Tata Motors will be showcasing a performance version of the Tata Bolt at the Geneva Show next week. The sportier Bolt will eventually will the wear the badge of a new performance brand Tata is planning to launch towards the end of the year.
The more powerful Bolt will use the existing 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine, but the power output will be raised from 89bhp to around 120bhp. The engine is also likely to be torquier, and to handle all these extra reserves, Tata will arm the new car with Fiat's tried and tested C501 gearbox which does duty in the diesel multi-jet powered models.
The Geneva show car will be properly kitted out with flared bodywork and 17 inch wheels. The interiors too will get a makeover and reflect the car’s sporting intent. The suspension too has been modified with stiffer damping and lowered ride height. Unlike the high-riding standard Bolt whose tall ground clearance is all too obvious, this hot hatch will have a squat stance.
Tata Motors is desperate to boost to its brand image which has taken a beating in the past few years and the lukewarm response to Bolt is reflective of this fact. The company feels a new sporty sub-brand could create some excitement and enthuse car buyers.
An announcement of the name of Tata’s new performance brand is likely to be made in the second half of the year.