Only three months remain in 2015 but a plethora of two-wheelers is heading our way. We list down the new motorcycles and scooters scheduled to be launched in 2015

Mahindra Mojo

After a delay of almost five years, it seems Mahindra is finally ready to launch the Mojo in India. The Mahindra Mojo will be a streetbike powered by a 300cc displacement motor and will be the flagship offering for Mahindra. The bike is powered by a 295cc liquid - cooled, single-cylinder engine fed through an electronic fuel-injection system expected to produce around 27PS at 8,000rpm and 30Nm at 6,000rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a six-speed transmission. The Mojo had been loaded with goodies in its cycle parts like USD front forks, gas charged mono shock, LED pilot lamps and tail lamps, Pirelli Diablo Rosso Tyres and petal discs. Mahindra plans to market as a touring motorcycle as the Mojo has a fuel tank capacity of 21 litres and 175mm ground clearance. Braking is done by disc brakes at front and rear while ABS has been given the miss to keep cost low. 

Competition:  KTM 200 Duke, Honda CBR 250R, Royal Enfield Classic 500

Launch Date: September, 2015

Expected Price: Rs 1.5-1.8 lakh (ex-showroom)

Honda CB Hornet 160R

Honda launched the new Unicorn 160 earlier this year which was positioned to target the 150cc commuter buyers. After riding the bike we felt the new 160cc motor has enough grunt to be utilized in a premium 150cc motorcycle and gladly Honda did the same as they unveiled the CB Hornet 160R at the Revfest event. The new Honda CB Hornet 160R gets a sportier design language with muscular fuel tank, sleeker exhaust muffler, chunky rear tyre, X-shaped tail lamp and beefy tank shrouds. Powering the new CB Hornet 160R will be the same motor as seen on the Unicorn 160. The 163.7cc; air-cooled motor churns out 14.5PS of max power and peak torque rating of 14.6Nm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel by a 5-speed gearbox. The engine will also sport the patented HET technology that reduces frictional losses and improves fuel efficiency. Being a sportier offering, the riding posture of the new motorcycle is a bit sporty with slightly rear-set footpegs. Suspension parts remain unchanged with telescopic front forks and mono-shock unit at the back. Braking will be done by petal disc brake at front and rear while CBS will be an optional extra. 

Competition: Suzuki Gixxer, Yamaha FZ-S FI, Hero Xtreme Sports and TVS Apache RTR 160.

Launch Date: September, 2015

Expected Price: Rs 90,000 (ex-showroom)

TVS Apache 200

The TVS Apache is among the most popular motorcycles in the 150cc segment. But ever since the TVS Apache RTR 180 got a facelift few years back the Hosur based manufacturer have been silent. All that will change in 2015 as TVS has confirmed it will be launching a higher displacement Apache in 2015. It is speculated that the new motorcycle will have an all-new 200c displacement motor. The styling of the new TVS Apache 200 will be based on the TVS Draken concept that was showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo in Delhi. It will get sporty clip-on handlebar, digital instrument console, headlamp with LED daytime running lights and probably a split seat to complete the sporty stance. Disc brakes in front and rear could be offered as standard while ABS will be an optional extra. The 200cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled powerplant is rumoured to produce around 25 PS of power and mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

Competition:  Bajaj Pulsar 200NS, KTM Duke 200

Launch Date: October, 2015

Expected Price: Rs 1 lakh (ex-showroom)

TVS Victor 

TVS will also be reviving its popular Victor brand in the Indian market again. The TVS Victor was amongst the most popular commuter motorcycles in our two-wheeler space at the turn of the century. It is expected the new TVS Victor will be positioned above the Star City+ and will most likely feature a 125cc powerplant. The 125cc displacement engine will be in all probability sourced from the TVS Phoenix. The single-cylinder, air-cooled motor is expected to produce 11PS of maximum power and 10.8Nm of peak torque. Power will be transmitted to the rear-wheel via a 4-speed gearbox.  Cycle parts like suspension system, frame and brakes are expected to be shared with the TVS Phoenix to keep cost low while the bike will be tuned to offer good fuel efficiency. Expect the claimed mileage figure to be around 70kmpl. 

