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    Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser, Meteor 650 – Spied In Production Guise

    Royal Enfield is working hard to put its upcoming 650 cruiser line-up through final rounds of testingUpcoming Royal Enfield 650cc cruiser and Meteor 650Upcoming Royal Enfield 650cc test mules have run the gauntlet of testing in every condition for quite a number of years. Royal Enfield will be launching these not only in the domestic market but also overseas and obviously wants them to succeed from the word go.If grapevine is to be believed, the long-awaited Royal Enfield 650 cruiser line-up is all set to make its debut in mid-July this year. As that time approaches, the bikes were caught testing totally undisguised in near production-ready format by Madras Tribe channel.Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser, Super MeteorThough it is not yet clear how many new 650cc motorcycles are planned for launch, it is safe to predict that there would be at least two models. As can be seen in the spy video below, one motorcycle has a cruiser stance, while the other is more like Meteor.Upcoming RE cruiser 650 is expected to be longer and lower with the rider sitting in a relaxed feet forward position, while Super Meteor 650 will have a conventional stance with the rider sitting in a more upright position.[embedded content][embedded content]Cruiser 650 will come equipped with LED headlight, upside down forks, alloy wheels shod with tubeless tyres and forward-set footpegs placed near the front of the engine covers and right next to exhaust downpipe in typical cruiser fashion. Both bikes will have single disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS. Instrument cluster will be a semi-digital twin-podded affair with a tripper navigation system also on offer.Super Meteor 650 will likely have a halogen headlight, wire-spoke wheels, a conventional telescopic front fork and mid-set footpegs. What would remain common is layout and design of the frame, shape of the fuel-tank, side panels, exhaust system though on the Cruiser 650 it will be finished in chrome while on the Super Meteor 650, it will be finished in matt black.Common engine, gearboxRoyal Enfield will be using the same engine and gearbox from the Interceptor and 650 twins. State of tuning might be altered on the bikes but the 648cc parallel twin engine will have the same output of 47 hp and 52 Nm of torque, like on the 650 twins, mated to a 6-speed transmission with revised gear ratios for more relaxed cruising and higher speeds on highways. Instead of brushed aluminium finish, on the upcoming bikes the engine will be finished in black.The Cruiser 650 could get a 130-section rear tyre mounted on a smaller wheel than the front in typical cruiser configuration, while the Super Meteor 650 will also have different-sized wheels and tyres. Speculation is rife of there being a third model in the cruiser line-up which is being called Classic 650 but at the moment Royal Enfield is holding cards close to their chest and all information will only be disclosed near the launch date. More

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    Royal Enfield Shotgun 650cc Bobber Spied – New LED Headlight

    Royal Enfield has plans to introduce multiple new 650cc motorcycles including Shotgun, Super Meteor 650 and a cruiser bikeUpcoming Royal Enfield 650cc Bobber SG650With 650 twins registering strong sales in domestic as well as international markets, Royal Enfield will be aiming to further strengthen its presence in this space. Towards that end, at least three new 650cc motorcycles will be launched. One of these is Shotgun 650 that was unveiled as SG650 concept at 2021 EICMA. New 650cc bikes will also help Royal Enfield to manage threats from rivals such as the upcoming BSA Gold Star 650.Shotgun 650 has been spotted on road tests in India as well as abroad. The test mules have been seen with varying features till now, making it difficult to get a proper feel of its design. The latest test mule spotted overseas is different in that it appears to be in production-ready form.Royal Enfield 650cc LED HeadlightIt has the full uniform and is without any camouflage, indicating that the bike is almost ready to enter production. The test mule can be seen with a top box and connected wires, which reveals the possibility of range testing. Shotgun 650 is likely to be launched in early 2023. Royal Enfield could also introduce the Super Meteor 650 at the same time.While production-ready Shotgun 650 looks familiar to SG650 Concept, it has toned-down features and appears more practical. The bike continues using Royal Enfield’s signature retro features such as round headlamp and rear view mirrors, teardrop shaped fuel tank and wide rear mudguard. While the headlight will be LED, blinkers will have halogen bulbs.Upcoming Royal Enfield 650cc Bobber SG650Side profile comprises largely the engine and utility boxes. The test mule can be seen with inconspicuous looking exhaust. It is possible that this may be different as compared to that of the production variant. At the rear, Shotgun 650 has the signature round tail lamp.In terms of user comfort, the bike offers an upright riding stance. Pulled back handlebar and centrally placed footpegs will ensure optimal comfort on long journeys. Low-set, scooped out single piece saddle can be expected to boost comfort levels as well as ensure adequate balance and control.Shotgun 650 engine and specsPowering Shotgun 650 will be the same 648cc parallel-twin air cooled motor that does duty on Interceptor and Continental GT. It churns out 47 hp of max power and 52 Nm of peak torque. It is coupled with a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox. It is possible that power and torque output may be tweaked slightly in line with the bike’s profile.Shotgun 650 has USD forks at front and dual rear shock absorbers. It has disc brakes at both ends, integrated with dual-channel ABS as standard. Speedometer appears the same as currently used with other Royal Enfield bikes. There’s a larger primary display on the left that shows standard info such as speedometer, fuel level and odometer. On the right, the smaller display is likely to be the tripper navigation system.Source More

