I think it varies, but I'm not sure. The older ones use the 2.5, newer use the 2.8. A lot of the vans have the turbo for the additional power.

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Light Khaki 2.8CRD: TJM alloy bumper; Skid Row &Asfir skids;ext. breathers; SAMCO hoses; Grabber At3 235/70/16; Fumoto; Euro TC; Odyssey PC1500;GDE FTEcotune; OME lift; lightforce driving lights;ARB diff cover;nylon fan+Hayden2905;ss vortex exhaust; Airflow snorkel; Frontrunner roofrack; rock rails

I am surprised there isn't an online community for the new-gen London cabs, it would be a great resource.

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All "black" cabs are quite rigidly controlled by the taxi office at Scotland Yard (that's who used to be responsible anyway) so cabbies don't do their own maintenance; if there's a problem it goes into the garage for a mechanic to see to it. A London online cab community (and there is one but you have to be a licenced cabby to join) probably just shares road info and complaint's about the cab office and TfL.

I know a cabby (he's a member of my rifle club) and the only real interest in his vehicle is that its reliable, complies with the safety checks, is in good order for his passengers and costs as little as possible to run.

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Light Khaki 2.8CRD: TJM alloy bumper; Skid Row &Asfir skids;ext. breathers; SAMCO hoses; Grabber At3 235/70/16; Fumoto; Euro TC; Odyssey PC1500;GDE FTEcotune; OME lift; lightforce driving lights;ARB diff cover;nylon fan+Hayden2905;ss vortex exhaust; Airflow snorkel; Frontrunner roofrack; rock rails

Seems about right - PapaIndigo was over there for a vacation a while back, and I had asked him (if he had the opportunity) to inquire of a cabbie about their vehicles... Got about the same reply from what I remember. With the amount of regulation on them to even BECOME a cabbie (The Knowledge) it makes perfect sense that TfL and The Yard would have a fairly tight control of the cars too. Its London's reputation, and all that innit?

Still and all... I'd be willing to pay for a cabbie's time the next time I'm over there, if he'd pop the hood (bonnet) and let me have a look at what is powering the wheels. I'd take pictures for posterity, of course. Last time I was over there was before I had a CRD, so I had no knowledge to look then.