KTM Duke 250

The KTM Duke 250 is the new baby added in the KTM family in India. It is launched with a 250cc engine. It is introduced in Asia for little market which has higher taxes on motorcycles with more than 250cc. The price gap between the Duke 200 and Duke 390 is Rs80000. With the price the power delivery and performance is also split from both the models.

It gets the new headlamp shroud and LED running lamp from the bigger brother, but a bulb-and-reflector setup like the smaller one. It also gets the bolt-on subframe and larger fuel tank from the 390 but the smaller front brake from the 200.

 The 250 Duke is for those Duke customers who find the 200 Duke too slow and doesnt pump out much power. It’s also for the buyers who want power but can’t stretch their budget.

SPECIFICATIONS

Displacement: 248.76cc

Cylinders: 1

Max Power: 29.60 bhp @ 9,000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 24 Nm @ 7,500 rpm

Bore: 72mm

Stroke: 61mm

Valves Per Cylinder: 4

Fuel Delivery System: Fuel injection

Fuel Type: Petrol

Ignition: Digital ignition

Cooling System: Liquid cooled

Gearbox Type: Manual

No. of Gears: 6

Transmission Type: Chain drive

Clutch: PASC Antihopping

Lexus ES

The Lexus ES is a premium luxury sedan that was launched in March 2017. It’s one of the executive luxury sedan segments in India.

The lexus ES gets a long hood and a longer cabin with its roof line which is sloping towards the boot lid. The front grill is the typical Lexus design and it also gets LED DRL’s with front fog lamps. The multi spoke alloy wheels gives it a classy look.

 The interiors are classy and wrapped in leather. The display screen is mounted under the dash. It can be operated using the steering mounted audio controls as well. It gets individual zone climate control, electric sunroof, auto-dimming electric mirrors.

If we go into the safety aspect , the cars gets electronic stability program that makes sure the car always remains in control using traction control, skid control, ABS and EBD. You also have six airbags standard on the Lexus ES in case of a mishap.

The Lexus ES gets a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that together make 200bhp. The  hybrid car claims to give 17kmpl which is very impressive.

The Lexus ES is available only in the ES 300h trim and competes with the likes of the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, the Volvo S90 and the Jaguar XF.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 2.5litre four stroke

Type and No. of cylinders: Inline 4 cylinder

Max power: 202 bhp @ 5700 RPM

Max torque: 213 Nm @ 4500 RPM

Fuel type: Petrol

Transmission: Automatic (CVT)

Hybrid: Yes

ABS: Yes

Drive train: Rear wheel drive

Porsche 718

The Porsche 718  is the new sibling in the sportscar family of the company. There will be 2 models of the sports car that is the Porsche 718 Boxster which will come with a drop-top and Cayman with the hard top coupe.

There aren’t many changes according to the looks of the 718 as compared to the 981 series. The chassis and suspension setup have been upgraded for better performance and the cars.

If you go to see the performance the standard takes 4.9 seconds and the S takes 4.4 seconds to reach 100kmph. But they are limited at a stop speed of 250kmph.

The front bumper has been tweaked and the three-part air dam looks sporty with the blacked out mesh grille and the LED daytime running lamps. The headlamps get the optional quad LED and also the DRLs and blacked out mesh gives a sporty look. The LED tail lamps separate the rear bumper from the fender. Hence it gives a complete makeover at the rear.

If you enter inside you will get an integrated touch-screen display for the infotainment system. The classic three-spoke steering wheel gets paddle shifters for the automatic transmission.

The Porsche 718’s will be going head to head with the BMW Z4, the Mercedes SLC 43 AMG and the Ford Mustang.

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 2.0-litre

              2.5-litre

No. of cylinders: 4

Max power: 295bhp @ 380Nm

                    345bhp @ 420Nm

Transmission: 7-speed PDK dual clutch automatic (optional Sport Chrono package for quick shifting)

   

KTM Duke 390 2017

The 2017 KTM 390 Duke has got a bigger punch in terms of power and torque. Its styling is similar to the Super Duke 1290 and boy it looks amazing.

