Tag Archives: appeared

News

Is Another Harley-Davidson X 440-Based Model On The Way In India?

Back in mid-September 2023, we informed you about a potential trademark dispute between Hero MotoCorp and Ultraviolette over the trademark for the X 440. This bike, developed in a partnership between Hero and Harley-Davidson, features a Harley-Davidson badge. Ultraviolette registered its opposition to this trademark, claiming that it resembled its own application for the name “X44.”

While there is no update on the specific Hero trademark at this time, there is some interesting information about another trademark filed by Hero MotoCorp. On March 6, 2023, Hero applied for two trademarks. One of them is for the name “Hurikan,” which may not seem significant on its own.

However, the second trademark filed on the same day is for “Hurikan 440.” This suggests a connection to the Harley-Davidson X440 in some way.

Both trademarks related to Hurikan have been accepted and advertised according to records from Intellectual Property India. The trademark for Hurikan 440 was published in journal 2119-0 on August 28, 2023, while the trademark for Hurikan was published in journal 2124-0 on October 2, 2023.

Although the naming convention seems related to the Harley-Davidson X 440, there is no evidence yet to suggest what exactly the Hurikan and Hurikan 440 could refer to. There have been no reports of test mules or models with these designations from Hero or other motorcycle manufacturers in India.

It is uncertain whether the names Hurikan and Hurikan 440 are intended for use under Hero MotoCorp or Harley-Davidson branding. The trademark for the X 440 was applied for by Hero MotoCorp, not Harley-Davidson, as shown in the Ultraviolette trademark opposition documents.

Typically, major motorcycle manufacturers invest time and money into research and development for a new bike and then use it as a platform for multiple models. While trademark registrations do not always translate into actual products, if Hurikan does materialize, we will keep you informed about any new developments.

Cars

This 1986 Oldsmobile Concept Car Has One Of The Coolest Steering Wheels We’ve Ever Seen

Amongst the many vaguely sci-fi-inspired concept cars that appeared throughout the 1980s, the 1986 Oldsmobile Incas stands out due to its commitment to an unconventional design.

The most striking feature of the Incas is its steering wheel, or rather, “steering handle”. Unlike a traditional wheel, it is not circular in shape. Instead, it consists of two parallel metallic grips surrounded by an array of buttons commonly found on a car’s dashboard. This handle not only controls turning signals and windshield wipers, but also serves as the transmission shifter, hazard lights switch, headlight controls, HVAC controls, and more. In fact, there are no buttons or levers anywhere else on the dashboard, making it a unique design choice.

If the steering handle’s retro-futuristic design isn’t enough, the Incas also features innovative doors. While most may associate retro-futuristic car doors with the gullwing doors of the DeLorean, the Incas takes it a step further. It includes gullwing doors for the rear seats, whereas the driver and passenger seats are accessed by the front of the car’s hood folding up.

Although the Oldsmobile Incas never made it into production, it remains an intriguing concept car that showcases futuristic elements, such as its unconventional steering wheel and unique door design. Perhaps one day, we will see similar features implemented in everyday cars.

Motorsport

Alfa Romeo Giulia And Stelvio Quadrifoglio 100th Anniversary Models Sold Out

In 1923, the four-leaf clover symbol made its first appearance on Ugo Sivocci’s RL car during the Targa Florio race. To mark the centenary of this logo, Alfa Romeo unveiled the facelifted Giulia and Stelvio models with a special 100th Anniversary edition in April. Unfortunately, it is now too late to purchase one of these limited edition vehicles as Alfa Romeo has successfully sold all 100 sedans and 100 SUVs, which came with various upgrades inside and out.

These special editions were based on the high-performance Quadrifoglio models. They were available in three paint options: Rosso Etna, Verde Montreal, and Nero Vulcano. Additionally, they came with a standard Akrapovič exhaust. The sports sedan featured 19-inch wheels, while the SUV had larger 21-inch wheels. Both vehicles were equipped with gold brake calipers, carbon fiber side mirror caps and front grille, and matrix LED headlights introduced during the mid-cycle facelift.