Tag Archives: January

News

Hero MotoCorp Releases New Colors For The Vida V1 Electric Scooter

In January 2023, Hero Motocorp started delivering its first electric two-wheeler, the Vida V1 scooter. This scooter was launched as part of the Vida brand’s electric spinoff. It entered a competitive market in India, competing against other electric scooters like the TVS iQube, Ather 450, and Ola S1. After six months of being on the market, Hero has made some updates to the V1 scooter. Let’s take a closer look.

The updated Vida V1 now comes in two new paint options: Cyan and Black. These options join the existing colors of white, orange, and red, providing customers with a total of five vibrant choices. The scooter’s overall appearance remains the same with a modern and dynamic bodywork design. It features apron-mounted LED headlights and a two-tone finish for a sophisticated and energetic look. The scooter also retains its step-up saddle, which allows for comfortable two-up riding with space for two riders.

Notably, the Vida V1 offers a premium and convenient experience for riders with its high-end features. These include a seven-inch full-color TFT display with touchscreen capabilities, keyless operation, and cruise control. The scooter also has OTA (Over-The-Air) capability, enabling remote software updates for ongoing improvements.

In terms of power, the 2023 Vida V1 is equipped with a rear hub electric motor that has a maximum output of 6 kilowatts (around 8 horsepower). With an output of 25 Newton-meters (around 17.5 pound-feet) of torque, the scooter accelerates quickly from 0 to 25 miles per hour in just 3.2 seconds. It has a top speed of 50 mph, making it suitable for commuting in urban areas. The Vida V1 also offers four ride modes (Eco, Ride, Sport, and User) for riders to customize their performance settings according to their preferences.

The 2023 Vida V1 features 12-inch alloy wheels, which not only enhance its sporty appearance but also contribute to better stability and handling on the road. The suspension system consists of standard telescopic front forks and a single rear shock absorber. The scooter is equipped with a combined braking system (CBS) that combines a front disc brake with a rear drum brake, providing more evenly distributed and controlled stopping power.

The Vida V1 comes with an outstanding warranty, offering a five-year or 50,000-kilometer warranty on the scooter itself, ensuring customers have peace of mind regarding its durability and reliability. The battery is also covered by an impressive three-year or 300,000-kilometer warranty, reflecting the manufacturer’s confidence in its performance and longevity. Priced at Rs 145,900 (approximately $1,822 USD), the Vida V1 offers a premium yet attractive option in the Indian electric scooter market.

News

BMW Unveils The Crown, A Custom R 18 Celebrating 100 Years Of BMW Motorrad

In January 2021, Kingston Custom revealed its first BMW R 18 custom, the Spirit of Passion. Designed by Dirk Oehlerking, this unique bike showcased the potential for limitless design possibilities within the R 18 line.

Fast-forward to July 2023, where BMW Motorrad is celebrating its 100th anniversary. As part of the celebration, BMW asked Oehlerking to create another custom R 18 that embodies the brand’s past, present, and future.

The result is The Crown, a stunning creation by Kingston Custom. Made with meticulously handcrafted aluminum sheet metal and finished in a regal Champagne Platinum, The Crown represents the essence of Oehlerking’s previous creations.


BMW R 18 The Crown - Kingston Custom - Front Left Angle View

27 Photos

Oehlerking started with a new BMW R 18 and stripped it down to create The Crown. Using hard foam and cardboard, he meticulously shaped the bike to have a powerful, elegant, and innovative look.

Unlike the Spirit of Passion, The Crown required significant alterations to the R 18 structure. Oehlerking replaced the standard front end with a double-sided swingarm setup and a central suspension strut.

While the fuel tank, body panels, and exhaust manifolds were handcrafted, components such as the headlight, instrument cluster, switchgear, footrests, and engine were retained from the BMW factory and seamlessly incorporated into The Crown’s overall design.

The Crown premiered at BMW Motorrad Days 2023 and will likely make appearances at future shows. What are your thoughts on this magnificent custom creation?

Motorsport

New Hybrid Version of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe Spotted During Testing

Back in January of 2022, Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe was spotted by our spies for the first time. Now, 18 months later, we still have yet to see the final production version. However, some new spy shots have emerged of a plug-in hybrid prototype, spotted by Spanish publication Motor.es. The tell-tale sign is the yellow stickers, indicating the presence of a PHEV.

The charging port cap on the rear bumper also confirms that this sports car is an electrified vehicle. Other notable features include 20-inch wheels with Pirelli tires measuring 295/35 ZR20, and carbon-ceramic brakes, recognizable from their gold calipers. The car’s recognizable Panamericana grille is flanked by various air intakes, hinting that this is probably a high-end model in the lineup.


FiatUk

NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM ANNOUNCED TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR ABARTH, FIAT AND FIAT PROFESSIONAL

18 January 2023: Fiat has announced changes to its UK management team, with Damien Dally being appointed Managing Director for the UK operations of Abarth, Fiat and Fiat Professional, with immediate effect. He will join Marketing Director Giuseppe Cava and Sales Director Iain Brown on the management team. 

 

Dally has worked for FCA – and subsequently Stellantis – for 21 years and has a wide breadth of knowledge and experience across all of the brands within the group. His tenure includes a stint in Italy as Head of Commercial Development – Jeep brand EMEA and Management of the Fiat Chrysler International Sales Operations.  He is renowned for his passion for driving results alongside his strong sales and marketing background gained both in the UK and Europe. Dally will report to Paul Willcox, Senior Vice President and Group Managing Director, Stellantis UK. 

 

Cava joined the group in June 2018 covering several roles in the Product Marketing team and leading the division as Head of Product, before moving to the Marketing Director role for Fiat and Abarth in February 2022 where he remains.  Cava holds a double master’s degree in management from two leading universities in Germany and Italy as well as a Masters in Global Marketing & Made in Italy. Cava will report into Damien Dally, Managing Director. 

 

Sales Director Brown has an abundance of sales and automotive experience, having first joined Fiat as Zone Sales Manager in 2008. During his tenure, he has held various roles with the Stellantis brands, including Regional Sales Manager and National Sales Operation Manager. In his latter role, from 2019, Brown was Head of Customer Experience and Quality for Abarth, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Fiat Professional and Jeep. 

 

Richard Chamberlain continues his role as Director of Commercial Vehicles for Stellantis UK.

 

On his appointment, Dally, said: “This is a huge honour for me to take over these iconic brands with incredible pasts, but equally as exciting futures. In the all-electric Fiat 500 we truly have an electric car that is widely lauded by media and consumers alike. In addition, the Abarth 500e has just been revealed and will be on sale later in the year while e-Ducato and e-Scudo offer a diverse portfolio for van drivers. It really couldn’t be a more exciting time to be working on these brands.”

 

Senior Vice President and Group Managing Director, Stellantis UK , Paul Willcox said: “I am delighted to congratulate Damien on his new appointment as Managing Director for the UK operations of Abarth, Fiat and Fiat Professional. His 21 years’ experience within the business and deep understanding of the individual brands will help guide the business towards its successful emission free future.” 

 

For further information, please contact Kate Oyler, Head of PR, Abarth, Fiat and Fiat Professional, kate.oyler@stellantis.com or 07796 447124.