Land Rover
Friday, January 27th, 2012
by Editor
Land Rover Celebrates 50 Years at Eastnor Castle
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Land Rover is celebrating 50 years of using the Eastnor Castle estate in Herefordshire as its centre for off road testing and development. Tucked away in rural Herefordshire, this historic piece of English countryside is still an important tool in the research and development of new Land Rovers as well as offering a completely unique Land Rover driving experience to members of the public.
In 1961, Land Rover first chose the 5,000 acre Eastnor Castle estate located near Ledbury, Herefordshire to assess the off-road credentials of their vehicles. Half a century on, the tradition continues, with Eastnor playing a pivotal role in the research and development of Land Rover’s outstanding all-round capability and class-leading off road performance.
As well as the cars themselves, Eastnor has been instrumental in developing an impressive collection of Land Rover technologies; such as Anti-lock Brakes, Adjustable Air Suspension, Electronic Traction Control, Hill Descent Control and Terrain Response® – many of which were world firsts in the 4×4 sector.
The tradition of testing all Land Rover models at Eastnor continues to this day. The Range Rover Evoque was the most recent model to complete its off-road apprenticeship and a large part of the Evoque’s technology, including MagneRide™, was proven on the estate, where ride dampers were tested extensively.
Terrain Response® offers drivers optimal vehicle set-up (electronic and mechanical), and performance, under a variety of off-road conditions.
Whether driving in mud, ruts, rocks, sand, grass, gravel or snow, Terrain Response® has the appropriate setting, and will optimise ride height, engine torque Response®, Hill Descent Control, Electronic Traction Control and transmission settings, ensuring a safe and controlled passage across any terrain. The Eastnor estate provides the ultimate test for all these conditions and is instrumental in the continuing development of this technology.
Eastnor has been used as not only an ideal off-road engineering ground, but since 1989, as an off-road learning centre for the emergency services, explorers, humanitarian societies such as the British Red Cross and, more recently, the general public.
Customers and fans of the brand can now book drive experience days to hone their on and off-road driving skills with tuition from a team of highly qualified Land Rover Experience instructors. Eastnor is one of over 30 centres around the world, and hosts over five and a half thousand visitors every year participating in half or full days, beginner and intermediate training as well as exciting night drives. Over a third of these visitors have travelled from overseas, keen to experience Land Rover in its heartland.
Thursday, January 19th, 2012
by Editor
Leftovers and never posted items, posted now for my own reference. I’m sure you’ve seen it all posted somewhere else before. Which is why I never posted it, how many identical posts do we need saying how many awards the Evoque won, haha.
Left Lane News: Interview: Land Rover design chief Gerry McGovern
Wall Street Journal: Car Designer Gerry McGovern Heads Off Road
THE JOY OF A 55-YEAR-OLD LANDIE from Kim McCullough, Brand Vice President, Land Rover North America.
Noise, Vibration & Harshness: Off-Road, Through The Canyons Of My Land Roving Mind
Range Rover Evoque Instructional Videos
Startech-Tuned Range Rover Evoque to Debut at Dubai Motor Show
And finally, not really a link but just more great how-to videos from Powerful UK:
How to remove center console from Range Rover Evoque 2012
How to remove Side Vents on Range Rover Sport 2010
How to remove the front door card on a Range Rover Vogue
Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011
by Editor
Official PR – 2012 Land Rover Defender
- New, 2.2-litre diesel engine with DPF meets EU5
- New "S" and "SE" option packs
- Five new individual option packs
- New gloss black Saw Tooth alloy wheel option
- New plain black pickup hood option
A new EU5 2.2-litre diesel engine replaces the EU4 2.4-litre diesel for 2011, bringing new levels of performance and refinement to the Defender for 2012. The smaller capacity engine delivers the same power, torque and economy as its outgoing sister but makes this the cleanest Land Rover Defender yet produced. In EU5 markets, the new engine comes with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to ensure the lowest possible levels of regulated emissions.
