Most of these concepts are also slated to hit production in the near future.
Auto Expo 2023 had a couple of new car launches and several new upcoming models on display. But what’s arguably the most enticing thing about motor shows are the outlandish concepts that carmakers showcase previewing their future technology. And this edition of the Auto Expo certainly wasn’t any different. Here, we take a close look at all new concept cars and SUVs that were showcased at Auto Expo 2023.
1. Maruti Suzuki eVX concept
The very first unveiling this year was the Maruti Suzuki eVX concept, which previews Maruti’s first born-electric vehicle that’s slated to go on sale in 2025. This new platform will be jointly developed with Toyota and will bring a range of future full-EV models to the market. The eVX measures 4,300mm long and has a wheelbase of 2,700mm, which is close to the size of the current Creta.
The eVX concept sports a new design language that looks radically different from the styling of Maruti’s current IC (internal combustion) engine range. The SUV concept has very short overhangs, high ground clearance, bulging wheel arches, a sloping coupe-like roofline and rugged cladding all around. Maruti has announced that this new eVX SUV concept will come with a 60kWh battery and a real-world range of around 500km. There will also be an entry-level version with a smaller battery of around 48kWh and around 400km of real-world range.
2. Kia EV9 Concept
The EV9 concept previews Kia’s flagship all-electric SUV, which will be almost as large as the Range Rover, and is set to enter production towards the end of 2023. The EV9 concept gets a 77.4kWh battery pack, although official range and output figures are yet to be revealed. Based on the E-GMP platform, it has an 800V electrical architecture, allowing rapid charging at rates of up to 350kW. The production-spec EV9 is expected to get a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive range-topper as well as an entry-level variant fitted with a single motor powering the rear axle.
The new EV9 has an overall squarish look and features a new interpretation of the brand’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille. It has an upright stance with crisp lines, flat surfaces and a large glasshouse with a sharp kink post the C-pillar. On the inside, the EV9 concept has a rather minimalistic dashboard with a twin-screen infotainment layout, spoke-less flat-bottom steering wheel and an absolute lack of physical controls.Â
3. Lexus LF-30 and LF-Z concepts
Lexus showcased two concepts – the LF-30 and LF-Z EVs – at its pavilion at Auto Expo 2023. The former, with Lexus design cues, is as radical as concepts get; its interior is based on the brand’s concept of Tazuna, which, it says, is essentially creating a space that enables the driver to focus on driving while the front passenger seat is said to mimic an airplane’s first-class seat. Powering the LF-30 concept are four electric motors that, combined, produce 544hp and 700Nm of torque. The LF-30 has a 110kWh battery, which can be charged using a 150kW charger, and has a WLTP-rated range of 500km. Interestingly, the Lexus LF-30 is also capable of charging wireless.
Meanwhile, the LF-Z concept, which also incorporates the Tazuna interior, looks like Lexus’ version of the Toyota BZ4X. It uses AI to learn the driver’s preferences and behaviour to personalise audio playback, navigation and drive mode selection. The LF-Z is powered by dual electric motors producing 544hp and 700Nm of torque. The 90kWh battery is capable of a range of 600km (WLTP-cycle) and can be charged using a 150kW charger.
4. Tata electric concepts
The showstopper at this year’s Auto Expo was undoubtedly Tata Motors with as many as four concepts on display – the ICE version of the Curvv Concept, the Avinya Concept, the new Harrier EV Concept and the Sierra EV concept, the latter two being close-to-production show cars.
The new ICE version of the Curvv concept will be based on a modified Nexon platform, albeit stretched to over 4 metres in length. The Curvv has been showcased as an EV concept before, but this ICE version had more production-ready bodywork and interior. Upon launch, it will be powered by Tata’s new generation of 1.2-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines. The Avinya, which was already previewed in 2022, made its public debut for the first time at Auto Expo. It previews the brand’s first Gen 3 EV – built on a bespoke skateboard platform. Its range is touted to be more than 500km.
Tata also showcased the Harrier EV concept, which previews certain design elements that we could see on the facelifted version of ICE Harrier. The EV version, launching in 2024, will be a Gen 2 car and will use a heavily modified version of the OMEGA platform. It will also get the option of two electric motors, making it the first time the Harrier is offered with 4WD.
Lastly, the biggest star at the Tata Motors stall was, undoubtedly, the second iteration of the Sierra EV concept that has inched closer to its production-ready guise. Now with four doors and an interior with conventional controls and switchgear, it’s clear this model is in its final stages of development. Like the Harrier EV, the Sierra EV is also based on Gen 2 architecture – a heavily modified ALFA platform for electrification – but will also spawn an ICE derivative that will be powered by Tata’s new-gen 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine.
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