Kawasaki Versys (2021)1000 Launched in India, Pricing starts at ₹ 11.19 Lakh #Versys2021

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January 6, 2021

Kawasaki in India introduced the 2021 Kawasaki Versys 1000. The bike is priced at ₹ 11.19 lakh (Ex-showroom). In a weird instance when it comes to a launch, despite a minor price hike and the 2021 model year tag, the Versys 1000 doesn’t get any design changes or feature updates. In the Global market, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE gets electronic Skyhook suspension, but for India, the model remains the same.

In terms of the Instruments, they are part-analogue, part digital with an analogue tachometer and a digital LCD screen. This is quite odd, since Kawasaki could have either gone full digital or remain non-digital.

The bike gets standard ABS, traction control and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) powered Kawasaki Cornering Management Function which can monitor chassis and engine parameters when the bike is cornering.

The engine remains unchanged, with it being a 1,043 cc, inline four-cylinder with liquid cooling. This makes 118 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 102 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. The Versys 1000 sit on 17-inch alloys and has a ground clearance of 150 mm.

The 2021 Kawasaki Versys 1000 gets a 43 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability and suspension travel of 150 mm. Towards the rear is a horizontal back-link, gas-charged, with rebound damping and remote spring preload adjustability monoshock with 152 mm travel.

What are your thoughts in regards to the new bike? Are you excited to ride it? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: Rivian secures another round of funding.

Tesla Competitor Rivian is reportedly in the process of raising more funding, which may put it’s value at $25 Billion #RivianFunding

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January 6, 2021

On the day Tesla’s stock reached over $702 Billion in valuation, it’s prime competitor Rivian, which is backed by giants like Amazon and Ford announced it’s version of good news as well, which was the announcement of a new round of funding.

According to a report by Bloomberg, the electric-truck startup is close to raising another round of venture funding, which would put its valuation at around $25 Billion. During this round, several existing investors are rumoured to be taking part. This round of funding, which will raise several billion dollars is a big step for the company. It is a point to note that the people who will be taking part in this round have requested to keep their identity under wraps, as the matter is quite private.

For some context, existing investors in the company include Amazon, T. Rowe Price Group Inc., BlackRock Inc., Soros Fund Management, Coatue, Fidelity Investments and Baron Capital Group. The funding is not final and the details might change, so take these things with a pinch of salt.

When asked about this, a representative for Rivian said, “We are focused on delivering the R1T, R1S, and Amazon delivery vehicles in 2021. We often speak to investors, and we have no announcement to make at this time.”

In other news, Rivian is developing two battery-electric consumer cars designed to handle off-road terrain, which would add to its quite vacant portfolio on offer. The R1T is an electric pickup that the company says is capable of driving more than 300 miles on a single charge and towing up to 11,000 pounds. The R1S is a sport utility vehicle built on the exact same platform.

For some additional information, the startup was founded in 2009 by R.J. Scaringe, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate with a doctorate in mechanical engineering, who is Rivian’s chief executive officer.

Deliveries of its first batch of pickups, which Riviant has said are sold out, are due to start in June. In case it sticks to that timeline, Rivian has a shot at being the first company to bring a battery-electric pickup, one of the most anticipated vehicle categories to the U.S. market.

Meanwhile, Tesla, the current leader in the EV market, plans to bring a battery-electric pickup to market by the end of this year.

Also Read: JK Tyre and Hyundai partner in India

JK Tyre Partners with Hyundai, Becomes Tyre Partner for top-end variants of Hyundai Creta #JKTyre

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January 6, 2021

Indian tyre major and the pioneer of radial tyre tech in the country, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd has become the exclusive tyre partner of Hyundai Motor India, one of the largest car manufacturer in the country, exclusively for its highest selling SUV, Creta.

Over the years, JK Tyre has introduced hi-tech products that are suited for Indian roads. Through this association, JK Tyre is offering best-in-class technology, unmatchable performance, comfort and handling to the top-end variants of the Hyundai Creta with its UX Royale 215/60 R17 radial tyre.

