2012 Range Rover Evoque

The Evoque is a big step forward for Land Rover. Not only because it is the smallest and most fuel efficient model in the British firm's range, but also because its styling will influence the design of the new 2012 Range Rover (spied here testing with heavy camouflage), according to the company’s head of design Gerry McGovern.
“There are aspects of the design that will be key. Range Rovers usually have a level window line and the body’s side and glass areas are equal. We’ve got rid of both on the Evoque, but we’ve still got the signature floating roof” said McGovern in an interview with Autocar magazine.
In addition, both the windscreen and the rear window will have a steeper angle, contributing to the sportier feel of the new Range Rover, while the interior will bear some resemblance to the Evoque. Land Rover says it will try to improve interior space, especially for rear passengers.
Reducing fuel consumption is also priority, not only with the use of more modern engines but also by constructing the Range Rover from alloy panels which is said to help shave about 450kg (992 pounds) reducing the weight to around 2,200kg (4,850 pounds).

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Evoque “Victoria Beckham Special Edition” Delayed by Daughter’s Birth

Apparently, Land Rover views the Range Rover Evoque not only as its smallest, more frugal and most affordable model that will bring new customers to the brand, but also as a lifestyle statement.

That’s why, according to company insiders, Land Rover is ready for the launch of a “Victoria Beckham Special Edition” named after the former pop star and the company’s new creative design director.

Said insiders told British magazine Autocar that the design of the special edition Evoque has been finalized. However the launch is being delayed until the former Spice Girl is ready to work again after giving birth to her and Los Angeles Galaxy football player’s David Beckham, daughter.

Land Rover has not yet revealed any information regarding the launch date or the specifications of the car. Given Victoria’s style, we expect a “posh” interior and, probably, a matching price tag for the privilege of owning one.

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2012 Range Rover Sport

After the introduction of the updated Discovery 4, Land Rover released details on its 2012 Range Rover Sport that features similar mechanical changes and equipment upgrades for the new model year.

As with the Discover 4, the Range Rover Sport’s more powerful 3.0-liter SDV6 diesel engine receives a 10HP boost lifting output from 245-horses to 256HP and is now mated to Land Rover’s new ZF 8HP70, 8-speed automatic gearbox. As a result, CO2 emissions have been reduced from 243g/km to 230g/km while combined fuel economy has improved from 30.7mpg to 32.1mpg UK.

Along with the new 8-speed transmission, the Range Rover Sport SDV6 now comes equipped with the 'Drive Select' rotary gear shift and steering wheel-mounted paddle shift.

Thanks to a low-flow fuel injection system, CO2 emissions for the entry level 211-horsepower diesel engine have been reduced from 243g/km to 224g/km.

The range-topping 5.0-liter supercharged V8 gasoline engine remains unchanged for 2012, continuing to deliver 510-horses and a 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint time of 5.9 seconds.

Other changes to the 2012 Range Rover Sport include new colors for the exterior and interior trims, a restyled powered single piece tailgate that is standard across the range, enhanced audio and infotainment systems and a next generation 7-inch touch-screen that is available with optional Dual View technology.

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Project Kahn’s New Range Rover Sport

The tuners over at Project Kahn have unleashed a new customized version of the Range Rover Sport called the Miyagi edition. According to the design house, the new special edition was created with “a view to aiding the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan”. And by that, Project Kahn means to raise awareness and have customers donate to the people of Japan through the company’s website.

The founder of Project Kahn, Afzal Kahn says the Miyagi edition is the last Land Rover to feature the company’s special Bali Blue hue. “With regards to the “Miyagi” edition, Land Rover’s decision to no longer offer the Bali Blue color affords A. Kahn Design an opportunity to build a bespoke vehicle that will hopefully be remembered for all the right reasons,” said Kahn.

Besides the Bali Blue color, the Miyagi edition sports a flat black finish for the roof, the central part of the hood and the exterior trim details such as the side air vents.

