With the financial backing of Indian parent company Tata Motors, British automakers Jaguar and Land Rover now have the freedom to expand their lineups with new models that previously would have been too costly.

Jaguar is reportedly working on a host of new models, including the recently revealed 2010 XJ, an all-new XE roadster, an XF Estate and possible a new sportback model, while Land Rover has the 2012 Range Rover LRX as well as a new version of the LR2 (Freelander).

Since 2007 there have been reports of Land Rover working on a new seven-seat LR2. At 14.8-feet in length, the current LR2 is slightly shorter than many of its rivals, though its interior is still generous thanks to its relatively long wheelbase.

According to latest reports, a brand new version of the LR2 with a seven-seat option was due to surface next year but has since been put on hold as Land Rover focuses on the upcoming LRX and its current fleet. The project, codenamed L486, is still important for Land Rover as the company has ambitious plans for the vehicle. Once it’s eventually launched, Land Rover hopes to achieve more than 70,000 sales annually for the new LR2 family.

(www.motorauthority.com)

Tags: LR2, Land Rover, SUV

I am a big fan of the Defender, the most practical and long-lived model of Land Rover. But now it’s about to be replaced as the carmaker is presently researching the market for a suitable replacement with an eye on the failure of the three-wheelbase model to meet the 2013 rules.

A spokesman for the company said that there is a great enthusiasm inside Land Rover for a successor to the Defender although it is essential to its feasibility to discover exactly who the buyers would be.

The sales of Defender annually reached between 20,000 and 24,000 units in the past, but to compensate for the development cost for a replacement, the new model must hit sales numbers reaching 40,000 cars. Another solution would be to utilize the current Discovery’s T5 chassis/suspension likely to be shelved for the succeeding generation of Discovery and Range Rover Sport models due to weight-cutting measures. Although the chassis already comes in two wheelbase lengths, research must determine that equipping the Defender with the T5 would be economical to manufacture and still comes with the present model’s outstanding load-carrying capabilities. Although they company does not have the solution at present, it intends to find one soon. It might just be the perfect replacement for my ’85 desert stone colored Land Rover 90, the Defender predecessor.

Sourc: 4wheelsnews.com

Tags: Defender, Land Rover, Land Rover Defender, SUV, 4x4

Land Rover is introducing a new armoured version of its multi award-winning Discovery 4x4 vehicle.

The new Discovery Armoured combines Land Rover’s legendary all-terrain capability with discreet, state-of-the-art protection, whilst providing highly versatile and comfortable transportation for five people and a generous 500kg payload.

Benefiting from Land Rover’s extensive experience in the armoured vehicle market, including the Range Rover Armoured, the Discovery Armoured is supplied with a full three-year, 80,000km factory warranty on the base vehicle and armour, along with comprehensive after-sales support from specialised technicians. “The broad range of capabilities provided by the new Discovery Armoured make it the ideal choice for government agencies, security organisations and businesses whose employees are exposed to high-risk locations,” says John C Wright, Land Rover’s manager, Government and Direct Sales. “The Discovery has been carefully engineered to help enable occupants to travel across challenging terrains with confidence.”

Ballistic armour
Although virtually indistinguishable from the standard model, the Discovery Armoured features ballistic steel armour and glazing which provides B6 level ballistic and blast protection in acc. with European standard EN1522 level FB6. Standard specification includes run-flat tyres, bullet resistant glazing and under-floor shielding. The protection offered was certified by QinetiQ, a globally recognised independent blast and ballistic testing organisation. Detailed engineering changes were made to the base vehicle to ensure that it maintained optimum ride and handling on all surfaces, despite the additional mass of the armour. Modifications include uprated springs and dampers, larger diameter anti-roll bars, and upgraded front and rear brake callipers.

All-terrain capability
Like the standard Discovery, the armoured version comes equipped with the latest 4x4 technologies to deliver outstanding all-terrain capability. This includes Land Rover's acclaimed Terrain Response™ system, which enables the driver to configure the vehicle's performance to suit virtually any surface from tarmac to the off-road challenges of mud, grass, snow or sand. An advanced 2.7-litre V6 common-rail diesel engine provides effortless and refined power delivery, and is complemented by a smooth and responsive six-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle features independent air suspension at all four corners, for a supple, level ride. The Discovery Armoured offers a commanding elevated driving position, with a flexible seating layout for up to five people. The practicality of the vehicle is also significantly enhanced by the generous 500kg payload.

Comprehensive support
Land Rover provides armoured vehicle customers with a comprehensive support programme, both before and after purchase, including a full three-year, 80,000km factory warranty. A dedicated security consultant works closely with the customer during the sales process, to ensure their full requirements are met. Once the vehicle is in service, the customer has access to a full driver training programme; a dedicated technician can also provide a number of scheduled visits each year, to assist with vehicle familiarisation and servicing.
 
Source: Defense Professionals

Tags: Discovery, Land Rover, Land Rover Discovery, SUV, Armoured, 4x4

Like the new LR4 and classic Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport also gets plenty of upgrades for the 2010 model year. Like the regular RR, the Sport gets the same 5.0L direct-inject V8s from Jaguar in either naturally aspirated or supercharged guise plus a new six-speed automatic transmission. The NA puts out 375 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque while the force fed mill creates 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, the latter good for 5.9-second sprints to 60 mph. The Sport's exterior has also been tweaked with a new two-bar grille centered in the revised front end and new rear tail-lamps nestled above a redesigned rear bumper. The interior has also been redone with higher quality materials and a new steering wheel that includes paddle shifters on the supercharged model. Throw in enough electronic nannies to make even the Queen look like a good driver and you've got an eminently more capable sports SUV than the one it replaces.