Following a major upgrade in 2007 which included a new facia and six-speed manual transmission, the Defender’s specification has been further improved for 2012. In addition to the existing ‘S’ and ‘SE’ trim levels, there are five new option packs, new alloy wheels, ventilated discs on all variants and a number of detail improvements to the interior. Three speed-limiting options will also be offered to fleet users wanting to gain more effective control of fuel costs.
The Defender can trace its roots back to 1948 and during that period Land Rovers have earned a reputation as the most rugged and versatile off-road vehicles in the world. Since 2002, the Defender has consistently sold an average of 25,000 units a year worldwide. Retail and utility customers, armed forces and NGOs in over 100 countries believe that the Defender’s off-road ability, durability and towing capability are still head and shoulders above the competition. Such a unique combination of attributes explains why this legendary vehicle commands such exceptionally high standards of customer loyalty.
"The substantial improvements to the Defender in 2007 transformed its on-road refinement and comfort whilst extending its legendary capability off-road for which Defender is synonymous. With the introduction of the new 2.2-litre diesel engine and five option packs, the Defender for 2012 now offers greater customer choice than ever before," said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.
Smaller, cleaner diesel engine for 2012
The new EU5 2.2-litre diesel engine replaces the EU4 2.4-litre diesel while matching it for power, torque and fuel consumption. A new, full acoustic engine cover replaces the previous splash cover, reducing radiated engine noise and improving driving refinement. Meeting EU5 regulations, the engine delivers lower levels of the regulated emissions,NOx,COand HC thanks to an improved combustion system and sophisticated engine management system. In EU5 markets, particulate matter has been reduced to EU5 levels with a diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Despite the smaller capacity and reduced emissions, the new engine produces the same power, 122PS@3,500rpm and torque, 360Nm@2,000rpm, as the outgoing 2.4-litre engine. Performance remains similar too, with a 0-60mph time of 14.7 seconds as before, though the top speed has been raised to 90mph compared to 82mph for the previous version. CO2 emissions on the combined cycle are consistent at 266g/km for the 90 and 295g/km for the 110 and 130.
The GFT MT 82 six-speed gearbox has been retained for 2012 with its excellent ratio spread, high top gear for cruising and enhanced low-speed crawl capability. The lower first gear offers low crawl speed making towing on-road and off-road much easier. The low-down engine torque also helps in-gear acceleration and the tall sixth gear ensures excellent real-world cruising, refinement and fuel economy. Ground gears in both the gearbox and transfer box help contribute to the refinement of the transmission.
Interiors move up a notch
In addition to the ‘S’ and ‘SE’ trim levels, five new option packs have been introduced to the Defender for 2012 to offer more bespoke combinations including, for the first time, part leather seats and leather steering wheel across the model range. The option packs comprise of the following:
Comfort Pack- Air conditioning, CD Player with auxiliary input and convenience pack.
Exterior Pack- Brunel grille and headlamp surrounds, body coloured roof, wheel arches and side runners.
Interior Pack- Carpeted floors, high line cubby, part leather seats and leather steering wheel. Rear stowage net is included in Station Wagons and Hard Tops and the roof appointment pack is included in 90 Hard Tops.
Leather Pack-Part leather seats and leather steering wheel are available on all body styles for the first time.
Off-Road Pack- ABS, heavy duty rim and MTR tyre, tow ball and under-ride protection bar.
In response to customer feedback, a plain black Pick Up hood will now be available as an option whilst a plain beige hood will be introduced for the 110 Double Cab Pick Up. Both options are in addition to existing styles.
Further enhancements for 2012 include the addition of tinted glass on all models and the option of part leather seats. A new gloss black, Saw Tooth alloy wheel with MTR tyre is also being introduced as an option on Station Wagon and Hard Top body styles.
The Defender’s facia is based on a single, large moulding supported on a robust steel rail to help eliminate squeaks and rattles. The instruments provide clear, concise information to the driver, and details like all-LED instrument illumination help ensure high standards of reliability. Versatile stowage shelves are conveniently located for both the driver and passenger and two console options are available: a practical open-tray design that keeps contents to hand and a large, lidded design that provides an impressive 14-litres of stowage.
