Ural unveils sidecar-equipped electric motorcycle

Ural is a Russian motorcycle manufacturer that has its headquarters in Washington and is famed for its rugged sidecar-equipped motorcycles. The roots of the company can be traced back to World War II where it produced motorcycles that allowed for more equipment and manpower to be transported by the army. When the war ended, Ural began producing motorcycles for the general public and has become one of the world’s most prominent manufacturers of sidecar motorcycles.

The company has released images of its first electric motorcycle concept, which has completed its first development phase. The electric concept was developed as collaboration between Ural, electric motorcycle manufacturer Zero Motorcycles, and ICG, a Southern California design firm that’s worked with clients like Ford, Mahindra, Honda, and SpaceX, among others. The conversion is based on Ural’s existing cT model that is driven by the rear wheel only, unlike some of their other offerings that have power distributed to the sidecar wheel as well. Zero Motorcycles apart from providing their powertrain package also provided the necessary engineering support during development and testing, while ICG was in charge of the fabrication of the initial prototype.

The presence of the sidecar allowed Zero Motorcycles to equip the bike with two batteries – a lighter ZF6.5 battery in the main chassis, and a heavier ZF13.0 battery under the seat in the sidecar. The twin batteries with a total capacity of 19.5kWh yield a combined output of 60hp at 5,300rpm and a healthy torque output of 110Nm. The company claims that the twin batteries yield a tested range of 165km, and a top speed of 140kph. Charging time is an estimated 13 hours from empty to 95 percent, when plugged into a normal household circuit. As a result of the extra weight from the batteries, in addition to the sidecar, the Ural electric bike weighs 373kg (dry).

Will we be seeing a production model soon?

According to the brand, there are no immediate plans to manufacture an all-electric model at this time. The decision will ultimately be based on market research, consumer and industry experts’ feedback. Even if the design of an electric bike gets approved, according to Ural, it will take an additional 24 months to ramp up serial production. 

Also see:

Ural electric sidecar prototype image gallery

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PhotoGallery: Ural electric sidecar prototype image gallery

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All-electric Rivian R1S SUV, R1T pickup truck revealed

American electric car start-up Rivian has revealed its first two models – the R1T pick-up truck and the R1S SUV. Both models are due for a public debut at the 2018 LA motor show.

The R1T and R1S, the first and second in a series of models eventually planned, are built on a bespoke electric ‘skateboard’ chassis that’s modular and can be used on all different types and sizes of vehicles. The pair is closely related, the chief difference being a slightly shorter wheelbase in the R1S. The R1S is 5040mm long, making it Range Rover-sized, while the 5465mm-long R1T is marginally longer than the Mercedes-Benz X-Class.

In both cars the lithium-ion battery pack is mounted in the floor, and in the in the R1T is good for a 370-kilometre range in its standard 105kWh capacity, 480-kilometre range in a 135kWh capacity, or up to 643 kilometres with the 180kWh ‘mega pack’. In the R1S, the same battery packs are offered with figures of 386, 500 and 676 kilometres respectively.

The two models share their drivetrains, too. Four electric motors, one for each wheel, give the electric models four-wheel drive. Each motor produces 200hp (total combined figures through the gearbox are 764hp and 1,120Nm in the 135kWh version), which allows for prodigious performance. It’s claimed both vehicles can crack 0-96kph in just 3.0sec, and 0-160kph in less than 7.0sec in the 135kWh versions.

Double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension features, alongside air springs and adaptive dampers. Rivian claims the electric drivetrain and chassis set-up allows for both impressive on-road performance and handling and precise off-road control that surpasses any existing mechanical solutions off the asphalt. Its flat floor is also reinforced with carbonfibre and Kevlar to protect the battery pack, while both models get five-star crash test safety ratings in the US.

A distinctive front-end exterior design appears on both cars, while the spacious interiors get premium but durable materials that are easy to clean, in keeping with the cars’ off-road lifestyle brief. Two screens feature inside, that run Rivian’s own software and graphics.

There are packs of novel hidden features and clever solutions in both models, including a 330-litre front storage under the nose, and in the truck a full width storage hole that runs between the rear doors and rear wheels that’s good for housing golf clubs.

Rivian, first formed in 2009, is looking to do things differently to other start-ups by having its entire business plan and funding in place before going public with its intentions, and even then keeping targets conservative. It’s hoping to have the kind of impact Tesla has made in shaking up the established automotive set and believes it has found a niche with the creation of go-anywhere electric vehicles.

The US-based company is backed by investors from the Middle East, and employs some 560 people worldwide. Its design and engineering centre is based in Plymouth, Michigan and other key sites include a battery development facility in Irvine, California. It has opened an advanced engineering centre in Chertsey, Surrey, too. Manufacturing will take place at an old Mitsubishi plant in Illinois, which Rivian purchased for $16 million (Rs 113 crore) last year. This has a capacity of up to 350,000 units per year.

