VR Tech Times

Land Rover has launched the Defender 130 in India – the third bodystyle for the off-roader – thereby completing the three-pronged model line-up of 90, 110 and 130, with the first two being  on sale since 2020 . Available in HSE and X trims, the new Land Rover Defender 130 has been priced between Rs 1.30 crore-1.41 crore (ex-showroom, India), and is available with both petrol and diesel engine options. The 130 is the longest variant in the Defender line-up and, crucially, comes with a three-row layout with seating for up to eight people. Defender 130 gets both petrol and diesel engines in India Gets two-three-three seating configuration Rivals the likes of the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS Here’s a detailed look at the price list of the Defender 130 in India: Land Rover Defender 130: price (ex-showroom) Variants Price 3.0 Petrol HSE Rs 1.30 crore 3.0 Petrol X Rs 1.41 crore 3.0 Diesel HSE Rs 1.30 crore 3.0 Diesel X Rs 1.41 crore Land Rover De...

The 312cc engine has been one of the less impressive parts of BMW’s G 310 single-cylinder model lineup, and the German manufacturer could be set to address this issue with an update soon. Recent patent filing shows new ShiftCam single-cylinder engine Two different cam profiles for inlet valves Likely to feature on G 310 models A recent patent filing has shown BMW to be working on a ShiftCam system for a single-cylinder engine featuring dual overhead camshafts. The G 310 bikes and the C 400 range of scooters are the only single-cylinder models in BMW’s lineup, but the latter uses a single overhead camshaft, meaning that these patent drawings almost certainly pertain to the G 310 range (unless BMW is developing an all-new single-cylinder engine). As for the system itself, it uses a solenoid actuator to slide the intake camshaft along its axis, thereby bringing different cam profiles in contact with the inlet valves. There is one cam profile for lower RPMs, which features shorter ...

Elon Musk run Tesla could take the wraps off the much-awaited Model 2 hatchback at the brand’s Investor Day event on March 1, 2023. Along with the Model 2, the brand is also expected to announce a new EV platform that will spawn multiple future Tesla models. Model 2 will sit on a new EV platform Expected to have around 400km range Likely to be built in China for global markets Could get new Gen 3 platform Along with what appears to be sketches of a facelifted Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y , a side-profile drawing of what would be Tesla’s smallest model – and its cheapest – was shown in a preview video for the major event. The model had three doors and much smaller, squatter proportions than the Model 3. Although not officially confirmed, it's likely that it could be the first car to use the American firm's next-generation EV platform – codenamed Generation 3 – and be called the Tesla Model 2. Musk had previously said that the platform will ensure that Tesla can...

Yulu has launched two new e-bikes in India, the Miracle GR and Dex GR, and both are made by Chetak Technologies Limited (CTL), Bajaj’s subsidiary for catering to the EV segment.    Miracle GR a personal use vehicle, Dex GR last-mile delivery vehicle Both have a claimed 25 kph top speed, hub-mounted motor Yulu Miracle GR, Dex GR e-bikes: details Both these new Yulu e-bikes are based on the same platform and have identical underpinnings. What this means is that you get a telescopic fork/twin shock absorber (front/rear) suspension set-up and drum brakes at both ends. Top speed for both is an identical 25kph as well.  Both the Yulu Miracle GR and Dex GR get a hub-mounted motor, an LED headlight and tail-lamp and a centre stand. The Dex GR gets a rear rack which has a payload capacity of 15kg. The Dex scooters have already been on the road for a while now and can be seen wherever Yulu has its stations set up. Yulu is currently the sole customer of its subsidiary Yuma...

Citroen recently launched the eC3 with an introductory starting price of Rs 11.50 lakh for the Live trim going up to Rs 12.13 lakh for the Feel trim. Bookings for the Citroen eC3 are already underway for Rs 25,000, and the electric hatchback will be on sale in 25 cities across India. Essentially an EV version of the C3, it gets a front axle-mounted electric motor that makes 57hp and 143Nm. This output enables the high-riding electric hatchback to go from 0-60kph in a claimed 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 107kph. Citroen eC3 comes in two variants Like its petrol counterpart, the eC3 also comes in two trims – Live and Feel. In terms of equipment too, the eC3 closely matches the ICE-powered C3. Here is a detailed breakdown of features between the two variants. Citroen eC3 Live (Rs 11.50 lakh) Body coloured bumpers  Connected car tech  Air conditioner  Front power windows  Dual airbags ABD with EBD  Citroen eC3 Feel (Rs 12.13 lakh) In addition to ...

