Showing posts with label Land Rover. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Land Rover. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Land Rover Discovery 4, 2010

Land Rover Discovery 4, 2010

 
 

The new, fourth generation of Land Rover's supremely versatile seven-seat vehicle gains a new name - Land Rover Discovery 4 - to go with its powerful and highly efficient new TDV6 diesel engine, fresh exterior identity and more premium cabin. The class-leading breadth of capability is extended even further with dynamic improvements for both road and off-road driving, and Land Rover has added a battery of user-friendly new technologies and features.

The power and torque are both accessible across the entire rev range, to deliver immediate throttle response and effortless cruising ability. The results include a 0-60mph time of 9.0 seconds, (0-100 km/h in 9.6 seconds), a 24 percent improvement over the 2.7-litre.
Land Rover's engineers have also transformed the on-road ride and handling for the new generation Land Rover Discovery 4, and even improved on the near-legendary off-road capabilities of its predecessor. The comprehensive changes include new suspension components, revised steering, larger brakes, improved traction control, and enhancements to the award winning Terrain ResponseTM system, which helps optimise the vehicle for virtually all on-road or off-road driving situations.

e-Terrain technologies boost economy and lower CO2 emissions
The new Discovery is packed with features aimed at reducing fuel consumption and reducing CO2 emissions. The new LR-TDV6 3.0 Sequential Turbo Diesel engine was designed from the outset to deliver class-leading fuel economy and improved low-end torque.

The parallel sequential turbocharging system of the 3.0-litre diesel makes use of its larger, primary turbo most of the time. The smaller secondary turbo remains dormant when higher power is not required, reducing pumping losses and consequently, fuel consumption. A highly efficient, third generation common rail injection system with piezo injectors and fuel metering, also makes a substantial contribution to fuel economy.

The new engine has been also been optimised for low-end torque as well as economy, making it possible to activate the lock-up clutch of the ZF HP-28 automatic transmission at lower speed. This reduces 'slip' in the hydraulic torque converter improving both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The higher torque at lower rpm also enables longer gearing for more economical cruising.

The Discovery incorporates several other energy saving features too. At standstill, the idle speed of the V6 has been reduced from 750rpm to 710rpm, giving a fuel saving without compromising refinement. An Intelligent Power Management System includes Smart Regenerative Charging, so whenever possible the alternator charges the battery when it is most economical to do so, such as when the car is coasting rather than accelerating.

Aerodynamic changes to the front end, with the revised front lower chin spoiler and new front wheel deflectors, help to reduce drag by increasing underfloor airflow.

The new air conditioning pump is driven through a clutch which disengages when the air conditioning is not in use reducing parasitic losses and delivering improvements in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

At the heart of the improvements introduced with Land Rover Discovery 4 is an exceptional and highly efficient new diesel engine. The LR-TDV6 3.0 sequential turbodiesel is based on the existing LR-TDV6 2.7-litre engine, but radically redesigned to deliver substantially higher performance, lower emissions and better fuel economy.

The 2.7-litre has won many admirers as one of the most refined diesels ever made. The new, twin turbocharger LR-TDV6 3.0 boasts substantial increases in both power - up 29 percent to 245PS - and torque, up 36 percent to 600Nm. The ability to deliver maximum torque at just 2,000rpm, combined with unparalleled throttle response, substantially enhances the Discovery's already acclaimed ability both on and off-road.

The new 3.0-litre diesel can significantly out perform its rivals by delivering 500Nm in only 500 milliseconds from idle. From the driver's perspective this means instantaneous access to 83 percent of maximum torque.

But despite this extra performance, engine emissions are dramatically reduced. When fitted with DPF, the new LR-TDV6 3.0 meets EU5 emissions requirements (not due to come into force until 2011) and with a CO2 figure of 244g/km, it undercuts the existing 2.7-litre automatic by ten percent. Fuel economy is also improved by 9 percent, delivering 30.4mpg (9.3 l/100km) on the EU Combined cycle.

The new 3.0-litre engine has been developed by a joint Jaguar Land Rover team, with base characteristics designed from the outset with the requirements of both brands in mind. High levels of torque and fast response from low revs perfectly suits both Jaguar and Land Rover DNA. The Jaguar version, the AJ-V6D Gen III S, was recently launched in the new Jaguar XF.

