2006 Range Rover Model Year Details


Overview
Powertrain
Chassis & Suspension
Exterior
Interior
Options
Special Editions
 

Special thanks to Kevin Kelly for information on these pages

Photo: 2006 Range Rover Supercharged (Official press photo)
 

Overview

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:

• Jaguar-derived naturally aspirated 4.4 and supercharged 4.2 V8

• Sound-dampening elements for a quieter ride

• Redesigned bumper (all models), mesh grille and air vents on supercharged models

• New interior trim colors in supercharged models

• Available Bi-Xenon Adaptive Front Lights that turn with the steering

• Redesigned tail lights

• Different LCD under speedometer
  

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

• Rear View Camera

• Available Rear Seat Entertainment Package

• Available SIRIUS satellite radio audio option

• Available cooled seats
  

.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.

Powertrain

As many had expected, the BMW engine was replaced 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):
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

SUPERCHARGED (supercharged models):
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).

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 naturally aspirated models so that their 0-60 acceleration time was reduced from 9 to 8.3 seconds, while 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.

Chassis & Suspension

Steering feel via the ZF Servotronic rack and pinion steering system was improved, and the Bosch Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system was updated for better all-terrain performance.

The air suspension with adjustable ride height was said to be "improved, for even better on- and off-road performance and comfort". It is not clear exactly what these improvements consisted of, but new anti-roll bars seem to be part of the mix. The Supercharged model got a revised suspension with flatter handling (probably achieved using a fatter anti-roll bar), to accompany its new high-performance Brembo front brakes.

Less publicized was the fact that as a result, wheel travel on the Supercharged model was reduced form 10.75 to 7.5 inches at the front, and 13 to 11 inches at the rear.  On both models, the "highway" setting which lowered the suspension slightly for highway cruising was eliminated. On the other hand, according to the official  specifications the wading depth on both models was increased to 27.5 inches and ramp breakover angle was increased from 28 to 30 degrees.

Exterior

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.

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.

Interior, Electronics, Navigation and Entertainment

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.

Additional interior trim choices were offered on the supercharged versions however.

2006 Interior Color Options:
Ivory seats with Aspen piping
Aspen seats with Ivory piping
Parchment seats with Navy piping
Navy seats with Parchment piping
Charcoal seats with Jet piping
Sand seats with Jet piping

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 Lacquer" was also offered.

Options
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:

• Contour seats with 16-way adjustable power driver and passenger seats

• Upgraded leather on seats and door pulls

• Upper dashboard and cubby box leather

• Heated front and rear seats

• Heated steering wheel

• Integrated ski bag

• Removable luggage net

• Autodimming exterior mirrors

• Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)

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.

Special Editions
The Supercharged model was effectively a special edition, but beyond this no others were offered on the US market. In the UK the Autobiography version continued as usual.