Tag Archives: September

Featured

KBC 2023 Contestant Mayank Awarded Hyundai i20 After Winning Rs 1 Crore


He is the youngest contestant on the show to win the Rs 1 crore prize

KBC youngest contestant to win Rs 1 crore

  • The i20 facelift was launched in September 2023 in India.

  • It is available in five broad variants: Era, Magna, Sportz, Asta, and Asta (O).

  • Offered with a single 1.2-litre petrol powertrain.

  • Features on board the i20 include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, auto AC, and 6 airbags.

It’s been a few months since India’s popular TV game show, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), started airing in its fifteenth season. The show, hosted by none other than Amitabh Bachchan, recently got its youngest winner, Mayank, to bag the Rs 1 crore prize, which also got him a Hyundai i20 as an award. Early on in this season, Jaskaran Singh, the first contestant to win Rs 1 crore, also got the Hyundai Exter as a bonus prize.

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While Mayank quit the quiz after winning Rs 1 crore, had he played on and won Rs 7 crore, he would have received the new Hyundai Verna instead. That said, we don’t know the variant of the premium hatchback that was handed over to the winner, though we suspect it to be the fully loaded Asta (O) trim.

Hyundai i20: A Summary

Hyundai i20

Hyundai’s premium hatchback was launched in its third-generation avatar back in 2020 in India, and was given a refresh recently. The i20 is sold in five broad variants – Era, Magna, Sportz, Asta, and Asta (O). More details about the updates made to the Hyundai i20 can be found in our in-depth launch story.

What’s Under The Hood?

The regular i20 is offered with a 1.2-litre petrol engine (up to 88 PS/115 Nm), paired with a 5-speed MT or CVT. With the refresh, the turbo-petrol engine is now limited to the i20 N Line, which also got a minor design update.

Also Read: Hyundai Exter Crosses 1 Lakh Bookings, Waiting Period Stretches Up To 4 Months

Loaded With Tech

Hyundai i20 cabin

Hyundai has equipped the i20 with a bunch of features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a single-pane sunroof, an air purifier, push-button start/stop, and wireless phone charging.

Passenger safety is taken care of by six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), a tyre pressure monitoring system, and a reversing camera.

Cost And Competition

Hyundai i20 rear

The Hyundai i20 is priced from Rs 6.99 lakh to Rs 11.16 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It goes up against the Maruti Baleno, Tata Altroz and Toyota Glanza.

Also Check Out: All The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Buying A New Car At The End Of A Calendar Year

Read More on : i20 on road price

Motorsport

“`html This Is How We Think The New Audi Q3 Will Look

Our spies from Germany sent us the first batch of spy photos of the next-generation Audi Q3 in September this year. The prototype was spied testing on public roads with a fully camouflaged body and had its production panels and lights fitted already. Now, we’re trying to unhide the crossover completely through these exclusive renderings.

As opposed to the more conventionally designed 2024 A5 Avant, the new Q3 will come with a radical redesign of its front fascia compared to the outgoing model. The Singleframe octagonal radiator grille will be slightly smaller since there will be more plastic around the area separating the grille from the lower air intake. The panel will also feature a new pattern with overlapping U-shaped motifs. This won’t be the largest change though, as two big rectangular headlights will sit on the two corners of the bumper acting as the low and high beams.


“`

News

2024 Aprilia RS 457 Preorders And Pricing Announced In North America

Back in early September 2023, Aprilia officially unveiled the newest RS on the block at the Misano MotoGP round in Italy. As is common in moto world, covert test mules, spy photos, and speculation had been swirling for months. Since the RS most previously introduced was called the RS 660, most people thought that this new machine might be called the RS 440.  

Aprilia makes its own rules, though—so the RS 457 was born, and fans were intrigued. It’s powered by an A2-compliant 35 kilowatt (about 46.9 horsepower) parallel twin engine. Claimed curb weight is 175 kilograms, or just under 386 pounds.  

