Question about Concept Cars - Tata Elegante shown at Geneva

[carCrazy25]

I have a Question regarding Concept cars.
What and How does a company gain, by showing off their concept cars??

http://autocarindia.com/new/Information.asp?id=1632

Tata Motors is showcasing its new ‘Sedan Concept’ the Elegante at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, with company chairman Ratan Tata unveiling it on March 6 (pic). This concept is based on an all new platform, which is larger than the current Tata sedan model, the Indigo. Three distinct compartments, including the powertrain, passengers and luggage combine to give this concept its classic sedan profile. According to the company it is a highly practical family car, capable of comfortably seating five passengers and has a wide track, generously sized wheels and suitably flared wheel arches.

The wide grill is an evolution of the original Indica/ Indigo theme, while the slim headlights vertically follow the lines of the engine hood and continue into the bumper. At the rear, the taillights continue the vertical design theme with optional lighting functions located in the lower bumper. The trailing edge of the trunk lid which creates a spoiler effect; the exhaust tailpipes which exit through the bumper; and the ample airflow passages in the lower bumper continue the understated sporty image.

The Tata Sedan Concept is conceptualized to incorporate 4 cylinder transverse petrol and diesel engines from 1.4 litres to 2 litres and a compact V6 petrol power unit. Common rail direct injection turbo diesel engines with variable valve timing and the ability to meet Euro V emissions norms will also be available. Power varies from 90 to 200 bhp with transmission options including 6 speed manual and automatic gearboxes. Besides meeting all European safety and crash-worthiness requirements, the Tata Sedan Concept’s also has satellite navigation, cruise control, integrated blue tooth compatibility, heated mirrors, rain sensors and front and rear parking sensors.

[salilpawar1]

What and How does a company gain, by showing off their concept cars??

In general, It is basically a display of the company's abilities and indicator of what models it might launch in the future....

It is similar to the ARMS RACE, taking place between warring countries. Everyday, we hear new missiles being tested but very few of them are put to use...(which is actually good)

[sreedotk]

By showing off concepts the tata can acheive a few things.

1. A design direction that they intend to take. (Case when tata showed the Magna concept not many Journos and Insustry people liked the styling it was deemed boring and not stylish enough). It makes it easy to gain company knowledge if it would work.

2. Technology demostrator. It shows that the company is technically capable of executing and designing an automobile completely gaining respect. Most Car magazines world over will see the Elegante concept and it is kind of free publicity for the Company.

3. Geneva and Bologna show for Tata is important as these shows are basis of the European market and it shows tata wants to succeed in these markets

4. A side part of all these shows is a chance to enter into agreements with local companies . Like Dealers, Collaborators, Tech expertise etc

[iraghava]

Well three things:

Publicity, User Opinions on future design direction & Showing off what they would like the public to believe they can achieve.

[abdul 65 amg]

is there any pictures of the interior?I would like to see some of them.

Tata wants to show to Europeans that an Indian company can and have the abilities to build a true modern car which can go in the battle.

[MaserQ]

Tata has certainly come out with interesting concept cars over the years. While it has given them good publicity at an international level, these designs hardly seem to make it into production or take years to do so.

The elegante looks great, just like other concept cars from Tata -Aria/Indiva. I do hope these designs will make it into production in some form. (2012 ?!)

Tata should consider making the Aria on the next indica platform in small numbers. This niche product would be india's very own sports car, with a little help from Fiat/Alfa Romeo. Maybe even a Tata sports division ala AMG/M/Type R...wishful thinking, but hey no harm in dreaming!

[askicode]

Source: Inside Line: 2007 Geneva Auto Show - Tata Elegante

The production version of the Elegante, which is not as elegant as its name suggests, will be introduced later this year as a sedan, to be followed by a hatch. These models will be bigger than their predecessors.

Tata is now trying to widen its portfolio. In addition to the Indigo/Indica line, there are various off-roaders and pickup trucks, including the minuscule 1-ton Ace, which has been a runaway success in rural India.

[theMAG]

Its all about image selling. Else the public will fail to recognize the manufacturer as a potent or even a serious one. Try imagining a Lada to highlight this thought.

[Equus]

Originally Posted by theMAG

Its all about image selling. Else the public will fail to recognize the manufacturer as a potent or even a serious one. Try imagining a Lada to highlight this thought.

Largely, yes.

But isnt it very cool to see a Tata with this. And it confirms they do have their RnD folks who are thinking beyond the 2008 Indica!

[Ram]

Friends:

What would be a logical upgrade from the Baleno and OHC?

The ungainly SUV X-over 4 (SX4). Certainly not!
The Indigo XL. Nope!
Fit Aria/NHC? Yuck!

It would have to be low slung, sleek, long, wide with a low coefficient of drag, race-track tested for handling and contain all the latest electronics that we design in India and export to the developed world. And of course proudly designed and made in India.

What about the soon-to-launch Tata Elegante?



Powertrain options:

Petrol:
Transversely mounted 4-cylinder engines
from 1.4 litre displacement to 2 litre displacement
plus a small V6 petrol engine.

Diesel:
CRDi turbo diesel engines with variable valve timing compliant with Euro 5 emission norms.

BHP: 90 to 200 bhp
Torque upto 280 Nm.
Transmission: 6 speed manual and automatic

Features:
Meeting all European safety, crash-worthiness and emission standards.
GPS navigation, cruise control, integrated blue tooth, rain sensor, front and rear parking sensors, anti-condensation electrically heated mirrors.

Ram

[sivadas]

Originally Posted by ram

Friends:

What would be a logical upgrade from the Baleno and OHC?

It would have to be low slung, sleek, long, wide with a low coefficient of drag, race-track tested for handling and contain all the latest electronics that we design in India and export to the developed world. And of course proudly designed and made in India.

What about the soon-to-launch Tata Elegante?

Ram

If you really want to 'upgrade', it is Civic for sure. I you meant replacement from the same segment, I am not sure, but not the tata one. That looks so bulky, side view is good though.

[esteem_lover]

I think this pic was put up a long time ago too. But when is this going to be launched ? It looks gross & ugly, IMO. would pick the SX4 instead.

[tsk1979]

Note from mod: Threads merged

[safari_lover]

Originally Posted by MaserQ

Tata has certainly come out with interesting concept cars over the years. While it has given them good publicity at an international level, these designs hardly seem to make it into production or take years to do so.

The elegante looks great, just like other concept cars from Tata -Aria/Indiva. I do hope these designs will make it into production in some form. (2012 ?!)

Tata should consider making the Aria on the next indica platform in small numbers. This niche product would be india's very own sports car, with a little help from Fiat/Alfa Romeo. Maybe even a Tata sports division ala AMG/M/Type R...wishful thinking, but hey no harm in dreaming!

I second that. Tata should try and come out with the production of this concept, at least in small numbers to begin with.
By the way 2012 is not bad for me, as I will be out of college this year end, and 4 years of savings will enable me to go for this beauty if and when launched.

Now this is a dream which Ratan Tata can make come true, Mr. Tata r u listening?