2010 Range Rover debuts at New York show

Powerful new engines, high-tech interior upgrades, improved driving dynamics and the subtlest of facelifts mark the changes endowed on the 2010 Range Rover, Land Rover’s flagship vehicle. It is amazing how the newly-Indian-owned British company is still hanging on in these recession-hit times, with expensive gas-guzzling SUVs no less.

The 2010 Range Rover has two brand new 5.0L LR-V8 engines – the top of the range 510 hp supercharged unit, and the 375 hp naturally aspirated version.

The LR-V8 engines have been developed to deliver more power and refinement but without a corresponding increase in consumption and emissions. The result is a pair of lightweight direct fuel injection engines with class-leading efficiency, which provide significantly more usable low end torque and superior dynamic responses without compromising power at higher RPM. Both engines are compliant with stringent U.S. ULEV2 emissions regulations.

The performance of the all-new naturally aspirated LR-V8 is now a virtual-match for the outgoing 4.2L supercharged engine. The new naturally aspirated vehicle completes the 0-60 mph sprint in 7.2 seconds (just 0.1 seconds off the pace of the outgoing supercharged unit). For those who want the ultimate performance Range Rover, there is now the all-new LR-V8 5.0L Supercharged, which is propelled from rest to 60 mph in an impressive 5.9 seconds.

The 2010 improvements include subtle exterior revisions, featuring discrete changes to the headlights, grille and bumper which enhance the classic Range Rover design with more contemporary detailing. The interior benefits from more luxurious materials and finishes which add further refinements to the premium cabin ambiance.

A dramatic innovation 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.

The vehicle incorporates state-of-the-art Adaptive Dynamics technology (optional on LR-V8 naturally aspirated) to further improve the Range Rover’s peerless ride quality. All-terrain performance is also enhanced by updates to the Terrain Response and Stability Control systems.

To complete the package, the 2010 Range Rover benefits from a series of enhanced active safety aids including Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Brake Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, available Automatic High Beam Assist (AHBA) and an available surround camera system.

The Range Rover gets an all-new engine line up with a choice of two 5.0L LR-V8 units in supercharged and naturally aspirated guise. The two engines were developed in conjunction with Jaguar, which is the first time engines have been designed from the onset with the requirements of both brands in mind. Shared primary objectives included the highest possible torque and fast response from low revs.

Although the basic engine architecture of both engines is the same for each brand, Land Rover engine requirements differ to satisfy demanding all-terrain needs. For example, the engines feature a deeper sump to accommodate the extreme tilting angles experienced when driving the Range Rover off-road, and to accommodate the front differential which attaches to it. In addition, belt drives are waterproofed, as are the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump and starter motor.

The supremely powerful supercharged LR-V8 delivers 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the naturally aspirated version produces 375 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque. Two of the most advanced engines ever built, they are packed with innovative features to ensure that they are also two of the most efficient in their class.

Both derivatives were developed with an emphasis on delivering a smooth, refined and responsive driver experience, with excellent power characteristics. Compared to the current 4.2L V8 the supercharged engine increases power and torque outputs by 29 percent and 12 percent respectively.

The engines have also been designed around a 5W-20 synthetic oil. The new oil has a lower viscosity, primarily at low temperatures, reducing parasitic losses in the engines and contributing to an extension in service intervals from 7,500 miles to 15,000 miles or 12 months. The new LR-V8 engines are also fitted with an electronic dipstick for added peace of mind.

The 2010 Range Rover’s new engines are mated to the revised and super-smooth ZF HP28 6-speed automatic transmission. Its characteristics have been optimized by Land Rover engineers to provide rapid and refined shifts. The dramatic enhancement of both power and torque low down the rev range on the new engines have made it possible to actuate the transmission’s lock-up clutch much earlier in each gear, reducing slip through the hydraulic torque converter, so helping with the improvements in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The transmission features an intelligent sport mode, which can sense and adapt transmission characteristics to particular driving styles.

The 2010 Range Rover benefits from a comprehensive program of refinements to its vehicle dynamics. The enhancements include features that will improve ride and handling during on-road driving, plus a series of measures that give greater capabilities when driving off-road or when towing.

The 2010 Range Rover has an advanced new Adaptive Dynamics system which further improves the Range Rover’s peerless ride quality with greater refinement and superior body control.

