Autoblog

Fifth Gear headed to Velocity Channel in October

George Kennedy — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, UK

For those familiar with Fifth Gear, it's a welcomed alternative if you have burnt yourself out from watching 12 hours straight of Top Gear on torrents and BBC America reruns. The show is hosted by former TG presenters Tiff Needell and Vicki Butler-Henderson, along with two-time BTCC champ Jason Plato and auto journalist Jonny Smith.

Now word comes that the British enthusiast program will be joining Discovery's Velocity network and its automotive-based lineup. The placement makes sense, as Fifth Gear airs on the UK's Discovery network.

If one were to compare the two shows, Fifth Gear is a more grounded and traditional car review show than the bigger-budget extravaganza that is Top Gear. Needell and Co. still test some of the most powerful automotive machinery in the world, but the format does not tend to include the outlandish competitions and outsized personalities of its better-known rival. Top Gear may have the more epic production values, but Fifth Gear is more rooted in reality and more focused on presenting the car-related facts.

Fifth Gear powerslides onto the Velocity channel this October - check out the trailer below.

Continue reading Fifth Gear headed to Velocity Channel in October

Fifth Gear headed to Velocity Channel in October originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen building Beetle Shark Cage in honor of Shark Week [w/video]

Chris Tutor — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 12:14:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Humor

What do sharks and the Volkswagen Beetle have in common? No, this isn't a joke. We can't really come up with any uncontrived correlations, but that isn't stopping VW from being the title sponsor of Discovery Channel's 25th annual Shark Week.

But, apparently, VW and Discovery also had some difficulty relating a small, German hatchback to a large, voracious, man-eating fish.

"When Volkswagen approached us asking, what's the next big thing we have going on this year that they can align with, Shark Week was a natural choice," said Scott Felenstein, SVP-ad sales, Discovery Channel in a story on AdAge.com. "Shark Week is Discovery's Super Bowl."

"The biggest task for us was how to integrate VW and Shark Week without it just being tacked on," said Scott Clark in the same story. He's one of the creative directors for the project at Interpublic Group's Deutsch. "We tried to find the similarities between sharks and the Beetle, but there weren't a lot. Instead we took the fun and playfulness of the Beetle on land and brought it under water."

So how do you work Beetle into Shark Week? With a wireframe Beetle shark cage, of course!

"We wanted the integration to be authentic and fit naturally with the Volkswagen brand, imprinting our signature style on Shark Week," said Justin Osborne, general manager, marketing communications, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "The Beetle shark cage plays on the silhouettes of two of the most iconic images, the shark fin and the Volkswagen Beetle."

VW's press release says the "Volkswagen Beetle Shark Observation Cage" will "put viewers in the driver's seat as it cruises along the ocean floor."

Check out the full press release and video below.

Continue reading Volkswagen building Beetle Shark Cage in honor of Shark Week [w/video]

Volkswagen building Beetle Shark Cage in honor of Shark Week [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 12:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover completes 8,000-mile Journey of Discovery from Birmingham to Beijing

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 May 2012 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, China, Europe, Land Rover, UK, Middle East, Russia, Beijing Motor Show, Off-Road

Not long ago, Land Rover embarked on an epic trans-continental road trip that sought to retrace the route taken by a similar expedition in 1956 and raise £1m for the Red Cross. And after 8,000 miles traveled through thirteen countries - starting in Birmigham, England and ending in Beijing, China - they finally made it.

The departure was celebrated with the production of the millionth Discovery, the arrival timed to coincide with the Beijing Motor Show. Along the way the rugged motorcade swung through Switzerland for the Geneva Motor Show, hit some of Europe's oldest cities, traversed a wide variety of terrains and climates, rolled through Chernobyl as the first private vehicles to tour the disaster site since the nuclear meltdown there 25 years ago, visited an array of museums and toured a former Soviet submarine base.

But before it could complete the final 72-hour leg into China, the crew had to detonate a controlled avalanche to clear an alpine pass. In other words, it was not your average road trip. Read more about it in the press release below and scope out the high-resolution images in the gallery for a closer look at what the convoy encountered along the way.

Continue reading Land Rover completes 8,000-mile Journey of Discovery from Birmingham to Beijing

Land Rover completes 8,000-mile Journey of Discovery from Birmingham to Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover brings expedition-minded DC100 concept and LR4 special edition to NY

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Land Rover, Luxury

Not that we don't like the Land Rover DC100 Concept or anything, but this is the third version of the next-gen Defender that Land Rover has trotted out at an auto show in the space of seven months. (Never mind that it looks like they just repainted the Heritage Blue one from the L.A. show.) Forgive us, then, for wishing Land Rover would get on with it and announce that it's going into production.

