Tag Archives: covers

News

2024 Moto Morini Calibro Cruiser Revealed Ahead Of Full Unveiling At EICMA

Moto Morini unveiled its newest model, the Calibro 650 cruiser, at an event in Milan on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. Although the official unveiling will take place at EICMA in November, Moto Morini plans to showcase the Calibro at the upcoming event as well.

The Calibro is built on Moto Morini’s existing 650cc parallel twin engine, housed in a new chassis designed specifically for a comfortable middleweight cruiser style. In keeping with the cruiser theme, the Calibro features a belt final drive instead of a chain. The design was developed at the European Moto Style Center in Morini Trivolzio.

While full details about the Calibro have not been released, it is known that the bike will come with an LED headlight and a steel fuel tank. The aluminum alloy wheels will be 18-inch in the front and 16-inch in the rear.

The seat height of the Calibro is 720mm (28.3 inches), making it easily accessible for riders of all heights, a characteristic enjoyed by cruiser enthusiasts.

Moto Morini plans to offer the Calibro in both a full-power version and a restricted 35kW (46.9 horsepower) variant for A2 license holders in Europe. While the bike was designed with American styling in mind, many observers have noted its resemblance to the Kawasaki Vulcan S.

More information and specifications about the Calibro are expected to be released around EICMA 2023, which will take place from November 7 to November 12 at the Rho Fiera in Milan.

What are your thoughts on the Moto Morini Calibro? It’s always fascinating to see how non-American manufacturers interpret American styling in their own unique ways. Do you like the styling of the Calibro, or would you have preferred to see something different? Let us know in the comments!

Electric Vehicles

How Long Will The Kia EV6 Battery Last?

Kia offers one of the best warranty programs in the auto industry, covering the powertrain of all new Kia vehicles for 10 years or 100,000 miles. This warranty also includes the 697V lithium-ion batteries in the EV6.

While most Kia owners won’t need to worry about battery replacement for many years, a curious EV6 driver decided to do some research and contacted their local dealership to inquire about the potential cost of a battery replacement.

According to the driver’s post on kiaevforums, they were initially informed that a new battery would cost $6000 when they purchased their EV6. However, the current market price for a new battery pack has increased to $29,000. The driver speculates that this price increase is due to the high demand for batteries in manufacturing new cars, rather than supplying them to repair shops for replacements. They believe that the cost will decrease in the future when more batteries become available from salvaged vehicles and are more reasonably priced for dealers.

Gaming Accessories

Sony’s Deep Earth Collection Adds New Colors to PS5 and DualSense

Starting October 4, PlayStation 5 owners will have the option to purchase the new Deep Earth Collection console covers and DualSense controllers. In the United States, the console covers will be priced at $59.99 and the new DualSense options at $74.99. The collection will also be available for purchase in Japan, the U.K., and multiple European countries. To make a purchase, customers will need to order directly from Sony’s PlayStation storefront or from select retailers, which have not been specified yet.

The controller remains unchanged in terms of functionality, with the only difference being the color. Similarly, the console covers are plastic shells that can be easily placed over the existing white cover of the console. Sony offers their own range of options, but there are also third-party designs available for those who prefer something different. One such option is a cover with a larger air vent for improved thermal management, as seen in this example.

Featured

The Czinger 21C Blackbird, priced at $2.8 million, sells out

American carmaker Czinger unveiled its latest 21C variant, the Blackbird, during Monterey Car Week. The name is inspired by the SR-71 Blackbird, a legendary spy plane developed by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works in the 1960s. The Blackbird edition of the 21C features an all-black exterior, black wheels, and aero components. It also gets a custom black Alcantara interior with black leather accents and Afterburner Orange contrasting details.

The 21C Blackbird has a more powerful hybrid-assisted 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 1,350 horsepower — a 100 horsepower increase over the standard 21C.

Only four Blackbirds were planned to be built by Czinger, representing the four members of the Czinger family. The base price for each car was set at $2.8 million, compared to the $2 million starting price of the standard 21C. Shortly after the announcement, all four Blackbirds were already sold.

