Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is planning to replace V6 engines for straight-six diesel and petrol units in 2017. The company aims to completely phase out all of the current V6 models, which are already deemed old.
Road and Track states that the XK straight-six was among the most popular Jaguar engines, powering the Le Mans-winning C-Type up to the XJ6 over a period of four decades. Over time, the engine was replaced by the V6. The new unit that is set to replace the V6 will not be the XK, but a 3.0-liter turbocharged version.
Engineering heads are positive that the straight-six setup will best complement rear-wheel drive, which has been a trademark of Jaguar for several years. Experts also believe that the engine is also compatible with bigger models such as the Land Rover and Range Rover.
The new direct-injection turbocharged 3.0-liter engines were made for all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive applications. The new straight-six engines were developed in-house at JLR and are included in the “Ingenium” group of engines that the current Discovery Sport and Jaguar XE have in four-cylinder configuration. There will be three states of power to choose from for both the diesel and petrol versions. The new unit may also take inspiration from Jaguar’s well-known straight-six heritage.
According to Car Advice, JLR’s new Ingenium diesel and petrol engines were specifically featured a modular design. The unit has a fixed cylinder volume of 500cc, which can easily be scaled up anywhere between a 2.0-liter four-cylinder to a 3.0-liter six-straight setup. The new engine is expected to be manufactured in the new factory in Wolverhampton.
Motoring reports that customers can choose a 225kW, 300kW or 370kW output for the 3.0-liter petrol engine. The top-end unit may feature twin turbos. As for the 3.0-liter diesel unit, customers can choose a 200kW, 250kW or 300kW output. The top-end straight-six diesel engine may soon substitute the current 4.4-liter V8 unit that the Range Rover has.
Car stated that the Ingenium six-straight, will be showcased in the Jaguar XE, Jaguar F-Pace, Jaguar XF and Jaguar XJ. It will also become available in the Range Rover, Ranger Rover Sport and next-generation Land Rover Discovery.
If JLR’s plans are realized, the company will feature straight-six engines again after two decades. Jaguar fans, in the meantime, should take the news as mere speculation until an official announcement from the company is made. More updates and details are expected soon.
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