VUE

On the fringes, the new Range Rover's bonnet and tailgate calligraphy comes with a knurled finish and says sophistication as soon as the vehicle's call letters come into view. e unique trim boundaries also signify the designer's reductive approach to optimize the Velar's compact proportions and distinctive silhouette. An upgraded grille with lower side moldings and a revised rear bumper that features integrated quad exhaust finishers are hallmarks of this new design. In turn, the space age thrust—and a sleek exterior designed to slice through the air—propels a new front bumper that brings the Velar to the forefront of any roadway. An appreciation for the vehicle's many features don't only amount to being skin deep. A larger air intake on the front end helps oxygenate the V8 supercharged engine and also cools the cutting-edge braking system. e Velar's forged aluminum wheels get a similar depth from the designers. Commanding the road at 21 inches standard, or optionally at 22 inches with sparkling silver finish, the foursome weighs the same as the 20-inch wheels. us, the additional radius accommodates larger brakes and returns a better grip on the road. e difference will surely be felt in the trenches, too, as high performance off-road driving always runs brakes hot. In response, the system dissipates heat and your experience can still sizzle with the increased stopping power. Even so, upgraded anti-roll bars kick in during hard cornering, and the revised Continuously Variable Dampers work in combination with firmer air springs to balance the chassis. With a 5.0-liter V8 engine also in tow, the all-wheel drive upgrades are designed to carry the load. Using a transfer box, the advanced Intelligent Driveline Dynamics system precisely and imperceptibly distributes engine torque to suit the terrain. e calibrated eight-speed Quickshi transmission clocks in rather quickly as you're off at 0-60 in 4.3 seconds. An upper limit of 170 mph, the Velar's Speed-sensitive Electric Power Assisted Steering delivers precise and direct control as standard and opens the road as the scenery speeds by. Velar also can do the highway flyby one better via more bespoke options—offering enhanced steering, suspension and transmission settings in Dynamic Mode. Not content to stop at the visuals, the driver can sound the part too. Velar's Variable Active Exhaust System optimizes the exhaust note and returns an unmistakable V8 rumble. Of course, its surface appeal again goes beyond skin deep. e active exhaust system is 15 lbs lighter than the standard design and increased gas flow returns even more kick as the decibels go by and hit the mark. V U E N J . C O M 155

• Cover