Rivian’s initial ambitions are much lower than that initially, with plans to be selling some 50-60,000 of its premium electric off-roaders by 2025-26. It does however plan to offer its electric skateboard chassis to other companies, either car makers or indeed any brand looking to launch an electric car, so long as their products do not compete with Rivian’s own. The R1T will go into production in late 2020 with the R1S in early 2021. Right-hand drive production will follow around a year later.

Think the Rivian R1S looks more impressive than the Tesla Model X? Let us know in the comments.

 

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New Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Which variant should you buy?

With seating for seven, an easy-to-drive character and an affordable price tag, the original Maruti Suzuki Ertiga made for a sensible choice for buyers with large families. The new, second-generation model builds on the proven formula by providing a slightly more premium experience too. Question is, which version of the new Maruti Ertiga makes most sense for you? Let’s break it down.

What are the engines on offer?

The new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is available with a 90hp, 1.3-litre diesel engine like the earlier model, and a new 1.5-litre petrol engine. The diesel engine is a bit long in the tooth now and is quite loud by modern-day standards. There’s also quite a bit of turbo lag to contend with. However, the diesel unit that features Suzuki’s SHVS hybrid system is very efficient (ARAI-tested economy is 25.4kpl) and is worth considering if you cover a lot of kilometres every month. Unfortunately, there is no diesel automatic option.

The Ertiga petrol uses Suzuki’s latest 105hp, 1.5-litre engine that also features hybrid tech, albeit with a more advanced dual-battery setup. The hybrid arrangement is said to enhance performance and fuel economy. The ARAI-tested fuel economy is 19.3kpl for the manual and 18.6kpl for the automatic. While not a lively performer, the Ertiga petrol is smooth, refined and adequate for everyday city use. The manual gearbox is easy to use and city dwellers will also take readily to the smooth-shifting, 4-speed automatic.        

What are the variants on offer?

The diesel manual and petrol manual Ertiga are available in four variants (namely L,V, Z and Z+), but those interested in the petrol-automatic version will be disappointed to know it can only be had in mid-spec V and Z versions. What’s good is that all versions of the Maruti Ertiga come with safety essentials such as dual airbags, ABS, EBD, Isofix child seat mounts, speed-sensitive door locks, and rear parking sensors.

Ertigas in base-spec L trim (Rs 7.44 lakh P-MT; Rs 8.84 lakh D-MT) also get a reasonable amount of comfort features including power windows, air conditioning, central locking, a tilt adjustable steering as well as 60:40 split folding middle rows and 50:50 split last row with recline. Halogen projector headlamps are also standard fit on the Ertiga.

Ertigas in V trim (Rs 8.16 lakh P-MT, Rs 9.18 lakh P-AT, Rs 9.56 lakh D-MT) add wheel caps for the 15-inch rims, body-coloured door handles and electrically adjustable wing mirrors with integrated indicators. Also part of the kit on V trim Ertigas is an audio system with Bluetooth, steering-mounted audio controls, an armrest for the middle row, rear air-con vents and remote locking. Automatic Ertigas get the added safety of ESP and hill-hold assist.

Higher-spec Z trim Ertigas (Rs 8.99 lakh P-MT; Rs 9.95 lakh P-AT; Rs 10.39 lakh D-MT) see the inclusion of 15-inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps on the outside. Added features on the inside include keyless entry and go, a height- adjustable driver’s seat and seatbelt, front centre armrest, auto climate control and rear defogger with wash/wipe.

The top-spec Etrigas, the Z+ variants (Rs 9.50 lakh P-MT; Rs 10.90 lakh D-MT) are the only ones with Maruti’s Smartplay touchscreen infotainment system and a reverse camera. 

Which is the version to buy?

As mentioned already, only opt for the diesel if your monthly running is very high. The diesel engine isn’t the nicest and the Rs 1.4 lakh increment over a comparable petrol is hard to justify for a low mileage user.

Money no object, we’d recommend the fully loaded ZXi+ that gives you all the features you’d want within a budget of Rs 10 lakh. Buyers who’d be driving themselves would be well advised to go for the ZXi AT that also falls under the Rs 10 lakh mark.

However, if it’s sheer value you are looking for, it’s the VXi that we’d recommend. It is well priced and offers a good list of comfort features to keep middle row and last row occupants satisfied.   

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New Honda Passport SUV revealed

Honda has revealed a new five-seat SUV at the ongoing LA motor show, called the Passport. The new model, which revives the nameplate in the US market, will slot above the CR-V in the Japanese carmaker’s range.

