Ford's Hulk SUV, the Endeavour gets more muscle with the launch of the new Ford Endeavour Thunder+ in the Indian market. It was only recently in June 2007 that Ford launched the new Endeavour with updated styling, interiors and a new engine. The SUV market is moving fast and thus the new Endeavour Thunder+ comes in with even more power from its 3 litre 16 valve VGT turbo diesel. An earth shattering torque of 380Nm @ 2500rpm (up from 330 Nm) and max power of 156PS @ 3200rpm would make the new Endeavour a rapid SUV, ready to mud plug to your hearts content.
This new engine has resulted in the price tag bloating by almost Rs. 2 lakh and the new Endeavour Thunder+ retails at Rs. 17, 32,000 (Ex-showroom, New Delhi) up from Rs. 15,52,000. The price is the result of the import duty as the Endeavour Thunder+ is imported from Fords Thailand plant as a completely built unit (CBU).
The fuel efficiency of the new 3 litre engine is stated to be on par with the older 2.5L TDCi unit. Apart from the engine other new features include bigger ORVMs with turn indicators and puddle lamps, body cladding, two tone exterior paint, front bumper over rider and a rear ladder. Amenities on the inside remain the same as does the safety equipment.
Ford should not have upped the price on the new Endeavour as it is not worth shelling out around Rs. 2 lakh more for only a little increase in power and some cosmetic changes. Normally new variants are brought in at or close to the existing price of the existing vehicle. The guys are Ford are also talking about getting a military version of the Endeavour for the Indian army. How in the world would they be able to match the price effectiveness of lets say Mahindra, which is keen on military contracts as well and has developed the indigineous Mahindra AXE especially for mulitary use.
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