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      TVS Apache 165 RP Race Performance Teased Ahead Of Launch

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      TVS Apache 165 Race Performance – RenderUpon launch, TVS Apache 165 RP is expected to be priced at a premium of around Rs 5000-7000 over RTR 160 4V
      Earlier this year, TVS had filed a new trademark for a more performance-oriented motorcycle in the Apache range. The registered trademark read as ‘TVS Apache 165 RP’. The Hosur-based bikemaker has now released an official teaser, which says that TVS RP Race Performance is Coming Soon.
      For starters, RP stands for ‘Race Performance’ which was revealed in the short 14-second teaser. In all probability, TVS would be launching RP Editions based on multiple Apache models in the future. The first of them is expected to be Apache RTR 165 RP which will be based on RTR 160 4V.
      TVS Apache 165 RP Race Performance Teased
      The video teaser doesn’t reveal much except that the upcoming motorcycle will be “the pinnacle of performance”. Hence, models in the RP series will specifically cater to enthusiasts who seek more performance extracted out of their machine.
      For this, TVS could be using a rebored version of the 159.7cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that currently powers Apache RTR 160 4V. It could also offer some new kits, like they offered with Apache 310 earlier this year. This kits will allow owners to tune their motorcycles as per their need.
      [embedded content]
      In its current form, this fuel-injected motor dishes out 17.63 bhp and 14.73 Nm of peak torque which in itself is segment-leading. When rebored and retuned, this power plant will pump out a few extra horses and twisting force. In all likelihood, this engine will be paired with the same 5-speed transmission, however, certain tweaks could be made to the gear ratios.
      Expected Updates
      TVS is also expected to make some styling revisions to Apache RTR 165 RP in order to distinguish itself from RTR 160 4V and make it look sportier than its sibling. Ergonomics of the bike will also be altered to provide a more aggressive riding posture, thanks to a lower-set clip-on handlebar accompanied by slightly rear-set footpegs.
      Not just ergonomics but adjustments would also be made to the hardware configurations of the bike. A suspension setup comprising telescopic forks at front and a Showa-sourced mono-shock unit at rear with preload adjustability are expected to be carried forward to Apache RTR 165 RP. However, damping of both front and rear units is expected to be stiffer in order to provide better handling and stability at high speeds.
      Image for reference
      A stronger braking setup is expected to be offered by TVS so that it offers plenty of bite. Disc brakes at both ends will be complemented by a dual-channel ABS as standard ABS. There is data of its powertrain specs available as of now but we expect details to come our way in the near future.
      In terms of features, all gizmos on offer in RTR 160 4V are expected to be carried forward to RTR 165 RP. These include all-LD illumination, a fully digital instrument console, LED DRLs, Glide Through Traffic (GTT) technology, a one-touch start and a wave bite ignition key. TVS might also throw in the brand’s connectivity solution called SmartXonnect. More

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      New TVS Electric Scooter Spied Testing For First Time – 2022 Launch

