Land Rover Range_e

It looks like this year’s Geneva International Motor Show is going to be crammed full of electric cars and hybrids. The latest manufacturer to announce that its stand will include such a vehicle is Land Rover.



The Range_e, which is based on the Range Rover Sport, is still at the prototype stage but promises much. It uses the existing 3.0 litre TDV6 diesel engine alongside a plug-in hybrid system, with drive going to all four wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Although only a few technical details have been released, Land Rover estimates that the Range_e will have CO2 emissions of just 89 g/km. That’ll mean no UK road tax and a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge.



What’s more, the range when in electric vehicle mode is said to be 20 miles (about 30 kilometres). To put that into context, the Toyota Prius - which produces the same amount of CO2 as the Range_e - will only manage 1.2 miles (2 kilometres) using battery power alone.



Will the Range_e make it into production? Well, it’s unlikely that Land Rover would bother showing it unless there was a strong possibility and, if the prototype’s figures are anything to go by, frankly it’d be crazy not to.



There’s probably a vast number of potential SUV drivers who don’t yet own one because of extortionate fuel costs and the desire not to be labelled a planet-destroying pariah. For them, the Range_e could be a very welcome solution.



Related post:

2WD Freelander revealed

Ultimate Range Rover

Land Rover’s stand at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show will include the not very succinctly named Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition.

Promoted as being ‘the most luxurious Range Rover ever’, the specification suggests that it’s aimed at those who prefer to be driven, rather than drive themselves.



In the back, the usual bench is ditched in favour of two individual electric seats, between which is a centre console featuring a machined aluminium laptop table and drinks chiller. Land Rover even throws in a couple of Apple iPads as standard.



Naturally, the seats are covered in leather, as are the door casings and the dashboard top. The opulent effect is completed by Kalahari wood veneers. Not even the luggage compartment escapes the luxury treatment, with its floor getting a yacht-inspired teak covering.

On the outside, two unique paint colours - Roussillon Red and Otago Stone - are available, and exclusive 20” multi-spoke alloy wheels are fitted. The side vents and radiator grille have a dark atlas finish, but that still fails to mask their overly fussy design - a glitch shared with the rest of the current Land Rover line-up, Defender excepted.



Engine choice is either the 308 bhp (230 kW / 313 PS) 4.4 litre LR-TDV8 diesel, which boasts 700 Nm (516 lb/ft) of torque and is coupled to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, or the 503 bhp (375 kW / 510 PS) LR-V8 5.0 Supercharged petrol unit. Both come equipped with Land Rover’s Terrain Response system.



Buyers of the Autobiography Ultimate Edition certainly won’t have to worry about exclusivity, as only 500 examples are going to be built for sale in over twenty markets worldwide.



Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but in the UK it could break well into six figures.



If so, that’s quite a premium over the ‘normal’ £83,145 Range Rover Autobiography, and it’ll pitch the Ultimate Edition against competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG, BMW 760Li and Audi Q7 V12.

2011 What Car? Awards

UK publication What Car? has announced its 2011 Car of the Year winners.



During a ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, prizes were awarded across seventeen vehicle categories, with one model going on to be declared overall champion.



Supermini



Shortlist

Best buy less than £9,000: Hyundai i10 1.2 Comfort

Best buy £9,000 - £13,000: Ford Fiesta 1.25 82 Zetec 5dr

Best buy more than £13,000: Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport



Winner

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport





Small family car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £15,000: Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI SE

Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 122 Match 5dr

Best buy more than £20,000: Toyota Prius 1.8 VVT-i T3



Winner

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 122 Match 5dr





Family car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £18,000: Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI S

Best buy £18,000 - £21,000: Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec

Best buy more than £21,000: Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 140 SE



Winner

Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec





Estate car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £16,500: Skoda Octavia Estate 1.4 TSI SE

Best buy £16,000 - £22,000: Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec

Best buy more than £22,000: BMW 5 Series Touring 520d SE



Winner

Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec





MPV



Shortlist

Best buy less than £16,000: Citroën C3 Picasso 1.6 VTi VTR+

Best buy £16,000 - £22,000: Peugeot 5008 1.6 HDi 112 Sport

Best buy more than £22,000: Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI 140 Ecomotive S



Winner

Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI 140 Ecomotive S





Hot hatch



Shortlist

Best buy less than £15,000: Renault Twingo Renaultsport 133 Cup

Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup

Best buy more than £20,000: Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup



Winner

Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup





Coupé



Shortlist

Best buy less than £25,000: Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI 160

