gas guzzlers

[emmerson2]

Just read that from 2008, Land Rover will make no more vehicles with petrol engines. This means the end of the famous V8. It will also probably mean the end of my long association with Range Rovers, cos I cannot stand the smell of diesel. RIP V8.

 

[MONKEY1]

Emmerson ,

Your meant to put it in the engine not sniff it!! The passing of a great engine agreed. It time someone in a museum won't believe we made cars with V8's.

MH

 

[Colinn]

Interestingly Emmerson, I've just changed to a premium brand three litre diesel - and there's no doubt that occasionally I get an oily taste at the back of my throat, usually when the car is edging forward in heavy traffic queues. I got the same taste when I test drove another diesel car. Everyone said I was imagining it, but I suspect you're talking about the same thing. I also miss the quieter petrol engine. Guess this is the trade off we have to suffer for better economy - but I'll never agree that diesels have achieved petrol refinement...yet.

 

[emmerson2]

Apparently, the new TDV8 comes about as close as you can get, Colinn. It's not just the "tang" in the throat though.It's the whole smelly slimy oily feel of diesel that I cannot handle. I was a Fleet engineer for many, many years, and the Transport manager after that, and since retirement, occasionally I drive lorries, so I've had my fill of it, thank you very much. With regard to economy,pounds per mile, my LPG'd V8 is slightly better than my daughtre's diesel.Still, there'll be petrol RRs on the s/h market for a while yet!

 

[RichardS1]

Even though I have been a diesel convert for some time I would be the first to admit that you cannot beat the sound of a V8. If LR are doing away with the engine its a sad day.

 

[emmerson2]

Panic over! Apparently what was said is that Land Rover will stop production of the NATURALY ASPIRATED V8 in 2008. I assume by this they mean the 4.4 litre, leaving the 4.2 supercharged one. OK, I'll be able to sleep now. And before I get shouted at, I know the current engines aren't derived from the old Buick one, but they do still sound right!

 

[AussieMark]

Emmerson, in Australia we have only just this week test driven the TDV8 in a Vogue. The RRS TDV8 still hasn't arrived.

This diesel motor is quoted here as one of the most economical and clean ever built. I loved it!! Very fast and not very noisy at all. Plenty of grunt!

So much so that, I have one on order.

Mark.

 

[emmerson2]

Lucky you!! It's not the performance I have a problem with Mark, it's the fuel! I cannot stand the smell or feel of diesel oil. But nevertheless, you've made a very wise choice of car.

 

[Glenn_5132962]

I agreee with you there. I even avoid using combined petrol/diesel pumps in case I get the smelly stuff on my shoes.

ps. When you RR comes to the end of it's life can I have the V8? I promise i'll find a nice home for it under the bonnet of my MGB!

 

[emmerson2]

Now that would be nice.Why did they never do that, when they put it in the GT? I know it can be done, and has, but I believe there's a lot more to it than just plopping the V8 in the hole!

 

[JeremyClarksson]

The V8 they put in the MGB and the TR8 was strangled by US emissions regulations and did not provide much of an improvement over the standard engines.

Specialist V8 conversions are a different story.

I love classics, particularly mine - Triumph Vitesse MK11 convertible, Moto Guzzi Le mans MK1 and a 1976 TY250 trials outfit.

The bikes have not been out for a few years though.

Still with classics but back to gas guzzlers, my dad had an ex police tuned Austin Westminster that only ever did 8-12 mpg, it went like stink!

 

[Danny_5134221]

You would of thought in this day and age of high tech design Land Rover, or the parent company, could design a modern V8 that would develop more power, be fuel efficient and not polute the enviroment.