2006 Land Rover Range Rover Preview

Bid the BMW V8 under the Range Rover's hood goodbye, because for 2006 it's being replaced with Jaguar-sourced powerplants in both normally aspirated and supercharged formats. The standard 4.4-liter V8 makes 305 horsepower, and the 4.2-liter supercharged V8 cranks out 400 horsepower, making the 2006 Range Rover the most powerful Land Rover ever. Not only are the engines more muscular, but also they are expected to be more fuel-efficient thanks to drive-by-wire throttle control and advanced engine management systems. The engines are also modified to work better at extreme angles during difficult off-road travel, and have been modified to provide improved protection against rocks, dust, and water.

Power flows through a new six-speed automatic transmission with an electronically controlled center differential that reportedly improves handling both on and off the road. Other updates include an improved air suspension, sharpened steering response, better brake performance, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Supercharged versions have Brembo braking components for improved stopping performance.