VR Tech Times

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I plan to upsize the tyre of my Honda Amaze i-DTEC diesel. The company fitted tyre size is 175/65-R15 Bridgestone Ecopia EP150, but there is a lot of road noise that filters into the cabin, and the ride quality is also not that good. Can I upgrade the size to 185/65-R15 or 195/60-R15? Also, can I go in for tyres from Michelin or Yokohama? Price is not an issue. Chirag, via email Autocar India says: 185/65-R15 section tyres would be a touch too large for the Amaze and might foul with the suspension and wheel arches. You can safely fit the 185/60-R15s instead. Michelins and Goodyears would give you a softer ride whilst the Yokohama Earth 1 is comparatively stiffer. Also see: 2021 Honda Amaze facelift review, test drive 2021 Honda Amaze facelift video review from Autocar India https://ift.tt/9EkS3LW

Who would have ever guessed that some of the stuff that we all breathe could end up being among the biggest threats to the planet? Clearly, CO2 is that, but what’s frustrating is that we can’t just magic up a giant school chemistry experiment and make it all go away. Or can we? There is such a thing and it’s called direct air capture (DAC), a technology already in play today and which could in theory make a difference to global warming if it continues to scale up from the current small beginnings. Audi is working with Austrian greentech company Krajete to jointly develop DAC systems. A recently established plant in Austria is based on an inorganic filter material that can adsorb a high proportion of CO2 molecules. These are then chemically absorbed in a following process, with the CO2-free filtered air being released back into the atmosphere. The bafflingly similar terms adsorb and absorb are entirely different things. Adsorb means molecules or atoms deposited on a surface, while a...

I’m not big on new year’s resolutions, but I do love to reminisce. As I sit here typing this in the last week of 2022, it’s nice to think back on what has thankfully been a relatively normal and enjoyable year.  2022 has been all about the rise of the EVs. Sales numbers reach new highs every month, and we’re finally starting to get good options to choose from, as you can see in our recent four scooter comparo . The winds are certainly changing. What seems to continue unabated in the EV space is the rush to ‘launch’ a product and then promise sales at a later date. Simple Energy had its grand launch ceremony on the same day as Ola on 15th August 2021, but not a single scooter has been delivered since. Meanwhile, Ola has already sold nearly 1.5 lakh vehicles. Say what you will about how Ola chose to do certain things – and there’s a lot to say – but those numbers speak for themselves. Other delayed EVs of note include the Ultraviolette F77, which finally appears ready, but will go...

This week on All Things Nintendo, Brian invites  Game Informer 's Kyle Hilliard to help him put a bow on 2022. That's right: It's the second annual All Things Nintendo Awards episode! Join Brian and Kyle as they talk about the best games across various categories and send 2022 off in style. If you'd like to follow Brian on social media, you can do so on his Instagram: @BrianPShea . You can follow Kyle on Twitter: @KyleMHilliard . The All Things Nintendo podcast is a weekly show where we can celebrate, discuss, and break down all the latest games, news, and announcements from the industry's most recognizable name. Each week, Brian is joined by different guests to talk about what's happening in the world of Nintendo. Along the way, they'll share personal stories, uncover hidden gems in the eShop, and even look back on the classics we all grew up with. A new episode hits every Friday! Be sure to subscribe to All Things Nintendo on your favorite podcast plat...

Tata Motors has announced that its subsidiary,  Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd (TPEML), will complete its acquisition of Ford India's manufacturing plant in Sanand, Gujarat, on January 10, 2023.  All eligible employees will be transferred to TPEML Production capacity can be scaled up to 4,20,000 units per annum Upcoming Tata electric vehicles could be manufactured here Back in August of this year, Tata Motors and Ford India Private Limited (FIPL) signed a  Unit Transfer Agreement (UTA) , allowing the former to acquire the latter’s manufacturing plant. A  Memorandum of Understanding  (MoU) was also signed with the Gujarat government in May this year. As part of the agreement, Tata Motors will get entire land and buildings, vehicle manufacturing plant along with machinery and equipment situated therein, the automaker said. In addition, all the eligible employees at the Sanand unit of Ford India will be offered employment under TPEML on te...