How do you remake a game many consider to be a masterpiece? In our conversation with Resident Evil 4 (Remake)'s Director Yasuhiro Ampo and Game Director Kazunori Kadoi, we learned a few of the ways the team at Capcom is attempting this. From quality-of-life improvements and updated controls to a new knife system and parry mechanics, they've done quite a lot; and you can learn about it in the video below. For more Resident Evil 4, check out Game Informer's YouTube Channel to see the rest of our coverage of the game. You can also visit our hub for exclusive RE4 coverage , or watch the new trailer revealed at Sony's recent State of Play. Disclaimer: Capcom helped to arrange and cover travel accommodations for two in Osaka, Japan, in association with this cover story. As the world’s largest video game magazine, Game Informer’s editorial team is proud to remain impartial, professional, and committed to the truth in all forms of our content, regardless of any outside fa...

Just a few days ago, we reported that the Royal Enfield 650 twins were updated overseas, and now, we have learned that these updated models will be launched in India in just a few weeks’ time. Updated models to get alloy wheels, LED headlight, USB charger Will be OBD-2 compliant Updated Royal Enfield 650 twins: what’s changed?  The big talking point of this update are the black alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, which should answer the prayers of owners who have been clamouring for this feature since the bikes were launched. Tasks like patching a puncture or changing a tyre should also become easier thanks to the tubeless tyres. Currently, the cast alloy rims are only present on the blacked-out variants of both bikes, but we expect this feature to trickle down to the rest of the colourways or at least be offered as an accessory. Another crucial change is compliance with the more stringent OBD-2 norms, which come into effect in just over a month’s time, on April 1, 2023. T...

By BY OLIVER WHANG from NYT Science https://ift.tt/SniLzFv

The Hyundai Alcazar petrol has received a change of heart. The SUV now gets the new 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine good for 160hp and 253 NM that replaces the ageing 2.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol that churned out 159hp and 192Nm, making the new engine up on power by 1hp and 61Nm.  Bookings for the updated Alcazar are now open and booking amount has been set at Rs 25,000. Alcazar now gets six airbags in all variants New 160hp turbo petrol engine No mechanical changes for Alcazar diesel Hyundai Alcazar 1.5T: what’s new? As reported above, Hyundai’s new 160hp 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine will be seen under the hood of the Alcazar SUV.  This new engine will also be seen on the all-new Verna that debuts on March 21 and is also expected to be seen on the Creta and even the Kia line-up that includes the Seltos and the Carens . The new 1.5-liter 160hp engine has class leading power not just for the petrol mid-size SUV segment that has models like the Alcazar, Creta ...

Citroen has launched the eC3 in India, the electric version of the ICE-powered C3 hatchback. The eC3 starts at an introductory Rs 11.50 lakh for the Live variant, going up to Rs 12.43 lakh for the Feel variant with dual-tone paint option and Vibe Pack. Bookings for the Citroen eC3 are already underway for Rs 25,000.  Features two driving modes - Eco, Standard Gets a 29.2kWh battery pack Squarely rivals the Tiago EV Here’s a detailed break-up of the prices of the Citroen eC3 electric.  Citroen eC3 prices Variant Price Live Rs 11.50 lakh Feel Rs 12.13 lakh Feel Vibe Pack Rs 12.18 lakh Feel dual-tone Vibe Pack Rs 12.43 lakh Citroen eC3 electric: powertrain, range and charging The Citroen eC3 gets a 29.2kWh battery pack, which powers the front axle-mounted electric motor that makes 57hp and 143Nm of peak torque. With this power, the eC3 can accelerate from 0-60 kph in a claimed 6.8 seconds and achieve a top-speed of 107kph. The C...

