Will be BS4 compliant.
Force Motors is developing a more powerful version of the Gurkha SUV which is expected to launch by the end of this year, reports Autocar India.
The current version of the Gurkha is a bare-boned off-roader that has gained popularity in cities which still permit vehicles with BS-III norms. The Gurkha is available in three variants - 2WD soft-top, 4WD soft-top and a 4WD hard-top.
The current generation, based on the old Mercedes G-Class platform, derives power from the 2.6-liter OM616-derived diesel engine that produces 81 bhp and 230 Nm of torque between 1,800-2,000 rpm. This mill is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, but is only BS-III compatible and thus thwarts the sale of the capable SUV elsewhere in the country, and puts a question mark on its future.
This explains why Force will be introducing the Mercedes-Benz 2.2-liter OM611 common-rail diesel engine that complies with BS-IV norms on the Gurkha. This unit, used on the Force One, generates 139 bhp and 320 Nm of torque, and will be coupled to a five-speed gearbox. The old engine will continue to be offered along with the new one.
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The updated Gurkha will likely see showrooms during the festive season.
Source: Autocar India
