Virtual is the new reality for all motorsporting activities around the world. In India, Volkswagen Motorsport has collaborated with IR eSports for the second and upcoming season of Indian Sim Racing League (ISRL). Through this association, Volkswagen Motorsport plans to raise the level of engagement and excitement around the fun-to-drive experience off the track. The online iRacing platform allows participants to race against each other using simulators and the races are aired live on multiple social media channels. Viewers can relish the action with telecast quality graphics which offers racer info, leader board and other prominent information on the screen.

The ISRL functions exactly like any other motorsport competition, with a proper rule book and experienced officials. Each round consists of two practice sessions totalling 90 minutes, a 10-minute qualifying session and a 20-minute race. Points are awarded as per the Volkswagen India Championship with additional points for pole position and fastest lap. The current season concluded on May 1, 2020, and had Indian racers from 14 different cities, competing in five rounds at International Circuits, in an FIA homologated Dallara Formula 3 car, with identical setup. Some of the world’s iconic circuits like Silverstone, Daytona and Laguna Seca tested the capabilities of racers.

Also Read: Volkswagen Polo BS6 Fuel Efficiency Figures Revealed

In the final race at the Laguna Seca track, Chennai’s Amith Kutti grabbed pole in qualifying, a mere eight-thousandth of a second ahead of points leader, Sai Prithvi. Kutti and Prithvi exchanged fastest laps before Kutti tragically hit a backmarker. The resulting suspension damage forced him to retire. Title challenger Abdul Fattah from Thrissur then crashed and had to pit which lost him valuable time and ended any hopes of the title. Jessie Jakhar was the star of the race, climbing from seventeenth to finish fourth. Sai Prithvi’s four victories and 252 points were sufficient to crown him the champion. He earns himself testing with a Volkswagen Motorsport racecar. Abdul Fattah eventually finished eleventh to secure 2nd in the standings with 191 points and earns himself kart training with Rayo Racing. Raiden Samervel with 172 points was third and gets a free race entry courtesy IndiKarting.

The next season of the ISRL in association with Volkswagen Motorsport India will commence on Friday 8th May, with upgrades and changes to the format, which will make it more exciting for viewers and increase the challenge for racers. The races will be viewable live on IR eSports’s social media platforms where the spectators root for their favourite driver while throwing some healthy wordplay. All participants stand to win Volkswagen Motorsport India merchandise. To register, visit IR eSports on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram.

They call it the ” Mountain Goat” for good reasons but this example here is a proper wolf. A Bull perhaps. A favourite among rallyists in India, the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy has kicked dirt all over. From the high passes of the Himalayas to the narrow paths which cross the jungles of South India. This vehicle here is the very car which scored second place in the K1000 Rally of 2019. Had it not been for a bent axle tube which happened on the last day of the event, during the last leg, this build would’ve taken top honours. However, second place is applause-worthy for a rally car which made its debut at the event.

What makes this rally-spec Gypsy special is a long list of mods which have turned what is a capable off-roader in standard form, into a true dirt-kicking monster. It was prepared by 6thMile Customs for Bangalore-based Engineering Exponent (EE), a remap and drivetrain and all things four-wheeled specialist. The Gypsy’s drivetrain and mechanicals were built and tuned in-house by the latter. The long mod list includes IronMan leaf springs and 2-way adjustable shocks, leaf spacers, strengthened axle tubes, Evo Corse wheels and MRF Rally tyres.

However, its the engine where the list becomes really exhaustive. Built by EE, with a bigger turbo and the current upgrades, the 1,361cc G13 motor can easily make 400+hp. Mandated by regulations, it makes 172 hp @ 7,900 rpm while running 9.2 psi of pressure boost. It dismisses the 0-100 km/h run in under 6 secs and is capable of cranking out 300 hp in the current trim. To achieve this level of performance, EE has tweaked the engine to run forged Wiseco GTi pistons, H bean spool rods, Mahle engine rod and bearings and modified engine oil squirters.

Parts developed and fine-tuned in-house by EE include a Stage 4 clutch with a balanced and lightweight flywheel, a modified cylinder head with new guides and valve seats, larger sodium-filled intake valves, a custom grind cam, custom valve train and intake manifold and an engine girdle brace. A 60mm Garrett-sourced turbocharger with an air-to-air intercooler helps to pump those extra horses and for which, a custom exhaust manifold was designed along with a downpipe exhaust. The rally-spec build also runs an AEM 3.5 bar MAP sensor and a wide-band O2 controller, a turbosmart electronic boost controller with an intake air temperature sensor and EGT probe.

Other AEM-sourced components include a 4-ECU EMS, a 4-channel coil driver, and coil in plugs. There’s a custom VR crank trigger wheel, a hall-effect cam position sensor, fuel is pumped via a 350 lph unit, plugs are from HKS, there’s a power steering kit installed, although the build still runs stock gearing and transfer case.

For cooling, there’s a custom radiator and cooling shrouds with a twin-fan system, an in-house developed oil catch can, braided PTFE oil and water lines for the turbo and oil cooler and the gaskets for the turbo and exhaust are made out of notched copper. If you’d like to know more about their work, do visit Engineering Exponent on Instagram.

We’ll all have to come to terms with the fact that the world as we knew it, isn’t the same anymore. Going forward, our everyday living will have to be tweaked and even manufacturers are now devising ways to deal with this transition. Fiat Chrysler India (FCA) has announced a new retail strategy which focuses on customer convenience in these times of physical distancing. For brand Jeep in India, the company has announced the launch of its contactless customer experience, in response to continued movement restrictions.

The Jeep retail experience is now completely ‘touch-free’ and introduces a digital module named ‘Book My Jeep’. Prospective customers can now book and own a Jeep without having to physically visit a showroom and will enjoy the convenience of a test drive and sanitized vehicle delivery at their doorstep. Customers who wish to book a Jeep digitally via www.bookmyjeep.com will be guided by automated prompts through three easy steps. They will need to submit simple details such as their contact information, geographical location, choice of variant, colour, powertrain and transmission. The system will collate the input and send a summary to the customer for a reconfirmation, after which the customer can proceed to pay the booking amount via credit card, internet banking and the other available online payment options.

