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Off-roading in a Toyota Land Cruiser Dakar Rally truck: Unbreakable

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The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series is widely considered to be one of the toughest SUVs ever. Simple in construction, engineered with massive tolerances in place and built to last, it is simply the most Toyota of Toyotas. Perfect then to enter what must be one of the toughest races around – the Dakar Classic; now run through the heart of Saudi Arabia. But let’s not monkey around; this is one tough challenge – especially for these classic cars – as it is full of chassis, suspension and engine braking stages. The Dakar has always been dominated by tough SUVs, and here, a tough, robust build and an ability to keep going are more important than being marginally faster over the long, long stages. And so it is with the Classic. The HZJ78 DKR, as this particular 70 Series is known, is a 1998 edition, reworked for the slam-dunk, hardcore special stages of the Dakar. Prepared in France by specialist Compagnie Saharienne, it has already taken Indian rally driver Sanjay Takale to the finish of ...
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5 things to know before buying the Hero Destini 110

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The Hero Destini 110 is a family-oriented scooter that offers decent performance and good fuel economy for daily commuting. If you're considering one, here are answers to some of the most common questions. What is the price of the Hero Destini 110? The Hero Destini 110 is available in two variants – VX and ZX. The base VX variant is priced at Rs 72,000 and the ZX will cost you Rs 79,750 (ex-showroom Delhi). The main difference is the top ZX variant gets a disc brake at the front as well as a pillion backrest. Both variants get a digi-analogue instrument cluster and the scooter is offered in multiple colour schemes. What engine does the Hero Destini 110 use? The Hero Destini 110 is powered by a 110.9cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine putting out 8.1hp and 8.7Nm. It also features Hero's i3S (idle stop-start system) which cuts off the engine after a few seconds at a standstill and restarts with a twist of the throttle and engaging the brake together. What is the mileage ...
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KTM 390s will be sold alongside new 350cc models

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It's no secret that Bajaj is planning to downsize both the 400cc Triumph and KTM models to 350cc to allow the company to benefit from the lower 18 percent GST. However, we have now learnt that while that is underway, Bajaj will continue to retail the 399cc KTM models alongside their downsized 350cc iterations - for some time at least. 350cc and 390cc Duke and Adventure to be sold simultaneously Bajaj will monitor customer response to this move Bajaj-made Triumph models to only be sold with 350cc engine KTM 390 Duke and Adventure will live on in India Triumph 400s to be downsized to 350cc, Tracker India launch in due course Since bikes and scooters above 350cc now attract a much higher 40 percent GST, Bajaj has chosen to downsize the Triumph 400s, KTM 390s and its own Dominar 400 as well as Pulsar NS400Z to 350cc to take advantage of the new rule. While the Triumph single-cylinder lineup will most likely only be retailed in its 350cc guise - the KTM machines will be of...
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Tata Punch EV’s new 6-in-1 EV drivetrain explained

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With the launch of the updated Punch EV , Tata Motors has also debuted a new 6-in-1 drivetrain setup, which it says is the first application of its kind in the country, and, a major factor behind the lower than before retail price of the electric Punch. “The battery non-cell costs have come down but the 6-in-1 combo drivetrain is certainly cost effective” says Anand Kulkarni, Tata Motors’ Vice President Passenger Electric Vehicles.  New 6-in-1 drivetrain was key in bringing down Punch EV’s price  It also helped reduce package size by 50 percent and weight by 28 percent  Efficiency was boosted by 6 percent, while also using 40 percent less semiconductors  Tata Punch EV 6-in-1 drivetrain explained  For a while now, carmakers, including Tata Motors have been using 3-in-1 systems that combine the e-motor, reduction gear and the DC to AC invertor into one unit. However, brands have been integrating further components as part of this x-in-1 approach and doi...
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BMW to introduce new AWD variant of the M2

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BMW is set to offer its xDrive all-wheel drive system with the M2 Coupe . The entry-level M car is currently the only one in the line-up that’s purely rear-wheel drive, as the M3, M4 , and M5 are all equipped with AWD as standard. M2 AWD may be 50hp more powerful than RWD version It will be offered solely with an 8-speed automatic gearbox 0-100kph time expected to drop below 4 seconds BMW M2 AWD powertrain and performance Will be sold alongside the RWD model The M2 xDrive was recently referenced on the BMW US website as a separate variant from the existing RWD version. Expectedly, the M2 xDrive will be powered by the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol straight-six as the RWD model, though a 50hp bump to 530hp – the same as the 2025 M2 CS – is possible to offset the added mass of the front transaxle, which could result in a kerb weight of around 1,800kg. No manual gearbox option for M2 AWD Where the M2 RWD is available with either an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual – yet...
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Hero Pleasure+ price and variants explained