Best buy £25,000 - £40,000: Audi TT 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport

Best buy more than £40,000: Jaguar XKR



Winner

Audi TT 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport





Open-top



Shortlist

Best buy less than £25,000: Mazda MX-5 1.8i SE AC

Best buy £25,000 - £35,000: BMW Z4 sDrive23i

Best buy more than £35,000: Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI Cab Blue Efficiency SE



Winner

BMW Z4 sDrive23i





Performance car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £60,000: Lotus Evora 3.5 V6

Best buy £60,000 - £120,000: Audi R8 Spyder V10

Best buy more than £120,000: Ferrari 458 Italia



Winner

Ferrari 458 Italia





Crossover



Shortlist

Best buy less than £15,000: Nissan Juke 1.6 Visia

Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 156 Sport

Best buy more than £20,000: Volvo XC60 2.0 D3 DRIVe SE



Winner

Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 156 Sport





4x4



Shortlist

Best buy less than £30,000: Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Style 7 seats

Best buy £30,000 - £40,000: BMW X3 xDrive20d SE

Best buy more than £40,000: Land Rover Discovery 3.0 SDV6 XS



Winner

Land Rover Discovery 3.0 SDV6 XS





Compact executive



Shortlist

Best buy less than £25,000: BMW 3 Series 316d ES

Best buy £25,000 - £30,000: BMW 3 Series 320d ES

Best buy more than £30,000: BMW 3 Series 330d SE



Winner

BMW 3 Series 320d ES





Executive car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £30,000: BMW 5 Series 520d SE

Best buy £30,000 - £40,000: Jaguar XF 3.0D V6 Luxury

Best buy more than £40,000: Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI 245 quattro SE



Winner

Jaguar XF 3.0D V6 Luxury





Luxury car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £65,000: Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 CDI BluTEC

Best buy £65,000 - £100,000: Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Vogue 

Best buy more than £100,000: Rolls-Royce Phantom



Winner

Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 CDI BluTEC





Ultra-low carbon car



Winner

Nissan Leaf





Safety Award



Winner

Volvo for Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake





Security Award



Winner

Volkswagen





What Car? Car of the Year 2011



Winner

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport

Special edition Defender

Land Rover has launched the Defender X-Tech Limited Edition.



Based on the 90 Hard Top, the bodywork is painted Zermatt Silver with the roof and wheel arches finished in Santorini Black. To complete the look, the Defender X-Tech gets unique gloss black 16” Saw Tooth alloy wheels. The interior comes in Ebony and, for a little bit of luxury, the seats have leather side bolsters.

As with all new UK civilian-spec Defenders, power comes from a 2.4 litre, four-cylinder diesel engine. Developing 120 bhp (90 kW / 122 PS), it’s the maximum torque of 360 Nm (265 lb/ft) that really impresses.



Consequently performance isn’t too bad, with the Defender 90 hitting 60 mph (96 km/h) from rest in 14.7 seconds. And although it might not be the greenest choice available - CO2 emissions are 266 g/km - fuel economy is surprisingly good given the Defender’s weight and aerodynamics. On the combined cycle, for example, it achieves 28.3 mpg (10.0 l/100km).



The Defender X-Tech will be available from March 2011, with prices starting at £24,995. That’s a considerable premium over the standard 90 Hard Top, which costs £20,995 on the road, and the colour scheme might not be to everyone’s taste. However, there can be absolutely no doubt about the vehicle’s underlying abilities.

Discovery 4 Armoured

Land Rover has unveiled the Discovery 4 Armoured. Visually, there’s not much to give away the different specification, but there are extensive modifications to help safeguard the vehicle’s occupants.



Ballistic steel armour is fitted which provides protection to European standard BS EN1522 level FB6. Similarly, the replacement glass complies with BS EN 1063 level BR6. The Discovery 4 Armoured is capable of withstanding the blast from 15kg of TNT (or equivalent explosive) when detonated close to the vehicle, while under-floor protection is sufficient to defend against two DM51 hand grenades. Consequently, the entire vehicle has been independently certified to B6 standards.

Unsurprisingly, the trade-off is a weight penalty. Whereas the standard car tips the scales at 2,583 kg, the Armoured version is a decidedly bulky 3,550 kg.



To compensate, the usual 3.0 litre diesel is ditched in favour of a 5.0 litre V8 direct injection petrol engine. Connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, its 369 bhp (276 kW / 375 PS) and 510 Nm (376 lb/ft) of torque are sufficient to propel the Land Rover from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in a brisk 10.6 seconds. No fuel consumption figures have been released, but they’re unlikely to be great.



