There's not much wrong with the way the Range Rover looks, so it's not surprising that Land Rover has hardly changed the big 4x4's exterior. It's what's under the bonnet that really counts. The 2007 model-year Range Rover will now available with a new V8 turbodiesel that massively improves the car's 0-60mph time.
A development of the 2.7-litre TDV6 used in the Discovery, the V8's 272bhp and 472lb ft means it significantly outperforms the outgoing BMW-sourced 3.0-litre diesel. Land Rover claims a 0-60mph time of 8.5sec, down from 12.7sec, a top speed of 124mph and a 50-70mph time that's better by 40 per cent. Quoted fuel economy stays much the same, at 25.1mpg.
The V8 has been designed to work off road; in order to keep the oil flowing to the turbos at extreme angles, Land Rover has developed a vacuum lubrication system. And it has added the five-mode Terrain Response system from the Discovery as standard on all Range Rovers, along with the Supercharged's electronic rear differential. The TDV8 also gets the Supercharged's Brembo brakes.
Inside, the changes are less dramatic than expected, with a new dash that retains the trademark vertical wooden spars. The handbrake is now electric, operated by a button on the centre console.
Prices for the facelifted car look set to start at about £55k, but you're going to have to wait for the TDV8, as it doesn't go on sale until November.
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