Land Rover kicks off Year of Defender, the retiring of a legend

I never got around to posting this when it was announced back in January, I’ll break it up over a few posts.  It’s sad to see it go but they really put some great thought for its drive into the sunset, if only they could have gotten some surprise US import exemption…

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LAND ROVER LAUNCHES A YEAR OF DEFENDER CELEBRATIONS WITH GIANT 1KM SAND DRAWING AND TRIO OF LIMITED EDITIONS

· World’s most iconic vehicle drawn on huge 1km scale on the same beach used to sketch the original design 68 years ago

· Heritage, Adventure and Autobiography Limited Edition Defenders announced

· Solihull production of current Defender due to end in December 2015

Whitley, UK, January 7 2015 – Land Rover has gone back to the place where it all began to start a year-long celebration of the iconic Defender. A unique 1km sand drawing at Red Wharf Bay in Anglesey, UK, marks the launch of three exclusive limited edition models and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the Defender story.

As UK production of the current Defender enters its final phase, Land Rover will use 2015 to celebrate its global automotive icon.

Land Rover Vehicle Line Director Nick Rogers explains the significance of recreating one of the world’s most iconic vehicles: “Passion and enthusiasm surround everything we do with Defender, and that will never change. With a history stretching back 68 years, this is a Land Rover that has thrived for decades on its unquestionable capability and iconic shape. I now have the honour of being one of the many enthusiasts at Land Rover committed to creating a fitting successor to the legendary Defender.”

To mark the announcement Land Rover has created the largest sand drawing ever produced in the UK. A Defender outline measuring a staggering 1km across was drawn on the beach at Red Wharf Bay in Anglesey using a fleet of six Land Rovers. The unique image is a tribute to the moment in 1947 when the engineering director of Rover, Maurice Wilks, first sketched the shape for the original Land Rover in the sand of Red Wharf Bay and proposed the idea to his brother Spencer, Rover’s managing director.

“My father met his brother on the beach at Red Wharf Bay and made a drawing in the sand of how he thought the Land Rover could be made,” said Stephen Wilks, son of Maurice. “That was the start of it all, the conception of Land Rover.”

The Wilks family owned land on the Welsh island and Maurice wanted a versatile vehicle that could double as a light tractor and off-roader. His forward-thinking design was christened the ‘Land Rover’, the outline of which we now recognise as the Defender.

Creating the giant piece of temporary artwork at Red Wharf Bay required a fleet of six Land Rovers, each towing an agricultural 12-foot harrow to draw the unmistakable outline of the Defender in the sand. The vehicles chosen for the race against the Anglesey tides chart the evolution of the Defender from its introduction in 1948 to the present day.

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A Land Rover Series I, II and III were joined on the beach by a Ninety from the Eighties, a Defender 90 Hard Top and a Defender 110 Station Wagon. The immaculate Series II once belonged to the Wilks family and in memory of the moment originally enacted by their fathers, cousins Stephen and Nick Wilks, the sons of Maurice and Spencer Wilks respectively, were on hand to take part. They helped to draw the continuous 4.52km line – the length of 1,118 Defender 90 Station Wagons – into the sand with just minutes to spare before it was erased by the incoming tide.

The event witnessed the debut of the Defender Celebration Series; three exciting new limited edition models which each celebrate a different element of Defender’s unique history. The Heritage, Adventure and Autobiography Editions are all powered by Land Rover’s proven 2.2-litre diesel engine and are available to order now.

Land Rover is also investigating the possibility of maintaining production of the current Defender at an overseas production facility, after the close of UK manufacturing. Any continuation would see low volume production maintained for selected fleets and special vehicle applications for sale outside the EU.

Limited Edition Defenders

Land Rover Defender Celebration Series (3)

The three hotly anticipated limited edition Defender models celebrate a different element of the vehicle’s versatile character.

