New Range Rover SVAutobiography debuts in New York
New range-topper features the Range Rover Sport SVR's 542bhp powertrain
There's a new flagship in Land Rover's range. The Range Rover SVAutobiography debuts at the 2015 New York International Auto Show, and becomes the most powerful Range Rover ever, courtesy of Jaguar-Land Rover's familiar 542bhp, 5.0-litre supercharged V8.
Replacing the Autobiography Black at the top of the Range Rover line-up and developed by JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations, the SVAutobiography adopts the same power unit as the Range Rover Sport SVR.
Retuned, it now produces 542hp and 680Nm of torque (at 3,500rpm) - the same as the SVR, and an increase of 39bhp and 41lb ft respectively over the existing Supercharged Range Rover.
Land Rover has fitted black Brembo brake calipers at the front in order to help cope with the extraordinary powertrain's additional urge, whilst the existing eight-speed ZF ‘box has been retained. Customers can also opt for either the SDV6 Hybrid or SDV8 engines; both tout improved efficiency figures thanks to a new stop-start system, JLR claiming 33.6mpg and CO2 figures of 219g/km for the latter.
The SVAutobiography's exterior features several unique enhancements, including a new ‘Duo-tone’ body colour option, quad exhausts, and polished chrome grille detailing. Interior additions include aluminium switchgear and foot pedals, a chiller compartment, solid aluminium coat hooks (really), and twist pile mohair carpet mats. Furthermore, Land Rover offers new SVO developed ‘Event Seating’, foldout leather chairs stowed in the tailgate, which are apparently suitable for a pair of adults.
Other details include a new, improved Surround Camera system, Gesture Tailgate - providing hands-free access to the luggage area, and Automatic Access Height, which lowers the vehicle when parked in order to make entry and exits easier. Moreover, the InControl Remote Premium system allows owners to check the fuel level, lock and unlock the doors, flash the lights or sound the horn to help distinguish the car in crowded car parks via a smartphone app.
Speaking ahead of the model’s world debut in New York, Land Rover’s Design Director Gerry McGovern stated: 'With the SVAutobiography we have taken the opportunity to optimise the Range Rover’s luxury execution and precision while delivering beautiful detailing that considerably enhances the customer’s experience of our flagship vehicle.'
The SVAutobiography goes on sale in summer 2015, with prices starting from £148,900. The rest of the Range Rover range begins at £74,950.
