Hot Wheels From New Kid On The Block

SAN Motors, the youngest automobile company in India has unveiled what can be termed the countrys first sports car, even as most auto giants are in the process of launching either bread and butter small cars or mid size contenders.

The San Storm and Stan Streak, the coupe and cabriolet versions of the car will feature FRP (Fibre reinforced plastic body) structure and will be powered by a 1149cc, four cylinder Renault engine that develops 60 bhp. Weighing 600 Kg, the car offers unmatchable power-to-weight ratio, making it an enthusiasts dream to drive. Amongst other things, the engine has a very usable torque spread. The suspension system has been beefed up to suit Indian road conditions.

 

SAN group managing director Milin Thakker said SAN cars will manufactured in two phases, in Bangalore and Goa. Bangalore will produce and test the rolling chassis, body shells and the final assembly will be done at the greenfield site, identified by the company in Goa.

The first car from this low volume, niche market venture is expected to roll out later this year.

The company expects to reach a production capacity of 3000 units by the turn of the century. Thakker stated that the car would be priced in the range of Rs 5 to 7 lakh, taking into account the currency fluctuations. The power train of the car, consisting of engine and transmission, comprising 30 per cent of its value, will be imported from Renault, France.

The Storm and Streak have been designed by Le Mans design, France, famous for making sports specials and prototyping of production automobiles.

Auto India former editor Gautam Sen has worked with Le Mans Design and was instrumental in seeing this venture through.

The Storm coupe was appreciated by international automobile magazines and a limited number of these cars may find their way to European markets.