Autoblog

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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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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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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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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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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Range Rover settles into middle age, hits the big 4-0!

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover, Luxury

Range Rover turns 40 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Since the mid-90s, the the luxury SUV segment has become an increasingly crowded field with almost every brand trying to get a piece of the pie (and in many cases several slices of various sizes). Way back in 1970, though, there was only one. Forty years ago this month the very first Range Rover rolled out of a UK factory and its continued rolling ever since.

Unlike the Jeeps, International Scouts and Land Cruisers of the day, the Range Rover managed to combine the luxury amenities and on-the-road ride qualities of a Jaguar with the rock crawling prowess of those other brands. Range Rover built such a reputation that at one time Jaguar even considered building its own competitor. Fortunately, Land Rover came into the Ford family before that happened and now both brands have passed into Indian hands. The realities of the modern world mean that future Range Rovers will undoubtedly change, getting lighter and perhaps adopting hybrid technology. For now at least, the badge still represents the epitome of British luxury blended with jungle crawling capability.

Gallery: Range Rover at 40

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Range Rover settles into middle age, hits the big 4-0!

Range Rover settles into middle age, hits the big 4-0! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Land Rover confirms hybrid and front-wheel-drive LRX models

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 18 May 2010 11:19:00 EST

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

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

When the new LRX compact crossover hits the market, it's goal is to change the way the world perceives Land Rover. Unlike the rest of the marque's range, the LRX isn't likely to boast unbeatable off-road prowess with fuel-sucking power - quite the contrary, in fact. Land Rover has officially announced that in addition to the previously rumored front-wheel drive model, a diesel hybrid version of the LRX will be on the road in 2013. These two new-to-Land Rover features should go a long way in broadening the brand's attractiveness to new sets of buyers interested in smaller vehicles like the new LRX, though the move might risk alienating traditionalists, particularly if the model's off-road ability is severely compromised. (Note: The LRX name still isn't in the books yet, and to this day, Land Rover is referring to the crossover as the "all-new compact Range Rover").

Near the end of this year, Land Rover will start testing its first diesel hybrid prototype, which has been dubbed "range_e." This development vehicle, which rides on a Range Rover Sport platform, will use LR's existing 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 and a ZF eight-speed automatic mated to an electric motor. The goal is to produce a powertrain that can achieve a range of around 20 miles solely on electric power, while emitting less than 100 g/km of CO2 emissions. A conventionally powered production-bodied LRX was already spotted testing just earlier this week.

While this technology is still a few years away, Land Rover has assured us that the front-wheel-drive LRX will be available right away when the range launches next year. Never fear, though - Land Rover will still offer the LRX with an honest-to-goodness four-wheel drive system, and we look forward to getting both some on- and off-road time in the new baby Rover. The full details are available in LR's press release available after the jump.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Land Rover LRX

[Source: Land Rover | Images: KGP Photography]

Continue reading Officially Official: Land Rover confirms hybrid and front-wheel-drive LRX models

Officially Official: Land Rover confirms hybrid and front-wheel-drive LRX models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 May 2010 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: FWD Land Rover LRX will debut in Paris

Chris Shunk — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Land Rover

Land Rover LRX Rendering - Click above to enlarge

Hardcore Land Rover enthusiasts may want to sit down for this one. Autocar reports the UK's preeminent luxury off-roading marquee is going front-drive with the upcoming LRX; a move that is sure to rile some purists. The British site quotes an unnamed LR source as saying the Tata Motors-owned brand "cannot ignore the growth of the two-wheel-drive SUV segment."

While the small crossover segment is undeniably growing, another reason to offer a soft-roading LR is emissions. Autocar quotes LR as saying the front-drive LRX will achieve a scant 130g/km of carbon dioxide emissions, while the AWD version could net a still respectable 140g/km of CO2. That kind of efficiency would help Land Rover improve its fuel efficiency and bring down its overall CO2 footprint, helping the automaker towards the goal of meeting strict Euro emissions standards. Offering a B-Segment-sized crossover will also help Land Rover with toughening U.S. fuel efficiency standards. There is further speculation that the LRX could at some point feature Land Rover's rumored hybrid powertrain.

While the world has come to know of Land Rover's forthcoming two-door as the LRX, word is that the company isn't sure the name will make production. Among the names reportedly being considered for production is Range Rover Compact. Sounds like a lousy option if you ask us, but then again there is a good chance the little LR will get a different name here in the U.S. The front-drive LRX will reportedly bow in Paris this fall and will be offered after the 4WD model hits the market.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: FWD Land Rover LRX will debut in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Feel-Good Post of the Day: Land Rover is hiring

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 10 May 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Land Rover

Land Rover, which has worn the "beleaguered" tag for too long, is getting more and more rays of light its way. The latest bit of sunshine comes in the form of a hiring flurry - according to Autocar, the company's Solihull factory is upping its 5,000-strong workforce by the not-insignificant number of 275 workers due to strong sales.

