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Yamaha XSR900 DB40 Prototype Showcased at Goodwood 2023

For years, there have been rumors about Yamaha creating a sportbike based on the popular MT-09 platform. With the discontinuation of the YZF-R6, Yamaha’s supersport lineup has had a void to fill. While the YZF-R7 now serves as the brand’s middleweight option, it doesn’t offer the same level of performance as the YZF-R6.

However, it seems that Yamaha may have found a solution with the YZF-R9. Although the company hasn’t made any official statements about a new sportbike based on the MT-09 platform, some patents have been filed for the name. Now, at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, Yamaha unveiled the XSR900 DB40 prototype, built on top of the brand’s flagship neo-retro machine, the XSR900.

Unlike the naked XSR900, the DB40 prototype features a full fairing, lower clip-ons, and higher rearsets for a sportier setup. The prototype differs significantly from the neo-retro naked bike, with the frame, engine, and wheels being the only shared components.

The bodywork on the DB40 prototype is unique, with a front fairing that evokes a retro-inspired design similar to the YZF-R1. The tail also has an 80s-inspired boxy design, resembling the current generation XSR900. The prototype utilizes an Ohlins rear shock and blacked-out inverted forks for suspension.

The XSR900 DB40 prototype not only celebrates Yamaha’s four decades of using the aluminum Deltabox frames on its sportbikes, but it also hints at the future of Yamaha sportbikes. With a working prototype, it’s likely that the DB40 is more than just a tribute to racing heritage.

Featured

Is This Our First Look At The India-spec Citroen C3X Crossover?


The C3X will most likely be based on the C3 Aircross’ platform

Citroen C3X Crossover Spied

  • The Citroen C3X could hit the market in 2024.

  • Globally, the C3X is a sedan crossover that mixes executive styling with increased ground clearance.

  • Its cabin and features will most likely be similar to the C3 Aircross.

  • Could use Citroen’s 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine.

  • Expected to be priced from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.

A heavily camouflaged test mule was recently spied testing in Bengaluru, standing out for its sloped rear end as there are not many coupe-styled mass-market offerings in India. While we cannot identify any brand logos, this test vehicle resembles the design language of Citroen models and appears to be the upcoming Citroen C3X crossover sedan. Here is what the spy shot tells us.

A Familiar Design

The spy video only got a glimpse of the test mule from a side angle, showing part of the front profile and the headlight’s design looks a lot like the ones you see on the Citroen C3 and the C3 Aircross. From the side, the most noticeable giveaway are the flap-type door handles seen on almost all India-spec Citroen models. The rear has the sloping crossover design with exact details hidden by another layer of camouflage. 

Citroen eC4X

We did not get a glimpse of the interior, but the cabin of the C3X will most likely share similarities with the cabin of the Citroen C3 Aircross SUV. 

Image of Citroen eC4X used for reference

Powertrain

Citroen C3 Aircross Engine

The India-spec Citroen C3X could be powered by the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine from the C3 and C3 Aircross. In the hatchback, this petrol unit churns out 110PS and 190Nm and is mated only to a 6-speed manual transmission. However, Citroen could increase the performance output and also add an automatic transmission for the C3X to match the C3 Aircross.

Also Read: Citroen eC3 vs Tata Tiago EV: Space & Practicality Comparison

The carmaker could also offer the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit (82PS and 115Nm) paired with a 5-speed manual transmission for a more affordable entry point.

Features & Safety

Citroen C3 Aircross Cabin

The C3X will most likely have the same feature list as the C3 Aircross, which gets a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 7-inch digital driver’s display, and manual climate control.

Also Read: Citroen C3 Scores 0 Stars In Latin NCAP Crash Tests

In terms of passenger safety, it will be equipped with up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and rear parking sensors.

Price & Launch

Citroen eC4X

The Citroen C3X crossover sedan will likely arrive in 2024 at an expected ex-showroom starting price of Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). The C3X will be an alternative to the likes of the Tata Curvv, Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Volkswagen Virtus, and Skoda Slavia.

Read More on : Citroen C3 on road price

Featured

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs Venue vs Exter: Price Comparison


The Hyundai Exter is a micro SUV based on the Grand i10 Nios and positioned below the Venue.

Hyundai Exter Vs Grand i10 Nios Vs Venue

The Hyundai Exter has entered the micro-SUV market with an introductory ex-showroom price starting from Rs 6 lakh. It is the most affordable SUV from Hyundai and is based on the Grand i10 Nios hatchback, positioned below the Venue subcompact SUV. The Exter is available in six variants, with prices going up to Rs 10 lakh. This price range overlaps with several variants of the Grand i10 Nios and Venue.