Also Read: Jeep Grand Compass 7-Seater SUV Details Leaked

On submission, FCA’s automated retail architecture will automatically create a unique ID and link the customer’s information to its authorized dealer in that city. A Jeep expert from the Dealership will then contact the customer via a video or voice call and assist the customer in case any clarification or details required.  A test drive, in a fully sanitized vehicle, will be arranged at the customer’s doorstep. The customer can then proceed using the same module to complete the booking process and go for the final payment online. FCA is also offering special benefits for customers who choose to book their Jeep SUV online.

FCA’s new retail module is being improvised to provide a comprehensive digital demonstration of the vehicle in an intuitive way. Before finalizing the purchase, customers will be able to decide the majority of their preferences online, of course, other than physically driving the Jeep. The customer can choose to take the physical delivery of the fully sanitized vehicle at their doorstep. Adhering to the Indian Government’s directive, FCA India had temporarily suspended its operations on March 22nd to safeguard its employees from the Coronavirus outbreak. FCA is ready to resume manufacturing and commercial operations subject to guidelines from Government authorities.

Aprilia recently launched the GPR150 ABS in China at CNY 22,980 which converts to INR 2.45 lakh. The reason why it should concern us is that Aprilia has been planning to introduce a 150cc sportsbike in our country too. The GPR150 ABS is the younger sibling of GPR250 which is being sold in China. This fully-faired sportsbike features a dual-headlamp setup with an LED positon light in the middle. The styling of this faired motorcycle is its main USP and the ‘big bike’ appeal sets it apart from the rest of the competition.

Aprilia hasn’t held itself back when it comes to the overall styling of the motorcycle and it comes out as a rather sporty proposition. The sculpted fairing and 15.4-liter fuel tank accompanied with clip-on handlebars establishes it as a focused sportsbike. And for the purists out there, it has a semi-digital instrument cluster with an analog tachometer. Seeing the needle go up as the revs build will never get old! The instrument cluster also houses other information like gear position indicator, odometer, engine temperature, speedometer, fuel level, and more.

Also read: Aprilia SXR 160 – All You Need to Know

The GPR150 ABS is powered by a 149 cc single-cylinder engine which produces 18 PS of power and 14 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Suspension duties are performed by USD front forks and a rear monoshock. The specs might sound a bit too similar to the RS150 which was showcased in our country at the Auto Expo 2018 and Aprilia even promised to bring that motorcycle to our shores. The GPR150 ABS and RS150 share the same engine and underpinnings but are styled a bit differently. Now the question is, what will we get? The RS150 or the GPR150?

All of us are pretty familiar with the fact that Aprilia, sooner or later, will bring a 150cc sportsbike in India. They already showcased the RS150 at the Auto Expo but at an internal event held at Goa sometime back, they showcased the GPR150. Whichever of the two mini sportsbike they decide to bring here, it is going to be a riot in its segment where the Yamaha R15 V3 currently rules. If we look at it that way, the R15 V3 doesn’t have a direct rival but the Aprilia might just shake it off the throne. Comparatively, the R15 V3 makes more slightly more power and torque. It draws power from a 155cc liquid-cooled engine and makes 18.6 ps of peak power and 14.1 nm of torque. While it boasts of slightly better performance, Aprilia uses better cycle parts including USD forks upfront which will definitely give it an edge over its Japanese rival. Some might also agree that the RSV4 inspired styling is going to favour the RS150 too. While the R15 V3 looks sharp too, it’s the Aprilia RS150 which looks more pleasing to the eyes.

Skoda Auto India is all set to launch the 2020 Skoda Karoq SUV in the country soon. Skoda Karoq has been on the list of new car launches for the manufacturer for quite some time now. BS6 Skodas were supposed to launch in March but the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 and the subsequent nationwide lockdown meant that the makers had no choice but postpone it. However, there is an update of the latest Skoda which might interest the readers.

The company’s original launch plan for the new Karoq, which was in March, was postponed to May 6, 2020. However, with the Government of India extending the lockdown till May 17, the revised plans are now also affected. The company has therefore confirmed that the Skoda Karoq SUV launch will be an all-digital event but it will take place only after the lockdown is lifted. The company has already started taking online bookings for the SUV with a token amount of ₹ 50,000. The Czech carmaker, however, hasn’t announced the official launch date of the 2020 Karoq SUV yet. Also, some of its details have been revealed ahead of its launch.

The newest offering from Skoda will be seen in a single variant only like its VW cousin, T-Roc. And, the customers will get six colour options to choose from, which are Magic Black, Lava Blue, Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Magnetic Brown and Quartz Grey. The SUV will come equipped with features such as all-LED headlamps, LED taillamps, panoramic sunroof, virtual cockpit, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, all leather upholstery, and ambient lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SmartLink connectivity, dual-zone climate control, ParkTronic system, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), nine-airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC and more.

Also READ: Skoda Karoq: What To Expect From The Upcoming Compact SUV

Will be offered with a 7-speed DSG only.

In terms of mechanicals, the Karoq will be powered by a 1.5-litre TSI EVO engine with active cylinder management technology. It’s the same powertrain that’s found in the recently launched Volkswagen T-ROC. Output figures stand at an identical 150PS of maximum power and 250 Nm of peak torque and it will be mated with a 7-speed DSG only. The company claims that the SUV can hit 0 to 100 kmph in just nine seconds before approaching the top speed of 202 kmph. As we already know, there will be no diesel engine on offer.

The SUV was first showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo in February and will be built on the MQB platform. Since it will be brought to India as a CBU, the Karoq will come under the 2,500 units homologation relaxation rule. One can expect the Karoq to be priced north of Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom) at a slight premium over Volkswagen T-Roc. When launched, the Karoq will compete against the likes of Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson and the T-Roc.

India has entered the third phase of the ongoing lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic. From Monday (May 4) new guidelines have been implemented all across the country on movements. Depending on the severity and number of infected cases, the entire country has been divided into three zones- Red, Orange and Green, with Red zone being the most affected areas and Green zone being the least affected areas.