The chassis has been beefed up, too. Modifications include heavy duty wheels with run-flat tyres, uprated air springs, retuned dampers and larger diameter anti-roll bars. To help the Discovery 4 Armoured to stop, 378 mm Alcon disc brakes are fitted front and rear, and they feature aluminium callipers.



Available options include a flag pole mount, covert blue light and siren system, LED headlight flash, intercom, anti-tamper exhaust and an under bonnet fire suppression.



Land Rover will discuss pricing on application, although it is saying that the Discovery 4 Armoured will come with a three-year, 80,000km factory warranty on both the base vehicle and its armour.

Tiguan has best residuals

Glass’s, publisher of the eponymous used car values guide, has revealed which three-year old models have best held their values in the UK market.



The study looked at ‘57’ plate cars (i.e. first registered between 1 September 2007 and 29 February 2008), which had covered 37,000 miles (59,545 kilometres). The results were ranked by residual value as a percentage of original list price, although low volume models and exotica were excluded.



Given the tough economic climate, it might be expected that used buyers would be flocking towards cheaper, more economical vehicles, so driving up their residual value percentages. Surprisingly, though, seven of the top ten are 4x4s or SUVs, with top spot taken by the Volkswagen Tiguan SE 4Motion.

Glass’s Top Ten Residuals 2010
Position	Model	Residual %	Average Yearly Depreciation
1	Volkswagen Tiguan (168 bhp) SE 4Motion	68.0%	£2,394
2	MINI 1.6 Cooper Hatch	65.9%	£1,462
3	Honda CR-V 2.2 CTDi (138 bhp) SE	64.3%	£2,356
4=	Land Rover Freelander 2 GS Td4 auto	63.8%	£2,965
4=	Audi Q7 3.0TDI (237 bhp) Quattro S Line tiptronic	63.8%	£4,962
6	Land Rover Discovery 3 2.7TD (190 bhp)	63.7%	£3,720
7	Audi TT Coupé 2.0T FSI (197 bhp)	63.6%	£3,123
8	Nissan Qashqai 1.6 (113 bhp) 2WD Visia	63.3%	£1,628
9	Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2.7TD (187 bhp) S auto	62.5%	£4,425
10	Audi A5 2.7TDI (187 bhp) Sport Coupé S tronic	62.2%	£4,123

Leaked Land Rover Freelander 2 SD4 Sport Limited Edition 190HP

"The Freelander 2 SD4 Sport Limited Edition gives customers the features, performance and effectiveness of our best-selling compact SUV with a dramatic, sporty styling and overall package represents good value for money," says Colin Green, managing director of Land Rover in Germany. In the same way that Discovery 4 Landmark Special Edition,
the Freelander 2 THE SD4 replaced by a grid of black and divide by two of the three color options outside with her older sister, including Fuji Black and White Santorini, with the new brand Red Clay Florence, shown in the pictures. A subtle body kit and alloy wheels from 19 inches to improve the appearance of the car, while parking sensors front and rear are offered as standard. The interior can be dressed in Ebony or Ebony Windsor Napoli leather with contrast stitching and leather straps. Parts of a carpet dashboard piano black added a new two-tone field. The Limited Edition comes with a 190 hp diesel 2.2-liter four pot, combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, which can accelerate the car from standstill to 60 mph (96 km / h ) in 8.7 seconds.The top speed of 118 mph linked (190 km / h).

Land Rover Discovery 3, 2009

Land Rover Discovery 3, 2009

The Land Rover Discovery 3 made its global debut at the 78e Salon International de l'Automobile, Geneva (March 6-16, 2008). The eye-catching exterior revisions for 2009 add fresh refinement to the acclaimed exterior design - incorporating new front and rear body colour bumpers, body coloured wheel arches and revised exterior detailing.

The pure and clean exterior design has been refined with a re-profiled front bumper, (body coloured on all models), and revised rear bumper and wheel arches, which are body coloured on higher trim levels. The distinctive, asymmetric two-piece tailgate now comes with body coloured tailgate lift handle and the attention to detail continues with the revised coloured side vent, door handles on higher trim levels, and clear-lens side repeaters across the range.

