Tata Megapixel Concept Could Be Future Nano
Tata Motors has unveiled the Megapixel 4-seater Megapixel Concept at the ongoing 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The Megapixel is a range extended electric vehicle (REV) and uses a lithium ion phosphate battery along with an on-board petrol engine generator to charge on the move. The Tata Megapixel Concept offers an impressive range of 900 kms on one single full tank, with just 22 g of CO2 being emitted per km. Using only battery only power, the Megapixel will return 100 km/l. But the Megapixel does not use one electric motor, it uses all four of them (one for every wheel!).
The turning radius of the Tata Megapixel is just 2.8 meters, thanks to the front wheels getting turned in an acute angle. The charging too is quite easy with the wheels having to be positioned on the induction pad (no plugging required). The Concept uses a sliding door mechanism for easy entry and exit but this will obviously not make it to production. The Megapixel is not going on sale anytime soon, with the car being developed to catch some eye candy and to show the future design direction of the company. Yes, the next generation Tata Nano will borrow several cues from the study.
The Tata Megapixel was developed in India, UK and Italy and is the progress on the Pixel Concept, which was showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo. The battery layout and hub motors ensures good interior space, ensuring four seat in comfort with plenty of space for luggage in the boot. The Megapixel also features an advanced human machine interface (HMI), with the console helping for docking a smart phone to the car. A touchscreen HMI at the center panel is the single point of operating various features of the car including the air-conditioner and driver modes. Tata Motors has also displayed the Indica Vista, Indigo Manza, Safari Storme and Aria at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show.