As mentioned, the restrictions imposed are the most severe in the Red zones and least severe on the Green Zones. In this third phase of the nationwide lockdown, the government has released some guidelines about which activities are allowed and which ones are not allowed. So what does a person belonging to a Red Zone need to follow while taking out his vehicle to avail essential services? Let’s have a look.

What is Allowed!

The government has allowed private vehicles on road during the lockdown to ferry commuters to offices. Cabs ferrying employees in essential sectors will be allowed.

For four-wheelers, the number of passengers allowed has been raised to three from two earlier. Now a driver can carry a maximum of two more occupants in a car during the lockdown 3.0. For two-wheelers, only the rider will be allowed to ply. No pillion will be allowed.

What is not Allowed!

Like in the previous phases of the lockdown, ban on commercial vehicles like autorickshaws, e-rickshaws, and app-based cabs will continue in the Red Zone. No vehicle movement will be allowed for those living in containment zones.

Also READ: FCA India Introduces New Digital Module For A Contact-Less Retail Experience

Who can take out vehicles?

Relaxation in vehicular movements does not mean anybody can take their cars out for a ride. In certain Red Zones, some of the governments have allowed offices to open with up to 33 percent work strength as per requirement. Hence, people commuting to those offices will be able to take their vehicles out, keeping in mind the guidelines. However, such people are required to carry the movement passes issued by the concerned authorities. 

Timing for vehicular movement

Several Red Zones will have Section 144 imposed between 7 pm and 7 am, which means no vehicular movement will be allowed during this period. So if one is venturing out, they need to make sure that they keep the time in check unless and until there is a medical emergency. The only vehicles to be allowed during this period will be of healthcare workers.

Penalty for violating lockdown rules

Anyone found violating the lockdown rules and the National Directives for Covid-19 Management will face prosecution. They will be charged according to the Disaster Management Act 2005 as well as certain sections of the IPC.

Several automobile manufacturers in our country are playing a pivotal role in battling the Covid-19 outbreak and MG Motor is doing its bit as well. The carmaker recently announced that it will be undertaking the complete car sanitization including fumigation, car wash, cabin refresh and sanitization of high touch points (Interior and Exterior) of Police vehicles. Under this initiative, the carmaker aims to sanitize up to 4,000 police vehicles across India at its service stations, free of cost, starting 4th May 2020. It is a well-established fact that cars are an essential part of our personal space and are exposed to various health threats. The police force is leading the front and are very exposed to the current health crisis and this sanitization drive by MG Motor India is surely a welcome move.

To ensure utmost care and safety of car occupants, in an industry-first initiative to support police, MG Motor India has started fumigation of the vehicle cabins as part of the overall sanitisation initiative. The technique uses vapours and sanitizes the vehicle’s complete interiors including the disinfection of the car’s interior surfaces across corners, removing micro – organism and other particles.

Also read: MG Motor India Donates Retrofitted Hector Ambulance To Health Authorities

Speaking on the initiative, Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India, said “We understand the risks undertaken by the police department especially in these tough times. In our endeavour to support them, we are going the extra mile with fumigation of police cars, which ensures complete disinfection of the vehicle’s cabin. The fumigation process ensures that these frontline warriors do not have to wait for long as their vehicles get sanitized and prepared for the next trip. We are thankful to our dealers who have stepped forward to support MG Motor India in this initiative. They will work with the local police authorities under advanced safety protocols to carry out the complete sanitization of police cars irrespective of the brand, at their service stations till the end of May 2020.”

MG Motor India has also partnered with top car-detailing agencies (3M & Wuerth) to support complete car sanitisation including exteriors and interiors. These initiatives ensure a completely safe and protected experience for the occupants.

MG Motor India continues to focus on sanitized car deliveries via the ‘Disinfect and Deliver’ initiative. The carmaker has also tied up with Singapore-based Medklinn to explore natural sterilization of cabin air and surfaces in its cars.

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, is rapidly gearing up to commence operations, as per the guidelines stipulated by the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of India. The decision by the Company comes in the wake of the relaxations put in place by the government on the countrywide lockdown and the necessary permissions granted by the local authorities. 

To begin with, Hero MotoCorp is commencing operations in a graded manner at three of its manufacturing plants – Gurugram and Dharuhera (both in Haryana), Haridwar (Uttarakhand) and additionally the Global Parts Center (GPC) at Neemrana in Rajasthan. These manufacturing plants are scheduled to reopen from Monday, May 4 and production at these facilities is slated to commence from Wednesday, May 6.

Also READ: Driving in Lockdown 3.0 in a Red zone: Follow these guidelines to stay out of trouble

Adhering to the guidelines suggested by the Home Ministry, only the essential staff will come to work at all the other facilities and corporate offices, observing social distancing and all prescribed safety measures. The remaining employees across all locations in India will continue to Work from Home (WFH) until further notice.

The Company’s other manufacturing plants have also obtained the necessary permissions to reopen and these will commence operations after most of the supply chain partners of the Company get the permissions to operate. The Company’s R&D facility – the Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) – has also received the necessary permission to reopen and will resume functioning soon. Keeping employee wellbeing and safety at the core of restarting operations, a formal restart manual has been prepared and shared with all employees via email & webinars and its adherence has been made mandatory until full normalcy is restored.

Few of the key guidelines of the restart manual prepared by the company for its employees include – 

• Mandatory self-declaration of good health before joining and daily updates through Aarogya Setu and Hero App wherever applicable
• Wearing of face-masks, face shield, digital attendance through Hero App, regular sanitization of personal items, work-stations and maintaining social distancing
• No domestic or international travel, no celebratory or business gatherings 
• No visitors allowed to visit Company premises, neither are employees allowed to visit vendor or dealer premises 
• Thorough sanitization of all workplaces regularly, sanitization of buses, shuttles and other official vehicles after each trip  
• Mandatory WFH for :

1. Employees above the age of 60 
2. Any employee with critical medical conditions
3. Pregnant women

Hero MotoCorp had proactively halted all operations across its manufacturing facilities and made WFH mandatory for all its offices from March 22, 2020. With the easing of restrictions in several parts of the country, most of the Company’s extensive customer touch-points, including dealerships, workshops and the secondary network, are expected to open gradually from today onwards. 

