The AJ126 engine is a variant of the Jaguar AJ-V8 engine, which is a compact DOHC V8 piston engine used in many Jaguar vehicles since 1996. The AJ-V8 engine was the fourth new engine type in the history of the company, and it replaced both the straight-6 Jaguar AJ6 engine and the Jaguar V12 engine. The AJ-V8 engine is available in displacements ranging from 3.2L to 5.0L, and a supercharged version is also produced.
The AJ126 engine is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that was introduced in 2012. It is based on the existing AJ133 5.0-liter V8 engine, but it has a smaller bore and stroke than the V8, and two cylinders are removed to save on costs and weight. The engine block is the same size as the V8, but the cylinder heads are shortened versions of the V8 heads. The engine is made on the same production line as the AJ133.
The AJ126 engine delivers exemplary power, poise, and performance in various Jaguar and Land Rover models, such as the Jaguar F-Type, the Jaguar XF, the Jaguar XJ, the Range Rover, and the Range Rover Sport. The engine features direct injection, variable valve timing, variable geometry air intakes, and a twin-vortex supercharger with an intercooler. The engine has a compression ratio of 10.5:1 and a maximum engine speed of 6,800 rpm. The engine produces 340 hp (254 kW) and 332 lb⋅ft (450 N⋅m) of torque in most applications, but it can be tuned to produce up to 380 hp (283 kW) and 339 lb⋅ft (460 N⋅m) of torque in some models.
Characteristics of the AJ126 Engine
The following table summarizes the main characteristics of the AJ126 engine:
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Configuration | 90° V6 |
| Displacement | 3.0 L (2,995 cc) |
| Bore | 84.5 mm (3.33 in) |
| Stroke | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Block material | Aluminum alloy |
| Head material | Aluminum alloy |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 4 valves x cyl. with VVT |
| Supercharger | TVS with intercooler |
| Fuel system | Direct injection |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Oil system | Wet sump |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Power output | 340–380 hp (254–283 kW) |
| Torque output | 332–339 lb⋅ft (450–460 N⋅m) |
| Max. engine speed | 6,800 rpm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the AJ126 engine:
- Q: How is the AJ126 engine different from the AJ133 engine?A: The AJ126 engine is a 3.0-liter V6 engine derived from the AJ133 5.0-liter V8 engine. The AJ126 engine has a smaller bore and stroke than the AJ133 engine, and two cylinders are removed to reduce the size, weight, and cost of the engine. The AJ126 engine also has shortened cylinder heads compared to the AJ133 engine. The AJ126 engine produces less power and torque than the AJ133 engine, but it is more fuel-efficient and has lower emissions.
- Q: What are the benefits of the supercharger on the AJ126 engine?A: The supercharger on the AJ126 engine is a twin-vortex supercharger (TVS) with an intercooler. The supercharger boosts the air pressure and density in the intake manifold, which increases the amount of air and fuel that can be burned in the combustion chambers. This results in higher power and torque output, as well as better throttle response and acceleration. The intercooler reduces the temperature of the compressed air, which improves the engine efficiency and performance.
- Q: What are the models that use the AJ126 engine?A: The AJ126 engine is used in several Jaguar and Land Rover models, such as:
- Jaguar F-Type (2013–present)
- Jaguar XF (2012–present)
- Jaguar XJ (2012–present)
- Range Rover (2013–present)
- Range Rover Sport (2013–present)
- Q: How reliable is the AJ126 engine?A: The AJ126 engine is a reliable engine that has been tested and proven in various conditions and environments. The engine is designed and manufactured with high-quality materials and components, and it has advanced technologies and features that enhance its performance and durability. The engine also has a robust cooling system and a sophisticated engine management system that protect the engine from overheating and other potential issues. However, like any engine, the AJ126 engine requires regular maintenance and care to ensure its optimal operation and longevity. Some of the common maintenance tasks include:
- Changing the engine oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
- Checking and topping up the engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid as needed.
- Replacing the air filter every 30,000 miles or 36 months, whichever comes first.
- Replacing the spark plugs every 60,000 miles or 72 months, whichever comes first.
- Replacing the supercharger belt every 100,000 miles or 120 months, whichever comes first.
- Inspecting and servicing the brakes, tires, suspension, steering, and other components as recommended by the manufacturer.