Fast-forward to November 2023, and it’s EICMA time once again in moto world. While Aprilia did indeed bring the RS 457 to the festivities so that visitors could see it in person, it wasn’t a new model introduction. Instead, in the US and Canada, Piaggio Group Americas chose this time to officially announce colors, pricing, and availability for the newest member of the RS family. 


2024 Aprilia RS 457 - Studio - Prismatic Dark - Right Side

7 Photos

Available 2024 Aprilia RS 457 Colors 

For 2024, Aprilia will offer three color options for the RS 457: Racing Stripes, Prismatic Dark, and Opalescent Light. 

Pricing and Availability 

Aprilia sells its bikes in multiple markets, including the RS 457. As such, pricing and availability will vary by region. Preorders at American and Canadian Aprilia dealers are now open as of November 7, 2023. 

In the US, the 2024 Aprilia RS 457 will carry an MSRP of $6,799 for the Prismatic Dark and Opalescent Light colorways. If you choose the Racing Stripes colorway instead, it’s just $100 more, at an MSRP of $6,899. These bikes should hit American showrooms in April 2024. Considering that the RS 660 currently starts at an MSRP of $11,499, that should make the RS 457 significantly more accessible for a wider variety of riders. 

In Canada, the 2024 Aprilia RS 457 will carry an MSRP of $7,799 for the Prismatic Cark and Opalescent Light colorways. Opt for Racing Stripes instead, and the MSRP is $7,999. In the Canadian market, Aprilia dealerships should begin seeing the 2024 RS 457 arrive sometime in June 2024. 

If you’re interested in the 2024 Aprilia RS 457, but you live in a region other than the US or Canada, your best bet for the most accurate information is to reach out to your local Aprilia dealer. They should be able to help you with any questions you may have about this or any other Aprilia that strikes your fancy. 

News

Watch This Monster Truck Chopper Build Get a Custom Single Sided Swingarm

In early September 2023, the Grind Hard Plumbing Company took on their most ambitious project yet: a KTM 1190-powered off-road chopper with 46-inch Mickey Thompson mud tires. Now, they have finally started the build process, beginning with the single sided swingarm and rear hub setup.

The team at GHPC has been building for several years and has accumulated a scrapyard full of materials from previous projects. This means they have a wide range of items to repurpose for their latest endeavor.

In this episode, the GHPC team uses their plasma cutter extensively. They start by cutting out a rear sprocket that will fit their application. If it’s not quite right, they simply adjust the design and cut another one. Through a combination of cardboard-aided design and computer-aided design, they eventually achieve an elegant-looking single sided swingarm.

Throughout the process, there is a lot of measuring, math, and troubleshooting involved. The team encounters challenges such as tubing that isn’t long enough, but they learn from their mistakes and make adjustments as needed.

This project provides valuable insight into planning, fabrication, and the ability to think on your feet. It highlights the importance of adapting and growing as necessary, even in the face of frustration. By approaching challenges analytically and being willing to change your approach, you can find a solid solution in the end.

BMW

Statement by Walter Mertl, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Finance, on the Quarterly Statement up to September 30, 2023

– Check against delivery –

Slide 2: BMW Group Quarterly Statement up to September 30, 2023

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen!

Slide 3: Highlights of BMW Group Performance in Q3 and YTD September

The BMW Group had a strong performance in the third quarter with solid sales growth and positive financial key figures.

In the third quarter, the Group’s EBT margin was 10.6%, and for the nine-month period from January to September, it was 11.9% – surpassing the strategic target of 10%.

The Automotive Segment’s EBIT margin was 9.8% for the third quarter and 10.3% for the year up to September. Without depreciation of BBA assets, the margins were 10.8% for Q3 and 11.4% for nine months.

After a successful third quarter, the BMW Group expects a positive business development in the fourth quarter. All segments are on track to meet their goals for the year.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the business figures for the third quarter and the first nine months.