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    New Tata Ace Electric Spied During TVC Shoot – Launch Soon

    Tata Ace Electric will be the company’s first fully-electric commercial vehicle to go into series productionTata Ace Electric. Image – Yash MoreTata Motors is looking to stamp its authority not just in the passenger vehicle segment of electric mobility but also in the commercial vehicle segment as well. In this regard, the company will soon be launching a fully electric derivative of Ace which was recently spotted during the shoot of a TV commercial.The latest spy shot shared by auto enthusiast Yash More shows a production prototype of Ace in front of a camera mounted on top of a tracker vehicle. There is no noticeable visual difference between Ace Electric and its IC engine-powered sibling, barring a prominent EV branding on the fully covered cargo cabin.Tata Ace Electric- Previous CasesWhile it is the first time that Ace will be on sale with a factory-fitted EV powertrain, it isn’t the first case where the light commercial pickup truck runs on a battery power source. Earlier, EV startups like Etrio and Northway MotorSport have built retro-fitted electric powertrains for Tata Ace featuring 20kWh and 18kWh Lithium-ion battery packs respectively.Even for Tata Motors, a fully electric Ace isn’t an all-new project as the company had first attempted the same almost a decade back. Ace EV was first designed and conceptualised by the European Technical Centre of the automaker and launched battery-powered versions of the LCV in Europe in small numbers. However, those units of Ace Electric were powered by Lead Acetate battery packs.Tata Ace ElectricA combination of changes in Government incentives and a sluggish take-up of EVs by the industry made the company discontinue Ace Electric. Specific details on the upcoming Tata Ace Electric are expected to surface ahead of its launch expected in a few weeks. Tata Motors could provide a battery pack rated between 18kWh and 20kWh capacity which can offer a range of 120-150km on a single charge.Details of IC Engine-Powered AceIn its IC engine-powered derivative, Ace draws its power from a 2-cylinder, 700cc, naturally aspirated direction injection diesel engine that produces 20 bhp and 45 Nm of torque. It is also offered with a 694cc MPFI 4 stroke, water-cooled petrol engine with a rated output of 30 bhp and 55 Nm of peak torque.The same powertrain is also available in CNG form which returns an output of 25 bhp and 50 Nm of torque. In its IC-powered form, Ace could attain a top speed of 70 kmph. The light pickup truck is available in three broadly classified trims namely Gold, Gold CX and HT Plus.It will be interesting to see at what price Tata Motors offers the new Ace EV since it will be strictly put to use for commercial purpose. Mahindra is also planning to launch Jeeto Electric, which will take on the soon to be launched Ace Electric More

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    Kia EV6 GT Electric Car Spied Testing In India – Launch Soon

