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    Maruti WagonR Electric Car To Be Sold As Rebadged Toyota Hyryder ?

    Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder SpiedToyota is expected to launch a hatchback based on Maruti WagonR which will be battery-powered
    Maruti Suzuki has been contemplating on bringing an electric vehicle to India for a very long time. The most likely possibility is an entry-level battery-powered car based on WagonR. However, since reports of the car’s development began, there has been no concrete evidence of an eventual launch.
    The Indo-Japanese carmaker is still susceptible to the fact that EVs are still at a very nascent stage in the Indian automotive market and have not reached a stage where they could penetrate into a mass market. In fact, a few months ago, reports surfaced on the internet that Maruti has altogether scrapped the plans of launching an electric derivative of Wagon R.
    Until a few days ago, there were no new developments regarding an electric version of the tallboy hatch when a test mule of the same appeared out of nowhere.
    However, the most interesting attribute noticed about the prototype was that it was wearing a Toyota logo on its face and wheel caps. This could mean that Maruti Suzuki will likely share WagonR EV with its alliance partner in India. Another set of spy shots have surfaced on the internet giving us a peek into the electric hatch.
    Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder Spied
    Exterior Design
    Like the previous spy video, this unit also resembled the regular petrol-driven WagonR with the same overall design. However, it comes with subtle variations to its exterior styling including new bumpers, a revised side profile, and a completely redesigned front face. The prototype receives all-LED lighting with a sharp-looking split headlamp design at the front.
    Other exterior styling highlights include black claddings on front and rear bumpers, black pillars and a blacked-out front grille. Another interesting visual is the larger 15-inch alloy wheels which look similar to the ones seen in Maruti Ignis. The current petrol-powered WagonR rides on 14-inch steel rims with wheel caps. Rest of the car looks identical to its regular sibling.
    Maruti Rebadged models as Toyota
    If such a vehicle is indeed being planned to be launched as a Toyota, it does not make sense for Maruti to develop the car and not release it under its own brand name. Hence, it is expected to launch as a Toyota only after it has been launched under its home brand. Toyota has recently registered a new name – HYRYDER, likely to be pronounced as hi-rider. Could this Maruti WagonR Electric version’s rebadge variant be named Toyota Hyryder?
    Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder Spied
    Currently, there is a lot of ambiguity regarding the development of this product and an official word from Maruti or Toyota will only clear the air. As of now, Toyota retails two models namely Glanza and Urban Cruiser which are rebadged Maruti models Baleno and Vitara Brezza respectively. The Japanese company will also launch a rebadged Maruti Ciaz under its own brand name Belta. There is also speculation of Toyota’s MPV which is said to be based on Ertiga.

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    2021 Benelli 500cc Sportbike Based On Leoncino 500 Spied Undisguised

    New Benelli 500cc sportsbike
    If rebranded as Benelli, this motorcycle could extend the R-series by retailing it as ‘502R’
    Benelli earlier this year announced that it would be launching as many as seven new models in India by August this year. These included Benelli TRK 502, TRK 502X, Leoncino 500, Leoncino 250, 302S, 302R and TNT 600i out of which the first three models have already launched in the country in their latest BS6 avatars.
    The Italian brand’s parent Chinese company, Qianjiang Motor, is slated to introduce multiple models in the coming future which are speculated to be rebranded as Benelli models in overseas markets. Another such model was recently spotted in China which is expected to wear the Italian brand’s logo in future.
    This bike in the latest spy shot is reportedly going to feature a 500cc motor which might be derived from the company’s scrambler Leoncino 500. Given that Benelli doesn’t have a 500cc middleweight faired superbike up its sleeve, the speculations seem very much plausible.
    The motorcycle in the spy pic is not wearing any camouflage and could be clearly visible donning the QJ logo. In fact, the design wears an uncanny similarity to the 250cc faired sportbike recently leaked on the internet from an approval document.
    New Benelli 500cc sportsbike. Image – NewMotor
    Design
    Similar to the quarter-litre motorcycle, the 500cc bike wears a faired outfit with a white paint scheme. The fairing is neatly placed with minimal sharp lines and a small air duct for enhanced aerodynamic qualities. The front end of the bike is almost identical to its quarter-litre counterpart which gets a split LED headlight with integrated LED DRLs, rearview mirrors mounted on the front fairing along with a narrow windscreen.
    Other styling commonalities include a split seat setup, rear-set footpegs and a clip-on handlebar which should make for a sporty riding experience. It is clearly visible that QJ Motor has designed this bike to suit beginners as well as shorter riders.
    No grab rails are visible for the pillion although it can be integrated with the rear cowl. In addition, the raised tail section and compact upswept exhaust also mirror the 250cc superbike.
    Expected Specifications
    Coming to its specs, this motor is expected to be powered by the same 500cc twin-cylinder motor which also performs its duty on Leoncino 500. This engine kicks out 46.8 bhp at 8500 rpm and 46 Nm of peak torque at 6000 rpm and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. As far as hardware goes, the motorcycle is equipped with a pair of USD forks at front and a mono-shock at rear which will handle suspension duties. Braking will be carried out by twin rotors up-front and a single disc at rear. More

