The supercharged Range Rover Autobiography (From Bournemouth Echo)

The supercharged Range Rover Autobiography

5:37pm Tuesday 20th October 2009 in

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THE most interesting change to the new model is the engine.

Land Rover has borrowed the new 5.0 litre V8 Supercharged engine from the Jaguar XFR.

With 510bhp on tap and 461lb ft of torque you’ll never be short of power.

This is the most powerful engine ever fitted into a Range Rover, yet fuel economy has been improved by14 per cent!

Land Rover also managed to tweak 29 per cent more power than the previous model and there’s a new smoother six-speed automatic transmission.

So how does the new engine perform?

Plant your right foot to the floor and the power is relentless.

Zero to 60mph is achieved in 5.9 seconds – more than a second faster than the previous model.

Pretty impressive figures considering the new Range Rover weighs more than two and half tonnes.

The V8 pulls through all gears ferociously, although it’s just as happy to cruise around at low speeds, where engine noise is almost non-existent thanks to superb sound-proofing.

The Range Rover glides across asphalt surfaces with its well-damped air suspension.

There are many electronic settings for gravel, snow, mud and so on.

Dynamics include Terrain Response, ABS, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Hill Descent with gradient release, under steer and traction control, and corner braking.

The exterior sports a new large threebar front grille with some sleek new side vents on the front wings, giving a look similar to the Range Rover Sport.

The interior is fantastic; the build quality, materials and craftsmanship are second to none.

In the driving seat there is a whole host of goodies, from heated and aircooled electrically adjusted seats and headrests to the electrically adjustable tilt, rake and height steering wheel.

No matter your height or size you will find a comfortable driving position.

Rear passengers are looked after with their own climate control and aircooled and heated seats.

The dashboard fascia, door casings and even the headlining are lashed in full grain leather, to complete the experience.

Land Rover has added some of the newest tech available including seven inch touch screen satellite navigation.

The screen is a masterpiece. While driving the passenger can watch TV or a DVD yet the driver can only see the satellite or car control screen.

This is achieved using a clever two-way dual screen.

The satellite navigation is simple to use and now includes contoured maps and Waymarking.

Rear parking cameras with side cameras mounted in the wing mirrors ensure you don’t miss anything.

Rear passengers are not forgotten with an optional screen to view in each headrest with headphones so you can watch TV or DVDs independently.

Superb sound reproduction comes from the Harmon Kardon entertainment system with Logic 7 surround sound, DAB radio, Bluetooth with voice control, I-Pod connection, 3.5mm jack and USB port all hidden away in the drivers centre armrest.

Speedometer dials and rev counter have been replaced with a TFT screen which gives much more information.

Safety features include Advanced Emergency Brake Assist, where the car actually reads the road ahead and gives an audible and visual sign if the driver doesn’t notice danger ahead.

The system will start braking softly and should the driver brake hard the system will immediately engage full ABS.

Front, head and side airbags are fitted as standard for driver and front passenger, with head airbags for rear outboard passengers too.

An enhanced airbag system places the side airbags in the seats, to improve side-impact protection.

Knee bolsters are also in place to protect front occupants during an accident and there are active front head rests with whiplash protection.

Land Rover has invested a lot of time and money in the new 2010 model and they have succeeded in making a very good car even better.