Graphic shows the $2,500 car unveiled by India’s Tata Motors

[underpants]

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/mostemailed

[ogneopasno]

1. No, thank you.

[FightingIrish]

2. It looks like doors are options too.

[NightWatcher]

3. psst. it's really a golf cart.....and about as safe on the highway as one too

[supernova]

5. OTOH, if you do a lot of city driving

something golf-cart like could be very appropriate.

No, I wouldn't take it on the highway either.

[underpants]

6. Green or blue?

or are you going to go with the "sporty" red?

[Codeine]

25. It's not made for that.

It's inexpensive urban transport for India's large cities, a role which it will perform terrifically, and with less pollution than the current vehicles it will replace.

[Terry in Austin]

60. Damn -- so we've got some really unsafe highways!

;-)

BTW, that looks like a GEM, not a golf cart.

[Huskerchub]

73. yeah cause there are LOTS

of freeways to be traveled in India! Get a grip, this is not a car for US consumers. This is a car built in India for the people of India to drive in India. Get it? India. I'm sure that it's a lot more safe and desirable than a an ox cart or a bicycle.

[bullwinkle428]

4. These things make Smart Cars look like Hummers!

[uppityperson]

23. I just compared it to a Smart Car also. Smart Car hummer, funny.

[baldguy]

87. Smart Car Hummers already exist

http://www.minihummereurope.com/index.php

[paparush]

7. The windows on my 2003 Corolla wind down by hand. Standard locks (no keyless entry)

But, I do have airbags, power steering/brakes, radio, heat, AC. Oh, and I regularly get 45+ MPG.

[fujiyama]

49. Of course a Corolla is considerably larger and more expensive

People criticizing the car need to realize that it's not even designed for US roads (at least in its current form).

Unless people have seen urban roads in India first hand, they won't understand how different it is. It's just insanely crowded and I have seen entire families riding around on scooters and motorcycles. This car would definitely be safer than that.

However, India also needs a lot of investment in basic infrastructure and better mass transit as well.

[leveymg]

8. That cheap l'il thing is the FIAT 500 reborn. Below:

The '50s original is the one on the right:



They made great little Italian hotrods when tuned by Abarth. Off-the-scale fun/lira ratio.

[ContinentalOp]

31. That second picture is amazing!

That's my dream world right there. With everyone driving one of those in different bright colors, some with racing stripes, and people popping up out of the sunroofs!

[Kalyke]

79. I'd want an American car, though.

I support UAW workers and profits staying in THIS country.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

51. This is the entire reason why I want Fiat to buy out Chrysler.

I had a Fiat Punto when I was in Italy on vacation about a year and a half ago. None of the electrics worked, the glove box wouldn't stay closed, but OH MY GOD was it fun to drive. Hell, maybe they'll even re-launch Alfa Romeo here. Then I can buy a used 159 six or seven years down the road. WANT:

[iamthebandfanman]

9. its neat but

i hear its a death trap.

theres like no safety requirements at all..
infact they cant sell them here because of the lack of safety features.


if they could find a way to make them safe, id say sure... bring 'em on over here.

[tech3149]

17. the best safety item is the driver

I've driven everything from cheap-assed shit that I could afford to AMG prepped Merc's. One thing rings true throughout, it doesn't matter how many features and driving aids you have you're still toast if you don't pay attention and learn how to drive.

[Mz Pip]

10. Getting sideswiped in that

even on a slow city street could be fatal. Might as well ride a bike.

[leveymg]

11. A rollcage is your friend. Will bounce harmlessly away from anything that hits it.

Needs about $400 worth of high-quality steel tubing and a couple hours of TIG welding. Presto-chango. Safe to crash at any speed. Just make sure you install (and wear) a four or five-point shoulder harness.

If you do that, might as well turn it into a latter-day FIAT 1000 Abarth Corsa. See picture above. I love small cars, but you'd never guess that, would you?

Now, if they just made a plug-in hybrid model. . .

[alfredo]

29. Knew an Italian gal with a Fiat 500 with an Abarth kit. Her dad was a

Formula 1 driver. He wasn't going to let a kid of his drive something ordinary. She could really drive that thing. She had no respect for authority. I found that quite sexy.


Saw this race through the streets of Asmara.




Check out the bottom right car. Can you name them?

