2011 Range Rover receives a modest update

Land Rover released the details of the facelifted 2011 Range Rover, and as expected, the changes are subtle.

The engines will remain the same. The 5.0-liter, 510-hp supercharged V8 will find a home in the sport model, and the naturally aspirated 375-hp V8 will power the rest of the line.

New for 2011 are terrain-response enhancements, a reworked gauge cluster with digital displays and a limited-edition trim line, the Autobiography and Autobiography Black.

Terrain response is what Land Rover uses to adjust the ride characteristics, from pavement to snow, sand or rocks. Now it will include sand-launch control for quick desert getaways and revisions to the rock-crawl program. A gradient-acceleration-control program has been added to assist with descents, and the hill-start-assist program received some enhancements.

Inside the Rover, the traditional instruments have been removed in place of a 12-inch monitor. It presents all relevant information virtually, while leaving room for other info on the suspension travel, Terrain Response and driveline status. Some dials can even be rearranged to allow for the most comfortable view.

In small numbers, the Range Rover will offer the 2011 Autobiography Black 40th Anniversary Limited Edition. The exclusive model will feature unique barolo black paint, 20-inch alloys and a unique grille upgrade, among other additions. On the interior of the Autobiography Black, occupants will be able to choose between a jet/ivory color scheme and a jet/pimento scheme. Autobiography Black logos will adorn the seats, keyfob and driver’s handbook.

By Jake Lingeman