Tag Archives: anticipated

News

Honda Expected To Update 2024 Africa Twin

Honda is planning to release significant updates to its flagship adventure bike, the CRF 1100 Africa Twin, for the 2024 model-year. Reports suggest that the new Africa Twin will feature improvements to the engine, chassis, and overall setup, with a focus on road riding.

According to a recent article by German motorcycling publication Motorroad Online, technical data on the 2024 Honda Africa Twin has been filed with the Swiss Federal Roads Office. The report indicates that the 2024 model will have a slight increase in torque, with 78.4 pound-feet (112 Newton-meters) compared to the previous model’s 73.5 pound-feet (105 Newton-meters). The updated model will also produce peak torque at a lower rpm, 5,500 rpm compared to the previous model’s 6,250 rpm. The peak power is expected to remain the same at 102 horsepower.

2023 Honda Africa Twin Blue Glint Wave Metallic Tricolor

2023 Honda Africa Twin 

Another major change is the introduction of a 19-inch front wheel. The current Africa Twin has enduro wheel sizes with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel. The 2024 Africa Twin will have 110/80-19 front tire and a 150/70-18 rear tire, indicating a shift towards a more road-focused model. It’s important to note that the Africa Twin Adventure Sports model is expected to retain the 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheelset.

The 2024 Africa Twin is expected to gain 6.6 pounds (three kilograms), although the report does not specify where the weight has been added. Additionally, there is a possibility of adding premium technology such as front and rear radar, cameras, and adaptive cruise control.

Fans of the Africa Twin can anticipate the release of the 2024 model at EICMA in November 2023. More information is likely to be announced closer to the event, and we will keep you updated as it becomes available.

News

Is A Harley-Davidson X440 Trademark Tussle Brewing In India?

The launch of the Harley-Davidson X440 in India was highly anticipated and received positive reviews. Over 25,000 bikes were prebooked in the first month, which is a significant achievement for any OEM.

However, there seems to be a potential trademark issue brewing. Ultraviolette, an Indian electric two-wheeler startup, has applied for a trademark on the name “X44.” The application was approved and published in the government’s official journal with a status of “Accepted and Advertised.”

Ultraviolette’s opposition to the X 440 trademark filed by Hero MotoCorp, the manufacturer of the Harley-Davidson X 440, has been officially registered. Ultraviolette applied for its X44 trademark before Hero MotoCorp, but Hero MotoCorp’s trademark was published in the official journal slightly earlier. The trademark opposition process in India requires the opposing party to file a notice within four months of the publication date, which Ultraviolette has done.

If Hero MotoCorp chooses to respond, there will be hearings where evidence will be presented by both parties. Depending on the outcome, there may also be appeals. Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson are likely to have legal resources at their disposal to handle trademark issues, while Ultraviolette is a smaller company founded in 2016.

It remains to be seen how this trademark tussle will play out, but we will provide updates as they become available.

Featured

Discover 6 Incredible Cars For Auction At RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2023

Monterey Car Week is an exciting time for automotive enthusiasts, collectors, and manufacturers. The event brings together some of the rarest and most exclusive cars in the world, all in one place on the California coast. RM Sotheby’s Monterey Car Week sale features six incredible cars that tell diverse stories of automotive history, performance, and design. Let’s take a closer look at these remarkable cars and get a taste of the incomparable splendor of Monterey Car Week.

RM Sotheby's Monterey

1957 Land Rover Series I

The 1957 Land Rover Series I is one of the early models that established Land Rover as a leader in off-road capability. This specific Series I has a fascinating history, having been ordered by the legendary Canadian “Rover Boys” who drove it around the world. After being rediscovered in 2014, it was restored to its original specifications. It retains its original body and is a testament to the adventurous spirit of Land Rover.

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RM Sotheby's Monterey

2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Piloti

The 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Piloti is a special edition of the already impressive 488 Pista. It features a special livery inspired by racing and was exclusively offered to Ferrari’s client racing drivers. This particular example has custom options and a total MSRP of $546,581. It represents the pinnacle of track-focused performance in the Ferrari lineup.

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RM Sotheby's Monterey

1958 Porsche 356 Speedster

The 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster is a classic example of Porsche’s iconic models. This beautifully restored car is being offered for sale for the first time in over 50 years. It comes with a range of accessories, including a 1950s Pan Am leather luggage set. With its timeless design, the 356 Speedster represents a golden age in the automotive world.

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RM Sotheby's Monterey

2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante

The 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante is a collaboration between Aston Martin and Italian design house Zagato. This limited edition roadster is one of only 99 produced, and it features a unique green paintwork and a range of custom options. With its striking design and luxurious features, the Vanquish Zagato Volante is truly a collector’s dream.