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      New TVS Electric ScooterWith incremental e-commerce growth across varied segments, the B2B space presents significant opportunity for EV manufacturers
      TVS is among the auto companies that have made aggressive plans to target the EV space. Investments worth Rs 1,200 have been earmarked for the purpose. A significant portion of the funds will be utilized to setup a new manufacturing facility that will cater to EVs such scooters, motorcycles, three-wheelers, etc.
      New TVS Electric Scooter Spied
      Latest spy shots reveal a new electric scooter on road tests near TVS manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. These exclusive spy shots are credit to automotive enthusiast V Mathpati. Design of the e-scooter indicates that it is most likely a load carrier, meant for last-mile deliveries in B2B and B2C space. It has a flat seat with space at the rear for loading cargo items. The flat floorboard also has ample space for cargo.
      TVS new electric scooter has sober styling with minimal body panels. It appears to be using large alloy wheels, possibly 12-inch units. These will come handy for optimal control and balance during cargo operations. Suspension system comprises telescopic forks at front and dual rear shock absorbers. The scooter has a rectangular, full-digital instrument console.
      While specs of TVS new electric scooter are not available, it could be close to that of iQube. The latter is equipped with a 2.25kWh battery pack that powers a 4.4kW hub-mounted BLDC motor. It generates 3kW power and peak torque of 140 Nm. iQube claimed range is 75km. This new TVS scooter could get a larger battery, delivering higher range.
      New TVS Electric Scooter
      When launched, TVS new electric scooter will primarily take on Honda Benly e electric scooter. Benly e is scheduled for launch in India next year. Honda is moving fast with its plans and has already setup a new subsidiary in India.
      This unit will focus on manufacturing battery packs, as required for Honda’s upcoming electric scooters, motorcycles and other small EVs. The subsidiary will also manage technologies and operations related to battery charging and swapping infrastructure.
      TVS charging network expansion
      To ensure users don’t have to face issues like range anxiety, TVS is building a vast network of charging stations. This is being done in collaboration with other entities such as Tata Power. As per the agreement between the two companies, the focus will be on increasing use of solar power across charging stations.
      New TVS Electric Scooter
      TVS charging network will cater to both personal vehicles and cargo carriers in two-wheeler and three-wheeler segment. It will have both AC charging network as well as DC fast-charging network.
      The strategic partnership with Tata is significant, as the company already operates around 700 public chargers across 120 cities. The company also has presence across home and workplace charging and captive charging stations.
      Along with commuter and cargo segment, TVS will also be targeting the premium EV segment. For this, TVS has expanded its partnership with BMW to include design and development of new electric scooters, motorcycles and concepts. More

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      Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor Spied With Single Side Exhaust

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      New Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 With Single Side ExhaustA new Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 test mule has been spied testing – Which has a single side exhaust
      In the 650cc segment, Royal Enfield offers the Interceptor and the Continental GT. Both these motorcycles are the best selling motorcycles in the segment in the country. They are also the only 650cc motorcycles which are made in India and exported around the world.
      These flagship motorcycles have been on sale for a few years now. While it still carries a very minimalistic approach and is far from the sophisticated technologies offered in modern premium machines, it also gets some useful features not seen before from the Chennai-based manufacturer. Earlier this year, they did get a minor update. But it still missed out on features like tripper navigation, which was first introduced on the Meteor 350 last year, and on the Classic 350 in Sep 2021.
      2022 Royal Enfield 650 Update
      It is likely that Royal Enfield will dish out more updates to the 650 Twins in 2022. Apart from adding Tripper Navigation system, RE could also update the exhaust system. Instead of the twin exhaust setup (one on each side), RE could offer a single side exhaust system, as seen in the latest test mule that was spied near company plant in Chennai.
      The motorcycle remains same – twin cylinder 650cc. It is only the exhaust system, which will be routed via a single end-can, instead of the double end-can in current 650 RE. It is not clear as to why Royal Enfield is testing a new exhaust system with single end-can. Many customers who are buying the RE 650, want the dual end-can exhaust.
      New Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 With Single Side Exhaust
      There could be some benefits though, of the single side exhaust. Reducing the exhaust end can to just 1, will help reduce the weight by a few kgs. The upswept end-can of test mule will reduce the width of the motorcycle, allowing ease of riding in traffic or in tight spaces. It will also be easier to caliberate as well as source – especially in these times of global parts shortage.
      Tripper Navigation
      Other update expected on board the 2022 650 Twins, is the Tripper Navigation system. This offers turn-by-turn navigation as standard across the range. Meteor 350 was the first bike to be laced with such a feature. It is now also on offer with Classic 350 new gen.
      The Tripper comes in two parts- the pod beside the instrument cluster and the mobile app. While the pod acts as a face, the app acts a brain which essentially means that the rider enters coordinates of the location in the app and the display pod shows turn-by-turn instructions of the route.
      New Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 With Single Side Exhaust
      The app displays information from Google Location and Maps by making use of the smartphone’s processing power as well as GPS for navigation. Using this app also means that navigation won’t be compromised even outside the network coverage area. The display pod not only provides navigation commands with arrows and distances but also captures the rider’s attention by flashing the arrows when a turn approaches close.
      With the arrows gradually filling in when turn approaches, it gets caught in the rider’s peripheral vision which tells the rider to take appropriate action without getting distracted from the road. Royal Enfield will eventually offer this on all their current as well as upcoming new motorcycles.
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      TVS-BMW Electric Scooters, Motorcycles Planned For Launch