With almost 100 international awards to date, the Land Rover Discovery 3 has earned itself a reputation as the ultimate all purpose vehicle. The latest revisions add to an already class-leading package to build on the Land Rover Discovery 3's unique position as one of the most versatile vehicles in the world - on-road refinement to rival executive saloons, flexibility to surpass people carriers and class-leading all terrain capability.

Land Rover LRX Geneva Concept, 2008

Land Rover LRX Geneva Concept, 2008

BOLD EVOLUTION

The LRX concept marks a bold evolution of Land Rover design, signalling the brand's potential shift into new areas of the market, while remaining true to its core values. As the company celebrates its 60th anniversary during 2008, the three-door LRX, with its more compact size, lighter weight and sustainability-focused technologies, clearly addresses the needs of a changing world and offers the potential of 120 g/km CO2 emissions and fuel economy of 60 mpg (4.7 l/100km) on the European combined cycle.

COMPACT AND PREMIUM

LRX is described as a cross-coupé and dramatically extends the scope of what Land Rover represents. Though 149 mm (5.9 in) shorter than the Freelander 2 / LR2 and 205 mm (8.1 in) lower, LRX is conceived as a premium car, designed to appeal to new customers in the luxury and executive sector - those who want many of the benefits of a 4x4 and the presence of a larger vehicle, but in a more compact package.

The first all-new Land Rover revealed since Gerry McGovern became the company's design director, LRX is a natural extension of the Land Rover range, complementing the existing models and helping to define a new segment. Its many recognisable Land Rover design cues include bold new interpretations of the signature clamshell bonnet, the floating roof and the solid 'wheel-at-each-corner' stance.
Its compact size is one of its greatest assets, which will appeal to anyone who wants the versatile ability of an agile 4x4 with the cachet of the Land Rover name. In addition, its lower weight and the reduced aerodynamic drag resulting from the smaller frontal area would help give significant gains in fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.

HIGHLY EFFICIENT POWERTRAIN

The white LRX is conceived as a highly fuel-efficient 2.0-litre, turbodiesel hybrid, capable of running on bio-diesel. In combination with other Land Rover technologies, this powertrain could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30% compared with other 4x4s of comparable size, and reduce CO2 emissions to approximately 120 g/km.

LRX's improved efficiencies are the result of advanced mechanical and electrical energy-saving elements, which are combined to achieve cumulative gains in many areas.

The concept's integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) is particularly significant in Land Rover terms as it would allow LRX to use electric drive alone at lower speeds while retaining full (even improved) 4x4 ability in tough conditions. Unlike the hybrid technology used by some 4x4 rivals, Land Rover's unique solution retains mechanical drive to all four wheels.

Off-road, the ERAD would provide additional torque only when it is needed, and with maximum electrical torque from standstill, this solution offers even better low-speed control and enhanced pull-away on difficult surfaces (such as packed snow or wet grass) or when towing.

On the road, the ERAD would allow low-speed traffic creep up to 20 mph (32 km/h) on electric power alone, with the Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG) function re-starting the engine automatically when needed. The electric drive would then continue to assist the mechanical drive until the engine is running in its most efficient range, benefiting both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The ISG would also stop the engine automatically when the vehicle halts in traffic, so the engine does not idle needlessly, and restart it quickly and smoothly as required.

The electrical drive system uses power stored in a dedicated high-voltage, high-capacity, lithium-ion battery pack, independent of the normal 12-volt battery. This is charged by a regenerative braking energy system, also working through the ERAD.

LRX also incorporates Hill Descent Control and Land Rover's acclaimed and user-friendly Terrain Response system, which optimises vehicle drivability and comfort, as well as maximising traction. On LRX, this has five modes, including the new and efficiency-focused 'Eco' mode. Principally for on-road use, this configures all the integrated elements of the car's system for optimised fuel economy. The other four Terrain Response modes provided are sports (also new), general driving, sand and 'grass/gravel/snow' (a single programme for slippery surfaces).

EXTENDING 'BREADTH OF CAPABILITY'

The positioning of LRX could be described as moving subtly from traditional SUV to crossover, with its more car-like appearance and dynamics that are sportier and on-road biased. But while its character is underlined by excellent agility, handling and performance, LRX also promises the widest breadth of capability in the class.

The design of LRX was developed entirely in-house by Gerry McGovern's team, driven by a passion to create a car that truly represents Land Rover's future thinking. It has a very dynamic profile, with a distinctive taper to the floating roofline and a muscular shoulder running the length of the car, accentuated by the rising beltline. The glazing wraps right around LRX, with no exposed pillars, creating a bold design graphic. The architectural structure of the upper body can be glimpsed through the windows and roof - echoing some of the best contemporary buildings.

