New V8 diesel brings more grunt to Range Rover

2011 Range Rover models will be available with an all-new 4.4-litre turbo-diesel V8, according to a leaked letter from Land Rover to its German dealerships.

The information, which was discovered by European press outlets yesterday, confirms the new powerplant will replace the existing 3.6-litre V8 currently found under the bonnet of this year's Rangey. It's revealed in the letter that the more powerful engine will attract a €3000 premium over the current model, which currently retails in Germany for around €85,900.

Although full details of the engine's specifications were to be embargoed until June 17, it is believed power outputs will increase 15 per cent to 230kW, while torque is up 10 per cent to 700Nm.

Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the new Range Rover will be capable of tackling the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.6 seconds, and continue past that to a top speed of 208km/h. Fuel economy figures have also been trimmed, the combined cycle average now just 10.2L/100km. CO2 output is down to 264g/km, a 10 per cent reduction over the current model.

Range Rover will continue to offer its range-topping 5.0-litre supercharged V8, the engine likely to remain fitted with the same six-speed automatic found in the 2010 model line-up. 

Full specification and pricing for the entire 2011 Land Rover range (including Discovery, Freelander and Range Rover models) will be announced on June 17 with a media event to follow in London on July 1 -- the event coinciding with the Range Rover's 40th anniversary.

The full line-up will be revealed to the public at the Moscow Motor Show, commencing August 28.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi