VR Tech Times

Earlier this month, Capcom teased an all-new character named A.K.I. coming to Street Fighter 6 as a DLC fighter. Now, the company has revealed that A.K.I will hit the game later next month on September 27 alongside a twisted gameplay reveal trailer.  When A.K.I. joins the fight next month, she’ll be the 20th playable character in Street Fighter 6, following the first DLC fighter, Rashid, who hit the game in July . Like Rashid and all future DLC fighters, players will encounter A.K.I. across all three modes of Street Fighter 6: World Tour, Fighting Ground, and the Battle Hub.  Check out the A.K.I. gameplay trailer for yourself below for a taste of what to expect:  As you can see, A.K.I. has quite the poisonous moveset. Capcom says she draws much of this toxic personality and moveset from her master, F.A.N.G., first introduced in Street Fighter V. "In the single player World Tour mode, players can learn more about A.K.I.’s interest in the evil Shadaloo organization an...

At a time when global brands like Triumph and Harley-Davidson are entering the Indian market to challenge Royal Enfield's dominance, the Chennai-based bikemaker is aggressively expanding its share in the rivals’ home turf, namely the UK and the US. In key Asian markets, RE in top three Royal Enfield will enter Bangladesh soon Ex-Ducati alum Mario Alvisi has been hired for EV business Royal Enfield was the largest selling mid-size motorcycle brand in the UK – Triumph’s homeland – selling one in every five middle-weight bikes (250-750cc) in Great Britain. Meanwhile, in North America, the home of Harley-Davidson, the brand has already captured 8 percent of the mid-size motorcycle segment last year. With over 1 lakh motorcycles shipped in FY23, Royal Enfield has been rising up the charts in many other international markets. For instance, in South Korea, it is number one, in Thailand, it is number two, and in Austria, France and Italy, it is number three. Also See: Royal Enfi...

Tata Motors  is gearing up to launch the Nexon and Nexon EV facelifts on September 14 . The  Nexon EV  is currently available in two variants – Prime and Max – but these suffixes will be dropped for a new naming strategy. The facelifted Nexon EV is likely to be sold in Medium Range (MR) and Long Range (LR) versions, corresponding to the current Prime and Max variants. Nexon EV facelift to get major cosmetic updates Trim nomenclature will be similar to ICE Nexon Nexon EV to remain mechanically unchanged Tata Nexon EV facelift: what to expect? The new naming strategy will bring the Nexon EV in line with the Tiago EV, which also gets two battery and range options. The Nexon EV facelift’s Medium Range (MR) variant will come in two trims, while the Long Range (LR) variant will come in three trims. Now we have already reported to you with  variant details  of petrol and diesel versions of the Nexon facelift. The Nexon EV facelift will also follow a similar t...

Alfa Romeo's long-awaited 33 Stradale supercar will be its last pure-combustion supercar, the brand has confirmed. In development since 2021, it has been revealed as a head-turning reincarnation of a 1960s racing legend, and offers the choice of V6 or electric power. Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale gets 620hp 2.9-litre V6 engine Its tri-motor EV powertrain produces 750hp Only 33 units will be built Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale powertrain Buyers were offered the choice of two powertrains: a 750hp EV or a mid-rear-mounted 620hp 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6. The latter, pure-combustion car weighs around 1500kg. Confirmed orders have been placed for 10 V6-engined cars and two electric ones. The electric powertrain is the first to be used by any Alfa Romeo and is claimed to be paired with a battery that’s large enough for a range of 450km on the WLTP cycle – though further details remain to be confirmed. The EV will have its own sound engineered into the cabin, as on other EVs such as the B...

The Karizma XMR launch was one of those rare events where a large chunk of the auto media had a personal story to share about the original version of that bike. I suppose that partly gives away the age of the average Indian auto journalist/creator, but it also clearly demonstrates that the Karizma really was one of those iconic, defining bikes in the Indian motorcycling scheme. In my case, it was one of the very first geared motorcycles I got to ride and I still have three deeply imprinted memories. First, the bike felt big and special, second, it was unbelievably soft and cushy to ride and third, the easily accessible, low-end torque was awesome! And it’s those very memories that have left me with one big question - how much of that Karizma lineage has flown down to this brand new machine? This is not only a brand new platform for Hero but it also represents many firsts for the company. This is the first Hero with a liquid cooled, DOHC motor, the first with a steel trellis frame a...

