Force Motors is preparing to launch a new variant of
the Gurkha UV. Leaked brochure of the Force Gurkha Xtreme shared on a Facebook
Group reveals the specifications of the new variant, the highlight being a new
140 hp 2.2 L diesel engine.
The new engine is derivative of the Mercedes-Benz
OM611 unit developing a maximum power of 140 hp at 3,800 rpm and a peak torque
of 321 Nm at 1,600 - 2,400 rpm. There will be a 5-speed manual transmission
with 4x4 and front and rear diff. locks. In comparison, the current 2.6 L unit
makes 85 hp at 3,200 rpm and 230 Nm at 1,400 - 2,400 rpm. The Force Gurkha
Xtreme, then, brings with a massive jump up in power and torque.
The front suspension will be updated to a Multilink
setup. At 1,530 mm, the front track is 40 mm wider. The overall dimensions of
the Force Gurkha Xtreme are the same as the 3-door Xplorer variant. It measures
3,992 mm long, 2,055 mm long, and 1,790 mm wide. It sits on a wheelbase
measuring 2,400 mm. The Force Gurkha Xtreme rides on 245/70 R16 tires and has
disc brakes up front and rear drum brakes.
Visually, Force Gurkha Xtreme is nearly
identical to the Gurkha Xplorer. The only visible changes are the alloy wheels
and orange bonnet mounted lamps swapped with clear lens units. Expect 'Xtreme'
badging or stickers on the door or rear.
The 3-door Force Gurkha Xplorer was launched in
September last year. As per the official website, it has a price tag of INR
9,98,489 (ex-showroom). Expect the Xtreme variant to cost significantly more
with pricing in the INR 11-13 lakhs (ex-showroom) territory. It will be offered
in hard top and soft top variants with a seating capacity of either 6 or 8
occupants (including driver). The Xplorer 5-door is priced at INR 11,90,117
(ex-showroom), while the Force Gurkha Xpedition 4x2 retails for INR 935,000 for
the 3-door variant and INR 960,000 for the 5-door variant. Both prices are
ex-showroom.
Force Motors may launch the Gurkha Xtreme either by the
end of June or in early July. It is highly likely that dealerships are
currently accepting bookings for the off-road vehicle.
