Showcased earlier at the EICMA Show in Milan last year, Benelli is all-set to showcase some of those bikes at the 2016 Auto Expo in Delhi next month. A few of the new bikes Benelli plans to launch in India this year are – Tornado 302, TNT 400, and Benelli TRK 502. All three are expected to be on display at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo, along with the Leoncino Scrambler concept.
Apart from this, the Italian brand also plans on introducing updates of the existing 600i and 600 GT during the year. The company’s current lineup in India includes six premium bikes consisting of TNT 25, TNT 300, TNT 600i, TNT 600GT, TNT 899, and TNT R.
Benelli Tornado 302, unveiled at the EICMA 2015 is the first fully-faired bike from the company following Tornado 110 launched in 2003. Tornado 302 is powered by a parallel twin 2 cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed transmission. The engine produced 35.4 PS peak power and 27 Nm torque at 9,000 rpm while the company claims it has a top speed of 170 kmph. Benelli Tornado 302, when launched in the first quarter of 2016, will take on the Yamaha YZF R3 and Ninja 300.
Next in line is Benelli TNT 400. It is expected to be launched in the first half of 2016. Set to come in with an upgraded 400cc engine, the bike gets the sportier stance and will compete with the other two-cylinder bikes from Japan while pricing will be highly competitive.
Leoncino Scrambler Concept will also be on display at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo. As seen at EICMA, Leoncino will sport a quality finish with LED headlamp inserts and an Alcantara leather seat. It will be powered by a 499.6 cc twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine offering 46.9 bhp power and 4.6 kgm torque. Fitted with ABS, the bike could enter production later this year or early next year.
Benelli TRK 502 is the next bike which is expected for launch in India at an expected price of around INR 4-4.5 lakhs. It will be an adventure motorcycle with the same engine as seen on the Leoncino. It receives upside-down forks on front and mono-shock at the rear while braking is via 320mm discs in the front and 260mm discs at the rear.
Besides launch of these four new models, Benelli is also expanding operations. A new manufacturing plant near Pune is being set up while dealership network is also being expanded. More details from the launch floor on 3rd Feb as we cover the 2016 Auto Expo LIVE.
Benelli Leoncino – Photos
Benelli TRK 502 – Photos
via AutocarIndia.com
