‘pixel’, by tata motors

exhibited at geneva motor show 2011, the supercompact 4-seater ‘pixel‘ by tata motors is optimized for everyday urban use, offering high fuel efficiency, ‘zero turn’ technology for minimal turning radius, built-in integration with tablets and smartphones, and innovative door design.

tata: pixel at geneva motor show 2011 3/4 front view

tata: pixel at geneva motor show 2011 3/4 back view

measuring three meters (9.8 feet) long, the highly efficient ‘pixel’ combines a 1.2L three-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with stop-start technology and an aerodynamic design to offer a combined cycle fuel economy of 3.4 L/100 km (69mpg), and producing carbon emissions limited to 89 g/km (0.3 lb/mi).

‘zero turn’ technology makes use of the vehicle’s toroidal infinitely variable transmission to rotate the outer rear wheel forwards and the inner rear wheel backwards as the front wheels turn, producing a turning circle radius of 2.6 meters (8.5 feet).

tata: pixel at geneva motor show 2011 interior view

the company’s ‘my tata connect’ interface integrates the user’s smartphone or tablet into the vehicle control system, so that the opening or locking of doors, management of temperature, retrieval of performance information for the car, and access to music or infotainment is all accomplished on the device, permitting easy integration of functionality in and outside of the car. an example demo of ‘my tata connect’ is previewable on the vehicle website, while the interface’s proposed ‘multi mode’ display combines dashboard, GPS, and other functionality on a single panel.

tata does not yet state specifically what system may be available, perhaps as an add-on purchase, for users who do not already own these kinds of devices.

tata: pixel at geneva motor show 2011 left: front view with doors raised right: back view

the city car features ‘scissor’ doors that swing up rather than outwards, to provide easy access to the interior in even tight parking environments.

an interchangeable panel along the base of the side windows is produced in a range of colours and patterns, permitting the look of the car to be easily changed.

tata: pixel at geneva motor show 2011 concept sketches, of the dashboard panel (left) and car exterior (right)

tata: pixel at geneva motor show 2011 concept sketch of the wheels, whose distinct drive trains integrate with infinitely variable transmission to be operated independently of one another

tata: pixel at geneva motor show 2011 concept sketches of the seats and interior configuration

tata’s press video depicts the use of ‘my tata connect’ and demonstrates the ‘zero turn technology’ (1:17) and the car’s turn radius (1:54)

tour of the car’s exterior at geneva motor show 2011