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      TVS-BMW electric motorcycle render. Credit – Abin DesignsTVS Motor Company and BMW Group has extended their partnership further for future technologies and electric vehicles
      TVS Motor Company and BMW Group partnership has already proven its mettle when it comes to the 310cc engine. For TVS, the RR310 Apache helped the manufacturer enter a new segment in the domestic market being its biggest bike. For BMW Motorrad, the 310 twins helped the company make inroads in the market, improve on market share, reach sales of 5k units in India in 2021, and improve its standing in the international market.
      For BMW, the 310 twins reached the 1 lakh units production milestone in October 2021. TVS’ Hosur manufacturing plant is already charged with 10 percent of BMW’s global production output. Longterm branching and subdivisions of the association between both auto manufacturers have not been revealed to full potential. This of course is owing to the nature of such partnerships.
      BMW-TVS Sub 500cc and electric
      TVS Motor today announced the expansion of their partnership with BMW. This would outline co-development of an electric platform to cater to manufacturing of electric scooters, motorcycles, and new concepts. First product under the new announcement will debut within 2 years. Current production of the 310cc units is within the guidance of manufacturing sub 500cc bikes at the Indian plant for sale both in India, and international markets.
      Mr. Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said, “In the nine years of our long-term strategic partnership, we have always cherished the common core values we share with BMW Motorrad: focus on quality, engineering prowess, innovation and customer satisfaction. These factors and our commitment to deliver superior quality products with a strong value proposition has been key to the success of all three products launched from the platform.
      TVS Creon Electric Scooter Concept
      The new world of future mobility encompasses a strong play through alternate solutions, including electric mobility. Expanding this successful partnership to EVs and other newer platforms will create opportunities to deliver advanced technology and aspirational products to global markets and bring valuable synergies to both companies.”
      Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, said, “In light of our fruitful association with TVS Motor Company, we are delighted to extend and expand our cooperation agreement to include long-term partnership and joint development of new platforms and technologies, including electric vehicles.”
      Emissions, electric, and investments
      The electric vehicle space is an exciting one. Concepts and ideas are quickly being transformed into vehicles that are projected a the need of the hour. Global emission norms leave little wriggle room when it comes to strict footprint goals. Which means companies are working round the clock to meet modern vehicle requirements.
      But it’s never going to be as easy as converting an exhaustive range of current day vehicles into electric variants. With each emission compliance update, manufacturers have had to make informed decisions regarding which vehicles would be carried forward and which would be axed. Emission compliance and cost consideration for consumers and manufacturers alike are key factors.
      This paves the way for new architecture. Ones that are modular, modern and have longterm benefits as market requirements evolve. The premise of a new development is likely to revolve around joint development, and manufacturing of high end electric two-wheelers. BMW is reputed as a premium manufacturer, and its electric vehicle progress isn’t going to be any different.
      Three weeks earlier, TVS signed a MoU with Tamil Nadu government for ‘investment in Future Technologies and Electric Vehicle’. The commitment entails Rs. 1200 crores in the next four years. Utility scope extends to ‘design, development and manufacturing of new products and capacity expansion in the EV space’. More

