VR Tech Times

Photos of a Mercedes-Benz coupe prototype wrapped in camouflage and ripping through the snow-blanketed landscape of Sweden have been released by the German marque. Mercedes confirmed in a press release that the car being tested is based on the CLE . It also stated that this will be the second model belonging to the exclusive Mythos series – first being the limited-run SL Roadster-based PureSpeed in 2024. With its uncanny resemblance to the CLE 53 Coupe , this is likely a new AMG V8-powered CLE. Upcoming CLE to be part of the brand’s limited-run Mythos series 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 expected under the bonnet Global reveal likely in H2 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe Mythos expected powertrain CLE Mythos likely to use the flat-plane V8 seen in the new S-Class. The upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe will come with a “powerful drivetrain and performance”, the brand stated in its press release. Where the PureSpeed arrived with a 585hp twin-turbo V8, the existing CLE 53 AMG makes 450hp ...

The new Renault Duster has been revealed with a strong hybrid powertrain option, a first for the nameplate in India. The latest from Renault competes in the midsize SUV space, where only the Maruti Grand Vitara , Maruti Victoris and Toyota Hyryder currently offer a hybrid choice. Honda does not offer a hybrid setup with the Elevate at the moment, though the City midsize sedan has been equipped with one. But how do these vehicles stack up on paper when it comes to specifications? Let's find out. Renault Duster hybrid spec comparison Duster has the highest power output Renault Duster hybrid specs vs Grand Vitara, Victoris, Hyryder and City e:HEV    Hybrid system Combined power Combined torque Transmission Mileage Battery size | Voltage Duster 1.8L 4cyl + e-motor 160hp 172Nm 8-speed multi-mode Not available 1.4kWh | 280V Grand Vitara 1.5L 3cyl + e-motor 116hp 141Nm eCVT 27.97kpl 0.76kWh | 177.6V Victoris 1.5L 3cyl + e-motor 116hp 141...

The Kawasaki Z650RS combines retro style with modern technology. Kawasaki have given it styling elements like a classic round LED headlight, analogue dials, 70’s influenced bodywork and paint scheme, plus a twin-cylinder engine, to create a stunning neo-retro motorcycle. What engine does the Kawasaki Z650RS use and what are the power figures? The bike shares its engine with the Z650 which is a 649cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 68hp at 8,000rpm and a peak torque of 62.1Nm at 6,700rpm. This motor is paired with a six-speed gearbox and also gets a slip and assist clutch. What is the fuel tank capacity, kerb weight and seat height of the Kawasaki Z650RS? The bike has a fuel tank capacity of 12 litres and a kerb weight of 192kg. The seat height stands at 800mm. What features does the Kawasaki Z650RS get? The bike gets twin analogue dials for the speedometer and rev counter with an integrated LCD display. It features a round LED headlight, 2-level Traction Contr...

Over the years, Vespa has produced many special edition models based on its 946 scooter, some in conjunction with the Chinese Zodiac signs for each calendar year. 2026 being the year of the horse, the Italian scooter maker has revealed a special Vespa 946 Horse. Vespa 946 Horse is has gloss and matte brown bodywork Some aesthetic accessories also available Limited edition scooter likely to be built in small numbers, exact units not specified Previously, Vespa’s Lunar Collection has included special edition models paying tribute to symbols of years gone by - Dragon and Snake, namely. Since 2026 is the year of the horse, what Vespa has done is revealed a special edition that it claims embodies some traits of that animal - regal, dynamic and a symbol of resilience - to quote the company. The Vespa 946 Horse edition is distinguished by its bay color, a deep brown shade that the company says ‘recalls the glossy, dark coat of the horse.’ The steel bodywork - a Vespa trademark - ha...

The KTM 390 Enduro R is based on the same 390 Adventure platform, but gets a sleek-looking front end, leaner body panels, a 9-litre fuel tank, and a flatter rally-style seat. Compared to the 21-inch and 17-inch wheel setup on the KTM 390 Adventure , this gets a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear spoked wheel. Here are 3 reasons why you should consider the KTM 390 Enduro R Powerful, liquid-cooled, engine It uses a 399cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder engine putting out 46hp at 8,500 rpm and 39Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. It offers potent performance with a 48-tooth rear sprocket and on the road, this is a nice engine with plenty of power once it revs past 6,000rpm. It has has good highway cruising abilities and can sit at triple digit speeds with very low effort. It also gets a quickshifter as standard, enhancing the riding experience. Feature packed The bike gets a neat and compact TFT display which is informative and easily visible even under harsh sunlight. It also feature...

While mid-spec trims remain the most popular choice for new car buyers, striking a balance between features and affordability, base models often get overlooked due to their reputation for being under-equipped. Yet this perception doesn't always hold. Several mid-size SUVs deliver impressively well-appointed base trims that include essential safety tech and feature an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a sunroof, and a rear seat armrest, without requiring an upgrade to a higher trim level. We rank the five best-equipped base trims in the mid-size SUV segment, listed in ascending order. Interestingly, some of these models aren't as popular compared to better-selling rivals, but they more than compensate with generous standard features right from the entry point.  5. Volkswagen Taigun Comfortline Gets basic safety tech and an infotainment system with six speakers Taigun Topline trim used for representation In its base Comfortline trim, the Volkswagen T...

