2014 RANGE ROVER SPORT V8 AUTOBIOGRAPHY TESTDRIVENOW QUICK TAKES

2014 RANGE ROVER SPORT V8 AUTOBIOGRAPHY QUICK TAKES

Land Rover is introducing two distinctive new premium derivatives to the acclaimed Range Rover Evoque line-up for 2015: the luxurious Autobiography tops the range, complemented by the more powerful, more agile Autobiography Dynamic.

The Autobiography derivatives feature enhanced dynamic body styling, 20-inch forged alloy wheels and premium leather interior details with Autobiography embossed headrests. Customers of the Dynamic derivative can also opt for either the sports or premium climate seat. The Autobiography Dynamic’s chassis has been optimised for even sharper handling, while the top-of-the-range 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine has been upgraded exclusively to produce 285PS and 400Nm – a substantial 45PS and 60Nm increase compared with the existing Range Rover Evoque. A new and striking premium metallic body colour called phoenix orange also debuts across the Dynamic Evoque derivatives.

Enhancing Land Rover’s existing suite of connected-car technologies, Land Rover InControl^TM Apps* also debuts across the range. In a world first, InControl Apps enables vehicle-optimised smartphone apps to be displayed and controlled with their original look and feel from the vehicle’s touchscreen. Owners simply connect their smartphone directly to the Range Rover Evoque through a dedicated USB port to enable compatible iPhone or Android apps to function.

Park assist semi-autonomous parking, a surround camera system and blind-spot monitoring with closing vehicle sensing and reverse traffic detection continue to be available, making the Range Rover Evoque perfectly suited to busy urban environments.

Speaking ahead of the official world premiere for the Range Rover Evoque Autobiography derivatives at the Geneva Motor Show, Murray Dietsch, Director of Land Rover Programmes, said: “When the Range Rover Evoque was launched, it brought a unique blend of innovative exterior and interior design and exceptional on- and off-road capability to the market. It created the premium compact SUV.

“The introduction of Land Rover InControl^TM Apps, together with the new range topping Autobiography and Autobiography Dynamic derivatives, take the Range Rover Evoque’s core strengths a step further, bringing increased levels of connectivity, desirability, luxury and dynamic ability to the already successful line-up.”

Since its launch in 2011, the Range Rover Evoque has won 157 international awards for its combination of leading-edge design, striking interior craftsmanship, agile handling and off-road capability. With highly competitive pricing, a range of powerful yet efficient petrol and diesel engines, ‘on demand’ active driveline to enhance agility and a responsive, fuel-efficient 9-speed automatic ZF transmission the Evoque continues to appeal with more than 270,000 sales worldwide, making it the fastest-selling Land Rover of all time.

Luxurious Autobiography tops the range

For the first time ever, the luxurious Autobiography name features on the Range Rover Evoque. The Autobiography is positioned at the top of the range, complementing the new Autobiography Dynamic and sitting above existing Pure, Dynamic and Prestige derivatives.

A name previously found only on the more luxurious Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, the Autobiography is distinguished by a selection of premium interior and exterior upgrades, offering large-car luxury in a small and nimble package.

Available in coupé or 5-door body styles, the Autobiography benefits from enhanced Dynamic body styling, diamond-turned, forged 20-inch alloy wheels, and new exterior trim components highlighted in atlas silver. These components include a new premium grille design, lower front valance and new foglight surrounds. The lower reaches of the Autobiography’s body sides are finished in contrasting santorini black, creating a ground-hugging stance, while jewel-like ‘crystal’ headlights and tail lamps enhance the premium feel. Autobiography ingot badging on the tailgate and front fender vents further distinguishes the exterior.

Inside, Autobiography models are equipped with a luxurious and sumptuous leather interior in a selection of six colour palettes, along with Autobiography embossing on the front headrests. New illuminated tread plates with Autobiography script are available in a choice of three distinctive finishes.

“The Range Rover Evoque raised expectations in the compact SUV class and continues to be applauded for its ground-breaking design and premium interior,” said Land Rover Design Director & Chief Creative Officer Gerry McGovern. “The new Range Rover Evoque Autobiography is a natural progression, bringing luxury that’s more commonly associated with far larger, more expensive models to a premium compact SUV, while reaffirming its ability to resonate with customers on an emotional level.”

The Autobiography can be specified with the Evoque’s powerful and fuel-efficient 190PS diesel or 240PS petrol engines, and comes as standard with the 9-speed ZF automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Petrol versions are also specified with Land Rover’s innovative active driveline.

Autobiography Dynamic brings even greater performance and agility

The new Autobiography Dynamic is the most performance-focussed Range Rover Evoque ever produced. Available exclusively with an upgraded version of the range-topping 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, Autobiography Dynamic models are also specified with active driveline as standard equipment, increasing both efficiency and agility.

The all-aluminium, direct-injection engine now produces 285PS and 400Nm, a substantial 45PS and 60Nm increase. The performance gains can be attributed to a new design of single-scroll turbocharger, recalibrated engine-management software and a new sports exhaust system tuned for excellent flow characteristics as well as an appropriately muscular sound to complement the vehicle’s enhanced handling.

Further increasing driver enjoyment, the steering of the Autobiography Dynamic has been specially tuned for additional on-centre precision; the chassis also features upgraded suspension geometry, firmer spring rates and recalibrated adaptive dampers, increasing agility and turn-in response. This has been achieved without impacting on the Range Rover Evoque’s compliant ride quality.

