The Mahindra XUV500 petrol variant is targeted solely at international markets and will come paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Adding another feather in Mahindra’s hat, the XUV500 has been a super successful product for the automaker in recent times. Relatively new waters for the company, Mahindra managed to sail through just right and sales for the flagship SUV do not seem deterred even after three years post launch. Now, with the Indian auto giant planning to capture a sizeable market overseas as well, the company is developing a petrol powered variant of the XUV500 that will more likely be restricted to international markets.
While details are not confirmed yet, the Mahindra XUV500 petrol version will be using the bottom half block of the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel, and the rest of the motor will get completely new parts including new heads and other components. In terms of power, the petrol engine is expected to produce around 140 BHP (same as the diesel), while torque figures are unknown. The other addition will be the new 6-speed automatic transmission (Aisin AWF21) paired to the petrol motor and is being sourced from Aisin Seiki. Interestingly, this auto gearbox also does duty on the Land Rover Freelander 2.
Mahindra is targeting markets like South America and the Russian Commonwealth with the new petrol variant and is most likely to offer the XUV500 in both Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) options. The automaker should commence exports of the petrol version next year, while an Indian launch could also be a possibility by the end of 2015 or early 2016. However, petrol powered SUVs are not a preferred choice in India and Mahindra could offer a base variant with the petrol option. More details on the petrol powered XUV500 are expected to emerge soon.
Source – Motoring World
