The Tata Pixel city-car, shown this week during the 2011 Geneva Auto Show, could be the perfect vehicle for anyone with a propensity for getting lost. With its Zero-Turn technology, the car can literally change direction in its own tiny shadow. Check out the following video to see the Pixel in action:
The technology behind the cars amazing agility is a toroidal traction-drive Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT) – yea, try saying that five times fast. What the system does is, thankfully, much easier to explain. During a low speed maneuver, the front wheels turn at an extremely acute angle. Meanwhile, the rear outer rear wheel moves forwards as the inner rear wheel moves backwards.
This four-wheeled ballet translates into a turning radius of only 2. 6 meter (8. 5 feet). Its impressive enough to make you consider moving onto a dead-end street, simply to wow the neighbors with a series of automotive pirouettes. At the rear of the Pixel is an efficient 1. 2-liter 3-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine which, according to Tata Motors, provides lively performance and low emissions.
Based on the Tata Nano, presently the worlds cheapest car at approximately $2,300, the Pixel abandons its low-cost roots for a heavy dose of high tech gadgetry. Scissor doors rotate upwards, revealing a cabin that has more in common with the sleek interior of an Apple stores show-room than any cut rate economy car. The Pixel employs My Tata Connect, which allows the integration of a smartphone or tablet into the cars infotainment system and other key vehicle functions. Thankfully, the steering wheel and pedals have yet to be replaced by a touch-screen.
Tata Motors assures us there is room inside for four adults – and having driven the Tata Nano, I can vouch for that cars ample room both the front and back. But while the Pixel impresses with its nimble driving manners, some might suggest the car itself is a way for the Indian automaker to turn around its sales approach for the Nano outside of India. The Nano Europa, shown last year in Geneva, was a more upmarket version of the Nano aimed at European buyers who expect higher levels of comfort, power and safety (i. e. airbags) than the car offers to Indian buyers. The Pixel takes that approach up another notch, both in terms of technology and style.
Tata Motors spokesman, Debasis Ray, told us the company has not changed direction regarding its approach to the European market. One of the genes of the Tata Nano is the idea of a spacious, stylish small car. In the Tata Pixel, which indeed is a concept based on the Nano, we stay committed to that idea, said Mr. Ray. While holding true to our belief that there is an opportunity in Europe for a city car, in the Tata Pixel Concept we are showing a concept which possibly is even more optimal in space, maneuverability and environmental-friendliness.
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2011 日内瓦车展: 塔塔像素的概念
