Autoblog

Paris Preview: Five-door Range Rover Evoque caught prepping for show [w/video] [UPDATED]

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Land Rover, Luxury

When Land Rover officially revealed the Range Rover Evoque they didn't include a single shot of the five-door baby crossover utility. Thankfully, someone with early access to the upcoming Paris Motor Show floor decided that was some kind of crime, and so they took shots of the more family-minded Evoque occupying the Land Rover stand. The secret snapper also got images of the cabin, and we think it's beautiful distillation of the Range Rover Sport's interior language. We can't wait to see it ourselves next week.

For now, have a look at the link below for more shots of the Evoque five-door, and be sure to hit the jump for a video of the two-door.

UPDATE: Range Rover has written to say that this is a five-door prototype of the Evoque shown to dealers at a pre-show event for dealers in Paris. It will not be appearing at the show, only the two-door.

[Source: 0-100.ro]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Five-door Range Rover Evoque caught prepping for show [w/video] [UPDATED]

Paris Preview: Five-door Range Rover Evoque caught prepping for show [w/video] [UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Defender expected in 2014 but Land Rover suffering from lack of focus?

Zach Bowman — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover, Military, UK, Off-Road

Land Rover Fire and Ice Defenders - Click above for high-res image gallery

Land Rover seems to be having some trouble figuring out how to go about putting its plan for the successor to the Defender throne into motion. According to Autocar, the company knows what attributes the vehicle should have, but doesn't know how to go about engineering the platform using existing components from the company's parts bin. Word from the web had previously said that Land Rover had planned to use the company's T5 steel platform for Project Icon (the internal name for the next Defender), though according to the report, the company now thinks that the chassis would be too heavy to be a viable option.

So what will the next-generation Defender look like? If anyone at Land Rover knows for sure, they certainly aren't telling the scribes at Autocar. According to the article, all we know for sure is that the vehicle will still wear the Defender name. Otherwise, there's just a few shady hints that the company's fancy Electric Rear Drive Axle Drive technology may show up both on civilian and military models.

Speaking of the Defender's military service, the Autocar report says that Land Rover is interested in winding down that area of its business, reducing the number of Defender body variations at the same time. With Tata having given the okay (and the funds) to proceed with the 2014 project, here's hoping Land Rover works its way through this mess in a hurry.

Gallery: Land Rover Defender Fire & Ice editions

[Source: Autocar]

Next Defender expected in 2014 but Land Rover suffering from lack of focus? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Project Kahn Range Rover Sport Vesuvius Edition looks ready to erupt

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Land Rover, UK, Luxury

Project Kahn Range Rover Sport Vesuvius Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

As luxury sport-utes go, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport is one heck of a machine. But if your neighborhood or office parking lot is already jam-packed with 'em, you may want to set yours apart as something unique. Something that really smolders. The Vesuvius edition from Project Kahn ought to do the trick.

The Vesuvius edition was previously issued on the original Range Rover Sport, but now that LR has updated the its muscle-bound SUV, so has Kahn. The Vesuvius edition features a full color-keyed aero package, an interior decked out in quilted and perforated leather, plus custom 22-inch wheels that have a surprisingly 'factory' look to them. The orange-and-black motif is finished off with special touches like a carbon-fiber umbrella and a custom watch made to match the vehicle. Check it out in the gallery below.

Gallery: Project Kahn Range Rover Sport Vesuvius Edition

[Source: Project Kahn via CarScoop]

Project Kahn Range Rover Sport Vesuvius Edition looks ready to erupt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Range Rover Evoque hits the 'Ring in five-door trim

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Land Rover

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Land Rover may be sending specially wrapped versions of its early ~~LRX~~ Range Rover Evoque prototypes to different cities around the world, but when it comes to the serious development testing, the standard swirly yellow camouflage will do. Here, our spies have caught the five-door version of the Evoque making its first foray onto the Nürburgring, giving us hope that there might be a sporting bone or two in the Evoque's skeleton.

