A major mechanical update was carried out in mid 2005 for the 2006
US model year, replacing the BMW-derived engine with two Jaguar-derived
V8s, including a 400 horsepower supercharged model. Various cosmetic
and trim changes were introduced at the same time, of which the
most obvious were mesh grille and side vents on the Supercharged
version. Main new features for 2006 were: .The MSRP for the HSE model was increased by $1,200
to $74,950, with the Supercharged model commanding a price of
$89,950. A destination charge of $665 was added to both models.
As many had
expected, the BMW engine was repaced with one from within the Ford
corporate family -- a Jaguar-derived V8 with the same 4.4 litre
displacement as the BMW unit. At roughly the same time,
the same engine was introduced on the Discovery 3 (LR3 in the US) and
the new Range Rover Sport model. The following were the main features
of the new engines:
NATURALLY ASPIRATED (HSE models): SUPERCHARGED (supercharged models): Both engines are lightweight and use advanced torque-based engine
management systems that, together with drive-by-wire throttle control
and variable camshaft phasing (on the naturally aspirated version
only), continually
adjust the engine to deliver optimum performance, fuel economy and
emissions. While the result is increased performance, the upgraded
engines also achieve
better fuel economy than the outgoing V8. A
redesigned oil pump and improved oil sealing were incorporated to
improve wading ability. Extensive
measures were taken to assure the engines perform reliably during
off-road extremes. they are well
protected from rock damage, water and dust ingestion, and oil
starvation while driving at steep angles. A re-tuned engine mounting system was designed
to further reduce noise and vibration. A new 6 speed transmission with "Command Shift" and adaptive mapping
replaced the 5-speed unit. The net result was to improve on-road performance on the base
naturaly aspirated models so that their 0-60 accesleration time was
reduced from 9 to 8.3 seconds, whle the supercharged models could
achieve truly sports car levels of performance. The 4-year, 50,000 mile warranty with complimentary scheduled
service was continued as before.
4.4-liter, alloy V8 develops 305 bhp at 5,750 rpm and 325 lb.-ft.
of torque at 4,000 rpm
Electronic throttle controlled Variable Camshaft Phasing
4.2-liter, alloy V8 develops 400 bhp at 5,750
rpm and 420 lb.-ft.
of torque at 3,500 rpm (no variable cam timing).
Chassis & Suspension
The front bumper on all models was redesigned, with raised
sections at each end under the
headlamps. More obvious were the mesh grille and side vents on the
supercharged versions. On non-supercharged versions the side vents were
redesigned to have 3 "power vents" instead of two. There was also a
revision in the treatment of the rear lights.
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| Mesh grille and side
vents, and revised tail light treatment on 2006 supercharged Range
Rover. (Land Rover official press photos). |
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The HSE models come standard with the 7-spoke 19x8 inch aluminum
alloy wheels and 255/55R19 tires, while the supercharged models came
with 9-spoke 20x8.5 inch wheels and 255/50R20 tires. A tire pressure
monitoring
system was included.
Exterior colors were expanded to nine options: Chawton White, Java
Black, Giverny Green, Tonga Green, Maya Gold, Zambezi Silver,
Buckingham Blue (new), Rimini Red (almost burnt orange, a slightly
lighter version of the formerly available Alveston Red), Bonnati
Grey. Alert reader Mike Weisner points out that a tenth color,
Atacama Sand, was also made available sometime in 2006. This was a very
unique pa;e greenish-gold-silver color that had a very short ruun in
the US.A picture of an RR with this color, courtesy of Mike, appears
below.
Most interior systems remained unchanged from 2005. The rear view camera was standard and displayed images on the nav screen. When reverse is engaged it automatically presents a view to the rear of the vehicle to aid in manoevering.
Supercharged models only:
Ivory seats with Ivory piping
Jet seats with Jet piping
As before,
American cherry or burled walnut wood were the available wood trim
options on the HSE model. On the supercharged model, Grand Black
Laquer" was also offered.
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| Grand Black Laquer wood trim
available on supercharged models |
Foot pedal treatment on
supercharged models |
The Heated Accessory and Luxury Interior
packages were retained (see 2005 model year), but the $5,000
Luxury Interior Package now included all of the following:
The 20 inch wheel package was standard
on the Supercharged model and optional ($4,000) on the HSE. Additional
options were a $2,500 Rear Seat
Entertainment
(two integrated front headrest displays, six-disc DVD changer, wireless
headphones, touchscreen interface, and remote control), and a Satellite
Radio system for $400 plus annual subscription cost.
The Supercharged model was effectively a specialedition, but beyind this no others were offered on the US market. In the UK the Autobiography version continued as usual.