With the success of the XUV500, Mahindra has not forgotten the Scorpio. The company has launched a basic variant of the Scorpio 4×4, known as the Scorpio LX, which features 4-wheel drive and is priced at Rs. 9.17 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Scorpio LX 4×4 is similar to the LX 4×2 on the outside, except it features 4×4 stickers on the vehicle and free wheeling hubs. On the inside, the Scorpio LX 4×4 features shift on the fly, 4-wheel drive lever, right next to the gear lever on the center console. The engine remains unchanged and is the same 2.2-liter, mHawk, CRDe motor which produces 120 BHP of power and 290 Nm of torque. Mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, the Scorpio 4×4 is 100 kgs heavier than the 4×2 version.

The Mahindra Scorpio LX 4×4 features digital immobilizer, tilt-steering, power steering, power windows, central locking, tubeless tyres, rear spoiler and roof rack. There is no ABS or airbags on the LX variant and the Scorpio LX 4×4 seems to be directly waiting for the Tata Safari Merlin’s arrival, with its aggressive pricing and go-most of the places ability. With most buyers preferring to opt for 4×2 versions of the Scorpio, the Scorpio 4×4 is just another model which might not attract as many buyers as the company would like.

The Indian grand prix is just around the corner and the excitement just keeps on building. There is a lot of expectations and excitement in the air as it’s the first time India will be holding it’s own grand prix. In order to support this endeavour Mahindra will be providing support vehicles  during the inaugural Indian grand prix. Mahindra has signed a five year contract with the Buddh International Circuit saying that it will provide intervention vehicle support for all the motorsport that take place during the grand prix. In totality Mahindra will be providing 25 vehicles which include 10 Scorpio VLX and 15 Scorpio Gateway. In return of this support Mahindra will get help popularising their adventure initiatives like the Monastery Escape and the Great Escape.

“We are proud and privileged to be associated with the BIC. The role of our vehicles would be to rescue, support and salvage race cars in emergencies,” at the end Mr Nayar also said that  ”We are witnessing history being created and you will see motorsport will change in the country with the coming of F1,” Vivek Nayar, Senior VP, Marketing, Automotive division, Mahindra, said.

The Mahindra cars used in the grand prix are slightly modified by adding fire fighting equipment. VP of Jaypee Sports International Mr Pathak said that there discussions on bringing the MotoGp to India, maybe they will wait and watch how the crowd responds to the F1grand prix and the take the final call.

Mahindra has launched the Scorpio EX, which will be the new entry-level variant of the Scorpio. The Scorpio EX is powered by a m2DiCR motor which produces 75 BHP of power and 220 Nm of torque, which enables it to d a 0-60 kmph dash in 11.2 seconds. Priced at Rs.7.21 lakhs for BSIV variant (ex-showroom, Pune), the Scorpio EX delivers an ARAI certified mileage of 14 kmpl. The Mahindra Scorpio EX comes with Micro Hybrid technology, which allows it to switch the engine into the standby mode, when not required. The Scorpio EX features crash protection crumple zones and digital immobilizer. The Scorpio EX is available in four colours – Diamond White, Fiery Black, Rocky Beige and Mist Silver.

“At Mahindra, our endeavour has always been to offer the best-in-class products and this new offering from the Scorpio stable is no exception. With its easy drivability, great mileage and refined performance, I am sure that the Scorpio Ex will be an instant hit with young customers looking for an affordable entry point into the Scorpio franchise. An unmitigated success in the SUV segment since its launch, the Scorpio has kept up its momentum with constant up-gradations and new offerings,” Mr. Vivek Nayer, Senior VP, Marketing, Automotive Division, Mahindra, said.

Google Maps with Street View is the next big project at Google. The company is snapping all the streets of the world and is using a Mahidra Scorpio to do so in India. This helps users explore places around the world through 360-degree street-level imagery. Its just last month Google India announced the commencement of image collection in Bangalore. But the car was spotted in Hyderabad by avid MotorBeam reader, Mr. VK Chaitanya. In U.S. and U.K you can almost browse all the streets as the company has completed snapping most of the streets. Hopefully this feature will go live in Google Maps for India soon.

Google Street View In Action

Mahindra has launched the Scorpio EX, a new, entry level variant of the Scorpio. The m2DiCR engine in this base Scorpio produces 75bhp of power and 220NM of torque and returns a mileage of 14 kmpl (as per ARAI). This entry level model is priced at Rs.7.21 lakhs (ex-showroom Pune, for BSIV). Equipped with fuel-saving Micro Hybrid technology, the Mahindra Scorpio switches into the standby mode, when not required. Features of the Scorpio EX include crash protection crumple zones, to protect passengers and the digital immobilizer. The SUV accelerates from 0 to 60 kmph in 11.2 seconds. The Scorpio EX is available in four attractive colours namely Rocky Beige, Diamond White, Fiery Black and Mist Silver.

“At Mahindra, our endeavour has always been to offer the best-in-class products and this new offering from the Scorpio stable is no exception. With its easy drivability, great mileage and refined performance, I am sure that the Scorpio Ex will be an instant hit with young customers looking for an affordable entry point into the Scorpio franchise. An unmitigated success in the SUV segment since its launch, the Scorpio has kept up its momentum with constant up-gradations and new offerings,” Vivek Nayer, Senior VP, Marketing, Automotive Division, Mahindra, said.

