Tata Motors Q501 flagship SUV based on Discovery Sport exported to US for testing: Report

It was reported that Tata Motors is working on a number of new projects that include at least two MPVs and two SUVs with the knowhow of its subsidiary, Jaguar and Land Rover. Emerging reports say among these, the Q501 (codename) SUV based on the Land Rover Discovery Sport has been exported to the US for testing.

Tata Motors has sent a few prototypes of the Q501 to the US, reports TeamBHP. The Q501 is built on the Land Rover Discovery Sport's L550 platform. The Land Rover Discovery Sport's body shell features high-strength steel and light-weight aluminium, resulting in weight reduction. The SUV is also expected to sport the same body shell. Land Rover will further assist Tata Motors in the architecture, performance and technologies of the Q501.

In terms of design, the SUV will not take cues from the Land Rover range. The Q501 will bear the Impact design language of Tata Motors debuted with the Tiago. The Q501 is expected to be powered by 2.0-litre MultiJet II diesel engine from Fiat that is expected to develop to six-speed manual as well as automatic transmission.

The Q501 will be a five-seater with the option of seven seat layout. It will be positioned above the Safari and the Hexa. The upcoming Tata SUV will go up against the likes of Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. Market entry of the Q501 is expected in 2018. We expect the final product will be Tata's star attraction at the Auto Expo 2018.