Tata to launch race/rally ready Indica

oversteer · 5th January 2008, 14:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by khaadu75

Even the latest advertisement for the Swift being aired on channels has them PROUDLY claim that the suspension is a ' rally suspension ' . Why they harp on it as a Rally Suspension has me confused and if they think it is based on Rallies why not get the car homologated ??? The men at the top in Marui seem to be in a confused state of affairs .

Is the Swift really not homologated? We've been discussing a Swift completing the Raid last year (see this post). Sorry for the OT, but (1) is homologation for the Raid different from for the INRC? and (2) does the onus for homologation lie with the manufacturer or can a privateer do it (not sure)? ...and consequently (3) is this Indica homologated for the INRC 1400 CC this year or is it going to have a [possibly TATA-sponsored] class of its own?

furioussenna · 10th January 2008, 15:46

Looks like this Indica Indica is gonna make baleno drivers wet their seats everytime they're on track. I was at the Coimby track when this car was launched and i can tell you one thing, it's so much faster through the corners when compared to the balenos and the fords. Why think about Swifts when this Gp N Indica is way faster than regular 1400 esteems.

Oh and i heard that Car India magazine Editor guy telling someone that the car is perfect for the track, no handling issues whatsoever!!!

speedfreak7116 · 13th January 2008, 02:49

Furioussenna there's no catching the MRF Fiestas. Even though the Indica looked fast MRF says it can do a max of 1:20s whereas the Fiestas do 1:17s every lap.. Thats 3 seconds quicker every lap...

Balenos will handle better since they're not hatchbacks.. you would have seen Nawaz's Baleno.. She started last and finished 1st.. Does'nt that answer your question?

ananthkamath · 13th January 2008, 09:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedfreak7116

Balenos will handle better since they're not hatchbacks..

you would have seen Nawaz's Baleno.. She started last and finished 1st.. Does'nt that answer your question?

Both these statements are arbitrary and completely fail to make any sense whatsoever.

The first is completely inane.

The second does not remove the driver from the equation. Give Nawaz the Indica and then see if your statement holds true.

renamo · 14th January 2008, 16:19

do they allow test drives? Is it available in bangalore?

What if someone already has Petrol indica, do they upgrade it to this specs?

furioussenna · 17th January 2008, 11:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedfreak7116

Furioussenna there's no catching the MRF Fiestas. Even though the Indica looked fast MRF says it can do a max of 1:20s whereas the Fiestas do 1:17s every lap.. Thats 3 seconds quicker every lap...

Balenos will handle better since they're not hatchbacks.. you would have seen Nawaz's Baleno.. She started last and finished 1st.. Does'nt that answer your question?

Let me help you get your facts right.

1. J Anand said " the car can do 1:20s with ease".

2. The shape of a car is not the only criteria considered to determine its handling capabilities around a track. I don't want to give you engineering lectures on vehicle dynamics, don't force me to.

3.Navaz's drive from last on the grid to the top of the podium doesn't explain anything here, that's just superior driving.

madan80 · 29th January 2008, 15:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by oversteer

Is the Swift really not homologated? We've been discussing a Swift completing the Raid last year (see this post). Sorry for the OT, but (1) is homologation for the Raid different from for the INRC? and (2) does the onus for homologation lie with the manufacturer or can a privateer do it (not sure)? ...and consequently (3) is this Indica homologated for the INRC 1400 CC this year or is it going to have a [possibly TATA-sponsored] class of its own?

The raid has 2 classes- X-Treme and Reliability
The reliability is open to any car. but no modifications are allowed other than raising suspension to a specified level and adding a sump guard. We have a member (t-bhpian) who competed in a stock wagonR.
However, the X-Treme allows only rally prepared cars to compete, so you need roll cage etc.

madan80 · 28th February 2008, 13:48

Bump - any idea if these babies are out as yet?

salilpawar1 · 21st September 2008, 13:39

BUMP! It's about seven months now and still haven't heard about the car anywhere. Was the project shelved by any chance???

Mpower · 21st September 2008, 18:20

I think so. It was more of a pet project of the ousted ex-CEO.

GTO · 22nd September 2008, 14:38

Or they focussed their energies on a commercially viable product : The Vista.

greenhorn · 22nd September 2008, 14:43

and not just this, what happened to the move to add ABS across the range.

tsk1979 · 22nd September 2008, 16:12

Due to Vista mania, and Nano circus, all the good things came to an end.
Shareholders won the battle against enthusiasts I guess!
Tata already has a 100bhp engine in house.(1.4L 16V) which does duty in petrol XL.
Plonk that in indica, stiffen the suspension, and you have a hot hatch.
With independent suspension all around, making the indica a handlers dream is not really difficult, just stiffning and wider tires will do.
Tata can fill the void left in the hot hatch segment.

