M&M’s senior vice-president (product development), automotive sector, Arun Jaura revealed that the company is test-piloting Scorpio’s mild-hybrid variant and full-hybrid variant and have plans to launch them early next year. No misgivings that both variants would be priced higher than the existing Scorpio petrol and diesel models.

Just like other hybrids, the full-hybrid version of Scorpio will run on electricity and petrol. In the mild-hybrid version, the engine will have the option of being turned off whenever the car is braking or stopped, however able to revive quickly and cleanly. When the engine is off, accessories can run on electrical power.

Honda Siel Cars India is also offering its premium Civic hybrid in India next year. The cars would be imported as completely built units (CBU). Again, the engine would run on electricity-petrol combination.

Auto-giants like Toyota and Ford are dotty about bringing their models in India. However the speculations are that it can happen only if Government is ready to provide subsidies to hybrid vehicle makers. Arvind Mathew, managing director, Ford India said that the company will continue to monitor market demand in India before they launch any hybrid vehicle.

The Society of Automobile Manufacturers Association India (SIAM) has urged the Government to increase the use of hybrid vehicles. To reduce the cost, the support from the Government could come by cutback in taxes or other alternative fuel vehicles.

The Automakers believe the Government would provide manufacturing support to players for hybrid vehicles and also extend some tax sops if hybrids are imported as CBUs. The Government is also expected to widen its support providing enough CNG, LPG, clean fuels and electric charging stations.

In many countries, hybrid car owners are offered exemptions when they file income-tax. Such initiatives give customers a reason to buy the hybrid making them more aware to the environment.

Courtesy: Economictimes

Japanese automaker Toyota is fanatical to fortify its hybrid Prius sales not just for the fame but is marking a milestone by launching a new ’standard’ version of its gas-electric hybrid for 2008 model year.

The new-fangled model would cost around $20,950, exclusive of destination charges. This is by the way $1,225 cheaper compared to the lowest-cost 2007 model. However the customers would be able to choose from a listing of equipments to get installed on this version which is standard on the existing variants.

Bill Kwong, a spokesman for Toyota Motor Sales USA cited in a statement on the need to launch this cheaper Prius:

We’re just trying to make it available for everybody.

The budge by Toyota has an endorsement by the market analysts. According to them, this is not exactly a move by the company to boost the sales of the car as it is immensely popular in the market.

[Via:Techwhack]

[Image:Toyota]

Afterwards, certain bikes were out to dare the Hayabusa top speed for a production motorcycle, including the BMW K1200S, the Kawasaki ZX-12R and the new ZX-14. And now Suzuki has decided for the 2008 model that they’ll not only revamp the super-bike, but will boost the size of the engine from 1299cc to 1340cc.

The compression power increases from 11.5:1 to 12.5:1. The 41cc increase in displacement stems from a 2mm increase in stroke giving each tube of the Inline-four a final spec of 81mm x 65mm (bore/stroke). Inside, there’s a new three-ring aluminum alloy forged slipper piston. The motor also gets a new set of titanium valves for intake and exhaust. The sizes haven’t changed, but the alternative metal has reduced the weight.

A little technology pulled from the GSX-R line is the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) which provides three options of power delivery. A 4-2-1-2 exhaust which meets Euro 3 and Tier 2 emission regulations has been attached. Overall length has increased to 86.6 inches while the wheelbase is same. A 15mm higher windscreen and vertically stacked dual headlights are a part of the new look. The seat and rear sub-frame have been lowered by 17mm.

A pair of 310 mm balanced front rotors (10 mm smaller) offer less unsprung weight and are pinched by new Tokico radial-mount calipers. The single-piston rear caliper grabs a larger 260mm rotor (+20mm). There’s a Diamond like Coating (DLC) on the lower section of the inverted fork for less stiction. The steering geometry is virtually indistinguishable at 24.2 degrees of rake and 98mm of trail, an increase of 1 mm.

The revamped instrument cluster now features four analog meters for speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and water temperature with a new S-DMS mode indicator, gear position indicator and adjustable engine rpm indicator.

Since its introduction, the major Japanese motorcycle manufacturer realized that the power and speed wars among flagship sports bike would not end and would eventually lead to increased government regulations, an unfavorable public image due to more fatal accidents and higher insurance premiums.

The new Hayabusa will be available in Orange, Blue, and Black. Expect to see this ‘fiend’ sometime in October with a price tag of $11,999.

