The all-new 4.4-litre LR-TDV8, specifically designed for the Land Rover Range Rover, replaces the 3.6-litre LR-TDV8 and combines substantially increased performance with greatly reduced emissions. Acceleration from rest to 60mph takes 7.5 seconds compared to 8.6 seconds for the previous 3.6-litre LR-TDV8, while top speed increases from 125mph to 130mph. More important, mid-range acceleration from 50mph-75mph has improved substantially, falling from 6.3 seconds to just 5.1 seconds. Yet CO2 emissions have dropped from 294g/km to just 253g/km compared to the outgoing LR-TDV8 3.6-litre, a massive 14 percent reduction. Most impressive of all, combined fuel economy has improved by 18.5 percent from 25.4 mpg to 30.1 mpg making this the first Range Rover to dip above the 30mpg barrier. The new engine also meets the stringent EU5 emissions standards, so emissions of NOx, CO2 and HC are among the lowest in the world for an engine of this type.

Despite these dramatic reductions, power and torque have soared, from 272PS and 640Nm, to 313PS at 3,750rpm and a staggering 700Nm torque at just 2,000rpm. More important is the way the power and torque interact with one another for impressive overall performance. Maximum torque is available from 1,500rpm to 3,000rpm but then maximum power kicks in from 3,250rpm to 4,000rpm producing a wall of performance from idle onwards. None of this has been achieved at the expense of refinement though and the 4.4-litre LR-TDV8′s power delivery remains silky smooth and whisper quiet throughout the engine speed range.

A new CGI cast-iron block forms the basis for the new V8 and although similar in design to the outgoing 3.6-litre engine, is taller to accommodate a longer stroke and 11mm longer to make room for duplex timing chains. The robust new engine has a forged steel crankshaft which although bigger than that of the outgoing 3.6-litre, is no heavier thanks to careful optimisation. Aluminium pistons with steel connecting rods incorporate optimised combustion chambers for high power and low emissions.

A unique approach to packaging some of the ancillaries allows the 4.4-litre LR-TDV8 to slot neatly into the engine bay despite its larger external dimensions. The oil filter, engine oil cooler and EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) cooler have been designed as one unit which sits in the centre of the ‘V’ taking up the minimum of room. A crankcase breather is incorporated through the centre of the assembly and incorporates a cyclone design to separate oil droplets from the fumes being ingested back into the engine.

Cylinder heads are each equipped with four-valves per cylinder and twin overhead camshafts and topped by composite cam covers, isolated from the cylinder heads by elastomeric gaskets to reduce transmission of noise. The steel glow plugs of the 3.6-litre LR-TDV8 have been superseded by new ceramic glow plugs which reach a temperature some 250°C higher and provide instant starting from key-on in normal conditions. Even at ambient temperatures -30°C the new design of glow plug heats up twice as quickly as before.

Parallel sequential turbochargers – lightning fast, hugely efficient

Key to the new engine’s performance and efficiency is the Parallel Sequential turbocharger system which is almost identical in concept to that of the fantastic, 2010 3.0-litre LR-TDV6 introduced on the Discovery 4. During normal driving, a medium-sized, variable-geometry turbocharger works alone, optimising efficiency. When the engine revs climb beyond 2,400rpm, valves in the exhaust manifold open and a smaller, secondary turbo seamlessly accelerates to full speed in just 20 milliseconds, full bi-turbo operation being achieved in only 180ms with no lag or power step. This method allows the second turbocharger to remain dormant when not required, improving engine efficiency by reducing pumping losses. A balance pipe connecting the two manifolds equalises pressure between the two exhaust systems.

Parallel sequential turbocharging – summary of advantages:

• Most of the time only one turbocharger is in use (up to motorway cruising speeds and average acceleration). Because it is a medium, rather than large-sized turbo with variable geometry, response is excellent with no discernable lag.
• Packaging is excellent, one turbo and manifold below each bank of cylinders.
• The combination of two turbochargers makes it possible to optimise efficiency and performance at all times.
• Because one turbocharger is in use most of the time, pumping losses are reduced.
• More efficient than series turbocharger systems, whose smaller primary turbocharger increases pumping losses and fuel consumption through raised exhaust back pressure.

The third generation common rail fuel injection system mirrors that of the 3.0-litre LR-TDV6 operating at a pressure of up to 2,000bar. Eight-hole piezo injectors, (compared to seven hole in the 3.0-litre LR-TDV6) are further optimised for emissions and contribute to the engine’s EU5 status and minimise noise. In the past, common rail fuel pumps were designed to over-supply the injector rails, the surplus being re-circulated back to the tank. This approach raised fuel temperature significantly and meant the fuel had to be cooled before being returned to the tank, wasting energy. The new system supplies fuel on demand, increasing efficiency and reducing the amount of cooling required.

