Mahindra Adventure Super XUV300: Everything you need to know
Team Mahindra Adventure has completed the first shakedown of its brand new rally car for the 2019 season, the Super XUV300. Just in time too, with the first round of INRC 2019 scheduled to take place in Chennai on Jun 28-30. This car replaces the Super XUV500 in the INRC, which Mahindra Adventure has run to great success since 2013. OVERDRIVE was present at this testing session at a private test track near Coimbatore, and these are the details on the new rally-spec Mahindras we can confirm.
Developed by Arka Motorsports, the same tuner behind the AWD Super XUV500, the front-wheel drive Super XUV300 will be run in two specifications. The Super XUV300 R2 with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine will be piloted by reigning champion Gaurav Gill, running JK Tyre rubber, namely its motorsport-developed Ultima XRG2 tyres sized 195/60 R15. The Super XUV300 Turbo Diesel will have Amittrajit Ghosh behind the wheel, and a 4-cyl 1.5-litre diesel under the hood. This car will run MRF ZDM2s in the same tyre size.
The 1.2-litre petrol will be built to FIA R2 spec eventually. In its current form with stock engine internals and only an upgraded turbo, intercooler, intake and Haltech engine management, Arka Motorsports has managed to squeeze out about 40-45PS and 40Nm torque more than the road-going XUV300. The 1.5-litre diesel is closer to stock mechanically, with only a retune netting around 30PS and 60-70Nm torque more. Both cars are currently running their respective 6-speed gearboxes in stock form, with a limited slip differential on the front axle available, but not in time for the first shakedown.
The Super XUV300 twins have been fully stripped out, and have FIA-spec safety equipment inside, with kerb weights for the petrol and diesel cars coming in at 1,320kg and 1,380kg respectively. The cars run 3-way adjustable suspension from Reigers at each corner, which have been custom-developed by Arka Motorsports. The stock XUV300 was the first compact SUV to introduce disc brakes on all four wheels, and while the rotors remain stock, we're told the pad compound has been custom developed. Adjustability for the twin master cylinder set-up comes via a brake bias knob inside the cabin. Further, a hydraulic handbrake is fitted.
Since its early days of development, there's a lot of progress still to be made. The competitiveness of both cars will be evaluated in the coming rounds, with sources telling us the petrol will likely prove to be quicker. Speaking to Gaurav Gill on the feel of the new Super XUV300 R2, he seemed very positive about the performance of the car at the end of the test session, commenting on the advantages in agility and braking brought about by the lighter XUV300 with the lower centre of gravity.
If the petrol proves to be quicker, the Super XUV300 R2 will be the only 3-cylinder rally car on the grid. Milestone? No doubt. Now it remains to be seen just how quick Team Mahindra Adventure can be in their first outing with the new cars.
Also see: Mahindra XUV300 v Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon & Ford EcoSport Comparison Test Video