Here is a detailed variant-wise price comparison between the Exter, Grand i10 Nios, and Venue:

Petrol Manual Transmission (MT) Prices:

Hyundai Exter

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Hyundai Venue

EX MT – Rs 6 lakh

Era MT – Rs 5.73 lakh

  
 

Magna MT – Rs 6.63 lakh

  

S MT – Rs 7.27 lakh

Sportz Executive – Rs 7.18 lakh

  
 

Sportz – Rs 7.22 lakh

  

SX MT – Rs 8 lakh

Asta – Rs 7.95 lakh

E MT – Rs 7.77 lakh

SX (O) MT – Rs 8.64 lakh

  

S MT – Rs 8.94 lakh

SX (O) Connect – Rs 9.32 lakh

  

S (O) MT – Rs 9.76 lakh
   

S (O) Turbo iMT – Rs 10.44 lakh
   

SX MT – Rs 10.93 lakh

  • The base-spec Grand i10 Nios Era is Rs 26,000 cheaper than the Exter EX. Meanwhile, the entry-level Venue model is priced around Rs 2 lakh higher than the hatchback.

Fiery Red

  • All three models listed here are powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine, which produces 83PS and 114Nm of torque.

  • The higher variants of the Grand i10 Nios have better features compared to similarly priced variants of the Exter. The top-end variant of the Grand i10 Nios is slightly more affordable than the mid-spec Exter SX, with the only advantage for the Exter being the presence of a sunroof.

  • The base variant of the Venue is more affordable than the Exter SX MT and the top-spec Grand i10 Nios Asta.

Also Read: You Can Buy The Hyundai Exter In 9 Different Shades

  • It is important to note that the Venue is a larger SUV than the Exter, which is one of its main advantages. Among the similarly priced variants, the Exter offers more features compared to the Venue.

  • The feature-rich SX (O) variant of the Exter is priced lower than the lower-spec S variant of the Venue.

2023 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

  • The top-spec Exter SX(O) Connect is more affordable than the Venue S(O) by around Rs 40,000. It offers additional features such as a dual-camera dash cam, sunroof, wireless charger, alloy wheels, and connected car technology.

  • For approximately Rs 1.1 lakh more than the top-spec Exter, the Hyundai Venue S(O) is available with a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 6-speed iMT (manual without a clutch pedal) delivering 120PS of power and 172Nm of torque.

  • The top-spec Venue petrol manual transmission (MT) variant is approximately Rs 1.6 lakh more expensive than the best-equipped Exter. It offers features such as LED projector headlamps and larger 16-inch alloy wheels compared to the micro SUV, among others.

Petrol Automated Manual Transmission (AMT):

Hyundai Exter

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Hyundai Venue
 

Magna AMT – Rs 7.28 lakh

  
 

Sportz Executive AMT – Rs 7.75 lakh

  

S AMT – Rs 7.97 lakh

Sportz AMT – Rs 7.79 lakh

  

SX AMT – Rs 8.68 lakh

Asta AMT – Rs 8.51 lakh

  

SX (O) AMT – Rs 9.32 lakh

    

SX (O) Connect AMT – Rs 10 lakh

    
   

S Turbo DCT – Rs 11.43 lakh

  • The entry-level AMT option for the Grand i10 Nios is Rs 69,000 cheaper than the entry-level Exter AMT. Even the Nios Sportz AMT is priced approximately Rs 18,000 lower than the entry-level Exter S AMT.

  • The Exter AMT variants come with paddle shifters, which are not available in the Grand i10 Nios.

  • The top-spec Grand i10 Nios Asta AMT and Exter SX AMT are priced similarly. However, the hatchback offers more features while the SUV gets a sunroof.

  • The Hyundai Venue does not offer the 1.2-litre petrol AMT option. Instead, the only petrol automatic option for the subcompact SUV is the turbo-petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, making it the most expensive option. While well-equipped, the Venue S Turbo DCT is Rs 1.43 lakh more expensive than the top-spec Exter AMT.

Also Read: Hyundai Exter Fuel-efficiency Figures Out

The Grand i10 Nios and Exter also offer the option of a factory-fitted CNG. Here is a price comparison:

Exter

Grand i10 Nios
 

Magna CNG – Rs 7.58 lakh

S CNG – Rs 8.24 lakh

Sportz CNG – Rs 8.13 lakh

SX CNG – Rs 8.97 lakh

  

While the base variant of the Grand i10 Nios CNG is more affordable, the Sportz and Exter S variants are priced similarly. However, the SX CNG variant of the Exter is approximately Rs 80,000 more expensive but comes with an electric sunroof.

