[Scorcher]

Bajaj ULC aka RE60 spied ahead of AutoExpo reveal?

Source

Come Jan 3rd 2012, Bajaj would be hoping to recreate the magic Tata Motors created at the launch of the Nano a few years back. For the first time in 8 decades, Bajaj will present a car for the Indian masses. Very popular for its two wheelers, three wheelers and commercial vehicles, Bajaj has never had a single contender in the passenger car market. However, with the dawn of new year, the company will create history by introducing the ULC christened ‘RE60’.

Our pals BSMotoring have presented us a small pic which they claim is the actual model. The model presented in the picture sort of looks like the Reva (a.k.a G-Wiz). The RE60 is may look like a car but Bajaj Auto claims that it isn’t one. The company has made it quite clear that it doesn’t intend to build another Tata Nano. According to Bajaj, the RE60 will be perfect, low-cost transportation solution; a three wheeler with one extra wheel for stability. We have no idea how to make sense of it all. Seeing the vehicle on the 3rd is the only way to understand Bajaj’s proposition.

Anyways, coming back to the RE60. The ‘RE’ stands for ‘Rear Engined’ and the 60 stands for the 60 g/km of CO2 that the car produces. The RE60 will be powered by a 700-800 cc engine with priority given to fuel economy. The estimated figure is around 30 kmpl.

The RE60 will be a significant step forward for Bajaj Auto as the platform will spawn many variations in the future. Even the next generation Bajaj RE Auto Rickshaw three-wheeler could be based on the flexible ULC platform.
Although the project was initially conceived in partnership with Renault-Nissan, the car does not feature in Renault’s five product plan. So whether this car will carry a Renault/Nissan badge will only depend on they how perceive the final product.

[octane_100]

Thanks for the picture. The design doesn't elicit any comment, it is quite ordinary. I can't figure how the vehicle in picture (if it is the RE60) can be a people carrier.

Anyway, is this reverse psychology at play from Bajaj here? They have designed something which looks like a car and telling everyone that it is not one. So people go in with a mindset that it is not a car and then start thinking may be it can be used as one. This is in contrast to what Tata did with the Nano. They were hell bent on establishing it as a proper car and some people saw it as a rickshaw with an extra wheel

[aravind.anand]

Erm.. Bajaj showed a concept in the 2008 Auto Expo, which they said will be like a 4 wheeled Pulsar. The Pulsar was a very sporty brand at that time. So everybody expected a sporty, racy 4 wheeler, but what we got to see was a rather ordinary concet (especially under the shadow of the Nano, also unveiled at the same Auto Expo)
Four years hence, we have a car which looks like the next gen Maini Reva (which isn't good looking either). Bajaj as if they have suddenly realised what they have wasted 4 years on, are trying to kill all hype (if any) to try and make people accept the car. Maybe Bajaj should concentrate on making better bikes than venture into untested waters.

[Durango Dude]

We all know how the Nano is doing; so Bajaj must be 'pussy footing' on the affordable car project. Had Nano been a 'roaring' success then others would have also jumped onto the bandwagon, since the response has been something like 'lukewarm' to 'tepid' I don't think any one would be in a hurry to bring out a 'ULC' Car. With the roads being what they are it would be difficult to bring a durable ULC to take on the Indian roads. Best low cost car in India is the Alto.

[abhi413]

Talk about investing in design! I know apples and oranges cannot be compared, but this bread box makes the Mahindra Verito / erstwhile Logan's design look like an Italian Beauty!
Well, at least the Verito is a VFM car, I doubt this tin-box would even be that! Nice colour, though!

[rajeev k]

That picture make it look like a toy car and the Badal of yore was much more a looker.
This could be by imaginary image by someone and anyhow another couple of days and we will showering praise or savagely criticizing.

[SRK]

Hmm.. Is it just me or this thing looks similar to a M&M's Gio?

I had done something quite similar https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...7339205&type=3

What I expect is Bajaj would also introduce a version where the roof would be made from cloth type material to keep the cost low and provide no doors on the ULC vehicle. Basically a rickshaw with 4 wheels

M&M has an electric Gio done is same way.

[arin_12]

Getting a flash news in Economics times. Not much info.

Bajaj Auto unveils small car RE 60 in partnership with Nissan and Renault

[designersf]

Yes. I too see the same news. Read more here.

The company has moderated its original ultra low cost car plan to make the RE60.

Bajaj Auto – the world’s largest manufacturer of three-wheelers, is all set to revolutionize the mass transportation in the country with the introduction of its new four wheeled vehicle-RE60.

