Rumour: Tata Motors to build Nano Diesel in 2 states of tune

The Tata Nano Diesel has been quite a while in the making with the latest launch timeline for the car pegged at early 2014. Even as test mules of the Nano Diesel continue to be spotted in and around Tata Motors' Pimpri factory, off Pune, new buzz about the Nano Diesel's engine is emerging on the Twitterverse. 

Rohin Nagrani, a Senior Editor at BS Motoring (recently acquired by Delhi Press) has tweeted that the Nano Diesel will be developed in two states of tune: 39 PS and 52 PS. The 52 PS version of the diesel engine is expected to be bound to export markets, while the 39 PS version could be earmarked for India.

Surprisingly, the tweets also say that a final decision on the exact state of tune is expected soon. With these tweets taken into perspective, it remains unclear whether the Nano Diesel will be on schedule for a launch in early 2014. Tata Motors desperately needs a big volume variant of the Nano given the slow sales of the petrol engined version. 

The upcoming Nano CNG launch on the 19th of June 2013 could do its bit to add to the volumes. Given that the Tata Nano CNG will be about 20,000-30,000 rupees pricier than the petrol version and that the Nano is a car primarily meant for city streets, we're wondering where and what price Tata Motors will position the diesel powered Nano. 

Delving into a bit of speculation, the Nano Diesel, with its low cost underpinnings has all the trappings of becoming the least priced diesel engined car in the world. However, if CNG becomes freely available across most of India in the coming years and if the Indian government deregulates diesel completely, the Nano Diesel might not be a better alternative when compared to the CNG powered version, when it comes to running costs. 

Taking these possibilities into consideration, Tata Motors will have to walk the proverbial tight rope with pricing and positioning of the Nano diesel. For now though, the 40 Kmpl fuel efficiency rumour circulating around the Tata Nano Diesel seems to be the biggest USP of the car. 

Now, let's delve into some information about the Tata Nano's turbo diesel engine. The Tata Nano is expected to use a 700-800cc turbo diesel engine based on a two cylinder layout. Essentially a downsized version of the Tata Indica's CR4 1.4 liter turbo diesel motor, common rail direct injection and turbo charging are expected to make this small capacity engine torquey, yet highly frugal. 

Leaked specifications (by Garrett Turbochargers) of the Nano Diesel indicate an 800cc engine capacity, turbo charging, common rail direct injection and a 40 Bhp power output. Garrett, now owned by Honeywell Technologies will build turbochargers for the Nano Diesel. This engine is said to be undergoing a dress rehearsal on the Tata Ace DICOR mini pick up truck, where it is available in 20 Bhp-55 Nm state of tune, although minus a turbocharger. 

Image source Garrett (webpage taken down)