The XR 750 is a deliberately built race bike that has conquered more race wins than any other racing mobike in the history of motorcycle sport. The XR 1200 prototype was first unveiled to huge acclaim from customers and the media alike by Bill Davidson (great-grandson of one of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s founders) at the Intermot motorcycle show in October, 2006.

The XR 1200 is the result of a close collaboration between the Motor Company’s Milwaukee-based product development team and Harley-Davidson’s European product planning team. The European team has played a significant role in defining the specifications and ergonomics of the XR 1200. The team has collectively worked with US Ride and Handling engineers on suspension, braking and handling development.

According to John Lewis, Marketing Director for Harley-Davidson Europe, the XR1200 is the perfect way to round-off a superb 2008 product line-up. Harley-Davidson has acknowledged an overwhelming customer and media feedback since the XR 1200 prototype’s unveiling.

The XR1200 will be equipped with a cooled motor to air from 1200cc, answering to the European detailed lists, and product in series, more powerful that never has been realized from Harley-Davidson. With a freedom for the lean angle; specially tuned Showa sports suspension, including 43mm inverted front forks; high performance Nissin brakes; and specially developed Dunlop Qualifier tyres, the XR 1200 is set to become the best handling Harley-Davidson regular production machine ever seen.

The XR 1200 is a bike full of purpose and character united with great performance, handling and a unique feel. Above all else it will be a bike that will offer a hugely rewarding riding experience.

The price of XR 1200 is still in phase of appraisal, but it presumes that the price, to clearly of the taxation, can be maintained to of under of the 10,000 Euro.

Technical characteristics

• Styling and livery inspired by XR 750
• Motor from 1200 cc, the elevated performances, painted to silver-plated powder
• Feeding with vertical culverts and electronically arranges assets of aspiration of the controlled air
• Tires Dunlop Qualifier (front 120/70ZR18; posterior 180/55ZR17)
• Circles in alloy from the reduced weight, only in their kind, with design inspired to that one of the motion from dirt track
• Sport Showa suspension to calibration, specifically developed for this model, with staple to steles turns upside down to you from 43 millimeter
• Great dowries of agility and ease of handling, and generous lateral rake
• Nissin brakes to high performances
• Studied ergonomics according to the medium height of the European customers
• Position of raised and sport guide, with wide handle-bar and leggermente rear footrests
• New exclusive instrumentation for the model

[Images: Harley Davidson]

The two basic helmet versions are capable of communicating with each other and everybody (rider & pillion rider) and the good thing, they can phone with their own Bluetooth mobile.

The BlueBike Solo is a tiny device that can be used together with an MP3-Player or with a tuner as well as a walkie-talkie. Furthermore, it can be used with the phone.

The BlueBike Premium version consists of a basic control unit, which is resolutely installed at the bike. This enables the biker to hook onto external audio sources like tuners and MP3s, the voice output of the navigation device, even to a mobile which does not have Bluetooth and for a walkie-talkie.

The battery on all the three systems last for at least 20 hours. Votronic’s BlueBike system comes along a price tag starting at €350 or $481 and could elevate depending upon the options chosen.

This ‘Plug-in’ two wheeler is absolute fun with efficiency guaranteed. Clearly not a typical motorcycle, the Enertia has no fuel tank and no internal-combustion engine. From a jaded (as the color green) fascia, it can reduce a commuter’s carbon footprint by 92 percent.

It lacks many of the characters that traditionally guide people away from a two-wheeled, mechanized ride. Almost silent, it has no exhaust and doesn’t get hot. Furthermore, it has no clutch or gearbox. It is light and slim, and practically maintenance-free.

When I read it first I thought this is some geeky machine good enough to replace a bicycle, but then, the credentials made me tight lipped.

The Enertia is a clean-sheet design with its central structure made of carbon fiber which serves as both the motorcycle’s chassis and its battery tray.

Unlike typical bikes, the engine is an alternator sized electric motor mounted at the bottom of the chassis just ahead of the rear wheel. The motor is directly attached to the rear wheel through a chain and sprocket.

For fuel storage, it consists of six 12 volt lithium-phosphate battery packs. These modules, which are about half the size of a traditional car battery, are accumulated inside the upper and lower channels of the H-shaped carbon fiber chassis; three on top, three below.

