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Royal Enfield Bobber 350 Spied Testing Again with Pillion Seat

The Royal Enfield Bobber 350 has been spotted testing on Indian roads yet again but this time fitted with an accessory – a pillion seat. The Bobber 350 will become Royal Enfield’s fifth 350 cc model in the market as the company continues to expand its line-up across different motorcycle segments. The current 350 cc models of the brand already has the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Meteor 350, Hunter 350 and the Bullet 350 models.

Also read: Royal Enfield Classic 350-Based Bobber Spied Testing Again

From recent spy shots, it is evident that the Royal Enfield Bobber 350 is an adaptation of the Classic 350, exhibiting distinct Bobber-style elements. However, unlike traditional Bobbers with an extended wheelbase, it appears to be more of a design adaptation. The bike however looks to get a revised rear subframe with the fender mounted to the swingarm.

The latest spy shots show the bike with a pillion seat – likely an accessory that will be offered to buyers. The seat itself appears quite small and may not be very comfortable over long journeys. The seat is also suspended over the rear fender with the mounting points located below the front seat.

Also read: Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 Spied Testing In Ladakh; Exhaust Note Revealed

One of the standout retro features of the Bobber 350 is its white-wall tyres a design element most associate with classic cars and motorcycles. The motorcycle is expected to come with a single seat as standard, and a pillion-seat option will be available, either integrated or as an accessory. Distinguishing features of the Bobber 350 include a taller handlebar reminiscent of the Bobber-style motorcycles, distinct exhaust tips, and LED headlights. The seating arrangement has been tweaked, focusing on a single-seater design with a smaller, less comfortable pillion seat.

Also read: Upcoming Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 Specifications Leaked

Technically, the Bobber 350 will share several similarities with the Classic 350, such as an identical wheelbase, fuel tank, and even some body panels. Both models will feature the same 349cc single-cylinder engine generating 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The suspension, brake setup, wheels, and instrumentation is also expected to be shared with Royal Enfield’s other 350cc models.

Upon launch, the bike will go up against the likes of the Jawa 42 Bobber and the Jawa Perak.

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More Powerful Hero XPulse 210 Spied On Test; Gets Karizma XMR’s mill

Hero MotoCorp recently launched the all-new Karizma XMR, marking the rebirth of an iconic name that made a significant impact in the Indian two-wheeler space. The motorcycle is powered by Hero’s first liquid-cooled motor which has been developed from the ground up. Knowing that I would be anyone’s guess that Hero will use the new engine platform on its other motorcycles as well. And that news hasn’t taken too long to make its way to the world as spy images of the next-generation XPulse have appeared on the internet sporting the new 210 cc mill from the Karizma XMR.

While the test mule was decently camouflaged, the engine remained well exposed confirming the engine platform sharing. On the Karizma, the motor is rated to deliver 25 bhp of max power and 20.4 Nm of peak torque and comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox. For reference, the current XPulse 200 is powered by an oil-cooled unit that registers 18.9 bhp and 17.35 Nm and comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

Apart from the new mill, although the test mule looks largely similar to the current XPulse 200’s styling, expect the motorcycle to receive an updated styling and a few new features. What also needs to be seen is whether Hero will modify the existing chassis or adapt a version of the perimeter chassis that it uses on the Karizma XMR.

Also Read: Hero XPulse 200 4V Launched with ABS Modes

We expect Hero to launch the next-generation XPulse 210 sometime next year. On the competition front, the motorcycle will compete directly against the KTM 250 Adventure, and also with the Suzuki V-Strom SX and the Honda CB200X.

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Hero Xpulse 400 price in India, spied testing with new streetfighter

The Xpulse sports long-travel suspension and a 21-inch front wheel, while the streetfighter appears to get an upside-down fork.

A pair of new liquid-cooled Hero motorcycles have been spotted testing. The first of these is an adventure bike that will almost certainly sport the Xpulse nametag, but is quite different to the Xpulse 400 that has been spotted over a year back. The other is a naked streetfighter that seems to be powered by the same engine, and if Hero continues with its current naming strategy, then this second bike could sport the Xtreme moniker.