The LR-TDV6 engine has a deeper sump than its Jaguar sibling, to ensure the efficiency of the lubrication system is not compromised when venturing off-road. The oil scavenge system of the turbochargers has been enhanced for a similar reason, ensuring no oil collects in the turbochargers at extreme angles in off-road conditions.

For the Land Rover version, belt drives are waterproofed, as are the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump and starter motor. The engine is also tuned specifically to allow for the greater demands made on the Land Rover Discovery 4, particularly for towing and all-terrain driving.

Twin-turbos - immensely efficient, highly responsive
A key feature of the new LR-TDV6 3.0 is the unique, parallel sequential turbocharger system, the first of its type to be fitted to a V-engine anywhere in the world. Delivering high torque throughout the entire engine-rev range, improved throttle response and low CO2 emissions, the twin-turbochargers work sequentially to provide unrivalled response and best-in-class torque at low engine speeds, while also packing a huge punch at higher speeds.

Driving a turbocharger requires pressure from the exhaust, creating pumping losses in the engine and increasing fuel consumption. Under the control of the engine management system, valves isolate the secondary turbocharger both from the exhaust stream and the engine inlet tract when it is not required. A balance pipe connecting the two manifolds allows the gas from both manifolds to feed through the primary turbocharger.

The new 3.0-litre diesel can significantly out perform its rivals by delivering 500Nm in only 500 milliseconds from idle, unlike many diesels which can suffer turbo-lag at very low revs. From the driver's perspective this means instantaneous access to 84 percent of maximum torque.

Third generation common rail
A new common rail fuel-injection system delivers up to five injections on each cycle at a pressure of 2000bar. Each injector tip is perforated by seven holes through which finely atomised fuel is sprayed into the cylinders. The high-pressure injection increases power, improves economy and reduces both CO2 and particulate emissions. New, high-speed piezo injectors are designed to keep injection noise to a minimum.

Piezo crystal 'packs' operate each injector by expanding when an electric current is passed through them. They react virtually instantaneously but make a distinctive click when fired, which can add to diesel engine noise at idle. The crystals in Land Rover's new injectors are fitted nearer the tip meaning they are mounted deeper inside the engine providing better sound insulation and quieter operation.

Rugged yet lightweight
The two cylinder heads, with four valves per cylinder, are made from aluminium and the cylinder block is made from compact graphite iron (CGI) as before. The higher tensile strength of CGI makes it possible to cast a smaller block some 80mm shorter than a conventional 'grey' cast iron equivalent.

EU 5 emissions regulations have been achieved using conventional diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters (DPFs). NOX levels are reduced sufficiently at source through the combustion system design, the addition of the new common rail injection system and the new EGR system with by-pass. As a result, specialised NOX exhaust after-treatment is unnecessary, avoiding a potential cost and the need to use additional precious metals in the exhaust system.

Increased refinement
The CGI cylinder block and new piezo injector design reduce combustion noise in the new engine. Multiple, precise injections of fuel on the combustion stroke also reduce combustion noise and all engine covers including camshaft covers, front covers and the sump have been optimised to subdue radiated noise.

The new diesel underwent analysis using the latest computer aided engineering techniques, followed by exhaustive rig testing. All the engine enclosures have been ribbed to minimise radiated noise.

Internal friction, a major contributor to unnecessary fuel consumption, has been addressed by careful optimisation of the crankshaft, valves and pistons. All these features combine to make the new LR-TDV6 3.0 Sequential Turbo Diesel one of the quietest premium diesels on the market today with increased service intervals of 16,000 miles.

Levels of refinement on the new LR-TDV6 engine are such that Land Rover's patented device for the diesel fuel filler neck, to reduce the risk of inadvertent fuelling with petrol, is fitted to the new Land Rover Discovery 4.
Responsive new transmission
The LR-TDV6 3.0 is mated to the revised and super-smooth ZF HP28 6-speed automatic transmission. Its characteristics have been optimised by Land Rover engineers to provide class-leading response, with rapid and refined shifts. The dramatic enhancement of both power and torque low down the rev range on the new engine have made it possible to actuate the transmission's lock-up clutches much earlier in each gear, reducing slip through the hydraulic torque converter, so helping with the improvements in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Dynamics transformed
Major dynamic advances introduced for the Land Rover Discovery 4 include revised suspension architecture, improved steering, larger brakes and enhanced versions of Land Rover's award-winning Terrain ResponseTM and Hill Descent Control systems.

