BMW’s history as engine supplier to Range Rover could see the light of day once more as global demand for V8 engines declines.
The days of BMW engines powering Land Rover models might not rest entirely in the past. The internet is buzzing with the rumours that BMW might supply V8 engines to a number of Range Rover models simply to strengthen the business case of the endangered V8 engine.
BMW currently builds the 4.4-litre V8 which in cars like the M6 or X6 M produces 412kW and 680Nm but with the global trend demanding smaller engines, BMW might try and partner up with other V8 stalwarts such as Range Rover.
For Range Rover, its own supercharged V8 engine which makes 375kW and 625Nm allied to a fuel thirst of 15 litres/100km hasn’t been developed up to the same efficient levels because most of the resources have been spent on the company’s smaller 4-cylinder Ingenium engine. Rather than throw R&D at a new V8, it would make more sense to adopt one from BMW.
If teaming up means we can preserve the V8 for our next generation of petrolheads, then we should all be praying that this rumour is true.