It has got a split chassis with a bolt on frame. The front brake is a 320mm one, meaning better feedback and resistance from the previous braking. The exhaust has grown from the belly exhaust. Thanks to the Euro 4 emission regulations, which the export models have to comply with. This has also contributed to the 11kg more that it weight than the previous model.

Along with the changes in front brake the fuel tank capacity has increased. It gets a 13.5ltr fuel tank which means it can last more on a full tank. It also includes a ride-by-wire throttle that eliminates the jerkiness at low revs of the previous 390 Duke; an all-LED headlamp that has a ‘split’ design like the Super Duke. And how can we forget the color TFT LCD instrument display that has Bluetooth connectivity and that can be controlled via buttons on the handlebar.

The 2017 KTM Duke 390 is expensive than the previous model, but its justified keeping mind about the cosmetic and mechanical changes. It is still remains value for money.

SPECIFICATIONS

Displacement: 373.20cc

Cylinders: 1

Max Power: 42.90 bhp @ 9,000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 37 Nm @ 7,000 rpm

Bore: 89mm

Stroke: 60mm

Valves Per Cylinder: 4

Fuel Delivery System: Fuel injection

Fuel Type: Petrol

Ignition: Digital injection

Cooling System: Liquid cooled

Gearbox Type: Manual

No. of Gears: 6

Transmission Type: Chain drive

Clutch: PASC Antihopping Clutch

BMW G310R

BMW Motorrad will be launching its most affordable bike in mid-2017 in India. This bike is developed by a joint venture by BMW Motorrad & TVS Motor Company. BMW will be all into the technical aspect of the bike whereas TVS will be responsible for the production of the bike in India. This will be plus point for the Indian market as the import charges will not be added on and the bike will be at an affordable price.

The BMW G310R was previewed in 2015 at EICMA in Milan. It was put on display at the 2016 Auto Expo India. The joint venture of both the companies are expected to launch 3 more models such as a sports bike, an adventure tourer and a roadster.

Powering the G310R is a 313 single cylinder engine which pumps out 34 bhp @9500 rpm. It will be having ABS and 6-speed manual gear box. Its main competitors will be the KTM Duke 390, Yamaha R3, Mahindra Mojo, Benelli TNT 300, Bajaj Dominar 400 and the Kawasaki Z250.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine displacement: 313cc, four-stroke

No of cylinder: single-cylinder

Cooling system:  water-cooled

Maximum Power: 34bhp @ 9,500rpm

Maximum Torque: 28Nm @ 7,500rpm

Transmission type: Chain drive

No. of gears: 6

Gear box type:  Manual

Suspension: Front – Inverted telescopic fork

                     Rear – Monoshock

Tyre's Size: Front – 110/70 – R17

                   Rear – 150/60 – R17

Braking System: Front – 300mm single disc

                            Rear – 240mm rear disc with 2-piston floating caliper

                            Dual-channel ABS

Skoda Kodiaq India 2017

Skoda Auto has something big in mind and it’s the 7 seater SUV called Kodiaq. The Skoda Kodiaq is the elder sibling of the Skoda Yeti.  It’s the biggest SUV from the fleet of Skoda Auto.

The kodiaq has got it name from a species of bear from Alaska called the Kodiak.

The Kodiaq can be launched between 27lakhs – 32lakhs and its main competitor will be the Toyota Fortuner and the Volkswagen Tiquan. This car is expected to launch in md of 2017 in India.

In India, the Kodiaq may have  to share its engines with the Octavia. It will be powered by a 1.4 TSI Petrol and a 2.0 L TDI Diesel. It will be pumping out  150 PS & 250 Nm and 190 PS  & 400 Nm respectively.  The Kodiaq will be getting a 6-speed manual, 6-speed DSG and 7-speed DSG transmission will all wheel drive system.

