Land Rover Confirms Hybrids for Production

Report: Jaguar Land Rover planning 40 new debuts

Jaguar/Land Rover Planning 40 New Models, Variants and Major Technology Introductions

1993 Range Rover vs. 2011 Range Rover

The Telegraph – Land Rover

Dinner with Phil Popham, the managing director for Land Rover  <—this is an old one, still interesting

Land Rover Discovery IV Design Defect

Q&A: Kim McCullough, Back At Land Rover

85mpg Range Rover … and no road tax

Range Rover at 40 – Minding the Gap

Prince Charles’ 1979 Range Rover for Sale

Some new clever LR4 videos from Land Rover USA:

I’ve had what I thought was an odd and isolated issue with the Surround Camera System in my 2011 Range Rover – from time to time and mostly at night, the reverse camera will go completely blue.

I’ve also seen it on the surround cameras too.  So I went to my favorite Range Rover Forums (http://rangerovers.net/forum/) and did a search.  Apparently it’s not as isolated as I thought and this post from a Range Rover Sport owner, aptly named it the Blue Screen of Death.  He even made a video:

In that post there is some great information and real Land Rover documentation on the issue.  The thing that really got me after reading everything is how much of an impact excessively tight cable bends can have on this system.  Here are some examples:

.

I do completely realize that there are tolerances to everything and the cabling used here must not be the most resilient.  It’s just a little disappointing from a company that talks about the engineering that went into their iPod interface cable:

The dedicated iPod®/iPhone® point was designed with Apple, Inc. exclusively for Land Rover, to ensure the device won’t come loose from the socket, even in extreme driving conditions. iPod® and iPhone® are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

http://www.landrover.com/us/en/rr/range-rover/explore/hse/

Sorry, just another rant and I will continue to say, my current Range Rover configuration has to literally be one of the best vehicles currently on the road – see even after all that I still love you Land Rover.

I’ll put the full press release below – but just wanted to feature the “Optionals” for this Land Rover Armored vehicle:

Essential Armour Option Pack

Driver opening window (100mm drop to allow document passing)

Auxiliary secondary battery supply

Anti-tamper exhaust

Intercom

Maintenance Option Pack

Heavy duty spare wheel and run flat tyre – Goodyear Wrangler HP All Weather Tyre

Heavy duty jack and tools

Independent Options

Covert blue lights and siren system (where legal)

Covert headlight flash (LED)

Under bonnet fire suppressant system

Heavy duty jack and tools

Tinted windows

Intercom

Auxiliary secondary battery supply

Anti-tamper exhaust

Driver’s opening front window

Rear payload area glass anti-theft film protection

Specialist Service Option

Global After Sales Support is a tailor made package available on request

Driver Training Package

Armoured Vehicle Driver Training is a tailor made package available on request

Press release below:

Land Rover Introduces Powerful New Discovery 4 Armoured Vehicle

Gaydon, Warwickshire, December 17, 2010 – Land Rover is enhancing its range of factory-supported armoured vehicles with the launch of the powerful new Discovery 4 Armoured.

Replacing the successful Discovery 3 model, the Discovery 4 Armoured offers the same legendary all-terrain capability and state-of-the-art protection, but features an upgraded specification to deliver superior levels of performance, luxury and style.

Compared to the previous model, the Discovery 4 Armoured offers a more powerful 5.0-litre LR-V8 petrol engine, improved passive safety with an airbag restraint system for driver and front passenger, and a more luxurious interior with premium leather seats.

With discreet armouring and a generous 500kg payload, the new model provides highly versatile, safe and comfortable transportation for five people and their luggage.

Benefiting from Land Rover’s extensive experience in the armoured vehicle market, the Discovery 4 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 new Discovery 4 Armoured offers an outstanding breadth of capability, and enables occupants to travel across challenging terrains in confidence and safety,” says John Graham, Commercial Manager Armoured Programs, Land Rover.

“Developed by Land Rover in partnership with global leaders in vehicle security, the Discovery 4 is the ideal choice for government agencies, security organisations and businesses whose employees are exposed to high-risk locations.”

