10 'bodacious' concept cars/bikes from past editions of Auto Expo - Part 2
In our earlier instalment of 10 'bodacious' concept cars from past editions of Auto Expo, we featured as many as 10 alluring concept cars that made their global debut on the Indian turf. In this post, we'll take a look at 5 other concept cars, along with 5 exciting motorcycles, that have debuted at the earlier versions of our country's biggest motor show -
DC TCA
Dilip Chhabria-owned DC Design showcased the TCA sportscar at the Auto Expo 2018. Based on the Avanti, the TCA was earlier scheduled to go on sale in October 2018, but it looks like the launch has been postponed indefinitely as the design house seeks investments to bolster its operations. The TCA is an abbreviation of Titanium, Carbon and Aluminium and is powered by a 3.8-litre naturally aspirated mid-mounted V6 engine that outputs a maximum power of 320 PS. The RWD sportscar is claimed to be capable of sprinting from nought to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.
Chevrolet Adra
The Chevrolet Adra was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2014. The butch compact SUV concept was envisioned at the GM Technical Centre in Bangalore. As per the company, the Adra featured the company's modern design language while meeting local market requirements. The Adra previewed a compact SUV for the 'next-generation' of Indian buyers as it offered typical SUV traits, like that of high ground clearance, good all-around visibility, a high seating position for the driver, and a spacious cabin, in a compact package with an overall length of a shade under 4 metres. The production-spec version was expected to launch in 2017, but Chevrolet India folded much before the new model could see the light of day.
DC Ambirod
DC Design is well-known for its wild, sometimes even obnoxious, concept cars. Back at the Auto Expo 2008, it came up with the Ambirod, a somewhat bulbous concept that took inspiration from the Hindustan Ambassador. Powering the DC Ambirod is a V12 engine whose specifications never came out of the wraps. The cabin, which looks reasonably upmarket owing to the light colour theme and tasteful ambient lighting, offers a seating capacity of just 3 occupants. Another highlight of the concept is its gullwing doors.
Mahindra Halo
The Mahindra Halo sportscar concept was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2014. Developed by Mahindra Reva, the futuristic all-electric model has a top speed of 160 km/h. The entry-level variant has a driving range between 100-150 km, while the top-end model can be used for 200 km on a single charge. As per the company, both the versions can print from 0 to 100 km/h in 9 seconds. Furthermore, usage of the 'boost' mode claims to lower the o-100 km/h time by a second. The interior is all about multiple touchscreen interfaces and highly ergonomic contoured seats.
Mahindra TUV Stinger
Unveiled at the Auto Expo 2018, the Mahindra TUV Stinger is the country's first-ever convertible SUV. Based on the production-spec Mahindra TUV300, the soft-top model features sleek headlamps with LED lighting, C-shaped LED fog lights, gloss black and flared wheel arches. The highlight of the interior is a virtual instrument cluster that replaces the conventional twin-pod analogue unit on the regular TUV300. Other highlights include a sporty two-spoke steering wheel with flattened top and bottom and a touchscreen interface for drive mode selection. The Stinger is powered by a mHawk motor that outputs 140 bhp and 320 Nm.
UM Renegade Thor
Unveiled at the Auto Expo 2018, the UM Renegade Thor is the world's first geared electric cruiser motorcycle. It has a typical cruiser-style body format, with the major highlights including a muscular tank, chunky 41 mm telescopic front forks, and a 150-section rear tire. Powering the Thor is a liquid-cooled electric motor that offers a maximum power of 40.7 PS and a peak torque of 70 Nm. A 5-speed transmission with a hydraulic clutch drives the rear wheel through a belt drive setup. The all-electric motorcycle is available in three high-power lithium polymer battery options - 27 kWh (range - 270 km), 15 kWh (range - 149 km), and 7.5kWh (range - 81 km). A fast charger can replenish the battery pack to 80% of its peak capacity in 40 minutes.
TVS Creon
The TVS Creon is a performance-focused electric scooter that made its debut at the Auto Expo 2018. As per the company, the snazzy two-wheeler has been designed "keeping in mind the global dream for a green future and uncompromising performance." The Creon offers smart connected technologies that have been developed in collaboration with Intel. It gets its juice from 3 Lithium-ion batteries that provide a maximum power of 16 hp. The all-electric scooter, which is built around a lightweight aluminium perimeter frame, can sprint from 0-60 km/h in 5.1 seconds and has a range of 80 km. A fast charger can replenish the battery pack to 80% of its peak capacity in 60 minutes.
TVS Zeppelin
The TVS Zeppelin concept shared the floor space with the Creon at the Auto Expo 2018. The handsome naked motorcycle features metal bodywork and several brushed-metal accents. Powering the bike is a 220cc single-cylinder engine that comes mated to a patented Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). The latter offers an e-boost option, which enables faster starting of the motorcycle by providing it with an augmented boost. As per the company, the Zeppelin offers segment-leading fuel efficiency. The performance is further enhanced through a 1200W regenerative assist motor with 48V Li-ION battery.
Emflux One
The performance-focussed Emflux One debuted at the Auto Expo 2018 and is slated to launch around April 2019. Only 199 units of the all-electric motorcycle will be ever made, and the base model is expected to cost INR 6 lakh (on-road). The top-end version, which will feature an Ohlins suspension, forged alloy wheels and ultralight carbon fibre panels, could be priced at INR 11 lakh (on road). Powering the motorcycle is a three-phase AC induction motor with liquid cooling that draws its juice from a 9.7 kWh battery pack. It outputs a maximum power of 71 hp and a peak torque of 84 Nm. The motor comes mated to a direct drive transmission. The motorcycle is claimed to be capable of hitting 100 km/h in just 3,0 seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/h.
Hero XF3R
The Hero XF3R, which was showcased at the Auto Expo 2016, is expected to spawn a production-spec model in 2020. Powering the production-spec Hero XF3R is a single cylinder 300cc motor whose power outputs are yet to be revealed. As per the manufacturer, the “balance and form” of the XF3R concept will be reflected in its future naked models. The production version of the X3FR will target the likes of KTM 390 Duke, Benelli TNT 300, and BMW G 310 R.