“We wanted to mark the end of Defender production at Solihull with a special edition but coming up with a single identity was impossible, so we developed three very different interpretations of the Defender to reflect its strength and breadth of character,” said Nick Rogers. “Whether our customers want to celebrate Land Rover’s unrivalled off-road heritage, demand the ultimate in terms of design and performance or have a genuine thirst for adventure, there will be a limited edition Defender that will be fit for purpose.”

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The exclusive Autobiography Edition promises more performance, luxury and comfort than ever before thanks to its comprehensive equipment list, unique duo-tone paintwork, full Windsor leather upholstery and a power upgrade from 122PS to 150PS. Available in the UK and Europe from April, the Autobiography Edition will be produced exclusively as a 90 Station Wagon and priced from £61,500 (€64,000)*.

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The Heritage Edition is inspired by early Land Rover models and mixes nostalgic design cues with modern creature comforts. It will be available in global markets and is identified by distinctive Grasmere Green paintwork and a contrasting white roof. A heritage grille and HUE 166 graphics, recalling the registration plate of the first ever pre-production Land Rover nicknamed ‘Huey’, also identify the Heritage model. It hits showrooms from August priced from £30,900 (€39,900)*.

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The exciting new Adventure Edition also arrives in dealerships from August. The Adventure Edition will be available in global markets and is aimed at Land Rover customers who relish the great outdoors and embrace the Defender’s ‘go anywhere, do anything’ attitude. It comes fitted with additional underbody protection and Goodyear MT/R tyres to boost the Defender’s already class-leading all-terrain capability. Unique decals and a leather-trimmed cabin ensure the Adventure Edition stands out from the Defender crowd. The Adventure Edition is priced from £38,400 (€45,900)*.

2015-02-04T01:09:40-05:00February 3, 2015|

Range Rover Evoque NW8 Special Edition Makes Global Debut At The Montreal International Auto Show

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Montreal International Auto Show (MIAS), 15th January: Land Rover revealed the final piece of its ‘Inspired by Britain’ jigsaw at the Montreal Auto Show, Canada. The Evoque NW8 is the third in a series of special edition models inspired by iconic British landmarks.

The Range Rover Evoque NW8 takes its inspiration from the postcode in North West London, UK, that has been at the heart of the city’s creative scene since the Sixties and is home to the world famous Abbey Road. It is based on the Dynamic model and complements the existing SW1 Monochrome and SW1 Colour special editions.

Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, Gerry McGovern, said: "Our customers love to personalise their vehicles to reflect their own characters and the Evoque NW8 provides another opportunity for them to make a statement. Its bold combination of colours makes it the most individual of our ‘Inspired by Britain’ special editions."

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The exterior of the NW8 is exclusively available in Fuji White paintwork with a unique Firenze Red Contrast Roof and matching red door mirror caps. The Range Rover lettering on the bonnet and tailgate is given the eye-catching red treatment while the 20-inch alloys are finished in Narvik Black (20-inch six-spoke alloys with Vibration Polished finish for US market).

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Darkened headlights and foglamps, clear rear lights and the Santorini Black wing vents and grille all highlight the Evoque’s confident stance, while the NW8 is also distinguished by black rather than silver finished bumper inserts.

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Customers get an equally distinctive interior with a choice of Taurus leather Ebony seats with Pimento perforated inserts or Ebony seats with perforated Ebony inserts. Additional highlights include unique embroidered headrests and an Anodised Red rotary Driver Selector with matching CommandShift gearshift paddles or, on manual models, a white gearlever insert with red graphics.

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A unique Evoque graphic sets the NW8 apart from its special edition stablemates. The distinctive motif is inspired by the iconic Abbey Road zebra crossing and adorns the treadplates, seat tags and key fob. Its design celebrates the history of Evoque showcasing the original 2008 LRX Concept, Evoque five-door, Evoque Coupe and 2012 Evoque Convertible Concept.

Exclusivity is guaranteed with only 1,000 examples of the special edition NW8 set to be produced.