To ensure drivers can safely experience the Autobiography Dynamic’s optimised performance, Land Rover’s engineers have fitted upgraded 350mm front brake discs.

The Autobiography Dynamic is available in coupé or 5-door body styles and benefits from enhanced dynamic styling, forged 20-inch alloy wheels finished in satin technical grey and exterior trim components detailed in santorini black. These components include a new design of grille and lower front valance and new foglight surrounds. The vehicle also features ‘Autobiography’ illuminated tread plates and ingot badging on the tailgate and front fender vents, while darkened headlights and clear tail lamps complement the sophisticated, sporting exterior.

A santorini black contrast roof is available as standard, while body-colour side trim visually lowers the vehicle and creates an athletic, purposeful stance. An exclusive and striking new phoenix orange premium metallic body colour scheme debuts across all Range Rover Evoque Dynamic derivatives.

Inside, Autobiography Dynamic customers can choose from a dynamic plus leather interior with either sports or premium climate seats in a range of four colours. The front seats also feature the Autobiography embossed logo, while the dashboard is highlighted with dark brushed aluminium trim accents unique to the Autobiography Dynamic.

The 9-speed ZF automatic transmission with adaptive shift programme has been retuned for the Autobiography Dynamic so that it responds more keenly to sportier driver inputs, even when left in Drive. The result is a noticeable increase in mid-range performance and gearshifts that seamlessly adapt to driver behaviour.

The transmission’s Sport mode and steering-wheel-mounted CommandShift™ gear-selector paddles provide even more driver involvement when desired.

Active driveline is optional on all Evoque models and comes as standard equipment on the Autobiography Dynamic. A revolutionary driveline technology, active driveline improves traction, enhances agility and improves fuel efficiency by engaging four-wheel drive seamlessly and automatically when required.

The world’s first four-wheel-drive system of its kind, active driveline seamlessly switches to front-wheel drive during steady-state driving at speeds over 22mph, eliminating virtually all drag losses from the rear driveline. When circumstances dictate, the four-wheel-drive system automatically reactivates within 300 milliseconds.

In addition, active driveline optimally distributes torque between the rear wheels, whilst also having the ability to lock them together. This provides improved traction and composure off road, whilst also enhancing performance on road.

Meanwhile, torque vectoring by braking (TVB) operates on all four wheels to reduce understeer, and continues to be available on the 240PS Si4 petrol and 190PS SD4 diesel models, but is exclusively included as standard equipment on the Autobiography Dynamic. TVB operates on low-grip surfaces for Si4 and SD4 models, but its capability is extended to high-grip surfaces for the Autobiography Dynamic, ensuring even more agile and responsive handling characteristics.

Land Rover InControl^TM Apps – the ultimate for in-car connectivity

The Range Rover Evoque celebrates a world first with the introduction of Land Rover InControl^TM Apps*. This new in-car technology complements the Evoque’s existing infotainment system by bringing the convenience, familiarity and original look and feel of compatible smartphone apps into the owner’s vehicle.

Land Rover InControl^TM Apps is compatible with the latest Apple and Android smartphones. By connecting a smartphone to the dedicated USB port, specific smartphone apps optimised for in-vehicle use will function on the Range Rover Evoque’s touchscreen, with new content available every time the apps update.

“InControl Apps puts us at the cutting edge of in-car connectivity. The Range Rover Evoque’s central touchscreen is now an extension of an owner’s iPhone or Android smartphone with the latest content always available,” said Jaguar Land Rover Group Engineering Director, Dr Wolfgang Ziebart. “Crucially, Land Rover InControl^TM Apps allows other drivers of the vehicle to access their own smartphone content safely and effectively on the vehicle’s touchscreen. An in-car app experience with familiar app DNA.”

Land Rover InControl^TM Apps has been developed with some of the world’s leading smartphone app developers so that they are perfectly suited for in-car use, such as satellite-navigation, music streaming, internet radio and location services. Compatible apps available at launch include iHeartRadio for Auto, Stitcher, Glympse, Sygic, Parkopedia, Hotelseeker, Cityseeker, Eventseeker, News on Board, Winston and MobileDay, with the range being continually expanded.

Also included is a productivity suite that enables easy access to the connected smartphone’s contacts, calendar and music library.

When InControl Apps is selected as a customer option, the owner must download Land Rover InControl^TMApps to their smartphone from either the Apple App Store (for iPhone 5 and later) or Google Play (Android). Once the phone is connected to the vehicle’s dedicated USB port, the owner simply taps the InControl Apps icon on the central touchscreen and selects the desired vehicle-compatible app from the menu.

Together, Land Rover InControl^TM Apps and its integrated productivity suite enable busy owners to organise their day-to-day lives more efficiently, helping to strike an improved work-life balance.

Land Rover InControl^TM Apps* is the latest addition to Land Rover’s suite of InControl connected-car technologies. InControl Remote allows owners to summon roadside assistance or the emergency services if required. The InControl Remote smartphone app allows owners to prepare for a trip by checking fuel levels and range remotely, find their vehicle in a crowded car park and check if they have left doors or windows open. They can also download journey details to assist in claiming business mileage expenses. InControl Secure tracks the vehicle should it be stolen.

Choose from a vast selection of personalisation options

The Range Rover Evoque continues to be offered with a wide range of personalisation options. These include a catalogue of lifestyle accessories such as iPad holders, coat hangers, cargo barriers and a stylish gloss-black roof box. There are further opportunities for interior and exterior personalisation, including carbonfibre exterior trim finishes, premium carpet mats and an anodised red rotary gear selector.