A ten piece Kahn body kit that includes a restyled front bumper with fog lamp surrounds in billet steel finish, a rear bumper replacement with exhaust diffuser, side skirts, side vents with double mesh, and rear quad stainless steel exhaust system by Cosworth along with the bespoke 22-inch RS Cosworth wheels complete the exterior modifications.

On the inside, the Miyagi editions features bespoke quilted leather upholsteries along with a new speedometer, rev counter and clock, plus contrasting silver stitching for the steering wheel and gear shift knob.

Project Kahn said the Range Rover Sport Miyagi Edition is available for order now with prices starting from £69,000 for the diesel model and £89,000 for the petrol version.

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Land Rover Begins Production of Range Rover Evoque Series

Series production of the long-anticipated Range Rover Evoque began on Monday, July 4, at Land Rover’s Halewood plant. The “baby Range” has already raked in 18,000 advance orders from customers in more than 170 countries worldwide, and is expected to contribute to the UK economy with a £ 2 billion annual export value, along with another £ 2 billion spent on UK suppliers.
"The Evoque is an incredibly exciting vehicle that joins a product range which across both of our brands is the strongest we have ever had – and it fits in perfectly" commented Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer.
In order to build the Evoque, the company had to more than double Halewood’s workers, to over 3,000 employees, with 75% of its production destined for export.
The Evoque is just the first in a (quite ambitious) program of 40 new products that parent company, Jaguar Land Rover, plans to implement in the next five years. To achieve its goals, the automaker plans to invest £ 1.5 billion annually in developing new models, engines and technologies.

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2009 Land Rover Range Rover Performance Review

Performance
According to most reviewers, the Range Rover combines sedan-like performance on-road with billy-goat capability off-road. The result is an SUV that's immensely enjoyable to drive.

Acceleration and Power
The Land Rover Range Rover comes in two trim levels. The base HSE model has a 4.4-liter V8 making 305 horsepower at 5,750 rpm. It also produces 325 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. More power is available in the Range Rover Supercharged model, which has a 4.2-liter Supercharged V8 making 400 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 420 pound-feet of torque. The Supercharged engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration on either the HSE or Supercharged Range Rover is powerful. Both the Range Rover HSE and the Range Rover Supercharged get an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 12 miles per gallon in the city and 18 miles per gallon on the highway for the base engine, and about the same for the Supercharged V8 -- lower than most vehicles in the class. Both models require premium gasoline.

Handling and Braking
Handling on the 2009 Range Rover is nimble for a vehicle of this size and considerable weight. Given the Ranger Rover's extreme size and weight, its confident braking performance is a pleasant surprise.

Reviewers widely agree that the suspension on the 2009 Range Rover is a technological marvel. From inside the passenger cabin and while in motion, the suspension can be raised or lowered, depending on driving conditions. At its tallest the Rover can safely cross up to 27.6 inches of water, yet when it hits 70 miles per hour, the suspension lowers the vehicle for better road grip and control.

Off-Roading
Though the consensus is that the suspension is quite competent and luxurious on-road, it is off-road where the Range Rover really shines. Though it's an independent air suspension, off-road it behaves like a live-axle setup. When the suspension senses harsh off-road conditions, crosslink valves open to let one wheel affect the other. The result is that when one wheel is pushed up by an obstacle, the opposite wheel is pushed down to deliver more power to the ground and clear whatever is in the Rover's path.

The suspension is combined with the transmission, four-wheel drive and traction control system for what most test drivers observe as one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the market. Off-road, drivers can control the Range Rover with the Terrain Response System. From a switch in the passenger compartment, the driver selects from five types of road conditions, including normal driving, slippery conditions, mud, sand and rock-crawling. The system then automatically adjusts the throttle, brakes, traction control and suspension according to the conditions. For steep trail sections, the 2008 Range Rover comes equipped with Hill Descent Control (HDC). When activated, this system allows the SUV to safely and stably attack steep and rough slopes by automatically controlling the braking, transmission and throttle.

The transmission again shows its strength in off-road exercises, thanks to the lowest gearing in its class. It also has an extremely slow low-range crawl, and can poke along at 2.4 mph at 1,000 rpm, giving drivers the power and control they need for demanding off-roading.

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