    This flagship GT version of the Kia EV6 crossover commands a range of 510km and top speed of 260 km/hKia EV6 GT Electric Car. Image – Automobili Ardent IndiaKia EV6, the most powerful and quickest vehicle in the company lineup, is getting ready for India launch. Making its global debut last year, this electric crossover is the company’s first all-electric vehicle.Kia EV6 shares its E-GMP platform (Electric-Global Modular Platform) with the Hyundai Ioniq, which is also planned for India launch. EV6 is built on the company’s new Opposites United design philosophy which is based on the 5 pillars of Bold for Nature, Joy for Reason, Power to Progress, Technology for Life and Tension for Serenity.Kia EV6 GT Electric Spied In IndiaKia’s EV6 is offered with 2 powertrain configurations – 77.4 kWh for long range and 58 kWh for standard range. It will be offered in two variants of GT Line and GT and will be available in both 2WD and AWD options.The new Kia EV6 GT comes in with a dual motor set up along with a 77.4 kWh battery pack which together offer 576 hp power and 740 Nm torque. This allows the EV6 GT to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and to hit a top speed of 260 km/h. This speed and power puts it in a higher category as compared to the Porsche Taycan 4S.Kia EV6 GT Electric CarUpcoming Kia EV6 is offered in a choice of two battery sizes of 77.4 kWh and 58 kWh. In its non GT stance the larger battery offers 229 hp power in a rear wheel drive format and a combined 325 hp with AWD. The rear wheel drive variant gets a range of 510 kms on the WLTP cycle while acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 5.2 seconds.The 58 kWh battery pack is also presented in two configurations of 170hp RWD and 235hp AWD with acceleration of 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds. It is not clear as to which battery variant will be launched in India. Kia EV6 will come in as a CBU.Where features are concerned, the upcoming EV6 will get a new Kia logo, large headlamps and a Tiger Nose front grille. It features an aerodynamic design with swept back windshield, angular DRLs, sloping C pillars and a roof spoiler. Interiors will see the latest in technology with an HD screen, slim dashboard and instrument cluster, and the latest in technologies and car connectivity.Battery Charging TimeKia EV6, positioned on the EGMP platform, gets an 800V charging architecture allowing charging from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes. In just 4.5 minutes of charging, the Kia EV6 can deliver up to 100 kms range. The EV6 also comes in with a ‘vehicle-to-load’ function to offer up to 3.6kW of power to external devices including other EVs. India launch is likely to take place in June 2022.Source More

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    New Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Std, Hunter 350 – Spied Together

    Upcoming Royal Enfield bikes new-gen Bullet 350 and Hunter 350 will share much of the hardware including engine and platformRoyal Enfield Bullet Std and Hunter 350 Spied TogetherAfter Meteor 350 and new-gen Classic 350, Royal Enfield will be launching new-gen Bullet and Hunter 350 later this year. While Hunter will work to expand options available to enthusiasts in the 350cc segment, new-gen Bullet will pack in a range of updates. Both motorcycles have now been spied testing together in Chennai.New-gen Bullet 350 updatesWhile the core retro theme remains largely the same as earlier, new-gen Bullet 350 gets new headlamp and taillamp. These appear familiar to the ones used with new-gen Classic 350. The bike also has new headlamp encasing that comes in chrome finish. The chrome treatment has been applied for rear-view mirrors as well.In terms of ergonomics, the bike offers pulled-back handlebar and comfy, single-piece seat with thick padding. Scooped out design of the seat will especially benefit the rider by ensuring adequate lumbar support. Its low centre of gravity will translate into better control and handling. The bike offers an upright riding stance, which makes it suitable for everyday commutes as well as long-distance journeys.New-gen Bullet 350 will be getting the new 350cc platform and J-series engine, as already introduced with Meteor and new-gen Classic 350. The new engine makes 20.2 bhp of max power and 27 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. This new platform and engine will also be deployed onboard Hunter 350.[embedded content][embedded content]Suspension setup for new Bullet 350 comprises telescopic forks at front and twin rear shock absorbers. It will have a disk-drum braking combo, integrated with single channel ABS as standard.Royal Enfield Bullet Std 350Hunter 350 featuresJust like other Royal Enfield bikes, Hunter 350 utilizes retro bits such as round headlamp and rear-view mirrors and teardrop-shaped fuel tank. However, this newest RE machine appears to be leaner and could be more agile and manoeuvrable. This makes it suitable for city conditions. It is likely to be targeted at younger folks.Other key features of Hunter 350 include ergonomically placed handlebar, compact single-piece seat, sporty exhaust muffler and short tail section. It will have a twin-pod instrument console with a Tripper navigation display placed on the right. The bike will have standard telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers. Both wheels will have disc brakes, paired with dual-channel ABS as standard.Royal Enfield Hunter 350Test mules of Hunter 350 have been spotted with varying features. For example, some units were seen with alloy wheels whereas others had wire spoke wheels. Similarly, there have been differences in terms of circular vs. rectangular turn indicators and split vs. single-piece grab rails. It is likely that users will be able to personalize their Hunter via Royal Enfield’s MIY customization platform.In the company’s line-up, Hunter 350 is expected to be placed below Meteor and Classic 350. It will be one of the most affordable 350cc bikes in the market. More

