Force is going to replace the existing engine with new Mercedes-Benz OM611 derived 2.2 L engine producing 140 hp of power and 321 Nm of torque
Force Gurkha is one of the most affordable off-road focused models in India and it is competing head on against Mahindra Thar. But the Gurkha is not selling in same league as Thar because of the lack of power and equipment. The Indian manufacturer is going to address this problem by introducing a new variant called Gurkha Xtreme.
The current model is powered by 2.6 L diesel engine producing 85 bhp of power at 3,200 rpm and 230 Nm of torque at 1,400 rpm. But the company is going to replace this aging engine with new Mercedes-Benz OM611 derived 2.2 L engine producing 140 bhp of power and 321 Nm of torque. The power is sent to all four wheels via Mercedes sourced G32 five speed manual gearbox.
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This engine was already used in Force One SUV, which was discontinued due to lack of sales. The improvement in engine will certainly help Gurkha in on- and off-road driving conditions. Force has given low-range transfer box but shift-on-the-fly-system is not available on Gurkha Xtreme as it would have made it more convenient for drivers.
Force replaced independent suspension with coil spring mounted on struts with multi link suspension that is already used at the rear of Gurkha. The Indian manufacturer also increased front track width by 40 mm. The improved suspension and wide track helped the Gurkha to improve its approach, departure and ramp breakover angles.
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Force Gurkha Explorer approach, departure and ramp breakover angles are 39 degrees, 27 degrees and 24 degrees respectively while the Xtreme has 44 degree approach angle, 35 degree departure angle and 29 degree ramp break over angle. The Gurkha Xtreme has 205 mm of ground clearance and 550 mm of wading depth capacity.
Force will be introducing Gurkha Xtreme based on three door body style with hard-top and soft-top versions. Some dealers of Force have already started accepting bookings for the upcoming model and Xtreme will be launched later this month in India. We can expect price to be go up by around 1.5 lakh compared to current model.