The list of changes starts with new suspension knuckles, designed to reduce the separation between the suspension roll centre and the vehicle's centre of gravity (reduction of 42mm at the front and 62mm at the rear). This dramatically reduces the vehicle's natural body movements when cornering. These roll rates are further controlled by a stiffer and larger anti-roll bar.

In addition, new bushes and new front and rear dampers enhance ride quality.
The variable ratio steering rack is revised, complementing the improved ride quality by reducing 'twitchiness' around the centre line at high speed cruising and slightly increasing sensitivity at higher lock angles. This enhances the sense of driver involvement in high-speed manoeuvres, and also increases precision for low speed control and off-roading.

Increased stopping power
A new, larger brake system has been introduced along with the new engines, to cater for the Land Rover Discovery 4's enhanced performance and to improve braking feel.

This new system is derived from the four-piston, opposed-calliper performance system used on the Land Rover Range Rover Sport. It employs a 360mm ventilated front disc with a new, cast iron twin-piston sliding calliper - which serves to reduce the size of the front brake package while preserving its stiffness, which in turn helps achieve excellent pedal feel.

At the rear, a single piston sliding calliper operates on a 350mm ventilated disc, now manufactured in aluminium to help reduce vehicle weight.
An additional advance to the braking system is the new emergency brake light function. When the vehicle undertakes severe or emergency braking, the brake lights flash, to reduce the risk of rear end collisions.

More control in the bends
A refinement to the understeer control system helps automatically slow the vehicle if taking a bend too fast, enhancing driver control.

The system operates according to steering inputs from the driver. In extreme cases, automatic braking intervenes to reduce the vehicle speed, with the braking pressure level applied according to the steering inputs. Automatic braking up to 'emergency stop' may be applied, if the inputs demand.

Updates for award-winning Terrain ResponseTM and Hill Descent Control
For Discovery 4, Land Rover's award-winning Terrain ResponseTM system gains new features and refinements, further extending the vehicle's all-terrain capability. Terrain ResponseTM optimises the vehicle set-up for virtually all on-road or off-road driving situations, with five different settings to suit different terrains:
    * General driving
    * Grass/gravel/snow
    * Sand
    * Mud and ruts
    * Rock crawl

A new face on a distinctive design
The Land Rover Discovery has evolved a distinct design heritage over 20 years and four generations of iconic, instantly recognisable vehicles. Land Rover Discovery 4 inherits the clean lines of the previous generation, but now subtly updated and given a more premium, more contemporary look.

Smoother, simpler surfaces are employed at the front, giving the vehicle its new character, emphasised by sportier looking front lights, with new LED position lamps configured in a unique, signature stepped profile around the main light units. New lights are also introduced at the rear of the vehicle, incorporating LED stop, tail and indicator technology.

The new front bumper has a larger cooling aperture to accommodate the new engine's greater power outputs. Cleverly, the larger bumper actually improves vehicle aerodynamics by reducing drag, thanks to its innovative anti-drag 'lips' that help smooth the airflow from the front bumper around the front wheels.

A new, twin seven-spoke 19" wheel design is introduced on the Land Rover Discovery 4 to complement the existing 7-spoke 19" wheel and, for the first time, a new striking, 10-spoke 20" wheel is available as a factory-fit option.

Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 e, 2009

Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 e, 2009

 
 


The new Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e is Land Rover's most fuel-efficient vehicle to date. Featuring a new intelligent Stop/Start system, it is the first production vehicle to incorporate technologies from the company's programme of sustainable engineering initiatives, collectively named 'e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES'.

On the standard EU4 cycle, the CO2 emissions of the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e are reduced by 8 per cent, compared with the outgoing manual diesel Land Rover Freelander 2. Moreover, in additional tests, Land Rover engineers have measured fuel savings approaching 20 per cent in heavy urban traffic.

The 8 per cent improvement equates to a CO2 emissions reduction of 15 g/km compared with the standard Freelander 2 TD4 manual (from 194 g/km to 179 g/km). In terms of fuel efficiency, consumption is reduced from 7.5 l/100 km to 6.8 l/100 km, a saving of 0.7 litres of fuel every 100 km (62 miles).

These gains, coupled with the added benefits of the gearshift indicator light, software developments and efficiencies from low-rolling-resistance tyres, make the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e the most fuel-efficient production Land Rover ever built.
 
Added fuel economy benefits
Along with the intelligent Stop/Start system, the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e includes a series of additional enhancements that help to deliver fuel economy and CO2 benefits.