On the business front, for the month of April 2020, Hero MotoCorp’s domestic sales stood at zero as there were no vehicles manufactured and dispatched to dealers. During this time, Hero MotoCorp – along with other Hero Group companies – has been engaged in a host of social welfare work, setting aside a corpus of Rs. 100 crores for the relief efforts towards COVID-19, including a contribution of Rs 50 crores to the PM-Cares fund.

Yes, you read it right, KTM is indeed working on a 250 Adventure. The 390 Adventure made quite an impact on us when it came out but the idea of having a more affordable and approachable ADV-tourer from KTM’s stable still lingers. The 390 Adventure is developed on the foundation laid by the Duke 390 and it won’t be wrong if we assume that in the near future, they will grab the Duke 250 and carve an Adventure 250 out of it. The Austrian marque is renowned for developing several motorcycles pertaining to the same platform, appealing to every type of motorcyclist out there.

Coming to the engine front first, we witnessed the 390 ADV using the same engine found on the Duke 390. Though we would have loved to see the engine tuned a little differently to suit the characteristics of the 390 ADV, it wasn’t the case. We got the exact same rev-happy mill from the Duke 390 in the exact state of tune. We can expect KTM to pull off the same with the 250 ADV as well. It is pretty much sure that it will retain the same engine found on its streetfighter cousin. Duke 250 gets a 248.8 cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engine which produces 30 bhp max power and 24 Nm of peak torque. If the 250 ADV carries the same mill, it would become a more rider-friendly proposition than the ADV 390.

Also read: KTM Motorcycle Doubles Up As Fitness Equipment In Lockdown Workout Video

The steel-trellis frame, subframe, and alloy wheels will be the same as the 390 so expect the same riding dynamics as the 390 ADV . It won’t be coming with the same cycle parts though and might lose out on the Metzeler rubber to bring the costs down a bit. India-spec 390 ADV didn’t get the WP Apex front fork and neither will the 250 ADV and in the same manner, the WP Apex monoshock will get only preload adjustment. The suspension travel (170mm front/ 177mm rear) will be identical to the 390’s as well. When it comes to the electronics package, the 250 ADV will get the off-road ABS and is expected to get the same TFT display as its larger sibling. The KTM 390 Adventure came loaded with electronics including cornering ABS and traction control system while it also had a segment-first quickshifter. The 250 ADV might lose out on these features in order to be more competitive, economically. It might not even get the full LED lighting and could make do with the conventional halogen setup like the Duke 250 does.

If it weren’t for the current global pandemic, chances are that we would have already gotten the KTM 250 Adventure. Once launched, it will be considerably cheaper than the 390 ADV and if KTM manages to price it very aggressively, it is going to be a bit of a problem for the RE Himalayan. We most definitely need the 250 ADV to come to India because it will make KTM’s Adventure series more affordable and it would prove to be a very well-rounded tool for the beginners.

With the scare of Covid-19 still looming large, it is imperative that one stays inside. This has led to several losses of businesses in all sectors. In the automotive market as well, many vehicle launches that were supposed to happen at the end of the 1st quarter have been postponed. In this situation, when one is not sure what he can expect next in the market, we put together a list of the five most highly anticipated bikes which are scheduled to be launched in the coming months. We have limited our search to the products falling under the price bracket of Rs 3 lakh (ex-showroom).

Hero Xtreme 160R

The Xtreme 160R is Hero’s stab at the 150cc-160cc segment and comes across as an interesting choice, at least on paper. It is powered by a BS6-compliant 160cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 15hp at 8,000rpm and 14Nm at 6,500rpm. But the biggest highlight is its power-to weight-ratio, which at 109hp/tonne is likely to be the best in the segment.

With a claimed 0-60kph time of 4.7 seconds, the Xtreme 160R should have the go to match the show. This all-new motorcycle features a sharp, compact bodywork and features like all-LED lighting and a full-digital instrument console. It is expected to be priced around Rs 90,000 to Rs 95,000 (ex-showroom).

TVS Zeppelin

The TVS Zeppelin concept made its debut at the 2018 Auto Expo in India. It is TVS’ first cruiser concept and is powered by a 220cc air-cooled motor, aided by an electric motor. The setup is similar to Maruti Ciaz’s mild-hybrid system and is claimed to help in acceleration and to save up on fuel. The engine transfers power to the rear wheel using a final belt drive. 

The Zeppelin concept rides on premium 41mm gold finished inverted fork and a monoshock. Brakes include a disc up front with radial caliper and a petal disc at the rear. The motorcycle rolls on spoke wheels wrapped with tubeless tyres. Other interesting features of the bike include an all-LED lighting system and an HD camera that’s neatly integrated with the headlamp cowl to record your rides. The expected price of production version would be around Rs 1.8 lakh(ex-showroom) and would come to the market around last quarter of 2020.

Also READ: KTM 250 Adventure: What To Expect?

Bajaj Pulsar 150 NS

Bajaj is expected to build upon its Pulsar range by introducing the Pulsar 150 NS. The design would be similar to the already existing 200 NS with subtle differences. The new motorcycle comes up with the attitude of the naked series. Sharing the cuts and curves of 200 NS, this 150cc unit is more like an economical version for the same styling. The 149.5 cc engine of Pulsar NS150 is expected to produce 16.8 BHP @ 9500 rpm with 13 NM of torque @ 7000 rpm and will be mated to 5-speed manual gearbox. The new 150 NS would be a very nice sprinter. It is expected to be priced around Rs 9000(ex-showroom).

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 serves as a replacement for the Thunderbird 350. It comes with a brand new chassis and engine and both are expected to be a huge leap forward from the current platform. This new platform is also expected to underpin the next-generation Classic and Bullet models. Royal Enfield even appears to have some exciting new models lined up that will use the same foundation.

It is also suggested that it will be powered by a new engine, specifications of which are still awaited. The new Meteor 350 has been priced competitively at Rs 1.68 lakh(ex-showroom). The launch of the motorcycle is expected once the countrywide lockdown is lifted.

