European Discovery TDV6 Gets Jaguar-Derived V6 Diesel

With fuel costs escalating to the point that most consumers are feeling a significant pinch in their budgets, buying patterns are starting to show smaller SUVs rising in popularity. Large SUVs are still selling fairly well, however, but long-term extortion at the pump will no doubt reduce their market dominance.

How will this reflect on Land Rovers V8-powered LR3 - the long awaited upgrade to the Discovery? The Ford Motor Company owned British brand has done well with its 5- and 7-seat sport utility in North America over the last decade, but after two generations its perceived quality isnt quite up to scratch and reliability near the bottom of the heap.

The new

Although large SUVs are currently selling well, increasing gas prices will no doubt reduce their market dominance. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

North American Land Rover product planners must now be thinking seriously about importing the diesel version of

The minds at North American Land Rover must seriously be thinking of bringing the diesel version of the LR3 stateside. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

OK, the fuel economy benefits are obvious but how does an oil burner reduce emissions first of all, and then what makes it better for serious 4x4 expeditions? To answer the former, the additional pollutants excreted by diesel engines are compensated by the engine not using as much fuel in the first place. The benefits do not follow an exact science, but overall

The diesel engine would not only improve the SUVs fuel economy but also reduce emissions while making it a better off-road vehicle. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

And why does a diesel powered SUV make a better SUV off the beaten path? Well, once again the word "better" needs to be defined. Conventional diesels wont make the 1,400 horsepower necessary to jump Dennis Andersons "Gravedigger" monster truck over a stack of cars and a school bus, but most outdoor adventurers adhere to

Taking into account better fuel economy and cleaner diesel fuel, there is usually about a 17 percent reduction in emissions with diesel engines. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

And the LR3 is said to be an even more capable off-road vehicle than its superb predecessor, making the availability of a diesel even more advantageous.

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