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      in Electric Cars

      BMW iX Electric SUV India Launch Price Rs 1.16 Cr – Range 425 Kms

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      New BMW iX Electric SUV India LaunchThe all-electric BMW iX has been launched in India as a Completely Built Up (CBU) – Rivals include EVs from Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar
      BMW India today announced the launch of its first electric car – The iX SUV. The new iX is offered in a single variant of iX xDrive 40 – priced at Rs 1,15,90,000, ex-sh. It comes with a dual electric motor set up with one motor positioned on each axle with all-wheel drive function.
      BMW iX – Design
      BMW has given the new iX electric SUV a more futuristic stance so as to differentiate it from its ICE powered models. It sports a large kidney shaped front grille, sleek headlamps with a quarter light band, similar looking tail lamps and a clamshell bonnet design. It gets frameless doors. The iX rides on 21 inch aerodynamically optimized wheels fitted with 255/50 profile tyres.
      New BMW iX Electric SUV India Launch
      Interior arrangement will be much the same as is seen on the BMW X7. It will get a hexagonal shaped steering wheel, a curved structure housing a 12.3 inch instrument cluster and 14.9 inch infotainment display, tilted towards the driver.
      Seating is fitted with microfiber fabric. BMW iDrive rotary controller is set on the forward section of the high mounted arm rest while other controls are positioned on upper part of the door. Features on offer include BMW Curved Display, BMW ConnectedDrive, BMW Virtual Assistant, BMW Natural Interaction, wireless charging, wireless Android Auto / Apple Carplay, Parking Assistant Plus, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with 18 speakers, Reversing Assistant, etc.
      New BMW iX Electric SUV India Launch
      BMW iX Electric SUV Specs
      BMW iX xDrive 40 comes with a 76.6kWh battery pack. It delivers a max power output of 326 hp and 620 Nm of torque. On a full charge, driving range is up to 425 kms. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h will be possible in 6.1 seconds.
      BMW iX Electric – Specs for India
      BMW also has a more powerful iX xDrive 50 available in the international market. But that has not been launched in India today. It has a larger 105.2 kWh battery, that produces 523 hp power and 765 Nm torque. It delivers a drive range of up to 611 kms on WLTP cycle. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 4.6 seconds.
      Charging time for the iX Drive 40 is as follows;– 150 kW DC Charger – 80% in 31 min / 95 kms added range in 10 min– 50 kW DC Charger – 80% in 73 min / 100 kms added range in 21 min– 11 kW AC Charger – 100% in about 7 hrs / 100 kms added range in 2.5 hrs
      New BMW iX Electric SUV India Launch
      Colour options on offer are – Mineral White, Phytonic Blue, Black Sapphire and Sophisto Grey. BMW Individual Aventurine Red metallic paint finish is offered as option. Exclusive olive-leaf tanned natural leather upholstery ‘Interior Design Suite’ comes in Castanea colour scheme.
      BMW iX comes with standard two-year warranty for unlimited kilometres. The batteries are covered by a warranty valid for eight years or up to 160,000 kilometres. Repair Inclusive can extend warranty benefits from third year of operation to maximum fifth year without any mileage limitation. BMW iX will rival the likes of Mercedes-Benz EQC, Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-PACE, etc in the luxury EV segment of India. More

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      2022 Bajaj Triumph 250cc Motorcycle Inspired By Trident – Render