Pushing the wheels out to the four corners helps give the car its purposeful stance, and its front-end design makes a powerful and instantly recognisable statement of Land Rover's identity. The carefully sculpted corners dramatically reduce the car's visual overhangs front and rear.

There are new interpretations of Land Rover's traditional clamshell bonnet, distinctive headlamps and perforated two-bar grille. The car has jewel-like, tapering blade indicator clusters front and rear, and the wheelarches are wide but softly integrated, housing highly polished, 20-inch alloy wheels.

The fine detailing includes additional polished aluminium in the form of side-strips, side and bonnet vents, and the exterior door releases, which are concealed in the car's shoulders. Graphic details such as these appear to be 'punched out' of the smooth body surfaces rather than overlaid on them. The 'frosted' white paint colour was especially developed for LRX and its visual depth helps to highlight the car's form.

IMPECCABLE, PREMIUM INTERIOR

The interior of the LRX concept clearly demonstrates how a compact Land Rover can still be roomy, practical, versatile - and sophisticated. The impeccably executed cabin features a combination of soft leathers in rich tan and dark chocolate, with polished aluminium details, while the visible structures of the seats, instrument panel and roof architecture not only give a highly distinctive look but also help save weight.

The 'fast' sloping architecture of the centre console reflects LRX's sporty dynamics, as does the distinctive binnacle over the instrument cluster. The electronic display uses 'floating' LCD graphics to create a three-dimensional look that can be personalised for different drivers, as well as interacting with LRX's touch-screen display.

The instrument graphics present data in layers depending on their level of importance, to give maximum relevant information with minimum distraction. When appropriate, displayed information transfers between the main instrument cluster and the touch screen. Further adding to LRX's involving personality, different Terrain Response modes are matched by changes in the cabin's background 'mood' lighting colour - green in 'Eco', red in sports and blue in general driving and off-road modes.

CLEVER USE OF SPACE

Though LRX is compact, clever use of space makes it impressively roomy, and many neat design touches maximise its practicality. A second touch-screen area gives a fully interactive display and control for LRX's iPhone docking facility.

There is also a coolbox, plus a bottle chiller that can be clipped to the lowered tailgate. The tailgate also has integral aluminium cupholders between two padded seating areas, for a new twist on the idea of a traditional Land Rover tailgate lunch.

Every interior design detail combines to maximise both actual space and the feeling of space. The clear roof is supported by a 'spider' frame running into the A-pillars, and the rear quarter pillars have glazed apertures for improved visibility and a lighter feel in the cabin.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT DESIGN

The exposed structures of the seats, roof and instrument panel are just one novel approach that Land Rover's designers have taken to reduce vehicle weight. Another example is replacing the glass for the side windows and roof with polycarbonate from SABIC Innovative Plastics, which is around 40% lighter. The polycarbonate also blocks virtually all UV light (protecting interior materials from fading), while special nano-technology within the material reduces infra-red transmission, helping to keep the interior cool.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

* Length: 4351 mm / 171.3 in
* Width (excluding mirrors): 1895 mm / 74.6 in
* Width (including mirrors): 2083 mm / 82.0 in
* Height: 1535 mm / 60.4 in
* Wheelbase: 2660 mm / 104.7 in
* Engine (proposed): 2.0-litre turbodiesel
* Fuel economy (potential): 60 mpg, 4.7 l/100 km (on European combined drive cycle)
* CO2 emissions (potential): 120 g/km (on European combined drive cycle)

Five-door Evoque revealed

The three-door Range Rover Evoque was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show as intended, but Land Rover’s plan to keep the five-door version tightly under wraps until November’s Los Angeles International Auto Show seems to have been scuppered.



That’s because someone at a pre-show dealer event in Paris took a sneaky photo of the car. Of course, it then quickly found its way onto the internet, which prompted Land Rover to release this official image:

It shows the Evoque wearing a colour scheme that is more Mini Cooper than traditional Range Rover. The contrasting paint will apparently be a no cost option, with a full glass panoramic roof also available for an extra charge.



The engine line-up is expected to be as per the three-door Evoque, which means a choice of three four-cylinder units, all turbocharged.



In Europe, the 2.2 litre diesels will undoubtedly be the popular preference. Available in either 147 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) TD4 or 187 bhp (139 kW / 190 PS) SD4 guises, both were first seen in the recently updated Freelander 2. To help save fuel, a stop-start system will feature as standard when the manual gearbox is specified.