Slide 4: BMW Group in Q3

Starting with the Group figures, the earnings before tax for the third quarter were consistent with last year, at just under 4.1 billion euros. The year-to-date pre-tax earnings decreased by about 6.8 billion euros, but this includes a one-time income from the revaluation of equity interests in BBA last year. Looking at the underlying operating result, Group earnings were 900 million euros higher year-on-year in the first nine months.

Slide 5: Automotive Retail units, BEV units, Auto revenue and Auto EBIT

Now, let’s focus on the Automotive Segment. In the third quarter of 2023, the BMW Group delivered just under 622,000 vehicles to customers, a 5.8% increase compared to the previous year. Year to date September, deliveries rose 5.1% to around 1.84 million vehicles.

The order books are filled, and new models like the BMW 5 Series will contribute to future sales growth. The BMW Group sold around 94,000 all-electric vehicles in Q3 and just under 247,000 for the nine-month period. The share of battery-electric vehicles in total sales continues to grow, reaching 15.1% in Q3. The sales of all-electric vehicles are expected to receive a further boost from the launch of the new BMW i5 in the fourth quarter.

The Automotive Segment’s operating result for the third quarter was just over 3.1 billion euros, with an EBIT margin of 9.8%. Year to date September, the EBIT margin was 10.3%.

Slide 6: Automotive Segment EBIT in Q3

Looking at the Automotive Segment’s operating result in more detail, the year-on-year comparison shows that Q3 2023 was impacted by currency and raw material positions, mainly due to currency translation effects from the Chinese renminbi. Higher vehicle sales, favorable model mix, and pricing effects contributed to a tailwind. Research and development expenses increased, reflecting investments in electrification, digitalization, and new models. Sales and administrative costs also increased, partly due to digitalization projects. Other cost changes included material and logistics costs.

Slide 7: Automotive Segment Free Cash Flow in Q3

Free cash flow in the Automotive Segment was 2.6 billion euros in the third quarter. The strong quarterly result and change in working capital contributed to this figure. Capital expenditure and depreciation had a negative impact, while changes in provisions and other items boosted free cash flow. At the end of September, free cash flow stood at around 5.8 billion euros. In the fourth quarter, there will be a significant increase in capital expenditure, and costs and higher tax payments will weigh on free cash flow.

Slide 8: Financial Services Segment YTD September

In the Financial Services Segment, new financing and leasing contracts with retail customers decreased by 5.6% year to date September, mainly due to higher interest rates. However, new business in financial services showed a positive trend in Q3, with contracts with end customers rising by 5.7% compared to Q3 2022. Segment earnings before tax decreased by 8.3%, reflecting higher refinancing costs and a smaller total portfolio size.

Slide 9: Motorcycles Segment in Q3

In the Motorcycles Segment, sales in the third quarter were on par with the high level of Q3 2022. The EBIT margin for the quarter was -0.6%, and for the first nine months, it was 12.0%.

Slide 10: Outlook 2023

The BMW Group expects stable business development for the rest of the year and confirms its guidance for the financial year 2023 for all segments, assuming geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions do not significantly deteriorate. In the Automotive Segment, a solid increase in deliveries is planned, with an EBIT margin between 9 and 10.5% and a Return on Capital Employed (RoCE) between 18 and 22%. The Motorcycles Segment is projected to report higher sales, with an EBIT margin between 8 and 10% and a RoCE between 21 and 26%. The Financial Services Segment aims for a Return on Equity (RoE) between 16 and 19% for the full year.

Slide 11: BMW Group performs as it transforms

The BMW Group’s third-quarter results showcase its performance capabilities. With an attractive product portfolio and a long-term strategy, the Group remains cautiously optimistic about the future. Continuous profitable growth and disciplined cost management support the BMW Group’s business success and investments in emission-free mobility. The Group’s financial strength allows it to shape its own future and create value.

Laptops, News

Apple Unveils 3nm M3 Chipset Family, Offers Pro and Max Versions from the Start

Apple has announced its latest M3 chip family, just a little over a month after its September 2023 iPhone 15 event. This event showcased the iPhone 15 lineup, along with the Apple Watch Series 9 and the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra. In the event invitation, Apple had also hinted at today’s Mac announcements by featuring the Mac Finder icon.

