Chris Marchand, Exec. VP of Ops, Jaguar/Land Rover North America Talks Turbo Diesel

Why would someone, anyone, consider gasoline after reading this?

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – June 19, 2016

2016 4WD Range Rover Sport HSE Td6 w/ Auto Start/Stop mated to a smooth shifting 8-speed AT - $66,950 to start while providing owners a 22/29 mpg city/highway rating.

Last December, Chris laid out why the 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. of torque 3.0L V6, the Td6 turbo diesel, in the Range Rover Sport HSE makes so much sense.

To begin, the 2016 Range Rover Sport HSE Td6 incorporates a new from a blank sheet 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque 3.0L Turbo Diesel that costs just $2,000 more than the gasoline fueled 2016 Range Rover Sport with the 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque Supercharged 3.0L V6.

A key metric of the Td6, and all modern turbot diesel power plants for that matter, is that it provide its peak torque at 1,750 rpm vs 3,500 rpm in the gasoline fueled V6. When you are driving your car, do you/would you drive mostly at a low NVH 1,750 rpm or do you/would you normally drive your vehicle at a harsh 3,500 RPM or more? Meaning normal everyday driveability is vastly improved.

Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is also very comparable. The Luxury oriented Range Rover Sport Td6 accelerates to 60 mph in just 7.1seconds compared to 6.9 seconds for the gasoline fueled V6 in the same.

The Range Rover Sport HSE’s Td6

​

EPA figures for the Range Rover Sport Td6 of 22/29 mpgUS city/highway is vastly superior to the rather paltry 17/23 mpgUS city/highway rating of the gasoline fueled 3.0L V6. Like all Turbo Diesels, the average Td6 owner will bury its EPA whereas the gasoline fueled 3.0L V6 owner will struggle just to meet its ratings.

With its 23.5 gallon tank and 29 mpgUS highway rating, total spec range is 680+ miles. The 27.7 gallon tank of the gasoline 3.0L V6 engine at 23 mpg highway provides a range of just over 635 miles.

In other words, one is not like the other…

2016 Range Rover Sport HSE with the Td6


Refueling in Del Mar, Calif. the other day. Do you want to refuel a more efficient Td6 with Diesel for $2.799 or a 3.0L V6 with Premium Gasoline for $3.499?​

New Range Rover Sport Td6

As part of the complete redesign for the 2013 and 2014 model years, the Range Rover Sport is built on an aluminum body with the Td6 providing all of the above.

The Td6 block is constructed using advanced, strong, stiff and lightweight Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI). Its advantages in weight and strength mean the block can be lighter and smaller. The deep-skirted, cross-bolted design and one-piece structural aluminum oil sump of the Td6 help the engine to absorb combustion noise effectively which improves NVH refinement.

A water-cooled turbocharger, new ball bearings, vanes and nozzles improve efficiency further.

To reduce emissions, a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) reduce NOx to almost undetectable levels while meeting the toughest emissions specs in the world, the US EPA LEV 3. The DEF is injected into the exhaust with its own injector so no cheap post injection from the cylinders to dilute the crankcase.

A new Low Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system reduces emission and improves fuel economy further.

This new EGR was designed to use low pressure exhaust after the DPF filter before being fed back into the intake

as the turbocharger inlet. From here they pass through an intercooler, resulting in a lower peak combustion temperature

A two-stage oil pump reduces engine losses while a revised design for the fuel-injectors has been introduced to improve efficiency and reduce hydrocarbon emissions.

The Range Rover Sport HESE with the Td6 uses dual-isolation engine mounts, an acoustic laminate windscreen, a more robust firewall between the engine and vehicle interior all of which minimizes engine and wind noise into the cabin.

A gasoline misfueling protection device is standard in the filler neck.

Now back to Chris Marchand’s comments in a blog post just as the Range Rover Sport HSE with the Td6 was being introduced.

Chris Marchand, Exec. VP of Ops, Jaguar/Land Rover North America


Why the turbo diesel?​

Impressive low-speed torque, up to 680 miles between fill-ups and great towing capability are all features that are attracting customers to the new Range Rover Sport HSE with Td6.

Who is buying the new Range Rover Td6?

Chris Marchand:

What kind of volumes are you expecting?

Chris Marchand:

What is the appeal for Range Rover customers?

Chris Marchand:

​

Diesels are known for their strong low-speed torque. Is that especially important to Range Rover Td6 buyers?

Chris Marchand:

What other characteristics are impressing buyers?

Chris Marchand:

​

How are you pricing the diesel-engined models?

Chris Marchand:

​

Does a diesel fueled Range Rover Sport HSE with the Td6 make more sense now? Why yes it does.

 

It's annoying when some gas stations put gasoline nozzles on their diesel pumps and the vehicle can't be filled. There was a service bulletin to add it to my car, I declined and the dealer agreed with me that it's probably best to avoid having it if I'm careful when filling my car.

 

Hi All:

From the Midwest Automotive Media Association Fall Rally (#MAMA16FR) - Remember the hyper refined Range Rover Sport with that magnificent TD6 turbo diesel we were driving around on Southern Calif. Interstates at 45 to 47 mpg a few weeks back? Well here it is, all $75k worth, running with the Jeeps off-road.

​

It felt a little weird listening to high end audio while seated in beautifully crafted seats and surrounded in luxury all the while touring the woods up close and personal.

Let us just say #rangerover has their act together big time!

Wayne