Nissan Reveals The Leaf Nismo RC Electric Race Car

Nissan has revealed the all new Leaf Nismo RC, an electric race car with more than double the maximum power and torque output of its predecessor, in Tokyo. The car has been developed by Nissan's racing arm, Nismo, with its race technology know-how and it will make its official debut on December 2, 2018 at the annual Nismo Festival at Fuji International Speedway, appearing alongside Nissan's new Formula E electric race car.

With dual electric motors, all-wheel drive and an aggressive, restyled body shape, the purpose-built car is equipped with advanced battery technology and drivetrain components from the Nissan Leaf. Nissan plans to build six all-new Leaf Nismo RC vehicles to deploy around the world.

Powering the all-new Nissan Leaf Nismo RC are two electric motors at opposite ends of the chassis. The motors produce 240 kilowatts combined (120 kW each) and 640 Nm of. They more than double the maximum power and the torque output of the previous Leaf Nismo RC, which was introduced in 2011. Drivetrain technology sourced from the new Nissan LEAF include the high-capacity lithium-ion battery and inverters.

Power is managed independently to each axle, instantly supplying torque to the tyre with the most grip to let the car maneuver quickly and efficiently around the track. Similar to the previous model, chassis weight balance has been optimized by the midship location of the battery pack, with the electric motors and inverters ideally placed over the front and rear tires.

The Leaf Nismo RC features a multitude of lightweight components and a full carbon-fiber racing monocoque structure, allowing it to tip the scales at just 1,220 kilograms. The power-to-weight ratio results in an impressive performance of zero to 100 kph in just 3.4 seconds - 50% quicker than the previous model.

While the exterior of the all-new Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is spiritually based on the original Leaf Nismo RC, it sports a more aggressive exterior. A long hood and Nissan's signature V-motion grille highlight the totally restyled front end. The distinctive silver-and-black paint scheme with Nismo red accents - similar to the Nissan Formula E car - make the Leaf Nismo RC seem like it's in constant motion, even when sitting still at the starting line.

The car's three-piece bodywork includes removable front and rear sections, fixed windows, LED headlights and tail lights, and an adjustable rear wing for ideal downforce on the tarmac. The model is slightly longer than its predecessor, with an overall length of 4,546 millimeters and a wheelbase that measures 2,750 millimeters. The all-new Nissan Leaf Nismo RC will be on display at Formula E races and major shows and events around the world.

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Ericsson And Volvo Cars Sign 5-year Connected Vehicle Cloud Worldwide Deal

Ericsson has been selected by Volvo Car Group to provide the industrialized Ericsson Connected Vehicle Cloud platform to further enable its digital vehicle services in more than 120 markets worldwide for the next five years. Volvo is increasing its focus on securing high-quality connected-vehicle services as digitalization increases the importance of software services. The services will also benefit from the increased speed, low-latency and capacity for mission critical applications, such as autonomous driving, that commercial 5G networks will enable.

The deal - which will enable Volvo Cars to provide car owners and drivers with its latest developments in connected car digital services such as automation, fleet management, telematics, navigation, and infotainment - is the largest to date for Ericsson Connected Vehicle Cloud.

The platform takes full account of legal, security, and privacy obligations on a global scale - such as compliance with the European Union (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

With digital services increasingly becoming a differentiation factor for automotive consumers, the need for a secure and dependable service provision infrastructure is critical to provide quality of service at scale.

Asa Tamsons, Head of Business Area Technologies & New Businesses, Ericsson, said, "Ericsson is providing a highly scalable and global platform for connected services to Volvo Cars. By removing complexity in areas such as data legislation and storage management, and improving services latency, our platform enhances the overall user experience of Volvo Cars' connected services. Our Ericsson Connected Vehicle Cloud platform will result in rapid innovation and the faster launch of new services to the benefit of Volvo Cars' partners and customers. The new platform enables the latest development in telematics, infotainment, navigation, automation, and fleet management."

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Maruti Suzuki India Sales Decline In November 2018

Maruti Suzuki India today releases its sales numbers for the month of November 2018, and the carmaker has witnessed a marginal drop in total sales for the month. The company's cumulative sales last month accounted for 153,539 units, against the 154,600 units that were sold during the same month last year, registering a decline of 0.7 per cent. Last month, Maruti's total domestic sales went up by just 0.5 per cent, to 146,018 units, from 145,300 units from November 2017. However, it was exports that took the biggest hit in November 2018, witnessing a decline of 19.1 per cent at 7,521 units, compared to 9,300 units exported the same month last year.

Sales of Maruti Suzuki's entry-level segment, which includes the Alto range and WagonR, went down by a massive 21.6 per cent, while sales in the compact car segment, which includes the likes of the Swift, Dzire and Baleno, went up by a considerable 10.8 per cent. This could be an indication that Maruti customers, who previously chose the cars like the Alto and WagonR and now opting for cars in the higher segment.

Despite receiving a facelift, sales of Maruti Suzuki Ciaz continue to fall

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sales Breaches The 5 Lakh Mark

However, this was not the case with the company mid-size sedan Ciaz, which despite receiving a facelift a few months ago, continues to see a decline in monthly sales. The company sold only 3,838 units of the Ciaz last month, compared to 4,009 units sold in November 2017, registering a drop of 4.3 per cent.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Swift Crosses 2 Million Units Sales Milestone

Maruti Suzuki Super Carry sales saw a massive triple-digit growth of 112.2 per cent with 2,128 units

The company's utility vehicle space, which includes the likes of the Vitara Brezza, Ertiga, S-Cross and Gypsy, saw a decent 1.2 per cent growth in November 2018, while sales of the company's vans, which include the Omni and Eeco, also grew by 3.6 per cent last month. In retrospect, Maruti Suzuki India light commercial vehicle Super Carry saw a massive triple-digit growth of 112.2 per cent with 2,128 units, compared to 1,003 units. In late November Maruti Suzuki India also launched the new-gen Ertiga in India.

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2018 L.A. Auto Show: 2020 Mercedes AMG GT Unveiled

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the new 2020 AMG GT at the 2018 L.A. Auto Show and the new model has received styling updates along with technological and performance upgrades. The 2020 Mercedes AMG GT will be available in the GT, GT C, GTR and a new top ranging and even more manic GTR Pro trim. However, the 2020 Mercedes AMG GT is more mature than manic, especially in the matte grey paintwork it is showcased in. It's still a two-door sports car and the Panamericana grille has also been retained but is more angular at the edges and the headlights have also been re-worked- essentially has been borrowed from the new AMG GT 4-door.On the AMG GT  C, the rear has been tweaked so minutely that it's hard to differentiate and the only thing which comes quite apparent at the rear is the new tailpipe design.

Though the interior layout of the 2020 Mercedes AMG GT remains identical, there is a good dose of features update.

The most significant changes are seen in the cockpit. For starters, it gets the new touchpad-based infotainment system and a wide 12.3-inch digital screen as standard. The new steering wheel too has made way inside this model with two touch-sensitive nubs through which we can control the functions on the instrument cluster and obviously on the 10.3-inch console-mounted screen. Moreover, it gets an AMG specific LCD display which integrates the controls for the performance and drive modes. In the central console, there are colour display buttons and the TFT switches are to adjust things like transmission and chassis settings, exhaust system, start-stop system, and the DRS controls.

The most significant changes at the rear are the new wing spoiler and design of the tailpipe.

 

Though the 2020 spec model is a minor update that isn't limited only to cosmetics. The performance of the 2020 Mercedes AMG GT has been improved with the new AMG Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) where the system gels with the drive modes to offer different level of settings- Basic, Advanced, Pro and Master. The Basic mode takes care of slippery and comfort drive modes and has the stability control setup at its best. The Advance settings come in the sports drove mode and pro takes care of the sports+ drive modes. But Master does the best to leave the driver uncanny as it shuts down all the electronic nannies and let the GTR go completely insane.

That said, the GT range has a new wild offering- the GTR Pro which is even more track focused. It has drawn inspirations from AMG GT3 and GT4 race cars and is equipped with a new coil-over suspension setup which has manually adjustable dampers, adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars and spherical bearings for the rear suspension's lower and upper wishbones.

Moreover, the 2020 Mercedes AMG GTR Pro gets carbon ceramic brakes and model specific bodywork which improves the aerodynamics. There are carbon fibre elements used upfront in the corner winglets while the sizeable front fender limits the front axle lift. Additionally, the modification includes a tweaked rear splitter and a Gurney flap on the carbon-fibre rear spoiler along with carbon fibre roof duck tail and racing stripes in light green or gray which is only standard on the models in Selenite Gray Mango paint.

The 2020 Mercedes GT retains the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine tuned in different states for all four variants.

Despite all the additions in the variants and body, it's still a minor upgrade and going by the standards there hasn't been any change mechanically. Under the hood is the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged, V8 engine which produces 462 bhp in the standard GT coupe and roadster while 542 bhp in the GT C coupe and roadster. The top ranging GTR and GTR Pro have the same engine tuned to churn out a whopping 570 bhp.