The 21C Blackbird is part of a production run of 80 units, which includes the 21C and VMax models. Czinger is expected to deliver the first customer car of the standard 21C later this year, but there is no information yet on when the Blackbird will be delivered to its owners.

News

TVS Introduces Highly Anticipated X Electric Scooter In India

TVS Motor Company, one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in India, has unveiled its latest electric scooter. The new electric scooter, known as “X,” is the sportiest and best-equipped model from the Indian manufacturer.

The TVS X was first showcased in 2018 as a concept model called the Creon. After five years, the electric scooter has finally been launched. With its futuristic and minimalist styling, the TVS X is a head-turner. It features a naked appearance, showcasing its substructures at the center of the scooter. The front of the scooter is equipped with a vertically stacked LED headlight, enhancing its futuristic design.

When it comes to technology, the TVS X boasts a powerful electric motor integrated into the rear swingarm. It has a peak power output of 11 kilowatts (approximately 14.3 horsepower) and a top speed of 105 kilometers per hour (65 miles per hour). The scooter can accelerate from zero to 40 kilometers per hour (25 miles per hour) in just 2.6 seconds. It also offers three ride modes: Xealth, Xtride, and Xonic.

The TVS X is equipped with a 4.44 kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing a claimed range of 140 kilometers (87.5 miles) on a single charge. The scooter also comes with a fast-charger, allowing for zero to 50-percent charging in one hour. An 80-percent charge can be achieved in three hours and 40 minutes using a regular wall charger.

The TVS X features 12-inch wheels both front and rear and is the first electric scooter in India to have ABS. It also incorporates modern safety technology such as collision warnings, speeding alerts, anti-theft features, and geofencing through the brand’s Smart Xhield technology. All of this can be accessed via the scooter’s 10.25-inch full-color display, which also enables features like cruise control, wellness monitoring, gaming, and live video streaming when the scooter is parked.

Bookings for the TVS X electric scooter have already begun, with a price of Rs 249,990 (approximately $3,030 USD). The scooter will be rolled out in phases, starting in December 2023, depending on the region.

News

Autocar product test: Which car cover is the best?

Car covers are a popular solution for protecting your car from various elements such as bird droppings and sunlight. However, with such a wide range of options available, we decided to put them to the test.

Choosing the right car cover can be quite challenging. Many covers claim to be breathable, waterproof, or water-resistant, but they differ significantly in terms of price and material quality. Can they all be equally good? The answer is no. When it comes to car covers, you generally get what you pay for. While there are some commendable cheaper options, our test results showed that investing more upfront in a higher-quality cover is well worth it if you want long-lasting protection for your car.

We conducted our tests over several weeks, exposing our old 2001 BMW 3 Series and 1992 Mercedes SL test cars to autumn winds and showers. We evaluated the covers based on how well they kept the cars dry and free from moisture, their ability to allow sufficient air circulation, and how securely they stayed in place during poor weather conditions.

Best Buy: Concours Auto Galactic

Price from: £235

Buy from: Concours

Fitted? Semi-fitted 

The Concours Auto Galactic is a heavy-duty car cover that may seem expensive, but it is definitely worth the investment. The cover feels exceptionally high quality, thanks to its dense, heavy polyester material and heat-sealed seams that provide excellent waterproofing and resistance to tearing. It fits our E46-generation BMW 3 Series perfectly, draping the car nicely while still allowing proper air circulation. The material efficiently repels water, ensuring the car’s bodywork remains dry to the touch and free from mold-inducing dampness, even when water sits on the cover for extended periods. The cover comes with securing straps that can be clipped onto the car’s bodywork to keep it in place. However, if you prefer not to use them, they can be easily removed to avoid potential damage caused by wind. Additionally, there is an extra middle eyelet that allows for the installation of a locking underbody kit (available for £9.95 from Concours Auto or purchased separately). The cover also conveniently fits back into the provided storage bag, eliminating the need for struggling to pack it away. 

