Mahindra Thar revealed at Autoexpo 2010

[offroad_maniac]

Originally Posted by fazalaliadil

Guys,
What I meant, hybrid of Scorpio and Bolero: A new chassis developed, and not one half of one and the other half of the other welded or integrated together. As you all are aware that the weakest point in the chassis would be at the welded area however strong the weld is and the jeep can snap into half under stress.

Thats why I posted that picture. Actually, there was this news since beginning that a whole new chassis was developed for Thar, but what was confusing was the post that said its the cross betn Scorpio (Which has a C-in-C Box Chassis) & Bolero (Which is a constant section Box. more like Army NGCS MM550), 'so just wondering how that is done' & why not a whole new c-in-c chasis OR whole new NGCS was developed for Thar? (Just an info nothing more..)


This certainly not to raise a doubt or something on company part. I know its manufactured with wolrd-class technology. Its just something I feel like knowing. thats it..
Please bear with it....

[esteem_lover]

While all Mahindra Jeeps 540/550/CJ3B etc have/had solid axle leaf spring suspension systems and the modern much heavier offroaders have solid axle coil spring, what made mahindra to introduce the independent front suspension in the Thar ?

From the limited off roading experience i have had, i wonder what are the reasons for M&M to opt for IFS?

[Parm]

Originally Posted by fazalaliadil

Guys,
What I meant, hybrid of Scorpio and Bolero: A new chassis developed, and not one half of one and the other half of the other welded or integrated together. As you all are aware that the weakest point in the chassis would be at the welded area however strong the weld is and the jeep can snap into half under stress.
When a manufacturing major like Mahindra and brain like Mr. Behram are behind the R&D, do not expect welded chassis on this state of the art new generation THAR.
Regards,

thank you very much Fazal. we all expect it to be a new new vehicle and not a jugaad.

and it is a new vehicle!

[SPIKE ARRESTOR]

Originally Posted by esteem_lover

While all Mahindra Jeeps 540/550/CJ3B etc have/had solid axle leaf spring suspension systems and the modern much heavier offroaders have solid axle coil spring, what made mahindra to introduce the independent front suspension in the Thar ?

From the limited off roading experience i have had, i wonder what are the reasons for M&M to opt for IFS?

Is it to strike a balance between a highway cruiser and a light offroader??

[Parm]

Originally Posted by esteem_lover

While all Mahindra Jeeps 540/550/CJ3B etc have/had solid axle leaf spring suspension systems and the modern much heavier offroaders have solid axle coil spring, what made mahindra to introduce the independent front suspension in the Thar ?

From the limited off roading experience i have had, i wonder what are the reasons for M&M to opt for IFS?

All modern day 4WD/SUVs are offered in IFS, since there is more city driving and less offroad drives by city clickers!

and these big vehicles are more of Status symbol show off vehicles.

Forturner, Montero, Range Rover, Endeavor etc are equipped with IFS, except few execptions like Nissan Patrol and Wranglers!

[offroad_maniac]

What a great day...
Today I got a chance to see Thar Adventure in real. Its the same one displayed @ the AutoExpo.
That was pretty much coincident to say the least. (sorry..as I cant disclose where & how)

It had a huge presence with those M/T Yokohama tires & wide body fenders.
In person it looked so fabulous. And one thing I would like to mention is that whatever those added plastic fenders looked like in the photos, in real they felt like made up from quality materials. Fit & finish was also good & I am not just saying that..

The body of the Thar was real solid ...just like the new Army 550, especially the rear door. Very tough & heavy duty. Can easily withstand the load of that huge spare wheel.

The Indian version may not have those RollOvers, but I wish if Mahindra can provide them at affordable price (preferably with matt black finish).

It had a real nice sound, not the usual Diesel rattle, but a more linear vromm vroom (Yeah right....offcourse its a NEF) & power was felt instantaneously. I mean I could see the person driving it was also taking it slowly & cautiosly. and after seeing it up close, I can unbderstand the 1700 KG of weight. It is possible with these high strenght materials. Just wish that same will be used in its mass production as well. (For India of course)

It was truly unbelievable & I felt real good today that I had a encounter with it even though I couldnt attend Auto Expo & wont be missing to attend the Bangalore OTR just to see the Thar that will be there.

Jai Ho

[Parm]

Originally Posted by offroad_maniac

What a great day...
=======================
It was truly unbelievable & I felt real good today that I had a encounter with it even though I couldnt attend Auto Expo & wont be missing to attend the Bangalore OTR just to see the Thar that will be there.

