[askicode]

Source: M&M blazes into Humvee club with Axe-Automobiles-Auto-News By Industry-News-The Economic Times

India is all set to get its first high mobility multipurpose-wheeled vehicle or the Humvee, christened Mahindra Axe.

When ET pressed the company for details of the engine capacity, executives were tight-lipped. “We have designed a vehicle called the Mahindra Axe for the Indian Army as per their specifications. In due course, we will look at homologating it and getting a civilian variant of this high-powered vehicle.


This is an IPR of M&M and even the engine is indigenously developed. Two prototypes have been developed for Army testing,” said Mahindra Defence Systems CEO Khutub A Hai. Sources said that the Axe will have both open and hard-top versions, capable of mounting artillery. The Mahindra Axe has been developed by a team of designers, which includes some from abroad, Mr Hai said. “We have also imported some components from abroad.”

Auto analyst Murad Ali Baig, too, confirmed the M&M foray into the semi-amphibian Humvee. “Yes, Mahindra’s plans for a vehicle like the Humvee are on track. I believe they will look at developing a softer variant for civilian purposes. This kind of a vehicle is very heavy, consumes a large amount of fuel and is largely for off-road applications. It will have a very niche market when launched,” he said.

[theMAG]

Will the Indian Arnold Schwarzerenegger step forward to popularize this vehicle for personal use ?!

[WhiteKnight]

Originally Posted by theMAG

Will the Indian Arnold Schwarzerenegger step forward to popularize this vehicle for personal use ?!

Would you like to volunteer? You do have the personality

Quote from the article
"The commercial Hummer vends in American showrooms from $30,000 to $55,000, depending on the variant — roughly between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 22 lakh. For the commercial Axe, expect prices on similar lines. "

Now that line is surely "imagination at work- the ET way"

[madan80]

"but sources claimed that M&M has just tested a 300-400 HP engine." Just woondering which M&M Chassis would be able to handle a 300 HP engine.

[amtak]

Originally Posted by madan80

"but sources claimed that M&M has just tested a 300-400 HP engine." Just woondering which M&M Chassis would be able to handle a 300 HP engine.

Must be another Custom built model in a Scorpio platform

[sandeepmdas]

There is a picture of AXE from India Today available via Bharat Rakshak:

http://www.indiatoday.com/itoday/200...x/mahindra.jpg

BR link:
Bharat Rakshak Forum :: View topic - India's R&D in Defence DRDO, PSUs and Private Sector

[amtak]

May Be off Topic: In some post on TBHP i read that someone saw stripped down humvees, Could it be possible that he saw the Axe?

[sandeepmdas]

Originally Posted by amtak

In some post on TBHP i read that someone saw stripped down humvees, Could it be possible that he saw the Axe?

Perhaps those were the originals. The PSU BEML is working -pitching- for the same contract in which the Axe is a contender. Apparently they are in the fray with AM General Corp of USA as their partners.

It seems that the americans now have no problem in exporting the Humvee, as it is slotted for replacement (by Stryker) as it was a classic sitting duck in Iraq. The hapless former SoD Donald Rumsfeld was openly challenged by some GI's about the capabilities of the HumVee...

Lets hope M&M will win this arms race.

[directinjection]

Originally Posted by sandeepmdas

There is a picture of AXE from India Today available via Bharat Rakshak:

http://www.indiatoday.com/itoday/200...x/mahindra.jpg

BR link:
Bharat Rakshak Forum :: View topic - India's R&D in Defence DRDO, PSUs and Private Sector

From what I could make out from the low resolution pic, Axe seems to have an all-independent suspension and that's great news. All-independent 4X4 is the way to go!

OT, one of the soldiers in the pic seems to be carrying the INSAS 5.56 MM rifle. What say?

[adya33]

Fantastic M&M is sure going places.

Suddenly this thread is making more and more sense now.
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/super...-pictures.html

[Mayavi]

Originally Posted by directinjection

OT, one of the soldiers in the pic seems to be carrying the INSAS 5.56 MM rifle. What say?

That is a standard issue.

[1100D]

Looks like they finally photocopied the Humvee!!

[salilpawar1]

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...ook-alike.html

Hey check out this thread too.

[Zappo]

Hmmm. I wonder where Mahindra managed to get that 400hp engine from and then a transmission to mate that engine with, not to talk of a chassis to take all the beating. It will be a monster for sure. I seriously doubt M&Ms capabilities to have come up with such a spec all on its own.

[BUSA]

Originally Posted by Zappo

Hmmm. I wonder where Mahindra managed to get that 400hp engine from and then a transmission to mate that engine with, not to talk of a chassis to take all the beating. It will be a monster for sure. I seriously doubt M&Ms capabilities to have come up with such a spec all on its own.

The key to the engine i think is Renault, same thing which Tata Fiat are doing, Tata taking the Fiat JTD engines and providing service to Fiat cars and MnM are thinking on similar lines.