Aprilia is set to broaden its motorcycle lineup in India with the upcoming launch of the Tuono 457. Recently listed on the brand’s official website, the Tuono 457’s addition hints that its release is imminent. The bike, which made a striking debut at the EICMA 2024 motorcycle show, has garnered attention for its unique design and competitive pricing, potentially making it more affordable than its sibling, the RS 457.

Tuono 457’s competitive edge

Upon its launch, the Aprilia Tuono 457 is expected to take on the likes of popular streetfighters in the 400cc segment, including the Yamaha MT-03 and KTM Duke 390. Given that the bike is already visible on Aprilia’s website, it’s likely to hit showrooms sooner rather than later.

Design and styling

The Tuono 457 draws design inspiration from its bigger sibling, the Tuono 660. The bike features a bold, muscular fuel tank that extends downward, giving the Tuono 457 an aggressive and sporty stance. The front of the bike is highlighted by a distinctive set of LED DRLs, which adds to its dynamic appearance.

The bike’s suspension setup includes USD forks at the front and a mono-shock rear, while the exposed trellis frame contributes to the overall sharp look. This combination of elements makes the Tuono 457 a striking contender in the naked bike category.

Features and performance

The Tuono 457 comes packed with modern features aimed at enhancing the riding experience. It includes wide-set handlebars, advanced switchgear, and a TFT digital display with Bluetooth functionality. Powering the Tuono 457 is a 457cc parallel-twin engine that delivers 47 BHP and a peak torque of around 43.5 Nm. It will come paired with a six-speed gearbox and is expected to offer an optional slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS, and traction control system (TCS), among other standard features.

The bike will also be equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels on both ends, with a 110-section tire at the front and a 150-section tire at the rear, making it well-suited for both city commuting and spirited riding.

Tuono 457’s rivals in the market

The Tuono 457’s main competitor will be the KTM Duke 390. The Duke 390 features a single-cylinder engine that generates 46 PS at 8,500 rpm and a peak torque of 39 Nm at 6,500 rpm. For years, the Duke 390 has been a popular choice among motorcycle enthusiasts, but the entry of the Tuono 457 may challenge that dominance in the segment.

Twin-cylinder vs. single-cylinder engines

One of the key differences between the Tuono 457 and the Duke 390 is their engine configurations. The Tuono’s parallel-twin engine is designed to offer a smoother and more balanced ride, with better power delivery, making it ideal for riders seeking instant throttle response. On the other hand, single-cylinder engines, like the one in the Duke 390, tend to offer better fuel efficiency but often lack the refined performance of a twin-cylinder engine.

As the Aprilia Tuono 457 gears up for its official launch in India, the rivalry between the Tuono and KTM Duke 390 promises to bring fresh excitement to the streetfighter category, offering Indian riders a compelling choice in the mid-range motorcycle segment.

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has officially introduced the Hyundai Creta Electric, an innovative electric SUV designed specifically for the Indian market. The company launched the vehicle alongside a compelling TV commercial, “India is Now Ready; Electric is Now Creta,” which emphasizes the shift toward electric mobility and answers the growing question: “Why Now?”

The Creta Electric promises to revolutionize the SUV segment with its modern design, advanced technology, and enhanced performance capabilities. Here’s a breakdown of the key features and innovations of this new electric model:

Striking design and features

The Hyundai Creta Electric stands out with its pixelated design elements that include a distinctive front grille with an integrated charging port, a unique pixelated lower bumper, and a redesigned rear bumper. The addition of LED tail lamps enhances the SUV’s contemporary aesthetic. These features not only elevate the visual appeal but also improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics and cooling performance.

Performance and battery options

Hyundai has engineered the Creta Electric to offer impressive performance, with the long-range variant accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. The SUV will be available with two battery options:

• A 51.4 kWh battery that offers a range of 473 km per charge (Long Range).
• A 42 kWh battery providing a 390 km range.

Charging capabilities

The Creta Electric also excels in charging efficiency. The DC fast-charging feature allows the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in just 58 minutes. For home charging, an 11 kW AC charger can fully charge the vehicle from 10% to 100% in 4 hours.

