Discovery Sport-based Tata Q501 exported to US for testing

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Tata Motors has been working on a flagship SUV, based on the Land Rover Discover Sport. Codenamed the Q501, this new SUV is expected to be launched in 2018. Tata Motors has now exported a few prototypes of the Q501 to the United States for testing purposes.

The Q501 is expected to share vital structural components, including the floor pan, with the Discovery Sport. Aesthetically, the Tata SUV is likely to be different from the Discovery.

Powering the Tata Q501 will be a 2.0-litre MultiJet II diesel engine from Fiat that is expected to develop around 170 BHP. This engine is likely to be offered with both manual and automatic transmission options. The entry-level variants are expected to come with a two-wheel drive setup, while one or two top-end trims will come with an all-wheel drive system.

With the new Q501 SUV, Tata is planning to rival the likes of Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour.