The Mahindra Roxor is a 2-seater 4x4 off-road utility vehicle assembled by Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA) since 2018. It is based on the Mahindra Thar M2DICR, a Utility Vehicle produced in India. The release of the Roxor was announced in November 2017 and launched in an electronically speed limited form on March 2, 2018 in the United States off-highway UTV market since US regulations won't allow it to be certified in any other category or for highway use. Roxor is assembled at Mahindra's new 150,000-ft2 (13,935-m2) facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Roxors are sold through powersports dealers across US and Canada.
Video Mahindra Roxor
Design
The Roxor has a retro design with similarities to the Thar. Thar itself is derived from the 1980s Mahindra MM540 model which in turn was based on the Original Jeep CJ from the 1960s. Some influence from the Korean KIA jeeps is also noticeable. Throughout its evolution, the body style and a fair share of its mechanical elements remained untouched. The curved fenders and boot along with the overall steel tub structure gives the Roxor a distinct CJ5/CJ7 appearance. To meet off-highway requirements, the way that the box steel frame is mounted to the steel body is different. The roll over cage is directly connected to the frame. Some Roxor parts are direct replacement for the CJ models. Moreover, most drive-line parts are direct derivations from original Willys designs. Mahindra holds a 'grandfathered' production license dating back to 1947 for several Willys jeep designs including the later CJs. Roxors are assembled at US MANA facility from India sourced CKD kits but some parts like the brake lines are locally sourced. MANA is targeting 51% localisation for the Roxor which now stands at 20%.
Maps Mahindra Roxor
Powertrain
The Roxor is powered by a Mahindra M2DICR 2.5 L (2523cc) EPA 1051/Part Certified direct injection turbo-diesel engine producing 63 bhp (45 KW) @ 3200 rpm with 144 lbf (195 Nm) torque @ 1400 rpm. It is said to be based on either an International Harvester or a Peugeot engine previously used in many Mahindra models. The 18.6:1 compression ratio engine has a 'soft turbo' and produces substantial low-end torque which is ideal for utility application. This engine powers the Thar M2DICR and several other utility vehicles from the Mahindra stable and is considered very durable but it is electronically limited to go till 45 mph in Roxor to abide with US UTV regulations. The Indian version as well as the unlocked US version is known to touch ~70-80 mph. According to Mahindra, the truck with its 12-gallon fuel tank will have a range of over 350 miles and will average between 32 and 34 MPG.
Drivetrain
The transmission is an NGT520 5-speed manual unit based on the Peugeot BA10/5. It has a cast iron housing with modified BA10/5 internals. The PTO equipped 2-speed manual transfer case is based on the Dana-18 which came in the Willys jeeps. The boxed frame steel chassis with 96" wheelbase has a fully floating solid axle up front and a semi floating solid axle at the rear with 3.73:1 ratio. Suspension is handled by stabilizer bar assisted leaf springs all around with double acting hydraulic shock absorbers. Front brakes are 9" disc while rear has 11" drum with hydraulic vacuum assist. A hydraulic power steering also comes as standard. Towing capacity for this 3,035 lbs vehicle is rated at 3,490 lbs while the payload capacity is an advertised 349 lbs to adhere with UTV regulations. Since Roxor is basically a Thar m2dicr with only cosmetic changes, the actual payload capacity is several times more. Max towing speed is an advertised 15 mph while that too has a higher actual value.
Variants
Roxor is launched in 4 variants: Base(Classic), Base 2(Classic 2), Limited Edition(LE) and Special Edition(SE) of which only 300 were made, and a late availability Dune Edition(Dune). Color choices currently include White, Fire Orange, Tahoe Blue and Carbon Black. A Dune version among others are also expected. LE version includes an 8000 lb WARN winch, windshield, light bar, bikini soft top, grab loops, mirrors, off-road bumper and MTX bluetooth sound bar. The 16" 5.5 lug wheel options include steel or Aluminium rims with 235/70 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 & standard tire choices. A Dune edition sporting sand-colored paint and off-road locator flag will be available later this year for customers in California. Single gauge speedometer is standard across all variants with digital fuel, odometer and tachometer. The sporty steering wheel & grab handle are grip wrapped along with spray-on bed liner for the entire interiors. An entire line of growing accessory list has also been released including differential locks, locking hubs, spare carrier, hard top, tow/pintle hitch, Lexan windsield etc. Under seat lockable storage bins are also present. Launch price range from 15,000 USD base to 19,000 USD for the LE package.
Future
Roxor is said to be in the process of getting certified for sales outside UTV class but with its old school structure, it is not expected to pass US crash safety tests. Apart from the initial release meant for the recreational market, future accessories are expected to include PTO fittings, snowplow and other work related gear.As of July 11th, 2018, the Mahindra Roxor can now be made street legal at https://dirtlegal.com
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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