New V8 for Range Rover Sport

Diesel motor delivers more including mpg

By PH Staff / Wednesday, 23 August 2006 / Loading comments

Range Rover Sport

It's a diesel day today, as Land Rover drops a new V8 diesel motor into the Range Rover Sport, completing the vehicle's launch phase.

Since its debut in 2005, Land Rover's most performance-oriented vehicle yet -- dubbed a 'sports tourer' by the company -- has been in high demand, leading to waiting lists in many markets. With reasonably quick performance and fuel economy of 25.5 mpg on combined fuel cycle, the new TDV8 should extend the Sport's appeal.

The TDV8 engine has been designed to power both the standard Range Rover and Sport models, and it was first seen earlier this year in the Range Rover. For the Sport variant, the engine calibration, installation and applications have been developed to deliver a more sporting driving experience.

The introduction of the TDV8 engine at 2007 model year is accompanied by detailed specification upgrades and improvements across the Range Rover Sport line-up. The existing three engine options are still available: TDV6, V8 petrol and V8 supercharged.

Performance

The TDV8 engine is lightweight, strong and designed to accommodate Land Rover's off-road demands -- it provides huge reserves of torque across the rev range. Peak power from the TDV8 engine is 268bhp, 42 per cent higher than the existing V6 diesel. The new vehicle reaches 60 mph in 8.6 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph.

The TDV8's flattish torque curve peaks on 472lb-ft, 45 per cent higher than the TDV6, and is available from 2,000 rpm to 2,500 rpm. With more than 369lb-ft of torque available from under 1,500 rpm to over 3,700 rpm, in CommandShift manual transmission mode, the new derivative takes 6.8 seconds to accelerate from 50 to 70 mph in fifth gear -- which is reasonable given the bulk that's being hurried along.

Technology

Each cylinder bank is fed by a dedicated variable-geometry turbocharger via separate, high-capacity intercoolers to help achieve the engine's throttle responses.

Twin fuel-coolers help reduce temperatures in the engine's high-pressure fuel circuit, where the camshaft-driven fuel pump supplies the piezoelectric injectors with diesel fuel at pressures of up to 1700 bar. An intake port deactivation system helps optimise combustion chamber swirl for greater efficiency and cleaner combustion.

Land Rover's patented turbo oil-scavenging system works in conjunction with specially developed sealing and intake systems to help ensure that the engine can withstand the vehicle's 700mm wading capability and off-road operating-angle requirements.

Objectives

A key objective for the TDV8 engine was refinement. Combustion control, a stiff engine structure and tuned acoustic covers for both the engine and fuel-injection system all help make the TDV8 one of the world's quietest large diesels, reckons Land Rover. At idle, vibrations are on a par with those of many V8 petrol engines thanks to electronically controlled, switchable-rate hydraulic engine mounts.

Very low levels of base-engine noise have allowed Land Rover engineers to tune the exhaust system to emphasise the TDV8's sporting burble; the result is an appealing soundtrack for a big diesel. Love that rattle!

Transmission

The TDV8 engine is mated to Range Rover Sport's full-time 4x4 driveline. Electronic control continuously adapts the change characteristics of the ZF six-speed automatic transmission to the prevailing driving style. The CommandShift mode also provides manual gearchange when required.

Land Rover's Positive Torque system is standard on all TDV8 derivatives, providing faster downshifts by automatically blipping the throttle to match engine and road-speeds.

When not locked, the four-wheel-drive system's electronic centre differential continuously adjusts the front-to-rear torque split to help optimise traction, whatever the surface. The two-speed shift-on-the-fly transfer box incorporates a low-range reduction gear, designed to help achieve Range Rover Sport's class-leading standards of off-road gradeability and control.

Chassis

TDV8 derivatives share the independent, double wishbone airsprung suspension system of other Range Rover Sport models and are available with either 19-inch alloy wheels with 255/50 tyres or 20-inch alloys with 275/40 tyres.

Like the V8 supercharged derivative, Range Rover Sport's Dynamic Response system is standard equipment on the TDV8. The system's electronically controlled hydraulic actuators continually adjust Range Rover Sport's roll stiffness in response to cornering forces, providing body control without the ride penalties associated with conventional roll bars.

The TDV8 shares its braking system with the Sport Supercharged too, with four-piston Brembo front brake callipers and 360 mm front discs helping to achieve consistent stopping power.

Other changes

The TDV8's bright, Titan-finish grille and side vents are performance cues shared with the V8 supercharged derivative. New 18-inch and 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels are available on both the TDV6 and V8 naturally aspirated petrol derivatives, saving around 10 kg per vehicle.

Detail changes include the cabin, with an optional new hybrid TV unit which offers better analogue TV reception, and can process digital TV signals. A metallic finish is now applied to several controls to improve tactility, joined by clearer instrument graphics and an additional instrument pack clock.

Other enhancements to specific derivatives include stowage pouches on leather driver seats, enhanced navigation functionality, lane-change indicator functionality (providing a three-flash lane-change signal in response to a single touch), an electric tailgate latch (for automatic closing once lowered) and the optional, fully electronic Tyre Pressure Monitoring System which keeps an accurate watch on temperature-corrected tyre pressure within each road wheel.

“The new TDV8 engine is a tremendous achievement, with performance, outstanding refinement and exceptional efficiency. It extends choice still further for our customers, and we expect it to help maintain the vehicle's outstanding sales success,” said company boss Phil Popham.

Chief programme engineer Stuart Frith said: “The TDV8 engine is the company's fastest diesel to date and marries Range Rover Sport's unique blend of dynamic handling and off-road ability with an unprecedented combination of powerful performance and diesel efficiency.”