TVS Motor Company has launched the TVS NTORQ 125 SuperSquad Edition inspired by Marvel’s Avengers in Nepal. The Company has associated with Disney India’s consumer products business to introduce a special SuperSquad edition of  TVS NTORQ 125 – Nepal’s first Bluetooth connected scooter, inspired by the iconic Marvel Super Heroes. The SuperSquad Edition will comprise three new enticing offerings, namely Invincible Red, Stealth Black, and Combat Blue inspired by Iron Man, Black Panther, and Captain America respectively. The edition brings forth finer nuances associated with each Marvel Super Hero through the product design.

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The SuperSquad logo and the iconic Avenger’s ‘A’ are prominently placed on the front panel, leg shield, and below the speedometer.

Stealth Black

Inspired by Black Panther, this edition packs in the jet-black colour along with hues of purple. The scooter sports elements from the Black Panther suit as a large part of the decals. For enthusiasts, it packs more surprises with the signature salute Wakanda Forever and the inclusion of the number 66 (1966), denoting the year when the character was introduced in the Marvel Universe.

Invincible Red

Inspired by Iron Man, the decals replicate his Red and Gold suit giving it a stellar look. The Iron Man helmet is embossed on the leg shield, while the arc reactor finds its way to both panels.  Enthusiasts will be delighted with the Mark XXIX encryption on both panels which signifies Fiddler, Iron Man’s 29th suit, along with the number 63 (1963) indicating the year when the character was introduced in the Marvel Universe.

Combat Blue

Inspired by Captain America, the scooter gets the blue, white, red colour tone associated with the First Avenger. True to the character, it sports the number 41 (1941), the year when Captain America was introduced in the Marvel Universe.  The shield is at the front of the scooter and the edition flaunts Super Soldier on both panels with pride.

The TVS Connect App of the SuperSquad Edition is powered by SmartXonnect* and will come with customised user interface (UI), inspired by the characters. The app opens with the silhouette of the respective characters and then important elements such as Captain America’s shield, Iron Man’s suit and Black Panther’s eyes along with the character crest are consistent across the app interface. Each app screen is crafted with a unique character trait of the selected Super Hero, making it a complete Marvel experience.

Official statement

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. R Dilip, Executive Vice President – International Business, TVS Motor Company, said, “Since its launch in Nepal, TVS NTORQ 125 has won the hearts of Gen Z customers by offering unparalleled style, superior racing-inspired performance, and first-of-its-kind Bluetooth technologyWe continue to evolve and seek to delight our new-generation customers for whom Marvel Universe is a strong affinity area. TVS NTORQ 125 breaks new ground with the launch of the SuperSquad Edition inspired by Marvel’s Avengers. We are sure that the SuperSquad Edition will be a blockbuster!”

Mr. Shahil Agrawal, Managing Director, JMPL, commented on the launch of the new product, “We at JMPL, are committed to bringing the most innovative and segment defining products to our valuable customers in Nepal. The new TVS NTORQ 125 SuperSquad Edition is aimed at creating a ‘wow factor’ for the Gen Z favourite youth machine – TVS NTORQ 125. We are confident that it will delight our customers in Nepal.”

This article was first published on Motoroids - Nepal Receives The Ensamble Of TVS Ntorq SuperSquad Edition - Auto News From India.

Jaguar Land Rover will reimagine the future of modern luxury by design through its two distinct, British brands. Set against a canvas of sustainability, going ahead, Jaguar Land Rover will become a more agile creator of the world’s one of the most desirable luxury vehicles and services for discerning customers. It is a strategy that is designed to create a new benchmark in environmental, societal and community impact for a luxury business, as claimed by the company.

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At the heart of its Reimagine plan will be the electrification of both Land Rover and Jaguar brands on separate architectures with two clear, unique personalities. In a Land Rover, vehicle and driver are united by adventure.

The complete road map

In the next five years, Land Rover will welcome six pure electric variants as it continues to be the world leader of luxury SUVs through its three families of Range Rover, Discovery and Defender. The first all-electric variant will arrive in 2024.

By the middle of the decade, Jaguar will have undergone a renaissance to emerge as a pure electric luxury brand with a new portfolio of designs and cutting edge technologies. Although the nameplate may be retained, the planned Jaguar XJ replacement will not form part of the line-up, as the brand looks to realise its unique potential.

Jaguar and Land Rover will offer pure electric power, nameplate by nameplate, by 2030. By this time, in addition to 100% of Jaguar sales, it is anticipated that around 60% of Land Rovers sold will be equipped with zero tailpipe powertrains. Jaguar Land Rover’s aim is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products and operations by 2039. As part of this ambition, the company is also preparing for the expected adoption of clean fuel-cell power in line with a maturing of the hydrogen economy. Development is already underway with prototypes arriving on UK roads within the next 12 months as part of the long-term investment programme.

Land Rover will use the forthcoming flex Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA). It will deliver electrified internal combustion engines (ICE) and fully electric variants as the company evolves its product line-up in the future. In addition, Land Rover will also use pure electric biased Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) which will also support advanced electrified ICE. Future Jaguar models will be built exclusively on a pure electric architecture.

Official statements

“Jaguar Land Rover is unique in the global automotive industry. Designers of peerless models, an unrivalled understanding of the future luxury needs of its customers, emotionally rich brand equity, a spirit of Britishness and unrivalled access to leading global players in technology and sustainability within the wider Tata Group. We are harnessing those ingredients today to reimagine the business, the two brands and the customer experience of tomorrow. The Reimagine strategy allows us to enhance and celebrate that uniqueness like never before. Together, we can design an even more sustainable and positive impact on the world around us,” said Mr Bolloré.

Mr N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover Automotive plc commented: “The Reimagine strategy takes Jaguar Land Rover on a significant path of acceleration in harmony with the vision and sustainability priorities of the wider Tata Group. Together, we will help Jaguar realise its potential, reinforce Land Rover’s timeless appeal and collectively become a symbol of a truly responsible business for its customers, society and the planet.”

This article was first published on Motoroids - Jaguar Land Rover Reveals Its Road Map To Go Fully-electric - Auto News From India.

