Mahindra Design Patents : Thar.e. & Scorpio-N Global Pikup

Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra has filed design patents for two new vehicles – the Thar.e. and Scorpio-N Global Pikup. These filings provide an early glimpse into Mahindra’s future product plans and expansion into new segments.

Thar.e. – An Electric Thar SUV

The Thar.e. appears to be an all-electric version of Mahindra’s popular Thar SUV. Launched in 2020, the Thar is a modern incarnation of Mahindra’s classic off-roader with retro-inspired styling. The Thar has been a strong seller for Mahindra, appealing to lifestyle buyers looking for a rugged SUV.

The patent images reveal an EV version that retains the signature boxy silhouette and retro design cues of the Thar, while incorporating some changes. The front grille is closed off and the headlamps are redesigned. The charging port is located on the front left fender. The tail lamps are also tweaked and overall, the Thar.e. has a more futuristic look compared to its fossil-fuel sibling.

Mahindra has announced plans to launch five new electric SUVs over the next few years. The electric Thar could be one of those models, aimed at tapping into the lifestyle SUV buyer’s growing preference for zero-emission vehicles. It will likely share its platform and electric powertrain with the upcoming XUV400, Mahindra’s first electric SUV due for launch in 2023.

The electric Thar is expected to offer features like –

All-electric range of around 300km
Fast charging capability
All-wheel drive capability carried over from the ICE Thar
Modern connected car technology
Recycled/sustainable interior materials in-line with its environmentally friendly positioning

Pricing will likely be at a premium over the standard Thar given the higher costs associated with EV powertrains. But the electric Thar.e. should still appeal to urban lifestyle buyers looking for the character of the Thar with the benefits of an EV.

Scorpio-N Global Pikup – Scorpio Pickup Truck for Export Markets

The second model for which Mahindra has filed a patent is the Scorpio-N Global Pikup. This appears to be a pickup truck version of the new Scorpio N SUV that Mahindra recently launched in India.

Essentially it’s a ladder-frame chassis pickup based on the Scorpio-N, with a large open load bed instead of a third row of seats and tailgate. The overall styling is clearly derived from the new Scorpio-N with the same vertical slatted grille, LED DRLs, front bumper and hood design.

At the rear, the load bed gets unique treatment with taupe-colored panels on three sides and a step for easy access. The tail lamps are also restyled sleeker units compared to the Scorpio SUV.

Mahindra already retails the Genio pickup truck in export markets like South Africa. But the Genio is based on the previous generation Scorpio. The Scorpio-N Global Pikup will be a more modern pickup likely targeted at emerging markets across Asia, Africa and Latin America.

It will feature –

Ladder-frame chassis construction
High ground clearance
4WD capability
Powerful diesel engine options shared with the Scorpio-N like the 2.2L mHawk unit
High payload capacity of over 1 tonne
Updated interior compared to Genio pickup

The new Scorpio-N Global Pikup will help Mahindra expand its pickup truck portfolio to boost its commercial vehicle exports. With its contemporary design and features, it has the potential to emerge as a popular lifestyle and work pickup across many developing markets where pickups are preferred for their rugged, versatile utility.

Outlook

The patent filings indicate Mahindra’s strategic focus on leveraging familiar nameplates like Thar and Scorpio to enter new high-potential segments – EVs and modern pickups.

The electric Thar will allow the company to electrify its key lifestyle SUV while retaining its distinctive design and off-road appeal. It can emerge as a compelling option for Urban SUV buyers looking to go electric. On the other hand, the Scorpio-N pickup can tap into the strong global demand for modern workhorses and expand Mahindra’s exports.

Overall, these new products will build on the brand strength of Thar and Scorpio to position Mahindra in the key future segments of EVs and pickups. The automaker seems to be leveraging its core capabilities while expanding its portfolio, which can drive its future growth globally.

What is the NCAP rating of Mahindra Scorpio?

Unfortunately there is no NCAP safety rating available for the Mahindra Scorpio yet. The Mahindra Scorpio has not been tested by the Global NCAP or other major vehicle safety testing programs.

Some key points about Mahindra Scorpio and safety ratings:

Global NCAP is a major vehicle safety testing program based in the UK that conducts crash tests and provides safety ratings for many vehicles sold in emerging markets.
However, the Mahindra Scorpio has not yet been tested by Global NCAP. The latest Scorpio-N model is an all-new generation launched in 2022, so it may get tested in the future.
The earlier generation Mahindra Scorpio models were designed quite some time back and did not offer advanced safety features and body structures compared to newer SUVs.
Without any published NCAP rating, it is difficult to comment objectively on the Mahindra Scorpio’s safety relative to competitors.
However, Mahindra has said that the new Scorpio-N complies with the latest Indian safety regulations, offers more safety features than before, and has improved body shell strength. But the actual crashworthiness is not verified.
While the Scorpio-N may have improved safety compared to previous generation models, the lack of NCAP rating makes it difficult to gauge the safety levels compared to 5-star rated SUVs.

So in summary, no authoritative crash test safety rating is available yet for the Mahindra Scorpio from Global NCAP or other major testing agencies. Mahindra’s claims about improved safety for the new Scorpio-N remain to be independently verified through crash testing.

Who is the designer of the new Mahindra Scorpio?

The new Mahindra Scorpio-N has been designed by Pratap Bose, who is the Executive Vice President and Chief Design Officer at Mahindra & Mahindra.

