Harley-Davidson plans to reorganize, reduce workforce

Harley-Davidson facing falling motorcycle sales around the world, said on Tuesday it plans to streamline its operations, reorganize and reduce its workforce during the fourth quarter in a move that will cost the company $20 million to $25 million.

The stock gained 9 percent on Tuesday after the news.

The motorcycle manufacturer cited continued slowed U.S. motorcycle industry growth as the main factor for weaker retail sales. Harley-Davidson did not give details on its reorganization plans nor initially say how many jobs may be impacted.

Harley-Davidson's retail motorcycle sales fell 7.1 percent in the United States during the third quarter. Weak U.S. industry trends dragged on the company's total global retail sales, which fell 4.5 percent.

"We continue to effectively navigate a fiercely competitive environment and an ongoing weak U.S. industry," said Matt Levatich, president and chief executive officer, Harley-Davidson Inc.

For the nine months ended Sept. 30 motorcycles registered in the United States fell about 5.6 percent to 279,013, according to Motorcycle Industry Council data.

Arun Kumar, a AlixPartners consultant, said many Americans are putting disposable income toward automobiles, rather than motorcycles.

"The U.S. consumer is electing to upgrade to a luxury vehicle," Kumar said.

RBC Capital Markets analyst Joseph Spak noted some market enthusiasm regarding Harley's 2017 motorcycle lineup and positive September sales, but asked if it would carry on into the spring.

"Question is can they hold on into and convert in the meaningful riding season," Spak said in a research note on Tuesday.

Harley-Davidson reported a lower quarterly profit on Tuesday, which was as expected due to weak sales in the United States, the company's largest market.

The Milwaukee-based company said its net income was $114.1 million in the second quarter, down from $140.3 million a year ago.

Earnings per share decreased to 64 cents from 69 cents a year ago, in line with expectations. Revenue was $1.27 billion, down from $1.32 billion a year earlier but beating forecasts for $1.09 billion.

Triumph's new Bonneville Bobber is a factory custom with hardtail looks

Triumph has expanded the Bonneville motorcycle range with a factory bobber. The Bonneville Bobber gets a brand-new frame and suspension to house a version of the new Bonneville T120's liquid-cooled 1200cc engine. The new frame and suspension provide the bike with a properly classic profile.

The Bobber also appears to be a hardtail bike at first glance, but closer examination reveals the rear of the bike is mounted like a swingarm. Triumph calls it a "swing-cage," and features a coilover monoshock under the rear tractor-style seat. The Bobber hides many other things as well, including the various electronics and wires to help give the car a more vintage look, despite having throttle-by-wire, electronic fuel injection, traction control and ABS.

The bike features many other touches to complete the classic bobber look, such as an adjustable seat pan, angle-cut mufflers, rubber fork gaiters, and brushed engine parts. It comes with some classy bronze Triumph badges on the engine, tank and seat pan as well. Triumph also has 150 accessories to personalize the Bobber, including ape-hanger handlebars.

Triumph has not released specifics on engine output or pricing yet. The company says the Bobber's parallel twin is tuned to provide more low-end torque and horsepower than the otherwise similar engine on the T120. We would also expect the Bobber cost a bit more than the T120, which starts at $12,000 with freight charge

Bentley Bentayga Diesel is officially the world’s fastest diesel SUV

Luxury automobile maker Bentley has finally unveiled the diesel variant of its luxury SUV called the Bentayga Diesel. Named after the rock formation on the Canary Islands the Bentley Bentayga comes with oodles of power with its 4.0-litre V8 engine that delivers a stunning 900Nm of torque.

There’s a good 429bhp of power on tap and it easily catapults this beast of an SUV from 0-100kph in just 4.8 seconds. Top speed is rated at 270kph which is pretty darn good for a SUV. With its diesel chops, the Bentayga still manages to impress the lowest CO2 output of any Bentley – 210 g/km with a 1,000 km range potential.

And all of this comes with nothing less than what one would expect from a Bentley. The Bentayga’s cockpit sets new standards for both luxury and precision, with meticulous tolerances between the exquisite veneered woods and metal elements.

The hand-selected veneers – including a new Liquid Amber finish (shown above) introduced with Bentayga Diesel – form pure and elegant surfaces throughout the cabin. Each of the 15 pieces are shaped by Bentley’s artisans and finished with trademark Bentley attention to detail.