Royal Enfield and mods go hand in hand. Royal Enfield motorcycles are one of the most loved motorcycles not just in India, but all over the world by the general public and the enthusiasts alike. The 650 Continental GT is a flagship RE in India and UK-based Patridge design have done some serious justice to the cafe racer by giving it a total makeover and wrapping it in carbon fibre.

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For a reference, to begin with, the stock Continental GT houses a 6488cc, parallel-twin, fuel-injected, air-cooled engine that puts out 47 BHP of peak power and 52Nm of peak power. All that power and torque is transferred to the rear wheel via a 6-speed gearbox. The suspension duties are handled by standard forks at the front and twin gas-charged shockers at the rear with a disc brake on each wheel to provide stopping power.

This modified Continental GT, however, is nothing like the stock one. The carbon fibre elements on this one are impossible to miss. The frame has been slightly tweaked, to accommodate a wider rear tyre. Additionally, the modified bits have been carved out using 3D printing to help fit easily into the stock dimensions. Also, did we mention that this mod is executed by Anthony Patridge, Co-host, Goblin Works Garage show on Discovery channel. And boy, isn’t Anthony a pro at what he does?

Talking further about the mod, it features a custom carbon-fibre fuel tank and a custom swingarm, both of which are an impeccable work of art by GIA Engineering. Upfront, you get Ohlins FGR300 USD forks and Ohlins TTX GP Pro mono-shock at the rear which means some business. Dunlop provides its Sportmax GPA tyres for this mean machine. Nickel-plated Brembo callipers on Galfer discs, Venhill brake lines and front master cylinder by Magura make up the braking prowess.

This motorcycle mod also gets electronic elements, Rizoma clip-on handlebar, LED headlamp, switchgear etc. Additionally, the engine is a new unit as well. It is a modified 750cc unit with custom power commander, foam filter and handcrafted exhaust. Sweet.

The output figures are not yet known but for sure they would significantly higher than the stock output figures. This is one hell of a mod. Anthony Patridge, you beauty.

This article was first published on Motoroids - This Customized Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Looks FAST Even At Standstill - Auto News From India.

Tata recently dropped a bombshell with ‘Safari’ written on it. This year started with a bang for the homegrown carmaker as it decided to breathe life into the ‘Safari’ moniker again. The 2021 Safari is basically a seven-seater version of the Harrier and this is the reason why the netizens have polarised views. While some are happy with the revival, a particular set of people think that Tata should have worked a little more in developing the Safari and should have given it more off-road prowess.

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The render featured here, courtesy of SRK designs, takes forward the same school of thought. And we do agree, this ‘Explorer Edition’ of the Safari does look butch and a lot more capable than the Safari that we have in the stock form.

The Explorer Edition of the Safari is finished in a brown shade, hinting that it wouldn’t bat an eye before setting out to get down and dirty. Another major change which pops out is the new set of wheels. The stock tyres are replaced by all-terrain tyres and the stock dual-tone alloys are replaced with blacked-out ones. If you think that this setup makes the Safari look sportier, wait till you notice the red brake callipers. All the chrome elements found on the stock Safari are now replaced with blacked-out elements including the chrome on door handles, lower window garnish and roof. The roof is completely finished in black and houses a luggage box to take care of your touring needs. One can also notice the LED bar mounted on the roof. Similar story runs at the front too where the tri-arrow design on the front grille has been by an all-mesh type black grille. Another noticeable change is the inclusion of a beefier front skid plate.

Tata, as of now, is only offering the Safari with a 2WD system and this move has certainly faced a lot of backlash. People wanted the new Safari to deploy a 4WD or AWD system so that it can set itself apart from the Harrier in terms of off-road credentials. It does get terrain response modes but if 4WD was a part of the package, it would have made the whole deal a lot sweeter! Mechanically, the Safari is powered by the same 2.0L fiat sourced 4 cyl Kyrotec turbo diesel engine which puts out 170PS of peak power and 350Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox unit. It shares its platform and architecture with the Harrier is 63mm longer and 80mm taller than the Harrier.

This article was first published on Motoroids - 2021 Tata Safari Explorer Edition Digitally Imagined - Auto News From India.

TVS Motor Company globally announced today their new distribution partnership with Public Motors; part of the reputed Ghaf Investments L.L.C, in the United Arab Emirates. As a part of this association, a 2000 sq ft marquee showroom was inaugurated, along Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Apart from hosting a wide range of two-wheelers, the showroom will provide spare parts and feature a service facility.

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Through this showroom, TVS Motor Company will introduce diverse product offerings that will cater, according to the company to both the personal commuting and the delivery segments in the United Arab Emirates.

Official statements

Speaking on the occasion, Mr R Dilip, Executive Vice President – International Business, TVS Motor Company, said, “We are delighted to expand our presence in the UAE market with Public Motors and the reputed Ghaf Investments L.L.C. They have a rich experience in the region and are synonymous with Trust. This association is a strategic step towards expanding TVS Motor Company’s market presence, driving innovation through best-in-class products and setting a customer experience benchmark. The marquee showroom demonstrates our continued commitment to the UAE and will offer a wide range of products across segments to delight our customers.”

“We, at Public Motors, will represent TVS Motor Company with great pride to cater to the demand of potential customers. The technology and quality prowess of TVS Motor Company combined with our network facility, will definitely create an impact in the UAE,” said Mr Ibrahim Al Sadah, Head & Managing Partner, Public Motors.

TVS Motor Company will launch the new 2021 TVS Apache RR 310 in the racing enthusiasts’ super-premium segment. The premium segment will be addressed by the TVS Apache RTR range spanning across TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and TVS Apache RTR 180.

The Company will also introduce their two popular global scooter models in the UAE, including the smart scooter, TVS Ntorq 125 (disc) and the body balance technology-enabled TVS Wego. The commuter segment will be addressed by TVS Motor Company’s flagship global products TVS HLX 150, HLX 100 and HLX 125. The TVS HLX series is 1 million strong across the globe and rapidly growing in multiple geographies.

This article was first published on Motoroids - TVS Motor Company Announces New Distribution Partner In UAE - Auto News From India.