Here are some key details about Pratap Bose and his role in designing the new Scorpio-N:

Pratap Bose is a veteran automobile designer from India, having worked at major global firms like Piaggio in Italy and Tata Motors in India earlier in his career.
He joined Mahindra & Mahindra in 2014 as Chief Designer and spearheaded the design transformation of Mahindra’s SUV portfolio.
Some of the Mahindra models designed under his leadership include the XUV500 facelift, Marazzo MPV, Alturas G4, and the all-new Thar.
The new third generation Scorpio-N is one of the most important models designed by Pratap Bose at Mahindra.
He led an internal design competition at Mahindra to come up with the new bold and dynamic design direction for the Scorpio-N.
The vertically slatted grille, muscular body, and signature LED tail lamps showcase Pratap Bose’s distinctive design taste and contemporary styling.
In interviews, he has stated that the new Scorpio-N marks a coming of age for Mahindra Design and showcases their global design capabilities.
Pratap Bose was named Mahindra’s Chief Design Officer in 2018 and now oversees design across the entire Mahindra group globally.

So in summary, the new Scorpio-N’s futuristic and bold styling inside-out has been envisioned by Pratap Bose, who is one of India’s leading automobile designers and has shaped Mahindra’s new design language. The Scorpio-N represents his vision for a modern and bold Mahindra SUV.

Which Mahindra car is safest?

Based on the limited safety testing data available, the Mahindra XUV700 and Mahindra Thar are currently regarded as the safest Mahindra cars.

Here are some details:

The Mahindra XUV700 scored a 5-star rating in the Global NCAP crash tests in 2021, posting an adult safety rating of 17.52 out of 17. This makes it the safest Mahindra car tested by Global NCAP so far.
The XUV700 offers up to 7 airbags, ADAS tech like autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, etc. Its monocoque chassis and bodyshell integrity contributed to the 5-star rating.
The new Mahindra Thar scored 4-stars in Global NCAP testing in 2020, with an adult safety rating of 12.52 out of 17. It performed well in the frontal crash but got low scores in the side crash test.
Still, the 4-star Thar posts the best safety ratings amongst Mahindra’s traditional ladder-frame SUVs. It offers up to 6 airbags.
Other Mahindra SUVs like Scorpio, XUV300, Bolero are yet to be tested by Global NCAP and their safety ratings are unknown. But they are unlikely to match the newer XUV700 and Thar in terms of safety.
Upcoming Mahindra models like the new Scorpio-N are expected to be safer than before, but the lack of crash test data makes it difficult to objectively rate their safety.

So in summary, based on Global NCAP’s independent crash tests, the Mahindra XUV700 and Thar are the automaker’s safest models currently, showcasing improved safety standards over earlier Mahindra vehicles. But more testing data is needed for a comprehensive safety comparison across Mahindra cars.

Which is the most expensive Mahindra Scorpio?

The most expensive Mahindra Scorpio model currently on sale is the Scorpio-N Z8L variant. Here are the key details:

Mahindra launched the all-new Scorpio-N in 2022, which is the 3rd generation version of their popular Scorpio SUV.
The Scorpio-N Z8L is the range-topping variant in the line-up and is priced at ₹23.90 lakh (ex-showroom) making it the most expensive Scorpio ever.
This price is for the 7-seater diesel manual version. The automatic and 6-seater variants are priced even higher.
The Z8L variant of the Scorpio-N is equipped with features like:

Bose sound system
Electric sunroof
Leatherette seats
17-inch diamond cut alloys
12.3-inch touchscreen
Electronic parking brake
6 airbags

It is powered by the 2.2L mHawk diesel engine making 175hp paired to a 6-speed manual or torque converter automatic.
The Z8L sits above the lower Z8, Z6, Z4 variants in the Scorpio-N lineup.
Prior to the Scorpio-N, the previous generation top-end Scorpio S11 variant with a 120hp diesel was priced around ₹18 lakh.

So in summary, the new flagship Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8L priced at ₹23.90 lakh is the most expensive Scorpio ever launched by Mahindra till date. It offers plenty of luxury and safety equipment reflecting its premium positioning.

How many Scorpios sold in India till now?

The Mahindra Scorpio has been one of the most popular SUVs in India since its launch in 2002. As per available statistics, Mahindra has sold over 1 million units of the Scorpio in India to date.

Here are some key details on Mahindra Scorpio’s sales in India:

Mahindra launched the first generation Scorpio in 2002. It quickly became a success with its tough build, performance and attractive pricing.
Between 2002-2009, Mahindra sold around 2.7 lakh units of the first gen Scorpio in India across variants like Scorpio Classic, Scorpio VLX, etc.
The second generation Scorpio was launched in 2009. This version sold around 5.5 lakh units in India between 2009-2022.
In 2014, Mahindra introduced the Scorpio with a more powerful 120 bhp mHawk engine. This helped further boost sales.
The Scorpio has consistently ranked among the top 10 SUVs in India and has been the best seller for Mahindra.
In 2018, Mahindra rolled out the milestone 700,000th Scorpio from its Nashik facility.
By 2020, around 9.5 lakh units of the Scorpio were estimated to be sold in India across generations.
With the launch of the new 3rd gen Scorpio-N in 2022, the overall Scorpio sales in India has crossed 1 million units.

So in summary, in its 20+ year run in India across three generations, the Mahindra Scorpio has crossed total sales of 1 million units, making it one of the most popular SUVs on Indian roads. The Scorpio continues to retain a strong brand appeal among buyers.

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