2010 Range Rover Autobiography Named Robb Report's Best of the Best

CARMEL VALLEY, Calif., Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Land Rover North America today received Robb Report's Best of the Best Award for the Luxury SUV Category for the Range Rover Autobiography.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100813/DE50633 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100813/DE50633 )

Robb Report publishes its annual "Best of the Best" special issue, which represents the culmination of an entire year's search for excellence in every aspect of the luxury lifestyle. In this case, Range Rover is included amongst a select group of sport-utility vehicles deemed the best.

"The Range Rover is the most capable luxury vehicle in the world, and as such, clearly resonates with the Robb Report's editors and readers, said Chris Marchand, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Land Rover North America.  "The Autobiography Edition takes that luxury to the highest level giving it a bespoke personality unique among sport utility vehicles."

All 2010 Range Rovers benefit from luxurious materials and finishes, along with new interior technologies, including a 12" Thin Film Transistor screen which presents all essential driver information via cleverly designed virtual dials and graphical displays. The Autobiography adds even more luxury than standard Range Rover models with features like full Semi-Aniline leather seats, a full leather headliner and unique trim.  Also offered is the 14-piece real wood veneer trim available in a range of woods and finishes and Autobiography sill tread plates.

The Range Rover Autobiography is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 Supercharged engine with 510 bhp and 461 lb.-ft. torque.  The vehicle incorporates state-of-the-art Adaptive Dynamics technology to further improve the Range Rover Autobiography's peerless ride quality.

All-terrain performance is also enhanced by updates to the Terrain Response™ and Stability Control systems.  Distinct Autobiography exterior cues include a Noble-plated mesh-design on the front grille and side vents, plus 20-inch alloy wheels.

"At Robb Report, we like to think that there are three great brands whose initials share the double 'R,'" said Robert Ross, Senior Vice President and Automotive Editor, Robb Report. "With the Range Rover Autobiography, Land Rover has once again raised the bar by offering the most capable and luxurious sport-utility vehicle in the world. It really is the Best of the Best.

"The Autobiography wowed every driver at our Robb Report Car of the Year event, and it was a hands-down favorite of our editorial team in a field of very tough competitors. I know of no other SUV that transcends the category by delivering so many well-engineered and beautifully wrought creature comforts, with performance in league with the most potent sport sedans."

Land Rover's U.S. sales in July were up 26 percent, the brand's 10th consecutive month of U.S. sales growth, driven by the launch of the new 2010 models and improved business conditions.  The volume leader for July was the Range Rover Sport with 793 units sold, a 1 percent increase versus July of 2009.  The Robb Report award-winning Range Rover increased 51 percent to 623 units versus 413 in July 2009.  The re-designed 2010 LR4 continues its sales surge, increasing 220 percent to 522 units, up from 163 in July 2009.  For the year, sales of Land Rover's four models have increased 24 percent to 17,256 units.

For the 2010 Model Year Land Rover's lineup features four models: The 230-hp 3.0 liter I6 powered LR2; the new LR4 powered by the 375-hp 5.0 liter V8; the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover, both available with the naturally-aspirated 375-hp V8 and 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains.

Land Rover

Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true "breadth of capability" across the model range. Defender, LR2 (Freelander 2), LR4 (Discovery 4), Range Rover Sport and Range Rover each define the world's 4x4 sectors, with 78% of this model range exported to over 140 countries. Land Rover employs 8,500 people and supports a further 40,000 jobs supported in the supply chain.

Land Rover takes its responsibility to the environment seriously. Emissions have been cut with all new models and, together with Jaguar, Land Rover is investing 800m pounds Sterling on technology specifically aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions.  Since September 2006, carbon dioxide generated by Land Rover manufacturing activities and UK customer vehicle use has been balanced through an industry leading offset program run by Climate Care.

Robb Report

Now in its 34th year, Robb Report is the international authority on the luxury lifestyle. Each month, the magazine, digital newsletters and its website report on exceptional products and services for the affluent connoisseur. Coverage includes automobiles, motorcycles, aircraft, art, dining, jewelry, watches, fashion, travel, homes, wines, spirits, and cigars. For more information, visit Robb Report's web site at www.robbreport.com.

Go to http://us.medialandrover.com or http://interactivelandrover.com for Land Rover news releases and high-resolution photographs.

SOURCE Land Rover North America