Jaguar Land Rover unveils new Ingenium petrol engine and Transcend automatic gearbox
Jaguar Land Rover has introduced a new petrol addition to its Ingenium engine family and a lightweight, ultra-wide ratio Transcend eight-speed automatic, both targeting improved efficiency and lower emissions.
Jaguar Land Rover has announced a significant step in its ongoing efforts to reduce fleet greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by the end of the decade. To reach this target, the company is expanding its technical portfolio, focusing on new powertrain technologies that will underpin future Jaguar and Land Rover models. This strategy involves both the introduction of new petrol engines to the Ingenium family and the launch of the advanced Transcend eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Jaguar Land Rover's Emissions Reduction Strategy
Ingenium Petrol Engine Expansion
The Ingenium engine family, first introduced with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel in 2015, is now being expanded with new petrol units set to arrive in 2017. These new petrol engines are built on the same modular architecture as the diesel variant, with each cylinder displacing 500 cubic centimetres. This modular approach allows for a variety of engine configurations, making it possible to use these engines across multiple vehicle types including saloons, coupes, and SUVs. The engines are compatible with rear-, front-, and all-wheel drive layouts, providing flexibility for both Jaguar and Land Rover product lines.
The new Ingenium petrol engines feature an electrohydraulic valvetrain, an integrated exhaust manifold, and a twin-scroll turbocharger equipped with ceramic ball bearing technology. These technical features are intended to deliver strong performance, improved efficiency, and compliance with increasingly stringent global emissions regulations. While Jaguar Land Rover has not yet released full technical specifications or power outputs for these engines, the company emphasises that the new petrol units will play a central role in its efforts to meet future emissions standards.
Transcend Eight-Speed Automatic Gearbox
Alongside the Ingenium petrol engine expansion, Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled the Transcend eight-speed automatic transmission. Developed with a $39.5 million investment, this new gearbox stands out for its ultra-wide 20:1 ratio spread, which is more than double that of typical eight-speed automatics in the market. The wider ratio range allows for lower first gears to improve acceleration and higher top gears to enhance fuel efficiency during cruising. The Transcend transmission is also 20 kilograms lighter than the company’s previous automatic gearboxes, contributing further to overall vehicle efficiency.
Jaguar Land Rover claims that the Transcend gearbox is up to 10 percent more efficient than earlier automatics. It is designed for use in vehicles with longitudinally mounted engines and is compatible with both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive systems. This aligns with the company’s modular approach to powertrain development, allowing for broad application across different models and supporting the company’s emissions reduction goals.
Implications for Jaguar Land Rover's Future
By introducing these new technologies, Jaguar Land Rover is taking concrete steps towards meeting its ambitious emissions targets. The modular design of both the Ingenium engines and the Transcend gearbox provides flexibility, enabling the company to adapt quickly to changing regulatory requirements and market demands. These developments are expected to play a key role in the next generation of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, supporting both performance and environmental objectives.
As the automotive industry faces growing pressure to reduce emissions and improve efficiency, Jaguar Land Rover’s investment in advanced powertrain technology demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Customers can expect to see these new engines and transmissions in a range of models beginning next year, as the company continues to evolve its lineup in response to global environmental challenges.
