As per a report on Autocar India, Force Motors is planning to develop a more powerful version of the SUV model Gurkha. This new version is likely to be launched in the automobile market by the end of 2015. Currently, the SUV is available with three variants including two soft top and one hard top model. The one with the hard top is available with 4WD, while the soft top variants are fitted with both 2WD and 4WD. The off-roader model that has been built in compliance with the BS III emission norms, has placed itself as a popular vehicle in India. This time, the new version will be configured to meet the BS IV emission norms.
Presently, the Gurkha is powered by a 2.6 litre OM616 derived diesel motor with an efficiency to generate 81 Bhp power and is torqued at 230 Nm between 1,800 to 2,000 rpm. For transmission, there is a five-speed manual gearbox and the mileage returned by the vehicle is measured as 17 kmpl. In order to offer a more performance oriented off-roader, the upcoming version will be equipped with 2.2 litre OM611 CDi engine that does duty on the Mercedes Benz models. This powertrain will be delivering 139 Bhp and 320 Nm of output and will send power to the wheels through a five-speed transmission unit.
There is a possibility that the new Gurkha will be made available with both the existing as well as updated mechanical configurations along with newly added transmission units. The launch is expected to take place around this festive season. Being an updated model, the upcoming SUV will be costlier than the existing one.
Source: AutoCar India
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