With its 5-Rib asymmetric design, variable draft groove technology, stable shoulder tread blocks, waffle groove and aero wing design, JK Tyre’s UX Royal 215/60 R17 tyre is the perfect fit for Hyundai Creta. The tyre is capable of giving superior ride comfort with crisp handling and low noise even at all speeds.

When asked about this partnership, Mr. VK Misra, Technical Director, JK Tyre and Industries said, “We are proud to further strengthen our partnership with Hyundai India for one of India’s best-selling SUV’s Creta. Through this collaboration, we aim to provide supreme quality tyres with cutting-edge features to complement the ride quality for the customer.”

“JK Tyre’s best-in-class technologies in radial tyres and tyre testing mechanism will ensure the safety of customers driving Creta in multiple terrains. We are confident that this association will further strengthen our market presence and we look forward to a continued and reinforced partnership with Hyundai Motors.”

Commenting on the partnership, Hyundai Motor India, said, “All New CRETA has been a benchmark SUV ever since it was launched in March 2020. Offering customers exceptional performance, unparalleled comfort & convenience as well as opulent aesthetics, the CRETA continues to be the customers’ brand of choice. Our partnership with JK Tyre to offer the All-New CRETA with UX Royale 215/60 R17, continues to carry forward this SUV’s premium offering with superior handling & driving dynamics.”

JK Tyre & Industries has joined hands as a tyre partner for Hyundai India’s exclusive membership club ‘Hyundai Mobility Membership’. Through this association, members of Hyundai Club across the country can avail exciting offers on JK Tyre’s products including their Smart Tyres range.

What are your thoughts in regards to this partnership? Do you want these kinds of deals with more cars? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read: Ducati to launch 12 new Bikes for 2021

Ducati to launch 12 motorcycles in 2021, opens bookings for BS6 Scrambler Icon and Icon Dark #Ducati2021

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January 6, 2021

The year 2020 saw Covid disrupt the auto business, due to which all planned new launches were delayed. By the end of the year, Ducati was quick and jumped back on the track and launched three BS6 motorcycles in quick succession which included models like the ultimate superbike Panigale V2, the boundless Scrambler 1100 Pro, and the Sports Tourer Multistrada 950S.

This positive end to 2020 allowed Ducati to look towards the future with confidence. For 2021, the product range is now even more complete, with the entry of new motorcycles across the Monster, Scrambler, Multistrada, Panigale, Diavel, and the much-anticipated Streetfighter family. The first quarter of 2021 will begin with the launch of the BS6 Scrambler, Diavel and the new XDiavel. This will be followed by the launch of all-new motorcycles based on the revered V4 engine platform including the Multistrada V4, the Streetfighter V4 and MY2021 Panigale V4.

The latter half of the year will see the brand spice up the super naked segment with its all-new offering, the Monster, followed by the SuperSport 950 and the Hypermotard 950 RVE. Towards the Scrambler Ducati side of things will also see more action as the BS6 Scrambler Icon will be joined by other Scrambler models like Scrambler 1100 Dark Pro, all new Night Shift and the popular Desert Sled.

When asked about this, Mr. Bipul Chandra, Managing Director of Ducati India said, “2020 has been unforeseen for the entire country with operations coming to a standstill. However, if we unravel the year, it’s commendable to witness the resilience of people working across the nation. Similarly, for us at Ducati, the majority of our launches and plans were pushed to 2021 and this year is going to be one of the most exciting years for us, with new launches planned in every quarter! We hope the current scenario with the pandemic stabilizes and as we resume normal life, we will be back to create a state of the art experiential events like DRE Track Days, Off-Road Days, Dream Tours and Racing at the National Superbike Championship. As we head into 2021, we are thankful to the entire team here at Ducati, our dealers, and most importantly, the Ducatisti for standing strong with us.”

To add to this, Ducati also started the Ducati Cares Program to welcome customers to the dealerships and will continue to ensure that all safety protocols related to Covid are met at its stores.

Bookings for the BS6 Scrambler Icon and Scrambler Icon Dark are now open and customers can book their motorcycle at the nearest Ducati dealerships, for a booking amount of INR 50,000.