[leveymg]

40. You see some extraordinary vehicles in Third-world cities.

Ethiopia still had some interesting Italian, German, British and American cars in the early 1970s.

Let me take a crack at those: (top) Abarth Simca 1300 Bialbero (gorgeous - lucky girl!). (1) 1930 MB 200(?); (2) 1947 Alvis (?); (3) 1967 Mustang GT (used to own one); 1930s etceterini.

[alfredo]

59. The bottom right was an Alpha Romeo.

There were a lot of great motorcycles too. Most cycles were Italian, Moto Guzzi, and Ducati were everywhere. At times you'd find an old Rudge.
BTW, I was in Eritrea at the time (1966-1969). It was still under Ethiopian rule.

There was one Honda sports car:


these were thick as flies:


the Rudge. I wish I would have bought the one I found. they used the Split Single engine.




Here's a 1937 Moto Guzzi. I had one, but it was blue.

[leveymg]

62. Did I get the other ones right?

I assumed Ethiopia still occupied Eritrea when those photos were taken. The Tigray get really POed when one guesses, incorrectly, that they are Ethiopians. A lot of both here in the DC area.

What were you doing in East Africa in the late 1960s? Was that your 'Stang? Were you an AmEmb person? I know, that's a lot of questions - feel free to ignore at will.

Honda 600 is right up there as an all-time great small sportscar. If only the AH Sprite had a Honda engine. Speaking of engines, that Split Single is such an elegant approach. Wonder why it wasn't copied more. The rest of the Rudge isn't so bad, either.

I've always liked Italians and Brits. Here's another nice Alfa:

[alfredo]

66. Top left was a Lancia, top right was a Fiat. The Abarth was right.

I was there with the Army Security Agency. My region was Hamasien. The Tigray were to the south. The language was Tigrania, but Amharic was imposed on them by the Emperor. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamasien

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM59IE_F8wo I lived in Asmara


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHZjJ0Ad3Io That's honey meade on their heads, the lead singer is playing a Krar. The one he is playing is probably electrified. Note the pointed chins. Very characteristic of Eritreans. Lovely people

[leveymg]

67. know my '60s sports racers better than pre-war saloon cars and dropheads.

The suicide doors threw me off on the Lancia. All the 30s FIATS and Lancias I looked at had "safety doors." What model FIAT? - didn't look familiar.

Have done many political asylum cases for Ethiopians, Eritreans, and Somalis, so I'm fairly familiar with the Derge, the Red Terror, Hailemariam Mengestu, Said Barre, Col. Aideed and the other despots with blood on their hands on the Horn. That piece of ground swapped hands a lot during the Cold War, had the world's worst human rights atrocities, and just fell apart afterwards. Sad. The people of East Africa are so resilient, gracious and lovely, indeed, all of them. With a few exceptions. The former Chief of Police in Mogadishu gave me the creeps - I couldn't bring myself to do his asylum case, despite the testimonials. He made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Had the entire Somali former Embassy staff in our law firm conference room in 1988. They ended up getting Article 13 diplomatic asylum.

Do you know a popular guitarist named Hagos Berhane? I recall he was from Asmara, and was a client. He gave me some cassettes - loved the music.

Would really like to visit the place, sometime. Feel like I've been there, every dark corner of the Third Police Station in Addis and Sembel Prison in Asmara.

Anyway, the Italians left behind some beautiful cars and a good gene pool in East Africa. What else can you say about a people who are capable of such sublime art as these shapes?

Lou Reed said something about a party, once, where he
"was speaking to phil who was given to pills
And small racing cars
He had given them up since his last crack-up
Had carried him too far"

[alfredo]

70. Actually, I think the convertible might be a Lancia. The fog lights

were standard on them.

No, I knew sports figures, in particular cyclist.



The big iron like Ferrari wouldn't have been as much fun as the smaller more nimble cars like the Fiats and Alphas as you drive Massawa road. It drops 8,600 ft in its 75 mile trip. The last part is on flat desert, so most of 1,020 curves are behind. That's the only place to cut loose.




My dad was a well know auto upholsterer. He did a lot of restoration and custom work. That's where I learned to love the old iron.

[leveymg]

71. Look at the '32 MB200. Very similar

right down to the steel disc wheels with baby moon hubcaps and door handles.

