Design toughness to stay in next-gen Mahindra Scorpio (Mahindra Z101)

22/07/2017 - 09:00 Mahindra Scorpio, Mahindra Aravind Jayachandran

Dr Pawan Goenka, managing director of Mahindra & Mahindra, has hinted that the distinctive rugged design of the Mahindra Scorpio will continue to hold in the next gen model (codename: Mahindra Z101).

Mahindra Scorpio 1.99L diesel front quarter Auto Expo 2016 — Key selling points of the Scorpio was its rugged & tough design which didn't change even in the second-gen model released in January 2015 (pictured).

Dr Goenka was quoted saying:

What's (sic) next for the Scorpio is something that is constantly debated internally. So while internally a lot could keep changing in the vehicle, externally the Scorpio DNA of ruggedness and toughness will be maintained.

Expected to arrive in 2020, details on the next gen Mahindra Scorpio (codename: Z101) are currently scarce. Reportedly, vehicle conceptualization is by Mahindra’s North American Technical Center in Michigan. The engineering, integration and testing will be taken up by Mahindra's R&D centre in Chennai. It will get developed with global markets in mind, therefore expect contemporary lines over the rugged styling. Also expected are premium build quality, advanced telematics and new safety features.

The next generation model could ride on a more advanced and lighter body-on-frame platform. To boot, all-new diesel and petrol 4-cyl engines paired with manual or automatic transmissions could power the Z101. Like the current model, a 4WD system with multiple terrain modes could be an option in the next gen Scorpio. Also likely is an electric variant.

Mahindra Scorpio 1.99L diesel rear quarter Auto Expo 2016 — The next generation Scorpio expected to arrive in 2020 could have all-new engines.

Also Read: Mahindra TUV500 spotted in Pondicherry

At the moment, Mahindra is readying a mid-cycle facelift for the Mahindra Scorpio. Engineers are testing the car to prepare it in time for a launch in the festive season. While the exterior and interior changes are likely minimal, reports state that it sources the 2.2L mHawk 140 turbodiesel motor from the XUV500 which produces an extra 20 bhp. The automatic variant will make a comeback with the 6-speed Aisin torque converter.

[Source: ET Auto]