Fully certified armouring systems

Although virtually indistinguishable from the standard model, the Discovery 4 Armoured features ballistic steel armour and glazing which provides ballistic protection in accordance with European standards BS EN1522 level FB6 and BS EN 1063 level BR6 respectively.

Developed in partnership with the vehicle armouring specialists Centigon, it also provides blast protection against 15kg TNT (or equivalent) detonated in close proximity to the vehicle and under floor protection against two DM51 hand grenades. The protection offered was certified by QinetiQ®, a globally recognised independent blast and ballistic testing organisation.

“Rather than relying on testing the individual armour components, we have ensured that the entire vehicle is independently certified to B6 standards, so that we can be completely confident of its ballistic integrity,” added John Graham.

Comprehensive engineering changes have been made to the base vehicle to ensure that it maintains optimum ride and handling on all surfaces, despite the additional mass of the armour.

The Discovery 4 chassis features independent air suspension, and modifications that include uprated air springs and retuned dampers, larger diameter anti-roll bars, and heavy duty Alcon disc brakes front and rear.

Land Rover engineers have also enhanced the passive Safety Systems in the new Discovery 4 Armoured, with driver’s steering wheel and passenger fascia dual-stage airbag restraint systems.

Enhanced performance on all surfaces

Like the standard vehicle, the Discovery 4 Armoured comes equipped with advanced four-wheel-drive technologies to deliver outstanding all-terrain performance.

This includes full functionality of the latest generation Terrain Response System® – an armoured market class-leading feature, which enables the driver to configure the vehicle to negotiate a variety of surfaces, such as tarmac, ruts, grass, mud, snow or rocks, in the most effective way.

For enhanced performance, the Discovery 4 Armoured is equipped with the new 375PS
5.0-litre LR-V8 direct-injection petrol engine, replacing the 2.7-litre V6 turbo-diesel used in the previous model.

Teamed with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission, this refined and powerful new engine offers significantly faster acceleration, with 0-100km/h (62mph) achieved in just 10.6 seconds.

Comfortable and flexible interior

The interior of the Discovery 4 Armoured is both functional and extremely comfortable, providing a commanding elevated driving position and a flexible seating layout for up to five people. The practicality of the vehicle is significantly enhanced by the generous 500kg payload allowance.

Passengers will also appreciate the completely redesigned Discovery 4 cabin, which features a more stylish and sophisticated design with smooth and flowing surface treatments.

The quality of the interior materials has been significantly upgraded compared to the previous model, featuring premium leather upholstery on the seats and sumptuous real wood veneers.

Comprehensive support

Land Rover provides armoured vehicle customers with a comprehensive support programme, both before and after purchase.

A dedicated security consultant works closely with the customer during the sales process, to ensure their full requirements are met. Customers are able to select from an extensive choice of optional security features to provide the desired vehicle configuration.

Once the vehicle is in service, the customer has access to a full driver training programme. An armour specialist can provide optional services which include scheduled maintenance, support and vehicle familiarisation.

All Discovery 4 Armoured vehicles have a full three-year, 80,000km factory warranty.

# # #

EDITOR’S NOTES

1. More details on the Discovery 4 Armoured can be found at http://www.landrover.com/gl/en/lr/professional-vehicles/armoured-vehicles/discovery-4-armoured/

Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured – Detailed Specifications

Base Vehicle Specification

5.0-litre LR-V8 direct-injection petrol engine

Maximum Power (EEC) 375 PS (276 kW)

Maximum Torque (EEC) 510 Nm (376 lb ft)

6-speed automatic transmission

Kerb weight 3550kg (excluding options)

4050kg GVW

Air conditioning

Land Rover Terrain Response® system

Off road capability (deep sand driving not recommended)

Modified suspension system to accommodate increased vehicle mass

378mm brake discs with upgraded Alcon aluminium brake callipers: 6-pot front, 4-pot rear