KTM India has launched the hardcore, off-road-focused 390 Adventure R in the country. This variant is the most off-road-capable model in the 390 Adventure line-up, featuring long-travel suspension, larger wheels and enhanced ground clearance. If you’re considering one, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. What is the engine capacity and power output of the KTM 390 Adventure R? The KTM 390 Adventure R is powered by the same 399cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine as the standard 390 Adventure. This motor produces 46hp at 8,500rpm and 39Nm of torque at 6,500rpm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The bike also comes standard with a bidirectional quickshifter. What is the seat height of the KTM 390 Adventure R? The KTM 390 Adventure R has a seat height of 880mm, which is notably taller than the standard 390 Adventure. This increased height is a result of the longer-travel suspension and is aimed at providing better ground clearance for serious off-road riding....

With demand for large SUVs growing in several international markets, Swedish automaker Volvo is now mulling over an all-new three-row hybrid SUV. In a conversation with Autocar UK, brand boss Hakan Samuelsson said that while Volvo has “still not made any decision on going there, bigger SUVs are something we're looking into.” That said, what do we know thus far about this potentially new Volvo SUV? Let us find out. The new model could be based on either a Volvo or a Geely platform US and China to be the primary markets for this flagship SUV Volvo three-row SUV expected details The new flagship would be larger than existing Volvo SUVs. If Volvo were to go ahead with it, the new SUV is likely to be larger than the XC90 and EX90. For reference, the Volvo XC90 that is available in India measures about 4.95 metres in length, while the Volvo EX90 electric SUV sold in markets such as the US is just over 5 metres long. Volvo could look towards China’s Geely Group, perhaps at its ...

On the sidelines of the 2026 S-Class facelift’s reveal, Mercedes global CEO Ola Källenius said he is absolutely convinced that about the scale of its future in India. In response to a query from Autocar India, Källenius also acknowledged that the India-EU FTA could change things in local production plans. “India is a growth market, so whatever happens, we are going to grow and continue to invest in the country,” he said. Mercedes currently locally assembles over 10 model lines in India Mercedes India R&D centre’s inputs incorporated in the 2026 S-Class India input in 2026 Mercedes S-Class facelift  Mercedes’s Bengaluru R&D centre is the brand’s largest outside Europe. Currently Mercedes-Benz India produces the A-Class , C-Class , E-Class , S-Class, GLA , GLC , GLE and GLS at its plant in Pune (and even the AMG C 43, Maybach S 580, all EQ models) and while details of the FTA are yet to be fully revealed it could change plans for which models are produc...

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Renault has made a big splash with the debut of the new-gen Duster for the Indian market. The reborn midsize SUV sports a butch design echoing the original Duster , capable and future-ready powertrains, and an extensive list of creature comforts. However, there are a few lapses that prevent the 2026 Duster from being the complete midsize SUV package, and we’ve laid them out below. 1. Sparse amenities for rear passengers Rivals offer rear sunshades, two-step recline functions, boss mode, and more Thanks to goodies such as powered and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, first-row occupants are catered to quite well in the new Duster. At the back, though, things could’ve been better. Space in the Duster’s second row is just about adequate for taller passengers, falling short of segment benchmarks like the Tata Sierra and Kia Seltos . While rear-seat comfort is good and the panoramic sunroof brings lots of l...

The 390 Adventure R has been launched in India. In a surprising turn of events, this higher-spec variant is priced lower than the 390 Adventure that comes with lower suspension travel. There are quite a few more differences, and we list out all of them for you. For clarity’s sake, we will refer to the 390 Adventure as the standard model. KTM 390 Adventure R vs 390 Adventure: Suspension travel The Adventure ‘R’ variant gets the same suspension travel as the international-spec 390 Enduro R The 390 Adventure R gets a tall seat height of 880mm. The biggest difference between the Adventure R and the standard bike – part of the reason it earns the suffix ‘R’ – is the suspension setup. Essentially, the Adventure R is to the standard 390 Adventure what the international-spec Enduro R is to the India-spec Enduro R. It is largely the same bike with added suspension travel and ground clearance, making it more off-road-capable, at least on paper. To put that into perspective, the standard ...

Triumph has revealed a new special edition neo-retro model called the Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer Edition overseas. This bike – as the name obviously suggests – is a cafe racer-styled machine that doesn’t look too dissimilar to the erstwhile Thruxton 1200 and is based on the same platform as the latest Speed Twin 1200 RS. Limited to 800 units worldwide, has a green/silver colourway 1200cc, twin-cylinder engine makes 105hp, 112Nm of torque Comes with a bidirectional quickshifter Triumph Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer Edition details Engine, chassis and electronics are all identical to Speed Twin 1200 RS The Speed Twin 1200 RS Cafe Racer Edition is limited to just 800 units worldwide, and each bike will be supplied with a certificate of authenticity. The Speed Twin 1200 RS Cafe Racer Edition marks a brief return for Triumph’s large-capacity twin-cylinder cafe racer after the Thruxton 1200 was discontinued. To stay true to the cafe racer aesthetic, this limited edition bike has cli...

In the run up to the launch of the 2026 Renault Duster in March, the French brand has revealed nearly every detail of the new Hyundai Creta rival. When the original Duster arrived in July 2012, it created the mid-size SUV segment, offering something unique in almost every aspect. Here we take a look at the standards set by the first-gen Duster , and where the new model meets them, and where it may not. 2026 Renault Duster exterior design Looks large and rugged like the original Duster.     The original Duster always gave the impression of being a rugged, robust SUV that looked larger than it was. And in many ways, the 2026 Duster continues that tradition with its muscular design. The flared wheel arches, the black body cladding, muscular bumpers and upright stance of the third-gen model hold up to the original’s beefy appearance. In fact, the overall silhouette is familiar, giving the new Duster a visual link to its predecessors. 2026 Renault Duster interior ...