It is the world’s first production system to employ model-based predictive technology that continually optimizes damper settings for the widest possible range of conditions. Conventional dampers are replaced by precision DampTronic Valve Technology™ damper units, which incorporate continually adjustable damper valves.

The predictive technology enables damper settings on each wheel to be continuously refined between ’soft’, comfort oriented settings and ‘hard’, firm body control settings; damper pressure on each wheel is monitored 500 times per second. The system optimizes the vehicle’s body and ride control, instantly responding to both the demands of the prevailing driving style and of the terrain encountered, in both on- and off-road situations.

The Range Rover is equipped with a new braking system which has been comprehensively updated to provide enhanced stopping power and improved driver feel.

The brakes for the naturally aspirated vehicle are based on the four-piston opposed caliper performance system from the outgoing Supercharged model. The updated system employs 14.2-inch (360mm) ventilated front discs with new twin piston cast-iron sliding calipers for enhanced pedal feel.

The rear features 13.8-inch ventilated discs with lightweight aluminum single piston sliding calipers.

The braking system for the Supercharged model has been developed with performance brake specialists Brembo. This system employs 15-inch ventilated front discs with unique lightweight aluminum six-piston opposed action monoblock calipers. 14.3-inch ventilated discs with single-piston sliding calipers are fitted at the rear.

A refinement to the stability control system helps automatically slow the vehicle if taking a corner too fast, thus enhancing driver control.

Enhanced Dynamic Stability Control interfaces with the brake modulator and powertrain control module. If the speed is too great for engine torque reduction to control the vehicle, automatic braking intervenes to reduce the vehicle speed, with braking pressure applied according to the severity of the situation. At decelerations in excess of 0.7g the brake lights are automatically applied to warn following traffic.

This feature is complemented by the new Roll Stability Control system, which is designed to intervene in the unlikely case of an extreme situation in which the possible onset of a rollover is detected. In such situations, the system is designed to take over and perform very rapid, wheel specific braking, to help reduce speed and marginally widen the cornering radius.

The award winning Terrain Response™ system is subject to a whole series of improvements, including enhanced capabilities when tackling challenging terrain like sand or large rocks.

For soft sand – one of the most power-hungry surfaces – ’sand launch control’ has now been introduced, which makes for noticeably easier drive-away. New, speed-dependent wheel-slip targets for the traction control system permit only very limited initial wheel-slip, helping to prevent the wheels digging down into the sand.

New for Range Rover, revisions to the rock crawl program improve brake and traction control response times, helping to reduce the wheels rolling in an unintended direction when traversing boulders, and giving a more composed drive through rocky terrain.

Land Rover’s much-acclaimed Hill Descent Control system is enhanced on the latest Range Rover with the addition of Gradient Release Control. This inhibits the initial rate of acceleration for descending very steep inclines, to increase control when braking is released at extreme angles.

For safer and more stable towing, the 2010 Range Rover incorporates Trailer Stability Assist. This system detects trailer oscillations by monitoring key vehicle behaviors, such as uninvited steering movements and slight vehicle swing in response to trailer behavior. In these circumstances, the system can initiate engine torque reduction and braking interventions to help bring the towing back under control.

The 2010 Range Rover features subtle revisions to the exterior design, introducing some attractive new design elements which enhance the classic Range Rover style with more contemporary detailing.

New headlights feature the Range Rover’s trademark inter-locking circle design, but are more clearly visible, day or night, with LED lamp technology. The headlights are marginally shallower, and ‘bookend’ a deeper, more upright mesh grille.

A new bumper completes the smoother, more sculpted front end, reflecting the clean surface integration which is now characteristic of Range Rover design. The fog lamps are relocated from the bumper skin to the lower front air-intake.

The side of the vehicle features new ‘three-stripe’ LED indicators and redesigned three-section fender vents. The same design theme is adopted by the rear LED light clusters, which incorporate ‘three-stripe’ directional indicators.

Superbly crafted new materials and some revolutionary display technologies help to improve a cabin that is already widely regarded as one of the automotive world’s finest.

To further enhance the premium interior ambience, the 2010 Range Rover introduces new luxury grade European leather trim for the headlining, pillar and door casings. Fascia buttons now feature a satin chrome-plated finish, which are beautifully highlighted by the Range Rover’s upgraded waterfall interior lighting. High quality satin black and natural wood finishes complete the sumptuous feel of the interior architecture.

