On January 3, Bajaj Auto revealed its new four-wheeler, the in-house developed RE60. The company claims the vehicle will set a global benchmark in CO2 emissions –60 gm/km – and deliver 35kpl.
According to managing director Rajiv Bajaj, “In the RE60, we believe we have an excellent solution for the mobility challenges arising from the rapid urbanisation of India. We are presenting an optimised solution for intra-city passenger transport, keeping in mind intra-city duty cycles and safety requirements.”
The key technological and design innovations of the RE 60 include:
• A light weight yet robust monocoque metal-polymer hybrid structure.
• All-new water-cooled, twin-spark, DTSi 4-valve engine with a closed loop fuel injection system for high performance and high fuel efficiency.
• Minimising frictional and transmission losses.
The RE60 has been four years in the making and is an extension of the company’s three-wheeler. Bajaj Auto, the world’s largest three-wheeler manufacturer, plans to sell over half-a-million three-wheelers during the current financial year. The RE60’s price is to be announced shortly.
Speaking at the unveiling, R C Maheshwari, president, Commercial Vehicles, Bajaj Auto, said: “The RE60 retains a small footprint – nearly the same as our autorickshaw, is highly manoeuverable and can keep pace with the moving traffic. At the same, its limited top speed (of 70kph) makes it intrinsically safer for pedestrians, cyclists and two-wheeler riders. Its other features include front and rear seatbelts, doors and hard-top. Not only are the CO2 emissions remarkably low, its CO, HC and NOx emissions also are much lower than the Euro IV norms for cars less than 2,500kg”.
RE60 FACTFILE
CO2 emissions: 60gms/km
Maximum economy 35kpl
Maximum speed 70kph
Turning circle radius 3.5 metres
Length 2752mm
Width 1312mm
Height 1650mm
Seating capacity 2+2 or 1+3