Jai Ho

you can post full body photos of the Thar Adventure as it was on display at Dehi AutoExpo!

[svsantosh]

Originally Posted by Parm

you can post full body photos of the Thar Adventure as it was on display at Dehi AutoExpo!

I am afraid it will reveal the place where the pics were taken... Ps - I am guessing the place involves some logistics of shipping the THAR to Bangalore for this weeks OTR... Offroad Maniac - Am i correct?

[offroad_maniac]

Originally Posted by Parm

you can post full body photos of the Thar Adventure as it was on display at Dehi AutoExpo!

Actually I dont have any other clear photos of it. My mobile's memory card got full before I can click some detailed close up pics. (Actually I was not much into clicking pics due to short time)
Any how they would be same as posted earlier from AutoExpo as its being the same Thar Adenture. Its just that I was glad to see it in person & was dully impressed.

[ex670c]

Originally Posted by esteem_lover

While all Mahindra Jeeps 540/550/CJ3B etc have/had solid axle leaf spring suspension systems and the modern much heavier offroaders have solid axle coil spring, what made mahindra to introduce the independent front suspension in the Thar ?

From the limited off roading experience i have had, i wonder what are the reasons for M&M to opt for IFS?

Hi John,

My views. Since the Target audience is the MGE Type Off-Road enthusiasts.
Users POV.
Advantages of IFS
1)Better Handling
2)Better Steering Feedback with Rack & Pinion Steering
3)Better High-Way speeds, lesser fatigue.
4)Better Dirt Road/Bad Road Handling, Speed & Comfort.

Manufacturers POV.
1)Minimal Inventory – Scorpio/Bolero STORM & Thar will use the same Front End.

2)Engineered weak link = frequent servicing depends on OTR usage
i)2 Universal Joints in the Front Axle -
ii)Rack & Pinion Steering cannot take lateral loading i.e tyre stuck in rocks and you try to steer. IIRC famous H3 Video

3)Modifications = M&M Customization
i)The IFS needs expensive lift kits to raise the suspension.
ii)So tyres cannot be very Tall i.e Heavy as the steering will get stressed
easily.
iii) Only the Manufacturer can "modify" the vehicle.

4) DIY & Shade Tree mechanics cannot do much to the IFS or Rack & Pinion Steering, or the Front Diff. so all maintenance has to go to M&M’s A.S.S.

Regards,

Arka

PS - Let see if the Indian Army opts for this vehicle.

[SPIKE ARRESTOR]

Arka, after you see the vehicle your following doubts will get cleared:-
1. Is there two universal joint in the front axle?
2. Whether suspension can be raised or not?
3. Whether larger tyres can be fitted or not?
4. Only the Manufacturer can "modify" the vehicle or not?
5. Whether DIY & Shade Tree mechanics can do anything on the IFS or Rack & Pinion Steering?
6.Should Indian army take this vehicle or not?

Spike

[Parm]

Originally Posted by SPIKE ARRESTOR

Arka, after you see the vehicle your following doubts will get cleared:-
1. Is there two universal joint in the front axle?
2. Whether suspension can be raised or not?
3. Whether larger tyres can be fitted or not?
4. Only the Manufacturer can "modify" the vehicle or not?
5. Whether DIY & Shade Tree mechanics can do anything on the IFS or Rack & Pinion Steering?
6.Should Indian army take this vehicle or not?

Spike

now thats what i call confidence on the man and the machine.

[Torque-ative]

For one the GC needs to be upped to at least 225 mm from the current 200mm.
I guess the only way to achive it in this kind of a set up would be larger tires.

Any more ideas guys !!?

[ex670c]

Originally Posted by SPIKE ARRESTOR

Arka, after you see the vehicle your following doubts will get cleared:-
1. Is there two universal joint in the front axle?
2. Whether suspension can be raised or not?
3. Whether larger tyres can be fitted or not?
4. Only the Manufacturer can "modify" the vehicle or not?
5. Whether DIY & Shade Tree mechanics can do anything on the IFS or Rack & Pinion Steering?
6.Should Indian army take this vehicle or not?

Spike

Originally Posted by Parm

now thats what i call confidence on the man and the machine.

Hi Spike,

Somehow you missed out the Rack & Pinion steering bit.

@ Parm, you sound like a new M&M Recruit.

Regards,

Arka

[Torque-ative]

Originally Posted by ex670c

@ Parm, you sound like a new M&M Recruit.

Regards,

Arka

I was wondering the same thing.
He had me convinced that he worked for them.