Last season’s MotoGP outing proved to be very fruitful for Suzuki as the Japanese giant managed to bag the championship, for the seventh time since the motorsport event commemorated. The Suzuki GSX-RR of the Team Ecstar was piloted by Joan Mir. Mir managed to show the world what consistency actually means. Suzuki has been feeling out of this world since it managed to clinch the title and to celebrate the same, again, Suzuki Italy has rolled out a Swift Sport Hybrid World Championship Edition.

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The limited-edition of the Swift Sport will see the production run of only seven units, representing the company’s seven MotoGP championships.

The very first thing worth noticing in the limited-edition car is the two-tone paint scheme, with metallic blue being the main colour and silver decals overlaid on the top. It also features silver wing mirrors and a funky silver-coloured roof. Racing stripes finished in white/grey are also one of the most prominent visual elements.

To be honest, out of all the motorcycles that were a part of the MotoGP grid last year, the Suzuki GSX-RR was one of the most attractive ones and this limited-edition Swift Sport does manage to do justice to the looks of it.

Changes aren’t just limited to the exterior clothing as the cabin also features some extra bits. Inside the sporty hatchback is an interior design that is unique to the car, with fluorescent yellow trim along with the driver and passenger armrests, transmission tunnel, and dashboard. Making each car that little bit more unique is the fact that Joan himself will have autographed each machine, with his signature adorning the dashboard, right alongside the car’s numbered plaque.

Talking about what’s under the hood, the Swift Sport derives power from a 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine which is paired to a 48V mild-hybrid setup. This engine is good enough to put down 129 bhp with the provision of an extra 13 horses from a small starter motor and generator obtaining power from a lithium-ion battery pack. Power is sent to its front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox while it can clock a top speed of 210 kmph.

This article was first published on Motoroids - Suzuki Rolls Out Limited-edition Swift Sport To Celebrate MotoGP Glory - Auto News From India.

Back in the day, we had long, long queues at a toll plaza. Patiently waiting for the file to crawl ahead, and then sliding the windows down, giving in cash, taking the change and the receipt back, counting the change and then driving off. So, to cut down on this time, the Union Government planned and introduced the FASTag system so as to make the payment on the go, without stopping, hence saving time, fuel and those atrociously long queues.

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Earlier the deadline to comply with the mandatory FASTag was the 1st day of January 2021. Then, it was further extended until the midnight of the 15th day of February 2021. Now, according to the recently released update by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, the deadline……… is not extended by a single day ( you were hoping for an extension, weren’t you? Gotcha! )

( Teaser – Stick till the end to know what happens if you DON’T have a FASTag yet. Hint – Some might like it, some might not ).

So yes, the deadline is pretty much the same, the midnight of 15/16th February 2021 which is behind us now. So now, if you have to hit the highway, you need a FAStag. “It has been decided that all lanes in the fee plazas on National Highways shall be declared as FASTag lane with effect from the midnight of February 15/16,” a statement issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India said.

Henceforth, all transactions at the toll plazas are set to be made via a Radio Frequency ID ( RFID ) sticker that will stick on your windshield. It will be electronically linked to your wallet and hence, is used to develop a smoother process and shorter queues. Although, there have been complaints in the past about the scanner not working properly but it should be ironed out soon.

FASTag can be purchased via a select few tall plazas, banks or Paytm, Amazon etc. The cost of buying a FASTag will depend on the type of your vehicle and the authority you’re issuing it from. For instance, you can buy FASTag for your car from Paytm for Rs 500, out of which Rs 250 will be your refundable security deposit and Rs 150 will be your wallet balance. If you are purchasing FASTag from a bank then it will be linked to the digital wallet of that bank with your account. A FASTag is valid for five years from the date of purchase and the recharge amount does not have an extended validity period associated with it. People like judges, ministers, lawmakers, top bureaucrats and military officers, and emergency service workers, do not need to get FASTag.

And guess what? Probably the main question in your mind is right now is what happens if you don’t have a FASTag now? Simple, you pay double the toll amount for your vehicle type. So, I guess it’s time to get yourself a FASTag.

This article was first published on Motoroids - FASTag Becomes Mandatory For All Vehicles And Here’s Everything You Need To Know - Auto News From India.

This one is for every beemer fanboy! BMW is slowly but steadily expanding its line-up in India and the newest entrant in the BMW India portfolio is going to be the BMW 3-Series M340i. It will be an M performance model and will be the first locally assembled M performance model in India. D-Day for the launch is singled out to the 10th day of March 2021.

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The M340i will be assembled at BMW’s plant in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and BMW is set to increase the localisation of its M performance models. And if you’re any familiar with M from BMW, you know they are serious and quick.

Looks

Talking about the exterior visual elements, upfront, it gets an all-LED affair and a sculpted bonnet. The signature BMW kidney grille sits on it, which although on the M340i is a bit different from the usual, if you look closely. The air dams are wider and it features a cool set of 5-spoke alloys.

At the rear, the sloping roofline is quite visible and so are the wraparound taillights and twin exhausts. One of the most intimidating badges, the M badge sits on the rear, in case you need a reason to give to the cop who pulled you over.

Interiors

On the inside, it is a sporty, yet a very plush affair. It gets a dual-tone dashboard, 3-zone climate control, ambient lighting and parking sensors. Not to forget, a 10.25” touch infotainment system with BMW’s iDrive system, with gesture control and voice commands in addition to an all-digital instrument cluster.

Powertrain

Mechanically, it draws power from a 3.0L, inline 6, twin-turbo petrol engine that produces 374HP of peak power and a mammoth 500Nm of peak torque. All the torque is channelled to all 4-wheels via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Interestingly, BMW M340i is offered as an RWD option along with some superior package like M Suspension package, M Sport brakes, M Sport diff and an M Exhaust.

The 3-series currently starts for INR 42.59 lakhs ( ex-showroom ) for the 330i and 330i M Sport is another petrol option while 320d Luxury is the only diesel variant. Additionally, it also has a GL. The M340i should be priced around INR 60-65 lakhs mark ( ex-showroom )

This article was first published on Motoroids - BMW M340i Is Going To Be The First Locally Assembled M Performance Model - Auto News From India.

