Posts Tagged ‘Land Rover’

For decades the Land Rover has been an iconic part of the classic African safari. The four-wheel drive vehicles were once the only way to travel through the rugged countryside while following the massive herds of wild animals that inhabit that continent. Soon, an electric version of the Land Rover Defender may be available, allowing for an even more eco-friendly approach to spotting animals.

At the 2011 INDABA Travel and Tourism show, which ended yesterday in South Africa, Axeon, a company that specializes in lithium-ion batteries, unveiled a concept vehicle which was co-developed with Jaguar Land Rover South Africa. That vehicle had its usual 2.4 liter diesel engine replaced with a drive system powered by an Axeon’s high-capacity battery that is designed to perform in extreme conditions and in rugged environments. Axeon says that its testing shows that the electric Land Rover does very well in those conditions, while still having three times the range of a typical game drive.

Of course, the most exciting thing about this prototype is that it has zero emissions. The standard Land Rover Defender spews out 295 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer driven, which makes it a less than stellar performer in terms of being ecologically friendly. Considering that it is often used in some of the more spectacular, yet fragile, environments on the planet, only adds to the concern. Axeon’s model is completely carbon neutral however, which heightens its appeal amongst tour operators across Africa, many of which specialize in theecotourism trade.

The electric Defender has an additional side benefit for travelers as well. It is completely silent, which means that it doesn’t disturb the animals on safari either. While going through a series of rigorous tests at the Land Rover Gerotek proving grounds, the battery powered version was able to consistently get closer to the wildlife than the traditional model powered by a combustion engine, something that will probably be highlighted in the travel brochures of early adopters.
While the electric land rover has been well received by tour operators, it may yet be some time before we see them in the field. Still, it is nice to envision a day in the not too distant future when travelers can take a safari that has no impact on the environments they are visiting, protecting the natural resources there for future generations to enjoy as well.

Source: Fox News

The new Evoque (Starting at $45,000) earlier in the summer and now Land Rover has officially unveiled the production car that we’ll be seeing in showrooms next year. The new Evoque is essentially a Range Rover GT, they’ve packed in a fuel-efficient 2.0 liter turbocharged Si4 engine (Ford’s Ecoboost Four Engine) that delivers 240 horsepower to the asphalt, getting you from point a to point b quickly and with a lot more fuel left in the tank. Gadget-wise you’ll find a whole host of technology from a 825 watt, 17 speaker Meridian sound system to a Surround Camera System that features five digital cameras that give you a 360 degree view around your car from your touchscreen display. Take a look at some of the photos below.

Range Rover has traditionally been the luxo SUV brand with the highest commitment to off-roadability. That makes the Evoque crossover-coupe all the more of a departure. Its design is definitely style first, utility second, and its dynamic emphasis leans very much toward on-road dynamics. That just shows how the world is changing. But the luxury angle is very much intact.

The Evoque will be a third model for Range Rover, fitting below the stately, eponymous RR and the Range Rover Sport. It goes on sale mid-2011 at prices running about $40,000-$50,000. A five-door with the same wedge silhouette will follow half a year after.

The Evoque is a dead ringer for the Land Rover LRX concept from the Detroit Show in 2008. The sheetmetal surfacing has been rounded a little, but other ‘concepty’ aspects-proportions, stance, 20-inch wheels, even most of the external jewelry — have survived pretty much intact.

Under the hood, there’s a new 240-hp version of Ford’s Ecoboost four. Given its direct gas injection, twin variable valve timing, and twin balance shafts, it should serve up highly competitive performance and economy numbers, while suffering little refinement compromise over a six. And it weighs 90 pounds less than the Freelander’s I6.

Because the concept-car look has been carried into production, earlier reports that the Evoque is a top-hat job on the Freelander 2 platform are wide of the mark. The subframes and much of the floor plan are new, so that the engine sits lower (for better dynamics) while ground clearance is higher. The rear floor is new, otherwise back-seat occupants, who sit lower, would have had no foot space.
To save weight, there is far more high-strength steel in the shell, and a magnesium cross-car beam behind the IP. The suspension arms and wheel knuckles had to be redesigned to allow a wider tread and sufficient articulation with the 20-inch wheels. Engineers took the opportunity to change the material to aluminum to cut more weight. The hood and roof are aluminum, and the fenders and tailgate plastic.

Source: Motor Trend

Land Rover announced the released of the special edition Range Rover Sport LE. TheRange Rover Sport LE is going to be available only in 250 vehicles and will be equipped with a 4.2 liter Supercharged V8 engine and Land Rover’s permanent four wheel drive system coupled with Land Rover’s proven Terrain Response system.

Land Rover Press Release:

LAND ROVER OFFERS A SPECIAL VERSION OF ITS HIGHLY POPULAR RANGE ROVER SPORT

Following the huge success of the Range Rover Sport in the U.S. market, Land Rover North America is delighted to announce that a special version known as the LE will go on sale immediately.

The Range Rover Sport LE will be a very exclusive model with only 250 available in North America from August. This special version is equipped with flush-fitting front and rear bumpers, an extended rear roof spoiler, body-colored lower side panels, a new rear exhaust treatment, tread strips and 20-inch Stormer wheels which add to the vehicle’s visual appeal.

Inside the Range Rover Sport LE, there is a Luxury Interior Package that includes a cold climate option, adaptive front lighting, premium leather seats, hand-polished oak wooden trim and a center console cooler box. Carpet mats are also included. Furthermore, an audio visual entertainment system for rear seat passengers and adaptive cruise control are also included.

“Land Rover is delighted to offer a limited edition Range Rover Sport for those customers who want something a little different,” said Finbar McFall, Vice President of Marketing, Land Rover North America. “With many exclusive features and options, the Range Rover Sport LE will appeal to those consumers who want a level of personalization that reflects their taste and style.”

With the legendary on- and off-road prowess of the 2008 Range Rover Sport, the LE features a 4.2-liter Supercharged V8 engine. The permanent four wheel drive system is coupled with Land Rover’s proven Terrain Response™ system to provide the go-anywhere capability associated with the current Land Rover range.

The Range Rover Sport Supercharged equipped with the Limited Edition Package is priced at $81,450.