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Audi E-Tron GT, Porsche 911, Jeep Gladiator

The top automotive news of the day- Audi has taken the wraps off the E-Tron GT Concept at the L.A Motor Show. It is the new all-electric model concept from Audi and will go into production in a couple of years. Porsche too unveiled the new-generation 911 and it is just breath-taking. It gets a bunch of updates, more on the inside than outside. And finally, the Jeep Gladiator pickup truck too made its debut at the LA Auto Show.

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Seon Seob Kim To Replace YK Koo As Head Of Hyundai India Operations

Current MD and CEO of Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) Y K Koo has stepped down from his current role and will be returning to the company's headquarters in Korea. The company said in a statement that Senior Vice President Seon Seob Kim, head of Business Operations Strategy Division, will become Head of Hyundai Motor India Headquarters. However, there is no information on when this transition will take place. YK Koo has played a pivotal role in helping Hyundai India achieve a significant growth ever since he took over as the MD and CEO in 2015. 

Under his leadership, the company launched the new-gen Elantra, new-gen Verna, the Tucson, facelifts of the Xcent, Grand i10 and the Creta and finally the new generation of the small car Santro which is already raking up a lot of sales numbers for the company. YK Koo has had a lot of experience with new and growing markets as prior to Hyundai Motor India he was the CEO of Hyundai Motor in Russia; a role which he held for 3 years. Koo had been part of the Hyundai India family for over nine years and was one of the founding members of Hyundai Motor India's operations in 1997. He understood the Indian market as also consumer sentiments as he had been deeply involved with marketing and sales operations for the company here from 2008-2011

In fact, it was for his vision and leadership for Hyundai India that he was awarded the 2018 CNB Automotive Man Of The Year. 

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Jawa Dealerships To Start Operations By Mid-December 2018

Jawa Motorcycles dealerships are all set to begin operations in India in December 2018. Back at the launch of the Jawa and Jawa Forty Two, Anupam Thareja, Founder of Classic Legends Ltd. that owns Jawa India, told that the company will have 105 dealerships across India. Although there is no confirmation on which cities will first get the Jawa dealerships, sources have told us that the showrooms will be operations by mid-December. In fact, the company's official website lists a few states - Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar Chhattisgarh, Delhi & NCR, and Goa, which might very well be the first ones to begin operations.

Also Read: Jawa Motorcycles: 5 Things You Should Know

(The new Jawa motorcycle carries a completely retro design)

Currently, the company is accepting online orders for both the Jawa and the Jawa Forty Two, for a booking amount of Rs. 5,000. Dealership-level bookings, however, are expected to commence once the showrooms are open. While the more retro-looking Jawa is priced at Rs. 1.68 lakh, the entry-level Jawa Forty Two is priced at Rs. 1.55 lakh (both ex-showroom, Delhi).

Also Read: Jawa 42: What Does The Number 42 Mean?

The more expensive Jawa bike looks very similar to the older Jawa 250 Type A from the 70s and 80s with its retro design and styling which comes with an abundance of chrome and gold pinstripes. The Jawa Forty Two, on the other hand, is a more modern representation of the Jawa brand's heritage and is offered in a range of six pastel colours with a lot of matte and black treatment.

The Jawa Forty Two is a more modern-looking bike compared to its sibling

Also Read: Jawa Forty Two: 5 Key Features You Need To Know

Having said that both bikes are pretty modern underneath, with features like the double creedal frame, front disc brake with ABS, and a BS-VI ready engine, which, of course, is the common denominator in both. The bikes are powered by a 293 cc single-cylinder engine that is based on the Mahindra Mojo's engine but has been heavily tuned to suit this bike. The liquid-cooled, DOHC motor belts out 27 bhp and develops 28 Nm of peak torque and comes paired with a six-speed transmission.

Also Read: Jawa And Jawa Forty Two vs Rivals: Price Comparison

Deliveries for both, the Jawa and the Jawa Forty Two, are expected to commence from the first week of January 2019. Jawa also showcased a special factory custom Bobber motorcycle, the Jawa Perak, at the time of the launch, however, it is expected to be launched sometime later next year.

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Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport Revealed At The LA Auto Show

Porsche revealed the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The racing version of the road-legal 911 GT2 RS sports car is limited to a 200 units production run. It can be run at clubsport events as well as selected motorsport meets. The technology of the race car is based on the high-performance 911 GT2 RS sports car, just like in the 935, which Porsche unveiled nine weeks ago. Both share the same engine as their road-legal relative: a state-of-the-art 3.8-litre flat-six twin-turbo motor. Power from the rear engine is transferred via a rigidly mounted seven-speed Porsche dual clutch gearbox (PDK) to the 310 mm wide rear wheels.

The Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport sees the rear axle is fitted with four-piston calipers and 380-millimeter discs

Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, Vice President Motorsport and GT Cars said, "For the upcoming years, our customers will not only race the GT2 RS Clubsport on track days but also at international motor racing events. We are currently holding very productive talks with the race organiser SRO,"

The positioning of the engine behind the rear axle ensures better traction and braking performances. Six-piston aluminium monobloc racing callipers on the front axle in combination with internally ventilated and grooved steel brake discs with a 390-millimeter diameter provide excellent deceleration values at the front axle. The rear axle is fitted with four-piston calipers and 380-millimeter discs.

The Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport will see a limited run of 200 units

Like the road-legal 911 GT2 RS, the 1,390-kilogram Clubsport version is equipped with PSM (Porsche Stability Management) including traction control as well as an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Thanks to a so-called map switch positioned on the centre console, these assistance systems can be adjusted separately or switched off completely, depending on the driving situation.

The Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport gets a safety cage combined with a racing bucket seat and a six-point safety harness

The carbon steering wheel and the colour display behind it have been taken from the 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 R model. A massive safety cage combined with a racing bucket seat and a six-point safety harness ensure maximum safety. Air conditioning provides optimal cooling of the interior.

The new Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport can be ordered directly from the Porsche Motorsport department. Customers will receive their vehicles from May 2019 at exclusive delivery events.

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New Tata Harrier Teasers Reveal 6-Speed Manual Gearbox And Cooled Glovebox

Tata Motors has been creating a huge buzz around its soon-to-be-launched premium SUV, the Tata Harrier. The carmaker has been releasing new teaser videos every single day, and now, continuing with the Harrier teaser spree, two new video clips have come out revealing more details about the upcoming SUV. The latest teaser videos confirm that the new Tata Harrier SUV will come with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the second video reveals the addition of a cooled glovebox in the centre console.

The Tata Harrier is built on the company's new Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced (OMEGA) platform

Also Read: New Tata Harrier To Come With Multiple Driving Modes

Now, it wasn't really an unknown fact that the new Tata Harrier will be getting a 6-speed manual gearbox. The gearbox will be offered in addition to an optional 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, which has been sourced from Hyundai. However, the SUV will come powered by a single Fiat-sourced, 2.0-litre four-cylinder KRYOTEC diesel engine, under the hood. The motor has been tuned by Tata Motors to churn out 140 bhp, while torque figure is still unknown.

Tata Harrier will get a cooled glovebox in the centre console

Also Read: Tata Harrier Bookings Open

The Tata Harrier will be a five-seater SUV the several of the previously seen teaser clippings have confirmed that the basic styling and design will be very similar to the concept model. And the new cooled glovebox will be one of the many creature comforts offered by the Harrier. Other features will include a floating 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a sound system from JBL, premium quality interior and more. The gizmo list will include - navigation, Bluetooth telephone, reverse camera display, MirrorLink, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and more.

Tata Harrier gets smartly designed hand rests on the doors with silver handles and leather wrapped grips

Also Read: Production Ready Tata Harrier Leaked Ahead Of Reveal Next Month

The Tata Harrier is built on the company's new OMEGARC platform and will be the first vehicle to employ the company's new Impact Design 2.0 philosophy. The SUV is expected to be launched in India in January 2019, and it will rival the likes of the Jeep Compass and Renault Captur.

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Exclusive: Cleveland Ace Deluxe Gets A Price Cut In India; Now Priced At Rs. 1.85 Lakh

US-based motorcycle maker Cleveland CycleWerks (CCW) commenced operations in India earlier this year with the Ace Deluxe and Misfit motorcycles, which were priced at Rs. 2.23 lakh (ex-showroom). The company, however, has now decided to slash prices on the Ace Deluxe by a healthy Rs. 38,000, and the bike is now priced at Rs. 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom). The price reduction is introductory and limited to first 200 orders for the motorcycle. The move is intended to help the brand gain momentum in the country as it establishes its network and operations. The Misfit does not get a price cut for now.

The Cleveland Ace Deluxe is a modern classic with compact proportions. The bike weighs a light 133 kg (kerb), and is powered by a 229 cc Honda-derived, single-cylinder, carburetted engine tuned for 15 bhp and 16 Nm of peak torque. The motor is paired with a 5-speed gearbox and is claimed to return about 30 kmpl. Suspension duties include USD forks up front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. Braking performance comes from a 298 mm single-disc up front and a 210 mm single-piston disc at the rear. The Cleveland Misfit runs on the same mechanicals but is a cafe racer in design. 

In addition to the price cut, Cleveland will be adding new colour options to the Ace Deluxe including new matte black, metallic orange and matte green shades. There's a new sky blue colour scheme in the pipeline as well that will be offered later. 

