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By Citizen Reporter

Journalist


Enhanced performance and style for Range Rover

Jaguar Land Rover South Africa is introducing a comprehensive suite of updates to Range Rover and Range Rover Sport for 2015, reaffirming their status as the world's best luxury and premium sporting SUVs, unrivalled in their breadth of capability, both on- and off-road.


The potent SDV8 now produces 250kW and 740Nm with a fuller torque curve from 1 700 to 3 300rpm thanks to detailed calibration changes. This improves in-gear acceleration by up to 6.5% in higher gears, ensuring effortless overtaking ability and enhanced towing capability.

The ZF 8HP70 eight-speed automatic gearbox has been re-engineered with a revised torque converter incorporating a twin-spring damper. Despite the increase in torque, the SDV8’s claimed fuel economy and emissions remain unchanged at 8.7 litres per 100km and 229g/km CO2.

Range Rover Sport derivatives using the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine continue to offer a potent 250kW and 450Nm, but a new ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic transmission saves 6kg, improves gearbox efficiency and ensures full compliance with new emissions requirements.

A new version of the Range Rover Sport, the TDV6 S, introduces the 183kW turbodiesel engine and makes the Sport accessible to a wider audience. Also available is a new SE derivative, with either the 215kW turbodiesel or supercharged petrol. Three interior colour packages are offered.

Fixed panoramic roofs with power blinds are now available and bring an additional sense of space and light to both vehicles’ luxurious interiors – these are only available as options on the base spec vehicles. Meanwhile, 19-inch alloy wheels with a Satin Dark Grey finish introduce a stylish option for buyers wishing to use smaller wheels where conditions and surfaces may prove more challenging.

An updated colour palette features Aruba Silver and Kaikoura Stone, and long-wheelbase derivatives can be specified with a sophisticated 22-inch alloy wheel. Inside, an Intelligent Cargo Mode senses if the rear seats are about to make contact with the front seats when folded down to increase luggage capacity, and automatically moves the front seats forwards.

The luxurious Autobiography Black can now be specified in all markets, and is available with an exclusive new Lunar/Cirrus interior colour combination. Autobiography Black signature details include unique Santorini Black and Bright Chrome exterior trim, LED tail lamps, new seat designs with Semi-Aniline leather, customer-configurable mood lighting, and additional leather.

The Range Rover Sport’s exterior colour palette has been updated for 2015 to include the distinctive new Aruba Silver and Kaikoura Stone, and the roof and door sills can now be finished in body colour or contrasting black. Also available is a Stealth Pack on certain derivatives, which introduces a wide range of Satin Black exterior trim components.

– Own correspondent

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