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The Pleasure+ is one of Hero’s longest-running scooters on sale. It is also the brand’s most affordable scooter and is available in three variants. Here’s a feature breakdown of those variants. The Pleasure+ Xtec is available in three variants LX  All three variants are mechanically identical and powered by the same 109.5cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine. The differences between them are limited to features and equipment. The LX is the base variant of the Pleasure+. It rides on steel wheels instead of cast alloy wheels and does not get telescopic front suspension. This variant also misses out on Hero’s i3S idle start-stop system and Bluetooth connectivity. It features a fully analogue instrument cluster and a halogen headlight. While chrome fascia and accents are present, it does not offer a pillion backrest. The inner panel is also finished in black. The Base LX variant of the Pleasure+ is priced at Rs 69,766 (ex-showroom, Delhi). VX The VX sits above the LX and adds t...
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How BPCL’s Speed 100 protects and enhances your drive

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Other than the different-coloured fuel filler, the branding and the price, the difference between ordinary petrol and a high-octane fuel isn’t apparent at the pump. It happens inside the combustion chamber, where precision ignition, compression and combustion determine how your engine performs. With Speed 100 , Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited introduces an ultra-premium 100 RON fuel developed specifically for high-performance cars and premium motorcycles. Designed for modern, high-compression engines, it promises more than just a higher number on the dispenser. Here are five things that set it apart: 1. Built for High-Compression Engines Modern performance engines increasingly operate at compression ratios above 10:1 and turbocharging, higher boost pressures and tighter tolerances mean combustion stability is vital. Speed 100’s 100 RON rating ensures superior resistance to auto-ignition – preventing premature combustion of fuel, which is also known as engine knocking. By sign...
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3 reasons to buy the Tata Punch EV facelift and 2 to skip it

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The Tata Punch EV just got a facelift and it is the first major update to Tata Motors ’ smallest electric SUV. It brings new battery options, updated styling, quicker charging and a lower starting price than before. With prices ranging from Rs 9.69 lakh to Rs 12.59 lakh (ex-showroom), it is positioned as a compact and accessible entry point into electric mobility. Here’s where the Punch EV gets it right, and where it falls short. Tata Punch EV pros 1. Smooth, predictable and easy to drive The Punch EV facelift uses a single front-mounted motor paired with either a 30kWh or 40kWh battery.  Power outputs have gone up slightly, with the smaller battery producing 88hp and the larger battery making 129hp, while torque is rated at 154Nm for both versions. Power delivery is linear and easy to modulate, which makes the car straightforward to drive in everyday conditions. There are three drive modes on offer: Eco, City and Sport – all of which are nicely calibrated. Eco prioritises ...
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5 things to know before buying the Kawasaki Versys 1100

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The Kawasaki Versys 1100 is the Japanese manufacturer’s big inline-four sports tourer aimed at riders who want long-distance comfort without sacrificing performance. If you're considering one, here are answers to some of the most common questions. How much does the Kawasaki Versys 1100 cost? The Kawasaki Versys 1100 is priced at Rs 13.89 lakh (ex-showroom). It is available in a single variant and one grey colour option. Despite getting a larger engine and more power than the Versys 1000 it replaces, the Versys 1100 still costs less than smaller ADV bikes like the Triumph Tiger 900 GT. What engine does the Kawasaki Versys 1100 use? The Versys 1100 is powered by a 1,099cc liquid-cooled, inline-four engine producing 135hp at 9,000rpm and 112Nm at 7,600rpm. This engine is shared with the Ninja 1100SX and features a 3mm stroke increase over the previous 1,043cc unit, resulting in 17hp more power. The engine gets modified intake ports, revised cam profiles for better low-to-mid-rang...
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2026 Mercedes-Benz V-Class walkaround video

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from Autocar India https://ift.tt/cZkCOLg
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Hero Destini 110 Fuel Economy Tested and Explained

