Tata Sumo New Model (Based On Raptor Platform) Delayed

Tata Sumo New Model will be based on the lightweight Raptor platform

The Tata Sumo, once a really successful nameplate, becomes 20 years old this year! And while the current model is expected to soldier on for some more years to come, it earlier emerged that the boffins at Tata Motors were busy working on the next generation Sumo. Now, however, it is being said that the Raptor project has been put on hold and the Tata Sumo New Model could make its public debut only by 2018. The highlight of the next generation Sumo would be its lightweight platform, which has been internally named as the ‘Raptor’ by the manufacturer. This is the same platform that will also underpin future low-cost SUVs from the popular Indian car maker.

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Next generation Tata Sumo could be unveiled at 2018 Auto Expo

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The Raptor platform will not employ a ladder-on-frame architecture; it won’t be based on a Monocoque either! Instead, it will make use of a ‘Body Integrated Frame’ setup, which comprises of a frame that is welded into the chassis. This arrangement makes the platform highly flexible, enabling the manufacturer to develop an entire range of models including ‘road going’ cars and rugged Off Road vehicles on the same platform. All this would mean that the upcoming Sumo would be at least as rugged as the current model, but would be considerably lighter. The source of this news has quoted a Tata Motors official as saying,“we feel that the conventional body-on-frame architecture is too heavy to meet future CO2 and fuel efficiency norms and that a move to lighter monocoque chassis’ will be inevitable.” The move to adopt Body Integrated Frame setup seems to come at the back of Land Rover ditching Ladder on Frame construction for all its new SUVs.

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Much like the current model, the next generation Tata Sumo would benefit from a spacious cabin and competitive pricing. Also, the lower weight and more modern engine options should translate into better performance and fuel economy.