Saturday, 21 January 2012

DC Avanti India's First Sports Car



DC Avanti is the first Indian designed sports car. It was unveiled at Auto Expo Delhi 2012. It will initially go on sale with a mid-mounted, Ford-sourced, 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 261 bhp. A V6 version with 394 bhp will go on sale at a later date. Both engines are linked to a six-speed dual clutch transmission.The Avanti weighs 1560 kg, and features extensive use of aluminum. Its makers, who are based in Pune, claim the base model will hit 62 mph in less than seven seconds. The car will be released somewhere around 2013. The manufacturer wants to build 200 cars a year at first, but plans to churn out up to 2000 cars a year longer term.

About DC Avanti
The front end is stunning, even if the inspiration from the Ferrari 458 is too obvious. Look at the car in person and she's something else...the low, wide stance gives it an amazing personality. It's only the droopy rear that is a let-down; things are good right up to the B Pillar. But I don't like the rear 3-quarter look at all. Somehow, the design flow from front to back lacks synergy. However, if you look at the Avanti from the dead rear, it's nice in a supercar'ish way. The Avanti's dimensions are as follows : Wheelbase 2700 mm, Length 4623 mm, Width 1967 mm and Height 1213 mm. The kerb weight is 1,562 kilos while the ground clearance is 155 mm.


Power comes from a Ford-sourced EcoBoost 2.0 liter direct-injection turbo-charged petrol with 240 BHP (@ 5,500 rpm) and 366 Nm of max torque (@ 3,500 rpm) on tap. The motor has variable valve timing tech as well. It's a mid-engine RWD layout, and power is delivered through a 6 speed manual. Ford's dual clutch Automatic will be available as an option at a later stage. Rumour mills insist that a 400 BHP Honda V6 will follow too. Under the skin is a space frame chassis, while the suspension gets unequal length wishbones with coil overs. Yep, the steering is a hydraulic rack & pinion unit.


I've been told that "it's no Audi R8" on the open road, yet it's quick enough to keep you entertained. Expect a 0 - 100 of just under 7 seconds with a suspension that's sufficiently grippy. The Avanti is not intended to be a track-day tool with a super-stiff set up. Rather, the car has been tuned for everyday usage. Also, the car is electronically limited to a top speed of 250 kph.
The Avanti should cost ~24 lakhs ex-showroom; that's about the money you would pay for a D2 segment sedan in India (including the likes of the Toyota Camry). I can think of a good number of customers who'd buy this for the flash, and some others for the potentially enthusiastic drive experience. I think DC's biggest challenge is to deliver on acceptable levels of quality & reliability. My advice : Don't pack it to the gills with gizmos that will eventually fail. Rather, focus on mechanical simplicity & durability.  


Price and Launch 
The much talked about and much anticipated super car from DC Design’s portfolio – Avanti – is expected to take a year’s time to actually hit the Indian roads. The car would be available for sales by first quarter of year 2013, as industry reports claim that the company is not ready with the production version of the car. The car has been promoted as the most affordable super car in the country which will be carrying a price tag in the range of Rs 25 to 30 lakh.

Snapshots of DC Avanti








Amitabh Bachchan foreground right and automobile-designer Dilip Chhabria second left-unveil DC Avanti a sports car designed by DC-Design at the 11th Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi




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