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System – where licensed

Armour Specification

European Standard BS EN 1522 FB6 and BS EN 1063 BR6 (high velocity assault rifle)

Side blast protection – 15kg device in close proximity to the vehicle

Under floor protection against 2 x DM 51 hand grenades

Heavy duty wheels and run flat tyres – Goodyear Wrangler HP All Weather Tyre

Optional Features

Essential Armour Option Pack

Driver opening window (100mm drop to allow document passing)

Auxiliary secondary battery supply

Anti-tamper exhaust

Intercom

Maintenance Option Pack

Heavy duty spare wheel and run flat tyre – Goodyear Wrangler HP All Weather Tyre

Heavy duty jack and tools

Independent Options

Covert blue lights and siren system (where legal)

Covert headlight flash (LED)

Under bonnet fire suppressant system

Heavy duty jack and tools

Tinted windows

Intercom

Auxiliary secondary battery supply

Anti-tamper exhaust

Driver’s opening front window

Rear payload area glass anti-theft film protection

Specialist Service Option

Global After Sales Support is a tailor made package available on request

Driver Training Package

Armoured Vehicle Driver Training is a tailor made package available on request

# # #

I realize I’m a year late on this but I found this video and just thought it was worth posting along with the press release from the 20th Anniversary of the Land Rover Discovery (LR3 & LR4, too).  The PR has a list of 20 great facts on the Discovery, check it out below.

20 YEARS OF LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

Adaptable, capable, indefatigable, unmistakable

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 16^th November 2009 - Workhorse, tow car, law enforcer, status symbol, people carrier, mud plugger; few cars can claim to fulfill any of these duties with genuine conviction. Yet since 16 November 1989 – 20 years ago today – one car has consistently met all those challenges and more, earning itself iconic status as the ultimate all-purpose vehicle. That car is the Land Rover Discovery.

Designed originally to plug the gap between the utilitarian attributes of the iconic Land Rover Defender and the more luxurious characteristics of the flagship Range Rover, Discovery soon became the perfect niche vehicle for the growing demands of the family 4×4 market.

"The Discovery legend has been built on innovative design and advanced technology. From the introduction of high-efficiency direct-injection diesel technology into the 4×4 market in 1989, to pioneering occupant safety with the adoption of twin airbags in 1998, Discovery has led the way." says Phil Popham, Managing Director. "It is truly the best loved SUV the world over. Today, we sell the Discovery in 91 countries and sales to date have hit over and above 900,000,"

he adds.

Having revolutionised the mid-sized 4×4 sector in 1989, it’s no surprise that the Discovery evolved to reflect the needs and tastes of its increasingly urbane and discerning buyers. By 1994 range-topping Discovery models featured leather upholstery and wood veneer trim, and when the Series II Discovery was introduced in 1998 it added a sophisticated new heating, air-conditioning and ventilation system for increased comfort in all climates. Today’s Discovery 4 continues that ethos of evolution to winning effect: Its strikingly architectural interior design, clear-yet-stylish dashboard, user-friendly features and luxurious interior creating an attractive, well-appointed and practical environment for driver and passengers alike.

The Discovery will be forever renowned for its legendary exterior shape which to this day still continues the stepped roof and asymmetric rear glass theme, giving all occupants a clear view of the journey ahead. To provide a contemporary edge to the interior design, Land Rover turned to the Conran Design Studio who for many years have been held in high regard for influencing ‘modern day living’.

"Discovery has evolved its own clear design heritage over four generations.

Today, Discovery 4 stays true to its clean, geometric, architecturally-inspired predecessors. Its new front bumper, lights and face, smoother lines and subtle curves, combine to enhance the overall impression of premium quality," says Gerry McGovern, Design Director.

Versatile and Practical

While go-anywhere ability is synonymous with any Land Rover product, the Discovery’s enduring success comes from a combination of all-terrain capability and all-important practicality for the demands of family life. Like its predecessors, Discovery 4 comes with seven seats – the rearmost pair now offering legroom for full-sized adults, providing a versatile space for family and friends.

