Geneva motor show 2012: Tata Megapixel
* Range-extender city car concept * 282mpg; 22g/km * Evolution of Tata Pixel concept car...
This is the Tata Megapixel concept car - a new four-seat range-extender city car that was revealed at the Geneva motor show today.
Tata says the range-extender technology - which combines an on-board petrol-powered generator and electric motors - gives the Megapixel a range of 560 miles, with average economy of around 282mpg and CO2 emissions of just 22g/km.
The Megapixel concept car is an evolution of the Tata Pixel, which was shown at the 2011 Geneva motor show.
The 'Zero Turn' drivetrain employs four electric motors - one for each wheel - which can be driven independently and in opposite directions to give a turning radius of just 2.8 metres.
Charging of the Megapixel is achieved through an inductive system, where the car is simply parked over a pad in the user's garage.
The Megapixel's headlights and grille graphics sweep back over the front wheelarches, with a tinted glass roof extending from the windscreen to the rear of the car. The concept car comes with five-spoke alloys.
A double-sliding door system combined with the car's B-pillar less design add to the small car's practicality and all-round visibility. Despite housing a battery pack, the Megapixel still has room for four adults and luggage.
The front seats are cantilevered on the central tunnel, which frees up space for additional storage. The interior is finished in leather trim.
A central command interface includes a docking point for a smartphone, while a large central touchscreen controls cooling, driving modes and monitors performance.
Tata's Geneva display will also include the next-generation Safari Storme SUV, the Aria crossover, Indigo Manza saloon, and Indica Vista hatchback.
Pete Barden
