The newly launched Suzuki Intruder 150 is the company’s first product after its recent announcement of moving its focus away from the volume segment. Priced at Rs 98,340 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Intruder 150 directly rivals the Avenger range, although, it commands a more premium price. Here are five things to know about it:

1. Polarising M800-, M1800-inspired design
The polarising bodywork seen on this new motorcycle is heavily inspired from the bigger Intruders – the M800 and M1800. With the large headlamp and long fuel tank, the motorcycle does not look like it shares much with the Gixxer that it is based on. The chunky, flowing design language on the bike isn’t something we are used to seeing in this affordable cruiser segment. Moreover, modern touches like the LED tail-light and the Gixxer-borrowed digital instrument cluster also compliment the motorcycle well. The design is a huge head-turner but also highly polarising and is not for all tastes.

2. It uses a retuned Gixxer motor
Powering the Intruder is the same 154.9cc carburetted mill seen on the Gixxer. It is largely the same but uses a bigger intake and a reworked exhaust on the Intruder. Another mechanical change seen on the entry-level cruiser is the additional tooth on the rear sprocket. These changes and the increase in weight result in the motorcycle gaining a stronger mid-range punch while losing some top-end performance. The responsiveness of the engine, refined gearbox and power figures of 14.8hp and 14Nm of torque remain unchanged. Still, for a bike that looks so big, we’d have liked to see more power and the Intruder starts to run out of breath upwards of 90kph.

3. It has impressive handling characteristics
The Intruder is extremely rider friendly; it can accommodate tall riders and even shorter riders will be comfortable due to its low seat height of 740mm. The cruiser motorcycle is easy to ride at low speeds, but remains stable at a higher pace. The Gixxer-borrowed 41mm forks and seven-step preload-adjustable rear shock have been retuned for the Intruder. The sporty suspension, coupled with the decent level of cornering clearance, makes the motorcycle really impressive on a winding road. In fact, because of the humble power, the Intruder’s handling impresses more than its ability to cruise over long distances at a brisk pace.

4. It gets a reworked Gixxer chassis
The front section of the frame is very similar to the Gixxer, but the gains a completely new subframe. When compared to Gixxer, the bike sees a 75mm increase in wheelbase, owing to a 20mm increase in swingarm length and a new pivot angle. The Intruder also shares its tyres and brakes with the Gixxer. The tyres span 110/70 R17 in the front and 140/60 R17 at the rear. Though quite substantial for a 150cc bike, these tyres look scrawny on the Intruder, thanks to the extensive bodywork above.

5. It gets more features but at a price
The Intruder is feature-rich, with a digital instrument console, an LED tail-light, a rear disc-brake and also single-channel ABS (a standard feature); none of these are on offer on the Bajaj Avenger Street 150. These features are also absent on the Avenger Street/Cruise 220, though it must be noted that the Intruder is priced at Rs 98,340, which is considerably higher than both the Street 150 and Street/Cruise 220 which are priced at Rs 75,000 and Rs 84,000 (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi), respectively.

Courtesy : Autocar

The hugely anticipated TVS Apache RR 310 is going to be launched on December 6 at 11:00 am. By that time, we will have already ridden the bike and will have our first ride report out by 12:30pm once the embargo lifts.

However, TVS has just revealed a new teaser video to build excitement, and that it does! There's quite a lot to gather from the video, starting with the new shade of red, the sharp tail section and what promises to be a striking, Omega-shaped tail-lamp. TVS has resisted flashy stickering on the bodywork and has gone with subtle graphics that reveal the name - Apache RR 310, (not 310S as previously speculated).

Courtesy : Autocar

The engine crankcase looks similar to those on the BMW G 310 R/GS, but they come with raised ‘TVS Racing’ branding. We suspect the bike’s engine will produce similar figures to the G 310s’ that makes 34hp and 27Nm, but there will probably be differences in engine mapping and possibly even gearing. Further stressing on the bike’s athletic abilities are the words, “Race Spec” on the trellis frame, which once more is shared with the BMW G 310s.

And finally, we get a good look at the aerodynamic face, which features striking LED projectors flanked by angular LED DRLs. There's a white racing stripe that runs down the centre and is likely to run across the top of the fuel tank as well, although that's unseen on the video. As we've seen in spy pictures, the RR 310 gets a substantial windscreen that should prove to be useful on the race track and for touring duties. If you look closer, there appears to be the colours of the flag of India positioned vertically on the top right corner of the screen - nice touch that! From behind the screen the angles of the clip-ons suggest a riding position that will be sporty but reasonably comfortable as well.

This video has got us properly excited for what is easily one of the most eagerly anticipated motorcycles of the year. We can't wait to ride it and let you know all about it. Watch this space! 

What you see in the photos is the FT-AC that expands to the ‘Toyota Future Adventure Concept’. As the name makes amply clear, it points to a future SUV from Toyota. The concept demonstrates how a high-tech SUV can be used to support active lifestyles.

The model incorporates Toyota’s design language to a rugged, off-road platform equipped with features like removable cameras and lights. These features can also be attached to a bicycle. The car can be connected to a user’s smartphone, tablet or laptop to transfer the footage of a journey or livestream videos directly on social media.

Toyota North America vice-president, Jack Hollis said, ”FT-AC is perfect for those outdoor enthusiasts who want to dial-up the adventure on their weekend getaways.”

The concept features skidplates to protect its underside, as well as wheel arch protectors and off-road tyres wrapped around its 20-inch wheels. The SUV also gets roof racks and a retractable bicycle rack.

The FT-AC is likely to get a petrol engine — although the specifications for the car have not been disclosed. Toyota has also mentioned the possibility of the production FT-AC getting a hybrid powertrain. Drive is sent to all four-wheels with torque vectoring technology that independently controls each wheel to enhance traction and off-road capabilities

Courtesy : Autocar

A larger, seven-seat version of the Lexus RX has been unveiled at the LA Auto Show. Lexus calls it the RX L and it will be available in six and seven-seater options with the addition of a new reclining bench in the boot.

To make space for the extra passengers, the model designed for the US market is 110 mm longer than the regular RX. Length aside, the RX L can also be distinguished from the standard RX by its tailgate that sits at a steeper angle to meet the roof.

The third row passengers have access to the car’s three-zone climate control and get two cup-holders. The third row seats can also be folded down flat into the boot to expand the boot space.

In international markets, the RX L will be offered with two powertrain options. The first is a 3.5-Litre V6 engine producing 294hp and 352Nm of torque. The second, with similar specifications, will be coupled with two electric motors, delivering a combined power output of 308hp.

Lexus LX 570 two-row

Alongside the RX L, Lexus has had on display a new version of its larger LX 570 two-row SUV. The US model – meant to battle the likes of Toyota Land Cruiser – has ditched the third-row seat of the regular variant to become a five-seater.

Lexus says it has removed the passenger space, on purpose. The company intends to expand the storage capacity of the car’s boot – as per customer requests.

Lexus has not given any confirmation about the Indian debut of these cars, yet.

Courtesy : Autocar