The BMW X3 is one of the most popular mid-size luxury SUVs available in the country today and up until now, the X3 was available in two variants only. Namely: BMW X3 xDrive 30i Luxury Line which is priced at INR 61.8 Lakh and the top-spec xDrive 20d Luxury Line which currently asks for INR 62.5 Lakh. The German carmaker has made the line-up more affordable now by introducing a new variant in the mix known as SportX which has been priced at INR 56.50 Lakh.

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This new base variant now makes the BMW X3 range more affordable by almost around INR 5 Lakh! The new variant is locally produced at BMW’s plant in Chennai and is the new entry point to the X3 range in India.

The BMW X3 xDrive30i SportX comes equipped with LED headlights, hexagonal LED fog lamps as well as LED tail lights with a roof spoiler and chrome exhaust tips at the rear. On the inside, the SportX variant gets the ‘X’ logo on the doors and the centre console, rear window sunblind, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, puddle lamps and an automatic tailgate. However, being the most affordable of the lot, the X3 SportX misses out on adaptive LED headlights, dynamic damper control, 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment system and larger 19-inch wheels, to name a few.

Thanks to the unrivalled BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the engine blends maximum power with exemplary efficiency. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine of the BMW X3 xDrive30i SportX produces an output of 185 kW / 252 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1,450 – 4,800 rpm. The car accelerates from 0-100 kmph in just 6.3 seconds.

Customers who book the car online through BMW Online Shop before 28 February 2021 mid-night, will enjoy early-bird benefits worth up to Rs 1.50 lakh. The benefits include BMW Service Inclusive Package and exclusively curated BMW Accessories Package. The BMW Service Inclusive covers all maintenance work, including any BMW Original Parts and oil requirements for 3 year/ 40,000 kms. The BMW Accessories Package will include the BMW Display key, 2.5 PM air filter, LED door projectors and universal wireless charger.

This article was first published on Motoroids - BMW X3 SportX Launched At INR 56.50 Lakh; Makes The Range Affordable By Around INR 5 Lakh! - Auto News From India.

In a landmark initiative to organize the online auto media space, seven of the most influential and independent auto media entities in India have come together, and officially announced the formation of The Federation of Auto Scribes of the Electronic Realm or FASTER today. The definitive body representing the most credible and influential names in the online auto media space comprises publications namely CarBlogIndia, Gaadify, Gaadiwaadi, GearFliQ, ICN (India Car News), MotorBeam and Motoroids.  

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FASTER has been constituted to bring together the most credible online auto content outlets together, and leverage the synergies to ensure that their collective audience benefits with the most accurate, fact-checked content. FASTER will ensure that the content published on its constituent platforms is monitored rigorously for quality, dependability and best editorial practices.

In addition to providing an organized representation of quality online auto media, FASTER will also recognize the standout products and personalities in the auto domain. Towards this end, FASTER Auto Awards have been constituted to felicitate the best products, services, individuals and initiatives relating to the auto industry. The first iteration of FASTER Awards will be held in the month of March 2021.

“Online auto media has been instrumental in informing and influencing the educated, savvy auto enthusiast and buyer for nearly two decades now. An overwhelming majority of auto-related media is consumed online. It’s unfortunate then, that despite its industriousness and wide influence, the online auto media community hasn’t represented itself in a formal, organized manner, commensurate with its contribution to the industry. FASTER has been constituted to provide them with the right representation, and to differentiate the high-quality, credible auto media outlets from the opportunistic misinformation mongers. Going forward, we envision FASTER reaching out to, and including many more quality auto media outlets under its aegis”, said Mr Amit Chhangani, founding member and Chairman at FASTER.  

As a platform representing online auto media outlets, FASTER will strive to act as a two-way communication medium between the industry and consumers. To facilitate that, FASTER will work towards bringing to the fore all the pertinent issues with regards to consumers, industry and policy to provide a strong voice to everyone for the greater good.

Besides unifying the leading online auto media outlets, FASTER will also work towards nurturing a lively community of auto enthusiasts and thought leaders under its banner and will facilitate events and activities which promote and create awareness about road safety. FASTER will also strive towards encouraging innovation and providing various platforms for auto lovers to come together and celebrate motoring in the forms and flavours that appeal to them.  

FASTER comprises auto media entities wholly owned by career motoring journalists who place objective, unbiased reportage as a matter of paramount importance. Together, the seven publications comprising FASTER hold sway over a wide majority of the young, discerning, savvy, Indian auto media audience. The combined monthly reach of the seven publications by a conservative estimate is over 150 million users.    

Quotes from founding members

 “Traditionally, vehicle buying decisions in India were largely made based on users’ experience and word of mouth. Over the years, however, the penetration of digital media has made gathering information and making a buying decision much easier, though it has also exposed the buyer to misinformation and falsities. FASTER has taken the responsibility to collectively reach out to the ever-growing online audience with quality auto journalism, that brings them dependable information and advice”, said Narendra Sharma, founding member and Secretary at FASTER.

 “The increasingly prevalent unreliable news sources have made it difficult to segregate dependable, fact-checked reportage from rumours and fake news. FASTER is determined to step in and carry out the daunting, yet crucial task of recognizing and guiding the best and brightest online publications in the auto domain that users can depend on” said Faisal Khan, founding member and Treasurer at FASTER.

 “Digital has transformed the face of the automobile media, as today most car buyers rely primarily on online publications to gather pretty much all the information. While digital technology has paved the way for a more democratized and accessible medium, it has also brought new challenges before us, with the credibility of information/news being the biggest of them. FASTER is an attempt to build a platform that represents responsible automobile publications in the online space.” said Vikas Yogi, a founding member of FASTER.

“Digital media has emerged as the preferred medium of information consumption over the past decade. As per the Google-Kantar TNS study of 2018, 96% of car buyers in India use Google Search during their purchase journey. It increases the responsibility of reputed auto publications like ours to provide our readers with the most accurate, comprehensive, and clear information that can help them make an informed decision with confidence. FASTER reflects our strong commitment to quality content and reliable information.” said Rohit Khurana, one of the founding members of FASTER.

