Range Rover: Latest and greatest

The Range Rover for 2006 features two new petrol engines ? including a powerful supercharged 4.2-litre ? and a profusion of new technology.
The Range Rover for 2006 gains two powerful, Jaguar-derived petrol engines, which offer more performance and are predicted to have better fuel economy than the single outgoing V8 petrol. Now heading the line-up is a supercharged 287kW 4.2-litre engine, with maximum torque of 550Nm. It offers over 35 percent more power than the outgoing V8, over 25 percent more torque ? which contributes to more refined driving ? and is projected to be around 7.62 seconds faster from 0-100km/h.
The new, naturally aspirated 220kW and 425Nm 4.4-litre V8 is also quicker and more powerful than the outgoing V8. The 0-100km/h acceleration time is projected to be around 8.93 seconds faster and maximum power is increased by 15kW.

Both engines are lightweight and use advanced torque-based engine management systems that, together with drive-by-wire throttle control and variable camshaft phasing (on the naturally aspirated), continually adjust the engine to deliver optimum performance, fuel economy and emissions.
For the Range Rover, the Jaguar-sourced engines have been further developed to offer more torque at lower revs and to operate at more extreme angles to cope with tough off-roading. They have enhanced protection from dust and rocks, and are also better water-proofed for Land Rover’s tough river-wading requirements.

The new engines are matched to the latest-generation ZF six-speed automatic electronically controlled transmission, which offers outstanding smoothness and response. It uses a centre differential (now electronically controlled) that improves both off-road prowess and on-road handling. Low-range is also available for extreme off-roading.
Steering feel is enhanced and the air suspension with adjustable ride-height is improved, for even better on- and off-road performance and comfort.
In addition, the supercharged version gets performance Brembo front brakes for better stopping power, and revised suspension that delivers flatter handling, for superior high-speed on-road performance.
The Range Rover retains its iconic shape, but there are subtle yet distinct changes. All Range Rovers for 2006 get a new front bumper design, new headlamps and tail-lights, a new front grille and revised power vents. New 18-inch and 19-inch alloy wheels are also available. The supercharged derivative gets distinctive, additional styling modifications, which include mesh-design front grille and power vents, and unique 20-inch alloy wheels.

The much-acclaimed Range Rover interior design does not change. The supercharged model, however, does offer two new trim colour combinations, jet/jet (all black) and ivory/jet. Black lacquer wood is also now available, and all supercharged vehicles get special sports-designed stainless steel accelerator and brake pedals.

The Range Rover for 2006 is not only faster, it is also quieter. The new engines offer better NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) qualities than their predecessor, and are also better isolated from the interior. Cabin noise is significantly reduced. The front side glass is now laminated to cut out more external sound and the profile of the A-post has been modified to reduce wind noise. The result is the quietest Range Rover ever.

It is also the best equipped. Additional customer features available include a rear camera for easier reverse parking, a tyre pressure monitoring system and adaptive front headlamps that swivel when cornering, to improve illumination. A rear seat entertainment system is now available, with two headrest-mounted 6.5-inch screens, a six-disc DVD auto-changer, infra-red remote control, wireless headphones and sockets for auxiliary media sources (such as an MP3 player or games console).

These improvements are in addition to other luxury appointments. These include a DVD satellite navigation that provides both on- and off-road guidance, a Logic 7 harman/kardon audio system boasting 14 speakers and 710 watts of power, and a personal integrated telephone system. This latest in-car phone is Bluetooth-enabled and can be voice, touch-screen or steering wheel operated. Cradle-mounted phone handsets also allow for SMS text messaging (via an on-screen keyboard). A new, easy-to-use touch-screen is standard on all derivatives. It has clear resolution, for easy visibility in all light, and provides an interface for audio, navigation, on-board computer, telephone, and 4×4 information and settings.

The popular six-cylinder turbodiesel powertrain continues unchanged, though with the refreshed exterior design details and additional features for 2006.

(this article was taken from motoring.iafrica.com)

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 29th, 2005 at 10:20 am and is filed under New Models, Range Rover. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.