Dodge Tomahawk was a concept vehicle from the car manufacturer Dodge. Even though it looked somewhat like a motorcycle made to break the land speed record, it had four wheels and thus belonged more to the category of Quads and ATVs, than Motorcycles.

Only 10 of these 8275cc, 500hp beasts were ever sold by Dodge and that too for a whopping US$ 550,000 each (Rs. 23,100,000)!

While the Dodge Tomahawk was assigned to the pages of automobile history, a little known motorcycle company from China, KMD Powersports, decided to produce an ATV based on the Dodge Tomahawk, christened the K-007:

Dodge Tomahawk:

KMD K-007

This 149.6cc Chinese ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) costs a mere US$ 1,400 (Rs. 59,000) i.e. one can buy ~392 of these for the price of one Dodge Tomahawk and while it might not have as much power or for that matter, be as fun to ride as the Tomahawk, we believe it will manage to get as many second glances as the original thing!

While we don’t endorse such blatant act of design theft, we have to but wonder at the imagination and ingenuity of these Chinese manufactures, who try to make their little vehicles every bit as good as vehicles from around the world, if not in performance and quality, at least in design and looks department.

KMD K-007 Technical specifications:
Engine type: GY6 engine, fully automatic, single cylinder, 4-stroke, forced air-cooled
Engine displacement: 149.6
Bore x stroke (mm): 57.4 * 57.8
Max. power (Kw/r/min): 8.0/8000
Max. toque (N.m/r/min): 9.0/5500
Fuel tank capacity: 7L
Start mode: electric start
Tires (front/rear): 12 x 3.5-10
Transmission mode: chain
Brakes (front/rear): dual hydraulic disc / hydraulic disc
Shift speed type: CVT
Suspension(front/rear): independent double hydraulic shock/ hydraulic shock
Length x width x height (mm): 1710×700x750
Seat height (mm): 530
Top speed (km/h): 100
Max. load: 100kg
Carton dimensions: 176x 50 x 68cm
N.W.:/G.W.: 125kg/135kg

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), one of India’s leading automotive companies, today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the acquisition of business assets of Pune-based Kinetic Motor Company Ltd. (KMCL). The acquisition will be done through a New Company to be formed. (New Co.). The consideration for the acquisition is a sum of Rs. 110 crores (subject to closing due diligence) plus 20 percent stake to KMCL in the New Co. M&M will hold the balance 80 per cent of the equity.

The deal will enable Mahindra to design and market a range of scooters, value engineered motorcycles and high-end motorcycles for the Indian and global markets, helping it establish a robust, end-to-end two-wheeler business in every segment of the industry.

“The acquisition of business assets of KMCL is a defining moment in the history of Mahindra as it will give us an opportunity to emerge as a full range player with a presence in almost every segment of the automobile industry. KMCL is a strategic fit with our overall two-wheeler strategy. The strong in-house design and development competencies provided by Mahindra Engineering Services (MES) and the recent acquisition of Italy-based design house, Engines Engineering, coupled with KMCL’s expertise will enable us to assume a significant position in the rapidly growing Indian and global two-wheeler market. I am also delighted to announce that Mr. Anoop Mathur, President Designate, Two-Wheeler Sector, will spearhead this new venture” said Mr. Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group.

“KMCL is a company with a rich heritage spanning more than three decades. Over the years, we have introduced several new concepts such as the Luna and India’s first gearless scooter which have revolutionized the two-wheeler industry. Hence, we are delighted to associate with Mahindra, another pioneering automobile company with a rich legacy which will add long term value to the business and take it to greater heights,” said Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Managing Director, Kinetic Motor.

Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani will be a Non-Executive Director in the new company. Within the overall two-wheeler strategy, scooters will form M&M’s entry point into the Indian market and will be an important part of the company’s overall two-wheeler product portfolio. There are several macro environmental trends which make the scooter market especially attractive to Mahindra. These include a younger, more affluent customer base with a significant number of empowered women and increased scooter demand in tier-2 cities and small towns. M&M is strongly positioned to cater to this demand, given the company’s significant presence and brand equity in these markets.

Bajaj Auto has launched a new variant of Bajaj Discover 135 DTS-i. The launch is part of Bajaj’s ongoing efforts to enhance the biking experience for its customers.

The new variant Discover 135 DTS-i called the Sports version gets Nitrox Suspension, front disc brake, wider rear tyre and racing wheel stripes. The new Bajaj Disocover 135 DTS-i range starts at Rs.45,710, ex showroom Pune & is now available at showrooms across the country in blue, black and red colors.

Main features of the New Discover 135 DTS-i are:

• 135 cc DTS-i engine producing 13.10bhp at 8500 rpm and 11.88Nm of torque at 6500 rpm
• Racer breed tank mounted spoilers with integrated indicators
• Digital speedometer with tachometer and reserve fuel indicator
• Striking new dual tone graphics
• All new aggressive front fairing
• Nitrox Suspension & front disc brake (sports version)
• Wider rear tyre and racing wheel stripes (Sports versions)

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. S Sridhar, CEO (Two Wheeler), Bajaj Auto Ltd, said, the new Discover 135cc is a stylish & sporty bike with all the necessary features for an exciting ride for performance-oriented customers. The newly launched Discover will further reinforce our position in the premium segment.