Cleveland CycleWerks opened its first dealership in India in Vashi, near Mumbai, in September this year, and has added a new showroom in Chennai. The manufacturer will soon open outlets in Bangalore, Hosur, Coimbatore, Salem, Indore  as well as Mizoram in the following weeks. The company plans to have 30 dealerships operational by 2020, to retail its portfolio of small capacity retro motorcycles. The bike maker showcased its range of offerings at the 2018 Auto Expo, which included the custom bobber - Heist and also the Ace Scrambler motorcycles, powered by 229 cc the same engine. 

Cleveland is planning aims to sell about 7000 units per annum and is locally assembling the motorcycles in the country via the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route. The bikes are assembled at the manufacturer's facility in Wakdewadi, near Pune that has installed production capacity of 35,000 units per annum. CCW recently started exporting motorcycles from India to the Middle East. 

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Mahindra Alturas G4 - First Drive Review

It is the latest flagship from Mahindra, the Alturas G4. The biggest and the most premium SUV to be launched by Mahindra yet has decent performance, premium interiors and a long list of features.

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Nissan Kicks SUV Caught Testing In India

Nissan is all set to launch the Kicks SUV in India in January but the finaly stages of testing for the SUV continues. We'll be driving the car next month and we'll find out more about it, but the Kicks SUV was caught testing in India. While globally the Kicks has been on sale for a while now, the India-spec model will be a lot different from the international model for it's based on the B0 platform as the Terrano, compared to the former that is based on Nissan's V platform. The India-spec Nissan Kicks will mainly compete in India with the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Renault Captur.

Also Read: Nissan Kicks SUV Unveiled In India

The Nissan Kicks for India is bigger in terms of dimensions compared to the global spec variant

The India-spec Nissan Kicks is being developed at the new Nissan Design Centre and will be manufactured at Renault and Nissan's jointly owned plant, both located in Chennai. This particular model is also bigger than its global counterpart in terms of dimensions, measuring 4384 mm in length, 1813 mm in width, and 1656 mm in height. The SUV will come with a wheelbase of 2673 mm and a ground clearance in excess of 200 mm.

Also Read: Nissan Kicks Launch Details Revealed

The car that was spotted boasted of a new colour - Red, which actually looks pretty good on the car. The new Nissan Kicks will get both a petrol and diesel engine option. Powertrains are expected to stay the same as those on the likes of the Nissan Terrano, Renault Duster and Renault Captur. That said, Nissan must have an automatic option for the Kicks at the time of launch in order to grab that ever growing market. We expect the Nissan Kicks to be priced at about Rs 11-16 lakhs (ex-showroom)

Image Courtesy: Power Stroke PS

 

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Jawa Perak: 5 Things You Need To Know

Last month, when Jawa Motorcycles launched its two new bikes in India, it also gave us a special preview of its upcoming factory custom Bobber motorcycle, the Jawa Perak. Expected to be launched in India sometime in 2019, the new Jawa Perak is claimed to be the country's first factory custom motorcycle, and also the most affordable Bobber style motorcycle. The bike we saw at the launch was a pre-production motorcycle, and it's too soon to say how much of it will make it to the production bike. However, the company has already revealed a fair bit about the bike and here are five things you need to know about the upcoming Jawa Perak.

Also Read: Jawa Motorcycles: 5 Things You Should Know

Jawa Perak: The Name

While the company did not officially announce any details with regards to the name of the motorcycle, a little online search told us that the Perak name has significance to a Czechoslovakian urban legend from Prague from World War II, called - Perak, the Spring Man. More like a superhero figure that came into existence in the years following the war, quite an apt name for the bike, in our opinion.

Also Read: Jawa 42: What Does The Number 42 Mean?

Jawa Perak is a Bobber style motorcycle and is longer than the Jawa and Jawa Forty Two

Jawa Perak: Design and Styling

As already mentioned, the Jawa Perak is a factory custom motorcycle having a Bobber design. The bike comes with this classic styling dressed in a lovely shade of Matt Grey with gold highlights on the tank and side panel. The Perak also comes with a Bobber-style single seat in tan leather, while the rear monoshock positioned underneath it. The entire bike gets black treatment with the engine, spoked wheels and other panels all painted in black.

Also Read: Jawa Forty Two: 5 Key Features You Need To Know

Jawa Perak: Features and Equipment

The new Jawa Perak will come with a host of additional features and equipment, compared to the Jawa and Jawa Forty Two. For starters, unlike the other two siblings, the Perak will be longer and come with a dual channel ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System). The bike gets an 18-inch wheel up front, and a 17-inch wheel at the back shod in 90/90 and 120/80 section tyres respectively. Suspension duties will be taken care of by front telescopic forks and rear monoshocks. The pre-production bike at the event came with a regular round halogen headlamp.

Jawa Perak will come with dual channel ABS and rear monoshocks

Also Read: Jawa And Jawa Forty Two vs Rivals: Price Comparison

Jawa Perak: Engine and Gearbox

The Jawa Perak uses the same engine as the other two but has a slightly bigger bore. This has aided in increasing the displacement to 332 cc and the power and torque output are slightly higher too at 30 bhp and 31 Nm, compared to the 27 bhp and 28 Nm torque developed by the 293 cc single-cylinder engine. The engine will come mated to the same six-speed gearbox as the existing Jawa bikes that are on sale in India.

Jawa Perak: Price and Launch

Jawa Perak has been priced in India at Rs. 1.89 lakh

Interestingly enough, Jawa Motorcycles has already announced the price of the Jawa Perak, which will be introduced at Rs. 1.89 lakh (ex-showroom). However, the exact launch date or month is still unknown, save for the fact that it will happen sometime in 2019. We expect the Perak to compete with the likes of the Royal Enfield Classic 500 series, based on the price tag and engine output.

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Jaguar Land Rover To Lay Off Staff Temporarily At UK Plant

Britain's biggest carmaker Jaguar Land Rover is to reduce the workforce at its plant in Wolverhampton, central England, by about 500 in a temporary move, it said on Thursday.

The company said in response to adjustments in vehicle production schedules, the Engine Manufacturing Centre will take a temporary pause in production.

Maintenance and salaried staff will continue as normal. Those affected will continue to receive full pay for the period.

"The external environment remains challenging and the company is taking decisive actions to achieve the necessary operational efficiencies to safeguard long-term success," it added in a statement.About 500 of the factory's 1,600-strong workforce could be affected at any one time through a two-week period.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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BMW Mulls Converting Hybrids To Electric Only Mode In Polluted Cities

BMW said it can force its hybrid cars switch to an electric-only mode in heavily polluted inner-city areas, helping its vehicles compete with pure battery-driven rivals as a raft of cities seek to create emissions-free zones.

"The car switches off the combustion engine automatically," BMW's board member for development, Klaus Froehlich, told Reuters at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Because of BMW vehicles' connectivity and navigation systems, its cars can be converted to automatically disable engines, Froehlich said, adding that the new X5 sports utility vehicle has an operating range of 80 kilometers in electric-only mode. BMW is currently demonstrating the technology to local authorities in German cities which may be forced to ban heavily polluting diesel cars as a way to meet European Union clean air rules.

The new X5 sports utility vehicle has an operating range of 80 kilometers in electric-only mode.  

A global clampdown on vehicle pollution in the wake of Volkswagen's 2015 diesel emissions cheating scandal has prompted cities including London, Paris and Stuttgart to consider bans of combustion engine vehicles.

But customers have shied away from buying electric cars because of a lack of charging infrastructure, making hybrids a more attractive option for now.Such a vehicle could be very important in regions such as Europe, where most drivers do not own multiple cars for different uses, he said.

Germany's highest administrative court in February ruled cities could ban diesel vehicles from some streets in order to improve air quality.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Bajaj Pulsar 150, RE 500X ABS

The top stories of the day – The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has sold more than 5 lakh units in India and we have the details for you. Bajaj Auto India has launched the 2019 Pulsar 150 and we have all the details for you. Finally, Royal Enfield has launched the 500X ABS and we have the prices for you.

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Suzuki Jimny

The new-generation Suzuki Jimny has comes with new design, styling, modern features and is built on an advanced ladder-on-frame chassis. The SUV went on sale in Europe, in addition to its home market Japan.

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2020 Jeep Gladiator Debuts At 2018 LA Auto Show

The all-new Jeep Gladiator pick-up has been unveiled at the 2018 LA Auto Show. The Jeep Gladiator is based on the five-door Jeep Wrangler and rides on traditional body-on-frame chassis and will be produced at the Toledo plant in Ohio alongside the Wrangler. The top hat too inherits high strength aluminium doors, hinges, hood, fenders windshield frame and tailgate from the Wrangler but also has a five-foot long steel bed to carry cargo. There will be two hard-top and one soft-top variant available in the Gladiator range and the rest of the profile is exactly similar to the Jeep Wrangler.

On the inside, there is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a standard 7-inch display in the centre console while the 8.4-inch unit which houses the latest Uconnect infotainment system in optional. There is also a 3.5-inch display for the instrument cluster. The rear seats on the Gladiator can flat fold to create additional storage space.