Details on the new Evoque are still pretty slim as of this writing, but we fully expect the usual raft of details to be released closer to the crossover's public debut at the Paris Motor Show. As of right this writing, we know that both front- and all-wheel drive versions will be available and that a hybrid powertrain is planned. For now, scroll through our high-res gallery of spy shots below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Range Rover Evoque

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2012 Range Rover Evoque hits the 'Ring in five-door trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Engine shortages holding back Jaguar Land Rover sales

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover

2011 Jaguar XJ - Click above for high-res image gallery

The turnaround at Jaguar/Land Rover is happening even faster than the company's owner, Tata, had planned. A year ago, JLR posted a net loss of £64 million ($101M U.S.) in Q2; compare that to this year's second quarter and its £233.8 million ($369M U.S.) net profit on 57,135 vehicles sold.

While we're sure they aren't complaining, the boost has left JLR in bit of a lurch: production has bottlenecked because it needs more engines from Ford, after already buying "considerably more" than it expected. Ford hasn't offered any comment, but it is reported that the two companies are working together to figure out how to get Jaguar the powerplants it needs.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: Engine shortages holding back Jaguar Land Rover sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover to launch production in India

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, China, Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover, India

Land Rover Defender - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tata Motors CEO Carl-Peter Forster has announced Land Rover production would begin in India in 2011 and Jaguar is looking for a partner to produce cars within China. Although Forster didn't announce which model would be built in the sub-continent, the T5 platform used for the current LR4 and Range Rover Sport seems a likely candidate. That same platform is expected to be used for a replacement model for the classic Defender which is expected to debut in 2012.

Because foreign automakers are required to work with local companies in China, Jaguar is in negotiations for a production deal in the economic powerhouse. China's luxury market is still growing and local production would undoubtedly make it easier for Jaguar to get a larger slice of the pie.

Gallery: Land Rover Defender

[Source: Autocar]

Land Rover to launch production in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Range Rover plans fourth model

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:44:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Land Rover, Rumormill, Luxury

Range Rover Evoque - Click above to enlarge

According to Autocar, Land Rover isn't done expanding its Range Rover model lineup now that the Evoque has made its official debut. Citing so-called "well-placed sources," the UK mag suggests that LR is surprised by the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the new entry-level Range Rover - enough that it's now considering another model to slot in below the Range Rover Sport.

The report goes on to suggest that development of the proposed machine has barely begun and there's no clear indication of what exactly is in store, though a seven-passenger "lifestyle" (whatever that means...) vehicle has been hinted at. It's thought that the Range Rover Sport may be moved slightly upmarket from its current £46,000 (just over $60,000 U.S.) starting price to make room for this theoretical new model. In any case, considering that the Evoque is still quite a way off, we don't expect to see this new rumor fulfilled any time soon.

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Range Rover plans fourth model originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Land Rover LR2/Freelander 2 revealed - includes first-ever front-drive model

Zach Bowman — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Land Rover, UK, Luxury, Off-Road

2011 Land Rover Freelander 2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Put down the pitchforks, purists. While it's true that Land Rover has just announced a brand-spanking new take on its LR2/Freelander 2 that forgoes the company's go-anywhere all-wheel drive in favor of a more efficient front-wheel drive setup, the drivetrain is only available on a single diesel model. What's more, Land Rover officials tell Autoblog that we won't be seeing the FWD model on our shores (we don't get the diesel anyway). The trucklets should hit dealer lots in the UK toward the end of September, offering a more efficient take on high-riding luxury with a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine with around 150 horsepower. When bolted to a manual transmission, the engine turns out 38 mpg US. On second thought, maybe we could do without those rear tires kicking. If you're a Statesider and like the idea of a front-drive Landie, there's still a chance you'll be able to get your wish - the forthcoming Evoque crossover is also slated to be available so-equipped, although it isn't immediately clear if such models will be available here.