Increased style and comfort have never come at the expense of the Discovery’s dynamic ability. Indeed generations of horse riders, caravaners, boat owners and car racers can all testify to the Discovery’s towing prowess. It’s a tradition Discovery 4 proudly upholds with Tow Assist, which helps the driver perform otherwise tricky towing manoeuvres, and Trailer Stability Assist, which reduces engine torque and uses programmed braking applications to regain control over a snaking trailer. Two honours at the recent Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards 2010 are fitting recognition of Discovery 4’s utilitarian qualities and on-going commitment to safety.

The evolutionary Discovery 4 looks set to follow on from the enormous success of its predecessor. Since its launch back in 2004, the Discovery 3 has achieved global acclaim winning a staggering 111 awards worldwide, including the honour of SUV of the year from countries as diverse as Mexico, Russia and Greece.

In 2004, the Discovery 3 introduced another significant first: Terrain Response^TM. This patented system allows the driver to actively tune the car’s systems (including engine, suspension and traction control settings) to optimise their vehicle for virtually any driving situation, from urban jungle to gnarly wilderness. Terrain Response has since been recognised in the Queen’s Awards For Enterprise for Innovation. Land Rover previously received this prestigious award for its patented Hill Descent Control and an enhanced version of this technology remains key to the dynamic capabilities of the new

Discovery 4 with the addition of Gradient Release Control.

In 2006, Land Rover launched a pioneering CO₂ offset programme with Climate Care which is now the biggest scheme of its kind in the world. The emissions from the first 45,000 miles of all new Land Rovers sold in an increasing number of markets is offset to help fund environmental projects on a global scale. Improvements introduced with the launch of Discovery 4 earlier this year, now help deliver substantially lower emissions with the highly fuel efficient LR-TDV6 3.0 sequential turbodiesel, delivering over 30mpg on the combined EU cycle.

Adaptable, capable, indefatigable, unmistakable; the Discovery legend is wholly deserved. Here’s to the next 20 years.

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY : 20 FACTS

1

Discovery has evolved its own clear design heritage over four generations. The subtle kick-up in the roofline of the latest Discovery 4/LR4 is a deliberate visual reference to the original Discovery, where a raised rear roof section was necessary to give enough headroom for passengers in the rearmost seats.

2

392,443 first-generation Discoverys were built in nine years, for an average of 43,604 per year. There were 278,570 Series II models in six years, for an average of 46,428 per year. Discovery 3/LR3 reached a total of 220,057 in five years (an average of 44,011 per year) before giving way to the 2010 model-year Discovery 4/LR4.

3

Fuel economy has always been a target of Discovery’s diesel engines, and a third-generation common-rail fuel system allows the latest 3.0-litre TDV6 to achieve 9.7 percent better fuel economy than its smaller-capacity predecessor on the combined EU cycle. The pioneering direct-injection system used for the TDi engines of the first-generation Discovery was specifically intended to deliver class-leading economy, as was the use of Electronic Unit Injectors on the Series II models’ TD5 diesel engine.

4

The first Discoverys in 1989 were launched as three-door models, the family-oriented five-door followed in 1990 on the same wheelbase. A three-door Discovery Series II was built as a full-size mock-up, but customer demand dictated that five-doors was the way forward so no three-door Series II was ever put into production.

5

All-round visibility for the driver has always been a pre-requisite on the Discovery, reinforced by the high-set Command Driving Position. On Discovery 4, the driver’s ability to see every inch of the vehicle when manoeuvring is aided by no fewer than five miniature cameras. Pictures are transmitted to the dash-mounted information screen and can function at speeds up to 11mph.

6

The first Discoverys shared their headlights with the Freight Rover van, and shared their rear lights with the Austin Maestro van. Very early examples were built with tail-lights carrying the Austin-Rover logo, but the Land Rover oval soon took pride of place when volume production got under way.

7

During the development phase of the Discovery 3, a total of 75 prototypes were taken to the four corners of the earth to test the exceptional breadth of capability of this multi award-winning vehicle, taking it to extremes of +50 degrees centigrade to a teeth-chattering minus 30 degrees centigrade.

