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News

Is Royal Enfield Working On A 750cc Bobber Design For 2025?

In November 2022, Royal Enfield unveiled the Super Meteor 650 at EICMA, building on the success of its 650 Twins. Now, in July 2023, there are rumors that Royal Enfield is working on a 750cc bobber, expected to be released in 2025. The project, codenamed R2G, is said to include multiple bikes on the same platform. It remains unclear whether the 750cc engine will be an expansion of the existing 650cc engine or an entirely different one.

In the past, Royal Enfield has been associated with rumors of a 750cc engine. In 2017, there were speculations about a 750cc engine that would compete with Triumph Bonneville and Harley-Davidson Street 750. However, those rumors eventually led to the development of the 650 Twins. While rumors should be taken with a grain of salt, Royal Enfield has a track record of turning rumors into reality, such as the launch of the Hunter 350 and the release of teasers for the Himalayan 450.

Given Royal Enfield’s history, it’s possible that development of a 750cc bobber is already underway. However, with limited information available in 2023, it’s challenging to accurately predict what to expect in 2025. Until more concrete details emerge, it’s best to consider this rumor as intriguing but unconfirmed. As further updates become available, we will keep you informed.

FiatUk

Three quarters of UK motorists think Government could do more to help drivers make switch to electric cars

  • Only 15 per cent likely to make switch to electric in next 12 months, FIAT study finds
  • 60 per cent would consider making the switch if the vehicles were cheaper
  • Over 80 per cent of EV drivers say it’s one of the best decisions they’ve made
  • FIAT recently introduced £3,000 FIAT E-Grant for FIAT 500e and 500e Convertible buyers
  • First car manufacturer to launch its own electric car grant in the UK since the Government’s Plug-in Car Grant came to an end 12 months ago

Three quarters of Brits think the Government should be doing more to encourage the switch to electric vehicles (EV) – by offering consumer grants.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 63 per cent consider the retail price to be the biggest downside of EVs.
Just 15 per cent of those who don’t own an EV are ‘likely’ to make the switch within the next 12 months – but 60 per cent would be more inclined to go electric if the vehicles were cheaper.

The study revealed a groundswell of support for the Government’s pledge that all new cars and vans will be required to be ‘fully zero emission at the tailpipe’ by 2035 – with 45 per cent backing the plan.

But just 21 per cent of all adults think the strategy will be successful – 55 per cent don’t think the promise will be fulfilled and 25 per cent are on the fence.

This comes after FIAT launched its own electric car grant, FIAT E-Grant, offering £3,000 towards the all-electric 500e and 500e convertible.

Damien Dally, FIAT UK managing director, said: “EV ownership has increased significantly over the last decade, however, demand is starting to plateau and there is still apprehension among those who’ve yet to go electric.

“As our study shows cost is the biggest stumbling block for consumers, which won’t have been helped by the Government Plug-in Car Grant ending 12 months ago. We are committed to helping people make the switch, that’s why we launched our own grant.’’

The study by FIAT also identified other areas consumers feel require investment from the Government in relation to EVs.

These include charging infrastructure (59 per cent), battery plants in the UK (45 per cent), and tax subsidies (38 per cent).

While 22 per cent believe there should be more money spent on educating as many people as possible on EVs.

Further to this, the research highlighted aspects of electric car ownership which consumers still seem to require further education on.

Such questions include ‘how long does it take to charge an EV?’ (40 per cent), ‘do EV batteries last long?’ (40 per cent), and ‘how much range would an EV really need?’ (30 per cent).

‘Will charging an EV at home raise my electricity bill?’ (27 per cent), ‘does insurance cost more for EVs?’ (26 per cent), and ‘do all EVs use the same charger?’ (23 per cent) are also common queries.

And while 85 per cent of car owners polled are yet to make the switch – possibly with questions like these in the back of their minds – those who’ve gone electric appear to have no regrets.

The study found 81 per cent of those who’ve made the switch consider their decision to be ‘one of the best’ they’ve made.

Dally added: “The research suggests petrol and diesel vehicle users are keen to make the switch to EVs but there is still plenty of uncertainty.

“This underlines why it’s important to incentivise people to make the switch while educating them on the benefits of going electric.”

ENDS

For more information about the FIAT E-Grant visit: here and here.

