Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra is planning to show off the diesel-hybrid version of its Scorpio SUV at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress being held next week in Detroit.
Scorpio is being billed as an entry-level hybrid and will be initially aimed at Asian markets, with gradual growth and production moving into other regions as demand increases. Powering the Scorpio is a Mahindra-built, 2.2-liter inline-four diesel engine combined with a 288-volt nickel metal hydride battery system.
The hybrid powertrain and electronic software control units were co-developed by vehicle technology company FEV, and produce around 30 kilowatts of power by itself. Much like current hybrids, the vehicle will feature regenerative braking and seamless switching between power sources, but at a significantly reduced price.
There was no indication of the starting price for the Asian market Scorpio SUV, but Mahindra is hoping to bring the hybrid to the U.S. in the near future.
Source: FEV. Inc.