Tata Motors Unveils Two New Truck Engines at Bharat Mandapam, Expanding Its Powertrain Lineup

At its commercial vehicle event held today at Hall 1, Bharat Mandapam, Tata Motors announced the launch of two new engines aimed at different ends of the trucking spectrum, a high-output 8.5-litre Tata Cummins diesel engine for heavy-duty applications and a new 3.6-litre natural gas engine targeted at medium commercial vehicles.

The dual-engine unveiling reflects Tata Motors approach of strengthening its conventional diesel portfolio while continuing to invest in alternative fuel solutions.

Tata Cummins 8.5L Engine: Built for Heavy-Duty Applications

The new 8.5L engine features a 6-cylinder inline configuration with a bore and stroke of 118.5 x 128.5 mm. It delivers 375 hp at 1,900 rpm and a peak torque output of 1,800 Nm between 1,000 and 1,400 rpm, with the full torque available as low as 1,000 rpm.

This emphasis on strong low-end torque makes the engine suitable for heavy tractor-trailers, tippers and applications where trucks operate under high load conditions. Tata Motors has also confirmed AMT compatibility, indicating a focus on drivability, reduced driver fatigue and consistent performance in long-haul and infrastructure-related operations.

Tata 3.6L Natural Gas Engine: Focused on Cost and Urban Use

Alongside the heavy-duty diesel engine, Tata Motors introduced a 3.6-litre NG engine designed for medium commercial vehicle duty cycles. The engine is a 4-cylinder unit with a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 112 mm.

It produces 168 hp at 2,200 rpm and 600 Nm of torque between 1,400 and 2,000 rpm, with 540 Nm available at 1,000 rpm. These figures suggest an engine tuned for usable torque at lower engine speeds, a key requirement for stop-start city operations and regional distribution.

Natural gas powertrains continue to gain interest among fleet operators due to lower running costs and reduced emissions, particularly in urban and intra-city applications.

Conclusion: A Two-Pronged Powertrain Approach

By unveiling both engines at the same event, Tata Motors has highlighted a balanced powertrain strategy. While the 8.5L Cummins engine strengthens its heavy-duty diesel offering for infrastructure and long-haul use, the 3.6L NG engine supports the growing shift towards cleaner and more cost-efficient fuel options in the medium-duty space.

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