The 2010 model line has begun to show what Land Rover is really capable of - the LR4 and RR Sport especially - and March's sales numbers were the best in the company's history, with over 11,300 new keys handed over. Congrats to Land Rover and its 275 added employees...

[Source: Autocar | Image: Matthew Lewis/Getty]

Feel-Good Post of the Day: Land Rover is hiring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next Range Rover detailed, huge weight loss, 33 mpg!

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:42:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Land Rover, Diesel, Luxury

It's no secret that in recent years Land Rover has been itching to reduce the mass of its products. Even before Ford sold the brand to Tata it had been working on a variety of lighter weight concepts. It looks like the next generation Range Rover will be the first benefactor of those efforts when it debuts in 2012.

The new flagship SUV is expected to cast a similar shadow to the current model, but the roof won't be nearly as tall. This should significantly reduce the frontal area and create less overall aerodynamic drag. Mass will be reduced by using a riveted aluminum chassis with the same type of construction as the Jaguar XJ. Land Rover is apparently targeting a cut of 450 kilograms (992 pounds), with composite materials in the body panels helping to achieve that goal.

The 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 now available in the Jaguar XF and XJ should bring CO2 emissions down from the the current 300+ grams / kilometer to under 200 g/km along with fuel economy of 33 mpg (U.S.) A diesel-hybrid is also expected in the lineup a couple of years after launch.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Next Range Rover detailed, huge weight loss, 33 mpg! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conqueror II: Hamann builds second rendition of Range Rover Sport

Drew Phillips — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover, Luxury

Hamann Conqueror II - Click above for high-res image gallery

There were so many debuts at the Geneva Motor Show this year that a few new cars were bound to slip through the cracks. We happened to miss this custom Range Rover Sport from Hamann, probably because the 670 horsepower Tycoon Evo M was sharing the same stand. Named the Conqueror II, it follows up on Hamann's first take of the Range Rover Sport that debuted a few years ago.

Benefiting from the RR Sport Supercharged's new 5.0-liter V8, the Conqueror II packs 560 horsepower and 506 lb-ft torque thanks to a revised engine management system and a sport exhaust. The exterior gets the full Hamann treatment, with a full body kit, carbon fiber hood, LED running lights and forged 23-inch wheels. Interior modifications are relatively subtle (the snakeskin seats in Conqueror I are thankfully absent) and include the usual stuff like embriodered mats, plus aluminum and carbon fiber accents. Hit the jump for full details, and high-res photos can be found in the gallery below.

Gallery: Hamann Conqueror II

[Source: Hamann]

Continue reading Conqueror II: Hamann builds second rendition of Range Rover Sport

Conqueror II: Hamann builds second rendition of Range Rover Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged brings the adventure home

Chris Shunk — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover, New Car Reviews, Luxury, Off-Road

2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite enduring a string of financial hardships, Land Rover still enjoys one of the clearest and most robust brand identities in the automotive kingdom. The English automaker has held the same core values since the company's first off-roader was created by Maurice Wilks in 1948. Wilks reportedly designed the first Land Rover to emulate a Jeep he had driven, and the first Land Rover prototype actually utilized a chassis borrowed from that legendary American off-roader. And much like Jeep, when you think of Land Rover, the words rugged, purpose-built, and capable are sure to come to mind, but the two storied marques part company when it comes to luxury amenities. England's four-wheeling pride and joy can be found in places like Africa, the Middle East, Australia's Outback and as well as the ritziest precincts of Beverly Hills and Monte Carlo.

While the core identity of Land Rover hasn't deviated much over the years, its product lineup has grown substantially. After Ford purchased Land Rover from BMW in 2000, the brand added the supremely capable LR4 and Range Rover Sport to a struggling lineup. The Sport traces its looks and name to the top-end Range Rover model, but its underpinnings are actually based on the LR4, with an integrated bodyframe semi-monocoque construction for a combination of rough and ready off-roading and good noise isolation characteristics.