Across the Atlantic, though, the 236 bhp (176 kW / 240PS) 2.0 litre Si4 petrol engine should account for most North American sales. Land Rover claims it will provide the economy of a four-cylinder with the performance and refinement of a six.



Like the Freelander 2, the Evoque will also be offered with front-wheel drive only. Whether this actually matters to anyone remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that it brings economy and emissions benefits. According to Land Rover, buyers of TD4-powered cars who forgo all-wheel drive will enjoy a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 58 mpg (4.9 l/100km) and CO2 emissions that are below 130 g/km.

Land Rover Discovery 3, 2009

Land Rover Discovery 3, 2009

The 2009 Land Rover Discovery 3 made its global debut at the 78e Salon International de l'Automobile, Geneva (March 6-16, 2008). The eye-catching exterior revisions for 2009 add fresh refinement to the acclaimed exterior design - incorporating new front and rear body colour bumpers, body coloured wheel arches and revised exterior detailing.

The pure and clean exterior design has been refined with a re-profiled front bumper, (body coloured on all models), and revised rear bumper and wheel arches, which are body coloured on higher trim levels [SE and HSE -application varies by market]. The distinctive, asymmetric two-piece tailgate now comes with body coloured tailgate lift handle and the attention to detail continues with the revised coloured side vent, door handles on higher trim levels, and clear-lens side repeaters across the range.

Land Rover LRX Geneva Concept, 2008

Land Rover LRX Geneva Concept, 2008

BOLD EVOLUTION
The LRX concept marks a bold evolution of Land Rover design, signalling the brand's potential shift into new areas of the market, while remaining true to its core values. As the company celebrates its 60th anniversary during 2008, the three-door LRX, with its more compact size, lighter weight and sustainability-focused technologies, clearly addresses the needs of a changing world and offers the potential of 120 g/km CO2 emissions and fuel economy of 60 mpg (4.7 l/100km) on the European combined cycle.
COMPACT AND PREMIUM
LRX is described as a cross-coupé and dramatically extends the scope of what Land Rover represents. Though 149 mm (5.9 in) shorter than the Freelander 2 / LR2 and 205 mm (8.1 in) lower, LRX is conceived as a premium car, designed to appeal to new customers in the luxury and executive sector - those who want many of the benefits of a 4x4 and the presence of a larger vehicle, but in a more compact package.

The first all-new Land Rover revealed since Gerry McGovern became the company's design director, LRX is a natural extension of the Land Rover range, complementing the existing models and helping to define a new segment. Its many recognisable Land Rover design cues include bold new interpretations of the signature clamshell bonnet, the floating roof and the solid 'wheel-at-each-corner' stance.

HIGHLY EFFICIENT POWERTRAIN
The white LRX is conceived as a highly fuel-efficient 2.0-litre, turbodiesel hybrid, capable of running on bio-diesel. In combination with other Land Rover technologies, this powertrain could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30% compared with other 4x4s of comparable size, and reduce CO2 emissions to approximately 120 g/km.

LRX's improved efficiencies are the result of advanced mechanical and electrical energy-saving elements, which are combined to achieve cumulative gains in many areas.

The concept's integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) is particularly significant in Land Rover terms as it would allow LRX to use electric drive alone at lower speeds while retaining full (even improved) 4x4 ability in tough conditions. Unlike the hybrid technology used by some 4x4 rivals, Land Rover's unique solution retains mechanical drive to all four wheels.

Off-road, the ERAD would provide additional torque only when it is needed, and with maximum electrical torque from standstill, this solution offers even better low-speed control and enhanced pull-away on difficult surfaces (such as packed snow or wet grass) or when towing.

On the road, the ERAD would allow low-speed traffic creep up to 20 mph (32 km/h) on electric power alone, with the Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG) function re-starting the engine automatically when needed. The electric drive would then continue to assist the mechanical drive until the engine is running in its most efficient range, benefiting both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

EXTENDING 'BREADTH OF CAPABILITY'
The positioning of LRX could be described as moving subtly from traditional SUV to crossover, with its more car-like appearance and dynamics that are sportier and on-road biased. But while its character is underlined by excellent agility, handling and performance, LRX also promises the widest breadth of capability in the class.

