[sarathlal]

Tata's Safari Storme and Mahindra's Scorpio have qualified to take part in the tender for General Service 800 category Army vehicles. (vehicles with hard top and 800 kg payload with an air-conditioning option)
The army is expected to shortly invite bids to supply vehicles under a contract that could be worth as much as Rs 500 crore to Rs 750 crore.

Team-BHP discussion on Safari's Indian Army test vehicle: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/offici...ml#post3125373

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/...w/45961072.cms

[Parm]

Both Storme and Scorpio have been tested to replace the Amby and Gypsy combination for the CO vehicle.

I guess its time these home grown 4WD/SUVs are used by COs for their daily runarounds and visits to the field areas.

We had many photos of both being tested by Indian Army posted in the forum.

May be this is the real reason the more powerful Storme is being developed?

[viny2k8]

Hi Folks
Got an interesting news read for the Petrol heads from ET today...

Safari Storme, Scorpio pass army test, vie for big deal

Read more at:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/...w/45961072.cms

Extremely interesting news as it would maybe spurn a new range of Army inspired vehicles for the Tata Safari n Scoprio range, maybe?
Need to watch this space and check out the developments.

It also shows the need for a new Class & Breed of more comfortable vehicles that can tackle the rough with the soft apart from the tried, tested and ruggedly reliable Maruti Gypsy and Mahindra Commanders of yesteryears running for Army production alone.

Lets hope for a HumVee type civilian version of such vehicles minus the Armours and heavy weight.

Cheers!

[Blue Thunder]

Interesting bits of info from that news article...these vehicles qualify under a new category "GS800", while the Gypsy and MM540 qualified under GS500.

Also, the Army has recently ordered 4100 Gypsies....wow (the largest single order since 1991!)! Which means, even if the Gypsy is not available in the civilian market, those hoping to re-build their vehicles from Army auctions can look forward to continued supplies (starting from around 2020).

[aditya79india]

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

.....Which means, even if the Gypsy is not available in the civilian market.....

The Gypsy is very much available in the civilian market. Just that there are very few takers. Also offroad enthusiasts prefer Army auction + rebuild as it is overall cheaper by several lacs. Not much point buying a new piece and thrashing it over some rocks when the same fun can be had for much lesser.

[atul.sxna]

I personally loveeee the Safari and would hope that TATAs are able to bag the order. And then maybe, just maybe us mortals might get to see a refined Safari in the near future which is finally able to do full justice to its hardcore followers and then some.

[DHABHAR.BEHRAM]

Originally Posted by atul.sxna

I personally love the Safari and would hope that TATAs are able to bag the order. And then maybe, just maybe us mortals might get to see a refined Safari in the near future which is finally able to do full justice to its hardcore followers.

Dear Atul Saxena - thanks for your gracious comments above. Smiley is called for I guess! .

Dear viny2k8 - I love your comment - "need to watch this space and check out the developments. Lets hope for a HumVee type civilian version minus the armours and heavy weight" - my reaction is "thanks a million yaar"! !

Best regards,

Behram Dhabhar

[alpha1]

Wouldn't a vehicle like Xenon be better suited for Army requirements?
Ac for driver and passengers, and open rear for truck load carrying capacity (kgs might not be as important as cuft)

[narayan]

During the Republic Day parade noticed that the only Indian vehicle in both the President and Prime Minister's cavalcade was the Storme/Safari respectively. Any reason for this ? Is it that Tata Motors won some tender floated by the respective depts or specific preference given by the security establishment for these vehicles ?

The black Stormes in the President's motorcade looked awesome. The understated looks of the Storme suits such occasions which I think the Scorpio may not be able to match

[sourabhzen]

Originally Posted by narayan

During the Republic Day parade noticed that the only Indian vehicle in both the President and Prime Minister's cavalcade was the Storme/Safari respectively. Any reason for this ? Is it that Tata Motors won some tender floated by the respective depts or specific preference given by the security establishment for these vehicles ?

