Range Rover

Callaway Cars of Old Lyme, Connecticut, already famous for its high-end, modified hardware, has teamed up with Range Rover to produce only 220 special-edition 4.6 HSE Callaways that offer increased performance without sacrificing the Rover's purpose and stature. Until you've driven a Range Rover effortlessly and silently through desert washes at speeds that would raise the most hard-core off-roader's eyebrows, it's hard to explain, or some would say, "justify" the cost of such a vehicle. Range Rover occupies a unique niche, carved out with raw off-road talent and one of the most prestigious histories in going places other vehicles don't dare-you remember Marlin Perkins, don't you? On the other hand, you could just as easily see a 4.6 HSE at the swankiest restaurant in Beverly Hills or in a hip-hop music video.

The subtle tip-off that this Callaway is no ordinary 4.6 HSE is the monochromatic paint scheme (in Niagara Gray, Epsom Green, or Rutland Red) that replaces otherwise-black body components such as bumpers, mirrors, and grille fascia. Dual, square exhaust tips and, of course, a small Callaway badge on tailgate and dashboard might give it away, as well. In other words, it's what hot-rodders call a "sleeper."

Working closely with the Rover Group, Callaway designed and fabricated virtually every modification made to the special-edition gentleman's sport/utility. Unlike other tuner trucks, this is no simple, bolt-on project. Most of their work focused on making the ample engine breathe easier from stem to stern and managing the increased power appropriately.

Up front, Callaway modified the air cleaner box and installed a high-flow, panel-style air filter that feeds a large-diameter carbon fiber inlet tube and modified intake manifold and plenum. More heavy breathing hardware is found within the engine itself, with modified valve guides and seats, and the cylinder heads have been revised to improve airflow into and out of the combustion chamber. Callaway also increased the compression ratio from 9.35:1 to 9.60:1. The Bosch engine management system was then recalibrated to optimize the mechanical changes, and a reduced-backpressure exhaust system hurries the spent gasses out through twin T-304 stainless steel resonator tips that sound far more aggressive than stock. Of course, these near-invisible engine improvements mean more power (15 extra horses and 5 more pound-feet of torque).

But the modifications to the shift transfer gearbox and torque converter were apparent right from the launch with a 0-30-mph time of just 2.9 seconds (versus 3.4 for stock). By 80 mph, the 4.6 Callaway had stretched its initial half-second lead to a whopping 2.2 seconds and an extra 3.5 mph were gained at the quarter-mile mark.

This added performance does mean added cost. At about $9000 more than a standard-issue 4.6 HSE, the Callaway carries an exclusive $75,000 pricetag. As with all Land Rover products, the 4.6 HSE Callaway is backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty, six-years corrosion coverage, and 24-hour Range Rover Road Recovery.

So, if you have the means to purchase a vehicle from the preeminent name in luxury off-roading, you can probably afford the added performance and exclusivity the Callaway offers. Problem is, most people won't notice-but then again, some people don't want to be noticed.