Norton Motorcycles has been making headlines lately due to its now-parent firm TVS Motor Company, one of many largest motorbike producers in India. We lately talked about TVS’ plans of bolstering Norton’s motorbike lineup with contemporary new fashions. While these new fashions aren’t anticipated for launch till 2026, it’s clear that Norton’s been taking some steps in the proper route.
On February 6, 2024, it was introduced that Norton Motorcycles had appointed Brian Gillen as its new Chief Technology Officer. For reference, Gillen beforehand served because the R&D director of MV Agusta, and was liable for among the model’s most groundbreaking fashions. These embrace the MV Agusta LXP Orioli and even the rumored Superveloce 1000 we talked about not too way back. With such achievements beneath his belt, it’s clear that Gillen has his work lower out for him, as Norton Motorcycles enters its growth section.
Brian Gillen was reponsible for the likes of the MV Agusta Superveloce 1000.
As we mentioned beforehand, Norton will likely be taking a three-pronged strategy in relation to its revitalized marketing strategy: repair, construct, and fly. The first step will likely be fixing the problems with the model’s present lineup, adopted by increasing its dealership community. In whole, it was estimated that the initiative would take between 24 to 40 months, as defined by Norton CEO Dr. Robert Hentschel. Clearly, Brian Gillen performs a pivotal position in all of this, as his job will contain the event of the model’s next-generation fashions, which can greater than possible embrace each electrical and internal-combustion fashions.
Apart from increasing its current mannequin vary, Norton Motorcycles can also be eyeing international growth. This implies that its fashions should conform to the various laws and security requirements current in a number of markets – a accountability that seems to suit Brian Gillen’s new job description. With all that being stated, Dr. Hentschel has utmost confidence in Gillen’s talents. ““Brian comes with very rich experience and expertise in engine and vehicle design, emerging technologies, and connectivity,” he acknowledged.
Norton is hoping to increase its mannequin vary by 2026.
Commenting on his new position at Norton Motorcycles, Gillen stated that he appears ahead to creating premium bikes bearing the enduring Norton badge. “I am looking forward to work with the talented team of engineers and develop cutting-edge, premium motorcycles, with quality at the forefront of everything we do.”
It’s clear that the administration of Norton Motorcycles is taking huge steps to make sure that the corporate is ready to construct a stronger presence and launch higher fashions out there. As for what precisely Norton has in retailer, nicely, your guess is pretty much as good as ours. That being stated, Norton presently has three bikes in its repertoire – all of which occupying the premium phase. These encompass the Commando 961, V4SV, and V4CR.
Hero MotorCorp not too long ago made international headlines due to its collaboration with Harley-Davidson. Although launched completely for the Indian market, the Harley-Davidson X440 stirred international curiosity, as a number of folks, significantly within the Asian market, discovered curiosity in a small-displacement, Harley-branded roadster.
Like most joint-ventures, Hero and Harley’s collab would ultimately end in two bikes that share practically equivalent structure, albeit branded and styled barely in another way. We’ve seen it with the likes of TVS Motor Company and BMW, with the TVS Apache 310 RTR mirroring the specs of its BMW counterpart the G 310 R. Now, the identical is seemingly changing into true with Hero MotoCorp, because it not too long ago filed logos for its extremely anticipated 440cc bike, modeled after the Harley X440.
Hero’s trademark filings on India’s mental property workplace reveal not one, however two logos, every bearing the 440 moniker on the finish: Maverick 440 and Hurikan 440. When translated to English, Maverick clearly means Maverick, and Hurikan means Hurricane – does this imply that Hero is launching two iterations of the 440 roadster?
Whatever the case could also be, it seems like we gained’t want to attend that lengthy, as Hero MotoCorp is anticipated to formally launch its new mannequin on January 22, 2024, within the Hero World occasion in Jaipur. To add to this, Hero’s clearly been increase the hype for the launch of its new fashions by posting teasers on social media highlighting the bike’s exhaust be aware which is clearly a mid-size thumper identical to that of the Harley X440.