Land Rover will also let UK buyers bolt the thrifty little oil burner into an all-wheel drive model, though doing so carries a penalty of about 5 mpg. If you find yourself living in the Old Empire and want a little more power out of your pint-size Rover, you can opt up for a 190 horsepower gasoline engine, too, though it's worth pointing out that you can only get that mill with an automatic gearbox.

Even if North America doesn't receive the diesel or front drive, we will get the 2011 model's modestly updated look and upgraded interior. You'll have to look closely to see the changes, but there's a new bumper cap with revamped fog lamps, a revised grille finish, as well as 'improved' headlights and new taillights. Perhaps most noticeable are the Freelander 2's new alloy wheel patterns.

The baby Rover's interior has also received a badly needed update, but it only includes reworked gauges, seats, carpets and revised stowage, well shy of the interior rehabbing that the rest of the LR lineup received for 2010. Hit the jump for a look at the press release and try to spot the exterior changes in our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Land Rover Freelander 2

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading 2011 Land Rover LR2/Freelander 2 revealed - includes first-ever front-drive model

2011 Land Rover LR2/Freelander 2 revealed - includes first-ever front-drive model originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Design Q creates ultra-lux Q-VR Range Rover

Zach Bowman — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Europe, Land Rover, Specialty, Design/Style, Luxury

Design Q Q-VR - Click above for high-res gallery

What do you do when you find the $79,275 Range Rover just too common to tolerate? Sure, you could take your mountains of money to any number of positively plain customization outfits to have the interior lined in albino ostrich, but where's the taste? The style?

Fortunately for a very select group of very wealthy buyers, Design Q has gone through the pains of customizing the high rider into a pillar of luxury. The company calls its creation the Q-VR, and it rides on a lengthened Range Rover platform. Along with a little extra leg room, the additional inches in wheelbase allow for a set of doors that hinge on the top and bottom to provide the easiest of access.

Throw in niceties like a humidor, a mini spa and a drink chiller, and you've got the closest thing to private jet you can get on a highway. Design Q hasn't been kind enough to let us plebes in on how much this sucker is going to cost, but we're guessing somewhere between "ain't cheap" and "for the price of a third-world economy."

Gallery: Design Q Q-VR

[Source: Gizmag]

Design Q creates ultra-lux Q-VR Range Rover originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: New Land Rover 4.4L diesel not U.S.-bound, but next one probably will be

Chris Shunk — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover, Diesel

2011 Land Rover Range Rover - Click above for high-res image gallery

It really is too bad, at least for us Americans, that U.S. and European emission standards aren't in sync. The misaligned standards prevent many automakers from offering us Yanks the latest and greatest in fuel efficient diesel engines already available overseas. The disappointing trend continues with the 2011 Range Rover, as Land Rover rather predictably tuned its new oil burning 4.4-liter V8 for Euro-only duty.

But while we won't be able to experience a diesel Land Rover that can hit 30 miles per gallon in the European combined cycle, Autocar reports that the next generation of the engine will in fact be ready for U.S. duty. Insiders at the Tata Motors-owned automaker reportedly told the UK site that the next-gen diesel will "very likely to come to the U.S." Our friends overseas are just now getting their hands on the first 4.4-liter diesel Range Rovers, so the next diesel isn't likely to surface until 2014 or 2015.

Gallery: 2011 Land Rover Range Rover

[Source: Autocar]

Report: New Land Rover 4.4L diesel not U.S.-bound, but next one probably will be originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW not ruling out X4M

Zach Bowman — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Land Rover, Rumormill, Luxury

The automotive landscape must be stacked to the sky with kindling right now. It seems like it takes little more than a spark of interest in one odd duckling of a model to create a wildfire of a new segment. From the monsoon of crossovers currently drowning our fair nation's freeways to weird hatch/crossover/sedan creations like the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and Honda Accord Crosstour, market segmentation is all the rage right now, and it doesn't look like it'll be slowing up anytime soon.

