The big question surrounding the totally new 2005 Land Rover LR3 involved possible reasons spending an extra $30,000 to get the Range Rover model instead.
So good and so large is the LR3, the theory went, that there is no rational reason besides the stylish interior to spend the extra dough for the Range Rover.
It's no surprise, then, that the British-based supplier of expensive SUVs for the Ford Motor Company has upgraded the Range Rover for the 2006 model year.
The changes everyone can see involve new exterior details -- including front grille and bumper, power vents, lamps and wheels - but the changes that possible buyers will appreciate involve the addition of two powerful new engine options, including a supercharged V-8
Those new engine choices include a normally-aspirated 4.4-litre V-8 good for 305 hp and the supercharged 4.2-litre V8 that will produce 400 hp, creating the most powerful Land Rover ever.
According to Matthew Taylor, Land Rover's managing director, this engine provides the ''world's most complete luxury vehicle'' with a ''new flagship'' that makes the ''best luxury SUV in the world is even better.''
Both engines are also expected to deliver better fuel economy than the outgoing V-8, said Taylor, thanks to the fact that they're both lightweight and use ''advanced torque-based engine management systems that, together with drive-by-wire throttle control and variable camshaft phasing (on the normally aspirated), continually adjust the engine to deliver optimum performance, fuel economy and emissions.''
Even with the ''subtle yet distinct changes'' to the exterior, Taylor noted, the Range Rover ''retains its iconic shape.''
For the record, all Range Rovers for 2006 get a new front bumper design, new headlamps and taillights, a new front grille and revised power vents.
New 19-inch alloy wheels are also offered for the regular models, and the supercharged derivatives are ''distinguished by additional styling modifications including mesh-design front grille and power vents, unique 20-inch alloy wheels, and special black-on-silver badges.''
Geoff Upex, Land Rover's director of design, said ''We've only changed the design where we can provide subtle enhancements. The Range Rover is about grace and class, not extravagance.''
Behind the new look, the 2006 Range Rover will also have the following enhancements when it goes on sale this summer:
Pricing and detailed specification levels will be announced closer to launch date.
The current Range Rover HSE model retails for about $100,000 in Canada.
photo:Land Rover Canada
So good and so large is the LR3, the theory went, that there is no rational reason besides the stylish interior to spend the extra dough for the Range Rover.
It's no surprise, then, that the British-based supplier of expensive SUVs for the Ford Motor Company has upgraded the Range Rover for the 2006 model year.
 |
Those new engine choices include a normally-aspirated 4.4-litre V-8 good for 305 hp and the supercharged 4.2-litre V8 that will produce 400 hp, creating the most powerful Land Rover ever.
According to Matthew Taylor, Land Rover's managing director, this engine provides the ''world's most complete luxury vehicle'' with a ''new flagship'' that makes the ''best luxury SUV in the world is even better.''
Both engines are also expected to deliver better fuel economy than the outgoing V-8, said Taylor, thanks to the fact that they're both lightweight and use ''advanced torque-based engine management systems that, together with drive-by-wire throttle control and variable camshaft phasing (on the normally aspirated), continually adjust the engine to deliver optimum performance, fuel economy and emissions.''
Even with the ''subtle yet distinct changes'' to the exterior, Taylor noted, the Range Rover ''retains its iconic shape.''
 |
New 19-inch alloy wheels are also offered for the regular models, and the supercharged derivatives are ''distinguished by additional styling modifications including mesh-design front grille and power vents, unique 20-inch alloy wheels, and special black-on-silver badges.''
Geoff Upex, Land Rover's director of design, said ''We've only changed the design where we can provide subtle enhancements. The Range Rover is about grace and class, not extravagance.''
Behind the new look, the 2006 Range Rover will also have the following enhancements when it goes on sale this summer:
- sharper steering, crisper braking performance, and improved air suspension
- a quieter interior and additional color combinations
- adaptive headlights, tire-pressure monitoring, touch-screen control for audio, phone and off-road driving information.
- a rear-view camera that projects directly to the front-fascia screen.
- an optional rear seat entertainment package featuring a six-disc DVD changer, twin screens and headphone pods, all fully integrated with the vehicle's sound system.
Pricing and detailed specification levels will be announced closer to launch date.
The current Range Rover HSE model retails for about $100,000 in Canada.
photo:Land Rover Canada
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