LED headlight, long-travel suspension on Xpulse
17-inch wheels on streetfighter, 21-inch front on Xpulse
Likely to be larger than the 210cc Karizma XMR engine

Reports suggest that these bikes are using the 210cc engine from the new Hero Karizma XMRbut we think otherwise. The shape of the side covers, and the positions of the oil inspection window and oil filter are all different to the Karizma’s, which leads us to believe that this is a different engine. The overall size of the engines and the radiators also suggest that this will be a larger motor. However, there are some points to consider.

The biggest factor here is that earlier Xpulse 400 spy shots show it to be running an upside-down fork, while this test mule gets a conventional telescopic fork. Further, the previous Xpulse 400 test mule had its front brake rotor on the left side, while this new bike has its disc on the right. These differences suggest that this latest spotting is not the same as the Xpulse 400. At the same time, it doesn’t seem to be based on the Karizma’s 210cc engine either. Perhaps it will be a lower-cost version of the Xpulse 400, or it’s possible that Hero could be working on a different engine altogether.

Between these two latest test mules as well, there are subtle differences in the shapes of the engine covers, and this could actually be down to the different frames that the bikes use. The Xpulse has a split double-cradle frame, while the streetfighter doesn’t have a cradle element for the engine, suggesting it will use a spine or perimeter-type frame. This will result in different mounting points, which could be the cause for the subtle structural differences on the engines.

Other differences between the two test mules include suspension and wheels, with the streetfighter running an upside-down fork and 17-inch wheels, while the Xpulse appears to sport a 21-inch front wheel.

There’s an LED headlight on the Xpulse, and the streetfighter should get one too. It’s safe to expect fully digital instrumentation and Bluetooth connectivity, like Hero offers on its smaller models. Ride-by-wire, though, does not seem to be part of the package, with the bikes sporting cable-operated throttles.

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Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 Spied Testing In Ladakh; Exhaust Note Revealed

With numerous test mule sightings and specs getting leaked, there are few things that we don’t know about the Royal Enfield Himalayan 452. It will be launched in the first week of November and we will ride it then as well. For now, the highly anticipated Himalayan 452 has been spotted testing yet again, in Ladakh and this time around, we have clear audio of how the motorcycle sounds. Click on the video below to listen to the exhaust note of the Himalayan 452.

Video Credit: Bullet Guru YouTube

Also Read: Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 Specifications Leaked

The Himalayan 452 will get a 451.65 cc liquid-cooled motor that makes 39.45 bhp at 8,000 rpm. The current Himalayan makes peak power of 24 bhp at 6,500 rpm, indicating that the next-generation Himalayan will have a higher revving engine. Torque output figures have not been revealed though they could be in the region of 40-45 Nm. The leaked documents also report a gross weight of 394 kg.

The new bike is likely to feature a fully digital TFT instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity. The bike is likely to get a six-speed transmission, possibly with a slip and assist clutch, compared to the current Himalayan’s five-speed unit.

Also Read: Production Ready Royal Enfield Himalayan Revealed

The motorcycle will be built on an all-new chassis with the engine being a stressed member. The rear subframe is a bolt-on unit. The motorcycle also features full LED lighting as well as premium components such as an upside-down fork setup at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. Like most ADVs, it is likely to have a 21-inch wheel up front and a 19-inch wheel at the rear. Expect RE to give options between spoked and alloy wheels.

We expect prices of the ADV to be between at Rs. 2.8 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh (ex-showroom).

Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Spied On Test With Hub Motor

Bajaj appears to be working on a more affordable variant of the Chetak electric scooter. Spy shots recently emerged online of units of the scooter on test on public roads. While the design and styling remain unchanged from the model already on sale, a closer look reveals a crucial change at the rear wheel.

Unlike the current Chetak which features a multi-spoke alloy wheel and a direct drive electric motor, the test mule featured a hub-mounted electric motor, resulting in the rear wheel rim being completely covered. The scooter also gets a revised rear swing arm – moving from a single-sided unit on the current model to a double-sided unit on the test mule.

Also read: Auto Sales August 2023: Bajaj Auto Limited Reports 15 Per Cent Decrease In Total Sales

The remainder of the package looks to be unchanged with the test mule also featuring all-LED lighting. It also remains to be seen if the new entry variant of the Chetak will see some feature changes over the current model.