PAVAN KADAM · 22nd September 2008, 17:08

Guys,

Found this on Google

Don't be misled into complacence by the Silhouette's smiling grille - this is the kind of dog that barks loudly and mauls harder

BAD TO THE BONE Don't miss the flared wheel arches, the aero bits, massive rubber and dual-twin tailpipes... yes, it gets meaner inside!
If one were to associate cars with David and Goliath, the latter would probably translate into something like the `move over mousy, I'm coming through' Pagani Zonda or the unpronounceable Koenigsegg - rear-wheel driven and with the unsubtle, ham-handed wallop of a massive, aft-positioned engine. David, on the other hand, would probably come loaded with the humble virtues of a family econobox - munching on meagre leaves for lunch and generally pottering about town with a `that nice shepherd boy from next door' disposition throughout his lifetime.
David won the first battle easily enough - with a crude sling, a stone and a bit of foolhardy luck, but he's itching for Round II and is definitely prepared today. And he's been working on it quietly, ignoring the old-fashioned Bullworker, which provides beefy arms and a big chest, but leaves the package standing on a pair of spindly, knock-kneed legs. A stint with the automotive equivalent of VLCC - J Anand's Jayem Auto in Coimbatore has instead added meaningful muscle where it never was - and that means practically everywhere.

This here, ladies and gentlemen, is the Indica Silhouette, our David in the fight for brawny supremacy. Some of you who visited the Auto Expo in Delhi earlier this year would have probably seen it at the Tata stall, but for the rest of you, let me tell you, this is the kind of package that could easily upstage my personal favourite dream machine - that little big supercar, the fearsome Renault Clio V6 hatch.
Though it looks in many ways like the ubiquitous Indica, this is not the kind of object you would want claiming temporary tenancy of your rear view mirrors, no matter how temporary - it is a car whose keys you'd itch to be thrown to you. Don't be misled into complacence by the Silhouette's smiley grille - this is the kind of dog that barks loudly and mauls harder. Massive, flared wheel arches accommodate extra-wide rubber and add beefy girth to the visual package. A chin spoiler, replete with winglets, an underbody, matte-black diffuser and a tray roof-spoiler behind regulate airflow over and below the car. Needless to say, the floorpan and flanks of the car have been extensively reworked too, though visually at least; the four-door configuration of the original family hatch has been retained.

There's more... The rear seats don't open to that familiar sofa-like seat - what you jaw drops to is a massive, all-alloy racing engine, and all 3500cc of it, with over 320 bhp on tap. This lump, along with its mountings, acts as a stressed member to the chassis and provides added torsional stiffness to cope with gut-wrenching extra power and the hardcore driving style that is duly expected of one behind the wheel. The engine is no slouch either - its antecedents are impressive indeed - it was originally developed by Renault in collaboration with Nismo (remember the Nissan Skyline GT-R?), adapted for competition and features a semi-dry sump. Translating its magic into rear wheel motive force is a six-speed sequential gearbox with steering mounted paddle-shifters - the electronics that make this work comes from Coimbatore and not from abroad, as does the beautifully crafted, chrome moly spaceframe that spider-webs the car's interiors.
What's left of the space behind won't accommodate a couple of suitcases either - in the boot are horizontally-laid dampers and pushrod-activated double wishbones made of lightweight aluminium - a sight that will look pretty much at home in an F1 car. Additionally, a limited slip diff and six-piston calliper Brembo discs complete the package, along with a funky, `Back to the Future' digital instrument cluster on the dash, Sparco seats and racing pedals.
The Silhouette actually has an interesting background. J Anand, in collaboration with French race car manufacturer, Solution F, actually builds a similar car with a strap-on fibreglass body of the Renault Megane for the French Supertourismé series. Among other cars that take part in this series, are the new Opel Astra and the Fiat Punto - all these cars are mechanical and structural photocopies under the skin. And since Tata might compete in the series to bolster the image of the Indica in Europe, senior vice president, Rajiv Dube was interested in what Jayem had to offer - the 850 kg Indica Silhouette. And yes, in case I forgot to mention it, this machine reportedly can turn out better laps than the Porsche GT3 on some of the race tracks in Europe - move over, Goliath! Needless to say, we're interested too - how about we take the Silhouette on a track-day outing, Tata, pretty please?