The Mahindra Scorpio has recently created a hat-trick at the 12th Raid-de-Himalaya which is one of the most grueling events on the Indian motorsports calendar. The Scorpio emerged the winner in a record three segments under the Adventure Trial – SUV category. The Scorpio also won Raid De Himalaya in 2009 and 2008 in the Adventure Trial – SUV category, making this a hat-trick win! Sanjay Takale amd Rahul Sancheti came overall first in the Adventure Trial – SUV Category as well as first in the Stock Expert segment. The brother duo of K Prasad and K Pradeep came first in the Pro Stock Expert segment and Raj Singh Rathore and Chandrashekhar were the winners in the Stock Amateur segment, all these adding up to a triple treat for the Mighty Muscular Scorpio.

Raid de Himalaya 2010 witnessed 164 participating teams grappling with subzero temperatures, highly inhospitable weather and forbidding terrain. The robust and rugged Scorpios however dominated the six-day long competition from the flag-off at Shimla on Day 1, to the close of the rally at Manali on Day 6, maintaining their poise and position through some of the most challenging conditions on earth.

Mahindra recently announced that the Mighty Muscular Scorpio community on Facebook has crossed a significant milestone. The Scorpio’s community has reached a massive fan-base of 1 lakh, making this community the largest online auto community in India. The Scorpio page on Facebook (here) is a great place for Scorpio owners and enthusiasts to communicate with each other and share their experiences. They post photos and videos of their Scorpio experiences and get the opportunity to participate in several exciting contests.

Mahindra Scorpio Xtreme – Click above for high resolution picture gallery

Mahindra Scorpio Extreme Concept is built on the Scorpio platform. The Mahindra Scorpio is available in 2WD and the 4WD variants. You can select any of the Scorpio variants as per your needs and post registration and Mahindra will customize the same to the “Scorpio Extreme” Concept. The “Scorpio Extreme” Concept is also available to Customers who already are proud owners of the Mahindra Scorpio vehicle. The Customized component would remain the same for these vehicles as well. The company would only need to run a check on the condition of the vehicle as regards the bodyline and the mechanicals and the necessary upgrades for refurbishing would be at an extra cost.

Exteriors : -

• Custom built front guard in powder coated black

• Winch mounted on front guard

• Custom made inset side scoops with mesh

• Restyled wheel arches with studs

• Motorized glass sunroof

• Window line blackening

• Modified body shell and re-paneling between “C” & “D” pillar

• Body shell in Custom paint combination

• Cargo bay with lid

• Straps on cargo tray on roll cage

• Re-styled rear number plate bezel

• Jerry cans on tail gate

• Mounting frame for jerry cans with straps

• S.S. exhaust tail end in twin pipe

• “C” pillar bezel with mesh

• Side guards in pipe section

• Custom built rear roll cage in powder coated black

• 2 tier roll cage cargo tray in pipe section

• Roof mounted frame for mounting awning scopes

• Auxiliary lamp pod on roof mounted frame

• Telescopic awning scopes mounted on roof frame

• Bicycle stands with mountain bikes

• Portable slide on awning

Interiors : -

• Color co-ordinated interiors

• Upholstery in leather

• Custom floor carpeting & floor mats

• Customized roof lining

• Custom made pillar trims

• Custom painted interiors

• Reverse camera with sensors

• Checkered plate in cargo area

• 2DIN DVD with touch screen with built in GPS & ipod connectivity

• Active vehicle tracking system

• Compressor driven fridge

• Compressor driven 18ltr fridge

Total Cost – Rs. 5,00,000/- + 12.5% tax (this is post registration & over and above the cost of the vehicle).

The following is the Order Flow : -

• Customer registers & insures the Mahindra Scorpio (any version) from the Local Dealership

• Customer would pay a DD favoring M/s. NBS International Ltd, Mumbai for the Customization component

• Post registration & insurance, the vehicle is sent to Mahindra Towers, Worli, Mumbai for the Customization to be carried out

• The Customization process would take approximately 45 to 60 working days from the time we receive the base vehicle at Mahindra Towers

• Post Customization, the Customized vehicle will be sent back to the AO for final delivery to the Customer

Kindly note the following key elements as well : -

• Pricing does not include the movement of the registered & insured vehicle to and fro from the Customer / Dealer Location

· Any incidence during the transit would be borne by the Customer

• Pricing does not include the transit insurance of the same. This is to be borne by the Customer

• There is no technical change in the vehicle – hence, the same vehicle warranty would stand

• Customization has been done to the effect of only aesthetic changes and we will provide a 6 month manufacturing warranty for the same

• All concepts are hand crafted and could vary from variant to variant

Punjab Police have purchased 150 Mahindra Scorpio Getaways. Mahindra officials handed over keys to 30 Mahindra Scorpio Getaway SUV’s to Mr. P S Gill, DGP, Punjab at a small ceremony in Chandigarh. 120 remaining SUV’s will handed over soon. Powered by a 2.6L CRDe motor, the Scorpio Getaway produces 115 bhp of power at 3800 rpm.

“We are all set to induct 150 Mahindra Scorpios, of which 30 have been delivered and rest 120 will be delivered in days to come. We chose M&M Scorpio because it is a multi-utility vehicle, sturdy and durable. We were impressed by the on-road performance of the vehicle,” Mr Gill said.

Khatron Ke Khiladi X 3 features 13 men battling it out to win a brand new Mahindra Scorpio. The reality show will be broadcast on COLOURS from Monday to Thursday at 9 PM.