Iran Khodro, largest auto maker in middle east claims that they’ve made the world’s most powerful natural gas engine. The turbo-charged four cylinder runs on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and develops 150 hp, but no more details published! It is more powerful than the Japanese samples like the Civic GX but in early 2007 Mercedes released a version of its Sprinter van with a 156 hp NG powerplant, which is more! Also a natural gas variant of Mercedes B-Class might come out in 2009.

The engine will debut in Iranian’s first national car Samand Soren ELX pictured above, which remind us of old Skodas. According to a wise man if it’s Iran’s idea of technology the world shouldn’t be worried about their nuke programs!

Iran Khodro is mostly known for its relationships with Peugeot as they make numerous models from the French firm in Iran under license. The Peugeot 206 Sedan known as SD was also a project started and completed by Iran Khodro. They’ve also done a facelift on Peugeot 405 and make it as a domestic model known as Pars. The 405 itself is still being made in Iran!!