2010 Land Rover Range Rover

For its second refresh since its introduction, the 2010 Range Rover receives the same two new engines, adaptive damping, and surround-view camera system as the Range Rover Sport. It, too, boasts a new interior, which tops out with a new, full-leather option that even covers the ceiling in cowhide. Exclusive to the top Range Rover is an all-electronic instrument cluster and a dual-view monitor that allows the front-seat passenger to watch a movie while the driver views the navigation map on the same screen (whether U.S. regulators will allow it remains to be seen, however). Other new features include a blind-spot warning system, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Range Rover, the first of the brand's 2010 models to appear, rolls into dealers next month.

For 2010, the Land Rover Range Rover gets a variety of upgrades aimed at improving the driving experience: both available engines have an extra dose of horsepower, the interior is even more luxurious, and the level of technology, both inside the cabin and under the skin, is more impressive than ever.

We'll forgive you if your eyes can't detect the slight changes in appearance from a distance. In addition to a revised grille, LEDs around the headlamps and taillamps, and slightly different side gills with LEDs that function as turn indicators, the fog lights move from the front bumper down to the sides of the air intake. The current Land Rover Range Rover has aged quite well, so only minor changes seem appropriate.

For 2010, all Land Rover models get the new direct-injection 5.0-liter V-8. Horsepower is up 75, to 375 hp, and torque is at 375 lb-ft -- both figures represent big upgrades over the aging 4.2-liter V-8, which sometimes struggled to move vehicles as big and heavy as a Land Rover. Supercharged 2010 Land Rover Range Rover models share the 5.0-liter block but also get an intercooled sixth-generation Eaton blower that pushes power to 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. The whole supercharger/intercooler assembly fits nicely in the valley of the engine, the revised air intake is more efficient, and supercharger whine has been reduced by more than 50%.

As mid-cycle model enhancements go, the 2010 Range Rover's is more ambitious than some brand-new vehicles. As we outlined in our first look, there are two new 5.0-liter V-8 engines-one free-breathing, one blown-that leverage direct-injection technology to boost horsepower by 23 and 29 percent respectively and torque by 16 and 12 percent. These engines and a quicker-shifting six-speed transmission dramatically improve acceleration performance with no fuel-economy penalty (EPA numbers are expected to be unchanged, while Euro figures improve by seven percent for each).

This new high-capacity electrickery also enables a first-ever implementation of Sharp's latest "dual-view" nav/entertainment screen. By aiming alternating rows of pixels at the driver and the right-front passenger each can view different content-DVDs or TV for whoever's riding shotgun and the typical static displays for the driver (rear-seat riders can end up seeing a bit of both). The system is legal in Europe, but our laws need a bit of tweaking (write your congressman!).

Before setting out on the dusty, rocky terrain under the direction of LRE instructors, we selected low range and set Terrain Response to Rock Crawl, which causes the virtual analog speedo to slide to the right, obscuring the 100-plus-mph numbers, making room for two off-roading displays. One indicates which way the front wheels are pointed and shows the status of the diff locks, the other shows wheel articulation. Clamoring up frame-twisting inclines, the driver is struck by the festival of clicks and tocks that indicate the air-suspension adjusting and ABS actuating as the center and rear diffs lock and unlock to best suit the conditions.

As is the case with the rest of the 2010 class of new Land Rovers, the Range Rover receives as its base model the 5.0-liter V-8 designed by Jaguar Land Rover (the first engine designed with both brands in mind). This engine uses torque-actuated variable camshaft timing on all four cams, cam profile switching, and a variable-length inlet manifold. The supercharged version has 510 bhp, the standard 375, which is only 25 horses shy of the outgoing Supercharged Range Rover. Estimates put 0-to-60 times at 7.2 for the normally aspirated Rover and a speedy 5.9 for the Supercharged. Both use a revised ZF six-speed automatic, revised for improved response to driver input and reprogrammed for better fuel efficiency.

Styling has been redone inside and out, with subtle changes to the front end that make it look cleaner and also make it more aerodynamic. Foglights have been moved below the bumper and there are now three-bar side vents and turn indicators. The 2010 Land Rover Range Rover cabin receives its share of new technology, in addition to new seats, new leather (now also available on the headliner), upgraded lighting, and new wood hues. New for 2010 and not offered in any other SUV, the gauge cluster is now entirely made up of a TFT screen -- there are no actual gauges here. Between the virtual tachometer and speedometer is a customizable driver information center. When driving off-road, the speedometer shifts to the right (odds are you won't be driving over 100 mph off-road), and the space created with this move provides more space for detailed information while on the trail.

Pricing for Land Rover's flagship luxury SUV has been announced, and bring your checkbook. The 2010 Land Rover Range Rover HSE pricing starts at a hearty $79,275, while the Supercharged (S/C) trim is listed at $95,125.

Highlights of the 2010 Range Rover include a new 12-inch TFT display screen with virtual dials and displays, Advanced Adaptive Dynamics system, new brakes, a host of active safety features, and improved Terrain Response and an enhanced Dynamic Stability Control System. The naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine supplies 375 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque, while the supercharged variation puts out 510 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque.