Range Rover paints it, Black

LAND ROVER will introduce a menacing black limited-issue 40th anniversary edition of its Range Rover Vogue luxury SUV in October.

Dubbed the Autobiography Black and based on the current 375kW/625Nm 5.0-litre V8 supercharged LR-V8 SC flagship model, the limited edition – restricted to just 15 units in Australia – is finished in unique Barolo Black exterior paint and a host of other black and contrasting chrome or alloy details.

These include 20-inch ‘Diamond Turned’ alloy wheels, a modified front grille complete with ‘Titan’ mesh and a chrome/black edging combination, unique mesh side vents with chrome bars and a black surround, ‘Autobiography Black’ decals and, naturally, black body-coloured doorhandles.

Described as “the ultimate incarnation of the Range Rover”, the Autobiography Black edition will be offered with a choice of the standard Jet interior colour scheme or two new combinations unique to this celebratory model: Jet and Ivory or Jet and Pimento.

Illuminated ‘Range Rover’ front doorsill tread plates, which will be available as an option on the 2011 Vogue due for release in Australia early next year, are included on this MY2010-based limited edition, while the Autobiography Black logo is embossed on the front seat armrest and appears on four unique ‘Grand Black’ door veneers.

This new black wood veneer is also used on the steering wheel and gear selector.

Land Rover design director Gerry McGovern said: “At the top of the Range, the new Autobiography Black 40th anniversary limited edition offers customers the option of complete exclusivity with unique ‘colourway’ combinations as well as striking interior and exterior design features.

“Only 700 will be made globally, emphasising the exclusivity of this limited edition.” Australian pricing will be confirmed closer to launch. The regular range-topping supercharged Vogue Autobiography starts from $229,500.

The news of the Black edition comes as Land Rover also this week announced details of its 2011 Range Rover Vogue, which will include a host of detail changes, including an upgraded Terrain Response system and an optional exterior design pack.

The headline act for the 2011 Vogue is a new 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo diesel engine paired with an advanced ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.