A new gearshift indicator light in the instrument pack advises the driver when to change gear if a higher gear will allow the vehicle to operate more fuel-efficiently. This is calculated by the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e's fully mapped engine.

Software developments to the driveline systems on the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e generate CO2 benefits without reducing Land Rover's renowned capability.

Refined Stop/Start operation
Land Rover engineers have invested considerable effort in safeguarding levels of engine refinement. To reduce the engine shake associated with some diesel engines when stopping, the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e features controlled throttle closing and ramps down fuel in a smooth fashion, while the alternator is also turned off during the shut-down procedure, reducing load on the engine. A software feature change and revised engine calibration further aid smooth shut-off, while engine shake on start-up is reduced by the Freelander 2's optimised engine-mounting strategy and inherent tuning.

Uncompromised durability
The increased frequency of stop-start cycles over the lifetime of the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e will lead to increased use of the vehicle's affected components, so enhanced durability of these components was a priority for the Freelander 2's engineering team. They developed a new heavy-duty starter motor, a new ring gear, a new dual mass flywheel friction control plate and an absorption glass mat battery. These new features ensure that the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e delivers characteristic Land Rover all-terrain performance and that the system's operation is always rapid and reliable.

Enhanced starter motor
The more frequent stop and start activity means that demands on the starter motor are forecast to increase up to threefold during the lifetime of the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e. To accommodate the durability demands on the vehicle's 2 kW starter motor, a number of changes have been made.

The grease seals have been enhanced significantly and new hard-wearing copper contact material has been sourced and specified across the TD4_e range to enhance wear resistance within the starter solenoid.

New ring gear
An all-new ring gear is specified for all TD4_e models to cope with the increased frequency of starts. The ring gear is attached to the engine flywheel and comes into contact with the starter motor each time the engine is started. The new ring gear is manufactured from a harder grade of steel and contains over 25 per cent more carbon to improve durability.

Dual mass flywheel friction plate
Diesel-powered Freelanders with manual gearboxes have always featured a dual mass flywheel to ensure engine refinement at start, stop and low speeds. A new Polyetheretherketone friction control plate has been developed for the Land Rover Freelander TD4_e. This is able to withstand seven times the pressure of the outgoing plate, to ensure greater levels of refinement under even greater start and stop demands.

Absorption glass mat battery
New absorption glass mat technology has been developed, which offers deeper discharge and recharge characteristics and reduces battery deterioration under much heavier usage. Fine glassfibre matting has been introduced to sit pressurised between the new absorption glass mat battery plates. This aids the battery's longevity in two ways: by allowing the electrolyte to function normally under greater pressure and by providing mechanical support for the plates, reducing battery degradation.

Intelligent technologies
Land Rover engineers focus on the introduction of intelligent, appropriate technologies, and the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e is no exception. In congested traffic, when the Stop/Start technology will shut down the engine frequently, other features and technologies will not be compromised, so in-car entertainment, climate control, Bluetooth, driver information and other electronic systems will continue to function.

Technologies such as the new voltage quality module, the battery monitoring system, the brake vacuum sensor and the enhanced climate control system have been developed to ensure that such services continue uninterrupted in a stop situation.

Voltage quality module
The voltage quality module maintains critical vehicle systems, safety and occupant comfort. It supplies a constant voltage around the vehicle's electronic components during a stop-start, ensuring that key services continue uninterrupted by the sudden outrush of amps from the battery.
The technology is effectively a direct current converter, which can convert low voltages, such as that experienced during a stop, to a stable higher level for short but crucial boosts, ranging from one to five seconds in duration.

Battery monitoring system
If any of these factors show a low measurement, the Stop/Start feature is overridden and the engine will continue running until more battery power is available.

Brake vacuum sensor
The Freelander 2's brake system is specified with significant vacuum reserves, but these reserves can become depleted for a number of reasons, such as use of the brake pedal when the engine is switched off. Ultimately this would lead to vacuum reserves becoming exhausted, which would affect the brake servo's operation and pedal loads, in some cases causing them to rise substantially.

To mitigate this, the brake vacuum sensor is specified on all Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e models, and if vacuum reserves fall to a level that will affect brake pedal loads, the system overrides the Stop/Start function until the brake vacuum is replenished - ensuring brake pedal loads are maintained.

