Land Rover Range Rover, 2010

Land Rover Range Rover, 2010

The 2010 Land Rover Range Rover has two brand new 5.0-liter LR-V8 engines - the top of the range 510 bhp supercharged unit, and the 375 bhp naturally aspirated version. Both engines were developed in-house by the Jaguar Land Rover powertrain team, with the requirements of the Land Rover Range Rover in mind from day one.

The LR-V8 engines have been developed to deliver more power and refinement but without a corresponding increase in consumption and emissions. The result is a pair of lightweight direct fuel injection engines with class-leading efficiency, which provide significantly more usable low end torque and superior dynamic responses without compromising power at higher RPM. Both engines are compliant with stringent U.S. ULEV2 emissions regulations.

The performance of the all-new naturally aspirated LR-V8 is now a virtual-match for the outgoing 4.2L supercharged engine. The new naturally aspirated vehicle completes the 0-60 mph sprint in 7.2 seconds (just 0.1 seconds off the pace of the outgoing supercharged unit). For those who want the ultimate performance Land Rover Range Rover, there is now the all-new LR-V8 5.0L Supercharged, which is propelled from rest to 60 mph in an impressive 5.9 seconds.

Direct injection - increased power and torque, lower emissions
One of the key features of the new LR-V8 is an industry first, centrally-mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided fuel injection system, delivering fuel at a pressure of up to 150bar (2,175 psi) directly to the cylinder. The positioning of the injectors ensures fuel is precisely delivered to the center of the combustion chamber, maximizing air-fuel mixing, and improving combustion control.
 
Camshaft profile switching - flexibility with performance
In addition to VCT, the naturally aspirated LR-V8 is also equipped with camshaft profile switching (CPS) on the inlet camshaft. Depending on the engine's running conditions and the requirements of the driver, the CPS will switch between a profile that is ideal for low speed driving, and another which gives increased valve lift for high performance. This feature helps endow the Land Rover Range Rover with ample low end torque in demanding terrain, yet fully exploits the potential of the 5.0-liter V8 when conditions allow.



An hydraulically-actuated two-piece tappet switches between profiles on the tri-lobe camshaft altering both the lift and duration. The cam lobe profile selected for engine speeds below 3000 rpm has a duration of 214 degrees and lifts the valves 5.5mm. This optimizes gas velocity for improved low-speed torque and reduces valve train friction for improved fuel efficiency. For high-speed driving, CPS switches to a cam lobe with a duration of 250 degrees and valve-lift of 10.5mm, allowing greater air flow into the engine for high power.

Warm up quickly with reverse flow cooling
The search for greater efficiency has in some areas led to a complete rethink of fundamental engine design concepts. An example is the innovative reverse flow cooling system which delivers thermodynamic and friction improvements. The new design means coolant is pumped through the cylinder heads before flowing through the block and returning to the radiator. Since the cylinder heads remain cooler, the knock threshold is pushed back allowing greater optimization of ignition timing for improved efficiency.

Strong and compact
The new LR-V8 engines are built around a stiff, all new, aluminum block with cast-in iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps, to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. For the first time at Land Rover, the blocks are high pressure die-cast rather than sand-cast, providing a superior finish and dimensional greater accuracy. The engines also have aluminum heads, with four-valves per cylinder and strong, spheroidal-graphite cast-iron crankshafts and steel connecting rods. The cylinder heads and blocks are manufactured using recycled aluminum alloy for the first time, thus reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing the new engine.

Reduced internal friction combats CO2
Internal friction, a major contributor to increased fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, has been targeted by careful design of the engines' components. As a result, the Land Rover Range Rover's new LR-V8s achieve another best in class for crank train friction.

Responsive new transmission
The 2010 Land Rover Range Rover's new engines are mated to the revised and super-smooth ZF HP28 6-speed automatic transmission. Its characteristics have been optimized by Land Rover engineers to provide rapid and refined shifts. The dramatic enhancement of both power and torque low down the rev range on the new engines have made it possible to actuate the transmission's lock-up clutch much earlier in each gear, reducing slip through the hydraulic torque converter, so helping with the improvements in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Enhanced vehicle dynamics - both on- and off-road
The 2010 Range Rover benefits from a comprehensive program of refinements to its vehicle dynamics. The enhancements include features that will improve ride and handling during on-road driving, plus a series of measures that give greater capabilities when driving off-road or when towing.

