Tag Archives: expected

News, Technology

BMW’s New Smart Glasses: Enhancing Safety and Comfort for Motorcycle Riders

BMW has introduced the Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses to provide motorcycle riders with a range of smart and connected features. These glasses can be paired with smartphones via Bluetooth using a dedicated app. The projection position can also be adjusted according to the rider’s preference. With two size options available (medium and large), the glasses are designed to fit various helmet sizes and face shapes. BMW claims that these glasses are comfortable for long durations, providing nose pads in different sizes for optimal comfort for all riders.

In addition to their technological features, the smart glasses come with two sets of lenses: a tinted lens and an 85% transparent lens, both incorporating a certified UVA/UVB filter. To ensure clear vision, the RX adapter allows for vision adjustments of up to 4.5 diopters. The Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses are powered by a lithium-ion battery that offers up to ten hours of operation. The battery can be recharged using a supplied USB-C cable.

Although BMW has introduced the smart glasses at the BMW Motorrad Days event in Berlin, they are expected to be available to consumers before the end of 2023, as stated in their official release. The global availability details are not provided at this time, but the recommended retail price for the Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses is 690 euros ($750).

Featured

Ola Gigafactory For Its Own Battery Cells Now Under Construction

Operations are expected to start early next year with an initial capacity of 5GWh

In a push for localising the production of electric vehicle batteries in India, Ola has taken the initiative and started the construction of its Gigafactory, which will be the biggest one in the country when completed. The construction process has started in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu and the facility will be spread across 115 acres.

Also Read: Elon Musk Confirms Tesla India Debut After Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Ola says that this factory will start operations early next year with a capacity of 5GWh (in battery cells) and once the factory is completed and running at its full potential, it will have a capacity of 100GWh. The company also invested a significant amount of money to set up a battery innovation center in Bengaluru last year. 

ola electric car

Ola also plans to further expand its operations in Tamil Nadu and to do that it has signed an MoU with the state government to expand its manufacturing capabilities of battery cells, electric bikes and electric cars. As part of this MoU, Ola will build manufacturing facilities and vendor and supplier parks in the state. With regards to Ola EVs, it had previously claimed that it has plans to introduce 6 models and will debut the first one in 2024.

Also See: First Spy Shots Of The Mahindra BE.05 Have Surfaced

As batteries remain one of the biggest input costs for EVs, localising the manufacturing of batteries will help reduce their overall costs and make them more affordable. Let us know what you think about this in the comments below.

Featured

Exclusive: Facelifted Tata Safari Spied With New 19-inch Wheels

It is expected to go on sale sometime in early 2024

2024 Tata Safari spied

  • New spy shots show two test mules of the facelifted SUV.

  • One had the same 18-inch wheels as the existing model while the other got new 19-inch units.

  • To get slimmer LED lighting and dynamic turn indicators like most modern cars.

  • Existing model already gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen and ADAS, which are likely to be carried forward onto the facelifted SUV.

  • To get both new turbo-petrol (1.5-litre TGDI) and existing diesel engines.

  • Prices are expected to start from Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom).

We have already seen umpteen spy shots of the facelifted Tata Safari. Once again, two test mules of the updated SUV were spotted draped in heavy camouflage with a couple of new details to be noticed.

New Spy Shot Details

In the new spy images, we can see one test mule sporting the same 18-inch wheels as the current model, while the other facelifted Safari revealed a fresh, intricate 5-spoke design for its wheels. While the currently offered Safari comes with 18-inch units, the facelifted model will get 19-inch wheels (a first for the nameplate) as seen in the new spy shots.

Also See: Tata Punch CNG Spotted On Test Without Cover, Launch Expected Soon

Previously Seen Revisions

As hinted by earlier spy shots, the facelifted SUV will come with vertically housed LED headlights and connected LED DRLs. Its profile isn’t expected to get many updates aside from the new alloy wheel design but at the back, you will get to see slimmer, connected LED lights and refreshed bumper. It will also be equipped with dynamic turn indicators like newer cars.

Cabin And Feature Updates

Tata Safari cabin

As the Safari was recently given a couple of updates on the inside, we expect it to carry them forward onto the facelifted version. These include the recently added 10.25-inch touchscreen and 7-inch digital driver’s display. Tata has frequently updated the Safari with multiple new features to bring it up against the competition like the Mahindra XUV700. That said, you can expect some more headlining features to be added with this midlife update.

Its other features will likely include a 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated seats. The updated Safari’s safety net should include up to six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), ISOFIX child seat anchorages, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

What Will It Get Under The Hood?

Tata Safari engine

The facelifted Tata Safari will mostly come with the same 2-litre diesel engine (170PS/350Nm) paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Tata will also offer it with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (170PS/280Nm), which was unveiled at the 2023 Auto Expo.

Also Read: Apple iOS 17 Will Include Cool New Features For CarPlay And Maps Application

Launch Timeline

We believe Tata might launch the facelifted Safari sometime early next year, and its prices could kick off from Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom). It will continue its rivalry with the Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra XUV700 and MG Hector Plus.

Featured

Bookings For The Maruti Invicto Now Open!


The Maruti Invicto will be the most expensive car from Maruti, with a starting price of around Rs 19 lakh (ex-showroom)

Maruti Invicto MPV

  • Booking for the Maruti Invicto can now be made for Rs 25,000 at Nexa dealerships.

  • The Maruti Invicto is a rebadged version of the Innova Hycross, but with some exterior design changes.

  • The Maruti Invicto will come equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats, dual-zone AC, a 360-degree camera, and ADAS.

  • The car will be powered by the Innova Hycross’s 2-litre petrol engine with the option of a strong hybrid variant.

  • The expected starting price for the Maruti Invicto is around Rs 19 lakh (ex-showroom).

You can now book the Maruti Invicto MPV for Rs 25,000 before its launch on July 5. It will be available at Nexa dealerships and will be the most expensive car from Maruti so far.

Toyota Innova Hycross

(Toyota Innova Hycross Picture Used For Reference)

The Maruti Invicto is essentially a rebadged version of the Toyota Innova Hycross, which is part of the Toyota-Suzuki global partnership. Like other cars in this partnership, such as the Grand Vitara/Hyryder and Glanza/Baleno, the Invicto will have some exterior design differences compared to the Hycross.

Related: CD Speak: Get Ready To Pay Over Rs 30 Lakh For A Maruti MPV

Based on the Innova Hycross, the Maruti Invicto will have a luxurious and premium interior. It will feature a panoramic sunroof, digital driver’s display, ventilated front seats, dual-zone AC, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Safety will be enhanced with up to six airbags, a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, and radar-based ADAS technology.

Toyota Innova Hycross

The Maruti Invicto will use the same powertrain as the Innova Hycross, which is a 2-litre petrol engine with the option of hybridization. The strong hybrid powertrain delivers up to 186PS of power and has a claimed efficiency of up to 23.24kmpl. Similar figures can be expected for the Maruti Invicto as well.

Comparison: Kia Carens Luxury Plus vs Toyota Innova GX

The Innova Hycross is priced from Rs 18.55 lakh to Rs 29.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The Maruti Invicto is expected to have a slightly higher starting price of around Rs 19 lakh. While there won’t be any direct competition, the Invicto will be positioned as a more premium alternative to the Kia Carens.