Tata Motors debuts exclusive new sports car Futuro

Tata Motors, the Indian carmaker that nine years ago introduced the world’s cheapest car, will debut its first sports car in the sub-brand TaMo (Tata Motors) at the Geneva International Motor Show.

The new model, one of several new vehicles planned by the company that owns Jaguar and Land Rover, will be called the Futuro. It will feature a 1.2-liter, mid-engine turbocharged inline four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower. The two-seater will be unveiled in Switzerland as a concept.

According to several media reports, the Tamo Futuro should be available in about 18 months. Its debut coincides with Tata’s decision to streamline its business, reducing its platforms from six to two.

The 87th Geneva auto show will begin March 7.

Only 250 of the new vehicles will be manufactured, sold in India only and for about 25 rs lakh ($37,000)

A Tata representative the sports car will be “a stunning-looking car for the money.”

At the 2000 Geneva motor show, Tato showcased the Aria roadster. A coupé version was unveiled as a concept in 2001.

Neither of the vehicles were made into production cars. The Aria name was eventually given to the Tata MPV.

The Tata Nano changed the automotive industry in 2008 when the minimalist machine debuted in India as the world’s cheapest car with a price of about $2,000. The four-seater has 32 horsepower and 624-cc, 2-cylinder engine mounted in the rear.