Must be, the great Ethiopian cyclists shared the same advantages as the great Ethiopian marathon runners - generations at high altitude, long legs, and those mountain switchbacks to train on. There are sections of the Targa Florio and both Tour de France that look like that, but they don't go on for that many miles. But, don't count the flatlanders and Ferraris out in those events.

I was blessed to be brought up in a place that was equi-distant from Chinetti Ferrari and Bob Sharp Racing in Connecticut. I spent a lot my misspent youth hanging out at both. In exchange for sweeping the floors, and asking a lot of idiot questions, I got to run out for gas and parts, and deliver the cars. Have had the chance to drive a lot of interesting Italian and Japanese cars, if only to the corner filling station and onto the back of a transporter at Lime Rock. Guess if I had to have one that I had live with, day-in-day-out, it might be this:



Not what you expected? As much as I love the looks and sound, the steering and brakes of the 275GTB/4 were numb in around-town driving. The 365 Daytona a glorious, powerful truck in traffic. The Bora disappointed, and the Miuras never ran clean - frankly, the early mid-engine Italians were twitchy and scary cars. The Aston V-8 came close to the Maser for stirring sound, torque, comfort but lacked something - only the chrome bumper original Townes nose version quite matched the solid style of the Ghibli. Always liked high-winding V-8s. I could relate to them because they have the same basic dimensions and layout as my '67 289 Fastback. Even with Konis, Shelby parts, five-spoke mags, and fat tires, there was a REAL difference between the American iron and European thoroughbreds. Watch Steve McQueen struggle at the wheel in Bullet -- Ford steering boxes of the era had so much slop -- and you know what I mean. But, I sure was lucky to experience both.

[alfredo]

75. My friend's Porsche 911S was a real hoot to drive. One day I had

to make a run from Lexington to Louisville to pick up some bicycles for the shop. The only car available was the Porsche. When I got there the invoice was for eleven bikes. The warehouse guys stood at the dock and watched me un box seven of them and fit them inside. The remaining four I left in the box and strapped them to the roof. The workers showed their appreciation, and wished me luck. Not sure if any money changed hands.

All the bikes made it home safe and sound.

His was white and unadorned with numbers and such. He did have a bunch of McDonald's wrappers on the floor board.

[leveymg]

77. Reminds me of PL Newman's silver 911S

Newman came into Sharp's operation in 1977 after racing a Tullius-prepared TR6 in SCCA C-Production. The Porsche was his street car, and I used to follow him on the 15 miles of winding country roads from the shop back in Danbury to Westport. Newman was a decent guy and a safe driver, who didn't start racing until his early '40s. He respected the limits of himself and of his cars. Bob Sharp was a great role model and teacher for both of us - very precise, intelligent, and patient. Paul came in at about the same time that I went off to college, so I didn't really get to know him very well. Found out, later, that he had dated my mother as a teenager in Shaker Heights, Ohio.

This was Bob's #33 in '75:




"CoCo" Chinetti, Luigi's son, was running Ferrari's primary East Coast importer and North American Racing Team (NART) when I first started hanging out there in '72. I used to hitchhike down to Greenwich, even before I got my driver's license - it was a reasonably reliable and safe way for a teenage boy to get around then. Rarely had to wait more than ten or 15 minutes for a ride. I was taking a drafting and industrial design class at my High School, and Chinetti took an interest in my blueprints and model of a C-Sports Racer powered by a 1300 twin cam Alfa or 1300 SOHC Datsun motor. I was there so often they gave me something to do - I swept up, and helped the mechanics who were rebuilding a NART 512S endurance racer and Luigi Senior's vast collection of fifties and sixties racing and exotic street cars. Here's the 512, but it had the later M-style nose and high Kurtz tail by the time I got to it. Just another obsolete race car, at the time. I think it recently changed hands for two or three million dollars.



At any given time, there were a half-dozen cars in various stages of restoration. I recall cleaning and tagging engine parts from 250 GTOs, 335s, a 375 Plus, 412, a 500 SuperAmerica, and all manner of more modern machines, Daytonas, Dinos, 365GTs. All those intricate finned castings and polished forgings - so beautifully made, a shame so few see the art that's normally hidden under the hood. Layer within layer of metal sculpture, fitted perfectly together, like Fabrage eggs. Fortunately, my wife, who's a painter and art teacher, has come to understand "high-kinetic sculpture". Here's Luigi, Sr. and Phil Hill at a reunion at Laguna Seca. Many of these cars were Chinetti's. Must have been taken in the late 1980s. The collection was later sold off.



Not just Ferraris, but Bugattis, C and D-Type Jags, Birdcage Maseratis. The place was a working museum. For me, it was a shrine. Occasionally, they handed me a dealer plate, the keys, and instructions to run customer cars out to glass and upholstery shops. There I was, 16 years old driving down the Boston Post Road (Rt. 1) in wheels like this:



Motorhead Valhalla.

[alfredo]

78. Damn, love Ferrari Red. BTW, the first F1 race is this weekend.

I watched some of the practice last night. It seems that many were having trouble with the front brakes locking up.

[leveymg]

82. Hasn't been the same for me since we lost Senna

Had the same impact on me that Clark's death had for many in a previous generation.

Nonetheless, I still have a fascination with F1, even if my interest isn't so focused as it once was. There's no doubt that these are still the world's best drivers. But, Bernie and Max really ruined the sport as sport, IMHO, when they turned it into a high-end media event. The abandonment of the great tracks, such as the North circuit at the Ring, Spa, Monza, and Grand Prix at the Glen doesn't help.

There's been an effort to restrict technology and costs, that's resulted in a sort of de-evolution. The winners seem to be those who are most clever at getting around the rulebook. Anti-lock brakes were banned, and lockup tells me that they also aren't getting much frontal downforce and tire loading these days. Can't go bigger on tire width, and tires have to last, so the tire compounds are harder and less grippy than before. Can't move the driver or fuel load forward for safety reasons, so that means they'll have to move mechanical components forward - but, that would be at the cost of increased polar moment of inertia, and a less nimble car.

Of course, I still love watching F1. The quickness of the cars and the skill of the drivers just blows me away.

Solid red cars still look the best. The Barnard-era designs were really good-looking formula cars:

[alfredo]

83. I'm still mourning the loss of Baron Wolfgang Von Tripps at Monza.

He was driving the beautiful Ferrari 156. In the seventies, they became rather ugly.




This image of Jackie Stewart in his BRM is one of my all time favorite racing images



Stirling Moss was another hero.

Here's an oddball machine made by Voisin. I think it was one of the early racers that employed aerodynamics




BTW, you have to wear tweed to drive this car

[leveymg]

86. Wings are for airplanes, wedges for doorjams. Old School.

I like the '66 3 liter - the 1.5 formula cars were a bit too dainty for my taste. Now, there's a proper Grand Prix car (besides, "Real Ferraris" should have 12 cylinders):



The Flugplatz produced some great photos. But, landings could be rough. Even Stewart got crossed-up:



Speaking of strange streamliners and Tata, how about the Tatras:



(Thank Dr. Jaray for the shape. But, who invented Polar Moment of Inertia?)

Finally, Anglo-American hybrids. Nobody did it better than Eric Broadley:



(In a proper BRG with BRM nose and racing stripes - who could ask for more?)

[alfredo]

90. That Stewart image didn't show his sphincter tightening.

BTW, hit the "F" for your Ferrari fix.

http://www.seriouswheels.com/


One car missing is the Chaparral

[leveymg]

96. Now, THAT must have been interesting to yump around the Ring

Pucker up.

Friend had a 2-cycle SAAB (actually it was his parents' car) and thought he was Miko. Ended up on his roof trying for the distance and height record at our hometown Flugplatz. Parents weren't pleased with the story about swerving to avoid a dog. Dog got away without a scratch - so did my friend. SAAB totalled. Not the first at that location - town regraded the hill. Don't know what was the greatest loss.



Too bad we lost the SAAB. It was the best vehicle in town for winter "skitching". We had lots of ice in southern Connecticut. A good glaze on the road, preferably over a couple inches of snow, were perfect conditions. Only we didn't use skis or skateboards. Usually got up to 30-40 mph. Wore out some snowboots and bluejeans that way.



In the summer, we did prone roof-riding on the Connecticut Thruway at 100mph. My parents' Red '66 Pontiac stationwagon with a chrome roofrack and a 326 was perfect for that. Four-door GTO with extra space for hauling loads of stoned teenagers to the Wilton Reservoir, the nude community swimming hole. How the hell we survived and kept our licenses, I don't know. Just blind luck.