But no. Instead, we get this: The Land Rover LR4 Luxury Limited Edition. With a mere 2,000 available worldwide, Land Rover seems serious about the limited part. A long list of unique trim pieces including "HSE Luxury" badging on the tailgate and interior finishes borrowed from the Range Rover should take care of the rest of the equation.

If you'd like all the details about things like "satin chrome" and "Havana" (that's a color, by the way), the full press release on the special LR4 is after the jump.

Better yet, check out the episode of Translogic where our sister site drives the DC100 - also available after the jump.

Continue reading Land Rover brings expedition-minded DC100 concept and LR4 special edition to NY

Land Rover brings expedition-minded DC100 concept and LR4 special edition to NY originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover to celebrate quarter-century in U.S. at NY Auto Show

Zach Bowman — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Classics, SUV, Etc., Land Rover, Luxury, Off-Road

Land Rover has a big anniversary to celebrate at this year's New York Auto Show. The company is marking its 25th year in the States, and it's busting out a few historical models for display at the show for the occasion. Those include a 1987 Range Rover, a 1993 Land Rover 110, a 1995 Range Rover Classic and a 1994 Camel Trophy Discovery, among others. These bruisers won't just be parked under the expo center lights, either. Land Rover has set up a special off-road course on site to demonstrate the vehicles' capabilities.

Though the brand debuted in 1948, Land Rover didn't officially make its way across the Atlantic until 1987. Since then, Americans have bought over 575,000 of the upwardly mobile sport utilities. Land Rover is largely credited with inciting the luxury SUV craze with its plush Range Rover line. When the leather-trimmed four-wheel drives arrived in the U.S. in '87, their $30,850 MSRP put it head and shoulders above the competition... at least in terms of cost. Hit the jump for the full press release, but before you do, check out our gallery of vintage Land Rover awesome.

Continue reading Land Rover to celebrate quarter-century in U.S. at NY Auto Show

Land Rover to celebrate quarter-century in U.S. at NY Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover sends millionth Discovery on transcontinental fundraising expedition

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, China, Plants/Manufacturing, Land Rover, UK, Off-Road

Land Rover is no stranger to achieving lofty goals, whether it's summiting one of the world's tallest mountains or traversing expanses of its most barren wilderness. But this time, it has reached another milestone altogether as the millionth Discovery (sold in the States as the LR4) has rolled off the marque's West Midlands production line.

The achievement was reached just the other day at the JLR assembly plant at Solihull near Birmingham, England, expedited as it was by a 20 percent workforce expansion over the last six months to keep up with demand for the 45,000 units sold across 170 markets in the last year alone. But rather than consigning the capable luxury SUV straight to the museum or selling it to an waiting customer, Land Rover has more philanthropic plans in mind for the landmark vehicle.

To mark the occasion, Land Rover is embarking on an 8,000-mile expedition across thirteen countries over 50 days, starting in Birmingham and ending in Beijing. The epic transcontinental road trip - being undertaken in the very same millionth Discovery built - is earmarked to raise £1 million ($1.95M) for the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the most ambitious fundraising project the British automaker has ever undertaken. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Land Rover sends millionth Discovery on transcontinental fundraising expedition

Land Rover sends millionth Discovery on transcontinental fundraising expedition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Discovery's new Velocity channel launching October 4 [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Celebrities

Thankfully, there's plenty of programming on television for automotive gearheads: Top Gear shows and motor racing broadcast from locations around the world, car chase scenes in movies, the always-dysfunctional crew from American Chopper... heck, there's even a whole channel called Speed. But it's about to get some competition on the octane-drenched airwaves.

As we reported back in July, Discovery is gearing up to launch the Velocity channel, jam-packed with car-related programming, all broadcast in high-definition. Discovery has now announced that the channel will begin airing in place of the existing HD Theater on October 4 at 7 pm (Eastern Standard Time). But just what can we expect when it does?

Fortunately, the producers have hit us with details on network's new lineup. Velocity wont be entirely about cars, targeting as it will "upscale men" in general. So there will be some NFL coverage, gadget shows, finishing programs and such. But what about the cars?

For starters, MotorWeek - the staple car magazine show that's been on the air for over 30 years now - will be calling the network home. The initial line-up also includes American Icon with Chip Foose, Chasing Classic Cars, What's My Car Worth, Inside West Coast Customs and the motorcycle show Cafe Racer - many of which were previously shown on HD Theater but which will debut their new seasons on Velocity. Click here for more details, and check out the teaser video after the break.

