[condor]

Originally Posted by 1100D

the Sumo .. is plagued with are bad front and rear overhang. Something that can only be tackled by raising the body or bigger wheels (as in Spacio or the Army spec Sumo 4x4)

I dont have the details of the tyres on the Army spec 4x4, but the spacio had 16" - but in 185 section. These are not any bigger than what the Victa has (215/75 R15).

[1100D]

Originally Posted by condor

I dont have the details of the tyres on the Army spec 4x4, but the spacio had 16" - but in 185 section. These are not any bigger than what the Victa has (215/75 R15).

As far as I know Army 4x4 came with 7.5-16 tyres. With respect to the 215/75 tyre the sidewall height will be a bit more than 1 inch higher on the army specs and then add the 1 inch larger rim of the army spec vehicle.

[jeepster]

Yes , army sumo use 7.50x16 ndms only.

see following pics.

2009 pics
]


2012 pic

rgds,
Nikhil

[1100D]

From the pics, it appears that the articulation of the rear axle will be limited, as the wheel OD is very large and the rear wheel arch lenght might be just sufficient at the bottom, any more wheel travel, it will foul with the tapered portion of the arch.

[condor]

@1100D, I think the cladding over the wheel arches covers some of the space there.

[kg_murali]

Dear BD,

With Land Rover under Tata Motors, Is there any restrictions on Tata Motors in introducing Defender here in India ? I mean, Defender with "Made in India". So it will be with Indian labor costs & Indian material costs, with only the original blue prints from Land Rover.

The Defender 90 and Defender 110 if introduced in all its avatars, with made in India costs, can in one shot relegate many models of M&M to history and not to mention some from Tata stables also.

Regards

Murali

[DirtyDan]

Originally Posted by kg_murali

The Defender 90 and Defender 110 if introduced in all its avatars, with made in India costs, can in one shot relegate many models of M&M to history and not to mention some from Tata stables also.

Regards

Murali

I did the math. A Defender 90 would cost about 25 lakh in India based on Autralian dollar conversion of Defender 90 cost as it is in Autstalia today. They aren't going to lower their price much, if any, to sell a few in India.
Landrover won't compete with Mahindra and Tata this side of a miracle.

Handsome vehicle, the 90 be. This one's obviously a male.

[1100D]

Originally Posted by condor

@1100D, I think the cladding over the wheel arches covers some of the space there.

That could be correct.

Originally Posted by kg_murali

Dear BD,

With Land Rover under Tata Motors, The Defender 90 and Defender 110 if introduced in all its avatars, with made in India costs, can in one shot relegate many models of M&M to history and not to mention some from Tata stables also.

Regards

Murali

Defender would never come down to the Sumo/Bolero/That levels in terms of pricing.

Besides, what we seem to have here is a potential potent candidate. The best thing is its already available in terms of chassis, and even powertrain. Refer to this link

http://www.defencesolutions-tatamoto...leCategoryId=3

On the "Tata Light Armoured Vehicle (TLAV)" specifications, it says 4x4 3T 115HP.

Also hear that the Sumo 4x4 Ambulance runs 4.8 rear axle.

Relocate the Intercooler to the top of the engine, reduce front overhang, or redesign front bumper to increase angle of approach.

All they need to do is to chop off the tail to the point the rear leaf shackle will allow. Get a new lowered roof. Or go soft top, with an ability to have a folding front windscreen.

We already have our desi Rubicon selling better than expected (Thar). This will be our desi "G-wagen"!!

Definitely want to see the Army guise 4x4 available to us.

[kg_murali]

Hi All,

Why should it cost that much ?.

Since the designs and other molds etc are with Tatas, They simply need to reproduce it here in India. With Indian material cost and Indian Labor costs.

If M&M's XUV 500, designed from scratch can be affordable, why not an already designed and proven one can be "Made in India" @ lesser costs.

Regards

Murali

[1100D]

Originally Posted by kg_murali

Hi All,

Why should it cost that much ?.

Since the designs and other molds etc are with Tatas, They simply need to reproduce it here in India. With Indian material cost and Indian Labor costs.

If M&M's XUV 500, designed from scratch can be affordable, why not an already designed and proven one can be "Made in India" @ lesser costs.

Regards

Murali

But, the dies and moulds are not in India. They would still have to setup a fabrication unit. Besides the "metal" value of the defender is higher, requiring higher material costs.

However in case of this particular vehicle in question (Sumo 4x4) is already available to them in various potent forms. Most of the components are already there.

The honchos at Tata should only be capable of realising the untapped potential they already have with them, rather than pushing some hippo-like contraptions, which even the "aam junta" seems to be disinterested in putting their money on.

[DirtyDan]

Originally Posted by kg_murali

Hi All,

Why should it cost that much ?.

Since the designs and other molds etc are with Tatas, They simply need to reproduce it here in India. With Indian material cost and Indian Labor costs.

If M&M's XUV 500, designed from scratch can be affordable, why not an already designed and proven one can be "Made in India" @ lesser costs.

Regards

Murali

International customers would be screaming for equal treatment if L.R.s were sold at low prices in India. This vehicle is considered an up-market vehicle internationally, rightly or wrongly, and Tata is not going to underecut that perception by selling on the cheap in India. Not right now, anyway.

[Steeroid]

Originally Posted by kg_murali

Hi All,

Why should it cost that much ?.

1. Aluminium body.

2. Chassis is a serious piece of work in metal. Probably weighs as much as most standard cars, and is pretty much indestructible.

3. Engine from Ford (Transit), for which they will still have to pay in $$$/£££

4. Made with no compromises, hence cost not a consideration. Defenders normally outlast their owners.

5. All the reasons DirtyDan has mentioned below.

6. Relocating manufacturing for the minuscule numbers that it will do here anyway will only drive up cost. Capital is also a cost.

7. DB is working on something significantly less expensive.

[kg_murali]

Hi All,

So thats very complicated !!

Best way is to take a blue print of the Defender and do the necessary changes to Sumo. A little jugad job !! A desi avatar of Defender with Safari dicor engine with 2/3/4 door, pick up etc etc.

I am sure, the original sumo designer must have been "inspired" by defender.

OT, why would an Indian company takes over an overseas one ? I thought for their technology to be locally manufactured with Indian labor / material costs and sold every where with more % of profits !!.

I doubt it would be in minuscule numbers. As said, DB must be upto something on this

Regards

Murali

[1100D]

Originally Posted by kg_murali

Hi All,

So thats very complicated !!

Best way is to take a blue print of the Defender and do the necessary changes to Sumo. A little jugad job !! A desi avatar of Defender with Safari dicor engine with 2/3/4 door, pick up etc etc.

Refer to my post above, they already have this chasis with the powertrain

Originally Posted by 1100D

Besides, what we seem to have here is a potential potent candidate. The best thing is its already available in terms of chassis, and even powertrain. Refer to this link

http://www.defencesolutions-tatamoto...leCategoryId=3

On the "Tata Light Armoured Vehicle (TLAV)" specifications, it says 4x4 3T 115HP.


.

Posting the pic from this site.



Just need a civilian version of this with alterations to the body shell, relocation of the intercooler to the top of the engine etc

[Sutripta]

Originally Posted by 1100D

Definitely want to see the Army guise 4x4 available to us.

Looong time back Lexus motors had two pieces for sale. Possibly dumped on them by TML.

I was interested, (the Safari wouldn't fit in my garage), so they brought one over for a test drive. It looked so shopsoiled and tired that other members of the family outright refused to consider it. Maybe those are still there in some forgotten corner of Lexus's stockyard!

Regards
Sutripta