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      Bajaj Triumph 250cc Motorcycle – RenderThe first Bajaj Triumph medium displacement motorcycle is likely to be ready in 2022
      New Trident has become the best-selling Triumph motorcycle in India. While this motorcycle shares components from the immensely popular Street Triple including its in-line three-cylinder motor, the bodystyle have a variant extension in the more affordable range.
      Bajaj Triumph 250cc Motorcycle
      We all know that Bajaj and Triumph are currently working on a family of medium displacement motorcycles, the first of which is set to carry a sub-INR-2-lakh price point. With Royal Enfield having a stronghold in that segment, it would make sense for the new Bajaj-Triumph offering to adopt a similar retro-classic flavour so as to take the fight up to the incumbent.
      The price point indicates that the upcoming Indo-British motorcycle would be adopting a single-cylinder engine with an estimated displacement of around 200-300 cc. Engineering and development is being taken care of by Triumph Motorcycles in the UK while Bajaj will be responsible for manufacturing it in a cost effective manner in India.
      Just like the compact family of KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles, Bajaj Auto’s production facility will be building Triumph’s medium displacement products locally for global consumption. Bajaj recently launched new 250cc motorcycles under the Pulsar branding. They already have Dominar 250, KTM 250 and Husqvarna 250 offerings in the 250cc segment. It is quite clear that Bajaj is bullish on the 250cc motorcycle segment.
      Bajaj Triumph 250cc Motorcycle – Render
      Triumph Trident 250 a possibility?
      While the body style of the first Bajaj Triumph medium displacement is anybody’s guess, cruiser or classic roadster are the most likely outcomes. If it is to be the latter, then we think the newly unveiled Trident could serve as design inspiration.
      Our rendering artist Pratyush Rout has envisioned the Bajaj Triumph medium displacement motorcycle as a roadster, which could rival the upcoming roadsters from Jawa, Yezdi and Royal Enfield. He borrowed the Triumph Trident’s design lines and introduced interesting dual-tone paint schemes. The Bajaj Dominar engine is used for illustration purpose only.
      From what you can see, a quarter-liter roadster with a good blend of classic and modern elements would be an interesting proposition at sub-INR-2-lakh price point. With a little over 20 hp on tap, the motorcycle in question would have Royal Enfield’s soon-to-be-launched next generation family of motorcycles covered.
      Launch Timeline
      Before the pandemic crippled the world, Bajaj and Triumph officials went on record to reveal that the first product of their partnership will be ready in 2022. We expect the two wheeler giants to stick to the timeline without much delay.
      This partnership would help Triumph establish its presence in the volume-rich global medium displacement segment while taking advantage of Bajaj Auto’s competitive cost structure. For the Indian partner, adding another globally renowned brand to its manufacturing portfolio can only be a good thing. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Maruti Ignis Electric Conversion Kit Launched By Northway – 240 Kms Range

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      Maruti Ignis Electric Conversion KitPune based Northway has launched Maruti Ignis Electric conversion kit – Total cost will be cheaper than top selling Tata Nexon EV
      A leading name in EV R&D and EV conversion kits, Pune-based Northway has launched EV conversion kit for Maruti Ignis. The model used for this project is 2022 Ignis Alpha MT variant. Total cost of the kit and the car comes to Rs 12.5 lakh for standard range (120 kms) kit and Rs 14.5 lakh for long range (240 kms) kit.
      The conversion kit will be available for Ignis MT 2021 and later models. Northway also offers electric conversion kits for other vehicles such as Swift Dzire and Tata Ace.
      Maruti Ignis electric with manual transmission
      When talking about electric cars, it’s difficult to imagine that it will have anything but automatic transmission. However, folks at Northway have dared to stray away from established industry standards. Their pre-convert Maruti Ignis Electric has been equipped with manual transmission, which offers multiple benefits.
      In real-world conditions, Ignis EV with manual transmission can supply extra torque whenever needed. This can come handy in situations like heavy traffic when one needs to accelerate fast from stop position. Take a look at the first drive experience shared by Northway in the video below.
      [embedded content]
      It can also be useful while overtaking another vehicle, especially when the car is climbing a slope. Ignis EV with manual transmission will also appeal to folks who just love the experience of shifting gears.
      Another benefit is that the manual transmission can supply braking power. For this, users just need to shift to lower gears such as second gear. This in turn will recharge the battery via the regenerative braking system installed in the car. In traffic conditions and during downhill journeys in mountainous regions, using the lower gears as braking aid can provide tangible improvements in range.
      Maruti Ignis Electric also meets the needs of folks who prefer automatic transmission. Although the car has manual transmission, there is no compulsion that users will have to change gears every time they want to accelerate. For an automatic experience, users just need to use the car in top gears like third and fourth gear. In this way, the car will function similar to an automatic electric car.
      While testing Maruti Ignis Electric kit, Tesla was spotted
      Maruti Ignis Electric – range and specs
      Pre-convert Maruti Suzuki Ignis EV is available with two battery configurations. With Drive CT, max range is 120 km. This can work for folks who plan to use the car only for city-specific commutes.
      Users looking for longer range can choose Inter CT, which offers 240 km. Top speed of the car is rated at 140 kmph. It generates 170 Nm of max torque. The car can be charged at home or any of the available charging stations. Charging time is in the range of 3-7 hours.
      Key things to note here is that OEM warranty will be void once the car is converted to electric. For the conversion kit, the warranty is 60,000 km or 2 years, whichever is earlier. The converted car is street-legal, as all the necessary approvals and documents will be provided by RTO. However, users won’t be eligible for any subsidies, as there are currently no such rules for EV retro fit kits. More