A powerful heating and ventilation system is designed to cope with the most extreme climates and features aluminium plate and fin heat exchangers to deliver impressive performance.
Tall front seats are designed to improve maximum back support and head restraint ergonomics in the most demanding driving conditions and there are robust, supportive second row seats too. 110 Station Wagon and 130 Crew Cab models can comfortably accommodate three occupants on an asymmetrically-split second row seat. A spring-assisted fold mechanism helps when folding the seats for carrying large or awkward loads.
Defender 90 Station Wagon second row occupants benefit from a pair of individual, full-size, forward-facing rear seats. Providing excellent comfort levels, these seats are also available as a third row option on the 110 Station Wagon. Accessed either through the rear door or by folding the second row seats, they can be easily folded and stowed sideways in the loadspace.
Seat trims include durable all-vinyl and cloth specifications; a half-leather option is also available to add a touch of luxury to the cabin. Three-point safety belts are specified for all seating positions.
Defender’s unique vehicle architecture has been retained for 2012. The chassis frame is available in three different wheelbases and in both standard and heavy-duty guise (for even greater load-bearing capabilities). A total of 14 separate body styles – from pick-ups and soft-tops to crew cabs and station wagons – are produced on the mainstream production line. Beyond this, Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations team offer a range of products from standard drop-side or box-body conversions to bespoke design and build adaptations into ambulances, mobile hydraulic platforms and even airport fire tenders – all of which are covered by Land Rover’s extensive warranty.
Monday, November 21st, 2011
by Editor
Land Rover was offering a survey on the DC100 concept and as I went through it, one choice made me literally laugh out loud.
A classic feature from the original Land Rover Series vehicles, the power take off, an optional item that allowed the Land Rover’s engine to power all sort of accessories. From a generator and welder to an air compressor or power saw. It gave the original Land Rover that “tractor” functionality that really made it popular.
So back to the survey, they give a list of the new features and ask you to rank your top three.
Things like:
- Spiked tyres
- Removable sound system
- Driveline Disconnect
And then the fourth item in the list:
Power take-off – Inductive charging areas throughout the cabins and rear load spaces which can charge and power any number of modern electronic devices.
I bet marketing had real fun with that one. While I can complain about it, it is a modern interpretation of the PTO. I just laughed and got slightly more worried about what the next Defender really will be.
I have no problem with modernizing it, but please don’t make it look so much like a toy!
Friday, November 18th, 2011
by Editor
Since creating the ROVERHAUL YouTube channel back in 2007, I’ve uploaded 97 videos, some original but mostly press videos, slideshows and such, but all Land Rover focused.
I was surprised the way some of the videos really took off. Thanks for watching and commenting. And if this kind of stuff interests you, please consider subscribing.
The original and yes I’m driving:
The most viewed, with 45,000 views:
The second most viewed, and this one is actually an original creation:
And a few random favorites:
Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
by Editor
Friday, November 11th, 2011
by Editor
So here we see the first alternate version of the DC100’s we saw in Frankfurt. There is supposed to be something similar for the LA Show this week. I have to say from certain angles, I really like, from others, I don’t.
Official PR:
Today (November 10, 2011) Land Rover’s DC100 concept makes its Middle Eastern Debut at the 2011 Dubai International Motor Show. The DC100 concept explores the possible design and technological direction of the new Defender.
Evolved since its unveiling at Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the DC100 concept now features off-road optimised 20-inch alloy wheels with Cooper all-terrain tyres. It is finished in a distinctive colour combination of Fuji White paint with a Santorini Black roof.
The DC100 reinvents the essential Defender design cues for the 21st century. These include short overhangs for extreme approach and departure angles; vertical panels, upright windscreen and strong shoulder line for visibility and ease of positioning and of course the honest Defender ‘face’ with its signature round lamps and prominent grille, incorporating a winch.
