Production of JLR AJ V8 engine increased, to power cars for next 3-5 years

KUALA LUMPUR: The Jaguar & Land Rover AJ supercharged V8 petrol powerplant powers several cars in both the companys lineup like the F-Type SVR, F-Type R, Land Rover Defender Works to name a few. It goes without a doubt that the 5.0-litre V8 mill is an essential part of the two British automakers lineup.

However, with Ford Motor announcing the closure of its Bridgend factory last summer, the future of the AJ V8 mill seems a bit uncertain. Why? One may ask. Will that’s because of this manufacturing plant builts the JLR power unit and it’s about to change.

JLR has reported that the production of the AJ V8 engine will be shifted to the JLR Engine Manufacturing Centre located in Wolverhampton in the UK. So, not only the workforce but the equipment will also be shifted from Bridgend to Wolverhampton.

As per a report published by Autocar, JLR said, "Manufacture of the JLR-designed V8 petrol engines previously made at Bridgend will move to the JLR Engine Manufacturing Centre, with further detail to be confirmed at a later date."

Until the Bridgend plant shuts down completely the company has increased the production of the AJ V8 engine, thus making sure that the supply remains unaffected during the shifting phase. To support the increased production the assembly of Ford Dragon and Sigma mills is cut down in the plant.

The Autocar report also suggested that the AJ V8 mill will continue to power Jaguar and Land Rover cars for the next three to five years. Post that JLR plans to adopt BMW's V8 mill.

Source: Autocar

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