Range Rover Vogue, the most complete luxury SUV in the world, has been released for sale in Australia and is now available through Land Rover Retailers. It is the most refined, luxurious and powerful Range Rover ever.

Range Rover Vogue joins the dynamic Range Rover Sport, which has extended the Land Rover line-up to five models for the first time.

“The two Range Rover Vogue models complement each other perfectly,” says Matthew Taylor. “The Range Rover Vogue is our luxury SUV. The Range Rover Sport is our performance SUV, a driver-focussed sports tourer. Two different models will enable us to compete even more successfully in the market and take the Range Rover name to even greater success.”

Two new petrol engines – including a powerful supercharged 4.2-litre – are complemented by fresh exterior design details, a quieter interior and a profusion of new technology. Range Rover Vogue features both obvious and subtle improvements over previous models. The most exciting news is the introduction of a supercharged model, with its own distinctive diamond mesh grille and side power vents, Brembo brakes and prominent chrome exhaust pipes.

Supercharged 4.2 litre V8

The supercharged V8 engine generates 291 kW at 5,750 rpm and 560 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. This refined engine offers over 35% more power than the outgoing V8 and over 25% more torque and more immediate, supple delivery of acceleration than previously experienced.

Naturally Aspirated 4.4 litre V8

The new, naturally aspirated 225 kW V8 at 5,750 prm, is also quicker and more powerful than the outgoing V8. The engine delivers a maximum torque of 440Nm at 4000rpm.

Both engines are lightweight and use advanced torque-based engine management systems that, together with drive-by-wire throttle control and variable camshaft phasing (on the naturally aspirated), continually adjust the engine to deliver optimum performance, fuel economy and emissions.

For the Range Rover Vogue, the Jaguar-sourced engines have been further developed to offer more torque at lower revs and to operate at more extreme angles to cope with tough off-roading. They have enhanced protection from dust and rocks, and are also better water-proofed for Land Rover's tough river-wading requirements.

The new engines are matched to the latest-generation ZF six-speed automatic electronically controlled transmission, which offers outstanding smoothness and response. It uses a centre differential (now electronically controlled) that improves both off-road prowess and on-road handling. A dual range transfer case is fitted for extreme off-roading.

Turbo Diesel 3.0 litre

Range Rover Vogue retains the current diesel engine which develops 130 kW at 4,000 rpm and produces 390 Nm at 2,000 rpm.

“Supreme breadth of capability is a hallmark of the Range Rover Vogue,” says Matthew Taylor. “It is outstanding both on- and off-road, and inspires. A Vogue offers even better performance, both in handling and straight-line speed. It is effortless irrespective of terrain.”

“The arrival of the supercharged model with its extra power reinforces the Range Rover Vogue's status at the head of the premium SUV sector. Yet, as always, the Range Rover Vogue is a vehicle that is never out of place. It is just as much at home in the outback as at the opera.”

Fresh design details for iconic exterior

Each model in the 2006 line up has new distinguishing features and design cues. A new front bumper design, headlight and tail-light clusters, a front grille and revised power vents, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The supercharged derivative has distinctive, additional styling modifications, including a mesh-design front grille and power vents, and unique 20-inch alloy wheels.

“The technological improvements for the 2006 model year gave us a chance to make the best SUV in the world look even better. For the naturally aspirated model, we have made only subtle enhancements, to give the design an even more integrated look and feel. No major changes were necessary, or desired,” says Upex.

“For the supercharged model, we wanted clearly to signal to the connoisseur car market there is now a new flagship Range Rover. That's why this model has even more stature and grace. It is very much part of the Range Rover family: it's a vehicle of presence rather than extravagance. But it is also clearly the ultimate version of the ultimate SUV.”

The much-acclaimed Range Rover interior design does not change. The supercharged model, however, does offer two new trim colour combinations, jet/jet (all black) and ivory/jet. Black lacquer wood is also now available, and all supercharged vehicles have special sports-designed stainless steel accelerator and brake pedals.

More refinement & more technology

The Range Rover Vogue is not only faster, it is also quieter. The new engines offer better NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) qualities than their predecessor, and are also better isolated from the interior. Cabin noise is significantly reduced. The front side glass is now laminated to cut out more external sound and the profile of the A-post has been modified to reduce wind noise. The result is the quietest Range Rover ever.

It is also the best equipped. Additional customer features available include a rear camera for easier reverse parking, a tyre pressure monitoring system and adaptive front headlamps that swivel when cornering, to improve illumination.

A rear seat entertainment system is now available, with two headrestraint-mounted 6.5-inch screens, a six-disc DVD auto-changer, infra-red remote control, wireless headphones and sockets for auxiliary media sources (such as an MP3 player or games console).

These improvements are in addition to other luxury appointments (optional in some markets). These include a DVD satellite navigation that provides both on- and off-road guidance, a Logic 7 harman/kardon audio system boasting 14 speakers and 710 watts of power, and a personal telephone integration system. This latest in-car phone is Bluetooth-enabled and can be voice, touch-screen or steering wheel operated. Cradle-mounted phone handsets also allow for SMS text messaging (via an on-screen keyboard). A new, easy-to-use touch-screen is standard on all derivatives. It has clear resolution, for easy visibility in all light, and provides an interface for audio, navigation, on-board computer, telephone, and 4x4 information and settings.

The popular six-cylinder turbodiesel powertrain continues unchanged, though with the refreshed exterior design details and additional features for 2006.

“The Range Rover has been a huge commercial success for Land Rover with most markets enjoying record sales when the current version was introduced in 2002,” says Matthew Taylor. “The improvements for 2006 are the biggest changes we have made to the Range Rover since then, and they reinforce its position as the most complete and most coveted luxury SUV in the world.”

2006 Range Rover Vogue

Some previous Range Rover articles:

Global Adventure For Range Rover Sport 27th June, 2005 The new Range Rover Sport has been put through a real on- and off- road work out during the latest Land Rover G4 Challenge recce trip in southeast Asia ..... more

Land Rover Reveals The Range Rover Sport 11th January, 2005 Just 12 months after revealing the Range Stormer concept car at the NAIAS in 2004, Land Rover is back this year with a remarkable and updated product range, comprising three new products not seen before at Detroit ..... more

Range Rover for 2006 3rd January, 2005 The 2006 Range Rover will make its world debut, this month, at the Detroit Motor Show in USA. Power will be provided by a 4.4 litre V8 or a 4.2 litre supercharged V8 ..... more