Unique adaptive dynamics system improves ride and control

The 2010 Land Rover Range Rover has an advanced new Adaptive Dynamics system which further improves the Range Rover's peerless ride quality with greater refinement and superior body control.
It is the world's first production system to employ model-based predictive technology that continually optimizes damper settings for the widest possible range of conditions. Conventional dampers are replaced by precision DampTronic Valve Technology™ damper units, which incorporate continually adjustable damper valves.

The predictive technology enables damper settings on each wheel to be continuously refined between 'soft', comfort oriented settings and 'hard', firm body control settings; damper pressure on each wheel is monitored 500 times per second. The system optimizes the vehicle's body and ride control, instantly responding to both the demands of the prevailing driving style and of the terrain encountered, in both on- and off-road situations.

Braking system gets more power and feel
The Land Rover Range Rover is equipped with a new braking system which has been comprehensively updated to provide enhanced stopping power and improved driver feel.

The brakes for the naturally aspirated vehicle are based on the four-piston opposed caliper performance system from the outgoing Supercharged model. The updated system employs 14.2-inch (360mm) ventilated front discs with new twin piston cast-iron sliding calipers for enhanced pedal feel.

The rear features 13.8-inch (350mm) ventilated discs with lightweight aluminum single piston sliding calipers.

The braking system for the Supercharged model has been developed with performance brake specialists Brembo™. This system employs 15-inch (380mm) ventilated front discs with unique lightweight aluminum six-piston opposed action monoblock calipers. 14.3-inch (365mm) ventilated discs with single-piston sliding calipers are fitted at the rear.

Greater control and safety around corners
A refinement to the stability control system helps automatically slow the vehicle if taking a corner too fast, thus enhancing driver control.

Enhanced Dynamic Stability Control interfaces with the brake modulator and powertrain control module. If the speed is too great for engine torque reduction to control the vehicle, automatic braking intervenes to reduce the vehicle speed, with braking pressure applied according to the severity of the situation. At decelerations in excess of 0.7g the brake lights are automatically applied to warn following traffic.

This feature is complemented by the new Roll Stability Control system, which is designed to intervene in the unlikely case of an extreme situation in which the possible onset of a rollover is detected. In such situations, the system is designed to take over and perform very rapid, wheel specific braking, to help reduce speed and marginally widen the cornering radius.

Improved performance and stability off-road
The award winning Terrain Response™ system is subject to a whole series of improvements, including enhanced capabilities when tackling challenging terrain like sand or large rocks.

For soft sand - one of the most power-hungry surfaces - 'sand launch control' has now been introduced, which makes for noticeably easier drive-away. New, speed-dependent wheel-slip targets for the traction control system permit only very limited initial wheel-slip, helping to prevent the wheels digging down into the sand.

New for Land Rover Range Rover, revisions to the rock crawl program improve brake and traction control response times, helping to reduce the wheels rolling in an unintended direction when traversing boulders, and giving a more composed drive through rocky terrain.

Land Rover's much-acclaimed Hill Descent Control system is enhanced on the latest Range Rover with the addition of Gradient Release Control. This inhibits the initial rate of acceleration for descending very steep inclines, to increase control when braking is released at extreme angles.

More stable towing
For safer and more stable towing, the 2010 Range Rover incorporates Trailer Stability Assist. This system detects trailer oscillations by monitoring key vehicle behaviors, such as uninvited steering movements and slight vehicle swing in response to trailer behavior. In these circumstances, the system can initiate engine torque reduction and braking interventions to help bring the towing back under control.

Classic Land Rover Range Rover style with contemporary details
The 2010 Land Rover Range Rover features subtle revisions to the exterior design, introducing some attractive new design elements which enhance the classic Land Rover Range Rover style with more contemporary detailing.

