New TDV8 2010 Suspension and brakes

Dear All
I have just picked up my 2010 RR TDV8, which replaces my previous 2006 TDV8. Whislt a superb car it feels less "solid" on the road than the 2006. It feels less sure footed handling, particulalrly on medium fast bends and I just cannot help thinking the brakes are "less solid" feeling. In fact yesterday I had to press much harder to slow abruptly on the motorway than I ever remember on the 2006. Parked up next to my old one when I picked it up I noticed Brembo disc brake calipers on the 2006, and no branding on the 2010. My concern here is, am I just paranoid about this, or has anyone else noticed the same. Also, does anyone in know have any information. My dealer says "they have rebranded the Brembo's as land Rover", but I feel I really do have poorer brakes and suspension, which is a serious safety issue. I really would be grateful for peoples opinions. Many thanks in advance. R

Tata trying to save money with cheaper parts. Pretty good going getting a 2010 car when it's still 2009.

hammy2909 said:

Tata trying to save money with cheaper parts. Pretty good going getting a 2010 car when it's still 2009.

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:hysterically_laughi:hysterically_laughi

My brakes work perfect on my 97 disco... i'll do you a swap if your that worried

Ruprect said:

Dear All
I have just picked up my 2010 RR TDV8, which replaces my previous 2006 TDV8. Whislt a superb car it feels less "solid" on the road than the 2006. It feels less sure footed handling, particulalrly on medium fast bends and I just cannot help thinking the brakes are "less solid" feeling. In fact yesterday I had to press much harder to slow abruptly on the motorway than I ever remember on the 2006. Parked up next to my old one when I picked it up I noticed Brembo disc brake calipers on the 2006, and no branding on the 2010. My concern here is, am I just paranoid about this, or has anyone else noticed the same. Also, does anyone in know have any information. My dealer says "they have rebranded the Brembo's as land Rover", but I feel I really do have poorer brakes and suspension, which is a serious safety issue. I really would be grateful for peoples opinions. Many thanks in advance. R

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How many miles are on the clock? Have you bedded the brakes in yet?

If it's new as you say it is it will take a little while for the brakes to bed in.

I'm surprised at you comments about the suspension & brakes, although the "Adaptive Dynamics" should be able to deliver good controllable handling without resorting to the hard ride that so often results in sportier cars.
The dealer is wrong about the brakes though. The Supercharged models have upgraded versions of the Brembo brakes, with six pots per caliper, but the TDV8 has reverted to upgraded versions of the non Brembo brakes.

Thanks. Very much my suspicion too! I have been kucky enough to have a string of RR diesels, all new and every one has got better and better; until now! Possible the Tata influence.

Thanks. The handling difference is subtle; I wondered if they had put inferior brakes on had they done the same with the suspension units and dampers. Strange logic to me; a SC or TDV8 version both weigh the same and at 70mph both need extremely good brakes as they are heavy cars. Perhaps Tata should offer "the best brakes" as an option. This would not only be taken up by most people, but show the utter farce that they have created. Very good to hear from you that what I suspected is true! R

Yes, not bad going. I am told you can now also get the 2010 RR Sport! Bizzare I agree! R

Ruprect said:

Yes, not bad going. I am told you can now also get the 2010 RR Sport! Bizzare I agree! R

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I was in my local main stealers yesterday and they had all the 2010 models in the showroom, although the RR had just been sold that morning. Very nice, they all were too.

Guy

I just picked up mine and I must admit I have not noticed this.

What I did notice was it is much better at handling corners and infact my braking is much better. My 2006 TDV8 used to dip down at the front when I braked - this new one slows down much better and stays level.

I would say it is far better !!

The mind expects the front of a vehicle to dip under braking, so if it stays level it can give the illusion that it isn't stopping as quickly as you think, a common problem in the early 70s when manufactures started fitting "anti-dive" suspension, I think the V12 E-type was the first.

Dear All,

I currently own a 2006 TDV8 3.6L Range Rover Vogue, the most impressive thing for me about this vehicle apart from its superb engine and handling are its brakes. Having owned Range Rovers since the 1980's this model has been the best one yet.

So when I started looking to part exchange it for the new 4.4L TDV8 model with the impressive 30.1mpg claimed fuel economy (more like 25mpg in real life driving I am told). I was very disappointed with the wooden feel of the brakes. The engine is fantastic but the lack of stopping power made it feel unsafe. My dealer assured me the brakes were still Brembo Brakes but I too noticed the Brembo logo had gone from the calipers and was replaced with the words "Landrover". I was still unconvinced after having another demo vehicle for a whole day which included a lot of motorway driving, the brakes just did not feel right and required a lot more pedal pressure to pull the vehicle to a stop than my 5 year old TDV8 3.6L Range Rover.

So I contacted Landrover UK Head office and indeed had it confirmed that the Brembo Brakes have been discontinued from the new 2011 TDV8 4.4L Range Rovers! :doh: The 2010 3.6L TDV8's were the last to have them fitted.

It beggars believe that they have installed a more powerful engine and then downgraded the brakes at the same time!! I would have gladly paid extra to keep the Brembo Brakes although when spending the best part of £85k on a new Range Rover it smacks of a penny pinching tactic by Landrover who have sneaked this change of brakes in at a late stage in the release of the new 4.4L TDV8. Even their own press release for the 2011 model stated it would have the same Brembo brakes as the Petrol Supercharged V8 model. I assume someone decided that it would save a few pounds to switch them and hope no-one would notice!

I considered an OverfInch Brembo Brake upgrade to the 4.4L TDV8 but was quoted £7,000 inc Vat.

So well done Landrover, you have just lost another loyal customer of some 30 years as I plan to change to another marque.