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      Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Leaks Via Official Video Of Himalayan 90 South

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      Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Leaks In New RE Himalayan VideoUpon arrival, Royal Enfield Hunter 350 will take on the likes of Honda CB350RS and the upcoming Yezdi Roadking
      Royal Enfield has many interesting projects up its sleeves, some of which will launch sometime next year. Two of those are Hunter 350 and Super Meteor 650. Test mules of both upcoming motorcycles have been frequently spotted on country roads in recent months.
      Speaking about the Hunter 350, it has now been leaked via an official video posted by Royal Enfield on their youtube. The video talks about the Himalayan, which is getting ready prepared for a journey to South Pole. RE has been testing the Himalayan extensively in Iceland for 2 years, and now the bike is ready for the 90 South expedition.
      In the video, where RE experts are talking about the modifications done, challenges faced by them in developing this special Himalayan, they are showing their workshop too. It is in this workshop, that you get a glance of the upcoming Hunter 350.
      Hunter is not the official name of this motorcycle. It is one of the many names that have been trademarked by Royal Enfield for their future motorcycles. It is believed that this one will be called. The rear half of the motorcycle is visible, also giving us an idea how the saree guard will be. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Jatin Veer Singh for sharing this update.
      Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Leaks In New RE Himalayan Video
      Hunter 350- Design
      Royal Enfield Hunter will be a modern classic roadster based on the new J-series platform with a twin downtube frame underpinning Meteor 350 and the new-gen Classic 350. Spyshots suggest that RE Hunter will offer a commuter-like riding posture with a wide straight line handlebar and centre-set footpegs which result in a comfortable riding posture.
      The roadster will likely be powered by a 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled OHC engine that pushes out 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. It will be offered with a 5-speed gearbox. Suspension duties could be handled by 35 mm telescopic forks at front and twin gas-charged shocks at rear.
      Braking duties will be carried out by single disc brakes on both wheels assisted by a dual-channel ABS. Take a look at the official RE video of Himalayan, which gave us our first official glimpse of the Hunter 350. The Hunter appears in the frame at about 1 minute 27 seconds mark.
      [embedded content]
      Another video has surfaced on Youtube which shows both Hunter and Super Meteor being spotted testing their limits at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore. Incidentally, it is the same venue where the first edition of the Continental GT Cup is being held. The first three rounds of this race are part of the JK Tyre National Racing Championship.
      Super Meteor- Design
      Many such prototypes of upcoming models were seen gliding through the race track. Super Meteor would be offered as the brand’s new flagship motorcycle, positioned above the current 650cc Twins- Interceptor and Continental GT. Launch of both Hunder and Super Meteor is expected in 2022. More