Range Rover Vogue Autobiography

Land Rover has announced the revival of an older nameplate for the new Range Rover flagship. For 2009, the Indian-owned pucka builder of luxury SUVs has applied the name 'Autobiography' to a super- Range Rover Vogue variant.

'Autobiography' is a heritage name dating back to a limited edition Range Rover launched locally over 10 years back.

Boasting more leather than an episode of 'Rawhide', the Range Rover Autobiography also comes equipped with a new seat style featuring contrast stitching to hold the semi-aniline leather in place. The company has also trimmed the dashtop and door casings in full leather.

In addition to the extensive application of leather (including even the floormats), the Range Rover Autobiography is fitted as standard with windscreen and side glass that insulates the cabin from heat and noise. Still inside the cabin, the pedals are resplendent in a stainless-steel finish.

Visually, the new flagship, which is available in naturally-aspirated V8 or supercharged V8 variants, can be identified by 20-inch alloy wheels in a seven-paired-spoke design. Diamond mesh inserts are located in the grille and side vents, with black and silver badging to aid identification.

"The new Range Rover Vogue Autobiography further enhances what is already the world's most complete luxury 4x4, offering even higher quality materials and finishes with the ability to personalise your vehicle to suit your own sense of taste and style," Roger Jory, General Manager of Land Rover Australia, was quoted as saying.

With the addition of the Autobiography variants, Range Rover Vogue pricing starts with the TDV8 at $153,400, jumping to $177,700 for the Range Rover Vogue TDV8 Luxury before reaching $193,600 for the Range Rover TDV8 Autobiography. Those lusting after the supercharged Range Rover Autobiography will need to find $212,700 in their pocket first. The supercharged model without the Autobiography's extras has been discontinued.

Along with the introduction of the new Vogue variant, Land Rover has also announced a 2009 model year upgrade for the Discovery 3 and its genetically-altered twin, the Range Rover Sport.

The latter is mildly facelifted (but not to be confused with another facelift due in roughly 12 months, more here and here). New visual cues include a body-colour finish for the tailgate garnish, a revised step mat in the rear bumper, clear-lens tail lights and clear-lens side indicators.

In addition, the Rangie Sport is available with the option of a new design 20-inch alloy wheel -- taking the alloy wheel options to two -- which can be specified in either a silver-painted finish or a 'diamond-turned' finish. The current standard wheel can now be ordered from the factory with a shadow-chrome finish.

Santorini Black, Galway Green and Bournville are three new metallic colours available to order. Bournville is a black with a brown tint.

Inside, Land Rover designers have applied 'Noble', a metallic appliqué for the centre console sides, air vent bezels and door pull handles. Premium leather with a diagonal stitch pattern for the door inserts is now available as an option, in a choice of Ebony, Almond or Ivory colours.

Prices for the 2009 Range Rover Sport are $90,860 (TDV6), $114,160 (TDV8 and petrol V8), $144,880 (Supercharged V8).

Similarly tweaked, the Discovery 3 for 2009 can be identified principally by its body-coloured front bumper. The rear bumper and wheel arches -- now body-coloured for SE and HSE variants -- are also revised for the new model year. Other detail changes to the exterior run to a body-coloured handle for the tailgate and clear-lens side indicators for all variants, with tungsten-coloured side vents on the SE and HSE models.

The 19-inch alloy wheels are new to Discovery and feature a seven-spoke design. As for the Range Rover Sport, the three new exterior metallics are carried across to the Discovery for the new model year. Leather trim in an Almond colour is a new option for the 2009 Discovery.

Land Rover has played with specifications for the upgraded Discovery, which is now fitted as standard with air suspension and 'Terrain Response' in the TDV6 'S' variant, which now offers leather seat trim as an option.

An upgraded audio system ('Hi ICE') for the Discovery 3 SE variants comprises a six-disc in-dash head unit, eight Harmon/Kardon speakers and remote controls located on the steering wheel.

HSE models gain Land Rover's Premium ICE audio package, which incorporates 13 Harmon/Kardon speakers and Logic 7 surround sound capability.

Finally, Land Rover is offering Discovery 3 SE and HSE buyers the Premium Navigation and Bluetooth Phone Integration in the one package, for a price lower than the combined prices of the two options.

Prices for the 2009 model year Discovery 3 are $66,490 for the V6 SE, $67,590 for the TDV6 S, $75,990 for the TDV6 SE, $86,590 for the TDV6 HSE and $92,990 for the V8 HSE.