The next-gen Hyundai Verna has been leaked in full, thanks to new undisguised spy images of the car that have surfaced from South Korea. While Hyundai already previewed the next-gen Verna through a couple of design sketches , these new images give us a first, complete look at the production-spec car. Hyundai will officially take the wraps off the new Verna on March 21, and bookings are already underway for a token amount of Rs 25,000. New Verna gets front and rear LED light bars Will get ADAS features, twin-screen infotainment set-up Will be powered by two petrol engines, no diesel New Hyundai Verna: exterior styling The new Verna uses Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language with styling cues that can already be seen on a few Hyundai models sold in India, but it also gets its own unique touches. Up front, the new Verna gets a split LED headlamp set-up with a new full-width LED light bar, but the grille, for instance, gets i20 -like detailing and spans almost the entire ...

I want a car that’s purely fun to drive and have shortlisted the Volkswagen Virtus GT and the Tata Nexon EV Max. Does it make sense to wait for the Tata Curvv? Ramesh, Trivandrum Autocar India says: Both cars are fun in their own way, so it depends on what your concept of fun is. The Nexon EV Max is very effortless to drive and is very responsive off the line, it so will give you your thrills in the city. The Virtus GT is a more involving car and can be best enjoyed out of the city on a highway or mountain road where it will be impractical to take the Nexon EV Max. In short, the Nexon EV Max is more enjoyable in the city, while the Virtus is a better overall driver’s car that can be savoured on any open road. The Curvv is yet to go on sale and we are yet to drive the SUV, so we shall reserve our verdict till then. Also see: Volkswagen Virtus review: New Honda City rival is a Jetta reborn 2022 Volkswagen Virtus video review Volkswagen Virtus 1.0 TSI MT review: Owner’s manual...

By BY SAM ROBERTS from NYT Science https://ift.tt/j65KBHa

Antonio Felix da Costa pulled off what could go down as some of the most memorable overtakes in Formula E history to win the inaugural Cape Town E-Prix. The Season 6 champion defeated  Hyderabad E-Prix  winner Jean-Eric Vergne to take his first win since joining Porsche. Joining them on the podium was Envision Racing Nick Cassidy. Da Costa wins, 0.281 secs ahead of Vergne Cassidy completes podium Wehrlein leads championship despite retirement Mahindra-powered cars pull out of Cape Town E-Prix The round was a complete write-off for Indian squad Mahindra Racing and customer team Abt Cupra. All four cars were withdrawn even before qualifying, with Mahindra citing “rear suspension safety concerns”. There is now a four-week break until the Sao Paulo E-Prix, and Mahindra says a thorough inspection of the suspension elements will take place once the team returns to its base in the UK. The team could be handed penalties if it does opt to change its suspension design. Da Cost...

Bentley has announced that it will end the production of its famed W12 engine. The brand has developed the most powerful version of the engine for the limited-run Bentley Batur. Production of the twin-turbocharged unit will stop in April 2024, with the British firm now planning to focus on its 'Beyond100' strategy, under which all of its models will be electrified by 2030. Bentley to focus on hybrid V8 and V6 engines Twin-turbo W12 engine was first introduced in 2003 Over 1 lakh units of the engine have been produced Most powerful iteration of the Bentley W12 engine Bentley has concluded the development of its final 6.0-litre W12 engine, which will be the most powerful version yet. This unit will power 18 Mulliner-crafted Batur coupés , with updated intake, exhaust and cooling systems. The engine also gains a redesigned turbocharger compressor, new ducts that are 33 percent larger than before, in addition to a new transmission calibration. Courtesy of these updates, th...

I want to buy a new petrol car under Rs 8 lakh, on-road. My usage will mainly be on the highway and I am confused between the Citroen C3, Tata Altroz, Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Tata Punch. My family has had the Swift diesel and Amaze diesel previously. Amit Kamboj, Yamuna Nagar Autocar India says: We feel the Baleno will be your best choice because it is the most spacious and comfortable of the lot on long journeys, has an efficient and peppy 1.2 engine, and is well-equipped. It also has six airbags to offer protection for both front and rear occupants. Marutis are also generally reliable and have the best sales and service network, which is useful when you are doing long-distance trips. Also see: 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno review: More than meets the eye 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno video review 2021 Honda Amaze facelift review, test drive 2021 Honda Amaze facelift video review Citroen C3 review: Haute cross fun 2022 Citroen C3 video review Tata Punch review, t...