Benelli 402S

Unveiled at the 2017 EICMA in Milan, Italy, the Benelli 402S is the company’s upcoming power cruiser for India. Straight off the back, the 402S looks heavily inspired from the mighty Ducati Diavel (or XDiavel) be it the short seat, exposed frame, fuel tank or the rear number plate holder.

The Benelli 402S will be powered by Benelli’s 402cc fuel-injected liquid-cooled motor that churns out 39.5bhp and 35Nm of torque. The engine will be mated to a six-speed transmission, which in turn transfers power to the rear wheel via chain drive. The Benelli 402S is expected to arrive in India at the end of 2020 or early 2021. Its price is expected to hover around Rs 2.5 lakh- Rs 3.0 lakh(ex-showroom).

If you aren’t excited about the upcoming 2020 Hyundai i20, its performance-oriented N version will surely stimulate your senses. Hyundai is developing the sportiest i20 of all time which will make see the light of the day sometime this year. We have always known the i20 to be a great family car loaded with features but it’s good to see the Korean manufacturer developing a performance-oriented version of the same which will definitely appeal to the enthusiastic part of the crowd.

It isn’t just mere hearsay, as Hyundai’s Austrian arm recently teased the launch of the i20 N. It was just a silhouette but it looked strikingly similar to the images released by Hyundai of the regular i20 albeit some performance-related design and styling tweaks. Chances are that it is going to be powered by the same 1.6-liter turbo-petrol engine which does the duty in Hyundai’s Veloster, a performance hatchback that we don’t get here. This turbo-petrol mill is good for more than 200 bhp and around 250 nm of torque. In the Veloster, it comes mated to a 7-speed DCT gearbox coupled with a manual and sport mode. If the purist in you let out a deep sigh after reading the absence of stick shift, worry not as there are talks surrounding the inclusion of a 6-Speed manual version as well.

Also read: 2020 Hyundai i20 Cabin and Safety Features Revealed!

To comply with the huge bump in power, Hyundai might incorporate some design and mechanical tweaks. We can expect revised front fascia with bigger air dams to provide better cooling for the performance-oriented engine under the hood. To provide better handling dynamics and make it sportier than the regular i20, we might even see bigger alloys and fatter tyres. We often see manufacturers tweaking the suspension setup and making the ride stiffer whenever they develop a performance-oriented version of their regular cars and we can expect Hyundai to go down that road too. It might feature stiffer suspension setup because the stock i20’s suspension setup would spoil the party. Fatter tyres, stiffer suspension and a more powerful engine will make the i20 N a hoot to drive!

Not only this, but it will also get stronger brakes, a double-barrel exhaust  and a factory-fitted spoiler. The new i20 N has already been spied testing at the Nürburgring. It is considered to be ‘The’ testing ground for performance-oriented vehicles and this further establishes the fact that the i20 N is being developed with just one intent, retain the goodies of the regular i20 and be a lot faster!

Image rendered by: X-Tomi Design

Google has recently released a new version of Android Auto,  several weeks after the previous update, and this time there’s a good chance the company has included critical fixes for all users. The new update brings Android Auto to version 5.3.5016, thus becoming the very first build of AA 5.3 – the previous version of Android Auto was 5.2.5010.

As usual, the Mountain View-based company hasn’t provided any release notes for this update, but it is likely to come with some critical improvements up its sleeve especially since the firm has been working on a series of fixes for quite some time now. While the search giant has indeed fixed some issues in Android Auto lately, many of them have actually been tied to other apps, including the Google app (which also powers the Google Assistant).

The most noticeable change witnessed by the users of the new version is the improved performance overall, as everything seems to be more responsive and fluid. While one hardly encounters any major bugs in Android Auto, one of its prime criticisms has been its slowness of touch responses. Although, it does differ from the quality of the unit in which you are operating. However, once the action is recorded, Android Auto should respond much faster.

The changelog that Google has offered with Android Auto 5.3 points to the same refinements included in the previous releases, including the ability to turn off media notifications and weather information in the status bar. These are features that are already available for the majority of users in Android Auto. The 5.3 update, however, could include stability and reliability fixes, especially as Google itself acknowledged several problems and promised fixes.

Also READ: Hyundai i20 N Could Breach the 200 HP Mark!

For example, one of the most common struggles experienced by users with Android Auto concerns the Samsung Galaxy S20 which for unknown reasons no longer detects the app and thus fails to launch it. Hence, an owner of a Galaxy S20 can’t use the Android Auto in his car. 

Another change noticed by users of the new version is that Android Auto starts and closes much faster than on version 5.2. However, to experience the changes in the best possible manner, it is advisable that the user updates his/her Android phone to the latest security patch. All in all, even if no major fix or new feature has been included in Android Auto 5.3, it looks like Google is focusing more on refining the experience with the app overall.

In India, Android Auto has become a common feature of touchscreen infotainment systems, even making their presence felt in the higher variants of the entry-segment cars like the Maruti-Suzuki Alto (Vxi+), S-Presso(Vxi+) and the Renault Kwid(RXT and above).

Location-based cab services Ola and Uber have become an essential part of our lifestyles. The concept of booking a cab based on your location particularly appealed to the millennials of the society but later caught up with the rest of the junta too. When the lockdown was issued and the government ordered us to stay inside our homes to contain the spread of Covid-19, several essential services came to a standstill including mobility giants Ola and Uber as well. They suspended operations on 24th March, complying with the guidelines issued by the authorities but as we have entered the third phase of the lockdown, the Government has revised certain rules and several restrictions are lifted, allowing cab services to resume cities belonging to Green and Orange zones.

Following the same announcement, Ola and Uber have resumed their services in areas within the Green and Orange zones. Wearing masks has become a new normal and these cab services have also included this in their criteria so as to ensure the safety of riders and driver-partners. Green and Orange zones have been classified as areas that have reported no confirmed cases or have very few cases. Ola said that they have resumed operations in over 100 cities across the country, adhering to the government guidelines. “As a protocol, all rides will be driven only across the identified safe zones and to ensure every driver-partner adheres to the safety rules, a mandatory selfie authentication mechanism has been put into place before and after every ride…all cars will be cleaned and sanitised after each ride,” Ola said.

