw in XTEC connected features as well.2023 Hero Hunk SpiedThe engine on Xtreme 160R makes 15 bhp and 14 Nm of torque. On 2023 Hero Hunk, this engine might be detuned to fit the segment. Honda Unicorn is gaining a lot of traction in recent months and is regaining lost market at a significant rate. Recently launched Bajaj Pulsar P150 has a single-disc variant that is another likely rival for Hunk 160.If planned for India, new Hunk could launch sometime next year, as the test mules looked fairly production-ready. We would wager a price of around Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 1.05 lakh (ex-sh) for the top-spec trim with Bluetooth connectivity and a sub Rs. 1 lakh price for base trim without connected features. More

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    New KTM RC 990 Spied – Successor To RC 8C Sports Bike?

    Outgoing RC 8C makes 135 bhp of power and 98 Nm of torque, while KTM RC 990 spied testing recently is likely to offer more oomphImage – MotorradKTM big bikes are quite popular in global market. Unfortunately, most of them are not on sale here. In India, 390 Adventure is the flagship, which is set to receive a major update in the coming years. It will also get a new 390 Enduro version, as seen with recent spy shots.Sticking with big bikes, KTM currently has 890 platform and used to have 1190 platform. In early 2022, new Duke was spotted donning what could be a 990 platform from the Austrian brand. Now, we get to see spy shots of a new faired sports bike prototype.KTM RC 990 Spied TestingIt looks fairly pre-production and sports a matte black fairing with rough edges. It gets a new design language which is radical over 8C faired motorcycle. Even with a fairing, the chassis on this RC 990 is slightly different than what was spotted on Duke 990 papped earlier. Let’s take a look.KTM traditionally uses chrome molybdenum steel tubes for its trellis frame. Rear subframe is slightly different than found on Duke 990 test mules. On the Duke 990, KTM used a die-cast aluminium rear subframe and on KTM RC 990 spotted testing, the company has used a bolt-on type aluminium frame.KTM RC 990Even swingarm is kept different for upcoming 990 platform. KTM is using a banana-shaped swingarm on RC 990, while Duke 990 makes do with a regular profile aluminium swingarm. Both of these swingarm designs are different from KTM’s current RC 8C. KTM RC 990 sports a different TFT display as well which is different from the one found on 890 Duke.Hardware-wise, KTM RC 990 is equipped with a WP monoshock at the rear and WP Apex USD forks at front. These are fully adjustable types that get rebound and compression adjustments. Similar components are found on 890 Duke as well. Braking duties are taken care of by Brembo Stylema calipers.Specs & LaunchCloser inspection reveals that both rider and pillion footrest placement is not yet finalised. This is because of the testing rig incorporated with the test mule. KTM seems to be offering a decent balance between committed seating position and comfort. This is still a pre-production test mule and hence production-spec model can get a revised seating posture.KTM RC 990We can spot a single projector integrated into the front fairing. Also present are bar-end mirrors. There is a new engine behind the fairing which is said to be close to 990cc in cubic displacement. Outgoing 890 Duke and RC 8C is powered by an 889cc twin-cylinder engine.On 890 Duke, this engine is tuned to make 120 bhp and 99 Nm, while on RC 8C, it makes 135 bhp and 98 Nm. KTM RC 990 spotted testing is likely to offer more performance than RC 8C. Launch timeline is not known. Looking at the test mule, it is likely to break the covers at EICMA 2023. India launch could be a possibility.Source More

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    2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Scram Spied – New Details