For more information about driving electric visit: https://www.fiat.co.uk/driving-electric.

Featured

Upcoming Car Launches in the Second Half of 2023


Introduction

In the second half of 2023, car enthusiasts can look forward to the launch of more than five brand new cars. From electric vehicles to facelifts, here are the top 10 upcoming car models:

Kia Seltos Facelift

The Kia Seltos compact SUV is getting a major update after four years. It will feature refreshed exterior and interior designs, along with new features like dual 10.25-inch screens, a panoramic sunroof, and radar-based ADAS technology.

Maruti Invicto

The Maruti Invicto MPV, launching on July 6, is the brand’s most expensive model. It is a rebadged version of the Toyota Innova Hycross with minor styling tweaks. The Invicto comes with a 2-liter petrol engine and strong hybrid technology.

Hyundai Exter

The Hyundai Exter is an entry-level SUV and a competitor to the Tata Punch. It will be available in manual and AMT transmissions, with a CNG version also offered. The Exter will feature an electric sunroof, an 8-inch touchscreen system, and six airbags.

Honda Elevate

The Honda Elevate is a compact SUV powered by a petrol engine. It will feature an electric sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen system, and ADAS technology.

Citroen C3 Aircross

The Citroen C3 Aircross is a three-row SUV priced competitively against the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Honda Elevate. It will have a 110PS 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine and offer a 10-inch touchscreen system, dual airbags, and TPMS.

Hyundai i20 Facelift

A facelifted version of the Hyundai i20 hatchback is expected soon. It will sport a refreshed exterior design, and the interior will see minimal changes. The powertrain options will remain the same.

Force Gurkha 5-Door

The five-door version of the Force Gurkha is likely to be available for sale in the next six months. It will have the same engine as the three-door version but with a stretched rear profile.

BYD Seal

The BYD Seal is an electric sedan with a large 82.5kWh battery pack that claims a range of up to 700 kilometers. It offers features such as a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, and radar-based ADAS.

Tata Punch EV

The Tata Punch is not only getting a CNG version but an electric version as well. It will feature multiple battery packs, offering a claimed range of up to 350 kilometers.

Nissan X-Trail

The Nissan X-Trail is a full-size SUV that is expected to launch towards the end of this year. It will be a rival to the Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster, featuring a 1.5-liter mild-hybrid turbo-petrol engine or a strong hybrid powertrain.

(All prices mentioned are ex-showroom prices.)

Motorsport

New Mercedes-Benz EQG Spy Video Shows Electric SUV with Concealed Box Design

It has been more than six months since we had the chance to experience the electric Mercedes-Benz EQG. The SUV is expected to make its debut before the year ends, but a recent video reveals that the highly anticipated model is still undergoing testing, wrapped in full-body camouflage.

Despite the coverings that hide the grille and other design elements, Mercedes cannot hide the EQG’s signature boxy design, which has been a defining feature of the model since its inception. The electric G-Class draws inspiration from the EQG Concept, which was unveiled at the 2021 Munich Motor Show. It is unlikely that the production version will deviate significantly from the concept’s overall styling.


News

Kia design boss: “the post-SUV is coming”

In recent months, many brands have suggested that the traditional SUV’s days may be numbered. These upright, two-box vehicles, favored by regular drivers but often criticized by car enthusiasts, are facing reconsideration due to the increasing importance placed on aerodynamic efficiency and sustainability. Despite this, the demand for SUVs remains high.

Kia’s design chief, Karim Habib, is open to exploring new possibilities: “We will try different things,” he says. “I believe there are more efficient ways to utilize space.” With the elimination of the transmission tunnel and engine bay on the horizon, interior design can take a completely new direction. In the near future, cars no longer need to be the same size and shape to provide comparable utility and comfort.

“I personally believe that you can create really cool vans,” Habib remarks. He offers the rakish Carnival, not available in the UK, as an example of a “cool” and “desirable” take on the traditional MPV. Meanwhile, Habib emphasizes that technological progress must be evident in SUVs for them to survive. It’s not about the specific typology, but rather, what it represents.

Kia’s design lessons from Land Rover

While it may seem unthinkable, Kia finds design inspiration from Land Rover. Habib points out the EV9’s simplistic lines and minimalist details as evidence. “There’s something really nice about these authentic, honest, boxy SUVs,” he states. Habib admires the enduring appeal of the Land Rover Defender, both old and new, for its cool factor.