Hyundai Exter SX CNG

The prices of the Grand i10 Nios, Exter, and Venue reflect their differences in size. The hatchback offers good features at a lower price, while the micro SUV and subcompact SUV come at a higher cost with better specifications.

Read More on : Hyundai Exter AMT

Motorsport

Eccentrica Lamborghini Diablo Restomod Combines Minimalism, Modern Tech

The Eccentrica, a prototype restomod based on the 1990s Lamborghini Diablo, was unveiled in Milan today. Initiated by entrepreneur and Lamborghini collector Emanuel Colombini, it combines the work of the BorromeodeSilva design firm, a team of engineers and technicians who worked on the prototype’s development, and premium brands like Pirelli, Brembo, Marantz, Capristo, and Alcantara participating as partners.

The Eccentrica prototype maintains the essence of the original Diablo while offering a more modern driving experience through numerous technological and design upgrades. It retains the original car’s bold proportions while utilizing composite materials and a reinforced and hardened steel tubular chassis. The interior blends 1990s minimalism with state-of-the-art mechanics. 


Featured

What to Expect from Maruti Invicto, Launching Tomorrow


The Maruti Invicto, based on the Toyota Innova Hycross, will become the flagship offering from the Indian automaker.

Maruti Invicto Teaser

  • Bookings for the Maruti Invicto are already open with a token amount of Rs 25,000.

  • Teasers confirm features like panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats.

  • Spy shots reveal design updates at the front to differentiate it from the Hycross.

  • The Invicto is expected to use the same 2-litre petrol hybrid engine with a combined output of 186PS.

  • The price is estimated to be Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Maruti Invicto is ready to enter the premium three-row MPV segment in India. Bookings have already started with a token amount of Rs 25,000. Let’s take a quick look at what we can expect from this new MPV from Maruti.

Similar to the Hycross

Maruti Invicto Teaser

The Invicto is based on the Toyota Innova Hycross, another product from their global partnership. Based on the spy shots and teasers, the Maruti MPV will closely resemble Toyota’s MPV, with some minor design changes at the front and rear. Maruti has already revealed the split chrome grille on the front of the Invicto in an official teaser.

Inside, the Invicto will have the same dashboard layout as the Toyota MPV but with a different dark shade upholstery instead of the brown upholstery in the Hycross.

Also Check Out: Thursday Throwback: Exploring The MPV Predecessors Of The Maruti Invicto

Loaded with Premium Features

Toyota Innova Hycross Interior

Similar to the Hycross, the Invicto will have a wide range of features, many of which will be introduced for the first time by Maruti. These amenities include a panoramic sunroof, digital driver’s display, dual-zone AC, ventilated front seats, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Safety will be ensured with six airbags, a 360-degree camera, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features like lane-keep and departure assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto-emergency braking.

New Strong-Hybrid Powertrain

Toyota Innova Hycross

The Invicto is expected to feature the Hycross’s strong-hybrid powertrain, which is the first of its kind from Maruti. This powertrain includes a new 2-litre petrol engine not seen in any other Maruti model. The Toyota petrol-hybrid delivers a combined output of 186PS and 206Nm of torque, paired with an e-CVT automatic transmission.

Expected Price and Competitors

Since the Maruti Invicto is likely to be offered in a single fully loaded variant at launch, it could be priced around Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom). It will directly compete with the Toyota Innova Hycross while providing a premium alternative to the Kia Carens.

Motorsport

Brabus Introduces Two Six-Wheeled Pickups Based on the AMG G63 with 800 and 900 HP

Brabus has recently unveiled two new six-wheeled pickups that are built on the platform of the Mercedes-AMG G63. These trucks, named the Brabus XLP 800 6×6 Adventure and XLP 900 6×6 Superblack, come with a range of enhancements that not only add more power to their engines but also improve their off-road capabilities.

The XLP 800 6×6 Adventure is equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces a staggering 800 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. Brabus has made several modifications including the addition of high-performance turbochargers and custom software maps for injection, boost pressure control, and ignition. With this much power, the SUV is able to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 130 mph, which is electronically limited.


