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Land Rover has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons of late (financial losses, job cuts, Brexit) but it nonetheless has been working hard on a new generation of petrol, diesel, and mild-hybrid engines. Here is the first of the new lineup of inline-six cylinder engines, a 400hp petrol-fuelled mild-hybrid, which is making its debut in the Range Rover Sport.
The Range Rover Sport HST is the first model to get to use the new 3.0-litre straight-six, which will begin to replace the old supercharged V6 engine in Land Rover's (and Jaguar's) lineup. It's, in its simplest form, a four-cylinder 'Ingenium' engine with two extra cylinders added on. Land Rover claims that it: "Enhances performance, refinement and responses along with improved fuel economy."
The new engine makes 400hp, along with 550Nm of torque, and that's enough to propel the Range Rover Sport to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds, with a top speed of 225km/h. The new engine boasts a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve-timing.
It's also packing a 48-volt 'mild hybrid' system, which allows the Range Rover to harvest energy through regenerative braking and store it in a battery for later use, such as when pulling away from a standing start. It's part of Land Rover's commitment to launch electric or hybrid versions of every model it makes from 2020 onwards. Thanks to the mild hybrid, the Range Rover Sport HST has some impressive economy figures - 9.3 litres per 100km (30mpg) and 213g/km are analogous to the old 3.6-litre V8 diesel.
Nick Rogers, Executive Director of Product Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, said: "In-line six-cylinder engines are inherently better balanced than V6 designs and our all-new Ingenium unit builds on that promise to optimise efficiency in all operating conditions. Advanced features, including an electric supercharger, ensure distinctive Range Rover Sport performance and responses, while the intelligent MHEV system harvests energy to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions."
The special edition HST model, which is the only version of the Range Rover Sport to get the new engine for the moment (a 360hp version will be available too, depending on the market), features a unique combination of interior and exterior updates including bespoke badging and carbon fibre trim on the bonnet, front grille, side vents and tailgate.
Customers will have a choice of two alloy wheel designs and five exterior colours - Santorini Black, Fuji White, Indus Silver, Firenze Red and Carpathian Grey. The HST also gets red brake calipers, with a grey anodised option also available.
Inside, the 'Dynamic' front seats feature an updated colour pattern with suede detailing on the steering wheel and gear lever, Satin Chrome gear shift paddles and an HST badged facia. In addition, the available suite of safety enhancements includes optional Adaptive Cruise Control - featuring Stop and Go and Steering Assist - alongside High-Speed Emergency Braking. Owners will also benefit from traditional capability features, such as Terrain Response 2.
You can order one now, but don't be expecting it to be cheap. With a UK price of STG£81,250, you're probably going to be looking at the guts of €160,000 to get one here.