Tata Nano to get diesel power
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Tata Nano.
Tata's diminutive Nano will soon be hitting the market with a standard 30-horsepower, 624cc gas engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission. While that may seem a bit small and underpowered, those looking to spend just $2,500 on a brand new car aren't likely to complain. Plus, the combo is good for 54 US miles per gallon, quite the achievement, we'd say. When it was first introduced, Chairman Ratan Tata indicated that a diesel engine was likely soon after launch, and it seems he wasn't kidding around. Displacing 800 cubic centimeters and equipped with common-rail fuel injection along with a turbocharger, the planned twin cylinder diesel engine has been jointly developed by German powertrain specialists FEV, Bosch and Honeywell. So far, no pricing, horsepower or fuel mileage statistics have been released, but the oil-burner is sure to improve fuel mileage even further and will likely add a bit to the cost of the World's cheapest car.
Gallery: Tato Nano - Live from Geneva
[Source: The Economic Times]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Torrent 5:33PM (7/24/2008)
For some reason, this car's looks are growing on me. It'd be fun to customize something like this.
Reply
AMcA 8:42PM (7/24/2008)
Time to get your eyes checked.
Torrent 9:47PM (7/24/2008)
lol. No but really. I kinda like it.
G-Meister 9:52AM (7/25/2008)
Growing on you like an itchy fungus?
WTF? 3:26AM (7/26/2008)
And still shi.tty. I'm sorry, but my girlfriend has the Fortwo and she's averages 50+mpg on the freeway, 3 or 4 times the MSRP, 2 or 3 times more features (and that's saying something), and probably 4 stars more safe in an accident. For the money these cost, I'll take a Vespa GT250 and feel better about my purchase.
Sharone 5:43PM (7/24/2008)
Is that paint scheme a one off or will it be available to consumers as well? How on earth do you keep an eye on road with that seating position and high 'wall' ahead of you. Not to mention this thing does not meet any safety regulations.
This car should help reduce India's population.
Reply
Markus 6:04PM (7/24/2008)
It's been explained a gazillion times by now, but once again: this car has been designed for a market where it is common practice (and a necessity) to have a family of 3 or 4 riding piled onto a single scooter. The mere fact that the Nano has four wheels and a roof is already an improvement in safety, let alone the fact that some serious engineering work is involved in the structure and safety *considering* the price and target market.
Yes the car freak inside me says this thing is ugly and not safe enough for me and my family. But the rest of me tells me that when we look back upon this decade in the future, the Nano might turn out to be a more influential and important car (yes, in a positive way) on a global scale than our precious new RS6s, Golfs, Camaros, Fiestas or GT-Rs.
VP 7:07PM (7/24/2008)
Why is that someone who probably hasn't even gone anywhere near the Indian border try to diss the car? For the thousandth time, this car isn't for not even one person in the entire autoblog universe. As the person above said it is not uncommon for a family of four to go out on a scooter. How exactly is this car not safer than that practice? Trust me, if it has a steering wheel, indian drivers can drive it.
ardee 8:47PM (7/24/2008)
Since when did Americans become safety concious? Aren't you the guys that sell guns at WalMart?
DK 3:40AM (7/25/2008)
Oh and how is India's population a burden to you? You are just as much a burden on this planet as the guy next to you. A person from India would typically be less of a burden than his/her American counterpart. Why don't tell us what you would like the population to be....a number in your head? Why don't wish yourself dead?
MachinaDC5 5:49PM (7/24/2008)
At lest you'd have a ton of extra money for upgrading it.
Reply
WOB-379 5:49PM (7/24/2008)
For under $3k it isn't that bad. At least it isn't completly box shaped.
Reply
indymcsc 5:52PM (7/24/2008)
Wow, I didn't know it only had 30hp. That's scooter territory. No wonder it gets such good gas mileage.
Reply
james frobe 1:29PM (8/23/2008)
Folks, It isn't for everyone. I own a 1961 100% US content automobile. It has a 1 cyl engine putting out somewhere around 8 hp. It is street legal, and it gets at 50mpg depending on how much I ate for breakfast and which way the wind is blowing.........So Americans CAN build a small, economical reasonably durable motorcar(did I mention this is a 1961?) I like it. With fuel costing as much as it does.......hmmm an Indian automobile..... Sure beats 20-25 for our domestics
220v 9:47PM (7/25/2008)
someone please crash test this car. i'm in the mood for some carnage.
Reply
BlackCanary 7:12PM (7/24/2008)
The interior materials look pretty good! Is that a leather wrapped steering wheel on the silver one? It is def not plastic. Looks SO much better with the bumpers painted. $3K? I'd buy one. It would be funny to drive around, very kitchy.
Reply
Shipey 9:17AM (7/25/2008)
As soon as I saw the painted bumper I said to myself, "Aha! There's the price hike they've been talking about!"
Nick 9:58PM (7/24/2008)
If this was sold in the U.S., it would fly off the lot like nothing else before in the history of the automobile, there is no smigle of a doubt about it.
Reply
KnightRider 7:52PM (7/25/2008)
Coudnt agree more. Can use it for commutes, groceries and golf. :)
axiom 12:04AM (7/25/2008)
Make this electric with 50miles a charge at that price and you have the Model T. They'd sell a million a month.
Reply