Under the hood of the Gladiator which is on display is a 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar petrol engine which churns out 281 bhp and 353 Nm of peak torque and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard while an eight-speed automatic is an option. In 2020, the Jeep Gladiator will also be offered with 3.0-litre six-cylinder, diesel engine which will produce 256 bhp and 600 Nm of peak torque and will be mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

Both petrol and diesel variant will get four-wheel drive system as standard and will offer full-time torque management with optimal grip. The Gladiator Sport and Gladiator Overland will be equipped with two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low gear ratio. The Gladiator Rubicon on the other hand has a Rock-Trac 4x4 system with a 4-Low ratio of 4:1. The Rubicon also has an improved total suspension travel with an electronic sway-bar disconnect.

The Approach angle of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is 43.6-degrees and the departure angle is 26 degrees. Jeep is also promising an impressive 4x4 payload capacity if 726 kg. The 2020 Jeep Gladiator will offer more than 80 active and passive safety features including blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection, forward facing off-road camera (optional on lower trims) rear parking camera, adaptive cruise control and electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation.

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Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X ABS Launched In India; Priced At Rs. 2.13 lakh

The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X is the latest offering from the bike maker to get Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS). The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X ABS is priced at Rs. 2.13 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and is already available for bookings at dealerships. Launched earlier this year, the Thunderbird 500X is the factory-custom version based on the standard model and gets a younger appeal with more vibrant colours or the fuel tank, flat handlebar, alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. With the price hike for the ABS version, the Thunderbird 500X is also the most expensive single-cylinder offering at present from the manufacturer.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650 Launched In India

(The engine on the Thunderbird 500X remains the same as on the regular TB 500)

Barring the addition of the safety feature, the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X does not get any changes. The bike continues to draw power from the same 499 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled fuel-injected engine tuned for 27 bhp and 41 Nm of peak torque. The motor is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Suspension duties are performed by telescopic forks up front and twin shock absorbers at rear. Braking duties are handled by discs at either end.

Royal Enfield commenced updating its motorcycle line-up with the Classic 350 Signals Edition in August this year, which was followed up with the Classic 500 and Himalayan motorcycles getting the system. The Thunderbird 350X also received ABS treatment last month. The safety feature is all set to be mandatory on two-wheelers above 125 cc in India from April 1, 2019; while two-wheelers below 125 cc will have to come equipped with a Combined Braking Systm (CBS) as standard fitment. The newly launched Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 get the dual-channel ABS unit right from the start.

 

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Skoda Scala Interior Revealed In New Official Images

Skoda has officially released the interior images of the upcoming premium hatchback Scala, ahead of its official debut next month. Slated for a global debut on December 6, 2018, the new Skoda Scala will be launched sometime in 2019. It was just early this month that the company had come out with the official teaser sketch of the Skoda Scala, and now we have come across images of the production design as well. In fact, the production car's cabin looks largely identical to the design sketches we saw earlier, and in addition to the use of premium material, the cabin will also feature some smart tech.

Skoda Scala is built on the company's MQB A0 platform like the Octavia

Based on the new images, we can see that the new Skoda Scala will come with a well-laid-out cabin with dual tone black and beige treatment for the dashboard, with the centre stage taken by 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. We also get to see the fully-digital instrument cluster, a flat-bottom steering wheel with mounted controls, and larger trapezoidal air con vents on either side. Below the display, we have matching central air-con vents and dual-zone automatic climate control. The car is also likely to come with the virtual cockpit function, optional DSG, and leather upholstery.

Skoda Scala gets a 9.2-inch centre display, climate control, digital intrument cluster and more

The Skoda Scala is built on the company's MQB A0 platform that also underpins the likes of the Skoda Octavia. Skoda has also said that the Scala will be the first product from the automaker which will 'always be online'. So, it will get features like the ability to have over the air updates for the infotainment system and maps along with the ability to lock and unlock the car via a dedicated and secure app-based service.

The car will come with a total of five engines options, ranging from 90 bhp to 150 bhp along with manual gearbox and an option automatic DSG unit. More details and other technical specs will be revealed at the time of the unveiling, so keep watching this space.

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New Teaser Images Of The Pininfarina PF0 Show Off Design Philosophy

Automobili Pininfarina has revealed new images of the PF0 hypercar prototype and it has also confirmed an investment of more than 20 million Euros in a new cooperation with Pininfarina SpA. The investment will underpin the design, development and production of the PF0 luxury electric hypercar and the future range of Automobili Pininfarina cars. To commemorate the strategic alignment that brings the new luxury car brand together with the famed Italian design house, two images of the PF0 prototype have been released. Together they hint at Automobili Pininfarina's 'PURA' design philosophy for both its cars and brand

Silvio Pietro Angori, CEO, Pininfarina SpA and Michael Perschke, CEO, Automobili Pininfarina pose with the PF0

Michael Perschke, CEO, Automobili Pininfarina, said: "It is a pleasure and a privilege to partner with the world's greatest car design house, Pininfarina SpA. This agreement brings us together and marks the beginning of two exciting chapters in our very different histories. For Automobili Pininfarina, it will form the cornerstone of our ambition to become the world's most admired luxury electric vehicle company. For Pininfarina SpA, it delivers Battista's dream of seeing a range of beautiful and highly desirable Pininfarina-branded cars on the roads."

Pura is the design philosophy that has been inspired by the PF0 hypercar

The Italian coachbuilder, known for designing many of the world's most iconic cars, has always viewed automotive exterior and interior design, the driving experience, the passenger experience, and engineering innovation as equal partners. This design purity, where form and function are inseparable, defines what Automobili Pininfarina is terming its 'PURA' design vision for its own range of cars and all brand touchpoints.

Starting with PF0 in 2020, 'PURA' will ensure that Automobili Pininfarina cars match purity in design with energising performance derived from optimised aerodynamics, ground-breaking engineering solutions, and the extreme - yet manageable - power that electrification offers.

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2019 Bajaj Pulsar 150 Launched In India; Priced At Rs. 64,998

Bajaj Auto has rolled out the 2019 edition of the Pulsar 150 motorcycle in India priced at Rs. 64,998 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The 2019 Bajaj Pulsar 150 "Neon" collection, as the company calls it, comes with new colours and graphics, in contrast with the black paint scheme. The Pulsar Neon collection is offered on the base trim with the rear drum brake and is being targeted at the entry-level space in the 150 cc motorcycle segment. The Pulsar 150 competes against the Honda CB Unicorn 150, Hero Achiever 150, Yamaha SZ-RR and the likes. 

There are no mechanical changes on the 2019 Bajaj Pulsar 150

Commenting on the launch, Bajaj Auto - President (Motorcycles), Eric Vas said, "Pulsar has been the number one sports bike in India for the past 17 years. The Pulsar 150 Neon, with its fresh new looks, outstanding road presence and proven performance is set to be the first choice for any customer willing to move beyond a 100/110 cc bike. At a price of ₹64,998/- ex-showroom Delhi, upgrading to the power of a 150cc bike has never been easier."

The 2019 Bajaj Pulsar 150 Neon offers new colour options including neon red, neon yellow with matte black paint scheme and neon silver colour accents. The contrast neon shades are finished on the headlamp eyebrows, Pulsar logo, rear grab rail, side panel mesh, and the 3D logo on the tail. The black alloys also get a neon coloured streak to complete the look on the motorcycle.

The Pulsar 150 is one of Bajaj Auto's most consistent sellers

Mechanically though, nothing has changed on the 2019 Bajaj Pulsar 150 with power coming from the same 149 cc single-cylinder DTS-i engine tuned for 13.8 bhp at 8000 rpm and 13.4 Nm of peak torque at 6000 rpm. The motor is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The bike is suspended by telescopic forks up front and twin shocks at the rear, while braking performance comes from a 240 mm front disc with a 130 mm rear drum brake. ABS is yet to be offered on the Pulsar 150 range.

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Hyundai Palisade SUV Revealed At The LA Auto Show

Hyundai's new flagship premium three-row Palisade SUV made its global debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2020 Palisade rides on an all-new SUV chassis and the company says that there's ample room in the second- and third-row along with good space for cargo too. The Palisade will be produced in Ulsan, Korea and will be launched officially next year. The Palisade gets a dominant, bold front with a wide cascading grille which gives it a premium look. The separated composite headlamps and a vertically-connected forward lighting signature give it a distinctive look. The Palisade comes with LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED turn-signal mirrors. At the rear is a vertical LED rear taillamp design. The Palisade will be available in oversized 20-inch alloy wheels.

Hyundai Palisade will come with oversized 20-inch alloy wheels

The design of the Palisade has aerodynamic benefits as well, with a 0.33 coefficient of drag (Cd). Palisade achieves this low drag coefficient with specific design cues that include a fast A-pillar angle, a rear spoiler side garnish, an optimized front cooling area with an extended internal air guide, aero underside panels, and rear wheel aero deflectors.

SangYup Lee, head of Hyundai's Design Centre said, "Hyundai Palisade's exterior and interior design clearly reflect its unique flagship identity with a premium, distinctive and bold road presence. As the lead for Palisade design, it was a pleasure to work with our global design teams throughout its development and ultimately present this phenomenal product before you today."

