The new 2011 Range Rover from Land Rover may come equipped with a new, ultra-powerful V8 diesel engine, but that doesn’t stop it from slashing fuel consumption by nearly a fifth compared to its predecessor.
The LR-TDV8 4.4litre engine with parallel sequential turbocharging replaces the outgoing LR-TDV8 3.6litre diesel and offers a 15.1 per cent increase in power and a 9.4 per cent boost in torque to 700Nm. Despite this however, there is an 18.5 per cent improvement in fuel economy at 25mpg and CO2 emissions are down 14 per cent to 253g/km.
Part of the improvement is down to a new, electronically controlled ZF 8HP70 eight-speed automatic gearbox – the first ever fitted to a Range Rover. The wider ratio spread improves the vehicle’s efficiency while the closer ratios boost comfort. The transmission idle control also reduces fuel consumption.
The smart transmission integrates with the diesel engine to ensure the most efficient operating regime no matter what the conditions. The vehicle can accelerate from 0-60mph in 7.5seconds while moving from 50-75mph in 5.1seconds.