The LR-TDV8′s ancillary drive-belts have been reduced from seven ribs to six compared to the outgoing 3.6-litre LR-TDV8, making it possible to reduce the thickness of the pulleys, improving efficiency, saving weight and reducing the length of the engine by 4mm. The use of a stretch belt to drive the fan and a dynamic tensioner for the 6-rib alternator belt does away with any need for adjustment during servicing in both cases.

The LR-TDV8 is the first Land Rover engine designed from the outset to use low SAPS Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, Sulphur) oil, reducing the build-up of ash in the DPFs (diesel particulate filters) for longer life and improved efficiency. Conventional, close coupled oxidation catalysts are used for exhaust aftertreatment. Lubrication is by the latest low-viscosity 5W-30 oil improving efficiency during the warm-up phase.

The viscous fan is no longer mounted on the water pump, allowing optimisation of the bearings for greater efficiency and robustness. This also allows the use of a larger fan, increased from 500mm to 520mm to provide ample cooling for the larger engine.

The 4.4-litre LR-TDV8 has been designed for ‘top-down’ servicing and doesn’t need to be lifted on a ramp, even for oil changes. The oil filter unit, mounted on the EGR unit in the ‘V’, is first loosened to allow the oil to drain into the sump and then unscrewed and replaced with no fuss. Under normal circumstances, oil is not drained from the sump in the conventional way, but extracted from the top of the engine by a special service pump at the dealer. Service intervals are 15,000 miles.

A facility for draining oil from the bottom of the engine has been retained to allow servicing in remote areas with no access to oil extraction equipment. There’s no dipstick, the oil level is monitored electronically by means of an ultrasonic sensor, informing the driver of both the oil level and the amount of oil that needs adding.

“The performance of our new LR-TDV8 can only be described as awe-inspiring. We are confident that the combination of reduced CO2 emissions, EU5 compliance and the massive increase in performance while delivering a huge improvement in fuel economy, is world class.” Paul Walker, Chief Programme Engineer

Around the world, HAMANN-Motorsport is a renowned specialist for exclusive refinement of luxury automobiles. And with the CONQUEROR II, based on the high-end model Range Rover SPORT, the Laupheim-based company once again confirms that it is the top address when it comes to dynamic accessories and exciting car body design.

Already the self-confident exterior shape turns the CONQUEROR II into a real conqueror of longing looks on our roads. Perfectly manufactured wing extensions made of light composite material give the aerodynamics set a masculine look. This perfectly goes with the stylishly adjusted front bumper components with the four integrated LED daytime running lights and the carbon bonnet. The athletic appearance is perfected with the roof spoiler, the rear apron in a diffuser-look and the
HAMANN-side planking.

The body refinements by HAMANN already render a dynamic appearance which also continues under the bonnet. The technology specialist allows the Range Rover SPORT 5,0 V8-Supercharged to achieve an engine performance of 560 hp / 412 kW at 6,500 r.p.m. (serial: 510 hp / 375 kW). At the same time, the maximum torque rises by 60 Nm to 685 Nm within the speed range of 2,500 to 5,500 r.p.m.U/min. Also the Diesel model is equipped with extra power. After the serial motronic has been re-programmed, the 3,0 TDV6-aggregates render 280 hp / 206 kW and supply the crankshaft with a maximum torque of 660 Nm.

The components of the HAMANN sports exhaust system render an earthy and impressive sound. The stainless steel end muffler with its four end pipes can be optionally amended by metal catalysts, sports manifold and a centre pipe set.

The rim programme is impressive in its dimension and variety. No matter if the customer seeks strikingly dynamic or elegant high-end rims – HAMANN offers a large variety of wheel designs and wheel sizes, such as a one-part wheel called Unique Forged Anodized measuring 23 inches. A unique design, produced in most modern forged technology and refined with an anodized surface are both hallmark and eponym at the same time. The recommended wheel-tyre combination for the front- and back axle is 11×23 inches with tyres measuring 315/25 R23.

Especially by the electronic HAMANN lowering kit, the XXL rims are further emphasised. The centre of gravity of the CONQUEROR II is lowered by 40 millimetres at the front- and by 30 millimetres at the back axle.

In addition to the serial interior, HAMANN accessories offers black-anodised aluminium combined with carbon applications. Pedals and foot rests render motorsports atmosphere and perfectly match the 6-part HAMANN decoration set made of carbon fibre. HAMANN offers an elegant boot mat with decorative stitching and an embroidered HAMANN logo for the Range Rover SPORT. Perfectly matching the latter is the floor mat set made of twisted pearl velours including another logo.