KTM India will launch the new updated RC 390 that was showcased at the 2015 EICMA motorcycle show in the Indian market soon but the India-spec 2016 KTM RC 390 will not get side mounted aluminium exhaust system to save cost

The KTM RC 390 is among the most popular motorcycles in the Indian market and despite the fact that it was launched in 2014; KTM boffins have already updated the supersports offering. The 2016 KTM RC 390 was unveiled at the 2015 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan and the biggest visual difference between the older and the new model is the new single side exhaust muffler instead of the older underbelly unit. According to KTM officials the new aluminium exhaust muffler was added to meet the stringent Euro 4 emission norms. The 2016 KTM RC 390 is heading to our shores in early 2016 and according to our sources the India-spec KTM RC 390 will not get the new exhaust system. Since the current exhaust system meets the emission norms of the country and the fact that the RC 390 will be replaced with a new bike in 2017, KTM has decided to not add the new exhaust system. This also can be seen as a cost cutting exercise as the new aluminium exhaust unit would have increased the price of the new KTM RC 390 further. 

Apart from the lack of new exhaust system, the India-spec model will receive all the goodies that were added to the 2016 KTM RC 390 which includes the addition of a slipper clutch which was recently made available on the KTM 390 Duke. There’s also a ride-by-wire system, designed for smoother and more linear power delivery. The liquid-cooled, 373c mill churns out 43PS of peak power at 9,000rpm and 35Nm of maximum torque at 7,000rpm. At 320mm dia, the front disc brakes – developed in conjunction with Brembo - are larger, and now come with adjustable brake and clutch levers. The KTM RC390 entered the Indian market in September 2014 which means within 16 months of its debut the motorcycle has been updated which makes life even more difficult for its rivals. Expect the 2016 KTM RC 390 to be priced at a premium of Rs 10,000 to 15,000 over the standard motorcycle.

Courtesy : Zigwheels

Volkswagen is facing the tough task of essentially giving itself a brand rebirth after the 'dieselgate' scandal. While the automaker will face a massive financial burden over the years to come, the brand's 'Das Auto' tagline may be a part of the collateral damage.

Translated, 'Das Auto' means 'The Car'. In a show of corporate humility, executives at Volkswagen have considered dropping the tagline from future promotional activities. A Volkswagen spokesperson said the tagline may not be dead just yet, but it won't accompany the VW badge in an upcoming advertising campaign. The removal of the tagline would only be a symbolic move of course, but it could be seen as a stepping stone to an outright brand image revamp.

The company had recently announced a fix for the defeat device used in the EA 189 TDI engines that displace 1.6L and 2.0L. While corrective measures are being implemented, the company is facing several penalties and lawsuits from private owners and government ANSI PDF Download  bodies alike. Additionally, the logistical and financial burden of recalling cars globally will see the brand fighting to improve its perception for the years to come, while maintaining its solvency.

Courtesy : Team BHP

The Bugatti Chiron is scheduled to make its debut at the 86th Geneva motor show in 2016. After several spy shots and an official confirmation of the car's name, Bugatti has released a teaser of its next hypercar.

The image does not reveal much as the car is under a veil, but the side profile looks similar to that of its predecessor, the Veyron. The design is in line with a sketch that Bugatti has been showing to prospective customers and is also similar to the Vision Gran Turismo concept. The Chiron is being shown to select customers and more than 100 orders have already been received. The Chiron is almost done with its final testing phase, with a number of prototypes spotted in several continents for the fine tuning process.

Reports suggest that the Chiron will be powered by a redesigned version of the W16 engine that was used in the Veyron, with output figures being quoted at around 1,500 BHP and 1,500 Nm of torque. The new car is likely to make the use of a hybrid electric powertrain to boost its performance. The top speed is speculated to hover in the range of 435 - 450 km/h. While the public debut will take place in March, more official images are expected to be revealed in the run up to the in-the-metal debut.

Courtesy : Team BHP

Flexible motorcycles are definitely great, but we find out if the Moto Guzzi Audace ticks that big box.

There are days when I want to get astride a motorcycle and wring the throttle, and discover the laws of physics on my own. Then there are days when I just want to take it easy on a motorcycle humming the same tune that’s been playing in my head. And then there are days when I want to do both. One motorcycle for such days is the Moto Guzzi Audace.

In theory, the Moto Guzzi Audace is a cruiser. And it is really, with a stretched-out yet relaxed riding position. However, so is the Moto Guzzi California. Let’s be honest, the two motorcycles are actually the same. The change in the name comes from the wider, blacked out drag-bars, footpegs instead of footboards, and a carbonfibre front mudguard.

Iconically Italian

Look at the motorcycle from the side, and you can see that the main focus of the motorcycle is comfort, but you also notice that the entire design gives out a sense of power. Though it might not look quite as big in the pictures, it is actually quite large.

The speedometer is quite large, with a red-needled analogue tachometer and a round digital display overlaying this. The handlebars are flat and wide. They add to the aggressive look of the motorcycle, and also provide good leverage. The tank when measured across seems to never end. And then there is the longitudinally mounted engine sticking out on each side.