Featured

BMW Recalls iX Vehicles Due to Unintended Cruise Control Activation

BMW has announced a safety recall for the iX, an all-electric utility vehicle. A total of 11,180 units are being called back to address the issue of unintended cruise control activation. To resolve this problem, a software update will be provided.
In late 2022, BMW started taking this issue seriously after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received reports of unintended cruise control activation in the iX vehicles. As a result, the German automaker is taking proactive measures by issuing this recall.
The iX is built on a unique platform called the Cluster Architecture, developed specifically for this electric model. However, despite the advanced technology, it appears that there is a flaw in the cruise control system that causes it to engage unintentionally.
Owners of the affected iX vehicles will be notified by BMW and instructed to take their cars to authorized service centers for the necessary software update. This update is designed to prevent the cruise control from activating unintentionally, enhancing the safety of the vehicle and its occupants.
The recall serves as a reminder that even with cutting-edge technology, automakers must ensure that all safety systems are thoroughly tested to avoid any potential hazards. BMW is committed to addressing this issue promptly and efficiently to maintain the trust and satisfaction of its customers.
To learn more about this recall, you can continue reading here.
Volkswagen

Exclusive Golf R 333 Limited Edition model: a highlight both inside and out

Curtain up for the Golf R 333 Limited Edition. The new special-edition model limited to 333 vehicles is based on the Golf R Performance and packs a real punch with an output of 333 PS (245 kW). The necessary driving stability and traction of the all-wheel-drive special-edition model are ensured by a host of high-quality equipment features such as R-Performance Torque Vectoring including Vehicle Dynamics Manager. The Golf R 333 comes from the factory with eye-catching Lime Yellow Metallic paintwork. Black accents additionally underline the appearance of the special-edition model, which is being launched as a potential collector’s item. The special edition can be ordered in German dealerships from Friday, 2 June. The vehicles will be delivered in October this year.

“The Golf R 333 is the first R model with a specification predefined by us that leaves no customer wishes regarding performance unfulfilled – thanks to its extensive equipment,” says Hakim Halimi, Head of Product Marketing at Volkswagen R. The features include R-Performance Torque Vectoring with Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which distributes the drive power not just between the front and rear axles but also between the two rear wheels. This offers a special dimension of sportiness, particularly when cornering. The Drift and Special driving profiles, designed for the Nürburgring racetrack, also offer additional driving pleasure away from public roads. The R Performance exhaust system from Akrapovič with titanium rear silencers and black 19-inch Estoril wheel rims with semi-slick tyres additionally highlight the motorsports character of the special-edition model. The top speed has also been increased to 270 km/h.

The basic idea for limitation of the edition was provided by the engine power of 245 kW (333 PS). This is the most powerful output rating of the Golf with a torque of 420 newton metres. In addition, the optimised engine tuning means that the load change response is extremely spontaneous. The turbocharger is preloaded to keep it at a constant speed during partial-load driving. This then allows faster power development for subsequent acceleration. The open throttle valve in overrun phases also improves dynamics and performance on the road. When the driver takes their foot off the accelerator and then accelerates again, this allows faster build-up of the engine torque and noticeably improves the engine’s responsiveness. With an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, the Golf R 333 Limited Edition delivers the best-in-class value (compared with key competitors).

The paintwork in Lime Yellow Metallic extends the colour range for the Golf R, which comprises Pure White, Lapiz Blue Metallic and Deep Black Pearl Effect. “With the special exterior colour, black-painted roof and design decals with 333 logo on the sides, this Golf R will be offered in a combination that is unique up to now,” says Halimi. “It is the first Volkswagen R model with a strict limitation to 333 units and with a sequentially numbered badge in the interior.”

The standard equipment also includes premium sport seats in Nappa leather (with integrated head restraint) and the powerful IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights (including Light and Vision package). State-of-the-art driver assist systems are contained in the IQ.DRIVE package. These include Travel Assist, the Lane Assist lane keeping system, Emergency Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with stop & go function. The Golf R 333 Limited Edition also comes with a centre airbag (front) and a rear view camera system. A system from Harman Kardon with 8+1 loudspeakers and 480 W total output supplies perfect sound in the interior.

The Golf R has cult status. Since 2002, more than 250,000 orders have been placed for the bestseller from Volkswagen R. “The Golf R 333 Limited Edition is extremely important for our brand,” says Peter Jost, Head of Marketing & Sales, Volkswagen R. “It is precisely such limited and high-performance vehicles that turbocharge the Volkswagen R brand – a genuine eye-catcher and extremely attractive. Every customer can be sure that they have an extremely rare vehicle and a potential collector’s item in their garage.”

With prices starting at 76,410 euros, the special-edition model can be ordered at German dealerships from 2 June. Production of all 333 vehicles in Wolfsburg is scheduled for September this year so that the first models can be handed over to customers from October. In addition, a customer event in the Autostadt is planned for all buyers of the Golf R 333 Limited Edition who pick up their vehicle in Wolfsburg (Germany) in October.