Tata Motors are likely to launch the diesel-powered Nano by end-2009
For now, the Tata Nano, which is due to be launched by October this year, will only be available with a 623cc, two-cylinder petrol engine. But diesel fans can hope for an oil-burner variant within the next few months. FEV, a German company that specializes in the design and development of engines, is working on a small-capacity turbocharged diesel powerplant for the Nano, with technical inputs from Tata Motors.
The FEV-developed diesel engine will have a common-rail direction injection (CRDI) system developed by Bosch. Engine capacity is likely be around 800cc and the engine will be turbocharged for a mild boost in power. The diesel-powered Nano should be ready by the end of 2009, and later, there may even be a hybrid version of the Rs one lakh car.
FEV is also working with M&M on a diesel-electric hybrid version of the Scorpio.
