Jaguar-Land Rover Replacing S/C V8 Engines With BMW Turbo V8s

Jaguar-Land Rover recently epoxied a deal with BMW for supply of their next-generation Bavarian twin-turbocharged V8 engines. The engines are set to replace JLR’s aging supercharged 5.0-L V8 that’s powering Rs, SVRs, and top-of-the-line Range Rovers.

Automotive purists like myself can’t help but ponder about the future feel and image of Jaguar-Range Rover halo cars. Jaguars deliver distinct character through their powertrain, which makes one wonder how they can retain their British mojo while pumping a Bavarian heart?

Basically, it comes down to a few factors why Tata chose to outsource their new supply of V8s instead of designing and building them in-house. Tata has been hunting for better company-wide MPGs, investing plenty of coin while developing their own new four- and six-cylinder Ingenium engine line. Simply put, it didn’t make sense from an investment standpoint for Tata to develop a new V8 that would be used in limited numbers.

Right now BMW’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine outputs anywhere from 440 to 600 HP, which is similar to Jaguar’s 5.0L V8 punch, though supercharging feels like a whole different animal. New technology minimizes turbo-lag, but nothing compares to the instant feeling and sound of a supercharger, especially bolted to a whiz-bang-popping V8.

On the brighter side of things, AutoBlog reports that Jaguar will receive a next-generation twin-turbo V8 from the Bavarians, who have been busy redeveloping a twin-turbo 4-Liter V8 packed with more power, efficiency, and less weight.

Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>

Via [AutoBlog]