► Tata’s small sportster shelved
► Racemo was for ‘digital native’ generation
► Tata also reportedly out of 2018 Geneva show
Rest in peace Tamo Racemo, you died before your time. Yes, Tata’s new Tamo sports car line has had to bite the dust due to some aggressive cost-cutting, it is being reported.
Along with the total shelving of the Tamo sub-brand, reports are suggesting that Tata will also miss out on the 2018 Geneva motor show after missing the July payment date for attendance.
The two-seater sports coupe was originally revealed at the 2017 Geneva motor show and was described as a digitally native, connected, ‘phygital’ experience. But what exactly does all that mean?
Tell us about the Racemo
Built on a modular platform called MOFlex Multi-Material Sandwich (MMS), it’s the first Tamo vehicle from the Indian manufacturer and has been styled unashamedly like a race car.
It’s powered by a mid-mounted 1.2-litre petrol triple with 188bhp and 155lb ft bolted to a six-speed auto ‘box with paddleshifters. There are double wishbone suspension arrangements at both ends and disc brakes all-round. Its length is between that of a Fiat 500 and a Fiesta, albeit with a roofline that’s almost 300mm lower to the ground. It’s a full 101mm wider than the Ford.
Who on earth is the Tamo Racemo for?
Allegedly designed for risk-taking, adventure-loving, mobile-first car enthusiasts, the concept includes connected features such as advanced navigation, predictive maintenance, remote monitoring and over-the-air updates using Microsoft cloud-based technologies.
Microsoft’s Forza Horizon 3 video game features the Racemo, which incidentally is the first Indian car in the game.
So not only can you drive it in real life on the road, but you can enjoy it from the comfort of your gaming chair at home, racing against your fastest friends, too.
Anything else we should know?
Speaking at the unveil of Racemo, Guenter Butschek, CEO & MD, Tata Motors said, ‘We launched our sub-brand Tamo as our answer to new technologies, business models and partnerships. Racemo is the first innovation from TAMO, and our emotional, unexpected leap to the future.
‘Symbolising the change that is taking place at Tata Motors, Racemo is the proving ground of the Tamo family of vehicles and will drive the future of India’s connected generation. From styling and design to driver experience and technology,
‘Racemo is an extension of customers’ personality, as part of their digital ecosystem and will break the ice with a radical new presence and pique the interest in the parent brand.’
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