“Over the past decade, there has been a very clear shift in trend from print to digital, influencing new reading habits. The pandemic has paved way for new practices with online car sales being the method of preference. The convenience factor it brings is another reason showing the tilt towards all things digital. The online auto media plays an integral role in this transition and helps hundreds of millions of automobile buyers by providing quality automotive content to make an informed decision. And thus we feel the vital need of a digital automotive media association which can help us strive towards our goal of providing the most dependable content going into the future”, said Gaurav Yadav, one of the founding members at FASTER.

“In today’s challenging times, driven by freely available social media tools and no entry barriers, credible online motoring journalists who are seriously invested in the profession need proper representation. As the line between responsible auto journalism and opportunistic falsities gets increasingly blurred, FASTER aims to be the definitive body to help both the auto industry and consumers differentiate between responsible auto media and speculative misinformation mongers”, said Gagan Chaudhary, one of the founding members at FASTER  

This article was first published on Motoroids - Leading Indian Automotive Media Entities Join Hands To Form FASTER - Auto News From India.

It was the year 2013 when Polaris breathed life into the Indian Motorcycles again and revived an iconic American legend. It didn’t take long for the company to carve a place for itself despite facing stiff competition from the likes of Harley-Davidson. Back in 1921, Indian Motorcycle rolled out the first Indian Chief and to commemorate the moniker’s 100-year anniversary, the brand unveiled three distinct variants: Dark Horse, Dark Horse Bobber, and Super Chief Limited.

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At that time, it was being speculated that Indian Motorcycles will bring the updated range in India around September 2021 but the company has now made it official that we will be getting the Chief line-up by the second quarter of 2021.

Mechanically all three motorcycles are likely to share a new steel-tube frame paired with a cast-aluminium rear subframe and will be powered by a Euro 5/BS6 compliant version of the Thunder Stroke 116 motor that displaces 1,890cc and makes 162Nm of peak torque. The lineup will share a list of new features including, a 15-litre fuel tank, bobbed rear fender, dual outboard preload-adjustable rear shocks, dual exhaust, LED lighting, keyless ignition, and Pirelli Night Dragon tires. Along with cruise control, Chief riders can adjust throttle response by selecting one of three ride modes: sport, standard or tour.

The differences

The three motorcycles differ from each other only in their approach. The Chief Dark Horse, as the name suggests, gets a blacked-out treatment with alloy wheels, a flat handlebar, and neutral-set footpegs.

The Bobber, on the other hand, takes a more conventional approach with spoke rims, mini ape hangers, and forward-set footpegs. The Super Chief is based on the same platform as the aforementioned bikes, but it is a new addition to the Indian line-up. However, unlike those bikes, the Super Chief has a more touring-oriented approach to its design. This is evident from features like a quick-release windscreen, leather saddlebags, a two-up touring seat, floorboards, and traditional wide cruiser handlebars.

Official statement

Speaking about the new lineup, Mr. Lalit Sharma, Country Manager, Polaris India Pvt. Ltd. said, “What could be the best way to celebrate the 100 iconic years of the Indian Chief than to introduce our iconic new lineup of Chief in India. We are looking forward to bringing in the new lineup of motorcycles for the Indian bike lovers. We are very positive that the new lineup will be a huge success for our Indian range of motorcycles.”

This article was first published on Motoroids - Updated Indian Chief Range Is Going To Land On Our Shores Sooner Than We Expected! - Auto News From India.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd., today announced the emphatic significance of 2021 marking 25 Years of excellence in India and celebrating its Silver Jubilee. On 6th of May 1996, HMIL officials laid the foundation of Hyundai Motor India’s manufacturing facility at Irungattukkottai in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. Over the last two and a half decades, this facility has advanced and advanced some more.  Operations for the manufacturing facility began in September 1998 with the commissioning of Hyundai’s first integrated car manufacturing plant outside Korea.

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Since then, from the rollout of products such as India’s iconic ‘tallboy’ Santro – the first car in India to be developed with an MPFI engine to premium hatchbacks like the i20, Hyundai has had a great journey in India and a very welcoming one. Hyundai achieved its highest ever market share of 17.4 % in CY2020.

Official statement

Commenting on the occasion, Mr S S Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said, “Envisioning India at the heart of global manufacturing and commerce, Hyundai, began its journey with the country 25 years ago towards mutual progress. Today, it gives us immense pride to have come this far together, developing a sustainable and thriving ecosystem leading to the collective evolution of the Indian Automotive Industry. Under the aegis of our global vision ‘Progress for Humanity,’ Hyundai Motor India will continue to drive excitement across the market through innovation in products and services. As a part of our commitment to the nation, we will continue our efforts towards the betterment of society and communities ensuring the fruition of a brighter and greener future for the generation to come. We aim to become India’s most beloved and trusted automotive brand, offering smart mobility solutions to our valued new-age Indian customers.”

Portfolio

Currently, Hyundai’s portfolio for India consists of the all-new i20, the Aura, Grand i10 Nios, Venue, the Creta, the Verna, the Tuscon, and the Kona electric. Currently, Hyundai is working on a 7-seater Creta to rival the likes of the Tata Safari, the upcoming new-gen Mahindra XUV 500, and to an extent, the Toyota Innova Crysta.

Hyundai, for a very, very long time is sitting in second place comfortably in the sales chart and market share and very few international manufacturers can boast of that kind of success in India and that surely is commendable.

This article was first published on Motoroids - Silver Jubilee Alert For Hyundai In India - Auto News From India.

Tata Motors recently announced that its premium hatchback Altroz has made a landmark entry into the India Book of Records. As part of the achievement, the Altroz covered a maximum distance of 1,603 km in 24 hours thereby setting a new Indian record. This exceptional journey was undertaken by Mr. Devjeet Saha, a Pune based auto enthusiast, who completed a 24-hour round trip from Satara to Bengaluru and back to Pune between December 15th and December 16th, 2020.

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This achievement is a testament to the exhilarating performance that the Altroz has to offer along with the class-leading comfort that it provides during long journeys. Superior ride & handling of Altroz made it easier to achieve the milestone.

