The legendary Tata brand marked a historic milestone some time ago by developing compressed air as a fuel (something America never considered, but the European Union did). However, it looks as if they are not going to be left behind now that they have unveiled a new fuel for their new ‘Hyperion’ engine. Many experts are still skeptical, while others speak of ‘a step backwards’. In fact, it may even be banned in more than 30 countries in the medium term, in line with the planet’s climate targets for 2030.
The “Hyperion” engine, presented to the world: Experts are talking about “the end of EVs”
Tata Motors has formally launched its new breakthrough in auto technology, known as the Hyperion engine. This next-gen TG Di petrol engine is all themed to launch with the Tata CURVV coupe-SUV and is considered to be a breakthrough in the firm’s powertrain evolution.
The Hyperion is a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine that proves Tata’s seriousness in developing progressive powertrain technology. The engine of this small power plant is quite a performer, with 125 power at 5,000 rpm and a healthy torque of 225 Nm available at 1,700 to 3,500 rpm.
The new version comes equipped with a 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine that is upgraded with 5 hp and 55 Nm of torquing capacity. The increase in the power output is especially important for the CURVV because this coupe-SUV will likely be longer and, therefore, heavier than the rest of the Tata models.
Not hydrogen, not even compressed air: This new fuel is currently an exotic idea
Tata Motors has incorporated several cutting-edge technologies into the Hyperion engine to optimize its performance, efficiency, and refinement:
- Variable Valve Timing (VVT): By so doing, this technology provides optimal and accurate management of the operation of the valves that enhances the generation of power while at the same time enhancing fuel economy across all rev ranges.
- Variable Oil Pump: This feature allows the control of the oil pressure depending on the specific demand of the engine to improve the stoppage of parasitic loss, therefore increasing the efficiency.
- Integrated Exhaust Manifold: The exhaust manifold is integrated with the cylinder head, which leads to the faster light off of the catalyst and better thermal regulation.
- Water-Cooled Variable Geometry Turbocharger: It encompasses a superior brand of turbocharging that increases low-end torque and throttle reaction, making the movement faster and smoother.
How was this engine developed? From early design to future plans for commercialization
Let us start with the inception of the Hyperion engine when Tata Motors presented it for the first time at the Auto Expo 2023 as the company’s new generation of turbocharged petrol engines. However, it was not until recently that the company both came clean and identified the engine’s name and its viability in the CURVV.
Because Tata Motors decided to design and build the Hyperion in-house, the firm remains committed to technological autonomy and has aspirations to match its global automotive rivals. The development of this engine will probably proceed with significant research, experimentation or modifications to achieve excellent performance.
As we have seen, the Hyperion engine is expected to debut in the Tata CURVV, however the company has suggested it could be applied to other applications too. It has been expected that this engine could be used in other compact Tata vehicles in the future, replacing or accompanying the currently used 1.2-litre turbo-petrol in models like the Nexon.
The CURVE itself was officially launched in August 2024, and the expected price is likely to range between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 20 lakh. This pricing strategy places the CURVV in a competitive market niche in the mid-size SUV segment, and the Hyperion engine is a means of gaining a competitive edge.
The new Hyperion engine could be the salvation of the combustion engine, but we don’t think it will be. The truth is that this “miracle” is currently attributed to hydrogen, the only type of ICE that does not generate polluting emissions. Do you now understand why we told you that its fuel would soon be banned? The gasoline ban is getting closer and closer, with dates such as 2030 or 2035 on the horizon, both for America and the European Union, among other countries and regions that will also do so.
