A PROTOTYPE 3.0-litre high speed direct injection V6 diesel engine, aimed at the executive car, mini-van, MPV and sports utility vehicle market, has been unveiled by Perkins Technology, the engineering consultancy arm of diesel engine manufacturer VarityPerkins.

Interest from car manufacturers will determine whether the 170bhp unit ever reaches production, with volumes of around 30,000 units a year needed to make it viable for production at the company's Peterborough base.

The company is talking to various car manufacturers about the project and says significant interest has been shown worldwide, despite a declining UK diesel car market. The new engine marks VarityPerkins' return to the passenger car market - following the success of its Prima engine, introduced into Rover's Montego and Maestro ranges in 1981.