Ford is evaluating the introduction of its 3.0 V6 diesel into the Everest (earlier the Endeavour) when it puts the model back on sale in India. While no date has been set for the return of Ford into our market, the presence of this larger engine in the mix will give the new Everest an X-factor, bumping up desirability and helping align it with what is likely to be an elevated price tag.

1. Ford Everest's 3.0 V6 diesel engine makes 250hp and 600Nm
2. A 3.0 V6 engine is currently manufactured in South Africa
3. 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre diesel engines likely to be on offer in India

While Ford is likely to assemble the Everest in India and source the 2.0 bi-turbo diesel from Sanand in Gujarat, where the 2.0 diesel is produced for export, sources say the V6 will allow Ford to widen the range. This is something Ford had done successfully a couple of generations ago with the four- and five-cylinder diesels. The five-cylinder diesel has been discontinued, and Ford has reintroduced an even larger 3.0 diesel V6 in markets like Australia. The 3.0 V6 diesel also powers the Ranger pickup (on which the Everest SUV is based) and also on the F150 pick up in markets like Canada.  The 3.0 Everest is often used to tow heavy loads like boats.

Though the towing of loads isn’t a factor in India, the engine will likely deliver big torque and power along with smoothness and refinement. The engine puts out 250hp at just 3,250rpm and 600Nm of torque from 1,750-2,250rpm. This profile and powerband clearly help it function as the perfect load haulier for pickup trucks. And this is likely to help it deliver effortless grunt and performance for the big Ford SUV in India as well.

Known as the ‘Lion’, the 3.0 V6 diesel was also shared with Land Rover.

The engine is currently manufactured in South Africa at Struandale Engine Plant, where – uniquely – both inline and ‘V’ engines are made together. It uses a single, large variable nozzle turbo, comes with dual overhead camshafts and runs a compression ratio of 16:1. It also gets a forged-steel, fully counterweighted crankshaft for strength and durability and, in some cases, even gets an engine block heater to enable it to run better in sub-zero temperatures. This V6 unit is likely to be available alongside the 2.0-litre diesel in the India-spec Foird Everest. 

Ford is likely to announce its return to India in the not-too-distant future. It recently stated that production for export only would start from its plant in Chennai, and it is also evaluating a bunch of CBUs as well as locally produced electric cars.