I recently attended the inaugural Auto-biography event in Vancouver showcasing the 2013 Range Rover special edition model. This private event was held at the Vancouver Urban Winery combining old world charm with new technology making it the perfect setting. Sipping mimosa’s and indulging in appetizers, we were taken back in time as we were re-introduced to Range Rover’s impressive history.
Following the presentation, the all-new 2013 Range Rover Autobiography V8 Supercharged was unveiled. Always a stand-out in the SUV class, this year’s special edition model is no exception boasting clean lines, an exquisite interior and a contemporary design to complement the new on- and off-road performance we’ve become accustomed to by the Range Rover family.
The 2013 Range Rover is the first in a decade of an exciting whole new generation, and Land Rover has invested a large amount of capitol in safety performance and fuel efficiency. Their latest Range Rover model is the first SUV with 100 per cent aluminum architecture with 50 per cent of that aluminum being recycled. The Range Rover is now 700 pounds lighter making it 60 per cent stronger and 40 per cent lighter – improving handling, fuel and energy consumption.
The all-new aluminum front and rear chassis architecture has been developed and paired with a completely re-engineered four-wheel air suspension setup. So the next time you decide to go canyon carving; this new setup will surely allure you by flatter, more confident cornering abilities with a natural steering feel.
The Range Rover Autobiography V8 Supercharged has an 8-speed transmission with 510 horsepower and 461 lbs of torque igniting a supple, fast and intuitive all-wheel drive. Land Rover has shed weight, added more luxury, simplified the console and still managed to keep that iconic timeless shape that we all recognize. The 2013 Supercharged model is estimated to have 9 percent better fuel economy than the previous 2012. Official fuel economy numbers have not been released and as to whether it beats that 18mpg we will just have to wait and see.
As refined as the new Range Rover is prepare yourself to be seduced on the road as well as off the road. Land Rover’s easy-to-use Terrain Response 2 system features an automatic setting that relies on the vehicle’s sensors to decipher the current road surfaces and driving conditions. It will then automatically select the best suited terrain system and away you go surrounded by complete luxury. The new system is able to switch automatically between: General; Grass/Gravel/Snow; Mud/Ruts; Sand; and Rock Crawl. But don’t worry if you need to feel more in control, you can just switch it to manual.
If you’re in the market for an SUV that will thoroughly reward you, don’t hesitate to be impressed. Whether taking on the dessert in Morocco, cruising the country side of France or playfully taking on the off roads; the Range Rover Autobiography is definitely the SUV making a splash.
The Autobiography’s base price starts at around $140,000.
By Jenna Lowe