We’ve ran by means of the specs and particulars of the Harley-Davidson X440 in nice element prior to now, and likelihood is Hero’s new Mavrick or Hurikan 440 will function practically equivalent specs. Chances are that the bike will even tackle a retro-inspired look, and go head-to-head with different fashionable retro roadster akin to Royal Enfield’s 350 sequence, the Benelli Imperiale 400, Honda CB350, and sure, even the Harley X440 – who doesn’t love a bit of sibling rivalry?
For reference, the Harley-Davidson X440 begins at Rs 239,000, which interprets to roughly $2,875 USD. Sources counsel that Hero’s model of this bike may go for a extra reasonably priced, budget-focused strategy, with the mannequin anticipated to hold a aggressive price ticket of round Rs 200,000, or about $2,400 USD. Now, 400 bucks might not seem to be a lot, however bear in mind, India’s a particularly price-sensitive market, and folk are all the time trying to get the perfect deal.
With the new Cybertruck hitting the streets and making headlines, it is value mentioning its crash and security efficiency (or lack thereof). There was a video proven formally by the model throughout an X Tesla Cybertruck crash check occasion, though it did not present the aftermath. Through leaked movies on the web, we’re capable of see how properly this huge spaceship-looking EV handles front-end crashing. With Tesla normally being on the safer side in its SUVs and sedans, it is value noting that between entrance and aspect testing, the crash aftermath appears to be like about as brutal for the individuals inside because it does the glossy metal body of Cybertruck.
One principal trigger for concern with Cybertruck, nevertheless, has been its stainless-steel physique. When crashing, this physique would not fold or snap the identical method one would on an atypical truck or SUV, which resulted in even the rear axle of Cybertruck snapping throughout a FRONT finish check. You learn that accurately. The again part of the Cybertruck blew proper off, and the aspect crash testing wasn’t any extra favorable.
Overall, this *unofficial* crash testing has proven us the Cybertruck will not be indestructible like we initially have been instructed to imagine. So, here is what the crash check outcomes really imply for the Cybertruck house owners.
The detailed report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveils essential insights into the extremely anticipated Cybertruck.
In order to provide the most modern and correct info potential, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Tesla and different authoritative sources, together with the NHTSA and Road and Track.
Here’s What The Crash Test Shows Us
An unofficial video of the Tesla Cybertruck crash check has proven the truck dealing with entrance and aspect accident injury marginally properly.
Rear injury will be seen even throughout a front-end collision with Cybertruck.
Although Tesla did technically publish a crash check video of its new Cybertruck on X, this did not present what really occurred after impression. Recently, the *unofficial* crash testing movies have been launched/leaked to the web, sending everybody right into a panic. That’s due to the considerably surprising front-end crash outcomes, with the Cybertruck solely touring a mere 35 miles per hour right into a wall. During the check, we see Cybertruck buckle within the entrance, as well as the rear axle blow clean off.
This is not what we wished to occur, particularly contemplating the sheer dimension and promoting Cybertruck has seen as being among the finest choices for drivers. Even through the 38-mile aspect crash check, we noticed excessive buckling and injury to the metal body/physique, which isn’t superb information for house owners.
Crash Testing Doesn’t Always Give Us A Perfect Perspective
One of the primary issues to recollect when watching a crash check video is that though these are made to provide automakers a greater thought of how secure (or unsafe) their mannequin is, these checks typically exacerbate the state of affairs. In Cybertruck’s case, nevertheless, you see a reasonably important quantity of harm for not going that quick whereas hitting a wall, main many people to surprise how secure this is able to be within the occasion of an actual accident.
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Cybertruck’s Stainless Steel Body May Not Be Helpful In Crashes
Tesla Cybertruck makes use of a chrome steel materials for its exoskeleton.
During the Tesla Cybertruck crash check, we see this materials reply aggressively to impression.
One of the primary issues we observed through the Tesla crash video is how reactive the stainless-steel materials is when put below immense stress. In an accident, most fashions have “buckle zones,” which basically pancake round a stronger body to maintain individuals inside alive. In Cybertruck, the entrance caves in, the again jolts fairly a bit, and items of the pickup truck go flying in all instructions: And that is solely hitting one thing head-on going below 40 MPH.
