2011 Range Rover Autobiography Limited Edition Unveiled

2011 Range Rover Autobiography Black Unveiled

Edited by JOSEPH V. KUCA

Last week Land Rover introduced the 2011 Range Rover Autobiography Black Limited Edition at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering held on the grounds of the Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club in Carmel, CA---the event was a key part of the annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance weekend celebrating classic automobiles and racecars. Land Rover is a longtime sponsor.

The 2011 Range Rover Autobiography Black Limited Edition which received recognition by the automotive editors at the Robb Report as 'the best of the best', is said to be the most luxurious, most exclusive Range Rover model ever built.

Introduced in Europe in 1970, the first Range Rover established a new category of upscale, full-capability SUVs and over the years evolved into the first true premium luxury SUV. In 1987, the Range Rover re-established the Land Rover presence in the United States. Today, the line also includes the performance-focused Range Rover Sport models and will soon be expanded with the unique new Range Rover Evoque cross-over coupe model.

The 2011 Range Rover Autobiography Black is distinguished by exclusive Barolo Black exterior paint, 20-inch Diamond Turned 10-spoke alloy wheels and a Titan mesh front grille with a bright chrome edge and a black surround. Side vents feature a new mesh set off by bright chrome bars and a black surround. Body color door handles and a discrete “Autobiography Black” tailgate badge finish the elegant exterior design.

The Autobiography Black offers the top of the line in Range Rover luxury. This new limited edition model greets its driver and passengers with illuminated Range Rover sill plates. A mirror-like, handcrafted Grand Black Lacquer-finish trims the doors, instrument panel and center console. The shift knob and heated steering wheel are finished in Grand Black Lacquer and leather too.

In addition to the standard Jet interior color, customers can choose one of two options unique to the Range Rover Autobiography Black: Jet/Ivory, or Jet/Pimento. The Autobiography Black logo is embossed on the rear seat armrest and also appears on the four unique, Grand Black Lacquer door veneers. The key fob and driver’s handbook carry the Autobiography Black logo, as well.

The 2011 Autobiography Black shares driving safety technology and luxury features that are standard in all Range Rover Autobiography models. Among these features is the Vision Assist Package (VAP), which includes Adaptive Front Lighting (AFS); Automatic High Beam Assist (AHBA); Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), and surround cameras. 1200-watt harman/kardon® LOGIC7 audio system with 19 speakers; rear seat recline including 4-way lumbar support and heated and cooled rear seats add to the list of standard features.

All Range Rover models debuted a luxurious new high-tech instrument cluster last year. A 12-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) screen replaced conventional gauges to present all essential vehicle information via “virtual dials.” Graphical displays indicate suspension travel, driveline status, transfer case and Terrain Response® information when driving off-road.

510 Supercharged Horses

Like the original Autobiography edition, the Autobiography Black is based on the Range Rover Supercharged model and powered by the range-topping 5.0-liter, 510hp supercharged V8 engine with direct fuel injection. With 461 lb.-ft. of peak torque delivered from 2,500-5,500 rpm, the Range Rover Supercharged models can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds.

The Autobiography Black retains the same off-road capability of all Range Rovers, enhanced for 2011 by two additions to the innovative Terrain Response system: Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control. On road, the Adaptive Dynamics suspension technology offers firm control of body motions through turns while providing the renowned calm, composed Range Rover ride quality.

Terrain Response Enhancements

Range Rovers have long been kings of the off-road, and the 2011 models, with further enhancements to Terrain Response, bolster that tradition. This innovative vehicle control system gains new Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control (GAC). By momentarily holding brake pressure when the driver’s foot moves from the brake pedal to the accelerator, Hill Start Assist helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when moving from a standstill on an incline.

Gradient Acceleration Control is designed to provide an extra measure of safety on severe inclines when the driver does not have Hill Descent Control engaged. By pressurizing the brake system, GAC slows the vehicle to a limit determined by the throttle position when descending the slope in Drive or Reverse. Otherwise – such as when descending while facing up the gradient with Drive selected – GAC restricts speed to 5km/h (3.1mph) for up to 20 seconds, enabling the driver to regain control.

The Terrain Response system had in 2010 been augmented with Sand Launch Control for easier drive-away; revisions to the Rock Crawl Program for greater control on rocky terrain, and Gradient Release Control, which restricts the rate of initial acceleration when descending steep inclines.