Official statements

Speaking on winning the accolade, Devjeet Saha said, “I am humbled to have been given the opportunity to embark on this landmark journey and am honored to have been inducted into the India Book of Records. This feat would not have been possible without the trustworthy Tata Altroz and the very helpful team at Tata Motors. The Altroz proved to be the very class-defining product that we all have known it to be, by way of its exceptional performance on this long journey. The ride and handling of the car made the voyage not only comfortable but also an exhilarating one. I would like to extend my compliments to Tata Motors for continuing to provide its customers with extraordinary products such as the Altroz.”

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Vivek Srivatsa – Head, Marketing, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors said, “I would like to congratulate Mr. Devjeet Saha on accomplishing this feat. Since its inception, the Altroz has created new benchmarks in its segment through the medium of its appealing design, top notch safety and thrilling performance. We are delighted that Mr. Saha chose the Altroz as his companion in embarking on the long journey to achieve this rare milestone. With this accomplishment, the Altroz has created yet another benchmark in the passenger vehicles segment and we hope that through achievements like these, we continue to build trust within our customers.”

The India Book of Records, as the name suggests, is the custodian of Indian records created since 2006. The 15th edition of the book (for 2020) was launched in 2019, thereby making it the only book of records with the Chief Editors from seven nations – Vietnam, Malaysia, USA, Nepal, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Thailand as its board members.

The Altroz recently completed its 1st anniversary which was celebrated with the launch of the Altroz iTurbo in January 2020. This feat achieved by Devjeet Saha further adds to the credibility of the Altroz. Loaded with new tech and the 1.2L turbocharged BS6 petrol engine, the Altroz i-Turbo is launched in a new Harbour Blue colour, With power of 110 PS @ 5500 rpm, Altroz i-Turbo provides a torque of 140 Nm @1500- 5500 rpm that ensures an enjoyable drive experience. Adding to that, the Sport/City Multi Drive Modes provide the Altroz a perfect combination of thrill and city driving. Altroz in its 2021 avatar will also sport the new Black and light Grey interiors accentuated with perforated leatherette seats to enhance its premium quotient.

Furthermore, the Xpress cool feature, personalized screen wallpaper, one shot up power windows, all added to ensure utmost convenience along with the 8 speaker sound system by Harman for an enjoyable surround sound experience, adds to the entire package making it a car that all will desire.

This article was first published on Motoroids - Tata Altroz Registers Itself In India Book Of Records For Covering Maximum Distance In 24 Hours By A Car - Auto News From India.

The next-gen 2021 Mahindra XUV 500 is going to be huge and this time we have what is possibly the clearest and the most clearly depicting picture across the entire internet of the interiors of the new XUV 500 and boy, it does look feature-loaded! The all-new XUV 500 is going to be launched by March or April 2021 and has been spied testing every now and then. But here’s a peek in the cabin sans the camouflage.

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Mahindra introduced the XUV 500 in 2011 with hopes of disrupting the segment which it did with a bang. It hopes the same this time around with the new-gen seemingly boasting of a long list of segment-first features. And here’s the clearest peek into the cabin, till date that houses all those features and we are friends if you can’t take eyes off it! These pictures were sent to us by our reader Niket Thakkar.

In the cabin, the new multi-function steering is quite visible with presumably leather wrapped around it and loads of buttons to control all that a driver desires to. The twin floating screens are also quite clearly visible on this one with an all-new digital instrument cluster which by looks of it displays every possible information a driver would need. The dashboard fit & finish looks to have drastically improved and the dash appears to have a smooth, free-flowing texture and feel to it.

The AC vents sit below the infotainment system while climate control switches and other knobs are located further below it. This model is equipped with automatic transmission as evident from the gear selector lever. The handbrake seems centre set from this angle, unlike an awkward angle offset on the current-gen.

The exterior still remains heavily camouflaged, although we are happy the interior wasn’t. Although, some tall design cues and LED head and taillights are very much visible, and the light from those headlights and fogs underneath suggests that they are a pretty powerful unit, a literal adaptation of The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights.

Under the hood, Mahindra will be offering two engine options on the second-gen XUV500 right from the start. These would include an updated version of the mHawk diesel motor which will be dishing out more power and torque than the one which is on sale currently. Additionally, there will be a new mStallion petrol motor which will be on offer as well. The 2021 XUV 500 is going to be and should be a banger.

This article was first published on Motoroids - EXCLUSIVE: Clearest Peek Inside The 2021 Mahindra XUV 500’s Cabin - Auto News From India.

Skoda Kushaq is one of Skoda’s biggest launches lined up for India this year and one that will help the VW group to push its India 2.0 strategy. The Kushaq is basically what Skoda will refer to its CSUV Vision IN in India. The all-new Skoda Kushaq is the first of a new generation of vehicles developed on the MQB-A0-IN architecture, built around the challenging demands of the Indian customer.

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Boasting traditional Skoda attributes of design, quality, interior roominess, equipment, dynamics, efficiency, safety and comfort, the all-new Skoda Kushaq is made in India, made for the world. Here, it is seen navigating through the busy Indian roads.

With a wheelbase of 2,651 mm, the mid-size SUV offers a generous amount of interior space for passengers and luggage, while performance is assured via a choice of two powerful yet efficient TSI engines. The all-new Skoda Kushaq will celebrate its World Premiere in March 2021. Based on the highly versatile MQB-A0-IN vehicle architecture, the Kushaq boasts optimal external dimensions for navigating Indian cities. At the same time, with a long wheelbase of 2,651 mm, the Kushaq offers exceptional interior room for five occupants. With a large boot capacity, there is ample room for luggage too.

The all-new Kushaq closely follows the Skoda VISION IN concept, as seen at the Delhi Auto Expo in February 2020. It merges the crisp and sophisticated new design language of Skoda with exquisite details influenced by traditional Indian art and architecture. The overall silhouette is sleek despite the size and yet is rugged in appearance. Depending on the trim level, the Kushaq features LED headlights and daytime running lights. The tail and brake lights are also fitted with LEDs.

