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India Today
a day ago
- Automotive
- India Today
Hero Splendour or Honda Activa, all bikes to get ABS as standard feature from this date
In a landmark move to enhance road safety, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced that from January 1, 2026, all new two-wheelers sold in India, irrespective of engine capacity, must come equipped with Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS). In addition, dealerships will be required to provide two BIS-certified helmets with every new purchase, one for the rider and one for the ABS is mandatory only for two-wheelers with engine capacities above 125cc. With the new mandate, this safety feature will be made compulsory across the board, including for scooters and motorcycles in the entry-level segment. ABS prevents wheel lock-up during sudden braking, significantly reducing the risk of skidding or losing control, especially in emergencies or on slippery surfaces. Studies have shown that ABS can reduce accident risk by 35 to 45 decision is driven by alarming road safety statistics. Two-wheelers accounted for 44.5% of all road accident fatalities in India in 2022, with many of these deaths attributed to head injuries and loss of vehicle control during braking. To further address these concerns, the government has also made it compulsory for dealerships to supply two BIS-certified helmets at the time of delivery. Presently, only one helmet is All the budget-friendly bikes and scooters in the 100-125cc range, which constitute the majority of two-wheeler sales in India, may see a price increase, depending on the hardware upgrades required for compliance, such as the addition of front disc brakes and ABS ministry is expected to release detailed implementation guidelines and technical standards soon to ensure a smooth rollout of the new rules. These regulations will apply only to vehicles manufactured and sold from January 1, 2026, to Auto Today Magazine
India Today
a day ago
- Automotive
- India Today
Royal Enfield hikes prices of Bullet 350 by up to 3,000
Royal Enfield has announced a marginal price revision for its iconic Bullet 350 range, with updates to the variant lineup and pricing for 2025. Prices now start at Rs 1.75 lakh (ex-showroom) and go up to Rs 2.18 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant. Alongside the hike, the company has introduced a new Battalion Black trim as the entry point into the Bullet Bullet 350 variant line-up and pricingThe Battalion Black is now the base offering, priced at Rs 1.75 lakh (ex-showroom). Designed to appeal to purists, it comes with an all-black body, golden hand-painted pinstripes, a retro taillight, a scooped single seat, and a rear drum brake—evoking the traditional Bullet Military variant, previously the most affordable option, now costs Rs 1.76 lakh and is offered in Red and Black. The Standard variant, available in Black and Maroon, sees a Rs 3,000 hike and is priced at Rs 2 lakh (ex-showroom). At the top of the lineup is the Black Gold edition, now retailing for Rs 2.18 lakh (ex-showroom), up by Rs 2,000. The Military Silver variant has been discontinued. While the pricing and variant structure have been updated, the Bullet 350 continues to be powered by the 349cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled J-series engine. This motor produces 20.2bhp at 6,100rpm and 27Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Suspension duties are handled by 41mm telescopic front forks with 130mm travel and twin rear shock absorbers with six-step preload on lower variants includes a 300mm front disc and a rear drum, while higher variants feature a 270mm rear disc. Dual-channel ABS is offered on select trims. Other notable features include a USB charging port next to the clutch lever and a twin downtube spine 350: A legacy on two wheelsThe Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is the longest-running motorcycle in continuous production globally, a legacy that dates back to 1932. While it now shares the modern J-series platform with the Classic 350, Meteor 350, and Hunter 350, the Bullet retains its distinct vintage styling that has stood the test of Bullet remains an enduring symbol of Royal Enfield's heritage, continuing to appeal to those seeking timeless design and an unmistakable road to Auto Today Magazine
India Today
a day ago
- Automotive
- India Today
Vespa Officina 8 unveiled: A tribute to its origins
Vespa has unveiled a new range of special editions—Vespa Officina 8—bringing back the spirit of its legendary Experimental Department, where the iconic scooter was first imagined and built. The Primavera (50, 125, and 150cc) and the GTV 310 now come in the exclusive Blu Officina 8 colour scheme, paired with premium materials and artisanal detailing that pay homage to Vespa's rich legacy of innovation and design Officina 8 name is a tribute to the historic workshop at the Piaggio plant in Pontedera, Italy, where post-war engineers, designers, and craftsmen—many from the aeronautics industry—crafted the very first Vespa prototypes. These helped shape Vespa's legacy, setting world records and building race-winning machines from the late 1940s onward.A design rooted in heritageThe Blu Officina 8 matte metallic shade evokes the industrial past—reminiscent of vintage machinery and workshop workwear. This is tastefully offset by satin-finish aluminium on the shield, headlight, and tail light, and brass accents on the handlebar grille and diamond-cut wheel rims. Both models feature a dual-textured seat with horizontal stitching, polished brass rivets, and a commemorative three-dimensional Officina 8 plate. The GTV variant further embraces its sporty DNA with a body-colour front fairing, matte black bar-end mirrors, and other subtle, racing-inspired elements.A welcome kit with every scooteradvertisementEach Vespa Officina 8 comes with an