Hyundai Palisade's cabin comes equipped with quilted Nappa leather, and wraparound interior design

The cabin comes equipped with quilted Nappa leather, while on the instrument panel you get a smooth woodgrain trim in a wraparound interior design. The second row seat allows for one-touch operation of the seat forward and out of the way for easy access in and out of the third-row seat. For more convenience, the third row offers power-folding/unfolding and reclining seats. Second-row captain's chairs are also available with ventilated seating surfaces. There are a total of seven USB ports available in the Palisade for the convenience of the customers.

Palisade also offers a Blind View Monitor that complements the standard Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, which provides easy-to-see body-side views whenever the turn signal is activated. The audio and navigation display is a 10.25 inch touchscreen in widescreen format, coupled with a 12.3-inch fully-digital TFT centre instrument cluster. Two Bluetooth devices can be connected simultaneously, with one for a mobile phone connection and the other for audio streaming. There are 16 cupholders on offer as well.

Hyundai Palisade features an industry-first, roof vent diffuser design

Palisade also features an industry-first, roof vent diffuser design that can provide a focused, partially-diffused or fully-diffused stream of air to rear passengers. This new diffuser vent design provides quieter rear air conditioning airflow, draft-free operation, more uniform distribution of air and the capability for a focused stream of air whenever desired.

The Palisade receives Hyundai's latest navigation system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. To eliminate the need for a charging cord, there's an available Qi wireless charging pad for compatible Android devices as well as recent Apple iPhones.

The Palisade comes powered by an Atkinson-cycle 3.8-litre V6, dual CVVT, direct-injected engine which delivers 291 horsepower while there's 394 Nm of torque on offer.

Hyundai Palisade receives Hyundai's latest navigation system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

As far as safety features are concerned, the Palisade offers a number of advanced safety technologies standard, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go. drivers the ability to start the vehicle via remote key fob or via the Blue Link app. In addition, Palisade has seven standard airbags: dual front, dual side, driver's knee, and roll-over-sensing side curtain airbags. Palisade uses a full-length large side curtain airbag that includes third-row seating coverage for enhanced rear occupant protection in the event of a collision. Tire pressure monitoring with individual position display, anti-theft security, three LATCH anchors in the second row and two LATCH anchors in the third row and a rearview camera are also standard on Palisade.

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Volkswagen Planning New North America Factory For Electric Vehicles

Volkswagen is deciding where to locate a new factory in North America to build electric vehicles for the U.S. market, the German automaker's new head for the Americas said on Wednesday. Scott Keogh, the newly appointed CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, said a new plant was needed to build a vehicle yet to be revealed under the Volkswagen brand, priced between $30,000-$40,000, that is due in 2020. We are 100 percent deep in the process of 'We will need an electric car plant in North America,' and we're holding those conversations now," Keogh told journalists at the Los Angeles auto show.

An electric car that could take on Silicon Valley's Tesla Inc is part of the massive investment in electric vehicles that Europe's largest carmaker plans to make. Volkswagen announced earlier this month it would spend almost 44 billion euros ($50 billion) on developing electric cars, autonomous driving and new mobility services by 2023, while exploring areas of cooperation with U.S. automaker Ford Motor.

To meet a production timeline for 2020, the new electric car will initially be sourced outside of the United States, Keogh said, but then will be produced at the newly chosen site. Volkswagen's existing U.S. plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where the Passat and Atlas are built, could be one option as there is enough room at that facility, but it will not necessarily be chosen, Keogh said.

Tesla has thus far captured the largest share of the U.S. market for electric vehicles, but a host of new models will hit the market from German automakers and others over the next two years. For Volkswagen, although it is behind Tesla, it is not necessarily too late to capture a U.S. market that presents a "massive opportunity," Keogh said.

"The market timing actually is quite perfect," he said. "You need to have this intersection of, 'Can you get costs down enough that you can produce a car at that price point, make enough money, have the technology capabilities that this is a car that we would want to put in the marketplace, and have market acceptance?'" he said. "And when all these things intersect that's ideally when you want to throw the dart."

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Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sales Breaches The 5 Lakh Mark

Maruti Suzuki Baleno has recently breached the 5 lakh sales milestone in India. The company says that the premium hatchback has achieved this sales mark in the record time of 38 months. One of the most popular offerings from the Indo-Japanese carmaker, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno was launched in India back in October 2015, and since then it has been the best-selling car in its class. In fact, the Baleno has over 27 per cent market share in the A2+ segment, which includes the likes of the Hyundai i20 and Honda Jazz.

Commenting on the Maruti Suzuki Baleno achieving the new sales milestone, R S Kalsi, Senior Executive Director, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki, said, "Baleno has become a resounding success in the highly competitive premium hatchback segment. It is a testimony of our best in class technology and customer experience. Our engineers have ensured that Baleno offers superior ride and handling, class-leading performance and safety. With a staggering 20.6 per cent growth in first half of 2018-19, Baleno has been among the top selling cars in India, since 2016. We are grateful for our customers' constant support that has made Baleno India's most preferred premium hatchback."

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Baleno Limited Edition Launched In India

(Maruti Suzuki Baleno competes in India with the likes of the Hyundai i20 and Honda Hazz)

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno was one of the first cars from the company to get Apple CarPlay, in addition to other premium features like LED daytime running lamps, LED taillamps. The car also came with an anti-theft security system, ABS with EBD, dual airbags, and front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters as standard safety features across the entire line-up.

Engine options include the tried and tested 1.2-litre VVT petrol and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engines. The former makes 83 bhp and 115 Nm of peak torque, while the oil burner offers 74 bhp and 190 Nm of peak torque. Transmission duties are carried out by a 5-speed manual gearbox and an optional CVT automatic transmission for the petrol unit. Maruti Suzuki also offers a performance-spec Baleno RS which get the 1.0-litre boosterjet turbo petrol engine that makes 100 bhp and 150 Nm of peak torque and gets only a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS is the more performance oriented version of the car

It's been over three years since the launch of the Baleno, and the car currently commands an average of about 18,000 to 19,000 units a month, despite not receiving any kind of update so far. In fact, the company recently ramped up the production to reduce waiting period. The Baleno was also the first car from Maruti Suzuki to be exported to its parent company Suzuki's home market, Japan, from India. Other export markets include - Australia, Europe, Latin America and East Asia.

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Upcoming 200-400 cc Bikes In India In 2019

The motorcycle market grew further in 2018 as we had new and more interesting launches coming from across the globe. The 200-400 cc motorcycle segment continued to grow exponentially with offerings like the Kawasaki Ninja 400, Hero Xtreme 200 R, BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS, as well as the offerings from Cleveland CycleWerks. The segment though holds a lot more potential and we will see a lot of it new launches happening next year as more and more exciting products come to Indian shores. With offerings from Hero, Jawa, Bajaj, Benelli, and more, it's time to take a look at the upcoming motorcycles in the fast growing 200-400 cc segment that will be hitting showrooms in 2019.

(The new Jawa motorcycle carries a completely retro design)

Jawa

Czech motorcycle maker Jawa is all set to make its comeback in India and resurrecting the iconic brand is Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Mahindra. The company has already showcased it's first products under the Jawa brand and it's very first offering will be the motorcycle also named 'Jawa'. The Jawa comes as close as it gets to the modern day version of the original. The classic lines with the chrome induced paint scheme, spoked wheels are befitting a retro motorcycle and so is the nearly identical to the original headlamp unit. The analogue instrument cluster and twin exhausts also replicate the original design. Powering the Jawa is a 293 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine tuned for 27 bhp and 28 Nm of peak torque, while with a 6-speed gearbox. The bike is suspended by telescopic forks up front and gas charged twin shocks at the rear, while braking performance comes from a front disc and rear drum brake. Single-channel ABS is offered as standard. Jawa is in the process of setting 105 dealerships across the country which should be operational by early next year, which is also when deliveries of the new motorcycle will begin.

Expected Launch: Early 2019

Price: Rs. 1.64 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Jawa Forty Two is a more modern-looking bike compared to its sibling

Jawa 42

Based on the Jawa, the Jawa 42 is a slightly modern iteration of the classic design and will be the most affordable offering in the bike maker's line-up. Jawa will be introducing the 42 alongside the Jawa motorcycle, and the former differentiates itself with a host of changes including an offset instrument console, matte paint scheme, blacked out engine and wheels. The engine and output remain the same as the Jawa and so does the suspension and braking configuration. The Jawa 42 though is targeted at a younger customer base, which would want the brand without its nostalgia.

Expected Launch: Early 2019

Price: Rs. 1.55 lakh (ex-showroom)

Jawa Perak

The surprise unveil from Jawa Motorcycles, the Jawa Perak is a factory-ready custom bobber and will be bringing something unique to the segment. The bike has been named after the original Jawa Perak that was developed during the war era discreetly, and Jawa says a similar approach was taken when developing the Perak this time too with only a handful of people knowing about the project internally too. What separates the Perak from the Jawa and Jawa 42 is the revised styling, single seat and an all black finish. The bike also gets a bigger 334 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that will produce 30 bhp and 31 Nm of peak torque, while the rear suspension gets a monoshock unit instead of twin shocks seen on the other models. The Jawa Perak also comes with disc brakes at either end and dual-channel ABS as standard. The motorcycle is still under development and will only hit the showrooms in the second half of 2019.

