Powered by a 1.3-litre engine that makes 230 hp.
The Tata Nano is a nice, peppy small car good enough for intra-city commutes. But a rear-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration also makes it a very interesting proposition as a driver's car. To make things even better, it doesn't weight too much, either. And Coimbatore-based JA Motorsport have used the best of the Nano's traits to make a one-off Super Nano.
It's based on the Nano but features a full body kit, slick tyres, a bolt-on roll cage, and smoked head and taillamps. On the inside the Super Nano gets a carbon fibre treatment on the dashboard, Recaro seats, and steering (a racing wheel, no less) mounted paddle shifters.
But the talking point is the 1.3-litre engine that does duty on the Super Nano. It produces a maximum power of about 230 hp, which helps the vehicle reach speeds excess of 190 km/h. Look at the negative camber on the wheels and you'll understand that work has been done on the chassis, too. The dark grey alloys come shod with MRF ZLO racing slicks, and with a claimed weight to power ratio of 2.6 kg/hp.
Calling it India's fastest hot hatch, it is a claim that the Super Nano fully deserves (at least on paper), especially with the very interesting specs. Complementing the added power, the braking is taken care of by AP Racing disc brakes on all wheels, while there's no addition of a spoiler for downforce.
Also, it's a highly unpractical vehicle if you intend to drop kids to school in it, because the rear bench is gone, and in its place is the above mentioned 230 hp engine. The whole job cost JA about Rs 25 lakh and while the Super Nano is best suited for driving around a race-track, JA shouldn't have a problem in working on your Nano, too.
Also read: Review - Tata Nano Twist
Keep in mind that they're highly skilled (responsible for making Formula Ford cars in India among other accomplishments), so make a phone call before showing up with your Nano.