DPROX Chokaran

Source: Disenyo Pilpino

The DPROX Chokaran® is Disenyo Pilipino 's attempt to prove that a vehicle can be conceptualized, designed, fabricated and assembled by Filipinos, given existing technologies and prevailing economic conditions.

The Chokaran is a four-wheel-drive vehicle adapted to Philippine driving conditions. It was designed for the use of the average Filipino family, and is also called "Family Utility Vehicle" or FUV ®.

Wagon, Shuttle, and 2WD versions may be requested.

The main design criteria are:
1. SMOOTHNESS of ride - because of perennial floods and rough road conditions; big wheels and long wheelbase;
2. DURABILITY like that of the Jeepney - a 10 to 15-year performance expectancy for economic and ecological reasons;
3. COMFORT and amenities of a car - to be at par, at least, with prevailing auto safety and interior standards;
4. USEFULNESS of a pick-up - for occasional light to medium hauling;
5. RUGGEDNESS of an off-roader - for rural as well as urban use, with 4WD option;
6. AVAILABILITY of parts and service - can be maintained and serviced anywhere in the archipelago and uses parts found in most supply stores;
7. FLEXIBILITY - convertible from, pickup to wagon to passenger;
8. FILIPINO STYLE - an evolution of the Jeepney style to connect with Filipino automotive tastes.

Chokaran and similar DPROX projects are custom assembled by prequalified jeepney/AUV fabricators using indigenous automotive fabrication methods and practices, in a sequence akin to building construction projects. The segments of the project are as follows:

1. ENGAGEMENT ~ the Owner/Customer enters into an agreement with the Project Designer;
2. PROGRAMMING & SOURCING ~ the Specifications of the project are determined, and the essential parts and components are purchased;
3. POWER TRAIN ASSEMBLY ~ the platform consisting of engine and chassis are assembled;
4. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT ~ the specifications are translated into fabrication drawings and models if necessary;
5. BODY FABRICATION & PAINTING ~ upon purchasing the needed materials and parts, the body is fabricated on the platform and painted;
6. INTERIORS & DETAILING ~ upon purchasing the needed materials and parts, the interiors, automotive glass and specified accessories are installed;
7. TESTING & REGISTRATION ~ the vehicle is road-tested and registered with the LTO;
8. DELIVERY ~ the vehicle is delivered to the Owner/Customer.

Fabrication can take anywhere from three to six months, depending on the complexity of the work required. The basic version of Chokaran is available at the price of a passenger jeepney. Prices of vehicles custom-built to owner's specifications may vary accordingly. The normal floor price of DPROX auto projects is PhP350,000. Projects exceeding PhP600,000 are not encouraged. The scaled-down 2x4 version is available at P275,000 upwards.

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Length	4400 mm
Overall Width	1880 mm
Overall Height	1930 mm
Ground Clearance	30 cm
Wheelbase	3000 mm
Track	F=1800 mm; R=1780 mm
Gross Weight	2000 kg max
Seating Capacity	6 to 12 pax
Fuel Tank Capacity	80 liters
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Fuel System	Diesel, 4-cycle
Cylinders	4 cylinders, in-line
Displacement	2.663 cc
Ignition Type	Direct Injection OHV, 8-Valve
Aspiration	Turbocharger
Bore X Stroke	96 mm X 92 mm
Compression Ratio	21.8 : 1
Maximum Power	73.8 kW = 99 hp @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Torque	220 Nm = 162 lbft = 22.4 kg @ 2200 rpm
Coolant	Water
Main Bearings	5
Additives	Coco engine oil additive
Emission Test	Excellent
WHEELS & TIRES
Wheels	15-inch, "Tremor"
Tire Size	31x10.50R15
Tire Type	All Terrain, Light Truck
Tire Make	Pirelli "Scorpion"
---	---
CHASSIS & POWER TRAIN
Format	4WD; Rear-2WD
Engine Location	Front
Engine Alignment	Longitudinal
Front Suspension	Independent Double Wishbone w/ Torsion Bars & stabilizers
Rear Suspension	4-link w/ Coil Springs, Stabilizer Bar & semi-floating Live-Axle
Transmission	5-speed manual; 4L/4H/2H
Top Gear Ratio	0.82
Final Drive Ratio	4.63
Steering	Power Assisted Recirculating Ball
Brakes	Front & Rear Discs, w/ booster
---	--
BODYWORKS & STYLING
Designer/Stylist	Disenyo Pilipino (DSFelipe,UAP)
Body Construction	Integral on truck
Materials	Sheet Metal, Fiberglass, Tubular Steel
LTO Classification	Double-Cab Pickup (Convertible UV)
Use Classification	Family Utility Vehicle ®
Doors	4, Power Wdows; detachable rear panel
Pickup Bed	0.96 x 1.55 x 0.64 = 0.95 cu.m.
Primer	Epoxy
Finish & Topcoat	Automotive & Polyurethane
Cabin Insulation	10mm Polyethylene, 5mm Rubber, Felt
Dashboard Panel	<>
Windshield	58 x 24 in. curved tempered glass
Windshield Washer	Yes
Wipers	Twin 16", variable speed
Windows	Power Windows
Mirrors	Power Side Mirrors, Wide Rear View
Security	Alarm, Keyless Entry, Remote Ignition
SAFETY & SECURITY
Bumpers	Absorbent spring-mounted rubber
Headlights	Jeepney Type, Halogen Bulbs
Parking Lights	Fog w/ Halogen Bulbs
Body Shell	Ga.16 G.I., curved & folded
Seat Belts	Front 3 or 4-point, Rear 2-point
Airbags	Optional, Modular
Door Locks	Keyless Entry, Remote Ignition
COMFORT & AMENITIES
Aircon	Single (Dual for Wagon & Shuttle)
Front Seats	Recaro-type Buckets;
Rear Seats	Reversible, Reclinable
Upholstery	US or German Leatherette
Speakers	6 - doors & columns
OTHER FEATURES & OPTIONS: body paint, pillar mounted antenna, seatcover/fabrics, door trims, console box & shelf, mini-refrigerator, grab handles,