Enhanced climate control system
A number of changes have been made to the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e's climate control system to help ensure occupant comfort and reduce misting during stop-start situations.

One significant change is the introduction of an auxiliary water pump. On conventional vehicles, the water pump shuts down with the engine, but on TD4_e models, the introduction of the auxiliary water pump maintains the flow of coolant during engine shutdown, keeping a steady cabin temperature.

The climate control system monitors cabin temperature and maintains fan speed at a level that will protect the battery's state of charge when the engine is shut down. In extreme hot or cold conditions, extended stops, or if an occupant selects a higher fan speed during a stop, the engine will re-start if necessary to preserve occupant comfort.

LAND ROVER e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES
The Freelander 2 TD4_e is just one element of Land Rover's comprehensive green technology roadmap, which will drive the company to increasingly lower emissions and more sustainable technologies in the coming years. This is a key part of the £700 million investment in sustainable technologies being made by Jaguar and Land Rover.

Land Rover engineers are working on a series of advanced propulsion technologies and lightweight structures aimed at bringing CO2 emissions down to class-leading levels. This doesn't mean sacrificing core Land Rover values: the renowned all-terrain capabilities of its future vehicles could actually be improved by some of the exciting new powertrain technologies, such as the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) announced at the British International Motor Show in London earlier this year.

The company's ambitious programme for continuing CO2 reduction stretches well into the future. For example, Land Rover is developing future hybrid and other green technologies in conjunction with the UK Government's Technology Strategy Board (TSB).

Land Rover Discovery 3, 2009

Land Rover Discovery 3, 2009

 
 

The 2009 Land Rover Discovery 3 made its global debut at the 78e Salon International de l'Automobile, Geneva (March 6-16, 2008). The eye-catching exterior revisions for 2009 add fresh refinement to the acclaimed exterior design - incorporating new front and rear body colour bumpers, body coloured wheel arches and revised exterior detailing.

The pure and clean exterior design has been refined with a re-profiled front bumper, (body coloured on all models), and revised rear bumper and wheel arches, which are body coloured on higher trim levels [SE and HSE -application varies by market]. The distinctive, asymmetric two-piece tailgate now comes with body coloured tailgate lift handle and the attention to detail continues with the revised coloured side vent, door handles on higher trim levels, and clear-lens side repeaters across the range.

A new 19-inch 7-spoke wheel style and three new exterior metallic paint colours - Santorini Black, Galway Green and Bournville [black with a hint of brown] - complete the exterior changes for 2009. Interior upgrades include a new "almond" trim colour and an updated Bluetooth system.

The Land Rover Discovery 3 has earned itself a reputation as the ultimate all purpose vehicle. The latest revisions add to an already class-leading package to build on the Land Rover Discovery 3's unique position as one of the most versatile vehicles in the world - on-road refinement to rival executive saloons, flexibility to surpass people carriers and class-leading all terrain capability.

Land Rover LRX Geneva Concept, 2008

Land Rover LRX Geneva Concept, 2008

 

A striking black and silver version of Land Rover's acclaimed LRX cross-coupe concept makes its global debut at the 78e Salon International de l'Automobile, alongside the original white LRX revealed earlier to widespread acclaim (at NAIAS, Detroit, in January).
No production plans have been confirmed yet for the LRX concept, and both versions will now be used to gauge public, dealer and media response to Land Rover's cross-coupe concept, as well as its interesting new opportunities for vehicle personalisation.

BOLD EVOLUTION
The LRX concept marks a bold evolution of Land Rover design, signalling the brand's potential shift into new areas of the market, while remaining true to its core values. As the company celebrates its 60th anniversary during 2008, the three-door LRX, with its more compact size, lighter weight and sustainability-focused technologies, clearly addresses the needs of a changing world and offers the potential of 120 g/km CO2 emissions and fuel economy of 60 mpg (4.7 l/100km) on the European combined cycle.

COMPACT AND PREMIUM
LRX is described as a cross-coupé and dramatically extends the scope of what Land Rover represents. Though 149 mm (5.9 in) shorter than the Freelander 2 / LR2 and 205 mm (8.1 in) lower, LRX is conceived as a premium car, designed to appeal to new customers in the luxury and executive sector - those who want many of the benefits of a 4x4 and the presence of a larger vehicle, but in a more compact package.