Innovative technology

Incorporating cutting-edge technology, the Creta Electric includes several features designed to enhance user convenience and driving experience:

• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): This feature allows users to power external devices both inside and outside the vehicle.
• i-Pedal: A one-pedal driving system that enables acceleration, deceleration, and stopping without needing to use the brake pedal.
• Shift-by-Wire: A simplified gear control system for smooth operation.
• Digital Key: Enables access and starting of the vehicle through a smartphone or smartwatch.

Variants and colors

The Creta Electric will be available in four variants—Executive, Smart, Premium, and Excellence—allowing customers to choose based on their preferences. Additionally, it offers a wide range of color options, including eight monotone and two dual-tone shades, with three matte finishes to choose from.

Building the EV ecosystem

Hyundai is also focusing on building a robust electric vehicle ecosystem in India. The company has outlined plans to establish 600 public fast-charging stations across the country over the next seven years. Additionally, the myHyundai app will grant users access to more than 10,000 EV charging points across India, making long-distance travel more convenient.

The brand is also placing a strong emphasis on sustainability, with a focus on localizing the production of batteries and advancing EV infrastructure development in the country.

A milestone for Hyundai

Tarun Garg, the whole-time director and chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor India, expressed his excitement about the launch: “The Hyundai Creta Electric marks a significant milestone for HMIL as our first localized electric SUV. Hyundai Motor Company has long been a pioneer in EV innovation, with revolutionary vehicles like the IONIQ, and the Creta Electric is no different. By continuing the strong legacy of the Creta brand, this new electric version blends cutting-edge design, technology, and safety, instilling confidence in Indian consumers about electric vehicles. With the addition of an electric powertrain, the Creta Electric now caters to a wider audience. We are confident it will set a new benchmark for electric SUVs in India and reshape the future of EVs in the country.”

With its blend of advanced features, impressive performance, and a commitment to sustainability, the Hyundai Creta Electric is poised to make a significant impact on India’s electric vehicle market when it launches in the coming months.

Royal Enfield is gearing up for the launch of its much-anticipated flagship adventure motorcycle, the Himalayan 750. Recently spied undergoing testing in Europe, the bike appears to be in its developmental stages, with an official launch likely slated for 2026.

The Himalayan 750 is set to redefine Royal Enfield’s adventure-touring lineup, presenting a robust middleweight ADV that draws inspiration from models like the Husqvarna Norden 901. While heavily camouflaged during testing, the motorcycle’s design reveals a tall stance typical of ADVs, complete with a round LED headlight, a short windscreen, and quarter fairings—marking a first for Royal Enfield in this segment.

Design and features

The profile of the Himalayan 750 closely resembles its smaller sibling, the Himalayan 450. It boasts a split-seat design, an upswept two-in-one exhaust, and LED indicators doubling as taillights. The motorcycle’s ergonomics suggest a rider-friendly upright position suitable for long-distance touring.

A standout addition is the aluminum bash plate, signaling the bike’s rugged intentions. The spied test mule features a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels, leaning towards road-oriented touring capabilities. However, the possibility of off-road variants with a 21-inch front wheel remains uncertain.

Powertrain and performance

At the heart of the Himalayan 750 is a new 750 cc parallel-twin engine, potentially liquid-cooled, and distinct from Royal Enfield’s existing 650 cc platform. Although performance figures remain under wraps, the engine is expected to deliver a significant boost over the 650’s 47 hp and 52 Nm output. A 6-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch is anticipated, ensuring smoother gear transitions for touring enthusiasts.

Suspension and braking

The bike features an all-new frame, chassis, and swingarm. It includes twin front disc brakes, a single rear disc, and adjustable USD front forks complemented by a monoshock at the rear. Suspension travel is expected to hover around 200 mm, balancing on-road comfort and light off-road capability.

Tech-savvy flagship

Royal Enfield seems poised to equip the Himalayan 750 with advanced features, including full LED lighting, switchable ABS, traction control, and a rectangular digital display. Speculations suggest the possibility of riding modes, further enhancing its touring credentials.

Competing in a growing market

Once launched, the Himalayan 750 will occupy the flagship position in Royal Enfield’s adventure lineup. It aims to rival models like the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 and the anticipated BMW F 450 GS, both prominent contenders in the mid-range ADV market.

With the Himalayan 750, Royal Enfield seeks to strengthen its hold in the growing adventure-touring segment, offering a blend of performance, features, and affordability. Fans and industry watchers eagerly await more details as the bike progresses closer to production.