The design of LRX was developed entirely in-house by Gerry McGovern's team, driven by a passion to create a car that truly represents Land Rover's future thinking. It has a very dynamic profile, with a distinctive taper to the floating roofline and a muscular shoulder running the length of the car, accentuated by the rising beltline. The glazing wraps right around LRX, with no exposed pillars, creating a bold design graphic. The architectural structure of the upper body can be glimpsed through the windows and roof - echoing some of the best contemporary buildings.

Pushing the wheels out to the four corners helps give the car its purposeful stance, and its front-end design makes a powerful and instantly recognisable statement of Land Rover's identity. The carefully sculpted corners dramatically reduce the car's visual overhangs front and rear.

There are new interpretations of Land Rover's traditional clamshell bonnet, distinctive headlamps and perforated two-bar grille. The car has jewel-like, tapering blade indicator clusters front and rear, and the wheelarches are wide but softly integrated, housing highly polished, 20-inch alloy wheels.

The fine detailing includes additional polished aluminium in the form of side-strips, side and bonnet vents, and the exterior door releases, which are concealed in the car's shoulders. Graphic details such as these appear to be 'punched out' of the smooth body surfaces rather than overlaid on them. The 'frosted' white paint colour was especially developed for LRX and its visual depth helps to highlight the car's form.
IMPECCABLE, PREMIUM INTERIOR
The interior of the LRX concept clearly demonstrates how a compact Land Rover can still be roomy, practical, versatile - and sophisticated. The impeccably executed cabin features a combination of soft leathers in rich tan and dark chocolate, with polished aluminium details, while the visible structures of the seats, instrument panel and roof architecture not only give a highly distinctive look but also help save weight.

The 'fast' sloping architecture of the centre console reflects LRX's sporty dynamics, as does the distinctive binnacle over the instrument cluster. The electronic display uses 'floating' LCD graphics to create a three-dimensional look that can be personalised for different drivers, as well as interacting with LRX's touch-screen display.

CLEVER USE OF SPACE
Though LRX is compact, clever use of space makes it impressively roomy, and many neat design touches maximise its practicality. A second touch-screen area gives a fully interactive display and control for LRX's iPhone docking facility.

Every interior design detail combines to maximise both actual space and the feeling of space. The clear roof is supported by a 'spider' frame running into the A-pillars, and the rear quarter pillars have glazed apertures for improved visibility and a lighter feel in the cabin.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT DESIGN
The exposed structures of the seats, roof and instrument panel are just one novel approach that Land Rover's designers have taken to reduce vehicle weight. Another example is replacing the glass for the side windows and roof with polycarbonate from SABIC Innovative Plastics, which is around 40% lighter. The polycarbonate also blocks virtually all UV light (protecting interior materials from fading), while special nano-technology within the material reduces infra-red transmission, helping to keep the interior cool.

Even the choice of premium-quality trim materials reflects Land Rover's deep thinking about sustainability, with vegetable-tanned leather (chromium-free, so better for recycling), extensive use of aluminium (both lightweight and readily recyclable) and carpeting made of felt from sustainable sources. And the luxurious, vanilla-coloured 'fine suede' on the door inserts and headliner is a 100% recycled material made from used plastic bottles and fibres.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

* Length: 4351 mm / 171.3 in
* Width (excluding mirrors): 1895 mm / 74.6 in
* Width (including mirrors): 2083 mm / 82.0 in
* Height: 1535 mm / 60.4 in
* Wheelbase: 2660 mm / 104.7 in
* Engine (proposed): 2.0-litre turbodiesel
* Fuel economy (potential): 60 mpg, 4.7 l/100 km (on European combined drive cycle)
* CO2 emissions (potential): 120 g/km (on European combined drive cycle)

Land Rover reveals the Evoque

Here's the production 2012 Range Rover Evoque in all its glory, and the LRX-inspired CUV is lighter, meaner and greener than anything to come from the Range Rover arsenal.

Buyers can opt for three exterior design themes: Pure, a minimalistic take with 19-inch wheels and natural colors complemented by brushed metal trim adorning the insides; Prestige, a "bespoke exterior" treatment with exclusive 19-inch wheels paired "an indulgent interior;" or Dynamic, with 19- or 20-inch wheels a reworked bodykit, and a sportier cabin complete with perforated leather seats and a bit more bling.

Inside, the interior is influenced not only by the Range Rover Sport, but by Jaguar as well. Seriously bolstered seats straddle a center tunnel where a rotary gear transmission selector rises to hand. The four-setting Terrain Response System dial has been replaced with buttons attending an illuminated menu and controls are mainly managed through an eight-inch touchscreen. Aural enjoyment is provided by the 825-watt, 17-speaker Meridian sound system with additional inputs for other peripherals.