Expected Launch: Late 2019

Price: Rs. 1.89 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Hero XPulse 200T was unveiled at EICMA this year

Hero XPulse 200 and XPulse 200T

Hero MotoCorp surprised with the unveil of a new XPulse version at the 2018 EICMA Motorcycle Show. The Hero XPulse 200T is the tourer-friendly version based on the XPulse 200 and will be launched alongside the adventure-ready version. The bike shares its mechanicals with the XPulse including the 200 cc engine and frame, LED headlamp, single-channel ABS, digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity and more, but has been reworked to be more rider-friendly for spending longer hours on the saddle. The 2019 XPulse 200T gets a more relaxed riding position, 30 mm lower ground clearance, taller gearing and new handlebar. It also gets a luggage rack to improve the load carrying capacity. In addition, the bike rides on smaller 17-inch wheels, and gets tarmac friendly MRF tyres.

Expected Launch: Early 2019

Expected Price: Rs. 1 lakh (ex-showroom)

The 2019 Bajaj Dominar is slated to get comprehensive changes

2019 Bajaj Dominar

The Bajaj Dominar was launched in late 2017 and rumours are rife that a comprehensively updated model for 2019 is all set to arrive soon. The 2019 Bajaj Dominar has been spotted several times now and will get cosmetic and mechanical upgrades possibly including USD forks instead of telescopic units and a DOHC configuration for the engine instead of a SOHC one seen on the current 373 cc mill. The power output could see improvements as well, up from the current 34.5 bhp and 35 Nm of peak torque. The 2019 Dominar is also expected to get a new engine bash plate, exhaust muffler and possibly new colours as well. The updates are likely to drive up prices by a small margin.

Expected Launch: Early 2019

Expected Price: Rs. 1.50 lakh (ex-showroom)

The new KTM 390 Adventure will arrive in late 2019 | Photo Credit: Bike Social

KTM 390 Adventure

The unicorn in KTM's global line-up, the 390 Adventure has eluded enthusiasts for long but not anymore. The KTM 390 Adventure is confirmed to arrive and while it wasn't showcased at EICMA this year as "we" expected, the model is coming in next year for sure. KTM India has confirmed that the 390 Adventure will arrive in the country in 2019 and India is likely to be one of the first markets to get the motorcycle. The bike will get a new rear subframe, higher ground clearance, dual purpose tyres, and revised power output from the 373 cc single-cylinder engine. The suspension too will see long travel to make the model more friendly off-tarmac. The KTM 390 Adventure will take on the BMW G 310 GS and the Royal Enfield Himalayan in the segment with prices expected to be competitive.

Expected Launch: Late 2019

Expected Price: Rs. 3 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Benelli Imperiale 400 will be a Royal Enfield Classic 350 rival

Benelli Imperiale 400

Italian bike maker Benelli has started its second innings in India with the Mahavir Group and has a host of motorcycles planned for launch from its global line-up. While the Leoncino and TRK 502 motorcycles are likely to arrive first, the company has also been considering to bring the Imperiale 400 that could arrive in India in 2019. The Benelli Imperiale 400 was showcased at EICMA in 2017 as a Royal Enfield challenger. The bike uses a 373.5 cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine tuned for 19 bhp and 28 Nm of peak torque. The bike uses 41 mm telescopic front forks and twin shock absorbers, while twin discs take care of braking duties. The classic lines makes the Imperiale a good looking motorcycle and could come as a new offering in the segment dominated by RE. Details on the launch though are uncertain with no official confirmation yet.

Expected Launch: Late 2019

Expected Price: Rs. 2 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Kawasaki Z400 at EICMA this year

Kawasaki Z400

Having introduced the Ninja 400 earlier this year, India Kawasaki Motor (IKM) could follow it up with the launch of the new Kawasaki Z400 in 2019. The Z400 is the naked version based on the Ninja 400 albeit stripped off the fairing, clip-on handlebars and additional weight, while looking like a mini Z900. The bike uses the same 399 cc parallel-twin motor tuned for 44 bhp and 38 Nm of peak torque, while paired with a 6-speed gearbox with an assist/slipper clutch. The bike also comes with fatter telescopic forks up front and a monoshock at the rear, while dual discs take care of stopping power. The Z400 could replace the Z250 in Kawasaki India's line-up but is likely to carry a hefty price tag of around Rs. 4 lakh (ex-showroom), if the Japanese bike maker decides to bring the model to the country.

Expect Launch: Mid 2019

Expected Price: Rs. 4 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Tork T6X will India's first all-electric motorcycle

Tork T6X

Pune-based Tork Motorcycles showcased the T6X electric bike back in 2016 and while bookings have been open for the offering, the e-motorcycle is yet to be launched in the market. Tork Motorcycles made a name for itself by participating in world motorsport events including the Isle of Man TTXP and the TT Zero Race. With the York T6X, the company aims to bring India's first electric motorcycle with performance equal to that of a sporty 125 cc commuter. At the time of unveiling, the company claimed a top speed of 85 kmph and a range of 100 kmph. A lithium-ion battery powers the T6X that could be charged in just two hours. The electric motorcycle prototype also came equipped with features like Mirror link smartphone integration with navigation via a digital console, and more. Announced at a price tag of Rs. 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tork T6X has not been confirmed for a 2019 launch but we could see it finally arrive next year.

Expected Launch: Late 2019

Expected Price: Rs. 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom)

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The Ferrari SP3JC Is A One-Off V12 Powered Roadster

The latest Ferrari one-off project, the SP3JC, has been officially consigned to its owner. Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the SP3JC was commissioned by a Ferrari client and collector whose brief set out to create a pure, uncompromising roadster using the chassis and running gear of the F12tdf. The sole one-off car to be commissioned on this limited-series special, the SP3JC harkens back to Ferrari's V12-engined spiders of the 1950s and '60s. It's taken over two years to build this one-off SP3JC and the owner too was closely involved with this process.

The Ferrari SP3JC  harkens back to Ferrari's V12-engined spiders of the 1950s and '60s

The SP3JC features a very muscular stance with dynamic sculpturing on the flanks designed to emphasise the front-engine layout, a distinctive air intake outline at the front, and a dramatic rear fascia with horizontal slashes contributing to a wider stance. What brings it all together is the combination of the Azzurro Met and Giallo Modena livery over the main Bianco Italia colour scheme.

The Ferrari SP3JC gets a combination of the Azzurro Met and Giallo Modena livery over the main Bianco Italia colour scheme

The Ferrari SP3JC gets specific detailing such as split glass inserts on the bonnet to show off the 780cv V12 engine, a flying bridge between the fairings of the integral carbon-fibre roll hoops and a brushed aluminium external fuel filler cap. The seats are trimmed in blue leather with a white insert. The blue leather extends to the lower dashboard and the colour is picked up in the contrasting stitching to the rest of the interior trim.

The Ferrari SP3JC is designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, and was commissioned by a Ferrari client and collector

The powertrain on this one is the same as the one on the F12tdf. The SP3JC gets a 6.3-litre V12 which churns out 770 bhp and develops a peak torque of 770 Nm. There's a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox which power the wheels and on the F12tdf it helps it go from 0-100 kmph in 2.9 seconds. Now, open-tops are usually a bit slower but we don't expect the SP3JC to be very slow and it might still hold a respectable time of 3.2 or 3.3 seconds to reach the 100 kmph mark.

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Daimler To Start Making Electric Cars In China In 2019

Daimler will start building electric cars in China next year as a way to meet Beijing's stringent anti-pollution quotas for carmakers, even as demand for conventional models like the Mercedes-Benz Maybach remains strong. China has introduced minimum sales requirements for so-called new energy vehicles (NEV's) and Daimler is on track to meet the quota for 2018, Daimler China chief Hubertus Troska said on Wednesday. We are very confident about fulfilling the NEV quotas," Troska said, adding that a new fully electric vehicle will be added to local production. "We begin production end of next year," Troska said about the Mercedes-Benz EQC electric model.

Chinese customers are still buying high-end Maybach models at a rate of 600 vehicles a month, Troska said. Sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars will continue to grow next year, given that consumer demand for premium cars has bucked an overall trend of flagging sales in the world's largest auto market, Troska told a briefing in Stuttgart. "We are absolutely positive about business development next year," Troska said about growth prospects for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Although talks with Chinese carmaker Geely about areas of potential cooperation are continuing, Troska said Daimler was very happy with its existing China partners which include BAIC and BYD.

Geely founder Li Shufu has asked Mercedes to enter a broader alliance after acquiring a 9.69 percent stake in the German carmaker earlier this year. Daimler could enter a cooperation with a non-auto company in the area of electric vehicles, Troska said, declining to comment further.