0-240kph in 4.9sec, a gravitational pull of 4.8G, twists and turns as sharp as a fighter jet, and only a seat latch holding you into place. That is the Formula Rossa at Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi – the world’s fastest roller coaster. Clearly, nothing can come close to offering the same feeling on the road. Or can it? What about an actual Ferrari? What about one with 830hp, a 0-100kph time of just 2.8sec and a top speed of 330kph? What about a 296 GTB? To find out, I took a trip to Dubai where I made my acquaintance with the 296 GTB for the first time. Finished in Argento Nürburgring (because a Ferrari paint shade can’t be as basic as ‘Silver’), the 296 was gleaming in the bright middle eastern sun.   However, I had no time to sit and romanticise about the design. I fired up the mid-mounted 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, expecting that classic Ferrari eruption on start-up, only to be greeted by the ping of the electronics coming on. Yes, I had forgotten that the 296 GTB is essentially ...

None of the e-scooters launched till date have had such a singular focus on practicality as the recently-launched River Indie . Read on to see how it compares to the five other Indian e-scooters on paper.   River Indie vs rivals: electric motor, battery & charging electric motor, battery & charging River Indie Ola S1 Pro Ather 450X TVS iQube S Bajaj Chetak Vida V1 Pro Peak motor output 6.7kW 8.5kW 6.2kW 4.4kW 4.2kW 6kW Continuous motor output NA 5.5kW 3.3kW 3kW 4kW 3.9kW Rated torque 26 Nm 58 Nm 26 Nm 33 Nm 20 Nm 25 Nm Claimed top speed 90 kph 116 kph 90 kph 78 kph 69 kph 80 kph Battery capacity 4 kWh 4kWh 3.7kWh 3.04kWh 2.88kWh 3.94kWh Claimed ARAI range/world range 120 km (real-world) 181 km (ARAI) 146 km/105 km 100 km (ARAI) 90 km (ARAI) 165 km/95 km Charging time 0-80% in 5 hrs 0-100% in 6hr30min 0-80% in 4hr30min 0-80% in 4hr30min 0-100% in 4hr 0-80% in 5hr55min The River I...

Coming out of Auto Expo 2023, my business partner asked me, “So which will be the world’s best auto show post Covid?” “CES,” I replied. I did not have to think much before answering. It came to me quite naturally. CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is actually the premier auto show in the world today, overtaking the likes of Frankfurt, Geneva and Tokyo in no time. The 2023 edition in Las Vegas (the venue since its inception in 1967) saw the unveiling of close to 15 production and concept vehicles, from legacy automakers like VW and Peugeot to new kids on the block like Vinfast and Holon. Anyone in the auto industry who has anything cutting-edge to launch and tease wants to do so at CES! They rub shoulders with other big names in the world of technology like Microsoft, Samsung, Amazon, Intel and Google. It is all about an integrated consumer experience where different domain experts in the world of technology come together to present the living ecosystem of tomorrow. It is where the veh...

I am planning to buy a car within a budget of Rs 35 lakh, on-road. I have shortlisted the Hyundai Tucson and Skoda Octavia, although I am more inclined towards the Octavia L&K. I am waiting to see if Skoda decides to pull the plug due to RDE norms. Is it the right decision? The Tucson is a credible product, but the petrol engine lacks lustre. Tushar Sharma, Gandhinagar Autocar India says: We have reported that Skoda is definitely discontinuing both the Octavia and Superb with the implementation of RDE norms. So if you wait, chances are there will be no Octavia in the market. Our advice would be to snap up the Octavia before it is sold out and discontinued because there is simply no other alternative to it. The Tucson petrol, as you said, is lacklustre in comparison to the Octavia’s brilliant 2.0 TSI engine, and the overall drive feel of the Skoda is far superior too. Also see: 2021 Skoda Octavia review, test drive 2021 Skoda Octavia video review 2022 Hyundai Tucson review: ...

