Land Rover Range Rover (2001 - 2012)

The LR-TDV8 4.4-litre with parallel sequential turbocharging replaces the LR-TDV8 3.6-litre and is unique to the Range Rover. The combined cycle fuel consumption of the new LR-TDV8 4.4-litre is 30.1 mpg, making this the first Range Rover ever to better 30 mpg.

With 313PS and 700Nm torque, the Range Rover's new powertrain reduces CO2 emissions by 14 percent from 294 g/km to 253 g/km. The new diesel engine is helped in this respect by its marriage to a new, electronically controlled, ZF 8HP70, 8-speed automatic. This combination is enough to catapult the Range Rover from rest to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and complete the 50 mph - 70 mph dash in 4.0 seconds while the top speed increases from 125 mph to 130 mph.

Available only on 4.4-litre LR-TDV8 models, this 'smart' transmission integrates with the diesel engine to deliver the most efficient operating regime in all conditions. To reflect the performance of the new 4.4-litre LR-TDV8, diesel models are fitted with the same Brembo-based braking system fitted to the 5.0-litre LR-V8 supercharged model. The system comprises 380 mm ventilated front discs with unique, lightweight aluminium six-piston opposed action monoblock callipers. 365 mm ventilated discs with single piston sliding callipers are fitted at the rear.

The new ZF 8HP70 8-speed transmission is tuned to take advantage of the LR-TDV8's low end torque with torque converter lock-up being selected as early as possible to reduce slip and energy loss. The wider ratio spread, tall overdriven top gear and the fact that no more than two internal clutches are open at any one time all contribute to improved fuel economy and emissions.

Transmission Idle Control disengages 70 per cent of the drive when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling in Drive, significantly reducing consumption in the urban cycle. In cold conditions, the transmission selects a lower gear to promote fast warm up and get the engine up to its efficient operating temperature as soon as possible.

Driver controls include steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift as standard enabling the driver to take control of gear shifting manually. The CommandShift lever is replaced by a rotary knob for selecting park, reverse, neutral, drive or sport modes, the last of these optimising the gearbox response times for maximum acceleration, improved response and sharper upshifts. The selector knob is flush with the centre console when the ignition is switched off, rising up when it is switched on. To avoid confusion, the Terrain Response Rotary Switch is replaced by a new Terrain Response Optimisation Switch.

Inside the cabin there are optional illuminated treadplates for the front doors and new transmission controls for the diesel model. Detail improvements to the exterior include new 'Jupiter' grilles and side vents for the diesel models.

A new Exterior Design Pack option gives customers the chance to give their Range Rover a more individual look and new colours and wheels have been added to the range. The Exterior Design Pack comprises of a revised front bumper with fog lamp surrounds, front grille and side vents in Titan finish, revised side sills, rear bumper and stainless steel exhaust finishers.

The range of exterior paint colours has been expanded with two further choices, Fuji White (replacing Alaska White) and Baltic Blue (replacing Buckingham Blue).