Presented for the first time as a prototype during the last edition of the Salão Internacional do Automovel in São Paulo, the TAC Stark 4WD, powered by a 2.3 litre Fiat Powertrain (FPT) engine has been presented production-ready at this year's show.

Presented for the first time as a prototype during the last edition of Salão Internacional do Automovel in São Paulo, held two years ago in 2006, the full production version of the off-road Stark 4WD has been launched at this year's 25th edition of Latin America's most important motor show. In addition to a new interior and a more sophisticated design, the biggest modification is the adoption of the S23 engine, a 2.3 litre 16V turbodiesel with intercooler that is a brand new power unit in Brazil, and is supplied by Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT), the largest manufacturer of engines and drivetrain systems in Latin America.

Stark, which means 'strong' in German, was developed by the company ‘Tecnologia Automotiva Catarinense – TAC’, located in the south of Brazil, in the state of Santa Catarina. During the Salão Internacional do Automovel this month the waiting list has been opened for the first 25 vehicles to be produced, which will be delivered by the company during the second quarter of 2009. The estimated price of the Stark 4WD will start from R$85,000 (€30,375), rising up to R$95,000 (€33,950) depending on the optional extras included. TAC plans to increase the assembly of the model progressively up to the average of 100 vehicles a month by 2011.

The FPT built S23 engine is a 4-cylinder unit, with a direct common-rail injection system, producing a power output of 127 hp at 3,600 rpm, and with maximum torque of 300 Nm at 1,800 rpm (30.6 kgfm at 1,800 rpm). Developed, and already manufactured in Italy, the S23 engine will also be produced by the Brazilian division of FPT, located in the city of Sete Lagoas, in the state of Minas Gerais. Another highlight of this engine is the optimal weight x torque relationship, which is greater than the standard 3.0 litre engines available on the local market in other vehicles. The S23 allies excellent performance, low fuel consumption and low levels of emissions, while accomplishing Euro III standards.

Inside the cabin the Stark 4WD has its own unique dashboard, covering materials and instruments for the control panel. The bodywork uses compound materials, which are reinforced with glass fibre, generating high quality and innovative concepts in bodywork components.

The Stark 4WD has independent suspension all round featuring double wishbones, spiral coil springs plus twin shock absorbers at each wheel, allowing it to remain in constant contact with the ground, even on surfaces with severe irregularities. Its off-road capabilities are reinforced by its FS2405 5 gearbox system, 4x4 BorgWagner traction system and Dana 44.3 self-locking differentials at the rear.

The chassis has a reinforced tubular structure with an integrated roll cage covered by plastic panels, which offer the best levels of protection for its occupants. The Stark 4WD has a 26 cm chassis distance from the ground, giving it the best clearance in its segment in Brazil, with angles of attack of 49° and exit of 44°; dimensions meanwhile are 4083 mm length, 1880 mm width, 1900 mm height, 2450 mm wheelbase and 1574 mm front and rear track, and just a 1.6 ton weight, offering also the optimum distribution of weight between the axles of its category, which ensures the best traction in adverse situations.

The fuel tank has a capacity of 70 litres and is fully protected by the main structure, providing security and lower noise level to the occupants. The combination of wider tyres, ATR 255/70 front and rear, and 16 inches alloy wheels, combine sportiveness with serious off-road capabilities.

The Stark 4WD interior has a 2+2 configuration and offers air-conditioning, steering wheel height-depth adjustment, electric powered wing mirrors with integrated lamps, electric power windows, electric locking doors, and foglights as standard equipment, while items such as a snorkel, electric sunroof, electric winch, mile lighthouse and steering wheel height-depth adjustment with leather covering are offered as optional equipment.

"The Salão Internacional do Automóvel de São Paulo is an event of great national and international importance, the best place for a company such as TAC to show its technological capacity in the development of a niche vehicle such as Stark 4WD. In this edition, off-road lovers may know more about the 4x4 that will be on the streets of Brazil in the second semester of 2009," commented the CEO of TAC, Mr. Adolfo Cesar dos Santos.