The palm grips are soft, and the footpegs have ample grip too. The split seat made of faux leather, is large and comfortable, and is on the softer side. Pillions will, however, complain of discomfort even on a short ride. The tail-lamp is split into two rows of lights, also incorporating the turn indicators.
 

Beating heart

The Audace has a 1,380cc, longitudinally mounted, V-twin, fuel-injected and air and oil-cooled motor. Cranking the massive engine needs more than a dab. The Moto Guzzi Audace starts up with an exhilarating bark, but later settles down into a more muted note–quiet and understated. Once you have it going, you feel the characteristic longitudinal vibrations, which make way for silky smooth performance above 2,000rpm.

The three riding modes – Sporty, Wet and Touring – take control of fuel delivery, while a three- level traction control system checks wheelspin. As a result, you often find yourself confident enough to whack the throttle wide open, despite the bike's intimidating size and power.

Revs climb fast, and the limiter is hit at 7,000rpm. Power is spread quite well across the rev range, and all of the 96bhp of power is delivered at 6,500rpm. Torque is a healthy 12.3kgm at 3,000rpm, which is evident from the initial tug you feel.

The engine is backed by a light hydraulic clutch mated to a six-speed gearbox, which feels just shy of smooth. The final drive is shaft, and as the motorcycle speeds up, it makes a beautiful whine so typical to exotic machines seen in the movies, giving the perfect soundtrack to a quick dash on the highway.

The big Moto Guzzi’s footpegs are forward-set, but not too much as to stretch you out more than you’d like. Shorter riders might run into some problems though. Since the Audace is a cruiser in reality, it gets a top-class cruise control system, which can be engaged anywhere over 40kph. It also gives you a leeway of 30kph as acceleration for overtaking manoeuvres on the highway.
 

Behind the scene

The front has conventionally mounted 45mm forks, while at the rear, there’s an alloy swingarm with the shaft-drive encased, and fully adjustable dual shock absorbers. These were set rather soft on our test bike, but for a motorcycle that weighs just under 300kg, it works well and can, of course, be adjusted. A stiffer setup though will help those looking to ride the Audace fast.

The Audace wheels are shod with 130/70 section tyres in front, and 200/60 section rubber at rear, with adequate grip. Braking is by Brembo – 320mm floating dual discs in the front, and a single 282mm rear disc. ABS is standard and not switchable. Bite from the brakes is powerful, and the motorcycle sheds speed impressively fast. However, when braking hard, the ABS kicks in quite early, and leaves us wanting even grippier tyres, or a multi-level ABS system.

Fit and finish is top notch on the Moto Guzzi Audace, and fine details have been paid good attention too. For example, the switchgear is ergonomic, and has nice feedback when you use it. The seat is very well finished, and has red stitching on it.

Despite its weight, the Moto Guzzi Audace is surprisingly good-handling motorcycle. The weight, however, is more than evident only while parking. Out on the highway, it rides well, barely protesting to steering inputs.

Yay or nay?

At Rs 19.94 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune), this isn’t a cheap motorcycle, but owning one definitely has some perks. Having ridden the Ducati Diavel and a Street Bob just a few days ago, I always thought that I was impressed with massive V-Twin cruisers. Now that I’ve ridden this exotic Italian, which has so much more character and spice, I know which set of keys to call dibs on when given the choice. The Audace clearly has us giving it a big grin and an even bigger thumbs up.

Courtesy : Autocar

BMW will unveil three new models and one facelift at the 2016 Auto Expo that'll be held from February 5-9. The line-up includes the new BMW X1 SUV, 7-series sedan and the 3-series facelift. Here are a few details of the models to be showcased.

BMW X1

The BMW X1 may have been the model that introduced the compact luxury SUV segment in India, but over the years with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3, the competition has been tough. This new model could just change that. Designed to look more SUV than jacked-up estate, the new X1 is also more spacious on the inside than the outgoing one. The last bit has been made possible by building the X1 on BMW’s new front-wheel- drive platform. While some may mourn the demise of the original’s defining rear-wheel-drive set-up, the carmaker insists the new X1 still API Standard Download  drives like a BMW should. For India, the X1 will most likely be available with BMW’s 189bhp, 2.0-litre diesel motor, eight-speed automatic gearbox and xDrive all-wheel drive.

BMW 7-series sedan

The recently unveiled BMW 7-series is a significantly better car than its predecessor. Its evolutionary styling may not seem exciting initially, but its classy interior, high-tech features, improved ride and sharp handling elevate it to a new level of excellence, making it a much more serious rival to the S-class. It's almost as good from the back seat and is much nicer to drive, and that puts the new 7-series back in the game. BMW is likely ANSI Code Download  to launch this model at the Auto Expo 2016.

BMW 3-series facelift

The facelifted 3-series will feature minor cosmetic tweaks to make it look wider than the earlier car. It gets an all-new front bumper with a wider air dam. Select variants get the option of LED headlamps. Also seen is a restyled rear bumper and new LED tail-lamps. In India, we expect the updated 3-series to continue with the 2.0-litre diesel engine that is offered in the current car.

Courtesy : Autocar