8

The side graphics characteristic of the original three-door Discoverys were very fashionable in the late 1980s and are now a distinguishing feature of the early models. The graphics changed in 1992 but after 1994 the graphics were phased out to reflect a change in car ‘fashion’.

9

Land Rover’s spirit of adventure is often recalled at the mention of the famous Camel Trophies. The competitions of the 1990s saw the Discovery tackle the so-called ‘Olympics of 4×4′. Specially prepared examples were used as the crew vehicles for the eight years from 1990 to 1997. Some countries sold special Camel Trophy limited editions with many still clearly visible on the roads today.

10

In 1993, Land Rover Special Vehicles used the three-door body shell to create the Discovery Commercial or ‘van’ derivative. With proven all-round versatility, there have been Commercial derivatives of the Series II, Discovery 3 and now Discovery 4 – all based on the standard five-door body.

11

To mark Land Rover’s 60^th anniversary in 2008, 60 vehicles were donated to the British Red Cross Society and its sister national societies around the world. The Discovery 3 was among the 60 vehicles arranged in the form of the Red Cross flag in the quadrangle of Buckingham Palace for the official handover on 9^th July.

12

Among the options of the first Discoverys was a shoulder bag trimmed to match the seats of your vehicle which could be attached to the centre console. These bags now command quite a high premium with Land Rover enthusiasts.

13

Since its launch in 2004, Discovery 3 has achieved tremendous global acclaim with a total of 111 awards! From Russia to Mexico, Discovery is the best loved SUV the world has ever driven.

14

Discovery 3 and Discovery 4 have electronically controlled all-independent air suspension, which delivers a superb on-road ride and improves off-road ability, too.

The first two generations of Discovery had beam axles with coil springs – although

self-levelling air springs were fitted to the rear of top-model Series IIs.

15

The longest first-generation Discoverys built at the Land Rover factory had a 116-inch wheelbase and were designed as fast-response paramedic ambulances.

16

A Discovery 3 was the four millionth Land Rover to leave the production lines on 8^th May 2007. Donated to one of Land Rover’s key conservation sponsors – the Born Free Foundation – founder patron Joanna Lumley joined employees to celebrate this milestone and accept the keys on behalf of the charity. The Discovery was deployed as a ‘Rapid Response Rescue’ vehicle.

17

Between 1994 and 1996, the Discovery was sold in Japan as the Honda Crossroad. It wore the badges of the Rover Group’s then business partner, but was otherwise identical to the standard product.

18

Discovery was the first Land Rover programme to fully utilise CAD technology. The exterior of the Discovery was fully surfaced in CAD to enable prove out models and tooling to be created. The interior was created in a wire frame format in CAD.

19

A light and airy interior has always been a Discovery trademark. Deep windows and Alpine lights in the roof have been a constant feature since the beginning, supplemented by glass sunroofs – optional on early models but now standard on the latest Discovery 4.

20

The original project code name for Discovery was Project Jay. This was because of the naming policy put in place by Alan Edis to enhance prototype secrecy – projects were named in alphabetical order, following bird and animal themes.

Land Rover has various designations for their different models, not sure if they’re technically code names or just alternate ways to reference the vehicles.

Here are a few of the current models:

L316 – Defender

L319 – LR3 & LR4 – Discovery 3/4

L320 – Range Rover Sport

L322 – Range Rover – Current model(2002 - today), below is a picture used in some technical documents, I don’t have a picture like this for the other models.

L359 – LR2 – Freelander 2

L538 – Range Rover Evoque

L405 – Possible code for the next Range Rover

And back to the point of the post, the L486, it’s been referenced in the press since 2008 or so and has been described by them as a 7-seater Freelander, possibly to be called the Ventura.  I take anything from the press with a grain of salt, but since 2008, it hasn’t really been brought up again. 

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/24/land-rover-developing-new-7-seater/

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20080624/free/957481398

I wrote about it back in April after finding some of the designers who worked on the project.

