Turbo Diesel V8 heads '07 Range Rover line-up

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media bulletin – Land Rover

Turbo Diesel V8 heads '07 Range Rover line-up

31 January 2007

THE RANGE ROVER GETS A POWERFUL NEW V8 DIESEL, IMPROVED CABIN & MORE TECHNOLOGY

The Range Rover Vogue gets an all-new V8 diesel engine and a series of other significant enhancements for the 2007 model year. These latest improvements to Land Rover’s flagship include a revised cabin design and a host of technical upgrades, such as Land Rover’s patented Terrain Response system, which extends even further the vehicle’s impressive breadth of capability.

The technologically sophisticated, turbocharged 200 kWs TDV8 diesel makes its debut in the Range Rover, and is one of the world’s most advanced engines. It has a stump pulling 640 Nm of torque at just 2000 rpm. Like all Land Rover engines, it is lightweight, compact and extremely strong. Compared with the six-cylinder diesel it replaces, it is 54 per cent more powerful, delivers 64 per cent more torque, and yet has the same fuel economy.

“The TDV8 diesel is a great new engine, to power one of the world’s great vehicles – the most complete luxury 4x4,” said Wallis Dumper, the Managing Director of Motorcorp Distributors, the New Zealand importer of Land Rover. “Its balance of performance, refinement and economy is unmatched. We believe it makes the Range Rover an even more desirable vehicle and will appeal to many customers who’ve never considered a diesel before.”

“Performance is similar to many more obviously sporty vehicles and fuel economy is comparable with a lot of petrol saloon cars. Yet the new Range Rover delivers so much more – great comfort, huge carrying capacity, awesome off-road capability and massive towing ability, all with exemplary refinement.”

Acceleration is significantly improved, compared with the previous diesel engine: over four seconds has been cut from the 0-100 km/h time now 9.2 sec. Maximum speed is raised to 200 km/h, electronically limited. In addition, the TDV8 is up to 75 per cent quieter overall, more refined, and has improved brakes and handling.

The new engine is matched to the six-speed, state-of-the-art ZF ‘intelligent shift’ automatic transmission, already used on petrol Range Rover models. The suspension set-up is similar to that of the Range Rover Supercharged, delivering outstanding handling and ride comfort. Large Brembo front brakes are standard.

The 291 kWs supercharged V8 petrol engine option for the Range Rover introduced last year to wide acclaim continues for 2007 model year.

The Range Rover’s outstanding off-road capability is enhanced by the addition of Terrain Response as standard for both 2007 models, together with a centre ‘e’ (electronic) differential and the availability of a rear ‘e’ differential. Terrain Response allows the driver to select one of five settings on the rotary switch, to suit the terrain. The vehicle’s electronic and mechanical controls are then optimised to tackle the specific conditions.

“Terrain Response improves absolute off-road ability while reducing driver effort: off-road performance has never been easier,” said Mr Dumper. “It benefits on-road driving too, and perfectly exemplifies Land Rover’s belief in offering the greatest breadth of capability in the class.”

Other enhancements apply across the Range Rover line-up for the 2007 model year. The cabin gains better stowage space (including a new twin glovebox), an enhanced airbag package, a cleaner centre console design, an electronic parking brake, a new upper facia and substantially improved air-conditioning and ventilation. Switchgear and the audio system have been improved, and there are more extensive wood and metallic finishes, all contributing to an enhanced premium feel. Front seats now offer an optional cooling function, as well as a standard heating feature, and active head restraints contribute to improved safety.

“The most complete luxury 4x4 in the world is now even better,” said Mr Dumper. “The outstanding supercharged V8 is joined by an equally impressive new diesel V8. It is an unbeatable engine range, reinforcing the Range Rover’s unassailable position at the very pinnacle of the luxury 4x4 sector.”

The Range Rover Vogue Turbo Diesel V8 goes on sale at $179,990.

ENDS

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