Underneath the Evoque's hood is a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that, naturally, is not called EcoBoost. Referred to as the Si4, it's been developed for North American audiences and produces 240 horsepower that runs through a six-speed automatic transmission. Electric power steering is standard, a regenerative electrical system captures energy when things get hauled down and everything is kept on an even keel thanks to a MagneRide adaptive dynamics suspension.

2WD Freelander revealed

Land Rover has updated the Freelander 2, giving it more efficient engines and some minor styling tweaks.

However, the big news is that for the first time a two-wheel drive version is also going to be offered. Now that may get some Land Rover purists a bit worked up, and others may say it’ll damage the brand. But, as Land Rover points out, two-wheel drive SUVs account for 23 percent of the segment in Europe. If it was being less tactful, the company could have also said that a lot of Freelander drivers won’t come even close to using the off-road capabilities of their cars, so it’s unlikely they are going to miss four-wheel drive.



And it’s not as if Land Rover has never produced a two-wheel drive vehicle before. In the past it supplied some 4x2 Series models to the British and Belgian military, as this Land Rover Monthly editorial explains.



Probably the main reason for introducing the two-wheel drive model - dubbed eD4 - is to reduce the average emissions of the range. Going by the numbers, it should certainly help achieve that. Using a 147 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) 2.2 litre diesel, six-speed manual gearbox and a stop/start system, it achieves 47.2 mpg (6.0 l/100km) on the combined cycle while producing 158 g/km of CO2.



The first of the 4WD variants is the TD4, which has the same engine as the eD4. Perhaps the biggest surprise is that its green credentials aren’t that much worse because, with the standard manual transmission, the TD4 now manages 45.6 mpg (6.2 l/100km) and 165 g/km. As expected, those figures go downhill if the optional automatic gearbox is specified, partly because it doesn’t get the stop/start system.



Heading the Freelander line-up is the 187 bhp (139 kW / 190 PS) SD4. It too features a 2.2 litre diesel, but oddly it comes as an automatic only. Performance is fairly respectable, with 0-60 mph (96 km/h) taking 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 118 mph (190 km/h), yet it’ll still do 40.4 mpg (7.0 l/100km). CO2 emissions do suffer, although with a figure of 185 g/km the SD4 just makes it into Band I for UK road tax purposes (which means an annual charge of £200).



Visually, the 2011 Freelander is primarily identified by a revised front bumper assembly. This incorporates new fog light bezels and a new finish for what stylistically remains the bane of most of the Land Rover range - an overly fussy front grille. There are also improved front and rear light designs, new alloy wheels and some new colours. On the inside, changes are restricted to redesigned instrument dials and new seat styles.



The 2WD eD4 goes on sale in January 2011, with prices to be confirmed later this year. Meanwhile, the 4WD TD4 and SD4 will be available from the end of September 2010. UK prices start at £21,695 for the TD4 S, rising to £35,510 for the SD4 HSE.

Tuning studio Project Kahn has improved shape of Freelander

New Freelander — the freshest model of Land Rover which has interested experts of tuning firm Project Kahn. Tuning kit for Freelander RS200 became a result of their work.

New Freelander RS200 by Project Kahn

The ex-terrier of the updated car can brag of a new cowl with a matte-black central part, silvery colour door handles, frames of mirrors and new air inlets, and also painted in colour of a body stylish ventilating lattices and a fringing of a lattice of a radiator.

The car interior is improved at the expense of the seats upholstered with a black skin with a contrast white proline.

Body Kit for Freelander RS200

As to the prices, ready Freelander RS200 on sale for 26,995 pounds sterling (i.e. 32,300 euros). Cost of accessories from Project Kahn is estimated in 10,000 pounds sterling.

Land Rover in the autumn will show a crossover

Company Land Rover intends in the autumn of current year to present the compact crossover created in stylistics of concept car LRX.

Compact crossover by Land Rover

As informs Autocar, originally British manufacturer did not plan to make the similar car, however subsequently in a head management have returned to this idea.

Compact crossover by Land Rover will be on sale under brand Range Rover. Now on consideration to company management is presented five variants of the name of this model (one of variants — Compact).

Crossover Land Rover LRX

The world premiere of the car will take place this year on a motor show in Paris, car manufacture will in 2011. In the Great Britain the crossover will approximately cost on 5 thousand pounds sterling more cheaply the all-wheel drive version.