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RM Sotheby's Monterey

1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series I ‘Interim’ by Pininfarina

The 1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series I ‘Interim’ is a timeless grand touring car designed by Pininfarina. This particular example is one of only 124 produced and features a unique mix of earlier design elements and newer features. It has an interesting history, having sustained roof damage during Hurricane Charley in 2004 when the building it was stored in collapsed. Despite this, it remains a testament to Ferrari’s classic design and craftsmanship.

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RM Sotheby's Monterey

1949 Jaguar XK 120

The 1949 Jaguar XK 120 is a truly iconic car from one of the most renowned automakers in history. This example features vibrant red paintwork and has been meticulously restored and maintained since 1990. With its combination of beauty, power, and luxury, the XK 120 represents the essence of Jaguar’s legacy. It will be showcased at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, making it a must-see attraction during Monterey Car Week.

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News

‘Baby Defender’ to be added to JLR’s compact SUV lineup by 2027

Land Rover is set to introduce a new ‘baby Defender’ model as part of its compact SUV lineup. This model has been rumoured for a while but has never appeared on JLR’s official product roadmap. It will join the next-generation Range Rover Evoque, Velar, and Land Rover Discovery Sport as a sibling model, sharing the company’s new EMA electric vehicle platform.

During JLR’s recent investor conference, CEO Adrian Mardell confirmed the expansion of the Defender family into the compact 4×4 segment. He stated that the Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery brands will all be built on the same platform. This sheds light on the mysterious fourth model line that will be produced alongside the three electric SUVs at JLR’s Halewood factory.

Mardell did not provide further details, but the confirmation of the smaller Defender using the electric-only EMA architecture gives insight into the new model. It may be named the Defender Sport and could be available as soon as 2027. Compared to the current combustion engine-powered Defender, the baby Defender will be smaller in dimensions.

The new model will use a different platform than the current D7 platform used by the Defender and Discovery. It will adopt the MLA structure, which is used for combustion engine-powered and future electric variants of the Range Rover. The baby Defender is expected to be around 4.6m long, 2m wide, and less than 1.8m tall, making it similar in size to the upcoming Dacia Bigster and Skoda Kodiaq.

JLR’s goal is to separate each of its core brands into distinct product lines. The “House of Brands” retail strategy will position the Defender family as “embrace the impossible,” emphasizing the vehicle’s off-road heritage. The baby Defender will maintain the rugged, go-anywhere ethos that made the Defender famous, with squared-off lower quarters, body cladding, and simple panels to enhance its off-roading capabilities.

The EMA-based cars, including the baby Defender, will feature 800V charging architecture and high-energy density batteries manufactured by Tata’s UK-based factory. These advancements will allow for quick charging and slimmer batteries, leaving more space in the cabin. Additionally, the baby Defender will have a raised ride height, aligning with Land Rover’s ethos for its smallest cars to embody the Defender brand.

The current Defender is a significant contributor to JLR’s global sales. The baby Defender, priced lower than its full-size sibling but with similar attributes, has the potential to become a key volume player for JLR, particularly in the UK where it is rumored to be manufactured. The success of the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport, both downsized interpretations of iconic SUVs, suggests that there is a demand for compact SUVs in the premium car market.

News

The Kawasaki Z900RS To Get A Yellow Ball Edition In Japan

A special edition of the Z900RS will be released on July 15, 2023. Kawasaki, the Japanese brand, is paying homage to its Z1 model with a yellow and black paint job, which is showcased in this edition.

The Kawasaki Z900RS is known for its traditional style of motorcycle building and is a popular choice in the heavy-middleweight category. It features an inline-four engine, attractive looks, and is a reliable bike with a close-to-a-liter engine that carries a heritage.

In terms of specifications, the special edition will be similar to the standard Z900RS, equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), Kawasaki traction control 2.0 (ETC 2.0), and a 948cc inline-four engine that produces 106 horsepower and 70 pound-feet of torque. The suspension, brakes, and wheels will remain unchanged from the standard model.

However, what sets this bike apart is the Yellow Ball colorway. Kawasaki describes the Yellow Ball Edition as having vibrant yellow balls arranged on a deep candy green base with a special layer coating technique that creates a glossy and heavy texture. The tank mark features a heritage Kawasaki emblem that enhances the Z1 image. The Z900RS Yellow Ball Edition pays attention to detail, from bolts and wheels to instruments, fuel tanks, seats, and tail covers. Kawasaki has taken great care in developing this special edition Z900RS.

The price of the special edition Z900RS will be 1,420,000 yen with a consumption tax of 142,000 yen, which is approximately $11,000 USD based on current exchange rates.

The Yellow Ball Edition will only be available at Kawasaki Plaza dealerships in Japan, with locations in Akita, Morioka, Koriyama, Sendai 6-chome, and Yamagata.