Also read: Bajaj Chetak E-Scooter Price Slashed To Rs 1.30 Lakh; Positioned Closer To Ather 450S, Ola S1 Air

There is no clarity on what the technical specifications of this variant of the Chetak will be, but it’s possible that the hub motor’s total output could be marginally lower than the direct drive unit’s. The current Chetak has a range of up to 90 km (claimed) on a single charge.

The Chetak rivals the likes of the Ather 450X, Ola S1 Pro and the TVS iQube. The new variant with the hub motor could be priced lower than what the Chetak currently costs (Rs 1.30 lakh, ex-showroom).

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2024 Kia Sonet Facelift Spied: New Pics Reveal Interior Details

Launched in 2020, the Come on Sonet is due for a facelift, which is likely to reach showroom floors early next year. Now we’ve got a good look at its interior in this latest set of spy shots and there’s a lot to look forward to.

Tan and black leatherette seats are new.

Caught in the latest spy shots is the Tech Line variant of the Sonet, which retains the current dashboard layout but the climate control panel is now changed. The more obvious change is the new black and tan leatherette shade for the seats. It could also get a new digital instruments display similar to the one on the Venue. On the outside, the Sonet gets an updated grille design, new LED headlamps, new alloy wheels, and connected LED tail lights. A GT-Line model was also spotted earlier.

The 2024 Sonet will get an updated front-end, too.

The Sonet is likely to continue with its comprehensive features set that includes a 10.2-inch touchscreen, Bose sound system, ventilated seats, sunroof and air purifier. On the safety front, it might gain 360-degree cameras, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like the recently updated Venue.

The engine options are likely to remain the same. It gets an 81 bhp, 1.2-litre petrol, a 118 bhp, 1.0-litre turbo petrol, and a 115 bhp, 1.5-litre diesel engine.

The Sonet facelift might get a slight price revision with this update. It will renew its rivalry with the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite and Mahindra XUV300.

Also Read: Kia Sonet iMT: Real-World Fuel Efficiency Tested

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Upcoming 2024 Hyundai Creta Facelift Spied

Hyundai is all set to introduce the refreshed 2024 Creta facelift early next year. Recent spy shots have provided a glimpse into the upcoming model’s exterior changes. The spy shots offer a peek into the 2024 Creta facelift, that has a revamped front profile and gets a new grille reminiscent of the Hyundai Venue, aligning with Hyundai’s evolving design language. The redesigned headlights feature H-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and accompany a new bumper.

Also Read: 2023 Hyundai i20 N Line Launched; Offered With A 6-Speed Manual

Moving to the side profile, the 2024 Creta facelift will sport a fresh alloy wheel design with diamond-cut styling and potential changes in cladding design. The rear profile of the car has also undergone modifications, with LED tail lights and sequential turn indicators. Stepping into the interior, the Creta facelift will offer a choice of colour tones, including beige and black. The rear section of the car will feature three headrests, an armrest, Type-C charging ports, and dedicated AC vents for passenger comfort. In the front section, a redesigned AC vent design is noticeable, although the specifics of the dashboard remain under wraps, teased by the spy shots.

Also Read: Honda Elevate: Full Accessories And Accessory Packs Listed

In terms of technology, the Creta facelift is expected to feature Level 1 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), akin to its sibling, the Hyundai Venue. The SUv is also expected to be priced similar to its sibling, the Seltos.

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Parliamentary researcher ‘who spied for China’ arrested

Two men have been arrested under the Official Secrets Act amid allegations that a parliamentary researcher spied for China.

The researcher is understood to have had links to several senior Tory MPs, including the security minister, Tom Tugendhat, and the foreign affairs committee chair, Alicia Kearns.

He was arrested along with another man by officers on 13 March, it was revealed by the Sunday Times.

Officers from the Metropolitan police’s counter-terrorism command, which oversees espionage-related offences, are investigating.

One of the men, in his 30s, was detained in Oxfordshire, while the other, in his 20s, was arrested in Edinburgh, Scotland Yard said. “Searches were also carried out at both the residential properties, as well as at a third address in east London,” it added in a statement.

Both men were held at a south London police station before being bailed until early October.