The newly announced Mac models will come equipped with the new M3 chip family. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with XDR display will have the base M3 chip, while the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro will feature the M3 Pro chip. There will also be a MacBook Pro model with the M3 Max chip, which has the capability to power four high-resolution external monitors.

Apple has pleasantly surprised its customers by introducing a black color option for the MacBook, but this option is limited to the M3 Pro and M3 Max models. The base MacBook Pro with M3 will start at $1,599, while the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Pro chip will start at $1,999 and $2,499 respectively. All these models are available for order starting today. The MacBook Pro with the M3 Max chip will have a starting price of $3,499.

Volkswagen

Brand Group Core improves operating profit, unit sales and sales revenue – increased product costs and interruptions to production impact profitability

  • Operating profit increased by 34.0 percent from January to September 2023 compared to the same period last year
  • The operating return on sales was slightly higher at 4.9 percent
  • Overall development was affected by interruptions in production and high product costs
  • Thomas Schäfer, a member of the Volkswagen Group Board of Management, emphasized the need for decisive action to improve profitability

In the first nine months of 2023, the Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Core focused on cross-brand cooperation to improve efficiency and increase cost savings. However, performance was impacted by interruptions in production and high product costs.

Thomas Schäfer, Volkswagen Group Board of Management Member responsible for the Brand Group Core: Overall, the results of the Brand Group Core show that there is room for improvement both in the individual brands and as a whole. We cannot be satisfied with our current profitability, and we need to take decisive action. The challenging environment and technological transformation require even closer cooperation between our brands. By leveraging synergies and bundling our expertise, we can make the necessary investments for the future.

In the first nine months of 2023, the Brand Group Core saw a 34.0 percent increase in operating profit before special items compared to the same period last year. The operating return on sales was 4.9 percent, a slight improvement. Sales revenue also grew by 24.0 percent.

Despite the challenges, the Brand Group Core reported a 21.0 percent increase in unit sales and a 9.4 percent increase in deliveries to customers. However, the market trend for battery-electric vehicles fell short of expectations.

Patrik Andreas Mayer, CFO of the Volkswagen brand and responsible for Finance at the Brand Group Core, highlighted the effectiveness of the new steering model and the progress being made in improving performance. The long-term target for the Brand Group Core’s operating return on sales remains ambitious at 8 percent.

Key figures for the Brand Group Core:

Key financials

Jan – Sep 2023

Jan – Sep 2022

Change 23/22

Unit sales

3,574,700 vehicles

2,957,400 vehicles

+21%

Sales revenue

101.060 billion euros

81.356 billion euros

+24%

Operating profit before special items

4.985 billion euros

3.720 billion euros

+34%

Operating return on sales before special items

4.9%

4.6%

+0.3%-points

Net cash flow

3.573 billion euros

1.855 billion euros

+92.7%

The performance of the Brand Group Core is also attributed to the success of the individual brands. The Volkswagen brand, despite facing interruptions in production and higher product costs, reported an increase in unit sales and sales revenue. ŠKODA, SEAT/CUPRA, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also recorded positive results in unit sales, operating profit, and sales revenue.

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Motorsport

2025 Lucid Gravity Will Debut At LA Auto Show, Production Begins Late 2024

In September 20, 2020, Lucid announced that they will be releasing an SUV called Gravity. However, not much has been revealed about the Gravity since then. But now, Lucid has made an announcement through their social media that Gravity will “make contact” on November 16, just in time for the Los Angeles Auto Show.

According to the teaser post, production of the Lucid Gravity will start in late 2024. So, there is still some time before people can get behind the wheel of this SUV. Previously, Lucid had mentioned that they will unveil the Gravity in 2023 and start production in 2024. With this teaser, the timeframe seems to have narrowed down.