Autocar rating: 5 stars

8 Car covers 1600x1066

Featured

What is Roadside Assistance? Here are a Few Optional RSA Covers That You Should Include in Your Car Insurance Policy


These optional RSA covers can come in handy in times of emergency

Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance is a valuable service that provides support and peace of mind to drivers when their vehicles encounter unexpected breakdowns or accidents on the road. Including roadside assistance coverage, also known as RSA (Roadside Assistance), in your car insurance policy can be highly beneficial. In this article, we will explore what roadside assistance entails and highlight a few optional RSA covers that you should consider including in your car insurance policy.

Understanding Roadside Assistance:

When drivers’ vehicles have mechanical difficulties, tire punctures, lockouts, battery problems, or other emergencies while on the road, roadside assistance is a service offered by insurance companies or specialized suppliers to assist them. To guarantee that drivers and their vehicles get back on the road promptly and safely, it provides rapid help.

Optional RSA Covers to Include in Your Car Insurance Policy:

Flat Tyre

Towing Service:

Roadside assistance must include a towing service. In the event of a breakdown that cannot be fixed on the spot, it offers coverage for the cost of towing your car to the closest authorized garage or repair facility. With this insurance, you may have your car transported without worrying about paying a lot out of cash.

Flat Tire Assistance:

The price of buying a spare tire to replace a flat or damaged tire is covered under flat tire assistance. Roadside assistance can send a professional to help you if you don’t have a spare tire or are unable to change it yourself. You may avoid the headache of looking for a nearby repair shop or changing a tire on your own by using this service.

Battery Jump-Start:

You may become stranded if you experience battery-related problems, including a dead battery. To get your car operating again, roadside assistance might offer a battery jump-start service. The service provider will jump-start your battery using the necessary tools, allowing you to continue traveling or get to a service facility for additional inspection.

Fuel Delivery:

It might be uncomfortable and frustrating to run out of fuel. To help you get to the closest petrol station, roadside assistance can arrange for the supply of a limited amount of fuel (usually up to a specific maximum). You won’t have to travel far or look for a petrol station if you use this service when your fuel runs out suddenly.

Lockout Assistance:

A frequent error that can be upsetting is locking your keys inside your car. Roadside assistance companies that offer lockout assistance can dispatch a locksmith to aid you in getting into your locked car. With the help of this service, you can immediately get your keys back and get on with your day without having to damage your automobile or find another solution.

On-site Repairs:

Some roadside assistance plans include on-site repairs for small problems that don’t require towing your car. Expert mechanics can identify and fix typical issues like a dead battery, a loose connection, or a little mechanical problem so you can keep going without getting towed.

Conclusion:

Your auto insurance policy should include roadside assistance coverage since it gives you peace of mind and support in case of emergencies or unforeseen problems. You may improve your coverage and make sure you get help right away when you need it by adding optional RSA covers like towing service, flat tire assistance, battery jump-start, fuel delivery, lockout assistance, and on-site repairs. Choose the best roadside assistance alternatives before finalizing your auto insurance policy by taking into account your driving style, the state of your automobile, and the coverage provided by various insurers.”

Featured

Over 87,000 Units Of Maruti S-Presso And Eeco Have Been Recalled


The recall covers units of these two models manufactured between July 5, 2021 and February 15, 2023

Maruti S-Presso and Eeco

  • The recall is due to a possible fault in a part of the steering rod tie of these vehicles.

  • The defective part may break or affect the vehicle’s handling

  • Maruti will call the owners of the affected units to conduct the inspection.

  • The defective part will be replaced free of cost.

Maruti Suzuki India has issued a recall for a total of 87,599 units of the Maruti S-Presso and Maruti Eeco. The recall specifically pertains to vehicles manufactured between July 5, 2021 and February 15, 2023.

The recall comes as a result of a potential fault in a component of the steering rod tie that could impact the vehicle’s handling and may even break in rare cases. Maruti Suzuki India will be contacting the owners of the affected units and conducting inspections. The faulty component will be replaced at no additional cost.

Previous Recalls

Maruti S-Presso Interior

The Maruti S-Presso and Maruti Eeco were previously subject to a recall in January 2023 due to a suspected issue with the airbag control module. Maruti Suzuki India resolved that problem without any cost to the owners.

