Range Rover
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Wikipedia-Article "Range Rover"
- See also: Land Rover Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover is the top luxury SUV (4 Wheel Drive in British English) model of Land Rover. The Range Rover was built on a box section ladder type chassis, much like the contemporary Series Land Rover, but utilised coil springs as opposed to leaf springs, permanent four wheel drive, disc brakes all round and powered by the lightweight Rover V8 of 3528cc (3953cc in later variants). The vehicle proved popular in the UK and elsewhere in the world. However, prior to 1987, Land Rover vehicles were not sold in America. In the summer of that year, the Land Rover company began selling the Range Rover in the USA. From that time until 1993, the US marketing was all in the name of Range Rover--they were a one-product company. In 1993, with the arrival of the Defender 110 and the imminent arrival of the Discovery, the company changed its name to Land Rover USA.
From its inception, the Range Rover has been one of the most luxurious sport utility vehicles although it has always been built for off-road capability foremost.
Among enthusiasts, the original model is known as the Classic, the second generation is known as the P38A and the latest generation is known as the L322 or just "new Range Rover".
In 1972 the British Trans-Americas Expedition became the first vehicle-based expedition to traverse both American continents north-to-south, including traversing the infamous roadless Darien Gap.
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History
1970
The first generation Range Rover was introduced in 1970. Improvements compared to the "Series" model include constant four-wheel-drive through a lockable centre differential, all-coil suspension, disc brakes on all wheels, and a 3.5 L aluminum Rover V8 engine. The vehicle was built on a steel ladder frame, and most body panels were aluminium.
It was introduced to the US in 1987, where it is known as an SUV (sport utility vehicle).
1995
A second generation Range Rover - the P38A - was introduced for the 1995 model year, with an updated version of the Rover V8 engines. There was also the option of a 2.5 litre BMW turbo-diesel. The new model was even more luxurious, incorporated new engine management (smoother and more powerful) and improved air suspension that allowed automatic, speed proportional height adjustment. This could also detect when the vehicle had become 'grounded' and attempt to raise itself to maximum height in an attempt to gain traction. The chassis was also made stronger and new welding techniques were used. Other features included ABS brakes, and 2-wheel traction control - although later models saw this feature applied to all four wheels.
2002
In 2002 a third generation was introduced which saw the model move further up-market. Range Rovers now come with BMW M62 V8 gasoline and 6-cylinder diesel engines (a legacy of Land Rover being owned by BMW when the third generation Range Rover was being developed), although only the V8 gasoline is offered in North America. The last model has improved ground clearance and cross-linked air springs. This time, a monocoque body was chosen, with many design cues from the original model.
2004
On 26 November 2004, Land Rover released the first photographs of the Range Rover Sport, a new model it planned to show to the public for the first time at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (The photographs showed an example with a orange-painted body.) Though called the Range Rover Sport, it was not merely a new specification within the Range Rover line-up, but rather an entirely new vehicle, based on the Discovery/LR3 chassis. This model was released for sale in late 2005.
2006
The Range Rover's exterior will be updated for 2006 along with the expected replacement of the BMW V8 with a Ford unit. The new engine choices will be based on Jaguar's AJ-V8, and include a 4.4 L 305 hp (227 kW) or 4.2 L 400 hp (298 kW) supercharged option. This new Range Rover will be shown for the first time at the 2005 North American International Auto Show and will be released for sale in the summer.
In addition, the 2006 Range Rover is equipped with an updated "Infotainment" system. This includes a touch screen with on and off-road navigation, radio, CD, Satellite Radio (US), telephone and other additional features all accesed via the same user interface. The audio system is Harman Kardon Logic7 surround sound. Also available is a DVD rear seat entertainment which is fully integrated.
The suppliers include:-
Touch screen and navigation = DENSO Corporation
Integrated Head Unit and Rear Seat Entertainment = Alpine car audio
Telephone (PTI) = Nokia
Audio = Harman Kardon
This system is linked by a fibre optic network known as Media Oriented Systems Transport or MOST. A similar system is also used on Land Rover Discovery and Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
Awards
The Range Rover was Car and Driver magazine's Best Luxury SUV for 2002.
External links
- rangie.com - The Range Rover Knowledge Base - The largest Range Rover resource on the net, with articles and technical tips as well as a mailing list.
- Fulham-Farmers, dedicated to the Classic Range Rover
- Range Rover Register