What are your thoughts on this situation? Are you excited for Ducati’s 2021 plan? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read: Williams Racing extends partnership with Mercedes

Williams F1 Extends It’s Partnership with Mercedes for 2022 Season #F1

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News Desk

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January 6, 2021

The Williams Formula One team announced on Tuesday a switch to the gearboxes and hydraulic components provided by engine supplier Mercedes for the 2022 season in a significant step for the struggling champion which changed hands the previous year.

The British team, now owned by U.S.based Dorilton Capital after the founding family sold up and departed, has scored a measly one point in the last two seasons despite using the sport’s dominant engine.

An independent constructor ever since 1978, the team currently designs and builds its own gearboxes but has also been in decline for years. It last won the Grand Prix in 2012 while rival Racing Point, now renamed Aston Martin, was race winner last year with a car that imitated the title-winning 2019 Mercedes.

The regulations will be undergoing a major overhaul in 2022 and the new deal will allow Williams to focus it’s somewhat limited resources on other areas.

The team’s principal Simon Roberts mentioned in a statement: “Williams is an independent team, but Formula One is always evolving, and as a team we must be agile to react to the current climate in order to put the team in the best position to be competitive on track”

“This long-term agreement with Mercedes is a positive step and forms part of our strategic objectives for the future whilst we will still retain our design and manufacturing capabilities in-house,” he added

Meanwhile, Mercedes chief Totto Wolf commented on this matter: “For Williams, it makes sense to acquire the integrated powertrain after running our power units since 2014 and for our team, it makes sense in terms of economies of scale to supply another team under the new rules”

“This is a project we have been discussing with Williams for some time and I am glad we have been able to bring this extension to fruition.”

For some context, Williams driver George Russell has a long-term contract with Mercedes and stood in for Lewis Hamilton in Bahrain last month when the seven-time world champion tested positive for COVID-19, which is an indication of the partnership that both teams have.

Do you think this change will finally fix the slump that the team has been in? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read: Kia announces plans for a new logo

Kia to change it’s logo in favour of a bold transformation for the future

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January 6, 2021

Kia has announced a new corporate logo and global brand slogan that signifies the automaker’s bold transformation and new brand purpose. The new logo represents Kia’s ambitions to become a leader of the industry.

The logo is a symbol of the auto maker’s new brand purpose and the values that it promises to offer customers through the upcoming products and services, and the experiences that they enable. Kia seals its brand promise by developing the new logo to look like a physical signature. The constant line of the logo conveys Kia’s commitment to bringing moments of inspiration, while its symmetry demonstrates confidence. The gestures of the logo embody Kia’s rising ambitions for the brand, and, what it offers to the customers.

Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President and CEO said “Kia’s new logo represents the company’s commitment to becoming an icon for change and innovation,”

“The automotive industry is experiencing a period of rapid transformation, and Kia is proactively shaping and adapting to these changes. Our new logo represents our desire to inspire customers as their mobility needs evolve, and for our employees to rise to the challenges we face in a fast-changing industry,” he added.

The new logo was unveiled during a record-breaking pyrotechnic display in the skies above Incheon, Korea, which awed us all.

To add to an all-new logo, Kia revealed its new global brand slogan, ‘Movement that inspires’. Details on Kia’s new brand strategy, brand purpose and philosophy as well as application to Kia’s future product line-up will be shared through the digital ‘New Kia Brand Showcase’ event to be held at 09:00 Korean Standard Time on Friday, January 15, 2021 (01:00 CET, January 15 / 16:00 PST, January 14).

Are you excited for this new version of Kia? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: Tata to bring back Safari name

Tata’s Gravitas to be part of the Safari Lineup

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News Desk

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January 6, 2021

Tata Motors, one of the largest car manufacturers based in India is soon going to celebrate it’s 75th anniversary. To celebrate this momentous milestone, the company announced that they are all set to bring back the iconic Tata Safari name back to their lineup. The car they have chosen to carry the burden of a legacy like no other is the Gravitas.

Initially revealed at the Auto Expo 2020 as the Gravitas, the car is soon going into production and will bear the moniker of the Safari name. This is quite exciting news for motorheads, considering the Safari has a special place in the hearts of Motorheads. Launched way back in 1998, the Safari became immensely popular in a matter of a few years and, even having not received an update or refresh in a long time, the Safari is quite commonly spotted. It is also used by the Indian Army, which is a proud achievement for Tata.