According to Autocar, Land Rover may have started something with its ~~LRX~~ Evoque. The site claims that BMW may be looking to broaden its X lineup with the addition of an X4 - which would predictably fall just above the X3 and below the X5 - to do battle with the new low-riding Land Rover. Odds are that where Land Rover and BMW trod, others soon will follow. Autocar even goes on to say that an X4 would make it easy for the company to roll out an X4 M, complete with a 350-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo I6 borrowed from the upcoming 1 Series M Coupe. Yes, it would probably sell like hotcakes, even if we can see no reason to blast the X stable into ever finer divisions.

[Source: Autocar]
Photo by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Report: BMW not ruling out X4M originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover puts a spin on spy shot camouflage to introduce Evoque to the world

Zach Bowman — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Land Rover, Luxury

2011 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque says hello - Click above for high-res image gallery

Having already introduced its new two-door Range Rover Evoque to the world, Land Rover is taking a different tack when it comes to testing its pre-production fleet. While most manufacturers stick to draping their wares in plenty of psychedelic camouflage and plastic cladding to disguise the vehicle, Land Rover has taken to swaddling its prototypes in neon vinyl wraps to stir up a little buzz. The company is launching its final wave of testing on the vehicle, including putting the CUV through its paces in extreme environments like the Arctic.

Meanwhile, in its quest to iron out all possible bugs, engineers will be driving the Evoque around cities from New York to Shanghai - 10 in all. The Evoque will wear a vinyl wrap with a detailed GPS map of its foster city traced in neon lines from stem to stern. Very cool. Land Rover claims that the Evoque will be the lightest and most fuel-efficient vehicle the company has ever created. Whether that's true or not, this pre-production stunt will likely win the new comer the most outgoing award. Check out the gallery of high-res images below, then hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: Land Rover Evoque Says Hello

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Land Rover puts a spin on spy shot camouflage to introduce Evoque to the world

Land Rover puts a spin on spy shot camouflage to introduce Evoque to the world originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live Webcast: 2011 Land Rover LRX Evoque reveal starts... now *UPDATE

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Crossover, Land Rover

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque live reveal - Click above to watch the live webcast after the jump

It's been less than 24 hours since we told you that Land Rover would be pulling the wraps off of its new baby LRX crossover (or whatever it ends up being called when it reaches showrooms). Well, it's 3:30 PM Eastern time, and the live reveal should be spooling up as you read this.

Follow the jump to watch the webcast and see Land Rover's latest creation for yourself. Stay tuned for the full smattering of details and images as well.

*UPDATE: We now have the first official image of the production model (click here to see it in high resolution), which will be dubbed Range Rover Evoque when it goes on sale in the Fall of 2011. Expect the full details to be released this September at the Paris Motor Show. For now, Land Rover's press release is available after the jump.

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Live Webcast: 2011 Land Rover ~~LRX~~ Evoque reveal starts... now *UPDATE

Live Webcast: 2011 Land Rover ~~LRX~~ Evoque reveal starts... now *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover to reveal production LRX tomorrow?

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Land Rover

Land Rover LRX spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Even though Land Rover's baby LRX crossover won't make its public debut until this year's Paris Motor Show, the automaker will be giving the world an early sneak peek at the production model during a web unveiling tomorrow at 19:30 GMT (that's 3:30 PM for all of you in the Eastern time zone).

We'll have the full raft of details at that time, but right now, we understand that both front- and all-wheel drive versions of the LRX will be available, as well as a forthcoming hybrid model. What's more, while the original LRX spy shots stayed true to the two-door configuration of the concept, we've also spotted a four-door variant running around - an additional bodystyle that will doubtlessly expand the crossover's attractiveness to potential shoppers.

