The Tata Prima world truck range is being expanded to cover more segments both in the domestic and international markets. Tata Motors have showcased the smallest of the mid-premium family, the Prima 1618.T rigid axle truck at the Auto Expo earlier this year and now the most powerful Prima tractor tailor till date, has been spotted testing.
The Tata Prima 4040.S, as the name suggests is a 40 tonne GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) heavy hauler with 400 PS of power on tap. The current range topper in the family is the Prima 4938.S (49T GVW; 380 PS) which is available only in the export markets. The most powerful Prima truck in the local market is the 4928.S (49T GVW; 280 PS).
The Prima 4040.S which was spotted testing, is likely to be a purely export oriented model like the Prima 4938.S and the 4038.S, catering to the long distance heavy haulage segment. The additional power, which could be a result of feedback from international customers, would help the truck to haul the cargo with less effort, reducing the driver's fatigue (read less gear shifts).
The new Tata Prima 4040.S is most likely to employ the same Cummins ISLe 375 Euro-III diesel engine that powers the 4038.S and the 4938.S, but with 20 PS more power and corresponding increase in the torque. Going by the current portfolio, a Prima 4940.S is also expected in the future.
Tata Motors are currently exporting Prima range of mid-premium trucks to international markets like the Middle East, Indonesia and South Africa.
[Spy images from Flywheel's Facebook page]