Developed in house, this new 4 wheeler is going to set a global benchmark in CO2 emissions – an unbelievable 60 gm/km – and deliver an amazing mileage of 35 kmpl.

Over the past many years, the need for greener automobiles has invariably been echoed with a call for more time for technology development, more subsidies for sales and more investment in infrastructure.

“At Bajaj Auto, we believe the people of this planet deserve much better, much faster” says, Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto.

“We, therefore, decided to focus our efforts on developing vehicles powered by engines using available natural resources and infrastructure.

“We are very excited with the outcome of our efforts and, in the RE60; we believe we have an excellent solution for the mobility challenges arising from the rapid urbanization of India.”

He further added, “In the RE 60 we have an immediate solution to pollution that doesn’t need new infrastructure, huge subsidies or time”.

The key technological and design innovations of the RE 60 that have resulted in the amazing emission and mileage figures are:

· A light weight yet robust monocoque Metal-polymer hybrid structure
· Water cooled DTSi 4 valve engine with a closed loop fuel injection system for high performance and amazing fuel efficiency.
· Minimizing frictional and transmission losses.

Mr. Rajiv Bajaj stressed “We are presenting an optimized solution for intra-city passenger transport. This vehicle has been designed for intra-city use keeping in mind the intra-city duty cycles and safety requirements.”

Mr. R.C.Maheshwari, President, Commercial Vehicles, Bajaj Auto Ltd. Said “The vehicle presents a small, simple solution to combat pollution and inflation. It does not need investments in infrastructure, does not need subsidies and does not need time”

He added “It retains a small footprint – nearly the same as our Autorickshaw, is highly maneuverable and can keep pace with the moving traffic. At the same its limited top speed makes it intrinsically safer for pedestrians, cyclists and two wheeler riders”.

“Front and rear seat belts, doors and hard top are its other features”

“Not only are the CO2 emissions remarkably low, its CO, HC and NOx emissions also are much lower than the Euro IV norms for cars less than 2,500 kgs”.

He said “Our RE brand has, for years, stood for affordable transportation for its passengers and instant livelihood for its owners. Values that have made it the world’s number 1 brand in its category. RE 60 will continue with this tradition.”

More about RE60
Low emissions
CO2 :: 60gms/km


Highest Mileage
35 kmpl


Maximum Speed
70 kmph
Turning circle radius
3.5 meters
Overall length
2752 mm
Overall width
1312 mm
Overall height
1650 mm
Seating capacity
2+2 or 1+3

[amtak]

Guys, any pictures? Is this a microcar or a 4 wheeler autorichshaw? with the RE tag, i see more of these "autos" on the road and getting driven rashly.

On a lighter note, atleast, we would get some decent protection during monsoon.

[Scorcher]

Bajaj RE60 Unveiled!

Source

Bajaj RE60 – Fast facts
Light weight monocoque metal polymer hybrid structure
Max speed 70kph
Turning circle – 3.5m
Length – 2,752mm
Width – 1,312mm
Height – 1,650mm
Seating Capacity – 2+2 or 1+3

[serious_maniac]

“At Bajaj Auto, we believe the people of this planet deserve much better, much faster” says, Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto.

This coming from Bajaj which did no technological advancement to autos, which I believe are terribly overpriced, is a shame.

· A light weight yet robust monocoque Metal-polymer hybrid structure

I think it will look like one of those aftermarket fitment where instead of soft-top it will have polymer based hardtop.

· Water cooled DTSi 4 valve engine with a closed loop fuel injection system for high performance and amazing fuel efficiency.

That looks like the pulsar engine (150/180/220cc single cylinder engine) albeit water cooled. I do not think it should be considered a "car"


So all in all it is an Auto with an engine upgrade and polymer hardtop. Does it have a steering?

~maniac

[arjab]

All Pics courtesy
Link : Indian Autos Blog | Indian Automobile Blog | Auto News India | Car News India

[romeomidhun]

Originally Posted by amtak

Guys, any pictures? Is this a microcar or a 4 wheeler autorichshaw? with the RE tag, i see more of these "autos" on the road and getting driven rashly.

On a lighter note, atleast, we would get some decent protection during monsoon.

Seems like a 4-wheeled autorikshaw, but with hard top and a modified engine from Pulsar.

[ottocycle]

pics from IAB







4wheeler Auto rickshaw I guess. Nano is a way better than this. Even Magic Iris is out of the league.