The land-based largest component of the Indian Armed Forces – the Indian Army for the longest period utilized the time-tested Maruti Suzuki Gypsy to carry its personnel from one place to another. However, a few years ago it also started using the Tata Motors Safari Storme GS800 as well. Recently, it has been reported that the Indian Army will also introduce the Mahindra Scorpio Classic in the Army to expand its portfolio of cars.
A set of leaked pictures courtesy of Rushlane made its way to the interwebs and the pictures show this new vehicle in great detail. From the spy shots, we can note that the army-specific Scorpio Classic is finished in a shade of light Olive Green like most of the other Army vehicles. Its body will also come covered in half with a thick black cladding to help it in keeping the body safe in off-road terrains. The roof rails on civilian cars will also be featured on the army SUV. Additionally, it will also get the same alloy wheels as the Scorpio Classic but will be finished in silver.
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Furthermore, the SUV, like every other army vehicle, will include a tow hook attachment that will allow it to transport a variety of portable storage carts, as well as moveable small caliber artillery weapons and other similar weaponry systems. Aside from that, the car will have chrome just on the badges and front grille, with the rest of the trimmings blacked out. A 4WD insignia can also be spotted on the back of the SUV.
Moving on to the inside not much has been changed from the standard top-end Scorpio Classic. It feature the same 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, fully automatic temperature control, 2nd row AC vents, faux leather steering wheel, tilt steering, 12V power outlet and fabric seat upholstery. Apart from these no specific equipment for the army on the interior of the Scorpio Classic was seen in the set of leaked pictures.
Dual airbags, collapsible steering, engine immobiliser, anti-theft warning, speed alert, and auto door lock while driving are among the safety features that will be offered in the army Scorpio Classic. It’s probable that certain updates were made to the army-spec Scorpio Classic’s equipment list to cater to the army needs however specifics, will likely to be kept under wraps.
In terms of the powertrain it is believed that most likely this car is powered by the same motor that comes available in the standard outgoing Scorpio Classic. A new aluminum construction 2.2-litre diesel engine, that comes mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox, and also equipped with drive-by-wire technology will be under the bonnet of this army specific model. This engine produces 132 bhp of maximum power and 300 Nm of maximum torque in civilian guise.
Earlier last year in March, it was also reported that the Indian Army is searching for a soft-top SUV with a four-wheel drivetrain that can be deployed in rough terrain such as mountains. A soft top allows soldiers to utilize their firearms, mobile communication equipment, and rifles. A soft top also allows Quick Reaction Teams to move about easily. Companies would be permitted to introduce a new car based on an existing platform.
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