Honda has lately been launching quite a few retro-inspired models with the likes of the Hawk 11 cafe racer and the CB650R neo-retro bike. In fact, even its flagship superbike, the 30th anniversary special edition CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP features the same paint scheme as the original CBR900RR. Now, Honda has introduced three new electric mopeds in the form of the Cub e:, Dax e: and Zoomer e:, which have styling cues from some very popular petrol-powered Honda minibikes of yesteryear. All three have pedal assistance, 25kph top speed Range varies between 64km-90km on a single charge Honda Cub e:, Dax e: and Zoomer e: details Let’s begin with the Honda Cub e:, which arguably has the most familiar design (and name) of the lot. The design of the Cub e: is based on the bestselling two-wheeler in history, the original Honda Cub. In continuous series production since 1958, it got a thoroughly modern update in 2018 with the introduction of the Honda Super Cub C125 . The Cub e: has a ...

This week on All Things Nintendo, Brian and Wesley give a massive round up of impressions for games like Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, Octopath Traveler II, Metroid Prime Remastered, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line, and more. Before that, the two speculate what Pokémon Day 2023 might have in store for us, Xbox's new plans for Switch (yes, you read that right), and what the final trailer for  The Super Mario Bros. Movie might have for us. If you'd like to follow Brian on social media, you can do so on his Instagram:  @BrianPShea . You can follow Wesley on Twitter:  @LeBlancWes . 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...

Nintendo has confirmed that it will not participate in E3 this year. This comes in the wake of a recent report stating the three console makers plan to skip the annual event entirely this year. Sony and Microsoft have yet to confirm any formal attendance.  In a statement to IGN , Nintendo say E3 didn’t fit into its plans but will continue to support the event alongside its organizer, the ESA.  "We approach our involvement in any event on a case-by-case basis and are always considering various ways to engage with our fans. Since this year’s E3 show didn’t fit into our plans, we have made the decision to not participate. However, we have been and continue to be a strong supporter of the ESA and E3." Although Nintendo was the first of the three console makers to stop holding live E3 press conferences in favor of pre-recorded Direct videos, it was also the last one to have a traditional booth on the show floor. Up until the last traditional show in 2019, Nintendo still had a...

Today’s PlayStation State of Play concluded with an in-depth look at Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League by Rocksteady Games. Set five years after Batman: Arkham Knight, the adventure centers on the villains turned government-mandated saviors trying to stop a global invasion by Brainiac, who has hijacked the minds of Earth’s greatest heroes. Metropolis serves as the game’s sandbox, and the adventure can be enjoyed alone or with up to three other friends in co-op (requiring an internet connection for both). The video presentation highlights each Squad member’s traits. Harley Quinn is the most acrobatic, sporting a grappling hook to swing across buildings. Deadshot uses a jetpack to fly or hover while using various assault weapons to riddle foes with bullets. King Shark relies on his brute strength, while Captain Boomerang uses a speed force gauntlet to quickly zip around enemies. As a third-person shooter, every character wields a variety of customizable firearms that can...

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/kv5KONy

BMW will introduce the mid-life updates for its popular X5 SUV by August this year. The refreshed BMW X5 was revealed overseas recently.  Additionally, the updated BMW Z4 roadster will also go on sale in India by May this year along with the all-new BMW M2 that is also expected to see a price announcement around the same time period.  BMW X5 will get cosmetic tweaks, curved digital panels Z4 facelift will be priced around Rs 90 lakh (ex-showroom) New BMW M2 launch also by May 2023 BMW X5 facelift for India: launch by August 2023 The updated X5 gets lightly reworked exterior styling with a reprofiled front bumper and more design differences for the M sport model. Some of the styling bits are inspired by the recently introduced refreshed BMW X7 flagship SUV.  On the inside, the SUV gets more updates like the new curved digital panel mounted atop a lightly reworked dashboard. Running the latest 8.0 version of BMW’s iDrive operating system, it houses a 12.3-inch i...