British automaker commences model range upgrades

Land Rover is introducing a raft of updates to its Range Rover and Range Rover Sport for next model year. Inside, outside and under the skin – starting with 4.4-litre SDV8 diesel, it has been recalibrated to deliver 250kW and a muscular 740Nm (a 40Nm increase) from 1750-2000rpm, without increasing rated fuel consumption or CO2 emissions, which remain at 8.7 litres per 100km and 229g/km respectively.

The torque curve is stronger all the way from 1700-3300rpm, improving acceleration by as much as 6.5 percent from fifth to eighth gear – so much so that the ZF 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission has been re-engineered with a revised torque converter incorporating a twin-spring damper – and it’ll take the 2.4-ton Sport from rest to 100km/h in less than seven seconds.

Updated puddle lamps now project the car’s silhouette onto the ground at night to light the way for occupants, while an optional fixed panoramic roof with power blind is now available to bring an extra sense of light and space to the interior.

New 19” alloys in satin-finished dark grey for the standard Range Rover provide an option for buyers who genuinely need to take their SUVs off-road occasionally – and, on the other end of the scale, there are sophisticated new 22” rims available for the long-wheelbase version for the first time.

From the third quarter of 2014, customers will be able to order the Range Rover Autobiography black long wheel base, with special finishes, bespoke leather detailing and new features to make the models subtly different, inside and out.

These include special black-and-chrome exterior trim elements, LED tail lights, special 21” or 22” alloys, new front seats seat with semi-aniline leather and adjustable mood lighting. That can be combined with the executive class package- two individual fully adjustable seats and a re-designed, extended centre console with leather-finished, electrically operated tray tables, integrated USB charging sockets, additional stowage and bespoke lighting.

InControl Remote is now standard across the range, including an integrated SOS emergency call, brand’s assistance hotline and a smartphone apps that enables you to connect remotely with your vehicle wherever you are, while InControl Secure tracks the vehicle should it be stolen.

InControl Apps – compatible with Apple and Android smartphones  syncs smartphone apps to the touchscreen, while  Wi-Fi provides instant in-car access to a mobile hotspot that allows up to eight devices usage simultaneously, using the customer’s existing cell phone service – through a duplicate Sim card to provide improved signal strength.