Motorsport

New Renault Master Spied With Less Camouflage And Combustion Engine

The next-generation Renault Master has been in development for several months and two prototypes have already been spotted during the early testing phase. Recent shots of the French company’s workhorse reveal that progress has been made. Additionally, the van has now been relocated to southern Europe for hot weather testing.

For those unfamiliar, the Master is Renault’s largest light commercial vehicle. It has been in production in its current form since 2010 and has also been available under the badges of Nissan, Opel, and Vauxhall. The brand-new successor is currently undergoing early evaluations on European roads. The vehicle appears to feature a production body, although the lights may still be placeholders. It’s worth noting that the Renault Master is not sold in the United States, but it has been available in South America with local production in Brazil.


News

Range Rover Evoque receives larger touchscreen and improved hybrid range

How has your experience been as the Managing Director of Range Rover so far?

“It has been amazing. It has been intense with a lot happening. We recently revealed the Range Rover Sport SV three weeks ago, and now the Evoque. We have incredible launches and a wide scope of products. Additionally, there are ongoing transformations, electrification, and management of different brands. There is a lot going on, making it super intense but also very exciting.”

What are your priorities as the Managing Director of Range Rover?

“It is still early days – only two months in – so it’s difficult to determine my specific goals. Currently, I am focused on familiarizing myself with the organization and meeting everyone. I want to understand everyone’s thoughts and feelings about the direction we are heading.

“One of my main priorities is definitely electrification. In my speech, I mentioned the Range Rover fully electric, and that was a genuine factor that influenced my decision to take on this role. I believe it is a significant milestone for the company and for the overall electrification movement. Being able to drive a fully electric Range Rover, especially considering its size as an SUV, is truly amazing.

“Therefore, ensuring we get the electric version right and successfully launching it, while ensuring our customers and clients understand its value, is crucial. I want to delve into the details of all our products and familiarize myself with the organization, but with a particular focus on the Range Rover Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) that will be coming soon.”

Motorsport

Bentley Batur Completes Development, Gears Up For Production Start

The Bentley Batur, which made its debut in August 2022, has finished its on-road development phase. The British luxury brand can now begin production of 18 models for its customers.

Prior to the production phase, Bentley conducted extensive testing with two pre-production Baturs. These vehicles underwent real-world testing, covering a total of 18,641 miles, and were evaluated for a combined period of 58 weeks. Car Zero, one of the pre-production models, featured a lively Purple Sector body with a Gloss Dark Titanium grille adorned with Black Crystal elements. As for Car Zero-Zero, it sported a Marina Teal body and was specifically utilized for development in Europe and high-speed driving on closed circuits.


News

Watch: Riding Through The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast In British Columbia

The Motorcycle Travel Channel has been on a road trip for almost two months, starting from Arizona and now reaching British Columbia. This is the 29th episode of the series, but the 21st episode is particularly interesting as it showcases a variety of things to see and do.

It took 21 episodes for the channel to reach British Columbia, and in the latest video, episode 29, the host, Sterling, is close to completing his trip. Currently in Arizona, the exploration of British Columbia is captivating and definitely worth watching.

Sterling’s videos on his BMW motorcycle are filled with breathtaking scenery, highlighting the natural beauty that Canada has to offer. While camping has been a major part of the trip, Sterling has also enjoyed the hospitality of inns and small hotels along the way.

Episode 21 of the series shows some unfortunate mishaps with Sterling’s equipment, such as a pannier and a monopod getting damaged due to an unplanned tip-over. However, these incidents have only emphasized the theme of “minimalism” that Sterling has embraced throughout his journey.

The video showcases stunning shots of the Fraser River and takes viewers on a journey through the Fishing Highway (Highway 24), which is connected to various lakes. Overall, the rest of the video provides a visual treat for adventure enthusiasts.

The remainder of the video continues to impress with stunning visuals. To catch up on the series, check out the latest upload from the Motorcycle Travel Channel on YouTube. Sterling is now back in Arizona, concluding an amazing trip that spanned thousands of miles, required hundreds of liters of fuel, and offered countless breathtaking sights.