The Safari, like the Harrier, will be based on the Land Rover’s Omega architecture and is expected to be longer to accommodate the third row of seats. Having seen the near-production model at the Auto Expo 2020, we know what to expect in terms of design.

Like all new Tata Motors’ cars, the Safari will sport the Impact 2.0 design language. The front is identical to the Harrier except for a redesigned bumper while the rear is more upright and boxy, providing headroom for the third row. Like the Harrier, it will also get a split headlamp design with LED headlamps while the rear will feature redesigned bumpers and brand new LED taillamps as well.

As for the engine, the Safari is expected to get the same powertrain as the Harrier — the FCA sourced 2-litre turbo-diesel engine with BS6 that pumps out 168bhp and 350Nm of torque. The Tata Safari might be offered with six-speed manual and six-speed torque converter automatic transmission options as well. There won’t be an all-wheel-drive version yet, but thanks to the nature of the Omega architecture, incorporating an AWD system and even an electrified powertrain is possible, albeit in the distant future.

The soon to be flagship SUV will be in showrooms in the coming weeks while the launch is slated for January 26. The Harrier is currently priced between Rs 13-20 lakh, so we expect the larger Safari to demand a premium over its five-seater brother.

Are you excited for the Safari’s return? Let us know in the comments.

Toyota Fortuner(2021) launched in India for Rs 29.98 lakhs

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January 6, 2021

Toyota, quite well known for being the makers of two of the most well-known cars in India, the Innova and Fortuner, today launched the new update for the Toyota Fortuner. The facelift has been priced at Rs 29.98 lakhs

In terms of the design, the new Fortuner facelift gets a completely redesigned front. The front gets a new skid plate which makes the car look brawny. To add to this, the headlamps are now sleeker and the air dam’s size has been increased by a lot to make the front look much meaner than before. The rear lights have been redesigned a bit too and the back looks a bit sleeker in comparison to the previous model. The car rides on diamond-cut alloys.

The interior has been touched up and modernised, with the car now being, in the words of Toyota, a connected car. This is because the car has support for features like geo-fencing and vehicle tracking. Apple Car Play and Android Auto are also supported. As for the safety, the car got 5 stars in the NCAP tests, which means that the Fortuner is quite safe for both you and your loved ones.

The Toyota Fortuner facelift is available with a 2.7-litre petrol and a 2.8-litre diesel engine. The petrol engine makes 166hp and 245Nm of torque has been carried over from the older model and can be had with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.

The shift, meanwhile, is with the diesel engine, while the 2.8-litre diesel continues to make 177hp and 420Nm when paired with the 6-speed manual, it produces 204hp and an impressive 500Nm of torque in the Fortuner automatic, which gets a 6-speed torque converter.

As always, the Fortuner petrol is available in two-wheel-drive form only, while the Fortuner diesel can also be had with a four-wheel-drive system. Interestingly, the Fortuner Legender is available only in two-wheel-drive form, and can only be had with the 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The pricing for the Fortuner 2021 is listed below, with both petrol and diesel models mentioned.

Variant	2021 Fortuner	Last Gen	Diff Amt.
2.7L 4×2 MT (Petrol)	Rs 29.98 lakh	Rs 28.66 lakh	Rs 1.32 lakh
2.7L 4×2 AT (Petrol)	Rs 31.57 lakh	Rs 30.25 lakh	Rs 1.32 lakh
2.8L 4×2 MT (Diesel)	Rs 32.48 lakh	Rs 30.67 lakh	Rs 1.81 lakh
2.8L 4×2 AT (Diesel)	Rs 34.84 lakh	Rs 32.53 lakh	Rs 2.31 lakh
2.8L 4×4 MT (Diesel)	Rs 35.14 lakh	Rs 32.64 lakh	Rs 2.5 lakh
2.8L 4×4 AT (Diesel)	Rs 37.43 lakh	Rs 34.43 lakh	Rs 3 lakh
Legender 2.8L 4×2 AT (Diesel)	Rs 37.58 lakh	–	–

What are your thoughts on the new Fortuner? Do you think this is a good facelift? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read: Jeep Compass Facelift to launch tomorrow

Jeep Compass Facelift to launch tomorrow, Here’s what we know so far.

