Tata’s Upcoming Compact SUV Codenamed “Blackbird”

[Letgo]

Bridging the gap with CHERY

Tata’s Creta-fighter, codenamed ‘Blackbird’, is an SUV looking for a platform. Too small to be built on the OMEGA or Harrier platform, and too big to be built on the ALFA architecture, it falls in no man’s land. The stumbling block isn’t overall length; ALFA can be stretched to 4.3m. The problem is wheel size, or rather a lack of it. Thing is, ALFA is predominantly a small-car architecture, and as a result doesn’t support wheels larger than 700mm in diameter, key to SUV appeal. To get around the problem, Tata has been talking with JLR partner and Chinese automaker Chery, which has SUVs and platforms that fit the description. Of the many, the best fit is thought to be the 4,338mm-long Tiggo 4 or T-17. But is a 5- star NCAP crash-test rating possible with these underpinnings?

Source

 

[TAUREAN CZAR]

If They can have an MPV on Alfa, why not a Creta rival SUV? Some where I read that they cannot go more that 17" wheels for Alfa.
But TATA also has plans for Innova rivalling MPV based on Omega platform.

 

[TAUREAN CZAR]

TATA BLACKBIRD
TATA's new 4.3 Meter Mid-Size SUV (Creta Rival) Coming With 1.5L Turbo Engine to be based on X1 platform

This upcoming midsize SUV is expected to be based on Tata Nexon’s ‘X1’ platform, with a few alterations. Its length is expected to be around 4.3 metres, similar to its South Korean competitors. Tata Motors has also begun work on a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. This will be a four-cylinder version of Nexon’s 1.2L powerplant, with an expected peak power output of 160 PS.

This seems very much unlikely, unbelievable and Misleading. TATA suddenly does not have the need to hurry to develop an new SUV. If you go by the reports, it seems as if in a hurry they want a new SUV. But in reality TATA is going to take its pace. I agree that TATA can get a new SUV on X1 platform quickly as they have the base platform of the MANZA ready, that is already stretched for a sedan, that they can build the top structure quickly. But the vehicle in X1 based NEXON is already heavier that it's contemporaries that TATA wants to work on - reducing weight, as new emissions norms kick in will need to make the car lighter. They have also said Nexon will be the last car in X1 platform.

TATA took it's sweet time making the PUNCH, a 5 star rated SUV, that can easily be stretched to make a bigger SUV that is also their aim to shift to two platform scheme. So they will never go back to X1 as they need to make use the full potential of ALFARC platform to improve scale of economics of the new Modular platform.

H nce we should take the news of stretched X1 platform with a pinch of salt.

AUTOCAR INDIA
GAADI WAADI

 

[vikyjoshi]

Now even if we are to believe that Tata has started working on the Blackbird, pretty sure that this car will hit testing phase in last 2022 (earliest) and will be showcased in 2023 and price reveal in mid 2023 and will be hit showrooms around Diwali 2023. anything before I am happy to take back my words. So what do we expect this car to have
1. Passive tech
2. Loads of screens
3. 5 star safety - Safety being USP of Tata
4. Peppy and punchy engine (refined petrol burner with above average HP and atleast at par refinement)
5. Cost again its expected that Tata price them lower than the competition.

Well so much to ask for in a segment which is virutally ruled by Hyundai twins.

 

[TAUREAN CZAR]

TATA, while launching the 3 Cylinder Revotron version, company said that the cylinder and bore will be constant for all the engines from Nano to 2L capacity to be made further but what will change is the bore stroke.

Though this cylinder construct will be constant, the new engine will take a year of testing easily as shaft and block and other components will need to withhold higher pressures. So expect new car to launch only in 2024.

Early launch can be expected only if the new engine has already started testing on the Harrier and Safari as been spied testing in the recent pictures.