Photo: Land Rover
The diesel car market in America is growing by the day, as more and more buyers are finding real-world savings on fuel while enjoying more low-down torque, which is especially useful on the heavier SUVs. Volkswagen and Audi are so far leading the charge with their TDI clean diesel 2-liter and 3-liter mills. However, American brands and other European companies are eager to catch up.
After Porsche's announcement two days ago, which revealed a Macan with a diesel V6 could be ready by late 2015, Land Rover has jumped on the bandwagon today as well. According to the latest reports, the smallest premium SUV they've got could be switching fuels soon.
US-spec Range Rover Evoques are all sold with a 2-liter turbo engine, like the one we tested a few years back. However, in Europe, most buyers go for one of the 2.2-liter diesels, which are available in two stages of tune with either front- or all-wheel drive.
"Nothing is confirmed yet, but as we continue to investigate options that's definitely something that's being considered," said Kim McCullough, the marketing vice president of Jaguar - Land Rover's North American arm.
It's not that Land Rover hasn't wanted to sell diesels in America, just that the 2.2-liter Duratorq mill can't be re-engineered to comply with current emissions regulations.
The solution? Simple really – use one of the newer 2-liter turbodiesels from the Ingenium family that have been developed for the Discovery Sport. This is said to be the most efficient engine ever produced by the brand and in European models is available in two stages of tune: 163 PS (160 hp) / 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) and one that develops 180 PS (177 hp) / 430 Nm (317 lb-ft).
"There's a much greater acceptance for diesel in the U.S. market. You'll see diesels eventually coming in on both brands," confirmed McCullough in an interview with AutoGuide.
While you're at it Land Rover, why not sell the full-size Range Rover with a diesel V6. God knows the 10 mpg you get with a V8 is getting kind of ridiculous. Then there's the world "considering', which this company uses all the time without actually doing anything. Meanwhile, TDI Q5s and Q7 are selling like hotcakes.
US-spec Range Rover Evoques are all sold with a 2-liter turbo engine, like the one we tested a few years back. However, in Europe, most buyers go for one of the 2.2-liter diesels, which are available in two stages of tune with either front- or all-wheel drive.
"Nothing is confirmed yet, but as we continue to investigate options that's definitely something that's being considered," said Kim McCullough, the marketing vice president of Jaguar - Land Rover's North American arm.
Why the delay?
The Evoque has been a huge success for Land Rover, their best selling car since the first examples started rolling off the Halewood assembly line in Britain back in July 2011. Since then, three years have passed and the company has made numerous upgrades, including adding a 9-speed ZF gearbox automatic.It's not that Land Rover hasn't wanted to sell diesels in America, just that the 2.2-liter Duratorq mill can't be re-engineered to comply with current emissions regulations.
The solution? Simple really – use one of the newer 2-liter turbodiesels from the Ingenium family that have been developed for the Discovery Sport. This is said to be the most efficient engine ever produced by the brand and in European models is available in two stages of tune: 163 PS (160 hp) / 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) and one that develops 180 PS (177 hp) / 430 Nm (317 lb-ft).
"There's a much greater acceptance for diesel in the U.S. market. You'll see diesels eventually coming in on both brands," confirmed McCullough in an interview with AutoGuide.
While you're at it Land Rover, why not sell the full-size Range Rover with a diesel V6. God knows the 10 mpg you get with a V8 is getting kind of ridiculous. Then there's the world "considering', which this company uses all the time without actually doing anything. Meanwhile, TDI Q5s and Q7 are selling like hotcakes.
Google News