The all-new Kushaq will be powered by TSI engines that transfer power to the front wheels: 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI. Three gearbox options will be offered, depending on the model: a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic and a 7-speed DSG. Keeping with the benefits of TSI technology, both engines will offer good performance yet and mileage.

The all-new Kushaq will be offered with MySkoda Connect, a powerful suite of connectivity features that enhances the driving experience as well as security along with vehicle usage diagnosis. Over and above that, the modern infotainment systems will come with a central touch screen. Also to ensure a pleasant interior temperature, each car features air conditioning or automatic Climatronic, depending on the trim level.

This article was first published on Motoroids - Skoda Kushaq Spied Ahead Of Global Premiere - Auto News From India.

One of the major highlights of the year 2021 for an Indian motorcycle enthusiast is going to be the arrival of the Aprilia 660 twins on our shores. Aprilia India has already confirmed that we will be getting the RS 660 and the Tuono 660 by the middle of this year. As we wait patiently for the Italian beauties to land our shores, the company has released the official reveal video of the much-talked-about Tuono 660 naked middleweight motorcycle.

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Although we already know almost everything there is to know about the motorcycle, the teaser video only makes it harder for us.

Sure, it is based on the RS 660, but there are bound to be subtle nuances differentiating the two models. Sadly, we will still have to wait a little longer for those, although to get an idea of the styling of the bikes, Aprilia has just thrown us this rather flash-looking promo video. It might have been a little better if it was being ridden hard at the race track or on the mountain roads, with its throaty twin-cylinder thrum reverberating in the canyons. But still, on-screen at least, this thing looks like it’s going to be a laugh a minute out on the open road.

Specs and features

As expected, it retains the same 660cc, parallel-twin motor that does the job on the RS 660. However, Aprilia claims the Tuono 660 produces 95 hp—down from the RS’s projected 100 hp—and has a 403-pound curb weight. The reduction in peak power output is something we were expecting to happen, given the case with the Tuono 1100. The power delivery is expected to be a little different in both the motorcycles, given the Tuono 660’s shorter final drive gearing—intended to improve acceleration—and different fork offset to adjust geometry for the application. The Kayaba suspension also has different settings than the RS 660.

Apart from the retuned engine and suspension setup, there are some other changes which differentiate the Tuono 660 from its faired cousin. First up, Aprilia has dropped the gorgeous fairing to form the Tuono 660. However, in typical Tuono fashion, a sculpted half-fairing is still a part of the whole package but it does expose the much talked about 660cc parallel-twin motor. Aprilia has also dropped the yoke-integrated clip-ons for a clamp-mounted high handlebar that pushes the rider more upright. The footpeg position is also a bit more relaxed than before while the windscreen has become shorter in proportions.

As expected, the Tuono 660 gets the same modern-day electronics package called the Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC). This six-axis IMU-based system includes three-level cornering ABS, adjustable wheelie control, traction control and engine brake control.

It also gets an up/down quickshifter and cruise control. The motorcycle has five ride modes- Commute, Dynamic, Individual, Challenge and Time Attack. These modes can be accessed via the TFT dashboard. The suspension components include a 41mm Kayaba USD fork, adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping. At the rear, there is a monoshock that is also adjustable for rebound and preload. Braking duties are carried out by twin 320 discs at the front with four-piston Brembo radial callipers and a 220mm disc at the back with two pistons Brembo.

Tuono 660 will be available in three colour scheme variations: Concept Black, Iridium Grey, and the brand new, and certainly eye-catching Acid Gold as already seen on the RS 660.

This article was first published on Motoroids - Watch The Aprilia Tuono 660 Flaunt Its Italian Curves In This Official Video - Auto News From India.

Ather Energy has a new retail outlet in Pune in association with BU Bhandari. The Ather 450X will be available for test ride and delivery at this new Ather Space. Ather Energy had some time ago established a new retail outlet in Bandra, Mumbai and has followed that up with introducing an outlet in Pune.

Ather has installed grid points in Pune and five fast-charging points. An additional 10-12 charging points for Ather users in Pune are being planned to improve the overall EV infrastructure in the city and reduce the hassles of owning an EV.

Ather Energy had started its operation from a single city in India, Bangalore, the hotbed of startups. It then expanded further south, into Chennai, Tamil Nadu and had previously announced that its latest, the 450X electric scooter will be available in 27 Indian cities by Q1 of 2021. As part of phase 2 of expansion, Ather Energy had announced the launch of the Ather 450X in 16 additional cities – Mysore, Hubli, Jaipur, Indore, Panaji, Bhubaneshwar, Nasik, Surat, Chandigarh, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, Nagpur, Noida, Lucknow and Siliguri.

The demand for Ather Energy’s products, dealership requests, and also the volume of requests for test rides have led Ather Energy to include these new markets in Phase 2 of their expansion. In November 2020 though, Ather Energy had decided to stop selling the Ather 450, their first-ever product launched in 2018, and replaced it with their new flagships – Ather 450X and Ather 450 Plus, which have been built on the same platform, with improved hardware and software capabilities.

The 450 X Series1 edition from Ather Energy has a 6 kW PMSM electric motor which gets its energy from a 2.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, like the standard Ather 450X. It will also have the same set of riding modes – Eco, Ride, Sport, and a high-performance ‘Warp’ mode. According to internal tests, the 0-40 kph acceleration time of just 3.3 seconds, makes the Ather 450X one of the quickest electric scooters in the performance category in India.

Where the 450 was powered by a 5.4kW motor which cranked out 20.5 Nm of torque, the one on the Ather 450X takes those numbers to 6kW and 26 Nm. It boasts of a certified range of 116 kilometres on a full charge and the company claims the scooter can cover 85 kilometres in real-world conditions.

This article was first published on Motoroids - Ather Space Now Open In Pune - Auto News From India.

OLX Group, the global marketplace network which recently announced the merger of its online and offline marketplaces to launch OLX Autos in India, has unveiled a new web & mobile platform designed to bring some convenience to pre-owned car trading in India for dealers & consumers alike.

As India’s largest pre-owned car marketplace with 80% market share, OLX Autos has introduced some features backed by artificial intelligence that is aimed at smoothing out the process and bringing in extra convenience. The newly unveiled OLX Autos product platform marks a significant departure from OLX’s erstwhile existing product experience across its web & mobile platforms.

