Land Rover Range Rover

The Range Rover is a brand of automobile, the top luxury 4x4 ('four 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 engine of 3528 cc (3947 cc in later variants). The vehicle proved popular in the UK and elsewhere in the world.

However, prior to 1987, Land Rover vehicles were only sold in America, through the grey market. Strong grey market demand led the Land Rover company began selling the Range Rover in the USA officially in 1987. 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.

History

1970

The first generation Range Rover was introduced in 1970. Improvements compared to the "Series" model include permanent four-wheel-drive with 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. However, design flaws, such as using steel bolts to fasten aluminium panels and poor anti-corrosion protection of the chassis, resulted in the vehicles suffering rot. While this problem did not affect vehicles when new, after 10 years of ownership it became a severe problem. In a car with shorter lifetime, this would have not been a problem. In a car like the Range Rover, which runs well even when 20 years old, it is, and needs to be corrected, by means such as Waxoyling the chassis and using stainless steel bolts.

Originally the car was a 2-door design with a 4-speed gearbox. A Fairey overdrive was available ex-works from 1973, but did little to improve refinement of the crude transmission. The car was updated to five door in 1981 when Land Rover realised the market demanded such. The gearbox was improved to a five speed manual transmission with the option of a 3 speed Chrysler Torqueflite automatic, subsequently superceded by a ZF 4 speed which improved fuel economy and refinement but is generally regarded as not quite a strong as the Chrysler. It was soon after given a BorgWarner viscous coupling transfer box, improving off road performance. The transmission is so good the vehicle easily keeps up with traffic on roads today with plenty of excess available. The engines are also renowned as the best ever fitted to four wheel drives. The original Buick 3.5 litre engine gave the original so much power that is was regarded as phenomenal. Later upgrades enlarged the capacity to 3.9 litres and finally culminated in the 4.2 litre V8 block in the long wheelbase LSE variant that enabled speeds up to 110 mph and so much power that it can tackle any hill or any other off road obstacle. When people began to demand better fuel economy, Land Rover introduced a diesel. Originally, it was a 2.5 Litre VM diesel, but this was underpowered. Eventually the world-renowned Land Rover 2.5 L turbocharged Tdi (turbo diesel) was fitted which gave exceptional on and off road performance, combined with amazing fuel economy for a vehicle as heavy as the Range Rover. It was introduced to the US in 1987, where it is known as an SUV (sport utility vehicle).

1995

After 25 years from the introduction of the first generation Range Rover, the second generation Range Rover - model-designation 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 and this was made possible by BMW's ownership of the Land Rover brand from 1995 to 2001. 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. A magazine Land Rover ad once told they may not have another new Range Rover until 2020. However, the third-generation Range Rover would be made for 2002.

2002

In 2002 a third generation model was introduced which saw the model move further up-market. The Land Rover brand name, and the Range Rover model for that matter, were now owned by Ford when they took over from BMW in 2001. Range Rovers initially came with the BMW M62 V8 gasoline and 6-cylinder diesel engines because at that time, when the third generation Range Rover was being developed, it was still owned by BMW, 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 Range Rover Sport is a production car development of the Range Stormer concept vehicle the company showcased in the 2004 North American International Auto Show. 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.

2005

Conscious of the need for more power to keep up with the Range Rover's competitors, and reluctant to keep relying on BMW for power plants, Ford presided over the adaptation of engines from Jaguar (also Ford-owned) for Land Rover use. A 4.4 litre, 345 hp version of the Jaguar 4.2 litre V8 was developed and first used in the new 2005 LR3/Discovery 3 model, temporarily giving it more power than the Range Rover! At the 2005 Detroit Motor Show, a major update of the Range Rover was unveiled, with the base model using the LR3/Discovery 3 engine, and a premium model using a supercharged version of the Jaguar 4.2 litre V8 developing 390 horsepower -- the same engine slated for the new Range Rover Sport, scheduled for introduction about the same time (mid 2005) as the updated Range Rover. Both engines are lightweight aluminum alloy units, with advanced torque-based engine management systems that, together with drive-by-wire throttle control and variable camshaft phasing (on the 4.4 litre version), continually adjust the engine to deliver optimum performance. Both the engines are specially adapted by Land Rover for better low speed torque characteristics (important in off-road driving), the ability to run at the extreme angles encountered off road, improved protection from dust and rocks, and improved sealing needed for wading.

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 accessed 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.

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.

Suppliers for the 2006 Range Rover's components include, the DENSO Corporation for touch screen navigation, Alpine car audio for integrated head unit rear seat entertainment, and PTI telephone capabilities provided by Nokia. The audio system is built by Harmon Kardon

2007

The 2.7 L AJD Diesel V6 was replaced for 2007 with Ford's new 3.6 L AJD-V8. This engine boasts 272 hp (203 kW), far more than the 177 hp (132 kW) of the previous BMW Inline 6 engine. Other changes for 2007 include better brakes, a revised suspension, and Land Rover's Terrain Response system. Supercharged Range Rovers will also use an electronic rear differential. The interior is also refined, with optional cooled front seats and more cargo capacity.

Awards

The Range Rover was Car and Driver magazine's Best Luxury SUV for 2002.

External links

Official website of Range Rover
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
rangerovers.net - Includes the most active Range Rover message board in the world. Lots of emergency and money saving information.

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