[GTO]

High Points:

- The Maini Group (of Reva fame) announces the launch of the TOMCAR in India. The announcement was made during the ongoing DEFEXPO 2012 (held in New Delhi).

- The Tomcar is a military grade, high-performance all terrain vehicle originally designed for military and border patrol use.

- Maini Group acquired a majority stake in Tomcar, a Company based in Israel and engaged in the design and manufacture of high performance off road vehicles.

- “With the Indian Defence, Paramilitary and Homeland Security scouting aggressively for All Terrain Vehicles, we intend to promote Tomcar amongst them as part of their modernization drive.” said Sandeep Maini, Chairman of Maini Group.

- Tomcar is deployed by the Israeli Military, the US Customs & Border Patrol and the British Army in Afghanistan. Tomcar has been customized for the military and border forces to carry Heavy Machine Guns, Anti-tank guided missile launchers and Automatic Grenade Launchers with a winch for self-recovery. Tomcar has an option of being customized for both armoured and unmanned versions. Tomcar is also air transportable and para-droppable.

Technical Information:

- For all it's offroad capability, the Tomcat is a RWD only!! I wish it were available with a 4x4 system, as that would have exponentially increased its offroad prowess.

- Available in 2 or 4 seater models.

- 1.0L Petrol engine or a 1.4L Diesel engine.

- CVT (Automatic) transmission.

- 15 inches of Ground clearance!!

- Rear swing arms permit 13 inches of travel.

- Lockable diff.

- High / Low transfer case.

- 4 point safety harness for occupants.

- Kerb weight = 692 kg (2 seater) and 826 kg (4 seater)

[joecherian]

Tomcar website lists Bangalore Maini address for inquiries from India

TOMCAR - How to Contact Us

[dhanushs]

Originally Posted by GTO

- For all it's offroad capability, the Tomcat is a RWD only!! I wish it were available with a 4x4 system, as that would have exponentially increased its offroad prowess.
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- Rear swing arms permit 13 inches of travel.

- Lockable diff.

Hi,

Any info on how the rear wheels are driven, and the differential locked? These kind of articulation should mean a chain drive?

[SmartCat]

The Special Forces of the US Army uses toys like these in Afghanistan. But I'd be really surprised if they manage to make a sale to the Indian armed forces or BSF.

However, ATV scene is really hotting up. Harison Motors is advertising aggressively in print media while Polaris (NYSE listed $5 billion market cap company) is going a step ahead and advertising on Television too. Polaris India actually plans to hit $100 million in revenues in the next few years. However, the prices are insane - the 4 wheeled 2 seater ATV with steering wheel costs Rs. 10 Lacs ex-showroom! But Polaris is so serious about India that they plan to setup an assembly plant here to bring the prices down.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by dhanushs

These kind of articulation should mean a chain drive?

Yep, it's a chain-driven swingarm.

Originally Posted by smartcat

However, ATV scene is really hotting up.

I have apprehensions over the success of ATVs in India, especially for the leisure sector. For one, they are not road-legal. How are you going to transport them to the rough? Second, how many people have the inclination to venture out in the rough here? Third, keeping in mind how premium parking space is, where will you store your ATV? Lastly, it is just an expensive, impractical passion. Wouldn't you rather buy a Thar / Gypsy that you can use on-road and off it, while carrying your family along for the fun?

[jyobeb]

My Tomcars! A diesel and a Petrol

[Ragul]

I don’t get it. How is it so capable on just RWD and without 4wd?

[WorkingGuru]

Originally Posted by Ragul

I don’t get it. How is it so capable on just RWD and without 4wd?

I guess low kerb weight. Because it doesn't need to be a mountain goat, RWD + rear engine would mostly suffice in terms of tractability as a capable off-roader through varied terrains.

[jyobeb]

Originally Posted by Ragul

I don’t get it. How is it so capable on just RWD and without 4wd?

It has portal axles, high and low range as well as differential locks.