The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China pressure group said it was “appalled at reports of the infiltration of the UK parliament by someone allegedly acting on behalf of the People’s Republic of China”.

Downing Street said it does not comment on security matters. The House of Commons has been contacted.

2025 Lamborghini Urus Spied With an Updated Interior, Pics Inside – News18

Last Updated: July 29, 2023, 17:28 IST

2025 Lamborghini Urus Spied. (Photo: Motor1.com)

Lamborghini electrifies the 2025 Urus SUV with a powerful plug-in hybrid system, boasting revamped design and enhanced performance.

Lamborghini is all set to electrify the 2025 Urus SUV with a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). The highly anticipated facelifted Urus is expected to receive not only updated looks but also an all-new plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The Italian car maker will be making progressive modifications to its outer design with the facelifted Urus, giving the SUV a revitalized and instantly recognizable look. Spy shots of the upcoming vehicle accessed by Carscoops reveal major updates to the luxury SUV.

Camouflaged, spy images of the 2025 Urus PHEV reveal striking new headlights with a reworked daytime running light signature, giving the iconic vehicle a contemporary edge. The front bumper has been changed as well, with larger parts and elegant tuning fork-like features to improve the vehicle’s aggressive outlook.

The facelifted Urus will most likely have a modified bumper along with possibly improved taillights; however, the details of the elements are largely hidden behind the camouflage. The distinctive quad exhaust system, which gives the SUV its characteristic Lamborghini sound, has been retained. The new Urus will also have neon green brake callipers, hinting to the electric engine within.

Passengers entering the facelifted Urus will be met with a modernised and refurbished interior. A modestly revised centre console with new-look air vents and reworked shortcut buttons placed between the two screens is notable. The bottom display panel is set to get somewhat larger, and Lamborghini has most likely made more changes to the driver’s display to handle important PHEV-related information. Furthermore, the trim on the door cards and dashboard is being updated, lending an air of refinement to the interior space.

A new dashboard design, which provides occupants with a better visual experience, is a highlight of the expected interior makeover. In addition, the infotainment system will be bigger and more savvy, providing increased connection and entertainment choices for a more enjoyable driving experience.

Under the attractive hood of the 2018 Lamborghini Urus comes one of the most important changes. The Urus will use an all-new plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines the famous twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor.

The twin-turbo V8 engine and electric motor are expected to have a combined output of over 690 bhp. This would represent a significant boost in power over the existing Urus, which produces 657 bhp.

2024 Ford Explorer Timberline Spied With Different Face Versus Other Trims

It seems Ford has given up trying to hide the refreshed 2024 Explorer. Previous spy shots of the three-row SUV have captured the model without any camouflage, and the latest pics show the Explorer Timberline joining the club with fully exposed sheet metal.

However, the 2024 Timberline doesn’t feature the redesigned face spotted on other test vehicles and trims, retaining the current fascia’s styling. The SUV features the narrow grille and the old headlights, with the rugged lower bumper of the current model. However, the rear taillights and hatch are new on this off-road-oriented Explorer trim, so we know this is the refreshed variant.

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The other Explorer test vehicles our spy photographers have spotted show the SUV with a taller grille, new headlights, and a boxier lower bumper design. The overall redesign looks tougher than the styling of the current vehicles. The Timberline might get the new fascia, and this is just be an early development mode, or Ford might have a design reason for keeping the familiar face.

Our spy photographers have only captured one version of the cabin, showing off a larger, landscape-oriented infotainment screen and repositioned vents on the dashboard. It will sit next to a digital instrument cluster. The current Explorer is available with a portrait-oriented screen, which should make a return for 2024 with its own revamped dash layout.

We don’t know if Ford will make any updates to the powertrain. Ford launched the 2021 Explorer Timberline with the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine as the only powertrain option. It makes 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque and pairs with the brand’s 10-speed automatic transmission, and we don’t expect Ford to make any big changes.

It’s the same with the Explorer’s other two powertrain choices. The 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 makes 400 hp and 415 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.3-liter hybrid V6 churns out 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of twist. Ford could make all three options more efficient or eke out more power, but we don’t expect any surprises under the hood.