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    2022 Nissan Leaf Electric Car Spied Testing In Delhi NCR

    There has been no official word from Nissan on launch of the Leaf electric in India yetNissan Leaf Electric SpiedWith growing impetus for electric vehicles (EVs) in India, many automakers are vying to make a mark in the sustainable mobility space. Nissan is one such brand that has been contemplating bringing an EV to India for a very long time. However, the company hasn’t been able to put its plans up and running.Recently, a fully undisguised prototype of Nissan Leaf was spotted testing on streets of Delhi NCR. Latest spy image of this test mule is credited to automotive enthusiast Swarup Mishra in which the fully-electric hatchback is seen wearing a green registration plate.Nissan Leaf spied in IndiaThe test mule is seen wrapped in a red paint scheme with only its rear end visible. That said, it isn’t the first time that the electric hatchback has been spied testing in India. Back in 2019, Leaf was spied on Indian roads on multiple occasions which had sparked rumours of its launch in the country.Earlier in November last year, Nissan CEO, Makoto Uchida, in an interaction with a leading newspaper confirmed that the company is looking to launch an EV in India. However, he declined to comment on specific details of this upcoming product or an expected launch timeline. We believe that the upcoming EV from Nissan is most likely to be Leaf since it has already been put to test on Indian roads in a number of instances.Nissan Leaf Electric SpiedNissan Leaf is one of the most popular electric cars in the world. By Feb 2022, global sales of Nissan Leaf crossed the 5.22 lakh mark. It has been on sale since 2010 in over fifty overseas markets of Europe, Asia and Latin America and even received a generation upgrade in 2017.In India, Nissan could bring the electric hatchback as a fully imported model via CBU route from Japan, at least initially till the brand is able to create a sizable consumer base. If and when launched, it could be priced around the Rs 40 lakh mark and will serve as an affordable alternative to MINI Cooper Electric and the upcoming Volvo XC40 Recharge.Expected Features & Powertrain SpecsBeing a CBU product, Leaf is expected to be very well loaded. It is expected to include features like ProPilot single-lane autonomous driving along with a semi-autonomous driving system and e-Pedal mode for one-pedal driving. It is also likely to be equipped with an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) which will offer a range of safety features like lane departure warning, blind-spot warning and emergency braking system to name a few.Powering Leaf will be an EM57 electric motor that derives its energy from a 40 kWh Li-ion battery pack. This powertrain returns an output of 146 bhp and 320 Nm of peak torque. It claims an estimated range of 240km on a single charge as per NEDC. Nissan offers two types of AC chargers with Leaf- a 3kW unit and a 6kW unit. The former takes 16 hours for the battery to rejuvenate while the latter makes it in 8 hours. More

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    Upcoming Royal Enfield Hunter 350cc – Two New Test Mules Spied