We'll know exactly what Land Rover has up its sleeve tomorrow afternoon, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Land Rover LRX

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Land Rover LRX Four-Door

[Source: Land Rover via The Car Connection | Images: KGP Photography]

Land Rover to reveal production LRX tomorrow? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Spen King, father of the Range Rover, dead at age 85

Zach Bowman — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, SUV, Etc., Land Rover, UK, Celebrities, Luxury, Off-Road

Charles Spencer King meets with Prince Charles at Land Rover's 60th anniversary.

We've got sad news for the auto world - Autocar reports that Charles Spencer King, the father of the modern Land Rover, has passed away. The 85 year-old King died as a result of injuries he sustained during a traffic collision between his bicycle and a van almost two weeks ago. The man is most known for heading up the team that brought the iconic 1970 Land Rover to life, sparking a movement that would have the world clamoring for high-riding, comfortable off-road cable vehicles that continues on today.

King was so instrumental in Land Rover's development that the company honored him with a special edition model in 1990 called the Range Rover CSK, limited to 200 individually-numbered units. But over his career, King also spent plenty of time working on a number of other interesting projects, including the Rover JET1 prototype and the wildly successful (if not reliable) Triumph TR6.

Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Michael Dunlea/AFP/Getty]

Report: Spen King, father of the Range Rover, dead at age 85 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Land Rover LRX gets another set of doors

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Land Rover

Land Rover LRX four-door spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ever since the Land Rover LRX was first displayed in concept form, the British-bred, Indian-owned automaker's sporty SUV has only been seen with a two-door bodyshell (or three if you count the hatchback). We know we weren't alone in wondering if Land Rover was locking itself into an extremely small segment of the market by not also offering a four-door, but it appears that those concerns were a tad bit premature.

As you can clearly see in our series of spy photos below, it's seems that Land Rover is hard at work on both a two- and four-door version of the LRX. Besides the likely addition of two extra portals, we don't have any other detail on what Land Rover has worked up for its new compact 'ute. As ever, that will either be rectified by those sleuthy European spy shooters or by Land Rover itself when it officially pulls the covers off the production LRX at the Paris Motor Show.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Land Rover LRX Four-Door

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: 2011 Land Rover LRX gets another set of doors originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Updated Euro-spec 2011 Range Rover includes new diesel, transmission [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Videos, Land Rover, UK, Luxury, Off-Road

2011 Land Rover Range Rover - Click above for high-res image gallery

It may seem hard to remember now, but back in the day - before Porsche Cayennes roamed the earth alongside Mercedes SUVs aplenty - the Range Rover was the be-all-and-end-all in the luxury sport-ute market. Today Range Rover may have some stiff competition, but JLR is keen to prove its top of the line is still the king of the hill, and to that effect has released a series of upgrades to the 2011 model.

First and foremost is the diesel drivetrain: a new 4.4-liter LT-TDV8 with 308 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque (rumored to be sourced from Ford) replaces the old 3.6-liter unit, coupled to a new ZF eight-speed automatic. The 7.5-second sprint to sixty may be a far cry from the 5.9 seconds it takes the gasoline-burning supercharged 5-liter V8, but for a heavy oil-burner returning over 30 miles per gallon on the European combined cycle (the first Range Rover to break that particular efficiency barrier), that's nothing to cough at. Speaking of the Supercharged model, that engine carries over essentially unchanged, while the diesel benefits from the Supercharged model's Brembo braking system.

Other revisions include an upgraded Terrain Response system, some minor cosmetic changes, new wheel options, an optional Exterior Design Pack and a special 40th anniversary Autobiography Black edition. These details - more of which you can read about in the press release and view in the video after the jump - are unfortunately limited to the European model, so we'll have to sit tight for the revisions to reach American shores. No word on plans to bring the diesel model across the pond, so for now we'll just have to add this to the growing list of torque-tastic diesels to admire from afar.

