Rendered Design of Bajaj Twinner 500 Cafe Racer
With the reimagination and artistic rendering of Pratyush Rout, the world gets a glimpse of what could potentially be Bajaj’s first twin-cylinder motorcycle. Leading speculations indicate that the motorcycle might align with the Pulsar brand for consumer attraction, inspiring the artist to design a neo-retro Cafe Racer style Bajaj Pulsar 500 Twinner.
Given the significant commercial success of the parallel-twin 650 platform by EICMA Royal Enfield, expectations are high for a twin-cylinder engine upgrade from Bajaj, especially from its Pulsar fans. Bajaj and EICMA KTM reportedly aimed to develop a 490cc parallel-twin platform jointly in 2020.
The trademarked Twinner name rightfully fits this product. The speculated 500cc displacement might indicate that Bajaj-KTM adopted a twin 250cc engine setup and created an advanced arrangement around it, a common method in the industry.
Bajaj’s standalone trademark 'Twinner,' with no prefixes or suffixes, might imply that it would be used with existing sub-brands like Pulsar, denoting the engine design. For instance, Bajaj Pulsar 500 Twinner could be an upcoming name where Twinner signifies the new engine.
Design Incorporating Multiple Motorcycle Genres
Rout's design art embodies a mix of Pulsar’s robust approach and traditional motorcycle elements like round headlights, a feature of the earliest Pulsar. This unique blend combines various motorcycle genre elements, such as the stepped rear seat reminiscent of a super sport machine.
Alterations include a new fuel tank adorned with the Pulsar 3D badge and nuanced changes compared to Dominar 400 while following Bajaj’s design trends. The perimeter frame, which flaunts the Twinner badge, has been retained, while the subframe appears sportier and the tail section tidier. The current Dominar 400's wheels, braking setup, and exhaust system have been preserved.
The round headlights and twin circular pods for the instrument cluster pay homage to past-era motorcycles. If launched, this motorcycle, Pulsar 500 Twinner, would be the largest Pulsar model, outshining the imminent 400cc single-cylinder Pulsar.
Powertrain Highlight and Specifications
For Bajaj Pulsar 500 Twinner, the perimeter frame will undergo minor adjustments to fit the broader engine. With an estimated 500cc displacement, the motorcycle could deliver around 60 bhp of peak power and 50Nm of peak torque. This engine could be equipped with modern hardware, like a 4V head, a DOHC setup, liquid cooling, quick-shifter, throttle-by-wire, slipper clutch, and more.
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The Kia EV9 exemplifies luxury and innovation in the electric vehicle sector, offering Indian consumers a high-end SUV option that combines performance, technology, and safety.
Jeep India has unveiled the Compass Anniversary Edition to commemorate eight years in the Indian market, priced at Rs 25.26 lakh (ex-showroom). This limited-edition model is designed for adventure-seekers and features exclusive accessories.
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Mahindra has launched the ZEO EV, a 4W electric pickup truck, priced at Rs 7.52 lakh (ex-showroom), marking its entry into the electric commercial vehicle segment. This innovative vehicle targets those seeking sustainable transport solutions, aligning with Mahindra's vision for a greener future.
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This half-billion-pound investment includes an initial outlay of £250 million, primarily aimed at modifying the production line to accommodate JLR’s forthcoming Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) platform. This platform will support a new generation of medium-sized electric luxury SUVs. Though these future models remain officially unnamed, there is widespread speculation that the next generation of Range Rover Velar will be the first to roll off the new production line in 2025.
However, plans for Halewood to transform into an exclusively electric vehicle manufacturing facility have been postponed. Last month, JLR announced it would extend its investment in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles longer than previously planned. As a result, Halewood is now set to produce ICE, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV) side by side, before eventually becoming the company's first all-electric production facility—though, notably, without a fixed timeline.
Looking ahead, JLR has earmarked an additional £250 million to fully realize its objectives for Halewood. Considerable advancements have already been made, including the installation of 750 autonomous robots, ADAS calibration rigs, and laser alignment technology to ensure perfect part fitment. In the pursuit of creating a 'factory of the future,' state-of-the-art cloud-based digital plant management systems have also been integrated.
These investments have expanded the length of the production line from 4km to 6km, accommodating new battery fitment processes. Additionally, seven-metre build stations have been installed to cater to the different proportions of EMA electric vehicles. Previously, the factory was mainly focused on the production of the current Land Rover Discovery Sport, highlighting the substantial scale of transformation JLR is undertaking.
Moreover, JLR has prioritized training, offering High Voltage Training to over 1,600 employees, and has constructed a new body shop capable of producing 500 vehicle bodies per day. The paint shop has also been modified to meet the higher demand for contrasting roofs.
Sustainability remains a core focus. Halewood plans to install 18,000 photovoltaic panels, projected to satisfy 10 percent of the facility’s energy needs. This move aligns with JLR’s broader goal of becoming a carbon net zero firm by 2039. Despite significant progress, the company acknowledges there is still much work ahead to meet this ambitious target but proudly asserts that they are moving in the right direction.
In summary, Jaguar Land Rover's continuous and exponential investments in Halewood underscore its commitment to transforming the factory into a state-of-the-art facility capable of producing a diverse range of vehicles. As it carefully balances ongoing ICE production with its ambitious EV goals, JLR is set to position Halewood at the forefront of automotive manufacturing innovation.
