Adding to its family of world-class go-anywhere SUVs, Land Rover has taken the wraps off the 2017 Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic. Developed by Jaguar Land Rover’s high-performance SVO operation to stress enhanced on-road capability, the new Dynamic model is a standard-wheelbase version of the current LWB-only SVAutobiography. While it shares the same 550-horsepower/5.0-liter supercharged V8 that cranks out 502 ft-lb of torque as well as an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, the new SVAutobiography Dynamic boasts a host of distinctive functional and cosmetic touches to set it apart.
Better handling
Modifications to the chassis of the new SVAutobiography Dynamic that help increase its overall handling start with lowering the ride height by a third of an inch as well reducing the amount of body roll by fitting “active anti-roll bars” at each axle to complement the adjustable active dampers. Fully integrated with the vehicle’s full air suspension and Range Rover’s permanent 4-wheel drive, standard locking center differential and Terrain Response systems, the setup reportedly increases low-speed agility as well as high-speed stability to provide the driver with a more confident feel without compromising ride quality. Rounding out the mix are Brembo brakes – a first use for Land Rover – complete with sporty red calipers.
Visual enhancements to the new SVAutobiography Dynamic start with Graphite Atlas finish on its grille, hood and side vents, front bumper accents and tailgate trim as well as the Range Rover script set off by dual chrome exhaust tips. Buyers also can choose from 21-inch or 22-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the SVAutobiography Dynamic boasts 20-way power buckets done in diamond-quilted leather, an Ebony perforated leather headliner, Grand Black veneer on the dash and doors along with Red keyline accents.
New driver assists and better connectivity
While the new SVAutobiography Dynamic is set to grab the lion’s share of interest, there’s plenty of other impressive upgrades coming for all Range Rovers. Owners who choose to venture off the beaten path will benefit from a new Low Traction Launch mode that better manages torque and limits wheelspin to help the vehicle get moving on slick surfaces. There’s also a new All-Terrain Info Center that uses a touchscreen to display the status of various drive-assist controls, slope-assist info and more to make negotiating more challenging off-road venues even easier.
The 2017 Range Rovers will introduce the latest driver assists including rear park distance control, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking. A new Drive Pack option bolsters the existing Blind Spot Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition and Reverse Traffic Detection with an Intelligent Speed Limiter that uses the Traffic Sign Recognition and navigation speed-limit data to automatically adjust the vehicle speed. The Drive Pack Pro adds Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist, Intelligent Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Assist. Two new features include Lane Keep Assist and a Driver Condition Monitor that monitors various control inputs and can warn of potentially dangerous levels of fatigue.
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On the connectivity front, the 2017 Range Rover lineup will be fitted with a new Land Rover InControl Touch Pro infotainment system that features a larger 10.2-inch touchscreen and delivers superior satellite navigation that now includes door-to-door routing, a route planner app and a host of other real-time apps along with remote control over various vehicle functions. Occupants of the 40/20/40 split-folding aft bench also will be able access this information using the built-in rear-seat entertainment screens. The 2017 Range Rovers will start rolling into dealer showrooms in January. Pricing will start at $86,645 with the new SVAutobiography Dynamic opening at $171,990.
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