Tata Motors is considering developing a larger, four-cylinder petrol engine in a bid to offer a petrol engine option on more of its models. The new unit, displacing 1.6 litres, will be part of the brand’s Revotron family of engines and is expected to make its way under the hood of future Tata products – including the Creta-rivalling Blackbird SUV.
Tata’s Revotron family of petrol engines currently consists of the 85hp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated motor offered in the Tiago and Tigor; and the 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol mill seen in the Nexon. In a recent interview with our sister publication, Autocar Professional, Rajendra Petkar, Chief Technology Officer, Tata Motors said, “When we conceptualised the three-cylinder engine, we always had a four-cylinder engine in mind. Just add one cylinder (to the 1.2-litre engine) and it becomes a 1.6-litre petrol engine. That is something we are looking at.”
However, it is yet to be confirmed if this new four-cylinder unit will be turbocharged or naturally aspirated when it debuts in Tata’s production cars.
Petkar also confirmed that the brand would be developing a petrol-powered version of the Harrier. Speaking about both the brand’s Revotron and Revotorq engine families alike, Petkar said, “And surely the Harrier will see a petrol powered option either coming from in-house or something that can come from one of our partners.”
In June, last year, Petkar had previously hinted at a petrol-powered Harrier being under consideration.
The Tata Harrier made quite a stir when it launched thanks to very competitive pricing, its eye-catching styling, size, and well-equipped cabin. However, the lack of a petrol engine and an automatic gearbox option seemed to be one of the main drawbacks of an otherwise great product.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
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