There’s also plenty of goodies like multi-mode air suspension, Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), multi-mode Traction Control (TCS), Hill Descent Control, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Park Assist, and Electronic Night Vision among others.

Externally nothing has changed, and you still get the Bentley ‘twin-quad’ exhaust tailpipe design, black matrix grille with chrome surround and much more. Which is similar to what you get on the W12 petrol version that was launched in India back in April this year.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, said: “The Bentayga Diesel represents a moment of immense significance in Bentley’s history, by giving the world its fastest luxury diesel SUV. Immense power, grand touring capabilities and superb refinement – this is a true Bentley. Only Bentley could produce a car so powerful, yet so refined.”

Bentley will begin deliveries for the diesel variant in early 2017.

Maserati has hit a home run with the Levante SUV

It would be hard to overestimate the importance of the Levante SUV for Maserati. The brand came back to the US over a decade and and half ago, but since the financial crisis and amid an SUV boom, it's been selling only stylish luxury sedans and sexy GT sports car.
That will all now change, and it couldn't happen at a more important time for the Italian automaker, part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles empire. It's down at the bottom of the luxury sales hierarchy in the US, with a puny 0.1% overall market share (Porsche sells five times as many vehicles annually).

The Quattroporte and Ghibli sedans have their fans (me, for example). But in the US and increasingly China, you really need a strong crossover offering. Porsche established the template for an automaker that had never built an SUV crossing that river in the early 2000s when it created the Cayenne, a hugely successful vehicle.

Now Maserati has taken the same plunge.

We first saw the Levante when it was revealed at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show and later in the flesh at the New York auto show. Now we've actually spent some time behind the wheel. It was a relatively brief, two-hour run from a working farm and restaurant, Blue Hill at Stone Farms, about an hour north of New York to Bear Mountain.

This wasn't enough time to fully evaluate the vehicle - we'll get a crack at that later - but we formed some early impressions. And those impressions were good.

The ultimate Nissan GT-R supercar is now $175,000

The Nissan GT-R is nicknamed "Godzilla" for a good reason - it's a beast capable of decimating just about anything standing between it and victory.
But if you want to get your hands on that kind of speed, you'll need to pony up some serious dough.

This week, Nissan announced that the top-of-the-line 2017 GT-R NISMO will start at $174,990.

Yowser!

With a price tag like that, the GT-R NISMO is firmly in supercar territory.

For instance, the Audi R8 V10 Plus starts at around $190,000, the Acura NSX opens at $156,000, and the Porsche 911 Turbo S at $188,000.

This is a far cry from 2008 when the Nissan GT-R arrived on the scene with 480 horsepower and a $70,000 sticker price.

It was the performance bargain of the decade. Even though it's not quite the case anymore, you are still getting a ton of go-fast goodies for the money.

All GT-Rs are powered by a 3.8 liter, twin-turbocharged VR-Series V6 engine. Here, the engineers at NISMO - Nissan's in-house performance division - have massaged the hand-built motor to churn out 600 horsepower. Upgrades to the drivetrain include new ignition-timing controls, fuel pump, and high-capacity turbochargers. There's also a standard titanium exhaust system.

In addition, the folks at NISMO - a portmanteau of the words Nissan and Motorsports - have lightened and retuned the GT-R's suspension to offer better performance.
Nissan has not yet released the official performance figures for the new NISMO GT-R. However, if its anywhere close to the 2.8-second 0-60 mph times we have seen from recent GT-Rs, you won't be disappointed.

If the $175,000 sticker price is too rich of your blood, a base 565 horsepower GT-R is still a stunning performer and carries a more palatable price tag of $109,990.

New-Gen BMW 5 Series Revealed; Is Now Lighter And More Powerful

We told you just yesterday about the all-new BMW 5 Series and how images have leaked out ahead of its reveal. Well, now, the company has taken the wraps off the car and we know more about the 7th generation of the BMW 5 Series. To begin with, it's lost weight and is about 62kg lighter than its predecessor and that's all thanks to the extensive use of high-strength steel, aluminum, and magnesium.