Also read: Ola And Uber Launch Medical Assitance Services

Ola recently introduced Ola Emergency service which enables the public to carry non-Covid-19 people to and from hospitals and announced that they will continue with this service. The ongoing health crisis requires everyone to follow a particular protocol in order to curb down the spread. Cabs are a vital part of one’s personal space and is exposed to various health threats because of a high number of touchpoints. In order to avoid any health threat, Ola has added a flexible cancellation policy has been introduced under which both the customer and driver-partner can cancel the ride if they feel the other party is not following the rules or not wearing a mask. Not only this, while earlier it was allowed for cabs to carry as much as 4 passengers in the case of a sedan or a hatchback, only 2 passengers are allowed per ride. The AC will be switched off and windows will be kept open during all rides to avoid re-circulation of air.

Now that Ola has resumed operations, how could its arch-rival Uber should feel left behind? Uber too has announced that it has started operating in 25 cities including Jamshedpur, Kochi, Cuttack and Guwahati (Green Zone) as well as locations like Amritsar, Rohtak, Gurgaon and Visakhapatnam (Orange Zone).

“Our services remain suspended in all cities which fall under the Red zone. However, we’ll continue to serve our communities in this zone with Uber Essential and UberMedic,” it said. Uber Essential is available in Bengaluru, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Indore, Mumbai, Nashik, and Ludhiana.

Indian FTR 1200 marked the American manufacturer’s departure from producing retro cruiser motorcycles and they entered in a territory that is not that widely renowned in the motorcycling circles. It was built to decimate the flat tracks, had a hooliganistic approach and looked like no other Indian motorcycle had ever looked. It was basically a road-legal version of their flat tracker FTR 750. If the FTR 1200 wasn’t crazy enough, Indian Motorcycle has taken the wraps off their FTR 1200 Carbon. They have been teasing it for quite some time now and looking at the host of upgrades it has received over the base variant, we would say that the wait has been worth it!

It has been inspired by the legendary FTR750 racing special, which dominated the Flat Track racing series in the United States. Needless to say, it is developed with just one intent in mind, going as fast as possible on the flat tracks, sliding its way around the bends. As the name suggests, it incorporates a host of carbon-fiber components including the front fender, headlight cowl, pillion cowl, tank, and airbox covers. The upgrades don’t end here as it also receives an FTR Carbon branded tank-mounted center console and an Akrapovic low-mount dual titanium exhausts finished in matte black.

It has already been launched in the UK at £14,699 (around Rs 13.93 lakh), which is about Rs 2.65 lakh more than the base variant. There’s a generalized opinion in the automotive industry that extensive use of carbon-fiber results in shelving off a few kilos of the overall weight but surprisingly, that isn’t the case here as the FTR 1200 Carbon tips the scale at 235kg, 5 kg heavier than the standard Indian FTR 1200 and 4kg heavier than the S variant. At 815mm, its seat height is 10mm higher than the other two variants.

Also read: Pankaj Dubey Resigns From Polaris India

The weight might have increased but to make sure that it doesn’t impact the overall performance, it has received a slight power bump over the base S variant. It uses the same 1,203cc V-twin engine though but makes 126PS as opposed to 121.7PS on the other variants. Torque though remains unchanged at 120Nm, which is produced 100 revs earlier compared to the standard and S trim. It won’t be wrong if we conclude that the respective power bump is a result of the Akrapovic exhaust system and an ECU remap. Expect the aural drama to accentuate even further!

Indian Motorcycle took the opportunity to introduce some more mechanical changes and now the FTR 1200 Carbon uses a smaller 260mm rear disc (5mm smaller than before). It continues to get the same cycle parts as the other variants including 320mm dual disc brakes up front, fully adjustable USD fork and a gas-charged monoshock with preload, compression and rebound adjustment. It retains the same electronics package too which includes Sport, Standard and Rain modes, switchable dual-channel ABS, cruise control, stability, traction and wheelie control. All of which can be viewed and controlled via a 4.3-inch touchscreen instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity.

It has already been listed on the brand’s official Indian website so it would be safe to assume that its Indian launch is just around the corner. Expect it to be priced somewhere around INR 18 lakh.

Vespa range of scooters from Piaggio is synonymous with retro scooters in our market. They have a certain old-school appeal which makes it hard for the competitors when it comes to the overall charm. They command a very premium appeal and come out more as a lifestyle product rather than a means of transportation. Vespa has been pretty late to the party of upgrading its portfolio to meet the more stringent BS6 norms. But as they say, better late than never! Piaggio has launched the BS6-compliant Vespa VXL 149 and SXL 149 scooters in India. The Vespa VXL 149 is priced at Rs. 1,22,664 and the SXL 149 is priced at Rs. 1,26,650 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

They have successfully replaced the VXL 150 and SXL 150 which were on sale earlier during the BS4 era. You might notice a slight change in the moniker of both the scooters which also hints at the 1cc reduction in the overall displacement of the engine. While previously, the VXL 150 and SXL 150 were powered by 150cc engine which was good for 11.4hp on the outgoing BS4 models. While performance figures have been brought down considerably in the VXL 149 and SXL 149, the same are now powered by a 149 cc unit good enough for 10.2 bhp. The engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The scooters also come with 3 catalytic converters to reduce emissions. The drop in overall performance is pretty significant and is most definitely going to impact the scooters in real-life scenarios as well.

Also read: Aprilia GPR150 ABS Slated for India? Specs, Features and Quick Comparison With R15

One of the prime reasons why Piaggio has reduced the engine capacity by 1cc to bring it down to 149cc is that the insurance cost of two-wheelers having an engine displacement of up to 149cc is lesser compared to those having an engine of 150cc or above. Even before this change in displacement, Vespa scooters belonged to the premium gearless scooter category and faced no direct competition from any manufacturer. The slight reduction in the displacement will help Piaggio in pricing these scooters more aggressively than before. The on-road price will definitely see a reduction while Piaggio hopes that this intelligent move will land them better sales figures.

