Next gen Tata Harrier and Safari expected to get AWD tech | Autocar India
The second-gen Harrier and new-gen Safari are codenamed Taurus and Leo, respectively.
has already begun work on the next-generation and , and while their launch is still a few years away, we have got our hands on platform, powertrain and other details of both SUVs. Codenamed Taurus and Leo, respectively, the second-gen Harrier and new-gen Safari will be underpinned by a new platform that is capable of using multiple powertrains (ICE and EV), and AWD tech.
Tata Harrier design sketch used for representation only.
The current Harrier and Safari are based on Tata’s Omega architecture, which is a derivative ’s D8 platform. However, the D8 platform has got a lot of limitations, one of which is that it isn’t capable of having an all-wheel drive system in internal combustion engine (ICE) form; it should be noted that Tata has managed to give on a heavily reworked version of the platform with the .
A common gripe about the current front-wheel drive Safari is that it doesn’t live up to the original’s rough road ability as the older model came with AWD on select variants. This is what has prompted Tata Motors to develop a new platform. The new underpinnings will, in essence, be like – a flexible architecture that is capable of utilising ICE and electric powertrain options, along with space for drive to be sent to both axles.
While the has yet to make its debut, it is expected to be carried forward to the new-gen Harrier and Safari. The flagship SUVs are also likely to be equipped with an upgraded version of current 2.0 litre diesel engine sourced from Stellantis, as it recently the unit in-house. An evolution of the current Harrier EV’s electric powertrain is also expected on the all-electric versions of the next-gen SUVs.
Tata Harrier design sketch used for representation only.
While not much else is known about the next-generation of the Harrier and Safari, the new platform will see the SUVs grow in size; sources say that the overall length will increase by 100-200mm. This should help increase space on the inside, particularly for the three-row Safari. A new electrical (E&E) architecture will also be part of the package. Tata has tied up with Chinese brand Desay to develop the next-gen architecture, which would enable the brand to offer the latest in infotainment and autonomous systems.
Tata Harrier EV Adventure vs Mahindra XEV 9e Pack One: which base variant offers more?
