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By
EWAN KENNEDY
28 May 2007
Range Rover has introduced a new turbo-diesel diesel engine as an
option in its topline Vogue. A high-tech V8 engine, it displaces a
relatively small 3.6 litres, yet packs a lot more punch than that number
would suggest. Punch that lets it accelerate the well-endowed 4WD from
rest to 100 km/h in just 9.2 seconds. There are plenty of passenger cars
out there that have less performance.
Yet despite this new-found urge, the new generation
turbo-diesel engine uses no more fuel than the old unit it
supersedes, at a reasonable 11.6 litres per hundred kilometres.
Consider these other numbers for a moment: with 200 kW and 640 Nm
the new twin-cam Range Rover diesel puts out 54 per cent more
power and 64 per cent more torque than the old engine, yet uses no
more fuel in doing so. These new common-rail diesels that are
being developed by many manufacturers, particularly those in
Europe, really are something very special.
There's a feeling of added refinement in the new turbo-diesel,
with Range Rover telling us it has measured the luxurious Vogue as
being up to 75 per cent quieter in some circumstances. Such as
when the old engine was working hard under acceleration.
Interestingly, the new engines are mated to a six-speed
automatic transmission similar to that Ford Australia has
installed in upmarket variants of its Falcon range. Yet again it’s
time to speculate just how close Ford is to installing an engine
such as this superb new Range Rover one in the Territory and
Falcon ranges.
As well as offering the new turbo-diesel engine, Range Rover
has also modified the interior design of the Vogue. This gives an
even more luxurious ambiance than before and also adds some
additional stowage spaces within the cabin. These include twin
gloveboxes and more drink holders.
The front seats are now designed to blow cool air over your
body, as well as continuing to provide heating should the weather
conditions demand.
Range Rover Vogue TDV8 is priced at $140,000. It’s not the
cheapest of 4WDs, but you do get a lot for your money. Including
genuine off-road ability of the type that’s simply not on offer
in many so-called 4WDs. This big Brit can go places that may
frighten many drivers and passengers, yet get through with
ridiculous ease thanks not only to a well sorted chassis and
suspension, but also to some of the smartest electronic aids yet
seen on any vehicle.
Note that the existing petrol Range Rover V8 and supercharged
V8 petrol engines are still on offer and are priced at $165,900
and $185,900 respectively.
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Marque Publishing Company
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