exclusive welcome kit—a collector's tin featuring the model's colour scheme, housing a special Owner's Book. This book traces the evolution of the Experimental Department and Officina 8 through original archival material, celebrating the ingenuity that birthed the Vespa accessories and apparelThe Officina 8 series is supported by a matching line of accessories and apparel designed to echo the models' industrial-chic aesthetic:A colour-matched top box with a backrestA jet helmet in Blu Officina 8 with dual visors and removable interiorTechnical gloves with touchscreen capabilityApparel collection including a water-repellent windbreaker, cotton hoodie, premium T-shirt, sports bag, and a signature Officina 8 key ringAll items carry the bold Officina 8 logo, inspired by mechanical blueprints and crafted to reflect Vespa's artisanal Officina 8, Vespa blends its iconic heritage with modern-day craftsmanship—offering collectors and enthusiasts a timeless piece of scooter history, reimagined for to Auto Today Magazine
India Today
3 days ago
- Automotive
- India Today
Triumph Speed T4 now available in orange, price starts at Rs 2.05 lakh
Triumph Motorcycles India has unveiled a stunning colour variant of the Speed T4—Baja Orange. Priced at Rs 2.05 lakh (ex-showroom), the latest addition becomes the first 400cc motorcycle in its class to don this hue, previously seen on the Street Triple 765 R and Scrambler 1200 inspiration from the glowing tones of desert dawns and golden hour rides, the Baja Orange finish brings an eye-catching vibrance to the Speed T4's design. The motorcycle also features a brushed steel exhaust, a 3D Speed T4 badge, a new frame colour, and bespoke tyre stripe patterns, exuding both sophistication and road Speed T4 retains its robust 400cc engine that delivers 31bhp at 7,000rpm and 36Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm, with a torque-rich band between 3,500–5,500 rpm. The bike also comes equipped with a slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS, and 43mm telescopic forks—offering a confident and responsive riding experience. Triumph's 400cc TR series has seen a significant 30% year-on-year growth in FY25, with the Speed T4 itself doubling sales since its October 2024 launch. AcThe strong performance has propelled the model to the second position in the classic motorcycle segment in Speed T4 is part of Triumph's modern classic range, blending British heritage with modern engineering. The new Baja Orange edition continues this legacy, aiming to appeal to a new generation of riders who seek a motorcycle that balances timeless design with thrilling Speed T4 is also available in other colourways:Caspian Blue / Pearl WhiteLava Red Gloss / Pearl WhitePhantom Black / Pearl WhitePhantom Black / Storm GreyThis move further solidifies Triumph's position in India's growing modern classic segment, as the brand continues to gain ground among enthusiasts seeking style, substance, and legacy on two to Auto Today Magazine
India Today
5 days ago
- Automotive
- India Today
This is the fastest Volkswagen production model on the Nordschleife track
Volkswagen's upcoming hot hatch, the Golf GTI Edition 50, has made headlines even before its official launch by becoming the fastest road-legal VW to lap Germany's Nrburgring Nordschleife. Professional racing driver Benny Leuchter clocked a lap time of 07:46.13 minutes, making the upcoming special edition GTI the most capable front-wheel-drive Volkswagen on the iconic 20.8-kilometre to debut globally on June 20, 2025, during the 24-hour race weekend at the Nrburgring, the Golf GTI Edition 50 marks the 50th anniversary of the GTI nameplate, with customer deliveries expected to begin in 2026. Volkswagen says the new model represents the 'pure GTI idea' — a combination of powerful front-wheel drive, precise chassis tuning, and track-honed new Nrburgring benchmark The upcoming special edition GTI the most capable front-wheel-drive Volkswagen on the iconic 20.8-kilometre track. According to Volkswagen, the record-setting GTI was equipped with an optional performance package, featuring a specially developed performance chassis, 19-inch Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres, and lightweight forged wheels. This setup, Leuchter said, was key to the car's ability to handle the Nrburgring's demanding corners, undulating surfaces, and high-speed sections. 'It's truly impressive how easily this Volkswagen can be moved so quickly over the Nordschleife,' said Leuchter. 'The entire set-up allows you to drive the ideal line with high precision. Even in difficult weather, the GTI remained stable across the entire track.'Historic leap in GTI performance Benny Leuchter clocked a lap time of 07:46.13 minutes. advertisementThis isn't the first time Leuchter has set records in a GTI. Back in 2016, he lapped the Nrburgring in a Golf GTI Clubsport S (310PS) in 07:49.21 minutes, and in 2022, he set a 07:47.31 record in the all-wheel-drive Golf R 20 Years. However, the Edition 50's lap, which includes the 200 meters between grandstand T13's start and finish lines, is a more holistic measure. Excluding that distance (to match prior laps), the GTI Edition 50's lap is even quicker: 07:41.27 minutes, as seen in the on-board footage.'Three years ago, I wouldn't have thought a front-wheel-drive GTI could beat the Golf R's time so decisively,' said Leuchter. 'That it happened — in less-than-ideal weather — speaks volumes about this car's potential.'A celebration of GTI legacyWhile final specs are yet to be confirmed, the Golf GTI Edition 50 is expected to be the most powerful production GTI to date. It will arrive with exclusive design elements and advanced performance upgrades to celebrate five decades of one of the world's most iconic hot its commercial release in 2026, the Edition 50 will be listed in the "Pre-Series Models" category in the Nrburgring official to Auto Today Magazine
