How will this reflect on the LR3? Personally I'm hoping North American Land Rover product planners are starting to think
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| I'm hoping North American Land Rover product planners are starting to think seriously about importing the diesel-powered LR3. (Photo: Land Rover) |
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 there is usually about a 17 percent reduction in emissions. Depending on the diesel fuel itself, however, particulates can actually go up. By 2007 diesel fuel has to be refined to a new, much higher tolerance, which will dramatically reduce particulate pollutants, meaning diesel technology will become a lot
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| Diesel power not only delivers greater torque at lower revs than gasoline, but the improved fuel economy allows adventurers to go farther into the wilderness. (Photo: Land Rover) |
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 won't make the 1,400 horsepower necessary to jump Dennis Anderson's "Gravedigger" monster truck over a stack of cars and a school bus, but most outdoor adventurers adhere to the tread lightly philosophy as it is, so this won't be an issue. Diesel power not only delivers greater torque at lower revs than gasoline, the ideal scenario for crawling over rocky crags and fallen logs, but the improved fuel economy will allow adventurers to make treks farther into the wilderness before needing to turn back. A quick glance at the resale value of diesel powered Land Rover Defenders and rival Toyota Land Cruisers in your local classified ad section will show they are the popular choice among 4x4 enthusiasts.