With two new powerplants – including a supercharged version, a new front bumper and new head- and taillights on the list of improvements, the latest Range Rover promises to be a striking new addition to the Land Rover stable.
With two new powerplants – including a supercharged version, a new front bumper and new head- and taillights on the list of improvements, the latest Range Rover promises to be a striking new addition to the Land Rover stable.
The North American International Auto Show (Detroit Motor Show) kicks off next Wednesday and Land Rover will use the opportunity to showcase its revised flagship Range Rover flagship model.
Retaining its legendary shape, the vehicle receives subtle changes which also include a new grille and sexy 19-inch alloy wheels.
The two new engines are a normally aspirated 4,4-litre V8 (which produces 227 kW) and the most powerful Range Rover yet – a supercharged 4,2-litre V8 which produces 298 kW. Yet, despite the increased performance, both new engines are expected to give better fuel economy than the current V8.
Engines will use a revised engine management system with drive-by-wire throttle control and variable camshaft phasing (in the normally aspirated version) which continually adjusts the engine for optimum performance and fuel economy with lower emissions.
Additional changes include improved air suspension, adaptive headlights and a touch-screen control for the audio, phone and off-road driving information.
Passengers travelling in the rear seats will be entertained by twin screens with headphone sockets which are fully integrated with the vehicle’s six-CD/DVD shuttle.
Land Rover managing director Matthew Taylor is decidedly optimistic about the latest model, calling the Range Rover “the world’s most complete luxury vehicle. With this new flagship for the company, we believe that the best luxury SUV in the world is now better.”
The facelifted model makes its first public appearance alongside its much-hyped Range Sport sibling. Inspired by the Range Stormer concept (shown at last year’s Detroit Show), it is based on the underpinnings of the new Discovery, which was launched to the South African media in October 2004 and will go on sale locally later this year.