Skoda has revealed the interior of the upcoming second-gen Kodiaq and fourth-gen Superb . The highlight of the interiors of the two models is the use of three knobs to control a majority of the functions in the cars. Skoda Kodiaq, Superb also get a 10.0-inch digital instrument cluster The knobs get a 1.26-inch display, have 4 physicals buttons Kodiaq, Superb PHEVs to have 100km of electric-only range New Skoda Kodiaq, Superb interior and features The new knobs also have small 1.26-inch (32mm) displays that show which function they are controlling. The outer two knobs solely control the temperature along with the seat heating or ventilation function for the driver and passenger. The latter two functions can be accessed by long pressing the knob. The knobs also control seat heating and ventilation. The centre knob controls media volume, fan speed and driving modes by default, with an option to add air direction and map zoom. The three knobs flank four physical buttons that ...

While August was an action-packed month with the launch of the Hero Karizma XMR , TVS X e-scooter , Honda SP160 , new Ola S1 lineup and the Ducati Diavel V4 , September will also see quite a few big-ticket launches.  Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Few motorcycles in India have as steadfast a following as the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 and on September 1, this iconic model will see arguably the biggest revamp of its life cycle. The revamped Bullet 350 will use the charming and refined J-series engine with bodywork thats very resemblant to the Classic 350, but with its own unique touches. This will also be the first Bullet ever to get dual-channel ABS. To read more about the  Bullet 350’s variant breakup, tap here . TVS Apache RR 310-based naked bike Until now, TVS has only spawned one bike from its partnership with BMW, the Apache RR 310. On September 6, TVS will launch the naked streetfighter version of the RR 310, but it won’t be just a rebadged BMW G 310 R. This new naked bik...

As part of its strategy to increase its presence in the growing premium motorcycle market, Hero MotoCorp, the country's largest two-wheeler maker, plans to have a product portfolio of more than half a dozen premium bikes. This corroborates our report from June 2023 that Hero MotoCorp was developing four premium motorcycles, two in the core premium segment and two in the upper premium segment – i.e two Harley X440-based models. Hero to expand premium motorcycle lineup from current two models to six models Plans to have 100 exclusive stores for top-end bikes Investment of about Rs 1,000 crore to be mostly used for premium bikes, EVs Having a modest presence so far with just the Xtreme and Xpulse models, Hero MotoCorp is upping the ante by bringing back its popular nameplate, in the form of the Karizma XMR . Considering the attractive (and introductory) price of Rs 1.73 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), this will help the company bring in incremental sales.  Also See: Hero Karizm...

The Mahindra XUV300 facelift has been spied testing once again on our roads, revealing new details of the production-spec model. The previously sighted test mule was largely wearing temporary parts, but this latest sighting hints at a front and rear end design that’s likely inspired by the BE SUV concepts . We also get a first glimpse of interior of the XUV300 facelift, so let’s take a closer look. First mid-lifecycle update since launch in 2019 XUV300 facelift to get BE SUV concept-inspired styling Expected to remain mechanically unchanged Mahindra XUV300 facelift exterior design The test mule is heavily camouflage, but the drop-down LED daytime running lamp which is still visible through the camouflage has been completely redesigned. This also hints at a redesigned bumper and headlamp assembly, and there’s a new two-part grille with a larger central air intake as well. The XUV300 is expected to have a closer family resemblance with the XUV700 , and also the upcoming BE rang...