Both the scooters share the same engine and the same underpinnings but what sets them apart is different styling. They both look retro but the SXL 149 gets a slightly different front apron and a rectangular headlamp. It also has rectangular chrome mirrors in place of the circular mirrors that are offered on the VXL 149. Like we mentioned earlier, Vespa doesn’t have a direct rival in the retro premium scooter sphere but over the years, India has witnessed quite a few entrants in the premium scooter segment including the likes of Suzuki Burgman Street 125 and the Aprilias. Comparatively, Burgman Street is powered by a 124cc engine and produces 8.5 bhp @ 6750 rpm and 10 nm of torque @ 5500 rpm. Vespa still awaits a direct rival which could challenge it with the same old-school charm.

Datsun India, after teasing the updated Redi-Go, has now revealed the other two BS6 products. Datsun has revealed the BS6 iterations of the Datsun Go and the Go+ MPV on its India website. Prices haven’t been revealed yet, with a formal launch expected once the lockdown lifts. Datsun, at present, wants to assure its customers that all is well and new products are on the way.

The updated Datsun GO variants have been listed on the official website and there are not too many changes. There are no exterior and interior cosmetic tweaks, no additional features either. There is no weight gain for either the Go or Go+. Both the cars weigh under 1,000kg.

As far as the engine is concerned, it is still the 3-cylinder, 1.2-litre motor that makes 66 bhp of power at 5000 rpm and 104Nm of peak torque at 4000 rpm. A 5-speed manual is standard while the CVT is optional for both the models. For the CVT equipped cars, the engine is available at a higher state of tune of 75 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 104 Nm at 4,400 rpm. There is no change in the BSVI engine’s power or torque bands, although fuel efficiency has dropped.

For the manual versions of the Go, fuel efficiency has dropped from 19.83 kmpl to 19.02 kmpl. In the Go CVT, the number has dropped from 20.7 kmpl to 19.59 kmpl. In the Go Plus MPV, the fuel efficiency for the manual version has dropped from  19.72 kmpl to 19.02 kmpl. With the Go Plus CVT, the figures drop 19.41 kmpl to 18.57 kmpl.

The updated model now gets two new safety features across all variants like speed sensing door locks, and it also complies with side crash and pedestrian protection regulation. The new features are in addition to standard features like central locking, rear parking assist sensors, front airbags, driver and co-driver seat belt reminder, ABS with EBD and brake assist. Additionally, speed sensing auto door lock has also been added. Choosing the top trims of the manual or CVT (standard) will also secure the cabin with Vehicle Dynamic Control or VDC. Both the cars boast a ground clearance of 180mm.

The BSVI compliant Datsun Go and Go Plus continue to be available in D, A, T and T(O) variants. The CVT comes only with the T and T(O). We can expect the prices of the updated models to start from Rs 3.85 lakh to Rs 4.20 lakh(both prices ex-showroom) which means a price hike of about Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000. The BS6 version of GO models are likely to launch later this month while bookings are expected to commence on 15th May. The Japanese automaker is also preparing to introduce Nissan Kicks BS6 and Datsun Redi-GO facelift soon.

MV Agusta unveiled the retro-styled Superveloce 800 Serie Oro over 18 months ago at EICMA 2018. Following this, a year later, they showed off the more production-ready Superveloce 800 at EICMA 2019. We all hoped to see the bike by March 2020. However, there have been some delays mainly because of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, MV Agusta officially announced that the Superveloce 800 Serie Oro is entering production as they resume operation in Varese after the COVID-19 outbreak and it seems finally to be only a matter of weeks before the first examples finally hit the road.

The Superveloce 800 Serie Oro is the first major new bike to come from MV Agusta since it was fully taken over by the Russian Sardarov family and comes right at the start of a bold new plan to expand the range in the coming years to include a move into new markets, including the ADV segment and the development of smaller displacement models in collaboration with Chinese firm Loncin. The bike combines the 1970s design and detail with a completely modern machine.

Also READ: Most to Least Powerful 150-160 cc air-cooled/oil-cooled Bikes in India

The MV Agusta Superveloce 800 Serie Oro keeps the MV Agusta heritage intact, with intricate ’70s styling, with the underpinnings of the 799 cc, three-cylinder engine from the F3. That in-line three-cylinder engine puts out 148 bhp of power and features a counter rotating crankshaft coupled to a six-speed gearbox and trademark triple tip exhaust system. The round headlamp with low windscreen; 1970s style bodywork with short tail section and circular tail lamp amplifies the retro look. On top of this, the spoked wheels and twin side-mounted exhaust just spice things up. 

Also, thanks to extensive carbon bodywork, the bike weighs only 173 kg. As for the suspension, the bike features 43 mm upside-down fork suspension at the front and a Sachs monoshock at the rear. On top of this, the bike comes with twin 320mm disc brakes at the front and  220 mm disc at the rear. Furthermore, the Superveloce 800 has modern electronics such as; the 2nd gen 5 inch TFT screen with smartphone connectivity (derived from the Brutale 1000 gold series) that can mirror navigation functions from the rider’s phone via the MV Ride app and also gets ride-by-wire and a whole lot more in the electronics package.

According to some sources, this might be the last model to roll off under the current 800 line up. This is because CEO Timur Sardarov recently revealed that the firm is developing an all-new 900cc engine.

Though the current generation BMW 5 series does not seem to date at all, it has been in the Indian market for three years, in fact, it looks rather classy. That hasn’t stopped BMW from silently working on a facelift for the 5 Series. Now, the official images have been leaked ahead of its debut and with the positive response it is getting, BMW might probably reveal the model in the coming week or so.

The 2021 BMW 5 series includes a front end, with cues taken from the most current BMW 3 series. The first shift is the customary single-piece kidney-grille at the front end. Thankfully, the brand new kidney-grille isn’t colossal like the BMW 7 Series facelift. The front bumpers in the 5-Series facelift have also been redesigned with more aggressively styled air dams and the bonnet has been beefed up with some muscular bulges to add some more character. In profile, the updated car remains mostly similar to the current 5-series except for the new dual-tone alloy wheels. 