Ola Electric has revealed that it plans to launch multiple electric bikes and scooters by 2024.  Ola currently has three electric scooters in its product portfolio, the S1 Pro , the S1 and the most affordable of them all, the recently launched (but yet to go on sale) S1 Air .   First launch of 2023 to be a mass-market e-scooter E-bike portfolio will have accessible as well as premium offerings New Ola electric scooters and bikes coming: details In a blog on the company’s website, Ola Electric’s founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal said new electric bikes and scooters will be launched by 2024, in both premium as well as mass-market segments.  The first launch of 2023 is slated to be a mass-market scooter and it is unclear whether the scooter referred to here is the Ola S1 Air or an entirely different model. Ola will also be branching out into the e-bike segment with multiple premium offerings in various body styles such as a cruiser, an adventure bike, a sportb...

Tork Motors is gearing up to unveil a brand-new electric motorcycle at the upcoming Auto Expo 2023, alongside an updated version of its existing  Kratos R model. The new electric bike could be a more cost-effective model and serve as the entry point to Tork’s lineup. New, more affordable e-bike to use simpler componentry Kratos R to only be refreshed aesthetically New Tork e-bike, updated Kratos R to be shown at Auto Expo 2023: details Tork has hiked the prices of its Kratos, Kratos R e-bikes substantially since their launch in the earlier part of the year. Effectively, the two bikes have become dearer by Rs 25,000 within the span of just one year. Therefore, the new Tork e-bike could serve as a more accessible entry point and it’s likely to use simpler componentry and a smaller battery. With FAME-II subsidies all set to disappear , come March 2024 (barring an extension) this would be the perfect time to come up with a low-cost, entry-level e-bike for Tork, much like Ola h...

Honda ’s new SUV for India has long been under development , one that will be crucial in keeping the carmaker afloat in our market. Come April 2023, Honda will have just two models on sale in India – the petrol-powered City (and its hybrid version) and the Amaze – as the brand will have to pull the plug on models such as the Jazz and WR-V , as well as the fourth-gen City , and the City and Amaze diesel. A new SUV will, therefore, be crucial in filling up the void in Honda’s portfolio in India. New Honda SUV will be around 4.2-4.3 meters long Will share its underpinnings with the Amaze Expected to come with pure petrol, petrol hybrid options Expected to debut sometime around mid-2023, Honda’s new SUV will be positioned as a direct rival to the Hyundai Creta , Kia Seltos , Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and also the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder . It will likely go on sale later during the festive season of 2023.  Honda midsize SUV: design and dimensions  Honda’s new mi...

I am looking for a reliable, comfortable and practical commuter motorcycle that will be able to handle my daily 20km round trip to the office. Technological features aren’t a priority, but I value safety features. Please suggest an ideal offering or two.  Perseus Mistry, Mumbai Autocar India says: There are many commuter motorcycles that would fit the bill for your intended usage, such as the Hero Passion Pro, Honda Livo and the Bajaj Platina 110. After taking into consideration your focus on safety features, we feel that the recently launched Bajaj Platina 110 ABS is your best bet in this company, as it's the only motorcycle in this range that offers an anti-lock braking system.  from Autocar India https://ift.tt/A3mosfz

Two of the year’s biggest open-world games, Elden Ring and Pokémon Scarlet have been Frankensteined into one tantalizing entity thanks to the work of one talented modder. The modder in question goes by the handle Arestame , who tweeted a trailer of their handiwork that drops Scarlet assets into the Lands Between. The mod outfits the Tarnished in the significantly less protective garb of Pokémon trainers, who cruise the dangerous landscape atop the motorcycle-like Koraidon. The video highlights how Elden Ring would be an even better game if it had Lechonks and Quaxlys roaming about, though that doesn't make it any less dangerous, as evidenced by one particuarly brutal Pokémon ambush. Check out the video by clicking the embedded tweet below.  Elden Ring X Pokémon Scarlet is here! From Paldea to The Lands Between, expand your #Pokemon journey with new summons in #ELDENRING ! pic.twitter.com/djOWo9ogpg — Arestame (@Arestame_Arkeid) December 28, 2022 It’s unclear if this m...