And just thought with the LA Auto show going on and Land Rover PR running at full steam, anyone who has a chance should start asking the LR PR people for comments for reactions.  Or if you have any info, send it over.

Quick reference back to my article from April, here’s the info, a small reference to the L486 along with the L538, which would become the Range Rover Evoque:

http://www.people4business.com/seller-269321.htm

This person has done a lot of work for Aston Martin & Bentley – they list the specific items.  The latest project is listed below:

WARWICKSHIRE (Oct 2007 & ongoing)

CAD ENGINEER – EXTERIOR TRIM – CATIA V5
LANDROVER L538 / L486
Initial design and feasibility studies for the following components: door claddings, rear spoiler, rear finisher, front and rear bumper cover, fender vents. Parametric modeling in Catia V5 to create fully modifiable master CAD models. Use of TCE to save and access data and create product structures. Liaison with styling, CAE and suppliers to mature designs.

Could the L486 be the 5-door Evoque?

And if you have some more current generation code names, please let me know.

One final item, you can see the alternate names in use all over the Land Rover website, below is a header graphic for the Range Rover Sport section, you can see the L320 in its filename:

LRNA_RRS_COMPARE_L320_10_EXT_LOC06-900×200.jpg

All of the pages have been converted to JPEG & add to the gallery:

2011 Range Rover – US Version

2011 Range Rover Sport – US Version

2011 Land Rover LR4

From Land Rover Review – here are the links to most of  2011 Land Rover line for the US, all in PDF:

2011 Range Rover

2011 Range Rover Sport

2011 Land Rover LR4

Right-Click & Save-As may be the easiest way to pull them down for Windows users, for Mac people it’s a Ctrl-Click.

There’s some good stuff here, I’ve had the Range Rover UK printed version for a little while now.  They are very similar except for the Diesel & 8-speed trans pages.  There’s actually more in the US version then I would have expected.

Found in the Range Rover Sport & LR4 – the Passive Entry system allows the vehicle to  be unlocked/locked without the physical use of a key, although the key is a functional component of the passive entry/start system.  Once the key is within range of the vehicle (~1m) you can open the locked doors by just pulling the door handles (which now hold a capacitive plate – see #3 below).   Re-locking is accomplished by pressing the button that resides near where you would normally insert a key in the door handle – this is called passive locking.

Interesting fact #1:

If single-point entry is the current security setting and a door other than the driver’s door is opened first, then all doors will be unlocked. If the driver’s door is opened, only the driver’s door will be unlocked. All other doors and the luggage compartment will remain locked.

#2:

Passive locking will only activate if the key is outside the vehicle. If no key is present externally, two audible error warnings will sound when the door handle button is pressed.

#3

A capacitive plate is molded internally within the exterior door handle; the vehicle exterior body acts as a second capacitive plate. The air between the two acts as an insulator. The control electronics within the door handle evaluate the capacitance of the circuit. When a hand interrupts the space between the handle and the door, the electrical field is altered and thus the capacitance of the capacitor.
The signal is calibrated so as not to
detect false activations (rain or snow, dirt build-up).

Passive Start found in the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport & LR4  is designed to start
the vehicle via the fascia-mounted start/stop button without any mechanical interaction with the key used to open the vehicle. The key is automatically detected as present via cabin-mounted antennas using Low Frequency (LF) and Radio Frequency (RF) signals.

Interesting fact #1:

The key authorization process relies on sufficient battery charge in the key. As these vehicles are not equipped with a docking station to hold the key, charging of the key battery is not possible. When the battery charge falls to an insufficient level there is a message prompt to the driver via the message center. Typical life expectancy for a key battery is approximately two years (depending on usage).

#2:

In a situation where the key battery voltage is low, the vehicle can still be started by holding the key against the Immobilizer Antenna Unit (IAU).  No battery power is required, as key authorization takes place via an induction process.  You can see IAU locations below – LM is the internal designation for the Range Rover, LA is the LR4 & LS is the Range Rover Sport.