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2015-01-23T12:30:40-05:00January 23, 2015|

Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations Joins Forces with Holland & Holland to Create Their Most Luxurious SUV

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Official PR:

· Unique Holland & Holland Range Rover embodies craftsmanship of two iconic British marques, both associated with luxury outdoor pursuits

· Builds on Range Rover luxury with a set of features specifically designed for Holland & Holland customers

· The most expensive Range Rover ever benefits from a raft of SVO-designed exclusive features to complement outdoor pursuits.

· The new car builds upon a long and successful association between the two Royal Warrant-holding luxury marques.

Whitley, UK, November 6, 2014 The Holland & Holland Range Rover builds upon the strengths of the two iconic British brands to provide the perfect vehicle for the sporting gun manufacturer’s customers. Thanks to the skill and craftsmanship of the team at Special Vehicle Operations, the new car is able to combine the unrivalled off-road capability of the Range Rover with an extensive range of bespoke features. Both Land Rover and Holland & Holland hold Royal Warrants and the collaboration between them has resulted in the most luxurious, and most expensive, Range Rover ever.

Based on the Range Rover Autobiography Black, the summit of the Land Rover model portfolio, the new model has been designed by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), which will build 40 units per year over a three-year period. The collaboration demonstrates the new division’s rapidly growing and ambitious repertoire of high-end luxury bespoke commissions, as well as extreme performance vehicles.

John Edwards, managing director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, said, “The whole SVO team is very proud of this car, a bespoke design, which perfectly meets the very particular needs of Holland & Holland’s customers. This shows the huge potential of SVO, which encapsulates both off- and on-road performance as well as luxury and craftsmanship.”

The Holland & Holland Range Rover is available with a choice of powertrains: the diesel-powered 4.4-liter SDV8, which delivers 339PS and the 510PS petrol-powered 5.0-liter V8 Supercharged.

Both SVO and Holland & Holland represent the very pinnacle of craftsmanship, and the new car is where their collective skills combine. It is instantly discernable from a distance, even among other Range Rovers, thanks to the unique Holland & Holland Green of the full bodywork, mirrors and bonnet vent. The grille is painted in the same deep green and has chrome highlights.

Holland & Holland badging can be found on the lower accent door badges of both long and standard wheelbase versions, as well as on the tailgate.

On the inside, the Range Rover Autobiography Black has been tailored to accommodate the lifestyle pursuits of Holland & Holland’s customers. The Executive Class seating package in the long wheelbase car makes the most of the additional 186mm (7.3 inches) of legroom and 17 degrees recline available to the rear seat passengers. Two individual fully adjustable seats are complemented by an extended and re-designed center console with electrically deployable walnut tables, integrated USB charging sockets, enhanced stowage and bespoke lighting.

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In the Holland & Holland car, the interior is upholstered with the softest tan and espresso leather hides, with precision leather detailing including Holland & Holland embroidery on the front seats. Even the sides of the transmission tunnel are trimmed in the same shade of leather. This is perfectly complemented by the sustainably-sourced French walnut veneer, subtly polished to resemble the oil-finished gunstocks for which Holland & Holland’s craftsmen have been famous since the company’s foundation in 1835. To mark this, their logo is inlaid into the front center console. The car’s woodwork is made from a single huge piece of walnut, 1500mm long by 500mm wide, to ensure that every veneer is perfectly matched.

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The engraver’s art is well represented too, with Holland & Holland’s brand-defining acanthus scroll turning the internal door handles into works of art. The fascia letterbox panels are decorated with gunstock checkering and the exquisite engraving of the center console panel has been inspired by Holland & Holland’s distinctive forend diamonds.

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What really sets the new Holland & Holland Range Rover apart, though, is located in the boot. A stunning leather-trimmed aluminum loadspace cabinet – debossed with the Holland & Holland logo – has been designed especially for this car. Its espresso Alcantara-trimmed interior can be precisely fitted to safely transport the owner of the car’s pair of Holland & Hollands – although it is also removable when maximum luggage capacity is required.