On the looks front, there isn't a significant overhaul for the new generation. However, there are changes up front like the headlamps flowing into the grille, which makes the nose appear wider. The kidney grille now features active slats that close when necessary for better aerodynamics.
There's of course the optional M Sport package which sees larger air intakes on the front fascia, new side skirt trim, and a tweaked rear bumper with trapezoidal exhaust tips. The suspension is also lowered and it also comes with 19-inch wheels.

Yes, the new-gen 5 Series has grown and is now 30.5mm longer, 7.62 mm wider and 15.2mm taller than the outgoing model. There's an increase in wheelbase as well of 5.08mm which adds extra legroom at the rear.

BMW will launch the 5 Series with two powertrains and both use an eight-speed automatic gearbox and are optionally available with xDrive all-wheel drive. The 530i will feature a revised 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine which makes 248bhp and 350Nm of torque. This helps the car to do a 0-100Km/h sprint in 6.2 seconds, or 6 seconds with xDrive.

The range-topping engine for now is the 540i, which uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 335bhp and develops 450Nm of torque which is more than the current 535i. The car can go from 0-100Km/h in close to 5 seconds with the with rear-wheel drive version or 4.9 seconds with all-wheel drive.

The new chassis and the weight shedding might help in improving the handling of the 5 Series. To add to this further, the 5 Series will come with the optional Adaptive Drive system which includes updated Dynamic Damper Control. The system adjusts the anti-roll bars with electric motors that are faster and lighter than the previous hydraulic actuators. The company's rear-wheel steering setup, which it calls Integral Active Steering, is available on all-wheel-drive mod

The new 5 Series comes with features like Active Lane Keeping Assistant and Traffic Jam Assistant which gives it semi-autonomous driving capability. The technology helps keep the sedan in a single lane and can even cope with stop-and-go traffic.

Occupants can also use the iDrive 6.0 infotainment system that now features gesture control, a function which was introduced on the 7 Series sedan.
The 5 Series then gets a whole bunch of technology from its elder sibling and it's likely to come to India only next year. We'll keep you updated on the latest on that front.

BMW puts self-driving in the spotlight with new 5 Series

HIGHLIGHTS
BMW has unveiled its seventh-generation 5 Series, loaded with semi-autonomous driving systems to make life easier for the driver
The new BMW midsizer will take care of acceleration, steering and braking up to 210 km/h
BMW has essentially made the new 5 Series look like a shrunken 7 Series inside
As autonomous driving creeps closer, manufacturers seem to be trying to cram as much self-driving tech into their cars as possible. Though Tesla Model S has caused problems by pushing the boundaries, Mercedes has used the E-Class to show exactly what current radar-guided systems can do. Now, BMW has unveiled its seventh-generation 5 Series, loaded to the gills with semi-autonomous driving systems to make life easier for the driver.
There's a lot more to the 5 Series than just a set of radar-driven cruise control systems - it's a brand-new car under the skin, after all - but that's where we're going to start. Along with the basic lane-keeping assist and cross traffic alerts, which are now standard fitment on low-end hatchbacks, the new BMW midsizer will take care of acceleration, steering and braking up to 210 km/h (130 mph).



Using a camera mounted on the front, the system will also automatically adapt to changing speed limits, although drivers can force the car to push 15 km/h (9 mph) above it if they want. Just don't blame BMW when those speeding tickets start rolling in.
All this self-driving hardware is built on top of a brand new platform, which has contributed to a 100 kg (220 lb) weight saving. The new Cluster Architecture (CLAR) also makes the new 5 Series stiffer than before, which will help with safety and handling.
One of the areas in serious need of improvement was the outgoing car's interior. Although it was on the cutting edge when the sixth-generation 5 Series launched back in 2010, Mercedes and Audi have moved the game forward considerably since then, and the latest generation car has been totally overhauled to match them.
Although it doesn't look quite as flashy as some Mercedes cabins, BMW has essentially made the seventh-generation 5 Series look like a shrunken 7 Series inside.
The new car's interior should be much smoother and quieter than the one it replaces. Special windshield glazing and a redesigned engine bay work to keep the driver isolated from any unpleasant vibrations and sounds, as does a redesigned headliner.