Continue reading Discovery's new Velocity channel launching October 4 [w/video]

Discovery's new Velocity channel launching October 4 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover dumping alphanumeric names

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Land Rover

According to a new report, Land Rover will soon adopt a global naming structure that allows the company's products to carry the same nomenclature around the world. Currently, Land Rover sells the LR4 and LR2 here in the United States, but overseas, these vehicles are better known as the Discovery and Freelander, respectively.

This isn't a huge leap for Land Rover to make. After all, even before the LR4 (well, LR3) debuted in 2004 as a 2005 model, its predecessor was called the Discovery here in North America. The same applies with the LR2, which was previously known as the Freelander. While those old names evoke both positive and negative feelings within the minds of both enthusiasts and buyers, the recognition is still there, something that apparently can't be said for the company's current alphanumeric naming conventions.

Car and Driver reports that these naming changes will be coming within the next five years, when the successors for the current LR4 and LR2 arrive.

Land Rover dumping alphanumeric names originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Discovery to launch Velocity TV automotive network this year [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos

Discovery is launching a new cable network to cater specifically toward well-moneyed male auto enthusiasts. According to the network, Velocity is set to serve up around 400 hours of programming that includes a mix of new shows as well as reruns of old favorites. Some of those will be pulled from HD Theater, including Inside West Coast Customs, Mecum Auto Auctions, Cafe Racer and Chasing Classic Cars. So far, it's unclear exactly what new shows will surface on the fledgling network, but given that the channel is aimed toward luring in the "upscale men's market," America may be safe from more NASCAR replays - at least in the beginning.

Instead, word on the web indicates that Velocity will spend at least some of its air time covering the Mille Miglia North America tribute in the U.S. this October. The three-day event will spend its time frolicking around California, and Velocity will feature a 1-hour special on the race. Hit the jump to check out an introductory video on the rest of Velocity's programming as well as a press release on the network.

Continue reading Discovery to launch Velocity TV automotive network this year [w/video]

Discovery to launch Velocity TV automotive network this year [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover LR4 Landmark edition discovers its darker side

Noah Joseph — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 11:35:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover, Diesel, Luxury, Off-Road

Land Rover Discovery 4 Landmark - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Land Rover made a splash in Los Angeles with the new five-door Evoque, back in its native UK, the company was casting a white light and a dark shadow over the go-anywhere Discovery 4/LR4.

Presented as the new Landmark edition, the special Disco can be ordered in either Santorini Black or Fuji White with coordinating interior in either ebony or ivory - the latter being offered for the first time in a Discovery. To complement the stark exterior color, Land Rover has also given the grille, roof rails and 20" alloys a darker finish and fitted it with tinted glass.

The Discovery 4 Landmark is powered by a twin-turbo diesel V6, and comes packed with all the features you'd expect from a Land Rover, plus a little touch of the exclusive. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Land Rover Discovery Landmark Edition

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Land Rover LR4 Landmark edition discovers its darker side

Land Rover LR4 Landmark edition discovers its darker side originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Nov 2010 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuner wrecks customer's Ford GT, situation devolves from there

Noah Joseph — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Safety, Ford

Anyone who's ever been hesitant to hand over their keys to another driver, or conversely to get behind the wheel of someone else's car - exotic or otherwise - will want to take note of the following story currently being played out on the internet's extensive web of car enthusiast forums.

The story revolves around a Ford GT - one of the finest exotics ever produced by an American automaker - its customization, and its unfortunate demise. The car - in classic Gulf baby blue and orange heritage livery and outfitted with twin turbochargers - belongs to one Ray Hofman, who wanted to have some modifications carried out to make it more drivable in advance of a Ford GT rally event. Having struck out with other tuners, Ray turned to Bill Knobloch of Discovery Automotive, better known to forum members as Shadowman. Bill agreed to carry out the tuning Ray was looking for, handed over the keys, and from there things went downhill in more ways than one. Follow the jump to read on.

[Sources: Bimmerboost, Ford GT Forum]

Continue reading Tuner wrecks customer's Ford GT, situation devolves from there

Tuner wrecks customer's Ford GT, situation devolves from there originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Five Alive! Fifth Gear reportedly set to return in April... with some changes

Noah Joseph — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., UK

Fans of British car shows take heart. Nope, we're not talking about Top Gear, but it's cross-town rival Fifth Gear. The Channel 5 car show that picked up after the original Top Gear was canceled was itself the victim of cutbacks recently. In the face of reduced viewership (compared to the five million who watch Top Gear regularly) and reduced ad revenue from belt-tightening automakers, network executives canceled the show back in October. By December, however, sources indicated that there was still a heartbeat and a glimmer of hope.

