Model by model: Range Rover

Model by model: Range Rover
Diesel power in the Range Rover will continue to come from the existing 3.6-litre V8, but buyers who prefer petrol will soon get the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 first seen in the Jaguar XFR, instead of a 4.2 V8. One of the most obvious side benefits is said to be the virtual elimination of supercharger whine.

With 505bhp and 462lb ft of torque, the new engine is 29% more powerful and 12% more eager to pull than the 4.2, but fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are down by around 7.5%, helped by changes to the ratios in the six-speed automatic gearbox.

The engine oil system and seals have been modified to suit off-road use.

The transmission has been uprated to deal with the new V8's power and torque, and it features an intelligent sport mode which adapts shift characteristics to suit different driving styles.

The Range Rover gets the chassis modifications made to the Discovery, plus 'adaptive dynamics' predictive, continuously variable, electronically-adjusted shock absorbers that are said to tune themselves to the road and the driver in fractions of a second.

The revised exterior is more of an evolution than a revolution. 'It is all about refinement,' says lead designer Sean Henstridge.

Adaptive front lighting and automatic switching between high and low beam now feature on more jewelled front lamp clusters.

There are bigger changes in the cabin, with more upmarket materials, advanced technology features and fresh colour schemes. All-leather headlining is a new option, and the Range Rover will become the first car in the world with the dual-view touchscreen on top of all the other convenience and safety additions.