New emission standards in the European Union mean that UK engines will be allowed to enter the US market and mean a change for the LR2.
New emission standards in the European Union mean that UK engines will be allowed to enter the US market and mean a change for the LR2.
The 2004 EU Directive 70/22/EEC was replaced in 2007 by Regulation 715/2007, otherwise known as Euro 5 and Euro 6. These regulations put new standards into place which, among other things, require vehicles outfitted with diesel engines to considerably lower nitrogen oxide emissions. The Euro 6 regulation will come into place beginning in September 2014, though many companies are already complying with the updated directive.
Why does this matter? At present, US emission standards on diesel engines are much tighter than those of the EU, so some types of engines (diesel) cannot be sold to the US market. However, the Euro 6 regulation will fall in line with the stringent US emission standards. This will allow diesel engines manufactured by the EU to enter US markets, meaning new engine options for you!
Land Rover is keen on bringing diesel to the US, beginning with its 2.2 liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel for the Evoque and LR2 sometime in 2012. The LR2 currently uses a 3.2-liter six-cylinder, but the switch to the turbocharged four-cylinder serves a dual purpose. First, it quells fuel economy concerns from customers, and second, it severs a few ties left in place from Land Rover’s previous Ford ownership as the engine will be manufactured under a new factory agreement in Spain.
We can’t wait!
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