The first all-new Land Rover revealed since Gerry McGovern became the company's design director, LRX is a natural extension of the Land Rover range, complementing the existing models and helping to define a new segment. Its many recognisable Land Rover design cues include bold new interpretations of the signature clamshell bonnet, the floating roof and the solid 'wheel-at-each-corner' stance.

Its compact size is one of its greatest assets, which will appeal to anyone who wants the versatile ability of an agile 4x4 with the cachet of the Land Rover name. In addition, its lower weight and the reduced aerodynamic drag resulting from the smaller frontal area would help give significant gains in fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.

HIGHLY EFFICIENT POWERTRAIN
The white LRX is conceived as a highly fuel-efficient 2.0-litre, turbodiesel hybrid, capable of running on bio-diesel. In combination with other Land Rover technologies, this powertrain could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30% compared with other 4x4s of comparable size, and reduce CO2 emissions to approximately 120 g/km.

LRX's improved efficiencies are the result of advanced mechanical and electrical energy-saving elements, which are combined to achieve cumulative gains in many areas.
The concept's integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) is particularly significant in Land Rover terms as it would allow LRX to use electric drive alone at lower speeds while retaining full (even improved) 4x4 ability in tough conditions. Unlike the hybrid technology used by some 4x4 rivals, Land Rover's unique solution retains mechanical drive to all four wheels.

Off-road, the ERAD would provide additional torque only when it is needed, and with maximum electrical torque from standstill, this solution offers even better low-speed control and enhanced pull-away on difficult surfaces (such as packed snow or wet grass) or when towing.

On the road, the ERAD would allow low-speed traffic creep up to 20 mph (32 km/h) on electric power alone, with the Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG) function re-starting the engine automatically when needed. The electric drive would then continue to assist the mechanical drive until the engine is running in its most efficient range, benefiting both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The ISG would also stop the engine automatically when the vehicle halts in traffic, so the engine does not idle needlessly, and restart it quickly and smoothly as required.

The electrical drive system uses power stored in a dedicated high-voltage, high-capacity, lithium-ion battery pack, independent of the normal 12-volt battery. This is charged by a regenerative braking energy system, also working through the ERAD.

EXTENDING 'BREADTH OF CAPABILITY'
The positioning of LRX could be described as moving subtly from traditional SUV to crossover, with its more car-like appearance and dynamics that are sportier and on-road biased. But while its character is underlined by excellent agility, handling and performance, LRX also promises the widest breadth of capability in the class.

The design of LRX was developed entirely in-house by Gerry McGovern's team, driven by a passion to create a car that truly represents Land Rover's future thinking. It has a very dynamic profile, with a distinctive taper to the floating roofline and a muscular shoulder running the length of the car, accentuated by the rising beltline. The glazing wraps right around LRX, with no exposed pillars, creating a bold design graphic. The architectural structure of the upper body can be glimpsed through the windows and roof - echoing some of the best contemporary buildings.

Pushing the wheels out to the four corners helps give the car its purposeful stance, and its front-end design makes a powerful and instantly recognisable statement of Land Rover's identity. The carefully sculpted corners dramatically reduce the car's visual overhangs front and rear.

There are new interpretations of Land Rover's traditional clamshell bonnet, distinctive headlamps and perforated two-bar grille. The car has jewel-like, tapering blade indicator clusters front and rear, and the wheelarches are wide but softly integrated, housing highly polished, 20-inch alloy wheels.

The fine detailing includes additional polished aluminium in the form of side-strips, side and bonnet vents, and the exterior door releases, which are concealed in the car's shoulders. Graphic details such as these appear to be 'punched out' of the smooth body surfaces rather than overlaid on them. The 'frosted' white paint colour was especially developed for LRX and its visual depth helps to highlight the car's form.

IMPECCABLE, PREMIUM INTERIOR
The interior of the LRX concept clearly demonstrates how a compact Land Rover can still be roomy, practical, versatile - and sophisticated. The impeccably executed cabin features a combination of soft leathers in rich tan and dark chocolate, with polished aluminium details, while the visible structures of the seats, instrument panel and roof architecture not only give a highly distinctive look but also help save weight.

The 'fast' sloping architecture of the centre console reflects LRX's sporty dynamics, as does the distinctive binnacle over the instrument cluster. The electronic display uses 'floating' LCD graphics to create a three-dimensional look that can be personalised for different drivers, as well as interacting with LRX's touch-screen display.
The instrument graphics present data in layers depending on their level of importance, to give maximum relevant information with minimum distraction. When appropriate, displayed information transfers between the main instrument cluster and the touch screen. Further adding to LRX's involving personality, different Terrain Response modes are matched by changes in the cabin's background 'mood' lighting colour - green in 'Eco', red in sports and blue in general driving and off-road modes.

