[Cartoday]
Few carmakers really know how to play the tasteful luxury card – Range Rover just happens to be one of them, especially with its upcoming Autobiography models. Overfinch, however…well, you be the judge.
This month’s British International Auto Show will be the backdrop for the unveiling of the 2009 Range Rover Autobiography. This top of the line model builds upon the brand’s already noteworthy opulence with a number of cosmetic 
touches befitting its well-heeled clientele, both inside and out.The Autobiography will sport “more leather upholstery than any Range Rover before”, to the extent that even this model’s floor mats will be edged in leather. Of course, the upholstery will be stitched together using the finest hides, no doubt peeled from cattle with a particularly prestigious upbringing…by bovine standards, at least. An optional half-wood steering wheel and gear knob with matching insert are among the other accoutrements one can expect to see in the Autobiography.The exterior treatments include a new set of 20-inch 
diamond-turned alloy wheels in a twin seven-spoke design and an array of paint colours exclusive to the Autobiography range. An optional “exterior design kit” for the base (read non-supercharged) Autobiography adds a number of sporty touches, including a grille and side vents lifted from the supercharged model, as well as supercharged-inspired brake lights and stainless steel pedals.From the initial pictures, the Autobiography extras appear to be very tastefully executed and should go down a treat with those looking for a Range Rover with a touch more exclusivity when it reaches our shores next 
year.Then we come to the Overfinch Country Pursuits Concept…Based on the Vogue SE, this concept vehicle is directed towards those seeking more utility from their car for…well, outdoor pursuits.The most apparent feature on the Country Pursuits is that mica pearlescent ‘Aubergine’ paint job. This, along with a heavily customised interior, was created in partnership with consulting firm Coulour and Materials Design. Other features include a refrigerator (no point letting the Bollinger get warm during that pheasant shoot) and a removable Olive Ash gun box with three sliding drawers.The Country Pursuits is powered by a 4,2-litre V8 developing 350 kW. It’s certainly opulent, but tasteful? No…Considering this car’s role is essentially that of a hunting steed, you really have to question the wisdom of adopting that Barney the Dinosaur colour scheme, which will certainly drive the birds (feathered or otherwise) away in flocks. The ‘I’ve just landed a record deal on the same label as Puff Daddy’ rims look similarly out of place with the aristocratic hunting set, but at least the enhanced suspension system can raise the car by up to 25 cm, allowing you to venture further afield in search of your quarry.Despite being labeled a concept, the Country Pursuits Range Rover is slated for production and will be available for sale in the UK in October priced at £143,950, that’s just shy of R2,16 million…minus the mink-lined shipping container required to bring it here.