In a bid to accelerate its move into the electric vehicle space, Eicher Motors, the parent company of Royal Enfield, has approved a strategic investment in European electric motorcycle manufacturer Stark Future SL. As part of the deal, Eicher Motors will make an initial equity investment of 50 million euros (Rs 439 crore), translating to a 10.35% equity stake in Stark Future SL, the company said in a statement on Thursday. With this investment, Eicher Motors will have a seat on Stark Future’s Board, and will explore further opportunities to collaborate in the space of electric mobility. RE and Stark will co-develop bikes in the future Stark technology to be used in future RE electric platforms Royal Enfield ties up with Stark Future: details This investment will pave the way for a long-term partnership in collaborative R&D in electric motorcycles, technology sharing, technical licensing, and manufacturing for Eicher Motors, the statement from the company added. Royal Enfiel...

By BY DAVID W. BROWN from NYT Science https://ift.tt/61jRCK2

Ather Energy is holding its community day on January 7, 2023 and it might just showcase a new product there. While not too many details are known yet, the new Ather electric scooter could be a more comfortable version of its 450X , or it could, perhaps, be an all-new cost-effective product altogether.  New Ather electric scooter might sport a maxi-scooter design Could feature simpler componentry to keep costs low New Ather electric scooter: details Ather currently has two models in its line-up, the 450 Plus and the 450X, and both of them are on the pricier side, as far as e-scooters are concerned. This new scooter could well be a low-cost product and use simpler componentry, for example, a simpler tubular steel frame as opposed to the superior (but expensive) aluminium lattice frame on the 450X.   A while ago, Ather had registered a patent for a new electric scooter whose silhouette resembled that of a maxi-scooter. In keeping with the comfort-oriented them...

Maruti's new-generation K15C 1.5-litre petrol engine is squarely focused on fuel efficiency, and it boasts of an ARAI rating of 20.51kpl in the 2022 Brezza MT, a whopping 3.12kpl improvement over the outgoing Brezza powered by the older gen K15B (17.03kpl). But, in its quest to achieve better fuel efficiency, has Maruti Suzuki significantly dulled the Brezza's performance? Our review certainly indicates so, and to be doubly sure, we put it through our instrumented performance tests. The results are anyone's guess. 2022 Brezza is 60kg heavier than predecessor New K15C makes 2hp and 1Nm torque lesser than K15B Prices for Brezza start from Rs 7.84 lakh Brezza old vs new: performance, 0-100kph compared The 2022 Brezza 's 1.5-litre petrol engine makes 103hp and 137Nm of torque, which is 2hp and 1Nm lesser than the outgoing version. On account of the added features and safety, the 2022 Brezza ZXI+ MT (top variant) tips the scales at 1,190kg, which is 60kg more than ...

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While the performance car segment isn’t large in our market, it does provide the most thrilling and exciting models. Come 2023, we are going to see a slew of new performance cars make it to our market, including the likes of the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato, Maserati MC20, Ferrari Purosangue and the Skoda Octavia iV RS. Here, we have listed all the hot, new cars and SUVs that are arriving in India over the course of next year.  BMW M2 The second-generation BMW M2 is the final pure-combustion offering from the M division. The new M2 gets a squared-off stance with a frameless kidney grille, boot lid spoiler, low-slung rear diffuser and quad exit exhausts. Optional extras include a carbon-fibre roof and an M Race Track package with carbon-fibre bucket seats and an increased top speed of 285kph. Inside, the M2 gets a dual-screen layout comprising a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. Under the hood, it is powered by the ‘B58’ 3.0-litre straight-si...

Toyota  has just launched the Innova Hycross in India, which is now a radically different MPV than what the Innova nameplate has been known for. For the first time, the Innova is now underpinned by a monocoque chassis, gets front-wheel drive, is more feature-laden than ever, and most importantly, gets a strong-hybrid powertrain under its hood. With prices ranging between Rs 18.30 lakh-28.97 lakh (ex-showroom), the Innova Hycross does not have a direct MPV rival, but faces competition from other similarly priced three-row SUVs. We take a look at how the new Innova Hycross compares to the Tata Safari and Mahindra XUV700 on paper, in terms of price, size, powertrain and seating layouts. Toyota Innova Hycross vs Tata Safari vs Mahindra XUV700: dimensions Toyota Innova Hycross vs rivals: dimension Innova Hycross Safari XUV700 Length 4,755mm 4,661mm 4,695mm Width 1,850mm 1,894mm 1,890mm Height 1,795mm 1,786mm 1,755mm Wheelbase 2,850mm 2,741mm 2...