That one went through a stone wall and knocked over a small tree one snowy morning driving out to Sharp's. Dented the bumper a little. I don't think my mother ever noticed. My parents were definitely on the party circuit, themselves. Did you ever see the 1997 Ang Lee movie, "The Ice Storm"? (Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Tobey Maguire, Christina Ricci, Elijah Wood and Sigourney Weaver). That was us.

[alfredo]

97. I had a Saab 93 V4 and loved it dearly. Never got stuck once, even when I

slid into a ditch. Loved that mousey blue beast. When on LSD you can feel the front wheels pulling you. Pulling out the gear shift for reverse has to be experienced. The car sits still and the road passes under you. Pretty neat. Oh, and bridges do silly things when you drive over them.

[alfredo]

98. Nico Rosberg's website kinda creeps me out.

Maybe I'm getting old.

http://www.nicorosberg.com/

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

69. Do you remember the surname, or the first name of the driver?

[alfredo]

84. Naw, just remember her face and her driving.

Were you at Kagnew?

[Kalyke]

80. Car No. 3 is a Mustang.

A beautiful, non-bubble Mustang.


I have the 2005 model. My last Mustang went 10 years before needing brakes and 11-12 years before needing to be in the shop (a sensor problem) for anything other than maintenance.

Meanwhile, hubby's BMW is in the shop every three months.

And they say American cars suck. HA!

[ContinentalOp]

32. Are you serious? What do you know about this?

I've always been intrigued by Tarantino's Death Proof Car idea. Supposedly he started to feel his mortality after years of feeling indestructible in his 20s, so he was going to buy a Volvo. But a friend told him "just have a stunt crew make you a death proof car." I would love to have a cool looking older car that was actually safe to drive. What about your neck? I remember seeing something on TV about NASCAR drivers and neck supports and how they save lives that would have been lost in past crashes.

[leveymg]

38. Neck injuries a function of G-forces - shouldn't happen at highway speeds - however,

there is a horse collar-like safety device, the HANS device, that most race drivers wear these days that tethers the helmet so that it won't move too far in any direction, preventing the sort of high-G neck injury that killed Dale Earnhardt.

Yes, a NASCAR-style roll cage and harnesses will protect a properly restrained occupant from crushing injuries at practically any speed. Even a more modest roll hoop and side-intrusion bracing, along with a fire-resistant fuel cell, are a real life-saver. These things should be mandatory for all car makers.

Your friend is right. If you have to crash a normal street car, do it in a Volvo. I bought my wife a Volvo wagon - boxy but safe. Better yet, steer around immovable barriers - maneuverability is one of the inherent safety features of a smaller car.

[Pavulon]

58. hans device, safety gear

gets uncomfortable and 99% people would never use it off a race track. You head motion is restricted. So no looking at the gps, radio, beating your kids, etc.

You best bet is to get your cdl and drive a transfer truck.

[Pavulon]

57. Only if you wear a gp-5k, your head will split like an egg

on roll cage. That car is a death trap and would fold up if hit by something the size of an E class benz. Never mind a f250.

Roll cages provide..roll over protection for track cars..not structural integrity for shitty putt putts.

[leveymg]

63. A proper rollcage IS structural integrity

The rest is just sheet metal. I'll tell you what - you crash and roll the E-Class Benz at 150 mph and I'll do it in anything built to the current FIA/IMSA or SCCA regs. We'll see who walks away.

No, come to think of it. I don't want to crash anything at that speed that isn't on a computer screen.

[Pavulon]

74. Just saying a miata with rollcage

is not going to fare well in a crash with a f250.

[SPedigrees]

12. I love it!

It's only a bit smaller than my geo metro which has gotten me around for the past 12 years. If I had an extra 2 grand I'd buy one.

For families in India whose typical transport is a motor bike, this will be luxury.

Eco friendly to the max. They can run on fumes.

They are planning to market them here in America if they sell well in India.

[Statistical]

13. Perspective People

Could it be any less safe than this?



In large portion of the emerging world a moped is a family or business vehicle or a non motorized bike.

Sure if a Hummer hits then this car loses but a "safe" by American standards vehicle is more than a decades salary in some countries.

For a large number of people a "safer" economical vehicle that can carry a moderate amount of cargo is an amazing asset.

Likely they will sell out @ $2,500.

[underpants]

14. Saw lots of these at Va. Beach this weekend. The Nano has a motor and a plastic cover

that is basically the only differences

[Statistical]

15. Agreed but there was nothing revolutionary about the first Ford either.

Henry was just smart enough to come up with a good design, at a price people could AFFORD and used existing assembly line technology for autos.