The Skoda Kodiaq will be 4.7 meters in length which is longer than the Yetis its younger sibling and will be having 3 rows of seats. It will be getting Body Coloured Bumpers, LED Headlamps, Chrome Grille, Fog lamps, Skid Plates, Electric Sunroof, Body Cladding, Stylish Alloy Wheels, Roof Rails, Tailgate-mounted Rear Spoiler, Dual Exhaust, LED Tail lamps on the exterior. Towards the interior it will be getting  Leather Upholstery, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Google Earth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink and SmartGate, Dual Zone Automatic Air Conditioning, Rear Aircon Vents, Electric Adjustments for Front Seats, Integrated Infotainment System, CD/FM/USB/AUX/iPOD/ Bluetooth Connectivity, Multi-function Steering Wheel, Wireless Phone Charging, Tilt and Telescopic Adjustment for Steering Wheel, 6 Airbags.

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

Engine:  1.4-litre Turbo Petrol

               2.0-litre Turbo Petrol

               2.0-litre Turbo Diesel

Maximum Power: 150 PS

                              180 PS

                              150PS/190 PS

Peak Torque :   250 Nm

                         320 Nm

                         340 Nm/400 Nm

Transmission Options:  6-Speed DSG Automatic

                                      6-Speed Manual

                                      7-Speed DSG Automatic

Kawasaki Z650 2017

Kawasaki has introduced their new “Z” series bike in the market; it’s the Z650 which is inspired by the Sugomi design of the Z1000. It’s launched to reposition the Kawasaki ER-6n.

Its chassis and swing arm are redesigned which allows the monoshock suspension to sit above at a more convenient position. The body panels are slim and very close fitted which gives it a mean look. The instrument cluster consists of multi-functional LCD screen with an analogue tachometer and it also has gear position indicator at the center.

The engine is now Euro IV compliant and is parallel twin cylinder which displaces 649cc. but the engine power is redced to 68bhp from 71bhp for better fuel efficiency and mid range torque. Kawasaki ensures it is 6.8% more fuel efficient than the ninja 650 or ER-6N. the bikes is now 19kgs lighter than the Kawasaki ER-6N.

The Kawasaki Z650 has 6 speed transmissions and also is equipped with slipper clutch. It is only available in one color that is black and also available in one standard version. The standard version consists of Alloy Wheels, Electric Start, ABS, Disc Brake.

The new sharper styling along with the aggressively raked tail makes this motorcycle appear more like a sport-naked than a naked-tourer.

SPECIFICATIONS

Displacement: 649 cc

Cylinders: 2

Max Power: 67.20 bhp @8000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 65.70 @6500 rpm

Bore: 83mm

Stroke: 60mm

Fuel Delivery System: Fuel injection

Fuel Type: Petrol

Ignition: TCBI with electronic advance

Cooling System: Liquid cooled

Gearbox: 6 speed manual transmission

Transmission type: Chain drive

Clutch: Wet Multi-Disc (slipper clutch)

Volkswagen Tiguan 2017 India

The Volkswagen Tiguan was recently spotted testing on the Indian roads. These cars were spotted without any camouflage. The launch date is estimated to be around in the month of May or June 2017.

The Tiquan will have the 2.0-litre TDI Diesel engine with a 7-speed automatic transmission as standard. This engine is capable of churning 190PS of max power at 400NM of torque. These specs can vary for the Indian market. It seems that the petrol model will be launched later. The 6-speed manual transmission which is offered in the other markets won’t be coming to India.

Coming to the looks of the car the nose gets a chrome grille that flows neatly into the headlamps. Tiguan gets the all-LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights which gives it a mean look. Its bonnet features sharp straight lines, much like the rest of the car. The VW Tiguan gets LED tail lamps and the tail bears a typical Volkswagen look.

The expected price of the Volkswagen Tiquan is rumored to be around 25-30 lakhs

SPECIFICATIONS

Length x Width x Height: 4486 x 1839 x 1646 mm

Wheelbase: 2681 mm

Kerb Weight: 2200 kg

Wheel Type:  Alloys

Wheel size: 18”

Head light : LED

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Type/ Displacement : 2.0 L TDI Diesel

Power : 190 HP

Torque: 400 Nm

Top Speed  : 212 km/h

Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 7.9 seconds

Transmission (Gearbox) : 7-speed DSG Automatic