Just two weeks after Royal Enfield sent us an official invite for the Himalayan 450 , the production-spec bike has been leaked. As we had already reported earlier, the bike has a very functional design and it still retains the ‘Himalayan’ identity.  Will debut an all-new engine and chassis platform Likely to get a range of touring-focused accessories However, despite its this is not a no-frills machine like the current 411cc bike and we can see that it will get a USD fork, all-LED lighting and as we had spied earlier, brand-new single-pod instrument cluster .  What can also be seen is that the seats on the Himalayan 450 appear to be quite spacious and will likely be conducive to spending long days in the saddle with relative ease. The tank on the Himalayan 450 also looks to be quite substantial in these images and could possibly be larger than the 15 litre unit on the current bike. Supporting the touring credentials of this bike are the front windscreen and rear lugg...

The new Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is the most powerful version of the SUV yet, putting the pure-V8 Turbo GT in second place. The plug-in hybrid super-SUV is now on sale in international markets, with a choice of conventional and coupe body styles.   739hp Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid is Porsche’s most powerful ICE car 0-100kph in 3.7 seconds; top speed of 295kph Max electric-only range of 82km Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid powertrain, design The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid gets 599hp from an "extensively reworked" twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, and 176hp from an electric motor. The combined total output is 739hp and a mammoth 950Nm of torque, making it Porsche’s most powerful ICE car, albeit only in its current portfolio. The German manufacturer has claimed a 0-100kph time of 3.7sec and a top speed of 295kph. Meanwhile, a 25.9kWh battery beneath the boot gives an electric-only range of 82km – significantly more than the 30km offered by the previous ...

Ola Electric has announced that its new S1 series has received a very strong market response. The refreshed and expanded S1 lineup – priced from Rs 89,999 to Rs 1.48 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru) has garnered more than 75,000 bookings since its launch two weeks ago. Ola receives 75,000 bookings in just two weeks for 2023 S1 range All variants have different powertrain, features On August 15, Ola Electric introduced its S1X in three variants – S1 X+, S1 X (2kWh), and S1 X (3kWh). Both, the S1 X+ and the S1 X (3kWh), come with a 6kW motor, a 3kWh battery that has a 151km range, and a top speed of 90kph. The S1 X (2kWh) has the same 6kW motor, though it is powered by a 2kWh battery that gives the scooter a range of 91km and a top speed of 85kph. While deliveries of the S1 X+ are slated to begin next month, deliveries for the S1 X (3kWh) and S1 X (2kWh) scooters will commence in December. On the same day, Ola Electric also launched its second-generation S1 Pro built on a newer pla...

Toyota has just launched the Rumion MPV in India, which is essentially a rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga . With this, Toyota now has the largest MPV portfolio in the country comprising four models – the Rumion, Innova Crysta , Innova Hycross , and Vellfire . If you’re considering purchasing either of the two badge-engineered MPVs, read on to see how they differ. Rumion vs Ertiga: variant line-up and price Maruti Suzuki offers the Ertiga in four trims – LXi, VXi, ZXi and ZXi+. Whereas Toyota offers the Rumion in three trims – S, G and V – that are equivalent to Ertiga’s top three trims. This gives the Ertiga the advantage of a lower starting price (Rs 8.64 lakh for the LXi MT variant). The Rumion is priced between Rs 10.29 lakh-13.68 lakh, while the Ertiga is priced between Rs 8.64-13.08 lakh. The Toyota costs Rs 51,000 to 61,000 more than the Maruti, depending on the variant. Rumion vs Ertiga: exterior and interior On the outside, the Rumion and Ertiga have a lot i...

<p><img src="https://ift.tt/abP7xyC" width="800" height="450" alt="Sonic Superstars" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC Publisher: Sega Developer: Arzest, Sonic Team Release: <time datetime="2023-10-17T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">October 17, 2023</time> Rating: Everyone <p>As part of <a href="https://ift.tt/d5yY6aG last issue's cover story</a>, we provided exclusive insight into Sonic Superstars, the upcoming 2D platformer starring everyone's favorite blue hedgehog. We gave first hands-on impressions with several never-before-seen zones (read all about them <a href="https://ift.tt/Y4dAWZg), but I recently got my hands on another all-new zone that I didn't see earlier this summer. Not only that, but I also experienced perhaps my...