The rest is history.

[LeftHander]

16. 2-cycle engine.....? Hope not, that will stink up the world....nt

[tech3149]

19. It helps to understand what you read if you want to make a point

Two cylinder does not equal two cycle. If you have a gas lawnmower, you most likely have a single cylinder four stroke engine powering it.

[Codeine]

26. Two cylinders does not equal two-stroke. nt

[Kansas Wyatt]

18. Tatas bouncing bouncing out the door!

Big big warehouse sale on Tatas at Rupesh House of Tatas!

We have big Tatas, little Tatas, round Tatas, perky Tatas, all kinds of Tatas bouncing bouncing bouncing out the door!

[ContinentalOp]

34. No airbags! :P -nt-

[damntexdem]

20. How much to add AC and a radio?

And a V8 engine? ;-)

[amborin]

21. and it spells DOOM for India's environment....

more millions driving, more roads, more development, more habitat destruction

[SPedigrees]

24. I doubt the nano pollutes more

than the motor bikes it will replace.

[Codeine]

27. Remember, Third World:

We have our cars, but you're not allowed! You can walk, you little buggers.

[amborin]

28. of course,

that's always the problem!

we get where we want and then try to change the rules

on all manner of issues, such as pollution, etc....

so, it sounds as if your stand is: "let 'em pollute"

let all the late developing nations catch up and pollute just as we have, right?

the downside of that attitude is we lose biodiversity through global climate change, for starters

but maybe you're a denier?

[Codeine]

36. I'm saying it's sheer hypocrisy

for us to complain about others aspiring to have what we've enjoyed for generations. I can guarantee that the developing economies of the world will embrace greener technologies with an alacrity that will shame us. For now a bunch of two-cylinder city cars won't significantly change the equation.

[amborin]

37. you're right

the hypocrisy is sickening

we need to demonstrate true leadership and take the first step and demonstrate to the rest of the world our seriousness at combatting global climate change

but now it looks as if cap and trade, flawed as it is, is being swept aside

otherwise, it's not just the pollution from the cars....it's the roads that will follow, then the developement that follows the roads, just as in the U.S.

[Deja Q]

95. Then lets get leaders who will actually do so.

I still trust President Obama more than the sleazier portions of the corporate sect, exemplified in the youtube video clip at the bottom of my sig line...

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

44. How long, o Lord, how long?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=5326315&mesg_id=5326315

[Deja Q]

93. Agreed, fully.

And now to convince somebody, anybody, to actually make the cleaner vehicles come about. It could be done in 1968, so why not now.

[ContinentalOp]

35. "India's environment"?

The environment belongs to ALL of us. I'll start worrying about India's tiny 2 cylinder cars the day that there are no longer any fucking SUVs on American soil.

[Deja Q]

94. Agreed. SUVs, arrogant drivers, et al, are part of America's hypocrisy.

I just wonder if those in other countries realize the same thing, about the environment belonging to everybody...

[Warren DeMontague]

39. I don't know from India, but Thailand, for instance, is full of Tuk-Tuks already.

I can't imagine this thing could possibly be any worse for the environment.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

42. Well, considering that this is the normal state of things in Mumbai...

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

41. No, the dumping of raw sewage into rivers spells DOOM for India's environment.

This is just a car.

[soothsayer]

22. how much is their Jaguar, now that Tata owns the brand teee hee hee

suck it, Brits!

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

30. I would buy one on the spot

I do most of my driving within a 5 mile radius and rarely get going more than 30 mph in traffic.

[upi402]

33. aka "The Mangler" j/k

more protection than a bike, so no problem.

[SeattleGirl]

43. Too small for me.

I'm all for fuel efficient cars, hybrids, electrics, etc.

But no way would I ever get into that car.

No way.

[EFerrari]

45. Doesn't it look a little like those diagrams of blackheads

we used to see when we were teenagers? lol

[SeattleGirl]

47. LOL!

Touche', E!

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

46. So what IS your preferred method for automotive transportation in Indian cities?

You could always rent an Escalade.

[SeattleGirl]

48. Never been there.

So I couldn't say.

But I will say that in the US, as I said, no way.

BTW, I drive a 1999 Taurus.

Not exactly on par with the Hummer.