Gallery: 2011 Land Rover Range Rover

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Updated Euro-spec 2011 Range Rover includes new diesel, transmission [w/video]

Updated Euro-spec 2011 Range Rover includes new diesel, transmission [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aznom and Romeo Ferraris trick out the Land Rover Defender

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Land Rover, Off-Road

Land Rover Defender by Aznom and Romeo Ferraris - Click above for high-res image gallery

Form and function dictate the design of just about every vehicle on the market today. But if there's one that prioritizes the latter over the former, it's surely the Land Rover Defender. Produced essentially unchanged since 1983, the Defender is the very definition of the go-anywhere off-road workhorse, a favorite of military and expeditions worldwide. Leave it to the Italians, then, to give the British truck an extra dose of style.

A customization atelier best known for their Mini conversions and that outrageous custom Corvette, Aznom has given the Defender a similar visual treatment to the Abarth 500C, with a matte two-tone white and black paintjob with red detailing and front and rear bumpers made of carbon fiber. The interior has also been decked out in orange-tan leather, Alcantara and carbon fiber trim with Sparco racing buckets. And underneath the hood, Italian tuning house Romeo Ferraris has tweaked the 2.4-liter turbo-diesel four from 122 horsepower to 152, channeled to all four anthracite-finish wheels wearing Kumho Road Venture rubber. Check it out in the extensive high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Aznom Land Rover Defender

[Source: Aznom via OmniAuto.it, autoblog.it]

Aznom and Romeo Ferraris trick out the Land Rover Defender originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2011 Euro Range Rover to get 4.4L diesel, the ex-F-150 engine?

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Europe, Ford, Land Rover, Diesel

A recent report says the 2011 Range Rover (in Europe at least) will be getting a new 4.4-liter V8 diesel engine with 308 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque to replace the current 3.6-liter V8 diesel. When the the current F-150 was launched back in 2008, Ford announced that it would add a diesel V8 to the powertrain lineup in mid-2010. That diesel V8 was rumored to displace about 4.4-liters and at that time, Ford still owned Land Rover and Jaguar. When the economy hit the skids and diesel prices skyrocketed, the diesel engine plan was shelved from the pickup. We haven't been able to get any comment from Land Rover, but a Ford official has confirmed that the new Land Rover diesel V8 is being supplied from Ford's Chihuahua engine plant which also produces the new 6.7-liter Scorpion diesel for the Super Duty pickups.

However, we were reminded that Ford never officially confirmed details of the planned diesel for the F-150, so this may not be the same engine. Given all the other information we have, it does seem to be a reasonable inference. We checked with truck expert Mike Levine at PickupTrucks.com who believes this is, in fact, the same oilburner.

The fact that it's being built for the luxury SUV means that it could potentially be revived for the pickup, although that now appears unlikely since Ford has decided to add the Ecoboost V6 to the F-150 instead. As the engine was once destined for the U.S. market - with all the emissions requirements in check - it could, at the very least, eventually appear in American Range Rovers. Given the success of diesels in German SUVs, that much certainly seems plausible.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Report: 2011 Euro Range Rover to get 4.4L diesel, the ex-F-150 engine? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Tata planning to build Jaguar and Land Rover models in China

Zach Bowman — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover, UK, India, Tata, Luxury

Tata has its eyes on China. The Indian automaker has announced plans to build up to 40,000 Jaguar and Land Rover models in the People 's Republic as part of its plan to target emerging markets. So far, there's no word on exactly when Tata plans to open the doors on new production facilities or exactly where the factories will be located, but it's clear that the company wants a taste of all of the new money cropping up in China as wealth continues to migrate from the West.

Evidently, Land Rover will be the first of the two brands to be built in the country. Last year, around 208,197 globe-roaming SUVs found their way into the hands of Chinese buyers - around eight percent of total Land Rover sales. Tata is hoping that lowering production costs and increasing supply will help that number swell considerably. From there, Jaguar won't be too far behind.

Of course, the dark side of the news is that once the Chinese facilities go live, Tata will then shut down one of its two British plants. So far, it hasn't mentioned which will get the boot.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Tata planning to build Jaguar and Land Rover models in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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