Tata Q501 flagship SUV currently in the works; it will be based on Land Rover Discovery Sport’s platform
Tata Motors has been bringing us some spectacular designs and new models in recent times, which defies the myth, that Tata cars are dull looking. At the recently concluded Auto Expo 2016 they showcased four of their next generation upmarket products; Tata Tiago hatchback, Kite 5 compact sedan, Nexon and the crossover Hexa. All these cars have garnered praise from critics. Now the home grown automaker is working on their flagship SUV codenamed as Q501, which is bound to be unveiled in 2018.
The new SUV will be positioned above the Tata Safari and Tata Hexa crossover, and it will be based on the Land Rover Discovery Sport’s L550 platform. The Tata Q501 will take structural components like floorpan from the L550 platform, although it will be tweaked to give it a different look. The Land Rover Discovery Sport’s body shell is built with high strength steel and light weight aluminium, which reduces the weight of the car. Tata Q501 is also expected to come with same body shell elements.
This all new SUV would be powered by a Fiat sourced 2.0 litre Multijet diesel engine under the hood, and paired with a six speed manual as well as an automatic transmission, which will churn out 170 bhp peak power. Incidentally the Jeep C-SUV, which is expected to make its international debut next year, will also draw power from this same engine.
Tata Motors is expected to assemble the engine locally in India, which will help the automaker to keep the pricing on an aggressive note. Expect the car to be priced around Rs. 17 – 24 lakh. The flagship SUV will take on rivals like Mahindra XUV500 at the lower end and Toyota Fortuner at the higher end in the SUV segment in Indian market. Both Mahindra XUV500 and Toyota Fortuner are very popular SUVs in the country.
Source: AutocarIndia
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