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News Desk

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January 6, 2021

Jeep is well known in both the Indian market and all over the world for having rugged SUVs. The auto maker’s flagship, the Wrangler is a timeless classic that has a separate fanbase that is gaga over the car. In India, the car manufacturer made it’s budget debut with the Compass. Tomorrow, Jeep is going to be launching the facelift of the Jeep Compass for 2021. Here’s what we know so far and what we think the pricing could be.

In terms of the design, while the current-gen Compass is quite aggressive in it’s looks and a very pronounced front, the 2021 facelift will take this look to another level. The car is expected to get a larger chrome finished mesh grille that will give the car a very large road presence. This will be accompanied by LED DRLs and sleeker LED headlamps for the car. The bumper too will be redone with skid plates, a larger air dam, redesigned fog lamps, fresh tail-lights and new 5-spoke alloys.

As for the engine, the Compass will probably use the same engine as the current-gen model, unlike the international variant, which gets a newer option. It will use the same powertrain as well. For some context, the engines on offer are a 1.4-litre Multi-air petrol engine and 2.0-litre diesel unit. The transmission options will be a 6-speed manual, a 9-speed torque converter and a 7-speed automatic, which is a DCT automatic.

The interior is one part of the car that gets a massive change, with updated interiors, a revised dashboard and full leather upholstery. The dual-tone finish is replaced in favour of an all-black look, which helps make the interior look stealthy. There will also be a 10.1-inch floating information system with UConnect 5, which supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and voice control support. Ventilated seats for the front, wireless charging, auto AC, a 360-degree camera for parking and a fully digital instrument console are also expected to follow.

According to us, the Jeep Compass facelift will likely start at Rs 15 lakh and might even go up to Rs 20-21 lakh as per the varying models. The company might offer introductory pricing, as it is the trend these days for better sales and hype. We also expect the car to launch in a new, dark green hue.

What are your thoughts about the new Jeep Compass facelift? Are you excited about the same? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: Mercedes to showcase Hyperscreen Concept

Mercedes to Showcase Hyperscreen Concept on 7th of January

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January 6, 2021

The German brand Mercedes is quite well known when it comes to tech and innovation, with the automaker offering state of the art tech inside its cars and, in some cases, some amazing heads up displays as well. Today, however, this article is about something that is above all these features. The feature we are talking about is the Mercedes-Benz MBUX Hyperscreen.

The Mercedes-Benz MBUX Hyperscreen is the brand’s next-gen infotainment system that debuts on January 7 during the 2021 digital version of the Consumer Electronics Show. Until now, the automaker has been mum in this regard but keeps saying that the software now incorporates artificial intelligence for the operation of the infotainment, HVAC, and vehicle functions.

The name Hyperscreen is quite apt as there’s a curved screen that spans all over the dashboard. Even the front passenger gets access to the display eliminating the need for two displays, if this were to be wished by the passenger. Mercedes says this person’s “digital experience is as emotional as it is intuitive and effortless.”

The MBUX Hyperscreen will be making it’s global debut as part of the Mercedes-Benz EQS electric sedan. The car, which will not be debuting before later 2021 and goes on sale in Q2 of 2022, meaning this is a showcase rather than being a simple launch. The preview could also be our first view of the car’s dashboard, which is an added bonus.

This is quite good news for the automotive segment, since Mercedes itself has been a pioneer in displays and tech on cars, which have also impacted tech on several other cars. This leap, aided by the Hyperscreen will once again cause a major shift in the tech that is part of future cars.

For some context, The Porsche Taycan was the first widely available model to expand its screens so far that the passenger got their own display. Mercedes-Benz is positioning the EQS as a gamechanger when it comes to electric sedans. The company is aiming for a range of over 435 miles (700 kilometers) in the WLTP test, which is a massive feat. In addition, there’s available HEPA air filtration.

Also Read: Hyundai to export Made-in-India i20s