The lorry world could have been so different, The Rootes TS4 prototypes represent the pinnacle of achievement in high-speed diesel engine design from the mid to late 1960s and even today, 200 hp and 465 ft lb.s of torque from a 287 cubic inch diesel engine together with exceptional reliability, fuel efficiency and longevity is a remarkable achievement. Had the TS4 made it to production, they were intended to replace the legendary Rootes TS3 opposed piston diesel engine in Commer trucks from the early 1970s onwards. However Rootes Groups deteriorating financial position in the 1960s saw American automotive giant, Chrysler taking full control of the group in 1967, and this take-over brought about the demise of the Rootes TS4 project. In addition to the Rootes take-over, Chrysler had also invested millions of pounds in a UK joint venture with Cummins to produce new diesel engines (the disastrous Cummins VALE V6 and YALE V8) and had lucrative supplier agreements in place with Perkins for the supply of their 6.354 inline six cylinder and new 185 hp 510 cubic inch V8 diesel engines. When Chryslers Management became aware of the prototype Rootes TS4s extraordinary horsepower, torque, Power to weight ratio, reliability, fuel efficiency and low manufacturing cost, they realized there was nothing they (or other engine manufacturers) could offer that came remotely close to matching the Rootes TS4s thoroughbred qualities. Chrysler knew they would not sell Dodge / Commer heavy trucks with their new Cummins VALE V6 or V8 (or Perkins V8) engines fitted if the TS4 became a production option, so Chryslers management of the day decided to terminate the TS4 project to safeguard their investment with Cummins and Perkins. As a result, all Rootes TS4 prototype engines, parts, dies, patterns, plans, drawings, test records, photos and fuel injection equipment were ordered to be scrapped under strict supervision by Chryslers management. The actions of Chrysler’s management were profoundly unacceptable to Diesel Engineering Division personnel and key managers thankfully managed to save four prototype TS4 engines from destruction.
Posted on: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 20:02:42 +0000
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