Competition: Honda CB Shine, Bajaj Discover 125, Hero Glamour

Launch Date: November, 2015

Expected Price: Rs 55,000 (ex-showroom)

Hero Maestro Edge

Hero MotoCorp showcased lots of scooters at the 2014 Auto Expo but till no new products have hit the market. Pictures of the new Hero Maestro Edge at dealerships have been posted online signifying that launch of the motorcycle will be done prior to the festive season. The new scooter offering from Hero undergoes both cosmetic and mechanical changes. The front fascia has been completely redesigned to give it a more rakish and sporty design language. The creases on the mudguard and front fascia look premium.  The instrument cluster is a part-digital unit as seen on the standard scooter but has been redesigned completely. The tail lamp is also large and most possibly will be a LED unit and gels well with the overall design of the scooter.

Another new addition is the stubby exhaust muffler, alloy wheels and 3D badge on the rear panel. It was expected that Hero will debut the new 125cc motor in the Maestro Edge but that isn’t to be and it will feature an all-new 110cc scooter. The new motor has been developed by AVL for Hero and the air-cooled unit is reported to produce 8PS of power and 8.5Nm of peak torque. Fuel efficiency numbers haven’t been announced but expect it to be in the range of 55kmpl. Another notable addition is the telescopic front forks which should help the Hero Maestro Edge deliver good ride quality. Braking is done by drum brakes at both the ends while Integrate Braking System will be standard. 

Competition:  TVS Jupiter, Honda Aviator, Mahindra Gusto, Yamaha Fascino

Launch Date: September, 2015

Expected Price: Rs 53,000 (ex-showroom)

Hero Duet 

Hero MotoCorp has been missing from action in the scooter but all is that about to change with the new Hero Duet. As the name suggests the new Hero Duet will be a unisex. The styling of the Hero Duet isn’t radical and has been kept sober to appeal to the masses. It does get a part-digital-part-analogue instrument console to help it set apart from its rivals. The Hero Duet will most likely be its new entry-level scooter for the Indian market. It will be loaded with features like external fuel filler, mobile charger and tubeless tyres. Talking about powerplant, it will be powered by an all-new Hero developed 110cc displacement motor. The new engine is expected to produce around 8PS and 8.5Nm of torque and it will be mated to a CVT transmission. Braking will be done by drum brake at both the ends. The Hero Duet features telescopic front forks as opposed to the trailing link unit as seen on the Honda Activa 3G.

Competition: TVS Wego, Honda Activa 3G, Yamaha Alpha

Launch Date: September, 2015

Expected Price: Rs 50,000 (ex-showroom)

Royal Enfield Himalayan

Royal Enfield will ride in its first adventure-tourer motorcycle which will be christened Himalayan. With the new Himalayan, Royal Enfield will take a step in the unknown adventure touring segment in the Indian two-wheeler space. But the timing of the new motorcycle couldn’t have been better as the number of bikers going on long rides and touring has witnessed a huge increase. The styling of the Royal Enfield Himalayan is in sync with an adventure motorcycle with large tank, storage brackets, raised suspension and the works. The Himalayan will get an all-new four stroke, single cylinder, 410cc air-cooled engine. The engine will make around 28PS of power and contrary to most reports, will make about 32Nm of torque, and not 40Nm as widely reported. The frame seems to be carried forward from the Royal Enfield Continental GT and so is the stubby mudguard along with front and rear disc brakes. The telescopic front forks will have more travel and have been covered with fork gaiters to safeguard the fork seals from dust and other elements that might damage it.

Another major highlight is the employment of monoshock suspension which will make the Royal Enfield Himalayan the first Royal Enfield motorcycle to use them. The upright riding posture should make it touring friendly and it is also expected to get an all-new instrument panel which will display two trip meters, compass and even altitude readings  The tail sections seems to be minimalistic underneath which sits the fat section knobby off-road rear tyre running on spoke wheels. 

