2006 Land Rover Range Rover Preview

Crowning the range and answering the call of the high-performance "super" sport utility vehicle segment is an all-new

Backed up by a 400- horsepower 4.2L V8, the top-line Range Rover finally receives the brawn customers have always longed for. (Photo: Land Rover)

Supercharged model. Using the same blown, 400- horsepower 4.2L V8 as Jaguar's 'R' model sports cars and the Range Rover Sport Supercharged, the nameplate finally receives the brawn customers have always longed for. Land Rover expects the Supercharged variant to be about one second quicker than the 4.4L V8 model to 100 km/h.

The Supercharged models also feature a few additional exterior modifications. These include a special wire-mesh grille, similar to the one fitted to the Range Rover Sport, new side fender vents and special black-on-silver badging. Both versions are equipped with an

Both Range Rover models feature minor tweaks to the steering, brakes and suspension calibration. (Photo: Land Rover)

all-new six-speed ZF automatic gearbox with manual shift mode for an additional sporty touch, improved performance and reduced fuel consumption.

"We've only changed the design where we can provide subtle enhancements," says Land Rover's design director, Geoff Upex. The improvements are intended to refine the overall driving experience. Both models feature minor tweaks to the steering for crisper feel, uprated brakes for greater stopping power and changes in suspension calibration for a smoother, more responsive ride.