Mahindra goes bold with Thar.e concept

Mahindra has revealed a daring new concept car that is as playful as it is imposing – almost like Megatron after a couple of pints. The Thar.e is a stout off-roader in the truest sense, with huge wheel arches, jacked-up ride height and design cues of the 1980s MM 540, all wrapped up in an ultra-modern package. The project also spoke of an innovative and future-facing collaboration between design and engineering. But more on that later.

The concept was revealed in Cape Town, South Africa earlier this week but CDN got an early look at the start of July while in prototype form. Although this was not quite the finished product – no interior and rolling on casters – the design story was crystal clear. Chatting to the team behind the project at the MADE studio, it was obvious that they had fun putting this together – a massive divergence from the industry norm and something that, for many of the designers, took them back to their childhood.

There were even discussions about a toy Thar.e being made for their own children – it is that kind of car, something that encourages a second glance. In the studio, the car’s unflinching proportions are quite unexpected and for a moment, thoughts about whether a car like this would even make it to production begin to circle. But rolled out into natural light on the secret paddock behind the clay modelling workshop, the design really sings. Pictures do not really do the scale of this thing justice – it is not as compact or ‘toy like’ as the camera might suggest. It looks sturdy, genuinely usable and much wider than expected with standard parking spaces nearby for context.

The real story here is the partnership between design and engineering, with a novel approach to construction and assembly. Parts can be easily swapped out, either to replace something that has broken or to upgrade it to a customised alternative.

The head and taillights are exactly the same, reducing manufacturing costs and making it easier to put together. The various hinges – doors, bonnet etc. – are left visible and not hidden away. It feels almost agricultural, or military in its construction, which is absolutely fitting given its heritage. Even the chunky hex screws are on show – this is to be driven, repaired and enjoyed.

It is no coincidence that studio director, Cosimo Amadei, is a huge off-road fan and spoke fondly of early memories getting into old Jeeps. It would be an understatement to say that Amadei is chief cheerleader for this concept and his enthusiasm has clearly rubbed off on his colleagues.

There are some other nice touches, with the black A-pillar giving the appearance of a snorkel that might be found on an old Willy Jeep, while a bright orange bonnet clasp and tow hook add a bit of character.

And we haven’t even touched on the design language yet, with a boxy silhouette, upright front mask and angular body panels in a similar mould to the folded-paper look of the BE. series of concepts. Notice the fenders, which are mirrored below in black like a pair of wings. When CDN visited the studio, we briefly saw this prototype without wheels and it could almost be mistaken for some kind of hovercraft or sci-fi speedster.

“We have crafted a unique identity in the world of electric SUVs,” says chief design officer Pratap Bose. This project was about “embracing a future that’s bold and innovative,” he adds. Mission accomplished, we’d say.