The news in short:

• All-new efficient and powerful LR-V8 engines.
• LR-V8 5.0 liter Supercharged 510 bhp and 461 lb/ft torque.
• 5.0-liter V8 naturally aspirated with 375 bhp and 375 lb/ft torque

• Striking exterior design changes create a more stylish and sporting look.
• Redesigned interior bringing new levels of refinement and craftsmanship.
• Steering wheel with paddle-shift gear change on Supercharged model.
• Chassis refinements including active damping, new brakes and updates to the Terrain ResponseTM system, bringing even greater breadth of capability.

Cutting edge technologies including available surround camera system with tow assist, and a high beam assist option.

Tags: Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Land Rover, SUV, Facelift, New York Auto Show

While Land Rover's sales have been hit economically like almostevery other automaker in this economy, it strong-going Range Rover SUV, which still has many fans, and seem to sell despite of the crisis. The Range Rover is the longest-serving model in the company's off-road arsenal to go without a major update. Until now. Say welcome to the new 2010 Range Rover with minor facial changes but several dramatic inside changes.

Not that you can tell from the outside terribly easily, mind. The outgoing model is something of a style icon, so you could forgive LR stylists for not wanting to futz unnecessarily with the styling. Still, changes are substantial yet modest – there are new headlamps, a new grille, a refreshed bumper cap, relocated fog lamps, and a triple theme to the sides and rear of the vehicle that includes three-section fender vents, 'three-stripe' LED side indicators, and new LED taillamps that incorporate the same 'three-stripe' motif.


The Virtual gauge cluster utilizes a 12-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) screen

Inside, the changes are more dramatic, punctuated by a new virtual gauge cluster that utilizes a 12-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) screen in place of traditional analog needle instruments – Current Mercedes S-Class owners enjoy a similar setup. Other interior adjustments include a raft of new switchgear, a revamped steering wheel with new multi-directional thumbpads, a new leather headliner and a much-needed upgrade to the navigation system. The new GPS system is hard-drive based touchscreen setup that also includes enhanced USB connectivity and a dedicated iPod port.

The news:

• All-new efficient and powerful LR-V8 engines
• 5.0-liter V8 supercharged 510 bhp and 461 lb/ft torque
• 5.0-liter V8 naturally aspirated
• 375 bhp and 375 lb/ft torque
• Subtle exterior design changes enhance the classic Range Rover design with contemporary details
• Upgraded interior, featuring physical instrument cluster replaced by 12" Thin Film Transistor (TFT) screen with 'virtual' dials and information displays
• State-of-the-art Adaptive Dynamics technology to further improve the Range Rover's peerless ride quality
• New brakes for all engine derivatives
• Updated Terrain Response™ and Dynamic Stability Control System for all-terrain performance
• Active safety aids including Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Brake Assist, available Blind Spot Monitoring and Surround Camera system

Tags: Land Rover Range Rover, Range Rover, SUV, Facelift, New York Auto Show

On the eve of the New York Auto Show, Land Rover has released all the details on its new 2010 LR4. The new LR4 (the SUV formerly-known-as LR3) is packing a thoroughly revised, direct-injected 5.0-liter V8 sourced from Jaguar putting 375 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. Land Rover has updated its Terrain Response system to deliver five different settings to suit the terrain, ranging from a normal driving mode to the infamous "Rock Crawl" setting.

A new front end with revised headlamps and fascia joins a restyled rump with LEDs, while an all-new interior provides ample accommodations for five or seven passengers, depending on spec. A Surround Camera system joins keyless entry, push-button start, gradient release control and tow assist (max. towing is 7,716 pounds) to make jaunts to Grandma's through the snowy climes a breeze. A revised suspension architecture, improved steering and larger brakes (14.2-inch discs in front and 13.8-inch rotors in the rear) round out the major modifications.

The news:

• Refined, efficient and powerful new LR-V8 5.0L direct injection engine
• Impressive 375 lb/ft torque and 375 bhp
• ULEV2 compliant
• On-road dynamics transformed by comprehensive chassis system developments and a new super-smooth 6-speed adaptive transmission
• Updates to Land Rover's award-winning Terrain ResponseTM system reinforce class-leading all-terrain performance
• Fresh exterior design includes smoother new front end and revised lights, including LEDs
• All-new interior design delivers a more premium and functional five and optional seven-seat space
• User-friendly new features include available Surround Camera system, Gradient Release Control, Tow Assist, available Automatic High Beam Assist, and Keyless Entry, Push Button start.
• The new, fourth generation of Land Rover's supremely versatile SUV gains a new name – Land Rover LR4 – to go with its powerful and highly efficient new LR-V8 engine, fresh exterior identity and more premium cabin. The class-leading breadth of capability is extended even further with dynamic improvements for both on-road and off-road driving, and Land Rover has added a battery of user-friendly new technologies and features.

Tags: Discovery, LR4, Land Rover, Land Rover Discovery, Facelift, SUV, New York Auto Show

SpyShot from motorauthority.com

Land Rover’s third-generation Range Rover was first introduced in 2002 and was updated in 2005 with some minor styling revisions as well as a range of new V8 engines sourced from Jaguar. The luxury SUV is set to undergo another minor update, with a camouflaged prototype caught testing once again near Land Rover’s headquarters in the UK.

The updated model is expected to go on sale in the second half of the year as a 2010 model but with a brand new Range Rover due in 2011 the changes planned for this latest facelift will be minimal. These will include a new grille and bumper design, as well as new headlights and a slightly revamped interior.

Read more and see the gallery of spy shots at motorauthority.com

Tags: Range Rover, Land Rover Range Rover, SUV, Spy shot