Also Read: Maruti Brezza Automatic Now More Efficient Than Manual Variants

What S-Presso And Eeco Offer

Maruti Eeco Engine

The Maruti S-Presso is a compact hatchback positioned above the Alto in the Maruti lineup. It is equipped with a 1.0-liter petrol engine (68PS/90Nm) paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT transmission. Additionally, a CNG variant is available, which delivers reduced power outputs of 56.69PS and 82Nm and can only be paired with the 5-speed manual.

On the other hand, the Maruti Eeco is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and is equipped with a 1.2-liter petrol engine that produces 81PS and 104.4Nm. The CNG variant of the Eeco offers a slightly reduced power output of 72PS and 95Nm. Both the petrol and CNG versions are paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Prices

The Maruti S-Presso is priced between Rs 4.26 lakh and Rs 6.12 lakh, while the Maruti Eeco is priced between Rs 5.27 lakh and Rs 6.53 lakh. The Maruti S-Presso competes directly with the Renault Kwid, while there are no direct rivals for the Maruti Eeco in the Indian market.

All prices are ex-showroom

Read More on : Maruti S-Presso on road price

News

Scorpio Electric Testing Pre-Production Prototypes Of X1 Scooter

Singaporean EV startup Scorpio Electric is currently testing pre-production prototypes (PPR) of its X1 scooter. The X1 model was first unveiled as a design concept in November 2021 and is now undergoing testing and certification in partnership with Shenzhen BYD Electronics. This development comes at a time when the electric scooter market, especially in Europe, is experiencing significant growth.

Scorpio Electric Is Now Testing Pre-Production Prototypes Of The X1 Electric Scooter

The Scorpio X1 electric scooter shares similar specifications with other electric two-wheelers on the market. It is equipped with a 10 kilowatt electric motor, equivalent to approximately 13 horsepower, which offers performance comparable to 125cc gasoline scooters. However, electric motors provide peak power throughout the rev range, resulting in stronger real-world performance. The top speed of the X1 scooter is limited to 65 miles per hour.

In terms of technology, the X1 features a 72-volt, 5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This impressive battery provides a range of 200 kilometers (125 miles) on a single charge. Charging the battery to 90 percent takes about three hours using a Type 2, 1.5-kilowatt AC charger.

Scorpio Electric plans to release the production version of the X1 scooter in 2024, pending successful testing and certification. The brand also announced its participation in EICMA 2023, an event scheduled to take place in Milan, Italy, from November 7 to 12, 2023. It is expected that significant progress will be made on the X1 scooter by then.


Scorpio Electric Is Now Testing Pre-Production Prototypes Of The X1 Electric Scooter

5 Photos

News

Take A Look At Sherco’s 2024 Enduro Model Lineup

French off-road motorcycle specialist Shercho has unveiled its 2024 enduro bikes. The four-stroke and two-stroke lineups have received minor updates that collectively improve performance and give the models a more modern appearance.

Take A Look At Sherco's 2024 Enduro Model Lineup

The 250cc and 300cc four-stroke engines have undergone internal refinements, including a new magnesium crankcase, cylinder head, ignition, and clutch cover, resulting in a weight reduction of one kilogram. The addition of a gear sensor improves drivability and enables tuners to adjust mapping for the first two gears, which is beneficial for enduro racing that requires maximum traction during launches and acceleration.

Take A Look At Sherco's 2024 Enduro Model Lineup

All 2024 Sherco Enduro models feature a new swingarm that enhances flexibility and suspension compliance across various terrains, ensuring maximum traction and stability during acceleration.

Take A Look At Sherco's 2024 Enduro Model Lineup

Both the two-stroke and four-stroke models feature a fully adjustable closed-cartridge fork from KYB and a rear shock with similar adjustability. Other upgrades include new wheels, Brembo brakes, Galfer rotors, and a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system for the four-stroke models.

Take A Look At Sherco's 2024 Enduro Model Lineup

The 2024 Sherco enduro bikes have updated bodywork, including a redesigned LED headlight for improved visibility. The front fender has also been restyled, giving the bikes a sportier look. The models feature new graphics with Sherco’s signature blue, yellow, and gray color scheme.