Ford hasn’t said when it would reveal the revamped Explorer. We expect a debut to happen before the end of the year, with the new SUV hitting dealers in early 2024 that we hope that includes the Timberline. The sixth-generation Explorer entered production in 2019 for the 2020 model year, but sales were slow to start, with Ford citing production woes as the cause of the hiccup.

2024 Kia Sorento Spied Out In The Open Without Any Camouflage

Hot on the heels of Hyundai’s next-gen Santa Fe debut, Kia has updated its mechanically related SUV as well. It’s a mid-cycle facelift we saw earlier this week in a handful of images released by the South Korean brand, and now, the vehicle has been caught out in the open without any disguise. Most of the changes have occurred at the front where there are influences from the Telluride and the fully electric EV9, the brand’s other large SUVs.

We’ve been reading your comments on the 2024 Sorento debut post and many of you have pointed out the similarities with Cadillac models as far as the new heavily tinted headlights are concerned. Kia has also redesigned the grille, which no longer accommodates the badge since the logo updated in late 2020 now sits at the edge of the hood. Compared to the vehicle featured in the official images, this prototype has smaller 18-inch wheels wrapped in 235/60 R18 rubber.

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The changes at the rear are less noticeable but Kia did tweak the taillights since the two vertical bars now meet at the top. In addition, the massive “Sorento” lettering positioned below the license plate has made way for a significantly smaller logo with a different font mounted on the bottom-left corner of the tailgate. It’s interesting to see how the Sorento and Santa Fe look totally different and yet they share the same underpinnings.

The spy video doesn’t include footage of the interior but the official images attached above show the 2024 Sorento’s cabin. The dashboard has been updated to accommodate a larger touchscreen, slimmer central air vents, and capacitive-touch controls for the HVAC to replace the separate screen installed on the pre-facelift model.

Much like Hyundai, Kia has yet to release any details about its updated midsize SUV. The Santa Fe will be fully revealed in August and chances are we’ll also get to learn all there is to know about the Sorento next month. The larger Palisade and Telluride were facelifted last year, and Kia also has the fully electric EV9 in its lineup. Hyundai will follow suit in 2024 with the Ioniq 7 as a production version of the 2022 Seven Concept.

Meanwhile, the Santa Fe and Sorento are likely to go on sale first before the end of 2023 in South Korea, with the United States and other markets to follow next year.

2024 Porsche Panamera Spied On Nurburgring With Camouflaged Headlights

A total of 309,884 new Porsches were delivered to customers last year, 34,142 of which were new Panameras. The luxury sedan was outsold by its Taycan electric sibling, though that doesn’t mean there’s no room in the Stuttgart-based automaker’s range for a combustion-powered executive saloon. In fact, Porsche is working on a refresh for the existing Panamera while it seems to be generally undecided regarding the long-term future of the moniker.

The company is currently at the Nurburgring with the overhauled Panamera, which is doing intense testing around the track. Just earlier today, our photographers caught a prototype of the model driven by what appears to be a professional test driver. He didn’t pay much attention to our secret spies and kept pushing the 2024 Panamera to its limits.

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The prototype depicted in the gallery above isn’t completely new to us. We spied the very same car in May this year and it seems that Porsche isn’t ready to get rid of some of the disguise. There may be changes to the disguise at the front but all you need to know is that this isn’t the actual size and shape of the headlights. This four-point setup that sneaks through that camo foil is likely Porsche’s HD Matrix Design LED technology that debuted on the latest Cayenne.

What else is worth pointing out? To us, this looks like a low-riding Panamera prototype with large brakes, which probably means it is a Turbo model. There’s some black tape around the taillights hinting at minor visual tweaks to the rear lighting clusters. Also, the active rear spoiler is deployed and that’s because that test vehicle was snapped at high speed.

The similarities between the latest Cayenne and the upcoming mid-cycle facelift for the Panamera won’t end with the new headlights. Previous spy photos already showed the cabin of the refreshed sedan and it appeared to feature a similar screen-rich layout as the luxury SUV. If the improvements are indeed borrowed from the Cayenne, this would mean a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a 12.6-inch driver’s display, and an optional 10.9-inch extra screen on the passenger side of the dashboard.