TECHNICAL DATA INDICA SILHOUETTE
How much? ---Not on sale
How big? --Kerb weight: 850 kg
Engine Layout: 3498cc V6, petrol
Max power: 320+ bhp
Installation: Rear mounted, rear wheel drive
Performance
Top speed: 220 kph+ (estimated)
Fuel economy: Does it really matter?
Brakes
Front: 6 calliper vented disc
Rear: 4 calliper vented disc

Delicious is'nt it.

salilpawar1 · 22nd September 2008, 18:38

Pavan, the Silhouette is a much different car. It just LOOKS like an Indica. That's where the similarity starts and ends.

10th January 2008, 15:46	#77
furioussenna Newbie Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Coimbatore Posts: 16 Thanked: 18 Times	Looks like this Indica Indica is gonna make baleno drivers wet their seats everytime they're on track. I was at the Coimby track when this car was launched and i can tell you one thing, it's so much faster through the corners when compared to the balenos and the fords. Why think about Swifts when this Gp N Indica is way faster than regular 1400 esteems. Oh and i heard that Car India magazine Editor guy telling someone that the car is perfect for the track, no handling issues whatsoever!!!
	() Thanks

13th January 2008, 02:49	#78
speedfreak7116 BHPian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 215 Thanked: 23 Times	Furioussenna there's no catching the MRF Fiestas. Even though the Indica looked fast MRF says it can do a max of 1:20s whereas the Fiestas do 1:17s every lap.. Thats 3 seconds quicker every lap... Balenos will handle better since they're not hatchbacks.. you would have seen Nawaz's Baleno.. She started last and finished 1st.. Does'nt that answer your question?
	() Thanks

14th January 2008, 16:19	#80
renamo BHPian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: bangalore Posts: 85 Thanked: 5 Times	do they allow test drives? Is it available in bangalore? What if someone already has Petrol indica, do they upgrade it to this specs?
	() Thanks

28th February 2008, 13:48	#83
madan80 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Santa Clara, CA Posts: 1,360 Thanked: 80 Times View My Garage	Bump - any idea if these babies are out as yet?
	() Thanks

21st September 2008, 13:39	#84
salilpawar1 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mumbai (MH-01) Posts: 852 Thanked: 247 Times View My Garage	BUMP! It's about seven months now and still haven't heard about the car anywhere. Was the project shelved by any chance???
	() Thanks

21st September 2008, 18:20	#85
Mpower Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 10,409 Thanked: 1,729 Times View My Garage	I think so. It was more of a pet project of the ousted ex-CEO. Last edited by Mpower : 22nd September 2008 at 21:58.
	() Thanks

22nd September 2008, 14:38	#86
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,499 Thanked: 300,309 Times View My Garage	Or they focussed their energies on a commercially viable product : The Vista.
	() Thanks

22nd September 2008, 14:43	#87
greenhorn Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: KL-01 Posts: 7,744 Thanked: 4,387 Times View My Garage	and not just this, what happened to the move to add ABS across the range.
	() Thanks

22nd September 2008, 16:12	#88
tsk1979 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 23,717 Thanked: 22,823 Times View My Garage	Due to Vista mania, and Nano circus, all the good things came to an end. Shareholders won the battle against enthusiasts I guess! Tata already has a 100bhp engine in house.(1.4L 16V) which does duty in petrol XL. Plonk that in indica, stiffen the suspension, and you have a hot hatch. With independent suspension all around, making the indica a handlers dream is not really difficult, just stiffning and wider tires will do. Tata can fill the void left in the hot hatch segment. Last edited by tsk1979 : 22nd September 2008 at 16:13.
	() Thanks