:rofl:

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

50. The Taurus and the Hummer are not exactly popular cars in India.

Cause, y'know, the whole 3rd world poverty thing that gets mentioned every now and then for 15 seconds on the nightly news.

[SeattleGirl]

53. I'm not sure what you're saying.

Are you saying that there's something wrong with me because I don't want to drive around in a tuna can?

[fujiyama]

52. Trust me a Taurus would be huge for Indian roads

Hell, I've seen Corollas and Escorts and they look big compared to most cars over there.

This is a lot safer than having a family ride around on a moped, scooter, or motorcycle and more storage space as well...

[SeattleGirl]

54. Well, since I don't live in India, and doubt I'll ever go there, I think

my Taurus is just fine for US roadways.

[fujiyama]

56. Exactly. The Taurus is fine for US roads

and the Nano isn't even designed for our roads in its current form. It wouldn't pass our safety standards anyways so I don't think you need to worry about getting in it any time soon.

I'll admit, I wouldn't be too keen on driving many subcompacts on the highways considering the way many drive...

[fujiyama]

55. Well it's not suitable for American roads

and it wouldn't pass our safety standards anyways.

However, I think it's a positive development for India. It can't possibly be much more polluting than the two-wheel motor vehicles currently on the roads over there. And it's safer as well. It's not uncommon to see entire families drive around on one two-wheeler. And many don't wear helmets either.

However, I also agree that India needs to make a big investment in mass transit in urban areas.

[Terry in Austin]

61. Or American roads are not suitable for it

"Positive development for India" ?! What are we, missionaries?

It'd be a positive development for America, come to that. Only thing better would be an electric version, IMO. We need to slow down, scale down and kick this oil addiction.

[Deja Q]

64. Proverbially speaking, We're a "collective Christ". Dying for everyone of every other faith.

Warped, but as possible as every other gaga definition out there.

[fujiyama]

76. Don't get me wrong

I think it would be great if more people here were driving smaller cars here as well and I welcome greater investment in mass transit and renewable energy - for all energy use. My hope is that Tata is investing in electric vehicles (though the Nano's 55.5 MPG is pretty impressive).

I will still admit I have some of the same misgivings others have about driving certain subcompacts on US roads, especially highways where I'm forced to share the roads with Hummers, Excursions, and other behemoths. Now that doesn't mean I'm going to run out and get a similarly sized gas guzzler (I drive a compact myself) but I am going to make sure what I drive is practical for American roads and is safe.

While there is a market for subcompacts in the US (and is likely increasing due to the economic crisis), it will likely remain somewhat limited outside of urban areas, where such vehicles are more suited. After all, the Nano in its current form cannot go over 65 MPH, which itself doesn't meet the speed limits on many US highways. And of course, it also needs other features like air bags, etc.

[Deja Q]

92. Maybe people need to concentrate more on driving.

Cell phones, ipods, other shit needs to be banned. Inattention ranks up there with being drunk...

[Xithras]

68. Can't legally be sold in the US. Needs a passenger mirror and airbags.

Japan has a lot of experience building microcars that are still safe. Tata just wanted "cheap". Look up the Japanese Kei cars if you want to see how ultracompacts can be done right.

[Terry in Austin]

81. Conflict: present transportation policy vs. future-friendly cars

If one assumes that the present state of policy and the market is the unchanging point of reference, then, yes, a car like the Nano is not a good fit.

The problem is, because of climate change and energy decline, we need greatly scaled-down automotive transportation (individually and collectively), and the Nano is consistent with this need.

From that point of view, then, it's US transportation policy and infrastructure that is a poor fit, and they need to be changed accordingly.

[LanternWaste]

65. Looks safer than the scooter I drive to work...

Looks safer than the scooter I drive to work. A bit more room too, *and* keeps the elements off in inclement weather... all for a comparable price.

I'd purchase one if available.

[krispos42]

72. So then the carrying handle and hardsided, fitted case is optional?

:P

[Touchdown]

85. Do I say it? It's bodacious!

:evilgrin:

You just know there will be a photoshop of two of these cars on a woman's chest within...say a week.;)

[C......N......C]

88. Very similar to a motorcycle in safety and comfort features.

[C......N......C]

89. If they ca build this car that cheap, they can probably give you

a motorcycle for free when you buy the car.

[goforit]

91. Hope it won't shrink in the wash.