At the launch of its newest SUV, the Curvv coupe, Tata Motors also announced that the ICE version debuts the company’s new architecture that it calls ATLAS (Adaptive Tech Forward Lifestyle Architecture)
Tata Motors says that while ATLAS can underpin various body styles like MPVs and even sedans, it has been optimised for ‘genuine SUV capabilities’. In a post-launch interview, Mohan Savarkar, Chief Product Officer and Vice President at Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles limited, said “To answer your 4×4 question, yes it [ATLAS] can be made 4×4 with some changes.”
The news is significant given that Tata Motors currently does not offer a 4×4 in its portfolio, including on the Nexon from which ATLAS architecture seems to be draw from, going by the commonality of parts like the powertrain and interior bits like the dashboard.
Moreover, with the next-gen Nexon slated to use the ATLAS architecture and likely the Sierra too, the 4×4 possibilities with an ICE powertrain are interesting. Other SUV traits possible are a larger tyre size with Savarkar saying that ATLAS can accommodate a tyre size with an outer diameter of up to 740mm which could thus manage rims up to about 20-inch in diameter. Tata Motors also says that ATLAS can underpin vehicles between 3.7 meters and 4.7 meters in length with varying wheelbase and width.
Given the limited demand for 4X4 or all-wheel-drive SUVs in this segment, there’s a slim chance for this to materialise on ATLAS-underpinned vehicles. However, the upcoming Harrier EV with its dual motor setup will likely be the first 4X4 in the company’s current lineup.
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