Now reports suggest that, following an outpouring of support, the network has agreed to keep Fifth Gear alive, albeit with some changes. The new Fifth Gear will apparently leave the studio permanently to focus directly on the test drives in a bid to lure hard-core enthusiasts disgruntled with Top Gear's decided emphasis on shenanigans. Two of the six presenters - Tom Ford and Tim Shaw - have also been dropped, leaving Vicki Butler-Henderson, Jonny Smith, Tiff Needell and Jason Plato to present the show.

With the revised format, Fifth Gear has reportedly been approved for two more seasons, with the first starting only a month away in late April, beating Top Gear's late-summer return to the punch. Apparently the Discovery network has been contracted to broadcast the show in other European markets outside the UK, so here's hoping we'll get the shows Stateside as well.

[Source: The Times of London via rpmgo.com]

Five Alive! Fifth Gear reportedly set to return in April... with some changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Discovery's HD Theater outlines the start of WRC coverage for 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:20:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Racing

2010 Monster World Rally Team Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Assuming for a moment that you won't be watching any stages live, what could possibly be better than strapping into the living room recliner and watching World Rally Championship coverage here in the United States? How about watching that very same coverage in glorious high definition? You're in luck, as Discovery's HD Theater plans to air the entire 2010 season, the start of which is coming up fast.

The action will begin on Thursday, February 25th at 10 PM Eastern with the Rally Sweden event. Racing will continue on Friday and a follow-up episode will be aired the following Sunday night from 10-11 PM ET. The second race, the Corona Rally Mexico, will follow the same schedule from Thursday, March 18th through Sunday, March 21st.

In case you're wondering, Ken Block will indeed be taking part in the 2010 Rally Sweden behind the wheel of his brand new Ford Focus RS, giving American viewers a hometown hero to pull for. Air dates for the remainder of the 2010 WRC season will be announced later.

Gallery: Ken Block's Monster World Rally Team Ford Fiesta

[Source: Discovery's HD Theater]

Discovery's HD Theater outlines the start of WRC coverage for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover increases production of new Discovery and Range Rover Sport

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Land Rover, UK, Tata, Luxury, Off-Road

It's a little difficult to keep track of what's happening at Tata and JLR these days. While the XF sales continue apace and the XJ is promising, the JLR division lost £673.4 million pounds ($1.11B U.S.) last year, and parent company Tata was $520 million in the red at the end of its 2008 fiscal year. Due to those numbers and a so-far unfulfilled quest for financing, Tata has been relentlessly talking up the need to shed production workers.

A report today, however, says that because of "forecasts of strong demand" for the refreshed Land Rover Discover and Range Rover Sport, the Solihull plant will increase production. Workers who've been on shortened hours since the spring will now go back to a five-day work week. That's good news for the employees and hopefully for Tata. Worker at Land Rover's Halewood plant don't fare so well: the Freelander factory will be shut down intermittently because of low demand.

[Source: What Car?]

Land Rover increases production of new Discovery and Range Rover Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"Twist the Throttle" motorcycle documentary series launches online

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Japan, Videos, Motorcycle

Over the weekend, Dylan Weiss from Cry Havoc Productions, Inc. let us know that his latest motorcycle-specific documentary went live at Discovery's Turbo online site. We've spent some time watching the footage, and we think it's awesome. Focusing in on Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, BMW, Ducati, MV Agusta and Bimota, the crew took plenty of footage home with them and managed to ride some of the greatest modern sportbikes ever created along the way. Best of all, over four hours of video is available online for free at their mini-site, broken down into 50 segments.

The whole shebang was shot in High Definition, so we have some serious hopes that it will air on The Discovery Channel, be offered on DVD or both. It's extremely entertaining and we definitely recommend checking it out. Thanks for the tip, Dylan!

[Source: Cry Havoc Productions, Discovery Turbo]

"Twist the Throttle" motorcycle documentary series launches online originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover builds four millionth vehicle and gives it away

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 09 May 2007 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover

Over the past half century Land Rovers have become synonymous with naturalists and peacekeepers the world over. The Land Rover factory in Solihull, England turned out the first of those famous off-road vehicles 59 years ago and yesterday, the four millionth example of the breed rolled out the plant and into the hands of the Born Free Foundation. Since these vehicles have so often been used explore and film nature, the historic model will be used to help preserve it.