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The Hero Destini uses a 110.9cc, single-cyl, air-cooled engine putting out 8.1hp at 7,250rpm and a peak torque of 8.7Nm at 5,750rpm. It also features Hero’s i3S (idle stop-start system) feature which cuts off the engine after a few seconds at a signal and restarts with a twist of the throttle and engaging the brake together. Hero Destini 110 real-world fuel efficiency Hero Destini 110 managed 54.10kpl in the city and 64.10kpl out on the highway. For this test, we ran the Destini on the highway for 51.3km, after which the bike needed 0.80 litres of fuel to fill up the tank again. Therefore, we arrived at a highway fuel economy number of 64.1kpl for the Destini 110. Once that was done, we rode the Destini through the busy streets of Mumbai for 46.1km, after which the fuel tank needed 0.80 litres. Thereby, we achieved a city fuel efficiency figure of 54.1kpl. Hero Destini 110 fuel economy analysis The Hero Destini 110 is a family-oriented scooter that offers decent performance for ...
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Opinion: how retro design should be reinterpreted for modern times

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There are literally a million things you need to pay attention to when designing a car. Increasingly important today are a distinct identity and an individual character. These are essential to generate conversations around the car. One especially effective way to inject character and identity into a design is legacy, a family lineage built up over years, or multiple generations. Do this, and you have an ever-increasing pool of would-be customers who are aware of your brand. German carmakers have been leveraging this for decades. The Porsche 911 , the VW Golf , the Mercedes S-Class / E-Class / G-Class , the success of one generation has built the next. They’ve even successfully done this with companies they’ve taken over; think Mini, the Rolls-Royce Phantom , and even Bentley’s Continental. It’s a strategy that works time after time.  What’s important, however, is that you need to walk the talk; design in elements the general public can relate to. But while retro designs have...
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Hero Xoom 110: Price and variants explained

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The Hero Xoom 110 was launched back in 2023. It kickstarted the brand’s Xoom lineup, which has recently also seen the addition of two higher-displacement models — the Xoom 125 and 160.  Here’s a feature breakdown of all the variants of the Xoom 110. VX All variants are identical mechanically and in terms of design. The air-cooled, 110.9cc, single-cylinder engine is rated at 8.2hp and 8.7Nm of torque. Much like the larger Xoom 125, the base variant of the 110 is also called ‘VX’. This VX variant misses out on several premium features. It comes with cast alloy wheels and also misses out on a front disc brake. This variant gets the same LCD dash as the higher variants but misses out on Bluetooth connectivity. Another feature that was earlier offered but now seems to have been removed is the cornering light. This base VX variant is available in three colours — yellow, black and blue — and is priced at Rs 72,701 (ex-showroom, Delhi). ZX Moving to the higher-spec ZX variant adds ...
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5 things to know before buying the Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise

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The Avenger was launched way back in 2015 and has remained largely unchanged since. It came with the same engine as the revered Pulsar 220F but with a laid-back, cruiser-esque riding position. Here are a few things to know about the Avenger 220 Cruise. 1. What is the output of the Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise? The Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise is powered by a 220cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that churns out 19hp and 17.5Nm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. 2. What are the features available on the Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise? The Avenger hasn’t been updated much in terms of features and it shows. It covers the basic - LCD dash and front-disc brake with single-channel ABS - but still continues to offer a bulb-based lighting all-around. To underline its ‘Cruise’ suffix, it gets a tall windshield. Besides these features, there isn’t really much that the Avenger offers. 3. Does the Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise get tubeless wheels? No, the Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise makes do with spoked wheels th...
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Toyota Camry real world fuel economy tested, explained

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The Toyota Camry is an entry-level luxury sedan that has been launched in India with a fifth-generation hybrid powertrain. It is priced at Rs 47.48 lakh (ex-showroom), but the headline figure is its fuel efficiency, which, according to Toyota , is up to 25.49kpl. We now put this Japanese flagship sedan to the test to find out whether it is as efficient as the company claims. Has 3 drive modes: Eco, Normal and Sport Gets new-gen lihium-ion battery Weighs 1,645kg Toyota Camry Hybrid real-world mileage test Toyota Camry hybrid has a staggering average real-world mileage of 19.85kpl. The Camry now deploys a new fifth-generation hybrid powertrain with a lithium-ion battery, which is said to be lighter and more advanced than the nickel-metal hydride unit available in the outgoing version. The hybrid system produces a maximum output of 230hp, and power is transmitted to the front wheels via an e-CVT (electronic continuously variable transmission). Also new is a drive meter that in...
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