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It sits on a deployable loadspace floor, engineered from aluminum and carbon fiber and finished with leather and wood veneer. The floor components are machined and cut to produce a unique platform that slides out with a perfectly damped action, to ensure that the cabinet is easily accessible, even when the tailgate is open. The sliding floor is also designed to be load-bearing so that it can still be sat upon when owners wish to change their footwear or stop for a brief picnic. When floor and box are in their travel position, they sit low and well back in the boot to ensure that there is still plenty of room for luggage or sports equipment.

Daryl Greatrex, managing director of Holland & Holland, commented: “This project represents two great British brands working together to produce a car that perfectly represents our shared brand values. Stunning form and perfect functionality unite in a car that is supremely fit for purpose.”

The recommended retail price (RRP) for the Holland & Holland Range Rover will be £180,000.

2014-11-06T00:59:12-05:00November 6, 2014|

Long talked about HUD makes debut with Range Rover Evoque SW1 Special Edition

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  • Paris Motor Show debut for new Range Rover Evoque special editions inspired by the iconic Union Flag
  • SW1 Evoque features the flag in two distinctive styles; full colour and stylish Monochrome
  • World-first integrated laser Head-Up Display now available to order across Range Rover Evoque line-up
  • New models to go on sale globally from mid-October

Land Rover celebrates the best of British with new personalisation options and technology for the Range Rover Evoque. SW1 Special Edition Evoque is the first in a series of "Inspired by Britain" special editions from Jaguar Land Rover’s award winning design team. The new models provide additional personalisation opportunities for Evoque customers globally.

The instantly recognisable design of the British flag and its combination of red, white and blue provides the perfect theme for Evoque, which is a huge British success story. Range Rover Evoque was designed and developed at Land Rover’s Design and Engineering headquarters in Gaydon, Oxfordshire, and is manufactured in Halewood, Merseyside. To date Evoque has won 161 international awards and recorded more than 340,000 sales worldwide, making it the fastest-selling Land Rover of all time.

"The Range Rover Evoque is a fresh interpretation of classic Range Rover design cues" said Land Rover Design Director and Chief creative Office, Gerry McGovern. "These special editions are a celebration of our Britishness. Evoque is designed and engineered in Britain and we know that resonates with our Global consumers."

The full colour SW1 Special Edition Evoque will be on the Land Rover stand on the consumer days of the Paris Motor show and will be available for customers to order from mid-October.

 

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2014-09-19T01:18:33-04:00September 19, 2014|

John Edwards Announces Launch Of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations

There’s been a lot of talk about Special Operations, Engineered to Order and Individual Products Division over the past year.  This was the first time I remember them talking about the Heritage section.  I realize how this related to Jaguar but will this also include Land Rover?  That’s my question.

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  • Jaguar Land Rover launches Special Operations division to meet the increasing needs and aspirations of today’s discerning customers.
  • Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations will focus on designing and engineering high specification vehicles, bespoke commissions, heritage products and branded goods.
  • Jaguar Land Rover will invest in creation of a new state-of-the-art Special Operations Technical Centre in the West Midlands.

(Whitley, Coventry UK- 12/06/2014)  A new business division, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, has been created to focus on meeting the increasing expectations of today’s most discerning and enthusiastic car customers.

Under the lead of John Edwards, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations will offer a range of products and services:

  • High specification vehicles that showcase the best of both brands, including high performance derivatives, ultra luxury products and limited run collector editions.
  • Truly bespoke commissions and an extended choice of colour and trim specifications and accessories.
  • Heritage products including vehicle recreations, servicing and restorations, and the creation and provision of heritage vehicle parts.
  • A new portfolio of branded goods that will engage with a wide audience of current and potential customers.

(more…)

2014-06-16T20:34:09-04:00June 16, 2014|
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