For buyers, the new web & mobile interface will make OLX Autos the platform for their needs related to pre-owned cars right from buying one to being able to access financing for the same within the app.  Buyers will now be able to purchase a pre-owned car in 2 ways: either on the OLX app directly from another buyer or via the OLX Autos stores. Buyers will now be greeted by a new user interface which will provide them with a detailed history of the car right from the ownership period all the way up to the service history of the car. They will also be able to access a host of financing options and after-sales products including insurance, warranty & more.

On the app, OLX’s AI-backed “Progressive Chat” feature will, according to the company, nudge buyers & sellers with helpful prompts to complete the transaction seamlessly. This will also include AI-led prompts which will recommend the best prices to the buyers. The new app will also include an AI-powered Q&A section where interested buyers can obtain more information about the car prior to the purchase.

On visiting the website or app, buyers will now be able to select cars under the inspected tab and verified tab. The inspected tab will feature cars verified by OLX while the verified tab will feature cars which have been self-verified by sellers.

For sellers selling their cars directly to others, the new platform will make it easier to sell their cars instantly. With an AI price engine, car sellers selling a car across the top 10 car brands will be able to value their cars in accordance with the market trends. Sellers would also have the option to sell their cars to OLX directly right from the convenience of their homes and get cash for the same instantly. Sellers will undergo a stringent verification process in order to be able to sell cars. All details concerning their verification will be kept confidential by OLX Autos.

For dealers, OLX has launched a new app – Super App for dealers. The new app will enable dealers to manage their inventory better, access leads from interested buyers & avail financing for their business.

This article was first published on Motoroids - OLX Autos Unveils New Product Platform For Used Car Trade In India - Auto News From India.

In line with the evolving Indian automobile market, which is witnessing some changes in customer ownership, choice of buying, quality of products and service behavioral patterns, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the introduction of a pilot project, T-Serv, in Bangalore in partnership with multi-brand service outlets.

The T-Serv brand established exclusively in India under Toyota’s philosophy of ‘Customer for Life’, is aimed at customers who have switched to multi-brand workshops. Toyota Kirloskar Motor has observed that the shift to multi-brand workshops results from extended car usage and subsequent ownership change. The T-Serv outlets will cater to Toyota customers who have migrated to multi-brand garages by providing transparent and quality car servicing.

At T-Serv outlets, customers can avail periodic maintenance and general repair jobs along with body and paint repairs. The service centres will gain from Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s experience in car servicing and supply of parts and Toyota certified technicians ensuring quality workmanship and convenience.

Further, TKM will supply genuine spare parts from Toyota besides supporting the franchisees in upgrading their staff’s technical skills through training and offer an exclusive T-Serv customer app for digital convenience. The app will enable a digital connection with the customers and make the overall car servicing experience hassle-free for them. It will also help the workshop owners to closely track their operations and enable them to stay in close touch with their customers. The exclusive customer app will be available to all customers currently servicing their cars at these service centers. Another offering for customers will be the exclusive Do-It-Yourself accessories line up and car care products.

Under the first phase, TKM today announced the introduction of the pilot project, T-Serv, in Bangalore at five workshops owned by independent entities. Talking about TKM in India, it owns 2 manufacturing plants in India. The 1st plant was established back in 1997 and is located in Bidadi and has an annual capacity of 1,00,000 units. The 2nd plant, also located in Bidadi was established in 2010 and boasts an annual capacity of 2,10,000 units. Furthermore, Toyota has recently unveiled the Fortuner facelift and a premium Legender variant following a minor facelift for the Innova Crysta, 2 of the most popular TKM products in India.

This article was first published on Motoroids - Toyota Introduces T-Serv In Partnership With Multi-Brand Workshops - Auto News From India.

Benelli India has started spreading its wings after covering a limited area of the sky with the BS6 Imperiale 400. Sometime back, the Imperiale 400 was the only BS6 Benelli motorcycle which was on sale in India but we were pretty much certain that sooner or later, Benelli will expand its BS6 portfolio in India. That’s exactly what has been happening now. After launching the BS6 compliant TRK 502 in India, the Chinese manufacturer has now rolled out the BS6 iteration of the Leoncino 500.

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The new BS6 Benelli Leoncino 500 has been launched in India for a starting price of Rs 4.60 lakh. The new model is cheaper than the outgoing BS4 version by around a significant Rs 20,000.

The new BS6 model has been launched in two colour options. While the Steel Grey shade is priced at Rs 4,59,900, the Leoncino Red colour option is available at the showrooms for a price of Rs 4,69,900 (all prices, ex-showroom, India). Interested customers can book the BS6 Benelli Leoncino 500 for a token amount of Rs 10,000 through the company’s official website or their nearest Benelli India dealership. The new BS6 compliant Leoncino 500 comes with a 3-Year Unlimited Kilometer Warranty as standard.

The Leoncino was first unveiled at EICMA, one of the most coveted bikes shows all over the world. The name Leoncino stands for lion’s club, which can be seen standing in an aggressive position right above the front fender. This scrambler shares the same powerplant as the TRK 502. The 500 cc parallel-twin engine is capable of producing 47.6 hp of peak power and 47 Nm of maximum twist. Maximum power is obtained at 8,500 rpm while peak torque comes in early at 6,000 rpm. Power would be sent to the rear wheel via a 6-speed transmission.

The bike is made around a complex trellis frame structure. This provides improved rigidity and riding characteristics over a conventional frame design. This complex frame structure is supported by a rather bulky 50 mm upside-down fork in the front while a pre-load adjustable monoshock is offered on the rear. Anchorage duties are done two 320 mm discs in the front, with four-piston callipers and a 260 mm disc with a single-piston calliper is placed at the rear. Both the brakes are governed by a dual-channel ABS module. Being the road-biased, standard variant, the Leoncino 500 also comes with alloy wheels, measuring 17 inches at both ends.

This article was first published on Motoroids - BS6 Benelli Leoncino 500 Scrambler Launched At INR 4.59 Lakh - Auto News From India.