The sportiest of Range Rovers has been a solid entry in the luxury mountain climbing segment for a half-decade, but the folks at Land Rover have given the Sport a very thorough update for 2010 to help it live up to fast and flashy new competitors like the Porsche Cayenne and BMW's X5/X6 M twins. We were able to get our hands on a new 2010 Range Rover Sport with the company's new Jaguar-derived supercharged 5.0-liter V8 to see if it's as accomplished on paved streets as it is off-road. Hit the jump to see if it's still our cup of tea.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged

Continue reading Review: 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged brings the adventure home

Review: 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged brings the adventure home originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2011 Land Rover LRX to debut at Paris Motor Show

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, SUV, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Land Rover, Luxury

Production 2011 Land Rover LRX rendering - Click above to enlarge

Is the world ready for a kinder, gentler Sport Utility Vehicle? Land Rover is betting on it, and the rugged British off-road brand will reportedly debut its hotly anticipated LRX at the Paris Motor Show later this year. Shortly thereafter, the production LRX will make its North American debut in LA. According to Automotive News, the LRX will go on sale in the third quarter of 2011.

We first saw the LRX Concept at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, where it was generally well received by both the press and the showgoing public. The LRX is expected to be Land Rover's most efficient model and is likely to be offered with some sort of hybrid powertrain.

Late last year, Autocar reported that Land Rover's first hybrid drivetrain would include a 3.0-liter diesel V6 engine mated up to a 25kW electric motor. The system would be a full parallel hybrid, meaning it could operate on any combination of gasoline or electricity using its onboard lithium ion battery pack.

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Report: 2011 Land Rover LRX to debut at Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Visteon shows us its next-gen tech, a dash that can tell if you're sleeping, and an in-car Tegra 2 [w/video]

Tim Stevens — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology

Click above to view the videos after the jump

News hasn't exactly been great for Visteon of late, what with getting delisted, filing for bankruptcy and attempting to end the pensions of thousands of retirees. That's the bad news. The good news? A suite of impressive prototype dashboards on display at the Consumer Electronics Show that ranges from the pedestrian, multi-colored model in the Mustang, to the crazy 3D dash powered by the NVIDIA Tegra 2 chipset. We've got photos, videos and plenty of impressions after the break.

Gallery: Visteon next-generation dashboard

Continue reading Visteon shows us its next-gen tech, a dash that can tell if you're sleeping, and an in-car Tegra 2 [w/video]

Visteon shows us its next-gen tech, a dash that can tell if you're sleeping, and an in-car Tegra 2 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Videos, Audi, BMW, Land Rover

Why the whole world loves Top Gear - click above to watch the video

If you're like us - and odds are very good you are - you have an evergreen problem. Namely, getting your significant other to feel one-tenth of the excitement about cars that you feel. Sure, you've tried explaining that while you almost drove off the freeway, it's okay because you were trying to catch up with a 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Indy Pace Car. Or that waking up at 5:30 am on a Saturday to stand around in a parking lot drinking coffee and gawking at old cars is a perfectly normal family activity. You've probably even suggested that she might be happier driving to work in a Citroën DS. Maybe that last part is just us. But maybe not.

Well friends, we have found the solution. The following ten minute clip of Jeremy Clarkson waxing extra poetic about three "mad" SUVs is practically guaranteed to delight even the most fervent, dyed-in-the-wool car hater. It's simply brilliant. Why? Because it's Jeremy at his very best. Yes, of course, he insults stewardesses, environmentalists and the mentally ill all the while powersliding around an abandoned air strip. But he does it all in his 100-percent totally lovable way that frankly we find impossible to resist. Even those spouses that think your big, fat V8, "sounds wasteful" are sure to become fast fans. How could anyone argue with "sliced dolphins?" Make the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Top Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged

VIDEO: Top Gear pits BMW X5 M against Audi Q7 TDI and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Onyx slams 2010 Range Rover, lets the boys be boys

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Land Rover, Luxury

Range Rovers by Onyx - Click above for high-res image gallery

Since we're getting close to the time frame seen in the movie Demolition Man, you might want to start shopping for a car that can prepare you for Stallone and Snipes blasting it out in the streets. Irish tuning house Onyx could have what you seek with its new 2010 Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Vogue conversions. Inside are buffalo hides and carbon fiber, and outside are a ring of bluff skirting, along with LEDs on the Vogue and, naturally, 22-inch TPM wheels.

Some under-the-hood work has also been done, adding an impressive 80 horsepower to the already very quick Supercharged model's 517 horsepower. You can read about the Onyx Rovers in the press release after the jump and check them out in the gallery of high-res photos below. And feel free to also enjoy the musical riff on this post's title - it's most likely the kind of soundtrack you'll hear coming from one of these, anyway...

Gallery: Range Rover Tuning by Onyx

[Source: Onyx]

Continue reading Onyx slams 2010 Range Rover, lets the boys be boys

Onyx slams 2010 Range Rover, lets the boys be boys originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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