Mahindra: Deja Vu or Deja New? An all-new “Jeep” Heads to the U.S. for the First Time in 70 Years [News]

Off-road fans rejoice as an American legend is returning to the U.S, but perhaps as more Bollywood than Hollywood.

Mahindra, an Indian based multinational car manufacturing corporation is America-bound with a recreational off-highway vehicle called the ROXOR. They describe it the “‘the original off-road vehicle’ with a 70 year heritage”. You might be thinking it shares a striking resemblance to another off-road brand. Perhaps a brand dating back to the 1940’s, and that’s no coincidence.
Mahindra Automotive was founded over seven decades ago. They’ve had a license to assemble the battle-field proven Willys Jeep in the Indian territory. Today, you can purchase these rough-and-tumble 4X4’s new across India. Not only that, but they look virtually the same as they have for decades.

Designed in the Detroit area, the ROXOR shares much with its Indian counterparts. Body-on-frame construction and solid axles hint at the vehicles off-road prowess. But, at the end of the day, it is simply that: an off-road only vehicle. Limited to a top speed of 45 miles per hour, the ROXOR is not street legal in the United States.

The ROXOR bears a strong resemblance to the Jeep CJ-7. It looks to be a simple, rugged truck with features off-road enthusiasts have wanted in a new Jeep for decades. A 2.5-liter turbo diesel sends power to all four wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Making a modest 62 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque, the small four-cylinder is coupled to a 2-speed selectable Dana T-18 transfer case and 3.73 full floating front and rear axles. Leaf springs front and rear keep complexity to a minimum. Measuring up at a total length of 148 inches means the ROXOR is just 1.7 inches shorter than a 1976 Jeep CJ7. In fact, the ROXOR’s wheelbase is just under three inches shorter than the old Jeep. It’s also six inches narrower.

The ROXOR can tow – just don’t expect to go anywhere quickly if you do

Equipped with both power steering and power brakes, the vehicle weighs in at a hefty 3,035 pounds. Mahindra says the ROXOR is capable of towing an impressive 3490 lbs, albeit at a relatively leisurely rate of 15 miles per hour.  According to Mahindra, the truck will have a range of over 350 miles and will average between 32 and 34 MPG. Pricing will likely start at $15,499, but Mahindra has not announced a release date yet.

To see how the ROXOR compares to a vintage CJ7, check out the comparison below!

1976 Jeep CJ-7 Specs from automobile-catalog.com

ROXOR Photo Gallery [Photos: Mahindra ROXOR]