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Audi e-Tron GT Concept Revealed; Comes With A Range Of Over 400 Kms

Audi has revealed the electric powered e-tron GT concept, which is a four-door coupe at the LA Auto Show. The volume-production counterpart is set to follow in approximately two years. This is the next electric Audi to be launched, following in the footsteps of the Audi e-tron SUV and the Audi e‑tron Sportback slated for 2019. This time with a flat-floor architecture that provides low centre of gravity and a dynamic body structure, the Audi e-Tron GT gets the best of all worlds. Flat, wide and with a long wheelbase – those are the proportions of a classic Gran Turismo and the Audi e‑tron GT is no different. The concept is 4960 mm long, 1960 mm wide and 1380 mm high.

The lightweight body of the four-door coupe is manufactured using a multi-material construction. The roof section is made from carbon along with numerous aluminuim components and supporting elements made from high-strength steel. The technology for this automobile was developed in close collaboration with Porsche. The gently sloping roofline of the e-tron GT concept that extends well into the rear echoes the sportback layout. The cabin that tapers strongly toward the rear stands out compared to current Audi models. Wheel arches and shoulders are sculpted and, together with the flat floor, underlines the low centre of gravity.

The gently sloping roofline of the e-tron GT concept that extends well into the rear echoes the sportback layout.

The sill area between the wheel arches has been drawn way outwards, creating a distinctive contrast with the cabin. The sill draws the eye to the underfloor area where the battery and thus the energy centre of the Audi e-tron GT concept are located. The hallmark Audi Singleframe is located in the centre of the front section. Compared with the two e-tron SUVs its architecture is much more horizontal. The top half comes with a cover painted in body color. Its surface structure is reminiscent of the typical honeycomb pattern of the grille on the Audi RS models – a visual signal which characterizes the Audi e-tron GT concept as a future product of Audi Sport GmbH.

Together with the targeted airflow of the body, large air inlets in the front effectively cool the assemblies, battery and brakes. The hood with its airflow on the surface echoes the brand's two latest show cars, the Aicon and the PB18 e-tron. It is designed in such a way that the airflow hugs the body, thus reducing undesired swirl.

The Audi e-Tron GT's hood with its airflow on the surface echoes the brand's two latest show cars, the Aicon and the PB18 e-tron.

The arrow-shaped front section also emphasizes the matrix LED headlights with laser high beam, underscoring the dynamic presence of the Audi e-tron GT concept even while stationary. As already seen with the brand's current Visions vehicles, the light is also animated here and welcomes the driver with a short function sequence, the wave of light that extends horizontally: a new visual signature that is set to find its way into volume production in future.

A light strip runs across the entire width of the rear. This strip dissipates at the outer edges, in the actual lighting units, into individual wedge-shaped LED segments. This architecture links the e-tron GT with the volume-production SUV e-tron, making both instantly recognizable even in the dark as Audi electric automobiles.

The cabin of the Audi e-Tron GT gets fabrics made from recycled fibre used on the seat cushions and armrests

The centre console and the freestanding instrument cluster seem to float. Light colours in the top section of the cockpit and the gradually darker gradation through to the floor area create the impression of clear width. Sport seats inspired by motor racing in both rows of seats provide optimum lateral support even while cornering at speed.

Both the screen of the central instrument and the touchscreen above the centre console come with a black-panel look finish. They underscore the large, calm design of the interior with its predominantly horizontal basic architecture. Various layouts are available for the monitors to present the functions depending on the driver's preference, including virtual instrument dials, easy-to-read navigation maps with information on the range, or various infotainment function menus. They are controlled via the touchscreen with tactile feedback.

Fabrics made from recycled fibres are used on the seat cushions as well as the armrests and on the centre console. Microfiber material adorns the headlining and the trim of the window pillars. Even the deep-pile floor carpet is made from sustainable Econyl yarn, a recycled fiber made from used fishing nets.

With two luggage compartments, the Audi e-tron GT concept offers a great many options for a Gran Turismo. Here it makes full use of its concept advantage as an electric automobile with compact drive units. The rear with its large tailgate offers up to 450 litres of luggage capacity. Under the hood there is an extra 100 litres of capacity.

The Audi e-Tron GT gets a 434 kilowatts (590 horsepower) system power – that is an impressive figure for the potential of the all-electric drive. Separate electric motors are fitted to the front and rear axles. In both cases these are permanently excited synchronous motors. They put down the torque onto the road via all four driven wheels – naturally the new Audi e-tron GT concept is also a genuine quattro. An electric quattro to be precise, since there is no mechanical link between the front and rear axle. The electronic control system coordinates the drive between the axles as well as between left and right wheels. That means optimum traction and just the desired amount of slip.

The Audi e-Tron GT can do a 0 to 100 kmph sprint in just 3.5 seconds

In future, the vehicle should accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in around 3.5 seconds before going on to 200 kmph in just over 12 seconds. The top speed is regulated at 240 kmph to maximize the range. The range of the concept car will be over 400 kilometers determined according to the new WLTP standard. The required drive energy comes from a lithium-ion battery with an energy content of more than 90 kWh, which takes up the entire underfloor area between the front and rear axle with its flat design. The decisive advantage of this design is the car's extremely low center of gravity – comparable with that of the Audi R8.

The battery in the Audi e-tron GT concept can be charged in several ways: using a cable which is connected behind the flap in the left front wing, or by means of contactless induction with Audi Wireless Charging. Here a charging pad with integral coil is installed permanently on the floor where the car is to be parked, and connected to the power supply. The alternating magnetic field induces an alternating voltage in the secondary coil fitted in the floor of the car, across the air gap. With a charging output of 11 kW the Audi e-tron GT concept can be fully charged conveniently overnight.

Wired charging is much faster as the four-door coupe is fitted with an 800-volt system. This substantially reduces charging times compared with conventional systems that are currently in use. Thus it takes around 20 minutes to recharge the battery to 80 percent of its capacity, once again providing a range of more than 320 kilometers. The e-tron GT concept can, however, also be recharged at charging points with lower voltages, providing the driver with access to the entire charging network.

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Mahindra S 201, Delhi EV Policy, Sun Mobility & Smart E

The top automotive news of the day- Mahindra has announced that it will reveal the name of its upcoming subcompact SUV on December 1, 2018. As of now, the new SUV has been codenamed S201. It will be going up against the highly popular Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. Delhi government has released a draft of electric vehicle policy which talks about converting 25 per cent of Delhi’s new registrations by 2023. Finally, Smart E and Sun Mobility announce a partnership for electric vehicles and battery swapping system.

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Toyota And PSA To End Joint Production Of Small Cars By 2021

Toyota Motors and PSA have decided to end the joint production of small cars by 2021 which will bring an end to the long going partnership of both the carmakers for producing passenger vehicles. However, according to a Reuters report, both the companies will continue with the joint production of light commercial vehicles. Both the automakers will continue with the production of light commercial vehicles in France. PSA will be assembling commercial vehicles for Toyota at its Sevelnord plant in Northern France while the JVs Virgo based factory will produce new Toyota vehicles. 

Toyota will acquire PSA's stake in the joint venture which includes both the parties at present and will integrate the Czech based plant of Kolin into its industrial apparatus. The Kolin based factory which is built on a greenfield site in Czech had added strength to the collaboration between Toyota and Suzuki. This is where PSA (Peugeot-Citroen) and Toyota are assembling the Citroen C1, Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo small cars at present.

The report comes almost a year after Toyota had announced a strategic partnership with Suzuki to develop new vehicles together. According to news reports, the vehicles which will be developed and manufactured in India will also be exported to some of the Asian and African markets. The Toyota-Suzuki alliance will also be sharing cross-badged models which will be sold in either of the companies' dealerships in India. While Suzuki will be sharing the Baleno hatchback with Toyota which will be sold through Toyota dealerships, Toyota will be sharing the Corolla mid-size sedan which will be sold through Maruti Suzuki dealerships in India. However, it is not final yet which dealership will Suzuki choose to retail the re-badged Corolla- the premium Nexa  dealership or the regular Arena dealership.
 

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Government Looking To Implement 'Pay As You Use' toll system Across India

The government is working to amend the toll policy for national highways which will allow the commuters to pay only for the stretch they travel and not for the entire distance between two toll booths. The change in the framework is according to the the budget announcement for the fiscal year 2018-19 in which finance minister, Arun Jaitley spoke about introducing the 'pay as you use' toll system. The system is based on the closed tolling system which is already in use on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway and will also be implemented on the Western Peripheral Expressway.

The government will take three months to revise the policy and will also be looking at building the toll plazas outside cities in order to set a timeframe to end tolling on highways which are less than four-lane and expressways.  According to the highway ministry, the policy will be comprehensive and will likely include electronic mode of toll collection by setting up necessary facilities and offering permanent discount in the fee which commuters pay using smart tag.

"While it's easy to implement in the case of new greenfield roads, it would be tough in the case of existing roads which have unlimited entry and exit points and these are not regulated," said a ministry official. Currently, toll plazas are built at a distance of 60 kilometers and the commuters are required to pay for the entire stretch even if they have traveled for lesser distance. Officials also said that the existing policy of not building a toll plaza within 10 km of municipal limit is also becoming a major issue as municipal areas are growing.