The interior of the facelifted 5 Series is yet to be revealed. We expect it to be largely similar to the current model, except for a slight revision in the trims and upholstery to uplift the ambience. The new car is also expected to feature connected car technology. The India-spec 5-series is expected to come with features such as a digital driver’s instrument panel, ambient lighting, a Harman Kardon sound system, a sunroof, a heads-up display, and BMW’s i-Drive infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. Expected safety features include 8 airbags, ABS with EBD, parking sensors, a rearview camera, as well as electronic stability control. 

Also READ: Datsun Go and Go Plus BS6 Revealed, Two New Safety Features Added

BMW is yet to reveal the technical specifications of the facelifted 5 Series but the charging port on the left front fender could hint at the introduction of a hybrid variant. Expect the India-spec model to retain its 190PS 2.0-litre diesel, 252PS 2.0-litre petrol, as well as the ballistic 265PS 3.0-litre diesel powertrain options. Currently, the car can be had with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel with 190PS/400 Nm, an in-line 6-cylinder 3.0-litre diesel with 265PS of power and 620 Nm of peak torque, and a 2.0-litre petrol with 252PS of power and 350 Nm of peak torque.

Prices of the current-gen 5 Series start at Rs 55 lakh in India, ex-showroom, expect this to increase by about Rs 1 – 1.5 lakh when the new car comes here sometime early next year. The 2021 BMW 5 Series facelift will formally debut in the coming few days.

Tough times often lead to creative innovations and we Indians are particularly renowned in this department. The ongoing pandemic has proven as a major threat to mankind with numbers of Covid-19 positive cases piling up every day. Government issued a lockdown to curb down the spread but recently made some necessary alternations in the rules and restrictions being implemented. While at first, they banned the operation of cab services but now they have given a green flag to the taxi operators to resume their services in areas that are included in Green and Orange zones. Taxi drivers belong to the most vulnerable part of the system and are more exposed to contracting Covid-19 across the globe. Amidst these tough times, Ernakulam district administration has evolved a rather unique way to ensure the safety of drivers. They have launched a fiberglass partition to ensure that taxi drivers do not come into physical contact with passengers.

As we all know by now that the primary reason of this pandemic spread is physical contact and this way, Taxi drivers won’t come into physical contact with passengers. They are requesting every tax driver to install the fiberglass sheet so as to prevent them from being a carrier of the disease. An official said, “Before a passenger enters the taxi, the driver will provide a sanitizer. The driver will open the door of the car and the passenger will not be allowed to touch it. Drivers will be asked to adopt online money transactions. Thus, there would not be any contacts between the driver and the passenger. No passenger will be permitted to sit in front. The passengers should compulsorily wear masks. The driver has to wear both mask and gloves. Similarly, the car has to be cleaned after each ride.”

Also read: E-Rickshaw Driver Creates Compartments For Social Distancing, Garners Praise from Anand Mahindra

“In some places, transparent plastic sheets are used as a curtain between the front driver seat and rear passenger seat. The fiber clear glass can be fitted in all taxis,” another official said. Authorities have also advised cab drivers not to use air conditioning as long as this health crisis lingers. They are advised to keep their windows open so as to naturally circulate the air and prevent the virus from latching.

This isn’t the first time that this sort of innovation has seen the light of the day as a few days back, Anand Mahindra posted a video on Twitter that brings an e-rickshaw driver to light. In that video, an e-rickshaw driver is shown practicing social distancing as he divided his vehicle into four separate compartments to accommodate passengers. Anand Mahindra lauded the efforts put in by the humble e-rickshaw driver and also asked Rajesh Jejurikar, executive director – auto and farm sector to onboard him as an advisor for the R&D as well as product development teams. Such efforts surely need some recognition and it is likely that even after the lockdown is lifted, we will still have to practice social distancing and other preventive measures.

Car manufacturers are tweaking their sales approach as businesses are slowly resuming activities. Going beyond the basics of ensuring a safe and sanitized environment for customers, Ford India is prioritizing convenience as its dealerships resume operations, in accordance with local guidelines. Their Dial-A-Ford initiative brings a Ford dealership to a customer’s doorstep. The new approach incorporates enhanced engagement processes & policies related to both sales and service and will be centrally controlled via the helpline 1800-419-3000.

Dial-A-Ford will allow customers to connect with a Ford team and undertake booking, test drive or even doorstep delivery of the new vehicle. For existing customers, Dial-A-Ford will organize pick-up and drop service along with online consultations using technology. Regular updates about vehicle servicing as well as digital payment are also part of the new roadmap. Customers will be able to experience all this at the convenience of their home, preferred location. The new approach puts special emphasis on industry best practices related to the sanitization of Ford facilities as well as strict guidelines for people & vehicle at dealerships. All vehicles in the sales, as well as the service process, will be thoroughly disinfected at the time of delivery, pick-up or drop. Enhanced hygiene practices implemented at all Ford dealers will include:

Also Read: Ford Puma ST Teased Ahead Of Its Reveal

• Anyone entering a Ford dealership, including all dealer employees and customers, to have their temperature checked with no-touch infrared thermometers
• Dealership layout/floor plan, including customer waiting areas, re-organized to ensure appropriate social distancing
• All Ford dealer personnel and customers to wear face masks and gloves at all times; A hazardous waste container on site for disposal of all masks, gloves and other potentially contaminated items
• Social distancing rules to be enforced in all customer interactions
• All Ford dealerships to be thoroughly disinfected three times each day
• Hand sanitizer dispensers available across the dealerships, in high visibility and traffic areas

As business look to resume, Ford is offering a three-month extension in availing all scheduled service benefits, including free service, till June 30, 2020, without impacting either factory-warranty or extended warranty. Customers with vehicle warranties having expired or set to expire between March 15 and May 30, 2020, will be offered a free-of-cost extension until June 30, 2020. Those who missed purchasing extended warranty products in the lockdown can also do so until June 30. Also, customers who have booked a new Ford car until April 30 will get complete price protection at the time of delivery, whenever applicable.