Motorcycle major Hero Honda has launched a new 125cc ''next-generation'' engine. The futuristic Quantum Core engine, developed specially for the Indian customer, powers Hero Honda''s new offering, the ''sarva guna sampanna'' Super Splendor. The quantum core engine has an unprecedented combination of fuel-efficiency and power, the company says.

Announcing the launch of the new motorcycle, Hero Honda Motors Ltd chairman Brijmohan Lall said: "As the leading two-wheeler brand in the country, we consider it our responsibility to improve standards for the benefit of the customers and the industry. We are sure that this breakthrough engine technology will also reinforce the commitment and support of our joint venture partner — Honda Motor, Japan."

Managing director Pawan Munjal said that the launch of Super Splendor would strengthen Hero Honda''s domination in its segment and also redefine the structure of the Indian two-wheeler industry. The new motorcycle has been developed after extensive market research. Company sources say it delivers a unique combination of top fuel-efficiency and high power. The company is offering a three-year warranty on the bike, for the first time in the Indian two-wheeler industry.

Super Splendor will be available in four variants — drum-kick, drum-self, disc-kick, disc-self — in ten colours: candy blazing red, two types of black, tahitian blue, high granite blue, cool mint green metallic, gold, silver, maroon, and forest blue metallic. Manufactured at the company''s state-of-the-art Gurgaon plant, it will be available through Hero Honda''s 2,000 sales and service points across India. Starting at Rs42,231 (drum-kick version, ex-Pune, net of the Rs1,001 celebration offer), it is aggressively priced to take on the competition.