Ducati has just revealed an updated Scrambler 800. The bike, which will go on sale in international markets from November 2018, gets cosmetic tweaks, tech, and features as part of the update. We can expect this model to arrive in India shortly after it hits markets in Europe and the USA.

The Scrambler has proved to be a success for Ducati, with sales of over 55,000 units since its debut around four years ago. In light of this, the Italian bike maker appears to have not wanted to fix something that’s not broken and the cosmetic changes have been kept to a minimum. The most prominent ones are the LED turn signals and new headlight with an LED DRL that is quite similar to the one on the Scrambler 1100. The bike also gets redesigned tank panels and a muffler cover that is now more cylindrical. Ducati has added a new ‘atomic tangerine’ colour as well.

The similarities to the Scrambler 1100 go further in the form of borrowed 10-spoke alloy wheels and a brushed aluminium finish on the engine casing. Like the 1100, the smaller Scrambler now gets cornering ABS, which, as Ducati explains, allows “you to make a panic stop while at full lean without crashing”. Interestingly, when launched, the Scrambler 800 will be the most affordable motorcycle in India with this tech.

The motorcycle also gets new switchgear that is said to be more ergonomic. The indicators also have the self-cancelling feature. Ducati has also said that the bike's revised seat is flatter and comfortable for both, the rider and pillion. The website also states that the bike features an improved suspension setup and we hope this translates to a plusher feel, as the outgoing model is known to be a bit harsh. Other mechanical changes include a hydraulic clutch control with adjustable levers, both features seen on the Scrambler 1100 as well. Lastly, the new Icon features updated graphics on the instrument cluster along with the Ducati Multimedia System that allows Bluetooth connectivity. When paired, the screen will show data like calls, messages and music information.

When we recently rode the Scrambler 1100, one of its appealing factors was how it felt a lot more premium than the Scrambler 800. Happily, these additions should go a long way towards making the Scrambler Icon feel a lot more premium. That said, these updates could come with a small price hike and the current Scrambler Icon starts at an already high Rs 7.23 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). 

Expect to see these updates spread over the rest of the Scrambler range as well in the coming months.

Mercedes-Benz EQ sales and marketing boss Jorg Heinermann says that future electric cars from the carmaker will feature far more distinctive styling than that seen on the recently revealed EQC SUV.

The EQC is the German firm’s first dedicated electric vehicle. It is also the first of brand's 10 battery-electric vehicles and will be launched by 2022. These models will fall under Mercedes’ new full-electric EQ sub-brand, along with the firm’s mild­-hybrid and plug-in hybrid machines.

Although there are manufacturers that are creating dramatically different-looking EVs, Mercedes has decided to tread carefully, not wanting to alienate customers who like Mercedes’ existing design.

“The EQC has a close link to the [similar-sized] GLC, but for some of the future EQ models you will see more distinct design,” said Heinermann. “We have deliberately decided to take a step-by-step approach here."

Mercedes interior designer Hartmut Sinkwitz added, saying, “[The EQC] is the starting point for the electric family. We felt this is the right amount of revolution to start with for this car. You will see more with other EQ models. We believe this is a good starting point.”

One design element that will remain constant across the EQ models is the front grille. Despite electric cars not needing a front grille for cooling, as with combustion-engined cars, exterior designer Robert Lesnik said, “The grille is important, because otherwise the car would be faceless; it doesn’t matter if there needs to be an air-intake or not. We believe that every EQ car needs a certain shape in the front. There are many other car companies that are experimenting [without a grille], because they don’t have 130 years of history. That’s not what we’re going to do.”

Talking about the broader design of EQ models, he said, “We need time for a few cars, then you will see a familiar line through them.”

As mentioned earlier, this particular model seems to be a display unit. However, we’re not ruling out the chances of seeing the race-spec BMW G 310 RR Supersport compete in the World Supersport 300 Championship. The Bavarian giant is expected to showcase the machine at both INTERMOT in October and the EICMA Show in November. So stay tuned for more details.

Source - Oliepeil.nl 

Ducati has announced its first Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) Track Days in India. It will be held at the Buddh International Circuit on October 13-14, 2018. The program is designed to help riders improve their riding skills.

DRE Track Days is open for all Ducati owners and non-Ducati riders who ride a sports bike with an engine capacity of 600cc and above. The Ducati Scrambler does not qualify for the track day. Entry is free for all Panigale V4 owners. Registration fees for other Ducati owners is Rs. 10,000. Additionally, participants can also test ride a Panigale V4, 959 Panigale and SuperSport for Rs. 5,000, Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 2000 respectively. Non-Ducati riders can also experience these bikes by paying Rs. 16,000 for the Panigale V4, Rs. 12,000 for the 959 Panigale and Rs. 10,000 for the SuperSport.

DRE training will be provided by Ducati test rider Alessandro Valia. All Ducati owners will get 3 track sessions of 20 minutes each and 3 laps on one of the aforementioned test ride bikes. Participants will receive a DRE certificate and fan kit. Technical assistance will be provided to all Ducati owners. Spare parts will be offered at discounted rates.

Non-Ducati riders will get 2 track sessions of 20 minutes each and 3 laps on a test ride bike.

Courtesy :-  Team BHP