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Wednesday evening launched the all-new Range Rover, the world’s most refined and capable SUV.
The fourth generation of the iconic Range Rover line, this new model has been developed from the ground up to provide the ultimate luxury SUV, following the innovative spirit of the original design from over 40 years ago.
The world’s first SUV with a lightweight all-aluminium body, the new Range Rover takes the capabilities of the marque’s flagship to a new level, with even greater luxury and refinement, enhanced performance and handling on all terrains, and significant advances in environmental sustainability.
“Launching the all-new Range Rover represents a major milestone for Land Rover, being the first exciting output from an unprecedented investment in premium vehicle technologies,” said Kevin Flynn, managing director Jaguar Land Rover South Africa/Sub-Sahara Africa.
“The new Range Rover preserves the essential, unique character of the vehicle – that special blend of luxury, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability.
However, its clean sheet design and revolutionary lightweight construction have enabled us to transform the experience for luxury vehicle customers, with a step change in comfort, refinement and handling.”
Sales started in late 2012 and the all-new Range Rover will be introduced in 170 markets worldwide.
Designed and engineered at Land Rover’s development centres in the UK, the new Range Rover is being produced in a state-of-the-art new low-energy manufacturing facility at Solihull, UK.
This vehicle has a clean and elegant shape which is derived from a fresh new interpretation of Range Rover design cues. While instantly recognisable as a Range Rover, the new vehicle takes a significant step forward with a bold evolution of the model’s iconic design language.
At just under 5m long, the new Range Rover has a very similar footprint to the outgoing model, but with a smoother and more streamlined profile – the most aerodynamic Range Rover ever, with a drag coefficient starting from 0,35 – the roofline sits 20mm lower in access mode.
The luxurious interior has a modern and pure character, incorporating distinctive Range Rover design cues, but with a fresh and very contemporary treatment.
The cabin retains the characteristic strong, architectural forms, and these are emphasised by extremely clean and elegant surfaces which are flawlessly executed using the finest leathers and veneers.
With over 118mm more legroom, the rear compartment offers vastly more space and comfort, with the option of the desirable new two-seat executive class seating package for the ultimate in rear-seat luxury.
To enable customers to create their perfect, bespoke vehicle, the unique luxury ambience of the new Range Rover can be extensively tailored with an indulgent choice of colours, finishes and special details, from the immaculately-trimmed colour-themed interiors of the exclusive Autobiography series, to the wide range of stylish alloy wheels up to 22 inches in diameter.
It has been engineered from the ground up to be the most refined, most capable Range Rover ever.
With the adoption of the latest body and chassis technologies, the vehicle’s all-terrain performance has moved on to another level, both in the breadth and accessibility of its off-road capability, and its on-road handling and refinement.
Among the industry-leading innovations is a ground-breaking next-generation version of Land Rover’s Terrain Response system which analyses the current driving conditions and automatically selects the most suitable vehicle settings.
An all-new state-of-the-art lightweight suspension architecture delivers class-leading wheel travel, providing exceptional wheel articulation and composure to deal with the toughest conditions.
Outstanding traction and dynamic stability is provided by the proven Range Rover full-time intelligent 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer box, working in parallel with the sophisticated electronic traction control systems.
To ensure exceptional durability and reliability, the new Range Rover has been subjected to Land Rover’s punishing on and off-road test and development regime, with a fleet of development vehicles covering countless thousands of miles over 18 months of arduous tests in over 20 countries with extremes of climate and road surfaces.
Range Rovers are renowned for providing occupants a sensation of serene isolation from the hectic world outside, and the new model has been engineered to meet the highest luxury car standards of refinement.
Meticulous attention to detail throughout the development process has eliminated all unwanted sounds and traces of harshness, and measures like the rigorously optimised body structure, acoustic lamination of the windscreen and side door glass, and new dual-isolated engine mounts have led to a significant reduction in noise levels.
The new chassis architecture is combined with completely re-engineered four-corner air suspension, and together they have enabled engineers to achieve even more luxurious ride comfort and refinement, in addition to transformed on-road handling, with more confident and agile cornering.
With its highly acclaimed line-up of torque-rich engines, the new Range Rover delivers swift and effortless performance.
Customers have a choice of two petrol (5,0-litre 376 kw LR-V8 and 375kw LR-V8 Supercharged) and one diesel (4,4-litre 250kw SDV8) engine, all of which are now paired with a smooth and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission.
True to the Range Rover DNA, the new model features the unique Command Driving Position, placing the driver in an elevated, upright seating position – typically over 90mm higher than other premium SUVs – to provide a supreme sense of confidence and control. It features a revolutionary all-aluminium monocoque body structure which is 39 per cent lighter than the steel body in the outgoing model.
Continuing Jaguar Land Rover’s leadership in such aerospace-inspired, high-performance lightweight structures, the all-aluminium body enables the new vehicle to significantly enhance both performance and efficiency.
Combined with weight savings throughout the chassis and driveline, the lightweight structure contributes to a model-for-model weight saving of up to 220kg compared to the outgoing vehicle.
This weight saving heightens the characteristic Range Rover sensation of effortless performance, but also improves efficiency.
For example, the 375kw LR-V8 Supercharged model can now accelerate from 0-100kmh in just 5,4 seconds, a reduction of 0,6 seconds over the outgoing model. Fuel consumption, however, is cut by 9 percent.
The interior is packed with a full suite of premium features to provide both front and rear seat passengers with the same peerless luxury experience.
Their well-being is assured by the latest interior technologies for comfort, convenience and seamless connectivity. The new and improved features include:
l Convenience – premium features including keyless entry, soft door close with power latching, power upper and lower tailgates, cooler compartments, and electrically deployable tow bar,
l High-end audio – exclusive meridian surround sound music systems with audiophile-quality sound. You can have your own concert behind the wheel. I don’t have enough space to cover all the features.
Why not head out to Premier Auto Services, Manfred and his team will surely assist with finance options, spec breakdowns and test drive. You need to buy one to live life.
Till next week. God bless you and enjoy the ride.
Fact Jeke is an auto enthusiast with over a decade experience. She has written for several regional publications and attended many auto trade shows around the globe. You can contact her on email: [email protected] or via Facebook: Torque with Fact Jeke.
Online Reporter