Tata Safari Storme Automatic spotted testing

Thank you to BHPian himanshugoswami for sharing this image and information with other enthusiasts.

The Tata Safari Storme has recently been given a power bump. Its 2.2-litre diesel engine now produces 148 BHP (a 10 BHP hike) and 320 Nm of torque, but it still continues to use a 5-speed manual gearbox. Prospective customers expecting an automatic transmission, have been left rather disappointed. However, here's some news that will bring them some cheer.

An automatic version of the Storme has been spotted testing. A spy image of the SUV shows the car with a "Storme Automatic" sticker on its rear windshield. The variant that was spotted was the EX (mid), which means that one might not need to buy the top-end VX to get the automatic gearbox.

The Storme AT has a 6-speed automatic transmission. Its engine produces 400 Nm of torque. This gearbox is able to handle the additional torque. The 5-speed manual transmission is believed to be incapable of handling 400 Nm and so, the torque had to be restricted to 320 Nm. Apparently the sightings of the Storme with Varicor400 badge were the AT test mules.

The 2.2-litre engine with a torque output of 400 Nm and 6-speed automatic gearbox combo will be offered on the upcoming Hexa crossover as well.

More details on the Safari Storme AT are awaited.

Image: Facebook / Safari Users Group