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    2022 KTM RC 390 Side View Revealed Via Undisguised Spy Shot

    New gen KTM RC 390. Image – Albin Antony / Rushlane SpylaneKTM is in the process of upgrading their Duke as well as the RC range of motorcycles globally
    It has been a couple of months, since the spy shots of new gen KTM RC and Duke range have started appearing on the internet. Of the two, it is the RC range which will be upgraded first, while the Duke range update is expected sometime next year.
    Global debut of the new gen KTM RC 125, 200 and 390 is expected later this year. Ahead of that, thanks to leaked spy shots via test mules as well as via from company plant, reveals the design language of the updated KTM RC range in quite detail.
    Latest spy shot – 2022 RC 390
    The RC 390 is essentially the faired version of the 390 Duke naked sports motorcycle. Even though the 390 Duke model available in India is updated to the brand’s global specifications, the RC 390 still lags behind a bit especially in terms of equipment such as the TFT instrument console.
    The RC 390 test mule you see here, looks like a production ready variant. The image is credit to automotive enthusiast Albin Antony, who has posted the spy shot in Rushlane Spylane. It is also to be noted here that KTM has removed the current RC390 from their official website – indicating launch could be around the corner.
    2021 KTM RC 125 / RC 200
    Overall design of the new RC range is similar, as it is today. Expect the differences to be in the form of decals and colour options. Other difference one can note, is the presence of underbelly exhaust in the 125 and 200 range while the 390 range gets conventional exhaust, quite similar to the Duke 390.
    Changes expected are updated chassis, new alloys, reworked suspension in the front as well as the rear, bigger disc brakes, new ECU, improved cooling system. Also on offer will be a digital instrument cluster from the Duke range.
    Engine specs
    In its current BS6 format, the KTM RC 390 makes 43bhp and 35Nm of torque from its liquid-cooled 373.2cc single-cylinder engine, mated to a 6-speed transmission via a slipper clutch. The same engine is expected to continue in the new gen version. Once launched, it will continue to rival the likes of the TVS Apache RR 310.
    Thanks to the updates, price of new gen KTM RC 390 is expected to get a significant increase. Even then, it will continue to offer a decent value for money package in the price segment. More

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    Benelli Parent Firm Patents New 250cc And 350cc Sports Bike

    New 350cc From Benelli Parent
    Benelli had earlier announced that it will be launching seven new models in India in 2021 out of which three have already been introduced
    The partnership between Italian brand Benelli and Chinese automaker Qianjiang Motor has turned out to be a fruitful one. Since Qianjian has taken over Benelli’s operation, the latter has come out with a wide range of products which are mostly rebadged QJMotor models.
    Since QJMotor’s operations are limited to China, the company sells most of its premium bikes as rebranded Benelli models since the latter has a strong base in international markets. The Chinese counterpart has yet again patented a new model which it might be willing to ship to overseas markets.
    Design
    This new motorcycle is a 350cc supersport motorcycle with a typical faired design. In terms of looks, it features twin-beam LED headlights and a fully faired body. The bike sports contrasting body panels that extend from its rear edges of the headlights to divide the fairing into distinct upper and lower sections. This gives it a hint of resemblance to the final generation Triumph Daytona 675. However, unlike most Chinese auto manufacturers, this one isn’t a completely ripped-off design.
    All lighting seems to be LED units. The bike will be offered in two variants- the lower spec with a single front disc brake and the higher-spec trim with twin rotors at front. For a fully faired 350cc motorcycle, it weighs a manageable 179 kilos. Other notable highlights include a clip-on handlebar, split-style seats and front fairing-mounted rearview mirrors which give an impression of horns.
    New 250cc From Benelli Parent
    Powertrain
    Powering this motorcycle will be a new 353cc twin-cylinder motor which can push out around 36 horses. Suspension duties will be handled by inverted telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. Will this motorcycle be rebranded as a Benelli in international markets is still a debatable question since Benelli has its own 302R.
    The latter recently got updated in China and the latest iteration is supposed to head towards India in the coming few weeks. It is a question if there is enough space for both QJ 353cc bike and the 302R under Benelli’s lineup.
    Quarter-litre Faired Sportsbike
    The 353cc motorcycle is not the only faired bike recently patented by Qianjiang. There is also another new sports bike that is powered by a 249cc single-cylinder motor. This engine can churn out 27.5 bhp and could weigh only 159kg. This model will also be available in two derivatives. The base trim will be based on a tubular steel frame with a double-sided swingarm whereas the higher-spec model will feature an aluminium single-sider.
    The more premium one will get a fully-floating front disc brake while the cheaper alternative will have to make do with a semi-floater. There will also be differences in the wheels of the two trims. None of the models mentioned above are likely to land on Indian shores anytime soon.
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    2022 Yamaha R7 First Photos Leak Ahead Of Global Debut

    2022 Yamaha R7
    Upon its launch, Yamaha YZF R7 will compete against the likes of Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Aprilia RS660
    The upcoming influx of middleweight superbikes will also feature the hotly anticipated Yamaha R7 which has been teased on the Japanese bikemaker’s official YouTube channel. Not only has the faired monster been teased in a marketing video, but images of a photoshoot featuring the upcoming R7 have also been leaked on the internet ahead of its global debut.
    The middleweight faired sports bike will officially show its face on 18 May 2021 as indicated by the video teaser. The new R7 will serve as a replacement for the outgoing YZF R6 which was discontinued last year since it did not comply with stricter emission standards. Images of the upcoming R7 have been leaked online on social media.
    2022 Yamaha R7
    Styling Highlights
    Apart from the date of its global debut, the teaser also reveals certain highlights of the bike’s design. The overall styling of the new R7 follows the design philosophy which has been prevalent in the R range of supersport motorcycles from the Japanese brand for ages now.
    The images show a prototype in Yamaha’s signature blue paint scheme which lends the motorcycle a sporty appeal. Upfront, R7 looks starkly different from its predecessor.
    2022 Yamaha R7
    While R6 came with R1-derived twin-pod LED headlamps, R7 will flaunt a completely redesigned fascia that features a single-pod LED headlight flanked by twin LED DRLs on both sides. The centre space in the front fairing occupied by the headlamp also flaunts an air scoop which gives it a twin-beam design at the front. Also, it appears to get a taller and wider windscreen than R6.
    2022 Yamaha R7
    Side fairing has also been revised which wears the ‘R7’ monikers. The muscular fuel tank features a signature grille pattern complemented by taut lines which enhance its aerodynamic qualities. The sharp and upright tail section makes it unmistakably a Yamaha R series product.
    Expected Specs
    While the exact specifications are yet to be revealed, we expect R7 to be based on the MT-07 platform. Hence, it is likely to be powered by a 689cc, parallel-twin motor with a 270-degree crank which spits out 72.4 bhp at 8,750rpm and a peak torque of 67 Nm at 6,500rpm.
    This unit will be linked to a six-speed gearbox and will feature a new exhaust setup. Hardware configurations are also expected to be derived from its naked streetfighter counterpart. More