For more than six decades Land Rover has been leading the way in developing engineering solutions that give all its products an unrivalled ability to tackle the toughest terrain while remaining comfortable, refined and undemanding of their drivers. The DC100 is no exception, previewing an entire portfolio of cutting-edge technology that will allow the future Land Rovers to go even further beyond.
The core attributes of capability and versatility are underpinned by a suite of innovative off-road technological aids that work seamlessly together to reduce the workload on the driver.
Foremost of these is the next generation of Land Rover’s acclaimed Terrain Response system which will automatically optimise the car for any conditions without driver pre-selection. It does so by combining data from myriad sensors assessing wheel slip, suspension travel, steering angle, brake and accelerator inputs with information provided by HD cameras mounted in the front of the car. These analyse the visual spectrum of the terrain ahead of the car and compare it with images stored within a predictive neural network to identify surface conditions.
The Terrain-i system creates an intelligent map of the topography in front of the car and displays it as a 3D visualisation similar to those used in fighter planes. Terrain-i is able to automatically analyse the environs a full 360-degrees around the vehicles, identify potential hazards and suggest alternative routes. In urban environments the same system is able to identify pedestrians and other hazards with great accuracy.
Further innovations are targeted at specific conditions often encountered during both on and off-road driving. Wade Aid utilises sonar sensors mounted in the bumpers and wing mirrors to measure water depth and inclinometers to assess whether the level is increasing or decreasing, displaying all the information to the driver in an intuitive graphic. As with Terrain Response, Wade Aid will optimise the car for a water crossing by closing body vents, raising the ride height, selecting a low gear and advising on the safest speed.
Another tool for tackling rapidly changing conditions is provided by a torque vectoring programme which automatically and instantly directs torque to the wheels with most grip, creating an infinitely adjustable traction control system for both tarmac and off-road driving.
Sustainability has always been a Land Rover hallmark – more than three-quarters of the almost two million Defenders made are still doing regular duty – and the DC100 concepts extend this commitment with new technologies that will reduce their environmental impact. The first is an intelligent Twin-Solenoid Stop/Start system mated to the latest eight-speed automatic gearbox, both of which have been designed with future hybridisation in mind. Secondly is the unique Driveline Disconnect system which sends power to the front-axle only unless conditions demand all-wheel drive. Unlike conventional systems, this physically, rather than electronically, decouples the rear-axle to reduce friction losses but can reengage drive almost instantaneously
Thursday, September 29th, 2011
by Editor
A loyal reader, Patrick, sent me the scoop on these 2012 brochures. They were definitely news to me!
We’ll start with the 2012 Discovery 4, which gained, along with some other tweaks, the rotary shifter along with updated Terrain Response controls, the Range Rover Evoque’s touch screen system, what look like huge rear seat entertainment screens & the updated smaller Smart Key. I’m sure some of this stuff may be old news to people already driving Evoques in the UK.
I like what they did with that Land Rover branding
Also related to the rotary shifter, a new option I haven’t seen before, Drive Select Rotary Shifter Upgrade, requires Leather Drive Select Top Cover.
Here’s that new Smart Key. Again probably old news to Evoque owners, I noticed this key in a Land Rover press photo from a couple of weeks ago but he’s a better view.
Finally a shot of the larger RSE screens:
You can download your copy of the entire brochure, right here:
http://landrover.tagworldwide.com/discovery/120/disco_120_en_GB.php
Thanks again Patrick!!
Monday, September 19th, 2011
by Editor
Described by Land Rover:
Spiked Tires
Further allowing the concepts to adjust to changing conditions is a driver-deployable spiked tire system. This is operated by an electro-mechanical system mounted within the tire; activation of the technology permits air to inflate a secondary air chamber, filling pods moulded into the tread of the tire and which contain the spikes. The spikes rise just above the tread surface and fix into place for driving on packed snow and ice. When conditions have eased, the spikes can be retracted, obviating the need to carry two sets of tires or snow chains.
While all they’re showing now is some CG video, it’s exciting to see the things they’re thinking up! Below you can see the shots showing a normal looking tire which instantly gets snow cleats!
