Introducing the 2011 Range Rover: The Most Capable and Luxurious SUV in the World
06/18/2010
Land Rover
Class-leading V8 engines, a multi-talented 6-speed transmission, Terrain Response(R) upgrades and external styling enhancements all combine to ensure the 2011 Range Rover retains its crown as king of the luxury SUV segment.
The range-topping, 5.0-liter, 510hp supercharged and 375hp naturally-aspirated V8s deliver supreme performance. Their uncompromising, world-class performance is not accompanied by an increase in fuel consumption and emissions compared to their predecessors. These lightweight, direct injection engines combine benchmark efficiency with outstanding power and torque. Acceleration in the naturally aspirated car to 60 mph is reached in just 7.2 seconds, while for those who want the utmost in performance, the supercharged V8 will rush to 60 mph in a mere 5.9 seconds.
The 2011 model year Range Rover is further enhanced by improvements to the Terrain Response(R) system in the form of Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control. Dynamically, the Range Rover is equipped with the last word in suspension systems by offering Adaptive Dynamics technology offering firm control of body motions through turns while providing the calm, composed ride Range Rovers are famous for.
Active safety aids include available Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Brake Assist, available Blind Spot Monitoring, available Automatic High Beam Assist and an available Surround Camera System. Detail improvements to the exterior include new 'Jupiter' grilles and side vents for the naturally-aspirated models. To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the introduction of the very first Range Rover, a new Autobiography Black 40th Anniversary Limited Edition gives customers a more individual model to choose from.
Some 2011 highlights:
-- Terrain Response(R) enhancements including Gradient Acceleration Control
and Hill Start Assist
-- Improved interior equipment levels with optional reclining rear seats
and laminated privacy glass
-- Revised exterior design features enhance Range Rover's classic looks
-- Optional Harman/Kardon 1200-watt, 19-speaker audio system
-- 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 with 375 hp, 375 lbs-ft torque
-- 5.0-liter Supercharged V8 with 510 hp, 461 lbs-ft torque
-- Autobiography Black Limited Edition
"The 2011 Range Rover retains its position as one of the world's most complete luxury vehicles. World-class engine performance and driving refinement combined with upscale interior enhancements, offer unparalleled luxury and comfort which continue to make Range Rover a clear industry benchmark."
Phil Popham, Land Rover Managing Director
Terrain Response(R) enhancements
For 2010, the Range Rover's award winning Terrain Response(R) system was enhanced by the addition of Sand Launch Control for easier drive-away, revisions to the Rock Crawl Program for greater composure on rocky terrain and Gradient Release Control, which inhibits the rate of initial acceleration when descending steep inclines.
In 2011, there are two further enhancements: Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control. Hill Start Assist retains the initial driver-generated brake pressure, long enough for the foot to move from brake pedal to throttle without the car rolling backwards. The brake is released after a sufficient time has elapsed or when the engine is supplying enough torque to move the car up the hill. Hill Start Assist is always available, not selectable and neither is its operation indicated to the driver.
Gradient Acceleration Control is designed to provide safety cover on severe gradients when the driver does not have Hill Descent Control engaged. By pressurizing the brake system, GAC slows the car to a limit determined by the throttle position when the car is descending the slope in the driver's intended direction of travel. This includes descending the slope forwards in Drive, or rearwards in Reverse. Otherwise - such as when descending while facing up the gradient with Drive selected - GAC restricts speed to 5km/h (3.1mph) for up to 20 seconds, allowing the driver to regain proper control.
Unparalleled luxury within
The 2011 Range Rover interior - often cited as having one of the most pleasing interiors in the segment and in the industry - employs luxury-grade European leather trim depending on model for the headlining, pillars and door casings. High-quality satin black and natural wood finishes complete the sumptuous feel of the interior architecture.
Available on 2011 Range Rover HSE Lux Package and Supercharged models, the rear seat back now reclines electronically. On Range Rover Autobiography, it goes several steps further. The rear seats have internal heating and cooling functions as well as airline-style winged head restraints and four-way adjustable lumbar support. The rear seat controls also include a facility for moving the front passenger seat forward to gain extended legroom when the front seat is unoccupied. The luxurious rear-seat passenger environment becomes even quieter with laminated door glass which reduces noise.
These exceptional levels of comfort are further enhanced when customers choose the option of a 1200-watt Harman/Kardon audio system. It uses 15 independent channels driving 19 premium quality speakers.
Virtual dials and graphic displays replace traditional instruments
One of the major innovations of the Range Rover introduced last year is found in the instrument cluster. Here, traditional physical instruments are replaced by a 12" Thin Film Transistor screen which presents all essential driver information via cleverly designed virtual dials and graphical displays. This also offers the flexibility to physically move certain virtual dials to make room for important information on the suspension travel, driveline status, transfer case and Terrain Response information when off-roading.
Autobiography Black Limited Edition
To be built in a very limited run, the very top Range Rover incarnation is the 2011 Autobiography Black 40th Anniversary Limited Edition. With a unique finish in Barolo Black, the exterior also features 20-inch Diamond Turned alloy wheels, a unique front grille with Titan grille mesh, a bright chrome grille edge and black grille surround. Side vents have a new mesh set off by bright chrome bars and a black vent surround while the door handles are body color. It's all finished off by the 'Autobiography Black' tailgate badge.
Inside, there's a choice of the standard interior in Jet, or two options unique to the Autobiography Black - Jet / Ivory, or Jet / Pimento. The Autobiography Black logo is embossed on the rear seat armrest and appears on the four unique, Grand Black door veneers. Front door sill tread plates are illuminated with the words 'Range Rover' and there's a half-wood Grand Black steering wheel. Even the key fob and driver's handbook carry the Autobiography Black logo.
Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true "breadth of capability" across the model range. Defender, LR2 (Freelander 2), LR4 (Discovery 4), Range Rover Sport and Range Rover each define the world's 4x4 sectors, with 78% of this model range exported to over 140 countries. Land Rover employs 8,500 people and supports a further 40,000 jobs supported in the supply chain.
Land Rover takes its responsibility to the environment seriously. Emissions have been cut with all new models and, together with Jaguar, Land Rover is investing 800m pounds Sterling on technology specifically aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Since September 2006, carbon dioxide generated by Land Rover manufacturing activities and UK customer vehicle use has been balanced through an industry leading offset program run by Climate Care.