Competition:  KTM 390 Duke

Launch Date: November, 2015

Expected Price: Rs 1.7 to 1.9 lakh (ex-showroom)

Honda 125cc bike

Honda will launch an all-new premium 125cc motorcycle by end of 2015. The new motorcycle will have a sporty and aggressive design language to target the young consumers. The new Honda 125cc bike will be positioned above the CB Shine as a premium 125cc motorcycle. It will be on the same lines as how the new Honda Livo has been marketed as a premium 110cc commuter above the Honda Dream series. Talking about cosmetic updates, the new Honda 125cc motorcycle will feature a semi-digital console, muscular fuel tank and sportier bikini fairing and new multi-spoke alloy wheels. The chassis of the upcoming bike and the powerplant will be shared with the CB Shine. The 125cc, air-cooled unit develops 10.7PS of power and 10.5Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 4-speed gearbox. The new Honda 125cc bike will be equipped with the patented HET technology that reduces friction between mating parts and should deliver an overall mileage of around 65 to 70kmpl.Braking will be done by disc brake at front and drum brake at rear while CBS might be an optional extra. Suspension duties will be handled by telescopic front forks and twin hydraulic rear shock unit. The new Honda offering will be the final motorcycle to be launched by the Japanese two-wheeler giant in India for 2015.

Competition:  Hero Glamour, Yamaha Saluto

Launch Date: October, 2015

Expected Price: Rs 60,000 (ex-showroom)

Kawasaki Versys 650

The Kawasaki Versys 650 will be the second offering under the Versys brand umbrella after the Versys 1000 that was launched a few months ago. The Kawasaki Versys 650 will be the third 650cc Kawasaki motorcycle for the Indian two-wheeler market after the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the Kawasaki ER-6n. The styling of the Kawasaki Versys 650 is similar to its litre-class sibling with a dual headlamps and a quarter fairing while the LED tail lamp has been inspired from the Kawasaki Z1000 street bike. Powering the bike is the same 650cc motor as seen on the Ninja 650 and the ER-6n but the engine has been tuned to better suit the dual purpose nature of the Versys 650. The 649cc parallel-twin has been tuned to increase performance further up in the rev range whilst improving fuel efficiency at the same time. The twin-pot mill develops 69PS of power and 64Nm of peak torque. Power is transmitted to the rear-wheel via a 6-speed gearbox. The windscreen on the Kawasaki Ninja 650 can be manually adjusted whereas a stronger subrframe allows the use of clean-mount panniers.

Competition:  Honda CBR 650F, Hyosung GT 650R

Launch Date: October, 2015

Expected Price: Rs 4.9 lakh (ex-showroom)

Kawasaki Z250SL

Kawasaki is planning to expand its Indian product portfolio and will launch the Z250SL in the Indian two-wheeler market. What makes the new Kawasaki motorcycle unique is the fact that it is powered by a 249cc displacement single-cylinder motor unlike the parallel twin 250cc mill as seen on the Kawasaki Z250 that is on sale in India. The fact that it uses one cylinder less, the Kawasaki Z250SL would be the cheapest Kawasaki motorcycle on sale in India when it makes its debut later this year. 

It is also likely that the new Kawasaki Z250SL will replace its twin-cylinder sibling from the Indian market. The Z250SL is a quarter-litre street bike offering and the SL moniker stands for “Sports Light”. The Kawasaki Z250SL tips the scale at 148kg for the standard (non-ABS) version, and 150kg for the ABS version. The overall design of the Kawasaki Z250SL with minimal panels is in sync with traditional streetbike styling. 

Competition: Kawasaki 390 Duke, Benelli TNT 25

Launch Date: November, 2015

Expected Price: Rs 2.8 lakh (ex-showroom)

Kawasaki Vulcan S

After officially unveiling the Versys 650 and the ER-6n, Kawasaki took the wraps off its cruiser offering, the Vulcan S. With complete understanding the Harley Davidson Street 750 and the Hyosung Aquila Pro GV650 are the only bike in the cruiser segment, Kawasaki intends to get a piece of the pie with the Vulcan S. Powering the Vulcan S will be the same 650cc liquid-cooled parallel twin motor that has already proved its mettle in the Ninja 650 and the ER-6n. The Vulcan S will produce 62PS and 62Nm and will come mated to a 6-speed transmission. The Kawasaki Vulcan S employs the pipe perimeter frame as seen on the new Versys 650. But the rake angle has been hiked to 31-degree to endow the bike with a longer wheelbase to suit its cruiser dynamics. The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a fuel tank capacity of 14 litres and it weighs in at 226kg. 

