Project Penguin: Is Tata Motors planning a Nano-based pickup?

Now that Tata has put the World's Cheapest Car on the market, is the Indian automaker ready to make a similar assault on the pickup truck market? Judging by a recent spy shot, it seems likely. It's impossible to know for sure, but the truck's three-lug wheels, single windshield wiper and dash layout indicate that this pickup might be based on the diminutive Nano.

Indian news outlets report that the pickup is codenamed Penguin and is powered by a single-cylinder diesel engine that displaces 350cc and is based on a slice of the Tata Ace and Indica engine block. That big thumper is hooked directly to the rear axle, an arrangement that will do away with the driveshaft and help lower cost. No word on if or when the Nano truck is slated for an official introduction. Hat tip to Shrawan!

[Source: Indian Autos Blog]