Exclusive: Tata Motors develops new 3.0-litre diesel engine

We had reported earlier that Tata Motors is working on a new family of three- and four-cylinder engines to power future models. Now, our sister publication Autocar Professional has learnt that while Tata Motors’ Pune-based Engineering Research Centre (ERC) has developed an all-new four-cylinder, inline, 3.0-litre diesel engine with common-rail fuel injection technology.

A source revealed that “the new 3.0-litre diesel engine is developed with the objective of achieving weight reduction, ensuring compliance to the stricter emission norms and better fuel efficiency. The said engine design includes the scope for EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) mounts. For example, the air intake manifolds are designed for mounting EGR systems (usually control valves). The new powertrain is still largely a prototype as the company is yet to take a decision on its specific end applications and the commercialisation process.”

It is to be noted that Tata Motors already has a working four-cylinder, 3.0-litre diesel engine powering its utility vehicles such as the pickup range (RX pickup, EX pickup, EX crew cab and the new EX DiCOR BS IV; some Xenon variants use the 3-litre diesel powertrain) and the Sumo Gold. The engine (in BS III format) also powers the company’s popular 407 light trucks.

The development may be a hint that the company is planning to revamp its vehicle range that currently uses the existing 3.0-litre diesel engine with its superior counterpart. 

On the other hand, it can be recalled that displaying its focus on environment friendly and cleaner powertrains, Tata Motors had showcased three of its futuristic engine models at the Auto Expo earlier this year. They included Tata 3.8 SGI (sequential gas injection) TCIC CNG engine, Tata 5.0-litre new-generation dual fuel (CNG, diesel) and the Tata 0.8 litre, two-cylinder all- aluminium turbocharged intercooled common rail diesel engine.

AMIT PANDEY