    Royal Enfield is expected to take the covers off from the upcoming Hunter 350 later this year – It will be priced lower than Meteor and Classic 350New Royal Enfield Hunter 350ccRoyal Enfield has lined up multiple new products slated for market launches in the coming few months. The company recently launched its first scrambler motorcycle called Scram 411 which is based on Himalayan. One of the most highly anticipated models is Hunter 350.It is based on the same J series platform as Meteor and new-gen Classic and the motorcycle has been spotted testing on numerous occasions in the past. We have got hold of another set of spy shots which show clearer details of the upcoming roadster.Upcoming Royal Enfield Hunter 350ccBy the looks of it, the motorcycle looks almost production-ready with finished body panels. Like most Royal Enfield models, Hunter gets a modern classic design with retro styling elements.These include a round headlamp, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a round LED tail light, a single-piece seat, a short side-slung exhaust muffler and a short rear section. The latest test mules feature some noticeable variations in comparison to previous prototypes.New Royal Enfield Hunter 350ccFor starters, the taillight is flanked by rectangular turn indicators as opposed to circular units as seen previously. Also, earlier test units of Hunter had flaunted split grab rails whereas the latest prototypes came with a single-piece grab rail for a pillion. Another massive difference is that the latest test mules are seen rolling on wire-spoked wheels instead of alloys.Expected Features, Powertrain SpecsOn closer inspection one notices that it gets a twin-pod instrument console- one featuring the speedometer and odometer while the other getting a Tripper Navigation display. The latter is likely to be made available as an optional accessory through Royal Enfield’s MIY program. Tripper Navigation provides turn-by-turn navigation when paired to the Royal Enfield app on the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth.Apart from this, it should receive a USB charger as a standard fitment. Powering the Hunter 350 will be a 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled OHC engine that kicks out 20.2 hp and 27 Nm of peak torque. This motor is paired with a 5-speed gearbox via a slipper and assist clutch.New Royal Enfield Hunter 350ccExpected Hardware Specs, Launch TimelineAs we already know, like new-gen Classic 350 and Meteor 350, Hunter will be underpinned by a dual-cradle frame which is suspended on 35mm telescopic forks upfront and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at rear. Anchorage setup comprises single disc brakes at both ends which are complemented by a standard dual-channel ABS.Although a specific launch timeline for Hunter hasn’t been revealed yet we expect it to make its debut during the second half of 2022, around the Diwali festive season. It is expected to be positioned just slightly below the new-gen Classic 350 in terms of pricing. More

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    2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450cc Spied Testing For First Time

    A diversified portfolio with new products like Himalayan 450cc will help Royal Enfield to stay ahead in the gameRoyal Enfield Himalayan 450ccAs part of its long-term strategy, Royal Enfield is working to launch an average of one new/updated product every quarter. One of these is Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, which has just been spied. It is expected to be available for sale in first quarter of 2023. Although the basic silhouette looks familiar to Himalayan 411, Himalayan 450 utilizes an entirely new platform.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 styling and featuresCodenamed K1, Himalayan 450 comes across as a premium Adv bike. It can emerge as a viable alternative to the likes of KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G310GS and other similar Adv bikes. The core Himalayan DNA is retained, as evident with features such as round headlamp and rear-view mirrors, raised front fender and matching frame construction.Use of spoke wheels, shod with knobby tubeless tyres is another feature that’s common to both bikes. Himalayan 450 is likely to use 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel, the same setup as that of current Himalayan.Just like Himalayan 411, users can expect relaxed riding ergonomics with Himalayan 450. It’s made possible with features such as centrally placed footpegs, thick saddle and pulled-back, wide handlebar. Upswept exhaust in metallic finish is another similar looking feature.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450cc Render by BikewaleIn terms of things that give Himalayan 450 a unique identity, the bike gets a compact windscreen, trendier fuel tank design, and single-piece seat. It could be equipped with a new digital instrument console. The bike is likely to ditch much of the exoskeleton that can be seen with Himalayan 411. For users who may need it, the front and rear rack could be offered as an accessory.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450cc – engine and specsPowering Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will be a liquid cooled, single cylinder motor that generates 40 bhp of max power. Just like other Adv bikes, Himalayan 450 will focus on delivering better performance in low and mid-range. As of now, torque for Himalayan 450 has not been revealed.Existing Himalayan is powered by a 411cc motor that churns out 24.3 bhp and 32 Nm. It is mated to a 5-speed, constant mesh gearbox. In comparison, KTM 390 Adv is powered by a 373cc motor that delivers 43 bhp and 37 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. BMW G310GS is powered by a 313cc motor that generates 34 bhp and 28 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.Himalayan 450 will be utilizing a trellis frame and is likely to be lighter than Himalayan 411. It will have USD forks at front, as compared to conventional telescopic forks used with Himalayan 411. Front suspension travel and ground clearance could be on the higher side. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is expected to be priced at around Rs 2.7 lakh (ex-sh). It will be cheaper than KTM 390 Adventure (~ Rs 3.28 lakh) and BMW G310GS (~ Rs 3 lakh).Source More