The Land Rover LR3 was accepted Born Free's Founder patron Joanna Lumley and will be used by the Foundation as a Rapid Response Rescue vehicle starting this summer in England, rescuing and releasing stranded marine animals. Lumley is the actress best known for her portrayal of past-her-expiry-date party girl Patsy on the BBC series Absolutely Fabulous.

[Source: Ford]

Gallery: 4 Millionth Land Rover

Continue reading Land Rover builds four millionth vehicle and gives it away

Land Rover builds four millionth vehicle and gives it away originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2007 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover offers the Disco Pursuit

Chris Tutor — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover

Land Rover will offer only 300 copies of its Discovery 3 Pursuit package in the UK at £30,000 (about $58,500). You can have one in any color you want as long as it's Java Black with a matching ebony leather interior.

The seven-seater 4x4 has 19" wheels, chrome accents all around, and is powered by LR's 190hp TDV6. An automatic transmission adds £1,000 to the price.

It's a beautiful combination of beauty and brawn for a pretty penny.

Read the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Land Rover offers the Disco Pursuit

Land Rover offers the Disco Pursuit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Feb 2007 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover means business: launching commercial version of LR3

Dan Roth — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Europe, Land Rover

Click to enlarge

This is only for the UK, which is kind of a shame. Some of us Autobloggers live in frozen regions where cargo vans fear to tread. Of course, we could pony up for a Quigley, but a Landie offers its stellar air suspension, storied capabilities, and more comfort. For commercial users, vans often make sense, but for those of us who aren't hauling furniture, the new Land Rover Discovery 3 Commercial sounds like it'd be just the ticket. The Disco, which we know in the US as the LR3, has had some fairy dust sprinkled on it in order to receive tax refunds offered to businesses by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

Post continues after the jump.

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Land Rover means business: launching commercial version of LR3

Land Rover means business: launching commercial version of LR3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Feb 2007 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ken Block jumps a Subie waaaaay too high

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Subaru

We just saw Subaru's new lineup of rally drivers at the LA Auto Show last week, but little did we know we were in the presence of insanity. Ken Block, driver of the #43 car was on hand to show his team some support as they announced the contract extension of Travis Pastrana. It's hard to believe now, because Ken looked like a relatively normal guy, but he is certifiably insane. Who in his right mind would take a rally car, even one as capable as the WRX, and launch it 130 feet through the air?

Tipped to this story by 0-60 magazine, we managed to track down the YouTube video to show the jump in extremely poor quality, but in an attempt to prove that the still photos accompanying the story don't get taken for fakes. It seems cable fixture The Discovery Channel put this jump together for Stunt Junkies, "a TV Show where each episode revolves around a fearless feat never performed before," according to 0-60. Stunt Junkies shows how stunts are done, taking it from concept to completion. This particular episode is tentatively set to air in February. Click through the read link to hear what Block had to say about the jump, the X-Games, and fellow rallyers Colin McRae and Travis Pastrana. And to see some killer still shots too!

[Source: 0-60 Magazine]

VIDEO: Ken Block jumps a Subie waaaaay too high originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Dec 2006 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forget South Beach, Land Rover using Jaguar diet

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Jaguar, Land Rover

Hopefully the potential dispersal of the Ford Premier Group won't affect this wonderful Jaguar/Land Rover collaboration that is being rumored. By borrowing aluminum (aluminium?) expertise from Jaguar, future Land Rovers could be as much as 1,000 pounds lighter than current models. Utilizing Jaguar's rivet-bonded aluminum monocoque body design, Land Rover could continue to build large luxury SUVs that are lighter and return even better fuel economy.

According to What Car's inside source, the new Range Rover will be the first all-alloy, monocoque-bodied 4x4 when it debuts in 2010. "There's no decision yet, and we don't have to decide for a couple of years, but it seems a logical step to investigate," said their source.

As they further point out, the Discovery and Range Rover Sport are both due for replacement a couple of years after the Range Rover, and it would make economic sense to share the technology across as many models as possible to exact the best economies of scale for L-R. It was expected that the new RR might switch to Land Rover's semi-monocoque steel T5 platform, which underpins the Discovery and the Range Rover Sport, but this makes a whole lot more sense.

Curb weight for the current Range Rover is about 6,000 pounds, but with a similar 15% weight savings as Jag has witnessed, Land Rover could get that down to less than 5,000 while maintaining the off-road toughness for which its vehicles are known. The boost in fuel economy and performance wouldn't hurt either.

[Source: What Car?]

Forget South Beach, Land Rover using Jaguar diet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Oct 2006 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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