Competition: Hyosung Aquila Pro GV650, Harley-Davidson Street 750

Launch Date: November, 2015

Expected Price: Rs 5.3 lakh (ex-showroom)

Bajaj Avenger 200 

Bajaj Auto has been on an onslaught by launching as it has launched a slew of new offerings in the recent past, the latest being the Baja Pulsar AS150 and AS200. Bajaj officials have confirmed that the next launch on cards is the updated Bajaj Avenger. The cruiser bike is among the longest running products for the Chakan based two-wheeler giant and now they plan to give it an engine overhaul. In its current disguise, the Bajaj Avenger is powered by the 220cc motor sourced from the Bajaj Pulsar 220. Bajaj plans to overhaul the cruiser bike with a new heart and it will be equipped with the 200cc engine as found on the Pulsar AS200 and the Pulsar 200NS. 

While the new Bajaj Avenger 200 will not be drastically different from the model it replaces on the cosmetic front but it will witness significant mechanical update. Although the 200cc motor is down on displacement, it churns out 23.5PS which is almost a 5PS gain over the 220cc mill. The new Bajaj Avenger might also feature the six-speed gearbox as seen on the Pulsar 200NS and AS200 making it the first Bajaj Avenger offering to feature a six-speed transmission. Other additions on the new Bajaj Avenger might be the addition of rear disc brakes given the jump in performance the cruiser would achieve owing to the powerful motor. 

Competition: Royal Enfield Classic 350, Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350

Launch Date: November, 2015

Expected Price: Rs 5.3 lakh (ex-showroom)

Bajaj Pulsar 150NS

The Bajaj Pulsar 150 still dominates proceedings in the 150cc market but has started to show its age cosmetically and mechanically. Bajaj Auto launched the AS150 earlier this year and will now ride in the Pulsar 150 replacement by late 2015.  In terms of looks, the 150NS will take design cues from the 200NS, but essentially it will be a Pulsar AS 150 without the quarter fairing. The new 150NS will be based on the same perimeter frame as the Pulsar AS150 and will also sport a nitrox monoshock at the rear, like the AS150. The engine will also be the AS 150’s twin spark, air-cooled single cylinder unit, which is more powerful and efficient than the existing Pulsar 150’s and is good for 17PS power at 9500rpm and maximum torque of 13Nm at 7500rpm.

Competition: Suzuki Gixxer, Yamaha FZ-S FI, Hero Xtreme Sports

Launch Date: November, 2015

Expected Price: Rs 73,000 (ex-showroom)

Courtesy : Zigwheels, Gaadi Waadi.com

The EV would have a range between 400-500km; Mercedes likely to enter the luxury saloon or SUV EV market.

Mercedes officials have confirmed the launch of its all-new electric vehicle within a year.

Speaking to our sister publication Autocar UK at the Frankfurt motor show, the company's engineering head Dr Thomas Weber said that the new car would offer a range between 400 and 500km, using lithium-ion batteries with double the energy density of current components.

The news follows the onslaught of EVs at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show, specially from Mercedes’ rivals, Porsche and Audi. Previous EVs from the car manufacturer include the SLS AMG Electric Drive and B-Class Electric Drive.

The company could make its entry into the luxury saloon or SUV EV market, by building a large car that has enough room to accommodate a battery pack, and at a price that’s high enough to justify electric vehicle costs without being prohibitive.

Courtesy : Autocar

Ducati expects to cross the 50,000 unit mark before the end of the year.

The Monster 1200R, which has been dubbed the most powerful naked bike from Ducati yet, was recently revealed at the Frankfurt motor show. The launch came as a relief as the Streetfighter was discontinued earlier. This, however, is not the only surprise that the manufacturer has for its patrons.

Ducati will be launching nine new models in 2016, including the Monster 1200R. The manufacturer has said that it will be unveiling eight other models at the EICMA 2015, which is to be held in November in Milan.

Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding said that two of these models will be segment firsts for the Bologna-based manufacturer, and will let it enter market spaces that they have never been present in before.

The Ducati top brass also said that their main aim is not so much the pursuit of increasing volumes, but rather to keep on surprising customers with awe-inspiring bikes. He is confident that the increase in sales is simply a consequence of just how incredibly well-received the products are.

