Nissan’s DIG-TR 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, developed a decade ago for the futuristic race car, the ZEOD RC, also known as the Nissan Deltawing. This engine, with its remarkable performance and lightweight design, represented a significant leap forward in automotive engineering. However, after a brief moment in the spotlight, it disappeared from public view, leaving many to wonder about its fate.
In 2014, Nissan unveiled the ZEOD RC with the ambitious goal of completing a full lap of the 24 Hours of Le Mans on electric power alone. The car achieved this milestone, showcasing the potential of hybrid technology in endurance racing. This achievement was the DIG-TR engine, a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder marvel that promised explosive performance with minimal weight.
The DIG-TR engine was an engineering masterpiece. Initially starting as a four-cylinder, it was optimized down to a three-cylinder setup, weighing just 40 kilograms (88 lbs). When fully assembled with its turbocharger and other components, it barely crossed the 81-lb mark.
This impressive feat was achieved through obsessive weight-saving measures, including the use of Nicosil-coated aluminium in the cylinder walls and casting the cylinder head and engine block as a single piece. These innovations not only reduced weight but also improved reliability by eliminating seams and head gaskets.
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The UK-based RML Group played a crucial role in the development and preservation of the ZEOD RC and its engine. Known for their engineering expertise in motorsport, RML Group has been the custodian of the Deltawing and its components since the project concluded. Their collaboration with Nissan on the ZEOD RC and the GT-R-powered Juke-R highlights their proficiency in high-performance engineering solutions.
Recently, the DIG-TR engine resurfaced, thanks to Drivetribe’s investigation, revealing that it had been safely stored at the RML Group’s facility. The engine, affectionately nicknamed “Diglett” after the Pokémon, remains a marvel of engineering. It boasts a power-to-weight ratio that surpasses many engines from its era, producing 400 horsepower and 279 lb-ft of torque from a package compact enough to be considered carry-on luggage on a plane.
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While the ZEOD RC and its groundbreaking engine did not transition to street use, their legacy lives on. The lessons learned from this project have influenced Nissan’s approach to lightweight design and high-performance engineering. As the automotive industry moves towards electrification and seeks to reduce vehicle weight, the innovations pioneered in the DIG-TR engine remain relevant.
Drivetribe’s discovery of the DeltaWing engine in a British workshop brought this engineering marvel back into the spotlight. The engine, dubbed “Diglett,” was a reminder of what innovative engineering can achieve. Despite never going into mass production, the DeltaWing’s engine remains a symbol of what’s possible when engineers push the boundaries of design and performance.