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    Bajaj Pulsar 250F Spied Testing – Likely To Be The Fastest Pulsar Yet

    2022 Bajaj Pulsar 220FWhen Bajaj launched Pulsar 220F, it was branded as The Fastest Indian – Upcoming 250F will sit above the 220F
    Bajaj Auto is planning to expand its Pulsar range of sporty commuted motorcycles by adding new models in the coming future. A few weeks ago, a test mule of what was speculated to be a naked version of new Pulsar 250 was spotted testing.
    In addition to this, the Chakan-based bikemaker introduced the entry-level Pulsar NS125 into the lineup last month. The company also gave a mild refresh to Pulsar 150, 180 and 220F models with new colour options. Now, a semi-faired version of the upcoming quarter-litre Pulsar has been spotted conducting trial tests on roads.
    This upcoming quarter-litre sports commuter is expected to carry either F or RS nomenclature which are usually associated with faired motorcycles. In most likelihood, it will be named 250F just like the current flagship in the lineup 220F. Although the test prototype spotted was heavily wrapped in camouflage, it did reveal a few obvious details about its styling.
    Expected Design & Features
    For instance, like Pulsar 220F, the upcoming 250F is likely to receive a front-heavy fairing adjoining the fuel tank and headlamp section. It gets a tall handlebar which provides easy maneuverability and an aggressive stance thanks to a muscular fuel tank with extended shrouds and bikini fairing.
    2022 Bajaj Pulsar 220F
    Other notable highlights include upswept side exhaust, an upright tail section and a split seat setup. The rear end of the prototype, especially the split grab rails and curved taillight are reminiscent of its immediate rival brand TVS Apache.
    In terms of features, it is expected to offer an all-LED lighting setup and all-digital instrument console with colour display. If Bajaj is generous then it may also offer Bluetooth connectivity. Although images of the bike’s front end are not available at the moment, it is expected to boast a tall windscreen to counter a strong windblast.
    Expected Specs
    Coming to its specifications, Bajaj is expected to offer a whole new 250cc oil-cooled motor for its quarter-litre Pulsar motorcycles. The company already has a 248.8cc, fuel-injected, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine at its disposal which it utilises for its own Dominar and other KTM and Husqvarna models. The new 250cc motor on Pulsar 250 will be capable of generating around 24 bhp and will be paired with a six-speed gearbox.
    2022 Bajaj Pulsar 220F
    Other mechanical components should include conventional telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. Braking duties will be handled by single disc brakes on both ends which will be assisted by dual-channel ABS as standard. It is also expected to be offered with multiple ride modes. Upon its launch, Pulsar 250F will lock its horns with Suzuki Gixxer SF250.
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    2022 KTM 390 Duke Spied Testing In Europe – New Updates

