Range Rover TDV8 2011

Land Rover's flagship model gets a new diesel engine and gearbox.
It�s party time at Range Rover! Fresh from the launch of the Evoque, the famous British 4x4 brand is continuing its 40th birthday celebrations with this � the 2011 model year Range Rover. And Auto Express has driven it. ??While just some new lights and a fresh set of grilles and vents are the extent of the exterior tweaks, the world�s best luxury off-roader has received some huge changes under the skin aimed at improving performance but reducing thirst. ??Replacing the current 3.6-litre V8 turbodiesel unit is a new 309bhp 4.4-litre V8 engine along with a new ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox. Inside it�s allied to steering wheel paddles and a Jaguar-style rotary gear selector. The new unit uses one large turbo to do the majority of the work, with a smaller turbo cutting in to provide extra assistance. The sequential system, combined with the new gearbox, results in a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy � up to 30.1mpg � and a 15 percent drop in CO2, to 253g/km, removing the Range Rover from the top tax band. Apart from the gear selector, up front it�s pretty much identical to the current car, but in the back there�s an increased focus on luxury with extras such as a 1200watt 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo. On the move, the 2011 Range Rover feels majestic. The new engine offers a lovely low V8 rumble and provides deep-chested performance while the eight-speed automatic always finds the right gear, shifting smoothly and quickly. With 700Nm of torque, it�s particularly impressive going from cruising to motorway speed, accelerating from 50-75mph in just 5.1 seconds.For some tastes, the steering could do with a touch more weight and the rotary gear selector is perhaps not as easy or as pleasurable to use as a traditional lever. But that�s about it for criticisms. With peerless mile-munching ability, that fabulously lofty and comfortable driving position, a cabin that�s worthy of Bentley�s finest craftsmen and stunning off-road talent, it�s a fitting way to celebrate an anniversary.