In contrast to lithium-ion or lithium-cobalt batteries, the application of the lithium-phosphate cells is remarkably resistant to combustion, even if the batteries are impacted or punctured. It can be charged from any regular 110-volt electrical outlet and gets wholly recharged in just three hours which puts even the most hi-fi doodads to shame, for its fast mate! No, then its bike you prick!

The power level of the Enertia is user selectable from 40 to 100 percent which decides how fast you draw current from the batteries. The Enertia’s power ratings (12-25 horsepower, 17-34 lb-ft of torque) make it analogous to a Kawasaki Ninja 250 in terms of horsepower, but the electric drivetrain provides double the amount of torque, in a package 30 pounds lighter. At the 100-percent power setting, Brammo claims a 0-30 mph time of 3.8 seconds but at a top speed of only 50 mph.

Hmmm! think they should do something about that speed, but then I simultaneously feel, if a person looks for a high adrenalin driver, Enertia should be an alien name to him , atleast the one with an ‘E’, although the one with an ‘I’ is all that you need to define this call it whatever.

Image : Ecobiker

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You wonder ABS! The makers of classic American motorcycles are all set to roll their antilock brakes system as an option on ten new 2008 models. The proclamation, along with unveiling of the three new models, concurred with the motorcycle maker’s annual dealer meeting, held this year in Nashville, Tennessee.

It began when the Milwaukee-based motorcycle maker launched an antilock braking system on two Swat cruiser bikes in 2005. It will be for the first time, the average costumers can outfit a ride with the system common in many cars.

The US$795 add-on is available on three models of V-Rod bikes and seven new Touring bikes, the superior and the most popular type of Harley-Davidson. ABS also will be standard on three new models, including the Screamin’ Eagle Road King

The customers have recognized how thorny it can be to react to emergencies when there’s bad weather or road conditions.

Paul James, director of product communication cited:

It’s more peace of mind when you have that ABS system

The braking system isn’t noticeable on the outside as it was on the two police cruiser models. Instead, speed sensors are entrenched in the wheel bearings. The sensors scrutinize how quickly the wheel is turning and the ABS responds to reduce brake pressure so that the tires don’t lock.

Harley also announced three new 2008 models, including the Dyna Fat Bob, a new model with dual headlights and a first in the Dyna family with a thicker front tire. The company also revealed two new Softails, the Rocker and Rocker C, which feature a floating rear fender that moves with the tire.

Additionally, the fuel tank on the cruisers will now hold nearly four more liters of gas for a total of 63 liters. The 2008 models will be available in 15 new colour combinations and 14 models will be available in a limited edition colouring of copper and black.

The company plans to rejoice its 105th anniversary next year, along with the 25th anniversary of the Harley Owner’s Group. It will establish 105 starting points around the United States so that Harley riders can join for a trip to Milwaukee. The group will merge into 25 major routes and arrive on Aug. 28, for four days of the event. The new Harley-Davidson Museum will be open in time for the anniversary

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Images: Policeone,
Motorcycle-usa

Lehman Trikes U.S.A. is a subsidiary of Lehman Trikes, Inc. of Canada, a recognized leader in the trike business for more than 20 years.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and general merchandise.

Given that Lehman has been making a range of ‘Turnkey Harley Trikes’, conversion kits and accessories for 20 years, with two wheels at the back and a motorcycle front-end; the announcement didn’t catch a lot of attention. A recent patent filing by Harley makes the whole story suddenly much more exciting. It appears that Harley isn’t far from releasing a stunning new “carving” model based on similar existing machines as the Piaggio MP3, Electric Vectrix, Brudelli Leanster and Mercedes-Benz F 300 Life-Jet and previously published concepts such as Heikki Naulapaa’s Aprilia Magnet, Dimitrios Scoutas’ Skipee and Tommy Forsgren’s Hermes.

To an extent, the companies have not announced the timing of the product introduction. The accompanying drawings from Harley’s patent application show a machine certain to broaden Harley’s market into citizen territory without alienating from its enthusiasts and clientele.

Perhaps with this new platform, we’ll get to see Erik Buell work with the V-ROD motor ‘at last and indeed, what a sporting carver might do when focused on sporting endeavors.
It appears that Harley isn’t far from releasing a stunning new carving model; unquestionably it’s the time to wait and watch our castle coming from sky to the earth. Get set to ‘ride the lightning’, with the all new trikes from the Harley combined with a cool combo of a sports car and a power bike. Till then, patience is the key my friend.

Images : MobileHawk

Via: Gizmag & Ozbiker