The 10.25 inch central touchscreen and infotainment system can be controlled using the latest generation iDrive touch/twist controller. Smartphone users can charge the battery wirelessly, and a gesture control system allows drivers to change audio volume and answer calls with a swipe of the finger.
Under the hood, you'll find a range of more powerful and efficient turbo engines. When the car launches in February 2017, the set of petrol motors will kick off with the 530i putting out 185 kW (252 hp) of power and a useful 350 Nm (258 lb.ft) of torque. Those after more power can stretch to the 540i, with an extra 65 kW (87 hp) of power and 100 Nm (74 lb.ft) of torque on tap. Diesel will be represented by the 520d, which pumps out 140 kW (190 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb.ft) of torque.
The initial launch set of engines will be joined by four more in March, headlined by the V8M550i xDrive making 340 kW (462 hp) and 650 Nm (479 lb.ft) of torque. A 530e iPerformance hybrid will also be offered, with an all-electric range of 45 km (28 mi) from its compact electric motor. All these engines are more efficient than the ones they replace, thanks in part to the new car's improved aerodynamic efficiency. In its most aerodynamic trim, the new 5 Series has a drag coefficient of just 0.22.
All models will be available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and all-wheel drive is available on all models except the base level diesel and the hybrid. Along with better grip, all-wheel drive brings with it rear-wheel steering which turns in the opposite direction to the front wheels at low speed, and in the same direction for greater stability at high speed.

The new 5 Series will make its market debut on February 11 2017. Pricing has yet to be announced.

Jaguar launches its first SUV FPace starting ₹68.40 lakh

Jaguar has launched its first ever performance SUV in India, the All-New F-PACE, priced at ₹ 68.40 Lakh (ex-Delhi).

To mark the launch on Thursday, an 18 meter tall ‘Beacon’, designed especially by Arzan Khambatta, dramatically lit up in a launch sequence that included Narain Karthikeyan and renditions by Shankar Mahadevan.

Rohit Suri, President, Jaguar Land Rover India Ltd (JLRIL), said, “With dynamic design language and practicality at its core, the All-New Jaguar F-PACE is already setting benchmarks globally. We have received an overwhelming response for the car worldwide and we expect the same in India as well. It is indeed one of the most awaited products in the Indian market. The launch of F-PACE ushers Jaguar into the SUV market; a smooth ride that will mark the dawn of a new era for Jaguar in India.”

The all-new Jaguar F-PACE will be available in India in the following engines and derivatives:

1. Jaguar F-PACE 2.0 l (132 kW) Diesel Pure: ₹68.40 Lakh

2. Jaguar F-PACE 2.0 l (132 kW) Diesel Prestige: ₹ 74.50 Lakh

3. Jaguar F-PACE 3.0 l (221 kW) Diesel R-Sport: ₹ 102.35 Lakh

4. Jaguar F-PACE 3.0 l (221 kW) Diesel First Edition: ₹ 112.55 Lakh

Visually inspired by F-TYPE, the all-new Jaguar F-PACE is a performance SUV that has the DNA of a sports car. Its powerful and agile look makes it utterly distinctive and gives it a head-turning road presence. From the bonnet bulge to the pronounced rear haunches, the all-new F-PACE reinvents the energy, strength and purity of form of F-TYPE.


The F-PACE's has a 40:20:40 seating configuration for greater flexibility. The seats can be folded completely or folded individually in a variety of combinations.

Powered and Gesture Tailgate are available as options on the 2.0 l diesel derivatives and standard on the 3.0 l diesel derivatives. With Gesture Tailgate one does not even have to touch the car; they simply have to present their foot under one of F-PACE's rear flanks and the tailgate opens or closes.

The all-new Jaguar F-PACE is offered with the 2.0 l (litre) 4-cylinder 132 kW Turbocharged Ingenium diesel engine. Ingenium is Jaguar Land Rover's new breed of engines designed for effortless performance, refinement and efficiency. With advanced technology and all-aluminium construction, Ingenium delivers impressive fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Up to 20 kg lighter than equivalent previous generation engines, Ingenium is intrinsically more efficient.

The powerful 3.0 l (litre) V6 Turbocharged Diesel engine offers exceptional refinement and efficiency, increasing power to 221 kW and torque to an impressive 700 Nm for improved performance and drivability. The engine uses innovative twin parallel sequential turbocharging – a concept pioneered by Jaguar Land Rover – for more immediate delivery of power at all engine speeds, as well as two-stage water cooling to conserve energy. This engine delivers an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 6.2 s.