    2022 KTM 390 DukeThe new-gen KTM 390 Duke is expected to make its debut in India towards the end of this year with sales starting in early 2022
    We already know by now that KTM is currently working on upgrading its current lineup of motorcycles. The new-gen RC 390 is slated to go on sale in a few days while a couple of weeks ago, test mules of the new 125 Duke and 250 Duke were caught on camera conducting test trials somewhere in Europe.
    Now, images of the new generation 390 Duke have also surfaced online suggesting an imminent launch soon. While analysing the spy shots of Duke 125 and Duke 250 earlier, it was understood that the entry-level Dukes would be swaying away from the design philosophy carried by 390 Duke.
    Updated Styling
    However, on seeing the images of the new Duke 390, we have been assured that all the latest updates will be incorporated on all naked motorcycles under this range. Like its eighth-liter and quarter-liter counterparts, 2022 Duke 390 will adopt styling cues from the larger 890 Duke and the 1290 SuperDuke R. This includes a side-mounted mono-shock as well as a new swingarm.
    Some of the design highlights in the upcoming iteration of the naked streetfighter include a split dual LED headlight section with DRL, aggressive rearview mirrors, a sleeker LED tail lamp, and an aggressive fuel tank that has been with tank extension on both sides.
    2022 KTM 390 Duke
    It also gets a new underbelly exhaust which has been re-designed for higher ground clearance. The test mule was also spotted riding on new five-spoke cast wheels replacing the 10-spoke alloys in the current model.
    Improved Aerodynamics
    The most interesting highlight, however, is a dished section on the lower panel of the front tank extensions on the left side. While its exact purpose is yet unknown, it is believed that this panel will not only enhance the bike’s aerodynamic qualities but also improve rider’s comfort by sucking in the hot air from the engine. However, this design element is asymmetrical since it is absent from the right side of the motorcycle.
    Side profile of the updated 390 Duke suggests that it could employ the same simplified trellis frame and a composite subframe that was spotted in 250 Duke. The front suspension is likely to retain the current USD forks. Other notable updates include a short rear fender, new radiator covers and slim LED turn indicators. Overall, the new-gen model looks sharper than before thanks to completely revised bodywork.
    2022 KTM 390 Duke
    Updated Engine
    The engine casing also seems to be redesigned which means that engine although the same unit, will feature some updates. In its current iteration, 390 Duke is powered by a 373.2cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled unit which pushes out 43 bhp at 9,000rpm and a peak torque of 37 Nm at 7,000rpm. It is paired with a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. Other updates expected include new braking hardware and some new features onboard.
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    Yamaha FZ-X Spied Nr Atal Tunnel During TVC Shoot In 3 New Colours

    New Yamaha FZ-XUpon its launch, Yamaha FZ-X will become the most affordable retro-style classic motorcycle in India
    Recently it was revealed that Yamaha is working on developing a new motorcycle based on its exciting 150cc lineup which comprises FZ Fi and FZS Fi. This new bike was spotted testing a few weeks ago in the Yamuna Expressway and was earlier believed to be part of the XSR brand of motorcycles sold in foreign markets.
    It turned out, Yamaha will be using its FZ moniker in the upcoming bike which wears a retro design. Now, production-spec FZ-X has been spied near Atal tunnel by automotive enthusiast Surya Dagar.
    New Yamaha FZ-X
    There are total of three FZ-X motorcycles in 3 different colours of Blue, Orange and Black. These were spotted undisguised while being shot for upcoming launch TVC.
    Dimension & Design
    The spied images revealed that FZ-X will wear an entirely different top hat in comparison to its naked streetfighter siblings. This establishes the change in its dimensions which according to the leaked document, FZ-X will outstretch FZ Fi by 30mm, 5mm and 35mm in its length, width and height respectively. In exact figures, the classic roadster will measure 2,020mm in length, 785mm in width and 1,115mm in height.
    New Yamaha FZ-X
    As mentioned earlier, FZ-X will carry a retro-themed design with a conventional teardrop-shaped fuel tank, circular headlamp and aluminum brackets on both sides. In addition, FZ-X gets a boomerang-shaped radiator guard that differs from the one found in FZ Fi that gives the naked street racer a hunkered-down look. We also notice that the front suspension gets fork gaiters on the telescopic forks apart from the mono-shock at rear.
    New Yamaha FZ-X
    The motorcycle features a flat seat design, upright handlebars and center-set footpegs that must ensure a comfortable riding position. The relaxed ride posture would make it ideally suitable for short city commutes as well as highway cruising. Other notable highlights expected to be included are an upswept exhaust and a digital instrument console.
    Powertrain Specs
    As for specifications, it will be powered by the same 149cc air-cooled SOHC engine that also propels FZ Fi V3 and FZS Fi V3. This unit is tuned to churn out 12.2 bhp at 7,500rpm and 13.6 Nm of peak torque at 5,500rpm while being mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Braking duties will be carried out 282mm and 220mm front and rear disc brakes respectively which will be further assisted by a single-channel ABS.
    Expect the new FZ-X to be offered at the same price as FZ Fi which currently starts at Rs 1.04 lakh (ex-showroom). No information regarding its prospective launch is yet available but we expect the motorcycle to hit showrooms just ahead of the festive season later this year. More