The teaser photo does not reveal much that we haven’t seen before. It shows a slim horizontal taillight on a wide rear gate with a narrower greenhouse above. In a teaser video released in April 2023, we got a clear view of the electric SUV in action, but not from all angles. However, from what we have seen so far, there is a definite resemblance to Lucid’s other model, the Air.

News

BMW Motorrad Introduces New Vario Hard Luggage System For 2024 R 1300 GS

BMW Motorrad has unveiled the highly anticipated 2024 R 1300 GS, the brand’s flagship motorcycle. The redesign has received mixed opinions from fans, but one thing that everyone agrees on is the need for a reliable luggage system for this adventure touring bike.

That’s why BMW Motorrad has announced a new Vario luggage system specifically designed to fit the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS. It includes two hard side cases and a top case, all made of anodized aluminum and black plastic to match the bike’s aesthetic.


2024 BMW R 1300 GS - Vario Luggage 9

15 Photos

All three cases in the Vario luggage system are now electrified and include integrated lighting for easy access. The left Vario side case and the top case also have USB-A charging ports for on-the-go charging of electronic devices. The system is compatible with the keyless entry feature of the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS, and mechanical keys are provided as a backup.

Vario Volume Adjustability 

The Vario cases come with a handwheel for easy storage volume adjustment. The side cases have a standard capacity of 49 liters, but by using the volume adjusters, they can hold up to approximately 54.5 liters. The top case has a standard capacity of 28 liters, which can be increased to 36 liters.

But Wait, There’s More 

In addition to the Vario cases, the R 1300 GS allows riders to attach extra luggage to both the side cases and the top case. The system has a maximum load capacity of 10 kilograms (22 pounds) per side for the Vario cases and 6 kilograms (13.2 pounds) for the top case. Additional one kilogram (2.2 pounds) can be lashed to each Vario side case and two kilograms (4.4 pounds) to the top case.

BMW also offers Vario inner bags for better organization of items inside the luggage. It’s important to note that this specific Vario luggage system is designed exclusively for the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS and is not compatible with other models.

Pricing and Availability 

Pricing and availability details have not been announced yet. For the most accurate information, it is recommended to contact your local authorized BMW Motorrad dealer.

Motorsport

Automakers Debuted 45 New Vehicles Globally In Q3 2023

Automakers around the world debuted a total of 45 new vehicles in the third quarter of 2023. This number includes the final production versions of cars, some of which may not be available for purchase just yet. The count does not include light commercial vehicles but does include pickup trucks. The new vehicles were launched in various countries, including China, Japan, Korea, the United States, Europe, and India, among others. However, the Iranian auto market was not included in the count. Despite the slow growth in new car sales globally, the automotive industry remains busy. In fact, in the last six months leading up to Q3, a total of 90 new models were introduced. Many of these new models are electric vehicles, but there are also plenty of cars powered by internal combustion engines.

China accounted for half of the new car launches in the third quarter, with 23 new models being introduced. This highlights the strong push of China’s auto industry, as many of these cars have the potential for global markets. The remaining new car submissions in Q3 came from Europe, the United States, Korea, and Japan. Europe saw the introduction of 11 new cars, including models from German, British, French, and Italian brands. Japanese manufacturers launched five new models, while South Korean colleagues introduced four. American manufacturers, on the other hand, only presented two new models.

Among automakers, the Hyundai Group unveiled the largest number of new cars during this period. Their launches included the fifth-generation Santa Fe, the Kia K3 (to be built in Mexico for emerging markets), the Kia EV5 (a fully electric alternative to the Sportage), and the coupe version of the Genesis GV80. Mercedes-Benz followed closely with three new launches, including the second-generation AMG GT, the CLE Coupe, and the CLE Cabriolet. In China, several brands introduced three new models, including Geely, FAW, and BYD. Additionally, 12 automakers presented two new models each, while five automakers showcased a single debut.

Overall, the automotive industry continues to introduce a significant number of new vehicles, catering to various markets and consumer preferences.