    Royal Enfield Scram 450 will get the same engine, chassis and most other hardware as Himalayan 4502023 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 ScramRoyal Enfield is taking its ‘four motorcycles a year’ strategy seriously. This year, we got the new Classic 350, Scram 411 and Hunter 350. They also unveiled Super Meteor 650, which will launch in Jan 2023. But what after that?Well, there are many new motorcycles planned for launch by RE. One of them is an all new Himalayan 450 and Scram 450. Of the two, it is the Scram 450 that has now been spied somewhere in Europe.2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Scram SpiedFor starters, Scram 450 will get a different design than Scram 411 which is currently on sale in India. It will also get a new 450cc engine mated to a new 6-speed gearbox. Even though Himalayan 450 is spotted with USD forks at front, Scram 450 still seems to get telescopic units.Himalayan 450 seems to be a more premium in comparison, and with recently spied Hero XPulse 400 on the horizon, things are only getting more interesting in the mid-size ADV segment.2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 ScramAlso, Himalayan 450 gets split seats and a different riding triangle than a single-piece seat on Scram 450. The frame will be sturdier than on Scram 411 and performance will be enhanced too. This new 450cc engine is likely to make around 30 bhp and 40 Nm of torque whereas the old 411cc engine used to make 24 bhp and 32 Nm.New RE Himalayan Scram 450 will get a host of electronic goodies like ride-by-wire, riding modes, and a tripper display for Bluetooth connectivity and navigation. It also gets alloy wheels with block-pattern tyres typically found on scrambler-style bikes. Whereas Himalayan 450 will get spoked wheels with AT tyres.Launch & CompetitionRoyal Enfield has not yet revealed any official info regarding the launch timeline. But looking at the recent test mule, it does look in a near-production-ready state. Plus it had minimal camouflage and most of the bodywork can be seen. We expect Scram 450 sometime next year. Maybe EICMA 2023?When launched, Scram 450 will be a much superior product to Scram 411. And it will be a more worthy opponent to Yezdi Scrambler, KTM 390 and Hero might also launch a scrambler-style XPulse 300T in the future.Source More

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    Toyota Innova Electric Spied On Public Road For First Time

    Innova Crysta electric concept prototype resembles its ICE-powered sibling with a closed-off grille at the front and blue accentsToyota Innova Crysta Electric Concept PrototypeWe have seen Toyota going full regalia with hybrid tech. Innova Hycross was recently launched in Indonesia as Innova Kejing Zenix. In India, it might bear the name Innova Crysta Hycross. That said, Toyota is also investing sizeable chunks of its R&D budget in pure EVs and PHEVs as well.Earlier this year, Toyota showcased an all-electric Innova concept prototype at Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) in Jakarta. It managed to grab a lot of eyeballs across the world, especially in South Asian markets and India where Innova is popular.Innova Crysta Electric SpiedInnova Crysta Electric concept prototype is a good example of Toyota electrifying its existing ICE vehicles along the way. Recently, this prototype is spotted undergoing testing on roads. Is Toyota considering utilising the older platform to make pure EVs? It is a stretch. But there is a good possibility of that happening. Let’s take a look.This is an interesting development because Anton Jimmi Suwandy, marketing director, Toyota Astra Motor, Indonesia, revealed that “Kijang Innova Electric will not go on sale and has been built as a concept for the purpose of engineering development only. Suwandy further added that the Innova EV concept is being used for research and development of future EVs that are being readied for the region”.Innova Crysta ElectricHenry Tanoto, Vice President Director at Toyota Astra Motor Indonesia, also confirmed that the Innova EV concept is ‘merely a study’. The concept is said to have raised the popularity of EVs in the community. Outgoing Innova Crysta is underpinned by IMV2 ladder-on-frame architecture which is designed to accommodate petrol and diesel powertrains.Incorporating battery packs and motors in this platform is a major packaging challenge. Thanks to old-school construction that restricts space for batteries. Toyota might be investing in electrification of its current ladder-frame old-school vehicles like MPVs, SUVs and pickup trucks and more. There are segments like pickup trucks where robustness of ladder-frame chassis and electrification are equally important.What To Expect?If everything that Toyota is testing with the Innova Crysta electric concept prototype checks out, we can witness electrification or even hybridisation of workhorses like SUVs and pickup trucks from the Japanese giant in the future. In North American markets, GM, Ford and even Rivian are offering electric vehicles that are based on ladder-frame chassis.Innova Crysta ElectricEven though Innova Crysta electric concept prototype is spotted testing on road, Toyota is not likely to launch an electric version of its MPV. Innova Hycross is already out of the bag and features a modern monocoque chassis with an FWD layout and a hybrid powertrain as an option.Source More