Unless you're into lifting the bonnets of strangers' Range Rovers, you probably won't be able to tell that the 2011 car has been facelifted.
Due on sale later this year (2010), the new Range Rover has a new V8 diesel engine, linked to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.
An all-new, unique to Range Rover, 4.4-litre engine replaces the 3.6-litre unit currently found in TDV8-badged cars - the one that most people buy.
The new gearbox gets paddle shifters for that sporty feel all Rangie owners require, but it still combines with the new V8 to lower consumption by nearly a fifth. Combined economy goes up to 30.1mpg, and CO2 drops to 253g/km.
Peak power is 309bhp - up from 271bhp - and there's a massive 516lb.ft produced at 2,000rpm compared to 472lb.ft at the same point in the rev range of the old engine. The 0-60mph time drops by 1.1 seconds to 7.5.
Terrain Response gets a couple of new features two, namely Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control. The former stops the car rolling backwards on hills while you drag your heavy Ugg boots from the brake to the throttle; the latter stops the car freewheeling to oblivion down steep mountains or driveways.
Believe it or not there have been some visual improvements too - something to do with the side vents and the grille. Some new alloy wheel designs are available, along with new shades of white and blue for the body.
Oh, and there's a 40th Anniversary edition too, which Land Rover calls 'simply the last word in bespoke vehicles.' That means it gets black paint, new 20-inch wheels, a different grille and a badge on the tailgate. Inside there's a half wood steering wheel, more badges and a two-tone colour scheme.
Only 700 40th Anniversary versions will be made.
Mark Nichol - 18 Jun 2010