2016 Range Rover HSE Td6/HSE Sport Td6: Diesel power for America

Heading to showrooms next fall, the 2016 Range Rover HSE Td6 and Range Rover HSE Sport Td6 turbodiesel models were revealed in Detroit. Each of these more fuel-efficient variations on the current Range Rover/Range Rover Sport themes will be fitted with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that makes 254 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of peak torque, the latter arriving in full at just 1,750 rpm. It will be backed by an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. While official EPA numbers are still a ways off, Land Rover internal data claims that both of these 4-wheel drive go-anywhere wonders will deliver 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with a 25-mpg combined rating — which would be a 32-percent improvement over the current gasoline-fired 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Per-tank range also increases to 658 miles.

Also: See our complete coverage of the 2015 Detroit Auto Show

Speaking at the reveal, Joe Eberhardt, President and CEO Jaguar Land Rover North America, indicated these new Range Rover models are just the opening salvo in what will be a major effort to meet more stringent CAFE requirement that loom ahead. "JLR plans to introduce a diesel option for nearly every model in its entire family over the course of the next three years, each of which will offer between 20 and 30 percent mileage than its comparable gasoline-powered alternative." 

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Lightweight construction

The purpose-built Td6 is a relatively light and compact engine that uses a block made from Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI), which has a higher tensile strength than cast iron, better fatigue resistance than aluminum and superior overall stiffness. A number of improvements were made to the engine for U.S. duty, including the use of a new and more sophisticated water-cooled turbocharger. Collectively the upgrades yielded an additional 8-percent boost in overall fuel efficiency. The Td6 uses Diesel Exhaust Fluid to help reduce NOx emissions and an easily refilled reservoir holding enough for about 10,000 miles is located underhood. To ensure these new diesel-powered models maintain traditional Range Rover refinement levels, each also features dual-isolation engine mounts and an acoustic laminate windshield as well as a unique bulkhead design at the front of the passenger compartment to help reduce powertrain noise. 

Pricing, packaging details and final EPA numbers for the 2016 Range Rover HSE Td6 and Range Rover HSE Sport Td6 models will be announced closer to their on-sale date.

Check out our Midsize Luxury SUV Buyers Guide for a look at what’s new and what’s next.