22nd September 2008, 17:08	#89
PAVAN KADAM BANNED Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: NAMMA BENGALURU Posts: 5,602 Thanked: 2,549 Times	Guys, Found this on Google Don't be misled into complacence by the Silhouette's smiling grille - this is the kind of dog that barks loudly and mauls harder BAD TO THE BONE Don't miss the flared wheel arches, the aero bits, massive rubber and dual-twin tailpipes... yes, it gets meaner inside! If one were to associate cars with David and Goliath, the latter would probably translate into something like the `move over mousy, I'm coming through' Pagani Zonda or the unpronounceable Koenigsegg - rear-wheel driven and with the unsubtle, ham-handed wallop of a massive, aft-positioned engine. David, on the other hand, would probably come loaded with the humble virtues of a family econobox - munching on meagre leaves for lunch and generally pottering about town with a `that nice shepherd boy from next door' disposition throughout his lifetime. David won the first battle easily enough - with a crude sling, a stone and a bit of foolhardy luck, but he's itching for Round II and is definitely prepared today. And he's been working on it quietly, ignoring the old-fashioned Bullworker, which provides beefy arms and a big chest, but leaves the package standing on a pair of spindly, knock-kneed legs. A stint with the automotive equivalent of VLCC - J Anand's Jayem Auto in Coimbatore has instead added meaningful muscle where it never was - and that means practically everywhere. This here, ladies and gentlemen, is the Indica Silhouette, our David in the fight for brawny supremacy. Some of you who visited the Auto Expo in Delhi earlier this year would have probably seen it at the Tata stall, but for the rest of you, let me tell you, this is the kind of package that could easily upstage my personal favourite dream machine - that little big supercar, the fearsome Renault Clio V6 hatch. Though it looks in many ways like the ubiquitous Indica, this is not the kind of object you would want claiming temporary tenancy of your rear view mirrors, no matter how temporary - it is a car whose keys you'd itch to be thrown to you. Don't be misled into complacence by the Silhouette's smiley grille - this is the kind of dog that barks loudly and mauls harder. Massive, flared wheel arches accommodate extra-wide rubber and add beefy girth to the visual package. A chin spoiler, replete with winglets, an underbody, matte-black diffuser and a tray roof-spoiler behind regulate airflow over and below the car. Needless to say, the floorpan and flanks of the car have been extensively reworked too, though visually at least; the four-door configuration of the original family hatch has been retained. There's more... The rear seats don't open to that familiar sofa-like seat - what you jaw drops to is a massive, all-alloy racing engine, and all 3500cc of it, with over 320 bhp on tap. This lump, along with its mountings, acts as a stressed member to the chassis and provides added torsional stiffness to cope with gut-wrenching extra power and the hardcore driving style that is duly expected of one behind the wheel. The engine is no slouch either - its antecedents are impressive indeed - it was originally developed by Renault in collaboration with Nismo (remember the Nissan Skyline GT-R?), adapted for competition and features a semi-dry sump. Translating its magic into rear wheel motive force is a six-speed sequential gearbox with steering mounted paddle-shifters - the electronics that make this work comes from Coimbatore and not from abroad, as does the beautifully crafted, chrome moly spaceframe that spider-webs the car's interiors. What's left of the space behind won't accommodate a couple of suitcases either - in the boot are horizontally-laid dampers and pushrod-activated double wishbones made of lightweight aluminium - a sight that will look pretty much at home in an F1 car. Additionally, a limited slip diff and six-piston calliper Brembo discs complete the package, along with a funky, `Back to the Future' digital instrument cluster on the dash, Sparco seats and racing pedals. The Silhouette actually has an interesting background. J Anand, in collaboration with French race car manufacturer, Solution F, actually builds a similar car with a strap-on fibreglass body of the Renault Megane for the French Supertourismé series. Among other cars that take part in this series, are the new Opel Astra and the Fiat Punto - all these cars are mechanical and structural photocopies under the skin. And since Tata might compete in the series to bolster the image of the Indica in Europe, senior vice president, Rajiv Dube was interested in what Jayem had to offer - the 850 kg Indica Silhouette. And yes, in case I forgot to mention it, this machine reportedly can turn out better laps than the Porsche GT3 on some of the race tracks in Europe - move over, Goliath! Needless to say, we're interested too - how about we take the Silhouette on a track-day outing, Tata, pretty please? TECHNICAL DATA INDICA SILHOUETTE How much? ---Not on sale How big? --Kerb weight: 850 kg Engine Layout: 3498cc V6, petrol Max power: 320+ bhp Installation: Rear mounted, rear wheel drive Performance Top speed: 220 kph+ (estimated) Fuel economy: Does it really matter? Brakes Front: 6 calliper vented disc Rear: 4 calliper vented disc Delicious is'nt it. Last edited by PAVAN KADAM : 22nd September 2008 at 17:10.
	() Thanks

22nd September 2008, 18:38	#90
salilpawar1 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mumbai (MH-01) Posts: 852 Thanked: 247 Times View My Garage	Pavan, the Silhouette is a much different car. It just LOOKS like an Indica. That's where the similarity starts and ends.
	() Thanks