The black Stormes in the President's motorcade looked awesome. The understated looks of the Storme suits such occasions which I think the Scorpio may not be able to match

You are forgetting Maruti Gypsies!

Safari's are being used for quite some time now. I remember that they were in news for replacing Ambassodors when used for the first time in republic day. Also, there were few commandos who came standing on the foot-board holding the roof rail and looked awesome.

[sinharishi]

Vehicle specification of the Tata Safari Storme GS 800 4x4:

Application

• General Service vehicle for the Armed forces
• Escort Vehicle
• Staff Car
• Patrolling Vehicle

Mobility

• Tata 2.2 L Direct injection common rail Turbocharged Intercooled Diesel
Engine
• Max Engine output: 140 HP at 4000 rpm
• Max Torque: 320 Nm at 1700-2700 rpm
• Power to weight Ratio: 33 kW/ton
• Max Speed: 160 kmph
• Fording Depth: 300 mm
• Max Gradeability : 26 deg
• Min. turning circle Dia: 10.8 m
• Payload: 825 kg
• Gross Vehicle Weight: 3000 kg
• Power Steering

Fitments

• AC with 4 speed blower & multidirectional nozzles with provision for adjustable
air supply to passengers. Concealed roof A/C for rear passengers.
• Hot air type defrosting & demisting for front windshield glass
• Driver and passenger airbags
• Anti Lock Braking System
• Remote controlled central door locking with Engine Immobilizer
• Separate map reading light for front and rear passengers
• Delayed interior lightening unit (Theatre Dimming)
• Approach light
• Outside rear view mirrors with LH/RH blinkers & defroster, electrically adjustable
from inside
• Door safety lamps cum puddle lamps on doors
• Power windows on 4 side doors

Crew Capacity

• Driver + 6 Configuration
• Reclining front bucket seats with fore/aft adjustment, adjustable head rests &
lumbar support
• Middle seat for 3 persons
• Jump seats at the rear

Maintainability

• Proven, Reliable and easy to maintain indigenous TATA Aggregates
• Traditional Chassis Frame concept
• Lowest Life cycle cost
• Serviced at any of our TATA Authorised dealers/ TATA Authorised service
stations (TASS) across India
• Easy availability of Spare parts
• Common aggregates in variants for ease of Inventory and logistic Management

Source: http://tatamotors.com/pdf/defence-ex...round-note.pdf

Originally Posted by narayan

During the Republic Day parade noticed that the only Indian vehicle in both the President and Prime Minister's cavalcade was the Storme/Safari respectively.

Those are regular safaris with Jammer, not sure though.

The black Stormes in the President's motorcade looked awesome. The understated looks of the Storme suits such occasions which I think the Scorpio may not be able to match

Safari Storme leading the president's cavalcade :



Image Source : Financial Express.

[narayan]

Originally Posted by sourabhzen

You are forgetting Maruti Gypsies!

That's why I specifically mentioned PM and President's motorcade. Gypsies were part of the army parade. I dont recall seeing gypsies in the motorcades of PM/President. Were they present ?

[sourabhzen]

Originally Posted by narayan

That's why I specifically mentioned PM and President's motorcade. Gypsies were part of the army parade. I dont recall seeing gypsies in the motorcades of PM/President. Were they present ?

Yes, the Delhi Police ones towards the end of motorcades. Can be seen in picture posted by sinharishi above. Though, Stormes were too good for our attention on anything else.

P.S: I think we can see one SX4 also.

[AVR]

All this is great but how on earth do we expect our country to go to war with a vehicle which may not engage 4WD when the TIME comes?
Will the SOTF be replaced by something manual?

Cheers,
A worried Indian.

[KrishD]

Its a great endorsement for both our prime Desi manufacturers. The Indian army must have taken them through some grueling testing tracks before giving them the thumbs up!
I guess the final choice will come down to the lower bid of the two, thus translating into who's more hungry for this!

Personally i would also like the Storme to win!!