More details have come out on the two concepts that DC will display at the Delhi Auto Expo. Unlike in the past where DC will exhibit the customised versions of popular cars this time he will launch two sports car under his own DC brand for the first time. DC will assemble these models and sell it in India under his own brand. DC has imported the critical components like engine, brake assembly and suspension etc for the Super Car while the chassis, body, interiors and lighting would be done by DC itself. ‘DC:S’ and Ambassador inspired luxury car ‘Ambierod’ are two of DC’s wild creations.
DC:S sports
DC:S’ Super Car would cost around Rs 25 lakh. DC:S supercar would be a 3-litre, twin turbo charged vehicle which can attain a top speed of 305 km per hour and goes from 0 to 62 kmph in just 3.7 seconds. Chhabria says he wants to cater to the niche market of sports enthusiasts and youngsters, but the small order (only 300 cars in one year) also serves another purpose: in markets such as the UK and Germany, if less than 300 numbers of any car have been produced it qualifies for single vehicle certification. “It will bear the DNA of a Ferrari and a Lamborghini with similar dynamic performance. It will zoom to 100 kmph in 3.7 second and will have a host of customised options for customers but will come with a price tag of around Rs 25 lakh. There is a big market for such luxury cars and huge opportunity to tap the potential,” Mr Chhabria added.
Ambierod:
Chhabria will also showcase the ‘Ambierod’, a retro futuristic luxury car based on the look of the Ambassador. In the Rs 4-crore price range, the Ambierod carries an automated instrumental panel backed by satellite navigation system, rear vision camera, three LCD televisions, internet and videoconferencing-enabled flat bed and multi-coloured mood lighting. Ambierod will be the first car in India having all these features in a single product. “We are bringing in the best of world features in the Ambierod, which is enriched with the 600 car designs we have produced. It’s a tribute to the great Ambassador in its golden year and we have blended complete digital controls in a retro car, something never showcased at the Indian Auto Expo,” Mr Chhabria added.
In 2001, Chhabria had set up some franchisee outlets where car owners could get face lifts for their existing vehicles. But this venture was soon closed down due to lack of customer response.Hence this time DC is more cautious, “We are unveiling the Super Car at the upcoming Auto Expo and will gauge customer reaction before deciding to go ahead with the project,” he said.