The aspect collision a part of the video additionally exhibits the doorways and body of Cybertruck buckle below stress, which for such an enormous truck, shouldn’t be the case. Stainless metal, though fairly to have a look at, will not be superb for crash-safe manufacturing.
Per Tesla, the Cybertruck makes use of “an exterior shell made for ultimate durability and passenger safety. Starting with an almost impenetrable exoskeleton, each part is designed for superior power and endurance, from Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless-steel structural pores and skin to Tesla armor glass.”
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Most Pickup Trucks Don’t Perform Well In Crash Testing
Most pickup truck fashions aren’t as secure as individuals imagine.
In collisions, these driving pickup fashions have a 23 p.c larger fatality fee than these driving common passenger autos.
Before even persevering with to say how lackluster the Tesla Cybertruck crash check was, pickup vehicles aren’t recognized to be as secure as you’d assume. A considerably morbid truth about driving pickup vehicles is that in crashes, there is a 23-percent higher fatality rate amongst these in vehicles versus commonplace passenger autos. Very few pickup fashions earn NHTSA Safety Pick titles due to their fragile designs.
With the Cybertruck being nearer to a street-legal tank above all else, you need to bear in mind it is not essentially constructed to be as secure as your common household SUV. Much of Cybertruck’s allure is that it’s large, boisterous, and able to tackle each terrain. That stated, even throughout off-road testing, this pickup truck has not done seemingly well, which places loads of doubt into individuals’s minds when debating on buying one.
After all, you are spending $60,000+ for a Cybertruck. If it guarantees added security AND superb off-roading, and neither is absolutely correct, what is the level of buying one? It’s cool to have a look at and enjoyable to drive, however for the hype it has been getting: Cybertruck must be a beast throughout all classes.
Most pickup truck fashions aren’t secure general in crash testing and barely obtain NHTSA Top Safety Pick titles. The method they’re made typically creates extra hazard on the time of collision. The Cybertruck is not essentially unsafe, but it surely’s not a car that’s essentially ‘ultra-safe’ both.
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Bigger May Not Always Be Better (Especially For Crash Testing)
Crash check outcomes from Cybertruck are inferior to we wished.
This mannequin is extra for appears to be like than precise sturdiness in time of collision.
What this unofficial Tesla Cybertruck crash test taught us is that though a car could feel and look intimidating, its crash testing can reveal main flaws in its design. With the Cybertruck, you see important injury in entrance and aspect crash checks, basically sending varied elements of the EV flying in all instructions at even a medium-pace collision. Cybertruck’s stainless-steel physique will be partially blamed for its aggressive response to crashing, though the mannequin should not be marketed as being a beast on and off-road if it is not in all regards.
There could also be different movies launched by Tesla and others to show this level proper or improper, however an important factor is that patrons are secure. For a $60,000 super-truck that the world has been waiting so long for, Cybertruck’s crash testing outcomes proved what we have all anxious about: It’s not an indestructible, untouchable car. Aesthetic-wise, it trumps the competitors, however in security, it actually doesn’t. Of course, the official crash and security ranking will quickly be accessible throughout varied web sites for everybody to dissect, so we’ll patiently await ultimate scores.
Cleveland-based electric mobility specialist Land Moto garnered attention earlier in 2023 with the updated models of its District electric motorcycle. The company focuses on e-mobility with an emphasis on enjoyment and retro-inspired styling while keeping prices accessible. Land has now announced the second production run of the District with lowered prices.
The District boasts an approachable design and respectable performance, weighing in at just 200 pounds, similar to a small dual-sport or scrambler. The battery provides a single-charge range of up to 120 miles and is swappable for convenient charging. Riders can select from three different modes with e-bike mode limiting speed to 25 miles per hour, e-moped mode raising it to 40 miles per hour, and e-motorcycle mode unlocking the motor’s top speed of 70 miles per hour. The bikes feature adjustable suspension and front and rear disc brakes for confident stops.
According to Scott Colosimo, the company’s founder and CEO, Land has managed to stabilize and scale production, allowing them to offer the District at lower prices. “Incoming investment has helped us stabilize and scale production and grow our sales network — and in turn, lower costs. When we prioritize in-house design and innovation, it’s a win for everyone — our customers, our investors and our team.”
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