About DC Automobile Company
DC is an Indian car manufacturing company founded by Indian car designer Dilip Chhabria. Dilip is one of India's most renowned car designers and counts many celebrities among his clients. Established in 1993, his company, DC Motor Pvt Ltd, specialised in designing and modifying cars and SUVs. Chhabria has also designed vanity vans and caravans for actors, businesses, and other clients.
DC Avanti
In 2015, Chhabria launched DC's sports car, the Avanti. This car was showcased at various sports car and automobile shows. The DC Avanti is a coupé-style sports car and represents India's first attempt into performance car manufacturing. Before its official launch in 2015, it was unveiled at an auto expo in 2012. The Avanti was available in a limited edition and a more powerful variant. Its name was inspired by the American car, the Studebaker Avanti.
DC Avanti Engine
The Avanti features a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged, EURO-4 compliant petrol engine sourced from Renault. It produces 250 bhp and includes a six-speed dual-clutch transmission that powers the rear wheels. The limited-edition model boasted a 310 bhp output and came with paddle shifters.
DC Avanti Design
The Avanti's unique design caught netizens' attention as soon as it launched. Its headlamp housing doesn't conform to a traditional shape but is distinctly unique. The car offers separate circular lights for headlamps, indicators, and pilots, and also allows for an upgrade to higher-spec LED lights for an additional charge. The vehicle's front end narrows at the middle and then widens to accommodate massive 20-inch wheels. A small heat dissipation vent in the middle of the bonnet serves as a stylish addition.
DC Avanti Features
Key features of the DC Avanti include:
- ABS System
- Automatic Climate Control
- Child Safety Lock
- Keyless Entry
- Rear Parking Sensors
- USB Support
DC Avanti Price
At its launch, the DC Avanti had a starting price of ₹34.90 lakh (ex-showroom). However, its last recorded price in India was ₹36.8 lakh.
Feel Special
Premium Exterior colors, 20" alloys and spacious interiors with customizations. Redefine your car.
Ride with Confidence
Rollcage design body, high quality Italian rubber, and all tyres ABS; a perfect combination of safety and performance.
Lighter and Luxurious
Incredibly light and spacious interior with programmable TFT set and reverse camera for easier communications.
Performance Accelerated
Powerful 250 BHP engine mated with 6-speed gearbox. Shift your gears, make your move.
Night Riders! no problem
Bi-Halogen, projector headlamps provide long range clarity. Amazing ground clearance of Avanti helps gliding on roads in style.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 4565 mm |
| Overall width | 2120 mm |
| Overall Height | 1200 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 155 mm |
| Seats | Two |
| Frame | Composite High Steel Chassis |
| Body | Carbon Composite Two Door Fastback |
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 1580 kgs |
Why Was DC Avanti Discontinued?
Several factors contributed to the discontinuation of the DC
Avanti. One significant reason was its lack of basic safety
features; the car didn't even have airbags, making it
non-compliant with stricter automotive safety regulations.
Another major reason was the alleged scam by company owner Dilip
Chhabria. He was arrested by Mumbai police in December 2020 for
involvement in various scams. Police discovered that many
Avantis were sold with identical engines and chassis numbers,
likely in an effort to evade taxes.
Chhabria was also accused of purchasing his own cars under
different names and securing loans from Non-Banking Financial
Companies (NBFCs). These cars were then resold to other
customers. According to reports, Chhabria caused a loss of
around ₹40 crores to the government exchequer. Although the scam
initially went unnoticed due to Chhabria's good reputation, it
came to light when the police discovered multiple Avantis with
identical engines and chassis numbers.
FAQs
Who is the owner of DC?
Dilip Chhabria
Why did DC Avanti fail?
DC Avanti failed due to its lack of safety features and various scams perpetrated by its owner.
What is the DC Avanti controversy?
Dilip Chhabria caused a loss of around ₹40 crores to the government exchequer. He was arrested for selling cars with identical engines and chassis numbers, likely to evade taxes.
Which country's car is the DC Avanti?
DC Avanti is an Indian automotive brand, owned by renowned car designer Dilip Chhabria.
What is the price of DC Avanti?
DC Avanti's last recorded ex-showroom price was ₹36.8 lakh.
Is DC Avanti legal in India?
The DC Avanti has been termed the biggest scam in Indian automobile history, following police investigations that revealed multiple vehicles with the same engine and chassis numbers.
