First production 2020 Mahindra Thar to be auctioned for charity
Mahindra and Mahindra has announced that it will auction the first production-spec new Mahindra Thar that rolls off the production line. The carmaker will donate the proceeds from the win to charities engaged in fighting COVID19. Registrations for the bidding process have already begun and bids can be submitted between September 24-29.
The Thar being auctioned will be unique. A badge on the Thar will have the owner's initials, while there will be No. 1 etched on the decorative VIN plate on the dashboard and on the seats. The winner will be able to choose between a hard-top or soft-top, with all variants and engine-gearbox choice available. The winner will also be able to choose the charity Mahindra supports - Naandi Foundation, Swades Foundation, or PM CARES fund.
The 2020 Mahindra Thar can be had with two engine options. A first-ever 2.0-litre Stallion turbo-petrol makes 150PS and 320 Nm while the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine from the Scorpio has been added here too. This motor puts out 130PS and 300 Nm. Both engine options can be had with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque-convertor automatic. Aside from the two bodystyles, there are two variants, the hardy AX and the luxury focused LX.
The new Thar is based on Mahindra's Gen3 platform and sits on independent double-wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar and multilink coil spring rear suspension. There is a serious four-wheel-drive system with a transfer case, a mechanical locking rear differential and brake locking differentials on the front and rear axles. Mahindra says that the unladen ground clearance is 226mm when specified with the optional 18-inch tyres. These 255/65 R18 tyres have a 798mm diameter. Standard tyre size on steel rims is 245/75 R16. The Thar has an impressive 41.8Ëš approach angle, 36.8Ëš departure angle and 27Ëš break over angle when specified with the larger tyres. Maximum water wading depth is 650 mm.
The new Thar will go on sale on October 2, with bookings opening then.
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