[amrisharm]

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

The pics on this thread are a major refresh. Please take some time and read the thread from the beginning and it will be clear to your. What I mean by all new platform is not the same safari with changes in interior, bumper, headlights etc. By new Safari, I mean all new platform, chasis, body, etc.. similar to the Aria.

Originally Posted by airbender

If the pics are for a major refresh why does the title say Next Generation Safari. Next generation/new platform is not making cosmetic changes. If what you say is right then we should change the title of the thread.

I have to concede I didnot read the complete thread.

TATA has invested a lot of money on this new ARIA platform and they would have justified it by keeping in mind future products including the next generation tata safari.

So even though the pictures on this thread looks like just a refreshed tata safari, rest assured a new 4x4 from tata is on the cards. But nobody knows when or if it will replace the current safari or co-exist.

http://motoroids.com/tag/2012-tata-safari-scoop-pics

[4x4addict]

@amishram:

The spy pics you see on motoroids is the refreshed version we are talking about and not an all new platform. This is pretty much the same safari with cosmetic changes. The all new platform is years away.

[condor]

If the pics on Motoroids are the refreshed 2011 version, gooood. I'll still have hopes of a smarter looking Safari, than one that reminds of a ANHC. The headlights dont gel. Atleast from what the pic shows.

[the VTEC guy]

Originally Posted by amrisharm

So even though the pictures on this thread looks like just a refreshed tata safari, rest assured a new 4x4 from tata is on the cards. But nobody knows when or if it will replace the current safari or co-exist.

2012 Tata Safari Scoop Pics | Motoroids

Looks like an insider job with a cell phone. Lot of editing to avoid disclosure of location. neverthless good for us for some preview

[airbender]

Tata is working on new premium SUV on the Aria platform. This could be the next generation Safari.

Source: Tata to launch three utility vehicles by next year - Corporate News - livemint.com

[aslambhai]

Originally Posted by airbender

Tata is working on new premium SUV on the Aria platform. This could be the next generation Safari.

Source: Tata to launch three utility vehicles by next year - Corporate News - livemint.com

Members through internal sources have confirmed that Next generation Safari isn't even on drawing boards yet, but this piece claims that it would be launched next year. I am a bit confused here.

Newer/refresh version of Safari should be what we have been seeing. The one with "Land Rover"ish front end.

[directinjection]

Originally Posted by teamveevee

I think it is part of Tatas strategy, not to invest heavily in engine technologies. Cummins in case of Heavy Vehicles and Fiat in case of Passenger cars [Ford in case of JLR]. It makes sense considering the investment required to develop an engine. Customer also benefit, as they always get a proven engine. TM, could concentrate on other aspects and overall product and service, leaving the engines to their partners who are specialist at that. So far, this worked well for Heavy vehicles...

Although it makes practical sense using proven engines developed by reputed international manufacturers, it is a matter of pride and prestige if you develop and use your own engines. Tata needs to work in that direction if it wants to earn respect as a serious international auto manufacturer. Would Mercedes Benz or Toyota ever use engines designed/made by others? I doubt. Tata has been making diesel engines for over 50 years and I find it unacceptable that it should still be dependent on foreign engine technology. Although it requires R&D investment to develop your own engines, you also benefit by not having to pay royalty to the foreign manufacturer/designer. You can also license your engine technology to others and earn your own royalty. So the economic argument against developing indigenous technology doesn't hold true, in my opinion.

[teamveevee]

Originally Posted by directinjection

Although it makes practical sense using proven engines developed by reputed international manufacturers, it is a matter of pride and prestige if you develop and use your own engines. Tata needs to work in that direction if it wants to earn respect as a serious international auto manufacturer. Would Mercedes Benz or Toyota ever use engines designed/made by others? I doubt. Tata has been making diesel engines for over 50 years and I find it unacceptable that it should still be dependent on foreign engine technology. Although it requires R&D investment to develop your own engines, you also benefit by not having to pay royalty to the foreign manufacturer/designer. You can also license your engine technology to others and earn your own royalty. So the economic argument against developing indigenous technology doesn't hold true, in my opinion.

I totally agree with you on everything you said. But if TM (a publicly company) got Rs X R&D budget, how wisely they could spend it? Right now Tata needs more products in their showrooms to compete with Multinationals. A small SUV (Smaller than Sumo), a premium car(larger than Manza), a Mini Van etc. Companies like Toyota got platforms and a large variety of vehicles sold across the world. In my personal opinion, this could be a interim strategy.
For the partnerships, i think MB got more partnerships than any one else, They associate with Mitsubishi, Renault and even Hyndai for country specific products with out diluting their core brand's value.

[gshanky]

Originally Posted by directinjection

Although it makes practical sense using proven engines developed by reputed international manufacturers, it is a matter of pride and prestige if you develop and use your own engines. Tata needs to work in that direction if it wants to earn respect as a serious international auto manufacturer. Would Mercedes Benz or Toyota ever use engines designed/made by others? I doubt. Tata has been making diesel engines for over 50 years and I find it unacceptable that it should still be dependent on foreign engine technology. Although it requires R&D investment to develop your own engines, you also benefit by not having to pay royalty to the foreign manufacturer/designer. You can also license your engine technology to others and earn your own royalty. So the economic argument against developing indigenous technology doesn't hold true, in my opinion.

As you yourself said, everything would be done based on the cost benefit ratio and competition.

Hypothetically speaking if chevy BEAT were to reduce the price by a lakh, then Indica VISTA could not compete directly due to royalty paid to FIAT. In that case TML would be more interested in developing in house.

However IMO TML has started looking into developing engines for their JLR division since Ford may start charging premium for additional engines that are beyond what was agreed upon, TML would first start developing engines for the JLR division.

[mercedised]

Guys, please check this link and post the truth behind it:

Tata Motors' new Safari coming January 2011 | Indian Autos blog

Thanks.

[DicKy]

Originally Posted by mercedised

Guys, please check this link and post the truth behind it:

Tata Motors' new Safari coming January 2011 | Indian Autos blog

Thanks.

This is just a poor photo shop job, merging a fortuner/endeavour nose with the current safari.

[kailashnj]

You are right - that is not the new safari.

[ranc]

Originally Posted by DicKy

This is just a poor photo shop job, merging a fortuner/endeavour nose with the current safari.

SRK is a much capable designer may be this is not one of his best designs but this is his perception of what the new Safari will look like. It is for sure not a Tata motors design.

[parsh]

Looks like SRK's not so good imagination. Hope you guys had a look at the BSM's April 12, 2010 article link below (the link itself doesn't work all the time, so try again if it doesn't turn up)

Spied! 2011 Tata Safari

and its photos from the above article as I have attached herewith

[konjaril]

Hi guys, just wanted to add that i had been to tata in pune last month for some design work and saw the test mule of the safari up close. Well one thing is for sure guys the headlamps are just for practical purpose and nothing else..i took a peek in the interiors and it looked like the same old dashboard of the safari . Although very poorly put.

Someone earlier stated that the new safari is not even made it to the drawing boards, I somehow strongly agree that this test mule is only for mechanical testing and i couldnt see any design cues on the mule (from what i could guess as i tried running my hand through the front fener,it felt like a very flat panel put on it) .Although the mule did appear significantly taller than the safari. Just my opinion

i saw some really cool cars (read hatchbacks and suvs)being parked for reverse engineering there at the plant.i just couldnt bilieve it. i hope someone from tata doesnt read this and shoot me.