New V8 Diesel Extends Range Rover Sport Line-Up | Part Two

The TDV8’s torque curve is impressively flat. Peak torque - an enormous 640 Nm (45 per cent higher than the TDV6) - is available continuously from just 2000 rpm to 2500 rpm. With more than 500 Nm of torque available from less than 1500 rpm to over 3700 rpm, it’s no surprise that in-gear performance is where the TDV8 really excels. In CommandShift™ manual transmission mode, the new derivative takes only 6.8 seconds to accelerate from 50 to 70 mph in fifth gear. Yet, despite such performance, the TDV8 delivers 25.5 mpg (11.1 litres/100 km) over the combined cycle.

Each cylinder bank is fed by a dedicated variable-geometry turbocharger via separate, high-capacity intercoolers to help achieve the engine’s impressive throttle responses.

Twin fuel-coolers help reduce temperatures in the engine’s high-pressure fuel circuit, where the camshaft-driven fuel pump supplies the piezoelectric injectors with diesel fuel at pressures of up to 1700 bar. A sophisticated intake port deactivation system helps optimise combustion chamber swirl for even greater efficiency and cleaner combustion.

Land Rover’s patented turbo oil-scavenging system works in conjunction with specially developed sealing and intake systems to help ensure that the engine can withstand the vehicle’s 700 mm wading capability and rigorous off-road operating-angle requirements.

A key objective for the TDV8 engine was refinement. Superb combustion control, exceptionally stiff engine structure and tuned acoustic covers for both the engine and fuel-injection system all help make the TDV8 one of the world’s quietest large diesels.

Even at idle, vibrations are on a par with those of many V8 petrol engines thanks to electronically controlled, switchable-rate hydraulic engine mounts.

Very low levels of base-engine noise have allowed Land Rover engineers to tune the exhaust system to emphasise the TDV8’s naturally sporting burble; the result is a uniquely appealing soundtrack for a big diesel.