Ducati registered a positive growth trend in the current year, selling 32,600 motorcycles over the first six months, which is a growth of 22 percent. The company hopes to exceed sales of 50,000 units by the end of the year, which will be a landmark in the company’s history.

Courtesy : Autocar

Porsche surprised many as it showcased its new electric sedan – Mission E. The Porsche Mission E is powered by a 600PS all-electric drive motor with a range of 500km while Porsche Turbo Charging recharges 80 per cent of the battery in just 15 minutes!

One of the biggest hurdles faced by electric cars is range but the Porsche Mission E has a solution for it. The car can travel 500km on a full charge which is impressive but further hikes its appeal is the fact that it can be charged with enough energy for around 400 km more driving range in less than 15 minutes! The reason for this stupendous recharge time is the fact that the Porsche Masson E employs a 800-volt technology for the first time instead of conventional 400volts. This system has been christened as Porsche Turbo Charging and the charging time is the fastest for any electric vehicle. The lithium-ion battery runs the entire length of the car, between the front and rear axles and the car boasts a 50:50 weight distribution. To keep the kerb weight low, the Mission E has been crafted from combination of aluminium, steel and carbon fibre reinforced polymer.

The cabin layout is typical of any Porsche production car but with a touch of modernity in terms of design and materials. The lack of a transmission tunnel means that interior space has risen. Another aspect of the interiors is the lack of physical buttons or knobs as they have been replaced by OLED (organic light-emitting diodes) screens. There is also an eye-tracking system that works with a camera to detect which instrument the driver is viewing. If the driver sits lower, higher or leans to one side, the 3D display of the round instruments reacts and moves with the driver. The Porsche Mission E will hit production in the next few years and given the technology it has on tap, the folks at Tesla Motors should be a worried lot. 

Courtesy : Autocar

The Audi e-tron Quattro concept is the precursor to the all-electric Audi Q6 SUV; manufacturer claims a range of over 480km, output up to 496bhp.

Audi has taken the wraps off of the e-tron Quattro concept. The precursor to the company’s upcoming all-electric Q6 SUV, thee-tron Quattro concept combines the rugged elements of a SUV with the sporty styling of a Coupe.

Stylistically the same as seen in the official design sketches, the e-tron Quattro concept uses Audi’s latest development in battery technology, aerodynamics, lightweight construction and electric drive systems to help provide it with performance to challenge the current crop of fast petrol, diesel and electric Audis.

At the heart of Audi’s newest concept sits a trio of electric motors – one powering the front wheels while two power the rear. Base output for the system is set at 429bhp but can be temporarily boosted to up to 496bhp. Torque output is set at 81.57kgm. Power is distributed to all four-wheels a drive-management system while an electronic torque vectoring system is used to apportion power between the rear wheels to help maintain optimum grip. In addition, the e-tron Quattro concept also gets all-wheel steering with the rear wheels moving by as much as five degrees to shorten the turning diameter.

The e-tron Quattro concept uses a floor mounted 95kWh lithium-ion battery located under the passenger compartment to power the trio of electric motors. As per the manufacturer, the battery allows the e-tron Quattro concept a range of over 480km.

The concept also comes equipped with the option of wireless charging. The e-tron Quattro concept comes equipped with a wireless charging system and a piloted parking function that automatically parks the car over a charging plate embedded in the ground to start charging the batteries. The charging deactivates automatically once the batteries car charged and the whole system can be monitored through a smartphone. In addition, the long roof-line of the concept houses solar panels that assist in charging the battery.

The e-tron Quattro concept also features active aerodynamic elements which extend once the vehicle crosses 80kph. The active elements include a roof mounted spoiler than extends by upto 100mm, an extending rear diffuser to speed-up the air-flow rate and extending side sills which smoothen the flow of air over the rear wheels allowing the SUV to have a drag co-efficient of 0.25, the lowest on an SUV and at 4880mm in length, 1930mm in width and 1540mm in height, the e-tron Quattro is sizeable as well.

Inside, the interior seems to draw heavily from the Audi Prologue concept unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show in 2014 with an all-digital interface and a flat-bottomed multi-function steering. The cabin features a four-seat layout with individual seats front and back and a 615-litre boot.

Courtesy : Autocar