Although I have never owned anything running on DERV or chip fat, I had been considering - worrying, too - looking at an oil-burner next time simply because there are so very few SCs. I don't do a big mileage, so mpg is not really the point and I assume maintenance must be more costly because of the extra stuff the engine needs. And (without tempting fate, I pray) my 4.4 has been faultless.

Now, with all the kerfuffle about diesels,, I wonder whether LR might have to offer a basic petrol engine again. Doesn't help me with buying choices right now though....

I think it depends who is in office. Some people would love to never see a basic gas v8 in a range rover ever again. And if those people are in office I think you may see a bi/quad turbo i6 gas moving toward more efficency and higher gas prices.


I do think it is possible that the political tides shift and we see gas v8s come back. OffRoadRover.com An American Western Range Rover Off Road Blog

I think a turbo charged petrol engine will be on the cards, the amount of new petrol cars with low pressure turbo systems at the moment is huge! Its a way to make power and remain inside the tough emissions guidelines that are set before manufacturers.

Yes, probably. We know the 3.0 S/C in Jags is a good and fuel efficient engine. Plenty of power too. 45mpg in a 3.0 F Type is easily achieved so who needs diesel?

As noted above, there are plenty of smaller petrols with forced induction around at the moment, an example being the Ford Eco Boost. That's a 1.0, 3 cylinder turbocharged engine which drives like a regular 1600 petrol but does 70 to the gallon. There are quite a few over the 100k mile mark now so longevity doesn't seem to be an issue.

On the other hand, diesels are getting harder and harder when it comes to emissions. That has led to more and more gubbins being fitted, the latest of which is the Adblue (diesel exhaust fluid) system. More costly to make and loads more to go wrong.

That said, the 4.4 TDV8 is a sublime engine with enough torque to rip the Severn Bridge off it's mounts. If it came to that or a 3.0 S/C petrol I'm not sure which way I'd go to be frank.

Surely there's no replacement for displacement

Besides, it's about the range of power and torque not the actual peak numbers which for me is why a large displacement engine will always trump a forced smaller engine on a RR.

All I will say is go and drive a Ford Focus with the Eco Boost 1.0 in it. I scoffed, then I drove it and it's a strong pulling motor right through the rev range.

Times have changed since the rs turbo! Variable valve timing, vvt turbo's and even supercharged turbos have really made a huge difference, the power range on things like the eco boost would make you think you are driving a good 1.8 N/A motor

The smaller engine turbocharged breed that most makers are selling now are indeed very good at carrying you along at a decent rate of knots and will be very tax friendly. My wife's 0.9Litre Fiat 500s Turbo 105 is such a car and a friends 1.0 Fiesta ST is a similar idea.

Ford's 2.3 ecoboost Mustang engine puts out 300BHP and that's respectable so maybe it's a fair point. My concern is when the car is under pressure, loaded or towing...how's that turbo going to cope when it's maxed out for a length of time...

And tbh....I have a V8....it's a better pub story than...I do 43mpg...  Is this where I put the car details and a bit about myself ?........

I think this whole post should be removed, long live V8's lol

You are probably quite right Olly. I must get a grip on my thoughts.

n1cktdv8 wrote:

And tbh....I have a V8....it's a better pub story than...I do 43mpg...

my old Prius adversely affected my love life in my 20s...  OffRoadRover.com An American Western Range Rover Off Road Blog

I'd love to see a v8 prius

If they are going to try to make James Bond, Jane Bond. I think we should try to make the prius a V8...  OffRoadRover.com An American Western Range Rover Off Road Blog

Well, whaddya know! 3.0 V6 petrol now available! I can see the future!