Based on a monocoque chassis, the new Passport gets a single engine-gearbox combination – a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine making 284hp and 355Nm of peak torque that is mated to a 9-speed torque convertor automatic transmission. While drive is sent to the front wheels as standard, customers can also spec the SUV with Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system. The all-wheel-drive system can send up to 70 percent of the engine’s output to individual rear wheels and comes with four modes including sand, snow and mud. If specced with the standard front-wheel-drive layout, the Passport gets two drive modes – normal and snow.

The cabin of the Honda Passport is claimed to be class leading due to its larger size and five-seat layout. This also means that boot space is excellent with 1,167 litres available, which expands to 2,206 litres with the 60:40 split folding rear seats down.

In terms of features, the Passport SUV is quite well kitted. A 590-watt audio system comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen (on the higher-spec models), which gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Lower trims get a 215-watt audio system with a 5.0-inch display. Honda has provided a number of driver assistance systems across all variants including emergency auto braking and forward collision warning, lane departure alerts and lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise, cross-traffic alert and a 360-degree camera.

Honda in India has recently launched the fifth-gen CR-V at Rs 28.15-32.75 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The carmaker has not revealed plans to bring the Passport SUV to India.

Also see:

New Honda Passport image gallery

Year-end discounts on Honda cars

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December 2018 issue out on stands now

Our December issue brings you a drive of the India-bound Toyota Camry Hybrid; a comparison between Hyundai’s new Santro, Tata’s Tiago, Maruti’s WagonR and the Datsun Go, and reviews of Tata’s performance-focused Tiago and Tigor JTP. Also part of this issue are reviews of the second-gen Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, the all-electric BMW i3s, Mahindra’s new flagship SUV, the Alturas G4, and all the info about the three new Jawa bikes. Here are the highlights:

Toyota Camry Hybrid

The next-gen Camry Hybrid is India-bound in 2019 and promises to be a real improvement over its predecessor. Is it as much of a step up as Toyota claims it to be?

Tata Tiago JTP, Tigor JTP

We drive the performance versions of the Tiago hatchback and Tigor compact sedan to find out if these are the affordable, fun cars India has been waiting for.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

It’s bigger and feels more upmarket on the inside, but is the second-gen Ertiga good enough to defend its territory? We find out.

Santro vs Tiago vs Go vs WagonR

The Santro’s made up a comeback, and it has got all-new rivals to take on. We pit the new Santro against them to pick a winner.

BMW i3s

Can BMW’s all-electric hatchback make a case for itself in the Indian market?

Volvo S60

We head to sunny California to drive Volvo’s next-gen rival to the Mercedes C-class and BMW 3-series.

Mercedes GLE

The all-new GLE is more luxurious and feature-rich than before and even has the option of seven seats. We drive it to see just how much of an improvement it is.

Volkswagen T-Cross

Expectations are high for Volkswagen’s Creta-rivalling SUV, which is due in 2020. We bring you a closer look.

Jawa returns

The iconic motorcycle brand is back. We tell you all you need to know about its new range.

EICMA 2018

The annual motorcycle show in Milan had some of the coolest two-wheelers on display. Our report tells you about the most important ones.

Hero Xtreme 200R vs TVS Apache 160

Displacement vs technology – does the Hero’s larger-capacity motor triumph over the TVS’ tech? We find out.

TVS-Sherco Rally bike

Sun, sand and a rally-spec bike! We get astride TVS-Sherco’s rally bikes in Morocco.

Click here to subscribe

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New Bentley Continental GTC revealed at LA

Bentley has just revealed the convertible version of its Continental GT at the 2018 LA motor show. In essence, the convertible retains a lot of aspects of the GT Coupe, with the main change being the ‘Z’ folding convertible roof, which can go up or down in 19 seconds at speeds of up to 48kph. The convertible gains about 160kg due to the roof folding mechanism. Despite the increase in weight, the Continental GTC (convertible) is only 0.1 seconds slower to 100kph than its coupe counterpart.

On the mechanical front, the Continental GTC gets a 6.0-litre W12 engine, which produces 635hp and 900Nm of torque. The GTC has a top speed of 333kph and it gets from 0-100kph in 3.7 seconds. This engine has been paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Due to the new roof folding mechanism the GTC’s total weight is up by 160kg to 2,414kg and boot capacity is down by 123 litres when compared to the GT Coupe, bringing available storage capacity to 235 litres.

The Continental GTC gets the same 48V electric active roll control system, active all-wheel-drive system and a torque-vectoring-by-brake system seen on the GT Coupe. The GTC also offers four driving modes: Sport, Comfort, Bentley and Custom. The GTC misses out on the retracting spoiler that the coupe gets and instead, has a slightly redesigned rear-end to incorporate a larger Gurney spoiler to improve aerodynamic performance.

V8 versions of the GT Coupe and GTC are expected in international markets next year, along with an updated Flying Spur. There is no word on when Bentley will bring the Continental GTC to India, though the coupe retails here for Rs 3.6 crore (ex-showroom, India).

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