One of the major innovations in the 2010 Range Rover 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.

The system’s message center (the area between rev counter and speedometer) can be customized by the driver to display personal prioritized information, from system warnings, outside temperature and vehicle information to less critical data such as audio and telephone displays.

The message center also relays off-road information, such as steering angle, wheel articulation, suspension settings and Terrain Response™ settings.

Fingertip control of settings and menus on the TFT screen is provided by an updated steering wheel which incorporates a five-way controller.

The touch-screen retains all the functionality of the previous display, but the graphics and menus have been redesigned for easier and more intuitive operation, allowing the number of ‘hard’ buttons around the screen to be reduced by a third. As before, functions such as satellite navigation, DVD video, and audio systems can be controlled via the display.

An updated voice control system with enhanced voice recognition software complements the touch screen, and can be used to control a range of entertainment and comfort features such as the audio system and climate control.

The 2010 Range Rover incorporates a comprehensive selection of advanced vehicle technologies which enhance convenience and improve active safety for the driver.

The 2010 Range Rover features Land Rover’s Adaptive Cruise Control system (ACC) for the first time. The system employs a 76GHz scanning radar to locate vehicles moving in the same direction, and is designed to maintain optimal vehicle speed by using acceleration, deceleration and braking to keep a specified distance from the traffic ahead.

ACC comes with four driver-selectable settings, designed to suit individual driving style and traffic / road conditions. The driver can select a ‘headway’ of between 1 to 2.2 seconds, with a default setting of 1.8 seconds; this equates to a 50 meter distance from the vehicle ahead when travelling at 62 mph. The system is designed to operate at speeds of up to 112 mph.

Vehicles fitted with the ACC system also benefit from a new Advanced Emergency Brake Assist system. Working in conjunction with the Forward Alert System’s radar, this primes the vehicle’s braking system, and even initiates braking in extreme circumstances if a collision is judged possible. Valuable improvements in braking distances have been recorded in the testing of this system.

A new hard-drive navigation system provides faster route calculation, larger area map coverage and improved reliability. The navigation system adopts an improved navigation structure which now also features ‘towards guidance’. This supplements the junction map and icon-based information with details of the actual road signage viewed by the driver along the route.

The available new Portable Audio Interface allows connectivity to an array of personal audio storage devices, USB sticks and MP3 players, enabling the various devices’ functions to be accessed and controlled via the fascia-mounted touch-screen system. One of the connectivity ports is a dedicated iPodTM point made exclusively by Land Rover, for continued functionality in extreme driving conditions, by helping to prevent the device coming loose from the socket.

And a purer, crisper radio sound is now available thanks to the introduction of an optional HD Radio in the U.S. Along with the fine listening experience, come additional features such as song title and artist information.

The 2010 Range Rover has a blind spot monitoring system available which uses side-mounted radar sensors to detect vehicles and other solid objects in the vehicle’s blind spot area. If an object is detected, a bright amber warning icon is illuminated in the driver’s door mirror.

Available as an option, is a new Surround Camera system which supports easier parking, towing and off-road maneuvering. It features five digital cameras which relay a near 360-degree view to the touch-screen display. The cameras function immediately as the vehicle is started, and have options for selecting and zooming in to assist with close quarter parking and with towing.

The patented ‘reverse tow assist’ function (selected from the touch-screen menu) helps perform accurate towing maneuvers. The wide fields of view on the side cameras give a clear view of the reversing trailer and the images are electronically manipulated to provide an undistorted view. Guide lines overlaid on the rear camera image illustrate both the vehicle and trailer’s trajectory and these move in line with steering inputs, making it easier for the driver to predict where the trailer will move to, before performing the reversing maneuver.

Specific characteristics such as type of trailer, number of axles and width guides can be fed into the system to enhance the system outputs.

The Range Rover’s front headlights incorporate optional high beam assist technology. This can automatically switch on high beam headlights where external light levels are below the system’s threshold. Importantly, the system is also designed to detect preceding and approaching traffic, and in a split second will automatically switch back to low beam to avoid dazzling others.

The performance of many of the 2010 Range Rover’s advanced technologies is enhanced by a completely new electrical architecture which supports more efficient integration between the various systems. Information is shared between electronic components via a high speed Controller Area Network (CAN), with a fiber optic Media Orientated System Transport (MOST) network controlling the modules of the infotainment system, enhancing reliability and saving weight.

 

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