New V6 Engine Balances Performance and Environmental Friendliness

The flagship "Range Rover" from Land Rover's premium SUV brand has historically offered a 5-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine and a 5-liter V8 supercharged engine. Now, a new 3-liter V6 supercharged engine joins the lineup, bringing the total gasoline engine options to three.

This 3-liter V6 engine is constructed entirely of aluminum. The main bearing caps are secured with cross-bolts featuring a cross-thread pitch, successfully increasing the rigidity of the lightweight engine block.

Designed and developed from the outset with demanding off-road use in mind—including a maximum incline of 45 degrees, a maximum wading depth of 900mm, and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500kg—all belts are waterproofed to ensure normal operation even when submerged. Furthermore, technologies such as direct fuel injection and variable valve timing are employed, mirroring the V8 engines.



While this is naturally the smallest displacement gasoline engine in the new Range Rover lineup, it boasts impressive specifications comparable to the 5-liter V8 engines. It delivers a maximum output of 340ps at 6,500rpm and a peak torque of 450Nm between 3,500-5,000rpm, closely rivaling the V8's 375ps at 6,500rpm and 510Nm at 3,500-5,000rpm.

Paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, it achieves 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds, demonstrating high performance that is only slightly slower than the V8 engine models' 6.8 seconds.

CO2 emissions are recorded at 254g/km, representing a 15 percent reduction compared to the V8 naturally aspirated engine and an impressive 21 percent reduction compared to the V8 supercharged engine.

The technology enabling high output from a smaller displacement is an application of techniques refined with the V8 engines. The Roots-type supercharger, featuring a water-cooled intercooler, is electronically controlled for boost pressure by a newly adopted Bosch engine management system for this engine, achieving up to a 20 percent improvement in efficiency. Additionally, a new system has been developed where the balancer weights rotate in opposite directions front and rear, reportedly delivering smoothness comparable to the V8 engines.

Orders for the Range Rover equipped with this engine have commenced in major markets worldwide. With deliveries potentially starting as early as the third quarter of 2013, it is highly likely to be introduced in Japan as well.

LR-V6 3-Liter Supercharged Gasoline Engine
Engine | 2,995cc V6 Direct Injection Supercharged
Bore x Stroke | 84.5 x 89.0 mm
Compression Ratio | 10.5:1
Max Output | 340ps / 6,500 rpm
Max Torque | 450Nm | 3,500-5,000rpm
0-100km/h Acceleration | 7.4 seconds
Max Speed | 210km/h