Honda has updated its popular Hornet 2.0 with a few small, but meaningful features for 2023, and it now costs Rs 1.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).  Now OBD-2 compliant; peak output and weight are unchanged Slipper clutch a good addition, which puts it on par with rivals Honda Hornet 2.0: what’s new for 2023?   The most noteworthy change to the Hornet 2.0 is that a slipper clutch is now part of the features list. Considering its rivals have had it for quite some time, the Hornet 2.0 is finally on a level playing field in this respect. And, ofcourse, the bike has also been updated to meet the latest OBD-2 emission norms . Slowly but surely, Honda is introducing a 10-year warranty (three-year standard + seven-year optional) on all its single-cylinder models, and the Hornet 2.0 is the latest to join that list, after the CB350 lineup .  Other than these minor differences, not much has changed. The Hornet 2.0 continues to be powered by the same air-cooled, 184cc, single-...

The latest from Sabotage, the creators of 2018's The Messenger , is a fantastic throwback that takes lessons from the best 16-bit RPGs of the past while ignoring all the annoying elements that makes some of those games hard to go back to. You can absolutely dive in blind, but I highly recommend reading this update on the game's Kickstarter page . Titled Prologue - The Two Alchemists, it basically lays the groundwork for the universe Sea of Stars takes place in and establishes two important characters I was grateful to have known more about when I started the game. Know The Prologue To quickly summarize, Aephorul and Resh’an are alchemists who figured out the secret to immortal life, but it turns out being immortal is kind of terrible and the two came to this realization in opposing ways. Aephorul turned evil and gleefully spreads chaos across the world with monsters (known as Dwellers) and became known as The Fleshmancer. Resh’an embraced good and tries to make life better f...

I am looking to buy a Toyota Fortuner, but I’m confused as to whether I should go for the Fortuner Legender, or get the standard Fortuner. What are the differences between the two? Ganpat Ghorpade, Navi Mumbai The Legender is, essentially, a more upmarket iteration of the Fortuner with several cosmetic bits inside and out, which make it more appealing. However, Toyota asks for a premium of Rs 5.4 lakh over the standard Fortuner. On the outside, the Legender gets a unique alloy wheel design, sportier bumpers, slimmer headlamps, and a unique front grille. In addition, it also gets sequential turn indicators and an exclusive white and black paint scheme. On the inside, the Legender gets a black-and-maroon colour scheme, with contrast stitching in maroon, while the standard Fortuner can be had with an all-black or chamois interior. In addition, the Legender also gets black dials for the instrument cluster (blue on the standard Fortuner), a rear USB charging port, wireless smartphone c...

In what will surely be a highly controversial move to stay afloat, several electric two-wheeler companies have plans to authorise their dealers to request about 2.5 lakh customers to refund money for a product sold to them at a lower price. The process will be carried out through a public notice that is likely to be issued this week. Hero Electric, Ampere, Revolt, Benling and Amo Mobility are signatories of the public notice to be issued by the Society of Manufacturers for Electric Vehicles (SMEV). They have sought a refund from customers who bought their vehicles between January 2020 and September 2022. Our sister publication Autocar Professional is in possession of a copy of the public notice which states, “Customers of e-scooters are hereby notified that the Ministry of Heavy Industries has decided that certification of electric scooters of these brands that were sold during January 2020 and September 2022, and which were subsidised under the FAME II scheme, is being revoked due ...

Reviewed on: PC Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC Publisher: Sabotage Developer: Sabotage Release: August 29, 2023 Rating: Everyone 10+ Sea of Stars is like a great genre film by a skilled director. It looks and feels familiar; you basically know what to expect and can probably even predict the major beats, but it doesn’t hinder the experience. The intention is so well-executed that I was eager to soak it all in and, in this case, swim in the stars. I dreaded Sea of Stars’ conclusion not because I feared the worst but because I didn’t want to leave the world and stop playing. Overtly inspired by 16-bit RPG greats like Super Mario RPG and primarily Chrono Trigger, Sea of Stars is a journey about a group of friends that grows in size and experience throughout an approximately 25-hour adventure. The story centers on two Solstice Warriors, children delivered by a magical eagle instead of traditional childbirth, who can control the ...