Land Rover Introduces New Diesel for U.S.

Land Rover announces a new diesel engine for the ’16 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport luxury SUVs.

The automaker says the 3.0L direct-injected turbocharged V-6 diesel, which will be available in HSE trim levels, will produce 254 hp and 440 lb.-ft. (596 Nm) of torque and achieve 28 mpg (10.0 L/100 km) on the highway. Total range is 658 miles (1,058 km) on a single tank, a gain of 8.0% compared to gasoline models for the Range Rover Sport and 3.3% for the Range Rover.

Land Rover says the diesel’s ample low-end torque makes it well suited for towing heavy loads and off-roading. Similarly, the diesel achieves 0-60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration times comparable to higher-horsepower gasoline mills.

Prior to its introduction in the U.S., improvements have been made to the diesel mill, dubbed the Td6, to achieve the gain in fuel economy. These include the addition of a water-cooled turbocharger for maximum performance and durability at high-operating temperatures, as well as new ball bearings, vanes and nozzles to improve efficiency.

A selective catalytic reduction system uses diesel exhaust fluid to reduce nitrous-oxide emissions, ensuring the Td6 achieves U.S. regulations. The DEF is injected into the exhaust and, as the resulting mixture passes through the SCR, NOx is turned into harmless nitrogen gas.

To mitigate noise, vibration and harshness, the mill features dual-isolation engine mounts, as well as a windshield with an acoustic laminate.

Land Rover says its engineers put the engine through rigorous testing, noting that by the time U.S. sales begin, the new diesel will have completed more than 1 million test miles (1.6 million km) in the most extreme climates and diverse terrains in the country.

The two new luxury diesel SUVs go on sale this fall. Pricing will be made available closer to launch, Land Rover says.

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