New headlights feature the Land Rover Range Rover's trademark inter-locking circle design, but are more clearly visible, day or night, with LED lamp technology. The headlights are marginally shallower, and 'bookend' a deeper, more upright mesh grille.

A new bumper completes the smoother, more sculpted front end, reflecting the clean surface integration which is now characteristic of Land Rover Range Rover design. The fog lamps are relocated from the bumper skin to the lower front air-intake.

The side of the vehicle features new 'three-stripe' LED indicators and redesigned three-section fender vents. The same design theme is adopted by the rear LED light clusters, which incorporate 'three-stripe' directional indicators.

Interior showcases luxurious materials and revolutionary technologies
Superbly crafted new materials and some revolutionary display technologies help to improve a cabin that is already widely regarded as one of the automotive world's finest.
'Virtual' dials and graphic displays replace traditional instruments
One of the major innovations in the 2010 Land Rover Range Rover is found in the instrument cluster. Here, traditional physical instruments are replaced by a 12" Thin Film Transistor screen which presents all essential driver information via cleverly designed 'virtual' dials and graphical displays.

The system's message center (the area between rev counter and speedometer) can be customized by the driver to display personal prioritized information, from system warnings, outside temperature and vehicle information to less critical data such as audio and telephone displays.

Update Touch-screen Technology
The touch-screen retains all the functionality of the previous display, but the graphics and menus have been redesigned for easier and more intuitive operation, allowing the number of 'hard' buttons around the screen to be reduced by a third. As before, functions such as satellite navigation, DVD video, and audio systems can be controlled via the display.

An updated voice control system with enhanced voice recognition software complements the touch screen, and can be used to control a range of entertainment and comfort features such as the audio system and climate control.

Advanced vehicle technologies enhance convenience and safety
"The technologies built into the 2010 Land Rover Range Rover are designed to improve convenience and safety, reducing the stress of driving in modern motoring conditions, on all terrains. With technology sharing the workload, the result is a more relaxed, alert driver." Paul Walker, Chief Program Engineer

The 2010 Land Rover Range Rover incorporates a comprehensive selection of advanced vehicle technologies which enhance convenience and improve active safety for the driver.

Adaptive Cruise Control
The 2010 Range Rover features Land Rover's Adaptive Cruise Control system (ACC) for the first time. The system employs a 76GHz scanning radar to locate vehicles moving in the same direction, and is designed to maintain optimal vehicle speed by using acceleration, deceleration and braking to keep a specified distance from the traffic ahead.

ACC comes with four driver-selectable settings, designed to suit individual driving style and traffic / road conditions. The driver can select a 'headway' of between 1 to 2.2 seconds, with a default setting of 1.8 seconds; this equates to a 50 meter distance from the vehicle ahead when travelling at 62 mph (100km/h). The system is designed to operate at speeds of up to 112 mph (180km/h).

Enhanced safety and visibility
The 2010 Land Rover Range Rover has a blind spot monitoring system available which uses side-mounted radar sensors to detect vehicles and other solid objects in the vehicle's blind spot area. If an object is detected, a bright amber warning icon is illuminated in the driver's door mirror.

The patented 'reverse tow assist' function (selected from the touch-screen menu) helps perform accurate towing maneuvers. The wide fields of view on the side cameras give a clear view of the reversing trailer and the images are electronically manipulated to provide an undistorted view. Guide lines overlaid on the rear camera image illustrate both the vehicle and trailer's trajectory and these move in line with steering inputs, making it easier for the driver to predict where the trailer will move to, before performing the reversing maneuver.

The Land Rover Range Rover's front headlights incorporate optional high beam assist technology. This can automatically switch on high beam headlights where external light levels are below the system's threshold. Importantly, the system is also designed to detect preceding and approaching traffic, and in a split second will automatically switch back to low beam to avoid dazzling others.

All-new electrical architecture
The performance of many of the 2010 Range Rover's advanced technologies is enhanced by a completely new electrical architecture which supports more efficient integration between the various systems. Information is shared between electronic components via a high speed Controller Area Network (CAN), with a fiber optic Media Orientated System Transport (MOS