The world’s supposedly cheapest car ($2,500 apiece) will cost $220,000 when Mumbai-based D.C. Design is through with it. They will keep the car’s snub-nosed shape, everything else has to go.
The standard two-cylinder 624cc, 33-horsepower engine will be replaced by a 1600cc engine. To make room for the motor, the back seats will be removed. The car will get new brakes, new suspension, and bigger 20-inch wheels to allow for the top speed of 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph).
D.C. Design will accommodate customer desires for colors and trims, the technology cannot be modified. “There will be a lot of tech wizardry in it, plenty of IT-enabled equipment,” said Dilip Chhabaria, head of D.C. Design, to AFP (via Google.)
D.C. Design plans to build two to five of the world’s most expensive Nanos per year. Their target market is wealthy Indians “who have a passion for cars” (and a wanton disregard of cost.)
A prototype is expected in two months.
In related news, the export model of the regular Nano could be headed to the U.S. in three years, said Ratan Tata, chairman of Indian automaker Tata Motors, to the Freep. That’s a year later than originally planned, but Tata will have its hands full: “For the United States we need a car which has a larger engine and we need additional crash-test modifications and we are in the process of doing it,” Ratan Tata said.
20 inch wheels? Really? They look ridiculous on an F150.
This is an example of their “design”.
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/modifications-accessories/163099d1248317622-dc-design-cars-innova_12.jpg
I think that the 20″ refers to the overall size of the “upgraded” wheel/tire.
You could fit a 20″ wheel on a Nano, but no tire. Well, maybe a 155/15/20, but they don’t make those. Maybe stretch a few fan belts on the wheel?
That was my thought.
175 – 55 – 14 if you can get your hands on it?
I had my doubts re wheels, but AFP said “wheels,” not tires, and who am I to second-guess them.
These guys have too much time and money.
I’d settle for a fifth generation VW Polo and call it a day.
Were I a “wealthy Indian” with a passion for cars and $220,000 I think I’d go buy myself a few cars. Ones based on vehicles with more ambition than to replace mopeds and oxcarts.
But hey, wherever entrepreneurial spirit is allowed to roam free you’ll find pond scum selling “collector quality” quarters for $50 and giving away $10 1500W ceramic heaters as “Amish mantle heaters” free-cum-$350.
Over 100 mph in that thing seems like an awfully scary proposition to me. There’s nothing to crush in front if you’re in a crash. No freakin’ way!
And next at the strting line is Tim Allen in his 400 HP lawn tractor.
I thought this was an early April Fool’s prank.
Similar to the Renault 5 Turbo, pass.
We showed it here at TTAC in December:
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/nano-variants-coming-tuner-hybrid-and-european-us-version-next/
I just can’t believe the price tag on this. So many options for cars in the 200k range, I am not sure why anyone would pick a nano.
well, I’m glad that is some part of the world today there someone still lighting their cigars with 100 dollar bills and willing to fork over 2200 of them for this abomination.
Excellent!
Lets take one of the cheapest POS of the auto market.. made to be produced on the largest scale.. with so much thought that went into packaging and aerodynamics..
And lets UCK it up to the point of making the entire CONCEPT MOOT.. all the while stuffing it with larger tires (if you can see a way to fit 14’s in here.. please tell me) and load it down with extra crap.
This is like yahoos buying THE cheapEST korean / japanese cars possible and shoving DOUBLE the purchase price.. into crap that wont last the life of the vehicle.
Im not being old here..
BUT DAMN.
If Indians who used to get around on mopeds.. and bikes.. are now buying Nanos, now some yahoo company wants those same yahoos.. only with gobs of MOOLAH pouring out their ass.. to drive this mess (with that SAME inability)..
Nice!
SERIOUSLY?!
Wouldnt it just be easier to design a new car from scratch?!
I’m afraid to do the double nickel in that thing.
I don’t get it.
I’m an Indian (in America), I have a passion for cars, and there’s no way in hell I’m driving that thing.