Source

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Upcoming Adventure Bikes In India In 2019

The year 2018 is just about to end, and we've seen a long list of interesting bike launches in the year. The New Year is just around the corner, and there's more excitement and more new bikes to look out for in 2019. In India, the adventure motorcycle segment has a lot of interest among the two-wheeled community, and there's a lot to look out for in 2019. And it's not just premium motorcycle brands like BMW and Triumph, who will be looking to cement their position in this segment. There's Benelli making a comeback, and there's going to be even more affordable and mass-market offerings from Hero MotoCorp.

Here's a list of the upcoming adventure bikes of 2019

The Hero XPulse 200 Adventure Tourer will be launched in early 2019

Hero XPulse

The Hero XPulse is one of the most-awaited small capacity adventure bikes, and will likely be the most affordable adventure bike in India when it's launched. The XPulse will be powered by the same engine as the one on the Hero Xtreme 200R. The 198 cc, single-cylinder, two-valve engine puts out 18 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 17.1 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm, and the same engine will be put to service on the XPulse. The motor is paired to a five-speed transmission, and the XPulse will get single-channel ABS with a dual-disc brake set-up on the front and rear wheels. Unlike the Xtreme 200R though, the Hero XPulse will be more feature-rich, and will sport some off-road ready components.

The Hero XPulse will be one of the most affordable adventure bikes on sale in India

The Hero XPulse will ride on a larger 19-inch front wheel, shod with dual-sport rubber and will have spoked wheels on both ends. The suspension will be beefier and the telescopic front forks will have 190 mm travel with 180 mm travel on the rear monoshock. The XPulse will get a ground clearance of 220 mm and will get a standard engine bash plate. The Hero XPulse will also get a full-digital instrument panel which will offer smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, possibly one of the first motorcycles in the 200 cc segment to offer such a feature. We expect the Hero XPulse to be priced at around Rs. 1-1.1 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: Hero XPulse 200T Unveiled At EICMA 2018

The Hero XPulse 200T will be a tarmac-oriented touring model

Hero XPulse 200T

Hero MotoCorp will also launch a more street-oriented 'touring' version of the XPulse, called the Hero XPulse 200T. Both the XPulse and the XPulse 200T are expected to be launched around the same time, possibly by early 2019. Where the XPulse 200T is different from the standard XPulse is in the suspension, wheels and ergonomics. And it's based on the same 200 cc platform from Hero MotoCorp with focus on touring requirements, like comfortable ergonomics, luggage-carrying capability and street-focussed wheels and tyres. The XPulse 200T will also be powered by the same 198 cc, single-cylinder, two-valve engine, which puts out 18.1 bhp and 17.1 Nm. Also on offer will be single-channel ABS, with a rear disc brake, LED lights, full-digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. The Hero XPulse 200T was unveiled at the EICMA 2018 show in Milan in early November, and it's certainly going to be launched in the first quarter of 2019.

Also Read: Hero XPulse 200 Concepts At EICMA 2018

The latest KTM 390 Adventure spy shot gives an idea about the size of the bike and its pillion carrying capability

KTM 390 Adventure

The biggest miss of the EICMA 2018 show, the world's most popular motorcycle show, was the absence of the KTM 390 Adventure. The bike has been in the making for some time now, and KTM India had also announced that the 390 Adventure will be launched in India soon. But this small-capacity adventure bike, based on the KTM 390 Duke platform is still not to be seen, at least in recent months; not even a recent spy shot of the bike being tested has emerged or been spotted by eagle-eyed photographers.

The KTM 390 Adventure will be based on the KTM 390 Duke platform, possibly with a change in the state of tune of the engine

Also Read: Spy Pics Of KTM 390 Adventure Undergoing Test Runs

The KTM 390 Adventure will be powered by the 373 cc, single-cylinder engine of the KTM 390 Duke, but the engine will possibly have a slightly different state of tune to make it get better low- and mid-range grunt. So far, the jury's still out on when the 390 Adventure will be launched, particularly after the disappointment of it not being displayed at the EICMA 2019. Nevertheless, we expect the KTM 390 Adventure to be launched sometime in the second half of 2019, at a price of around Rs. 3 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Benelli TRK 502 is one of the most-awaited middleweight adventure bikes in India

Benelli TRK 502

Italian motorcycle brand Benelli will make a splash in 2019 with a comeback in India under new management. And one of the most-awaited motorcycles from Benelli will be the middleweight adventure tourer, the Benelli TRK 502. The Benelli TRK 502 will be powered by a 499.6 cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine which makes around 47 bhp at 8,500 rpm and peak torque of 45 Nm at 5,000 rpm. The four-valve engine with double overhead camshafts is mated to a six-speed gearbox. With a weight of 213 kg, the TRK 502 will be heavy, and Benelli claims fuel consumption figures of 25.6 kmpl. With a 20-litre tank, the TRK 502 should offer around 500 km of range on a single tank fill. There are likely to be two variants on offer - one, a road-oriented model with cast wheels, and another with more off-road capability and spoked wheels.

The Benelli TRK 502 gets new 500 cc parallel-twin engine

Front suspension is handled by a fat and adjustable 50 mm upside down fork with 135 mm of travel, while a spring preload adjustable monoshock with 45 mm travel handles rear suspension duties. Front wheel will either be a 17-inch aluminium alloy (for the road-oriented model), or a 19-inch aluminium spoked wheel for the off-road oriented model. The rear wheel will be a 17-inch, with a spoked option for the off-road oriented model. Twin semi-floating 320 mm discs gripped by four-piston calipers on the front wheel will handle braking duties on the front wheel, while the rear wheel will come with a single 260 mm disc with a single-piston caliper. Dual-channel ABS will be standard. Expect prices to be in the range of Rs. 6 - 6.5 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: What We Know About The Benelli TRK 502

The BMW R 1250 GS offers more power, more torque and variable valve timing system on the engine

BMW R 1250 GS

Perhaps one of the most popular adventure bikes across the world, the BMW R 1200 GS will get significantly updated for 2019, with a new engine, new features and a long list of electronics and technology. The most significant change is of course the new boxer engine, which gets a displacement bump to 1,254 cc, and also gets variable valve timing. The new BMW R 1250 GS' engine makes 136 bhp at 7,750 rpm and peak torque of 143 Nm at 6,250 rpm. Also new will be an updated electronics package which includes two riding modes (Road and Rain), ABS, automatic stability control (ASC), and Hill Start Control as standard. The multi-functional instrument panel now features a 6.5 inch full-colour TFT screen, which offers Bluetooth connectivity with a smartphone. The BMW Motorrad Connected App offers satellite navigation, and additional functions such as route logging and travel statistics. The 2019 BMW R 1250 GS will be available in three variants - Standard, Exclusive and HP. Expect the new BMW R 1250 GS will be priced at between Rs. 18-22 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: BMW R 1250 GS Gets New Engine, New Features

Triumph Scrambler 1200

Triumph Scrambler 1200

Although it's not essentially an adventure bike, but Triumph's new Scrambler 1200 takes off-road capability to a whole new level. The engine is the same 1200 cc, 'high power' mill of the Triumph Thruxton R, but on the Scrambler 1200, it will be tuned to offer more power and torque lower in the revs rather than better top-end acceleration. The 270-degree parallel-twin puts out 89 bhp at 7,400 rpm and peak torque of 110 Nm at 3,950 rpm. Globally, the Triumph Scrambler 1200 will be available in two variants - the XC and XE, but for India, only the XC variant will be launched.

In India, only one variant of the Triumph Scrambler 1200 will be introduced - the Scrambler 1200 XC

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC will get 200 mm suspension travel at both the rear and front suspension. The XC will get a 45 mm Showa upside down front fork, and Ohlins rear shocks. Braking is handled by dual front 320 mm discs on the front wheel gripped by Brembo M50 monobloc calipers and a single 255 mm disc on the rear wheel, gripped by a Brembo two-piston floating caliper. Switchable ABS is standard, and the Scrambler 1200 will come with five riding modes - Road, Rain, Off-Road, Sport and a fully customisable Rider mode. And each mode adjusts the throttle response, ABS settings and traction control. The Scrambler 1200 also comes with a full-colour TFT instrument panel, which features an integrated GoPro control system. We expect the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC to be launched sometime around April, or May 2019, with prices around Rs. 11-12 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: All You Need To Know About the Triumph Scrambler 1200

The Triumph Tiger 800 XCa variant will be introduced in India

Triumph Tiger 800 XCa

Triumph's largest selling adventure bike, and one of the most popular adventure bikes on sale in India, the Triumph Tiger 800, will get the top-of-the-line XCa variant in India in 2019. Triumph has already updated the Tiger 800 for 2018, but so far, the top-end XCa variant has not been offered on sale in India. The top-spec XCa variant will feature heated seats and grips, as well as standard LED lights, and a full-colour TFT instrument panel. Whether Triumph decides to upgrade the instrument panel to include the integrated GoPro system is something we will look forward to, on the top-end Tiger 800. The Tiger 800 XCa is powered by a 800 cc, in-line triple cylinder engine which puts out 94 bhp at 9,500 rpm and 79 Nm of peak torque. Updated Brembo brakes, six riding modes (including two off-road modes) and cruise control make the Tiger 800 XCa a complete adventure touring motorcycle. Expect prices to be around Rs. 15 lakh (ex-showroom) when the bike is launched in the first quarter of 2019.

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