Exclusive: Tata Motors develops new 3-litre diesel engine

Autocar Professional learns that while Tata Motors’ Pune-based Engineering Research Centre (ERC) is working on a number of engine families (for passenger cars and commercial vehicles), the facility has developed an all-new four-cylinder (inline), 3-litre diesel engine with common-rail fuel injection technology. However, reliable sources say that the company is yet to take a call on its end applications.

A company insider, on the conditions of anonymity, revealed that “the new 3-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.”

The development hints at the company planning to revamp its vehicle range currently using the existing 3-litre diesel engine with its superior counterpart in the short- or medium-term. 

It is to be noted that Tata Motors already has a working 4-cylinder, 3-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.

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-litre new-generation dual fuel (CNG, diesel) and the Tata 0.8 litre, 2-cylinder all- aluminium turbocharged intercooled common rail diesel engine.

Responding on the development, Tata Motors’ official spokesperson said, “We continue to work across a broad spectrum of technologies but do not comment on our future products.”

Photograph: Some Xenon variants use Tata’s existing 3-litre diesel powertrain.