Toyota has launched the Innova Hycross in India, with prices starting from Rs 18.30 lakh and going all the way up to Rs 28.97 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The Innova Hycross  was unveiled in India   days after the new-gen MPV made its global debut in Indonesia as the Innova Zenix . Bookings for the Innova Hycross are already underway for a token amount of Rs 50,000. The new Hycross is the first Innova to be based on monocoque construction and to get a front-wheel drive layout. For the Innova Hycross, Toyota has also ditched the diesel engine. Instead, it gets a 172hp, 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 2.0-litre strong-hybrid unit making a combined output of 184hp. Both engines are only offered with an automatic gearbox - there is a CVT gearbox for the naturally aspirated motor, while the strong-hybrid gets an e-Drive transmission With the Innova Hycross, Toyota has significantly upped the ante with the equipment that it is offering. For instance, it debuts Toyota's S...

Toyota has announced the prices of the much awaited Innova Hycross. The MPV starts at Rs 18.30 lakh for the base petrol variant and goes all the way up to Rs 28.97 lakh (both prices ex-showroom) for the top-end strong hybrid variant. New Innova Hycross available only as an automatic Underpinned by a monocoque architecture Strong hybrid available only on top three trims Bookings for the Innova Hycross are already underway for a token amount of Rs 50,000, and it will be sold alongside the Innova Crysta . Toyota Innova Hycross gets SUV-inspired design  For the new Innova, Toyota has adopted a more SUV-like appearance with a large, upright grille, a high bonnet line and body cladding all round. The hexagonal grille gets gunmetal finish and chrome surrounds down below. It also gets big, stretched out headlamps, which resemble the ones in the Fortuner. The bumpers feature matte silver inserts and massive horizontal Daytime Running Lamps that double up as turn indicators.  ...

Despite the rising popularity of SUVs, MPVs still appeal to those with large families requiring a practical people mover. Next year, Toyota is launching the new Innova Hycross , and a facelifted Innova Crysta. In the premium MPV space, Kia will launch the new generation of the Carnival. Here are all the details of the three new MPVs headed our way. New Kia Carnival  Globally, the new fourth-generation Carnival is offered with two engine options – a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel unit producing 201hp and 440Nm and a 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine churning out 296hp and 355Nm. India will likely get only the diesel powertrain, which is also found in the current Carnival. The fourth-gen Carnival has also received a 5-star Australian NCAP rating Cosmetically, the fourth-gen Carnival has more angular lines and a squared-off stance. It gets a sharper front grille flanked by slimmer headlights. At the rear, it gets a full-width LED light bar and a chrome strip that merges into the chrome ...

An iconic product from India’s two-wheeled past is set to roll out soon in an electric avatar – the electric Kinetic Luna – from the Pune-based Kinetic Engineering Ltd (KEL), which also had another category creator in the Kinetic Honda. Cognisant of the speedy growth of the electric two-wheeler market in India, KEL is targeting the last-mile delivery segment with the E-Luna, among other usage patterns. Electric Kinetic Luna: details Kinetic Engineering has commenced production of chassis and other assemblies for the E-Luna, which is to be launched soon by sister company Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions. KEL has developed all the major subassemblies for the E-Luna including the main chassis, main stand, side-stand and swingarm and has set up a dedicated production line with an initial capacity of 5,000 sets a month.  Kinetic Green, which is headed by Sulajja Firodia Motwani, launched two electric two-wheelers in 2021. In September this year, the company launched the Ki...

Kia has dropped its first teaser for the upcoming Auto Expo 2023, confirming that it will showcase the EV9 electric concept SUV. The EV9 concept was first showcased at the 2021 Los Angeles Motor Show , and is only expected to hit production globally by the end of 2023. The electric SUV will be positioned as Kia’s flagship model in its EV range, and also spawns a cousin in the Hyundai Seven Concept . Kia EV9 electric SUV to be shown in concept form at Auto Expo 2023 Gets up to 77.4kWh battery pack; official range not revealed yet Battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 20 minutes Kia EV9 concept: design and dimensions The Kia EV9 measures 4929mm in length, 2055mm in width and 1790mm in height, which makes it nearly as large as a Range Rover . It has a wheelbase of 3100mm, which is also the largest that can be achieved on Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) platform, the same that underpins the Kia EV6 sold in India. As far as design is concerned, the EV9 conce...