Will the Tata F1 engine have four turbos and two superchargers.

It’s April Fools, and the best engine-related joke that EngineLabs could find came via India where Tata Motors reportedly will enter Formula 1 next year with a turbo-diesel.

According to the story at IndianCarsBikes.com, Tata will reverse the diesel’s dour reputation of low-revving, heavy-duty applications by creating a supra-turbo 3-liter V6 that will boast two superchargers and four turbochargers, all arranged sequentially. The block will be constructed out of magnesium, and World Champion Michael Schumacher will return to the track to test and develop the engine.

Another funny piece was found on WorldCarFans.com announces the coming of a 2,000-horsepower, nitro-inhaling “Big Papa Smurf” Nissan GT-R. The engine features spark from “mini lightning bolts timed and controlled by the most advanced engine-management hardware available.”

Mercedes-Benz 2014 Formula 1 V6 engine

While some news outlets had fun with engines on April Fools, others got serious, especially about Formula 1. GreenCarReports.com offered an excellent roundup of 2014 regulations that will promote fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Most of the article draws from an excellent New York Times piece on the new engine rules and their impact on the sport.

Also just out is another report in Autoweek that say F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone fears losing manufacturers if the new engines are not popular with the fans. As EngineLabs discussed earlier, F1 is moving to a 1.6-liter turbo V6 configuration for 2014. The new engines will not have the distinctive high-revving sound of the current naturally aspirated V8s. According to the story, the manufacturers promise the sound will not hurt F1 racing.

So, you make the call. Which is really the April Fool’s story?