Tata readies new Tatamobile – the Xenon:
Tata Motor’s is giving final touches to its new one-tonne pickup the Sprint, which is showcased in 2006 Bologona motor show and will be launched in India soon. The Sprint is a derivative of the original Tatamobile, and the current Telcoline. Tata’s TL Sprint might be christened as Xenon when launched.
Design and Engineering:
Tata developed the new TL Sprint (Xenon) from conception and designed in just 18 months. Concept Group Consulting, a UK design consultants, designed the new Xenon. The new Xenon(TL sprint) is a body-on-frame pickup and is based on the 207’s chassis. Tata’s new TL-sprint(xenon) has a length of 5.125 meters, width of 1.86 m and height of 1.77 meters (vacuum). Xenon’s cargo space is ample (1.40 x 1.40 x 1.40 meters) can carry a payload capacity 1,000 kilograms. The TL sprint (xenon) is highly equipped and will feature power windows and seats, air conditioning, four-wheel drive, electronic change on the fly, alloy wheels, power steering,a CD player. Xenon also hosts a set of safety and security features that includes power locks with remote control, immobilizer, heating exterior mirrors, front and rear fog lamps, ABS and dual airbags. Some of these features will not be available in the indian market.
Xenon gets safari’s 2.2L engine:
Tata’s Xenon will be offered with a new 140hp, 2.2-liter DICOR engine which powers the recently launched Tata’s 2.2L Safari. The maximum torque is 320 Nm. The Xenon is coupled to a gearbox and five-speed overdrive. With this powerful engine the Xenon can reach 0-100 km / h in less than 15 seconds and capable of reaching a top speed of 160kmph.
Xenon to rival M&M getaway:
The TL Sprint imposes a point robust, more modern and Young, following the trend of the new generation of pick-ups. It reaches the customer who seeks a car practical, original and with good carrying capacity, but more concerned about their moments of leisure than with the work. Hence, the Xenon will fit into the lifestyle segment perfectly. Recently, Mahindra and Mahindra introduced india’s first lifestyle SUV the scorpio getaway in double cab version. To counter the scorpio getaway and to have an edge over the rival Tata may launch the new TL Sprint (Xenon) in two configurations — single cab and double cab with an all-wheel drive(AWD or 4WD).
more LCV’s from Tata’s arsenal
Soon after the launch of the new TL Sprint (Xenon), Tata Motors will launch its next generation 407 and 709 model that is part of its existing light commercial vehicle (LCV) range. Tata’s popular 407 was first introduced in 1986. In 2003 Tata introduced a turbo-variant (Tata SFC 407 EX Turbo). The LPT 709 model was first introduced in 1994. It was upgrade with a turbo intercooler in September 2002.
TL sprint in Thailand
Thailand is world’s 2nd largest pick-up market after United States of America(USA). After the Indian launch, Tata’s TL sprint pickup(xenon) will head in Thailand. Tata Motors had recently entered into a JV in Thailand with Thonburi Automotive Assembly to assemble and market the new TL sprint (xenon) in that country. In Thailand, the TL sprint (xenon) will be sold under the Tata brand. Tata has developed both the 2.2 litre and 3.0 litre engines for the Thai market. Tata Motors will stick to the utility function of the pickup and promote the Sprint as a workhorse as opposed to the luxury/lifestyle image of many Japanese pickups in Thailand.
Fiat’s Xenon in South America and Europe:
Fiat would assemble the Tata’s new TL Sprint (Xenon) at its plant in Cordoba, Argentina. The TL sprint (Xenon) will be badged Fiat and will be sold in Brazil and Argentina through the Fiat dealer network. Single and double cab versions of TL sprint (Xenon) will be sold with four-wheel or rear-wheel drive options. Fiat is planning to assemble around 20,000 units of TL sprint (xenon) per year. It is likely that this sprint will be a little different from the models to be introduced in India and Thailand. Yes, Fiat will sell its version of the Xenon with a Brazilian-built 134hp 2.3-liter JTD (Fiat’s common-rail diesel unit), which is used in its Ducato large van in Brazil. It will be Fiat’s first body-on-frame pickup. Fiat’s Strada front-wheel-drive pick-up has a unibody construction. Later, Fiat will introduce the TL sprint (xenon) in select European and central American markets.
TL Sprint in South Africa:
Tata may launch the TL sprint(Xenon) in South Africa too where it already sells many of its products. For the South American market TL sprint pick-up may be powered by the 3.0L , 157bhp diesel DICOR (Direct Injection Common Rail). Russia may also get the new TL sprint.