CLEVER USE OF SPACE
Although LRX is compact, clever use of space makes it impressively roomy, and many neat design touches maximise its practicality. A second touch-screen area gives a fully interactive display and control for LRX's iPhone docking facility.

There is also a coolbox, plus a bottle chiller that can be clipped to the lowered tailgate. The tailgate also has integral aluminium cupholders between two padded seating areas, for a new twist on the idea of a traditional Land Rover tailgate lunch.
Every interior design detail combines to maximise both actual space and the feeling of space. The clear roof is supported by a 'spider' frame running into the A-pillars, and the rear quarter pillars have glazed apertures for improved visibility and a lighter feel in the cabin.

LRX's distinctive seats 'float' on individual plinths and have open frameworks to reinforce the impression of light, airy interior space - while also creating useful under-seat and under-floor stowage areas. The clever, articulated mechanism of the powered seat backs maximises interior flexibility and helps create a large, flat storage area when needed. With the rear seats folded forward, two mountain bikes can be fitted upright behind them, with front wheels removed and stored in dedicated slots in the floor. Alternatively, skis and surfboards can be accommodated in the generous load space, which has multiple tie-down options and a through-loading option.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT DESIGN
The exposed structures of the seats, roof and instrument panel are just one novel approach that Land Rover's designers have taken to reduce vehicle weight. Another example is replacing the glass for the side windows and roof with polycarbonate from SABIC Innovative Plastics, which is around 40% lighter. The polycarbonate also blocks virtually all UV light (protecting interior materials from fading), while special nano-technology within the material reduces infra-red transmission, helping to keep the interior cool.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
    * Length: 4351 mm / 171.3 in
    * Width (excluding mirrors): 1895 mm / 74.6 in
    * Width (including mirrors): 2083 mm / 82.0 in
    * Height: 1535 mm / 60.4 in
    * Wheelbase: 2660 mm / 104.7 in
    * Engine (proposed): 2.0-litre turbodiesel
    * Fuel economy (potential): 60 mpg, 4.7 l/100 km (on European combined drive cycle)
    * CO2 emissions (potential): 120 g/km (on European combined drive cycle)

Friday, December 31, 2010

Land Rover Discovery 4 Limited Edition

Land Rover Discovery 4 Limited Edition
Land Rover Discovery 4 Limited EditionLand Rover Discovery 4 has launched a special edition of the Landmark for the United Kingdom. Available in black or white Fuji Santorini. This car has a unique grille, roof rails Black Satin, and 20-inch alloy wheels five. Inside, the cabin offers leather Taurus (with contrast stitching), Grand Ivory trim, and special floor mats.

Power is provided by the engine turbo-diesel 3.0-liter with an output of 180 kW (245 PS / 241 hp) and torque of 600 Nm (443 pounds-ft) of torque. This allows the SUV to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 9.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 112 mph (180 km / h).
Prices start from £ 46.945 (OTR), Landmark will begin to arrive in UK dealers in January.

Land Rover Defender 90 Yachting Edition

Land Rover Defender 90 Yachting Edition
Land Rover Defender 90 Yachting Edition
Land Rover Defender 90 Yachting EditionCruising its way to the Essen Motor Show floors, is the sea-flavored Land Rover Defender 90 Yachting Edition, created by Brabus affiliate Startech. And while it ain't an amphibious off-roader, this Defender takes its styling inspiration from -you guessed it- maritime themes.

Finished in a bright white color, the Defender 90 Yachting Edition rolls on 16-inch alloys wrapped around in wider tires measuring 267/75 R16. Complementing the 4x4's looks are new running boards with integrated entrance lights that are activated via the keyless fob or by opening one of the doors, an SVX grille and body-colored headlight covers.

Greater emphasis has been given to the nautical-themed cabin. The crew of Startech's Defender are greeted by a yacht-like wood flooring and navy-blue leather with contrasting white stitching covering with the doors, dashboard, center console and Recaro sport seats. In addition, the shells of the seatbacks are painted white to match the exterior while the headliner is made from Alcantara finished in navy-blue.

A sport steering wheel, aluminum pedals and high-end infotainment system round up the interior appointments.