RANGE ROVER

The 'Land Rover Range Rover', usually shortened to just 'Range Rover', is a four-wheel drive luxury SUV produced by Land Rover in the United Kingdom. It was first introduced in 1970. 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. It was originally powered by the lightweight Rover V8 engine. Current models are now powered by a Jaguar V8 of 4.4 litres. The vehicle is currently one of the most expensive vehicles of its type on the market.
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.
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. The specially modified Range Rovers used for this expedition can be seen in the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust collection at Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK.
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".
Before 1987, Land Rover vehicles were only sold in the United States through the grey market. The Land Rover company began selling the Range Rover officially in the U.S. in 1987. From that time until 1993, the U.S. marketing was all in the name of Range Rover, that being the only model offered in the American market. In 1993, with the arrival of the Defender 110 and the imminent arrival of the Land Rover Discovery, the company's U.S. sales were under the name "Land Rover North America".

Contents
History
The first luxury SUV
Early history
1970
1995
2002
2004
2005
2006
2007
TV and film appearances
References
See also
External links

History

The first luxury SUV

Although it had many features not found on most other SUVs at the time, it is debatable whether or not the Range Rover was the first luxury SUV, as many people claim. Other luxury SUVs, such as the Jeep Wagoneer (1963) were produced before the Range Rover. These were the first four-wheel drives that were not designed as strictly commercial vehicles; rather, they were versatile and off-road capable family vehicles. However, the Range Rover introduced features such as all-coil spring suspension, permanent four-wheel drive and disc brakes on all wheels whereas the American vehicles retained leaf springs and drum brakes (although some American SUVs like the Wagoneer also had automatic transmissions and power steering, which the original Range Rover lacked). Although Jeep may have been the first to introduce luxurious off-road vehicles to the general public^[1], the Range Rover was the first to add advanced suspension and braking technology to the mix.

Early history

Rover had been experimenting with producing a "big brother" to the Land Rover as far back as the 1950s, with the Rover P4-based two-wheel-drive Road Rover project. This was shelved in 1958, and the idea laid dormant until 1966, when engineers Spencer King and Gordon Bashford set to work on a new luxury off-roader.
In 1967, the first Range Rover prototype was built, with the classic Range Rover shape clearly discernible but for a different front grille and headlight configuration. The design of the Range Rover was finalised in 1969. Twenty-six Velar engineering development vehicles were built between 1969 and 1970 and were road registered with the number plates YVB 151H through YVB 177H.^[2]
It is commonly thought that "VELAR" is an acronym for Vee Eight Land Rover, however the name is derived from the Italian 'Velare' meaning to veil or to cover.^[3] Range Rover development engineer, Geof Miller, used the name as a decoy for registering pre-production Range Rovers. The Velar company was registered in London and produced forty pre-production vehicles that were built between 1967 and 1970. Most of these Velar pre-production vehicles are accounted for and have survived into preservation.³

1970

Main articles: Range Rover Classic

The first generation Range Rover was introduced in 1970. Improvements compared to the Land Rover "Series" models included permanent four-wheel-drive with a lockable centre differential, all-coil suspension, disc brakes on all wheels, and a 3.5 L aluminium Rover V8 engine. The vehicle was built on a steel ladder frame, and most body panels were aluminium. However, design weaknesses, such as using steel bolts to fasten aluminium panels and poor anti-corrosion protection of the chassis, resulted in the vehicles suffering from electrolytic corrosion. While this problem did not appear for some time, after 10 years of ownership it became a severe problem. In a car with shorter expected 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 three-door design (with the "third door" being a horizontally split tailgate), and it came with a four-speed gearbox. A Fairey overdrive was available ex-works from 1973. A factory-built version with five doors arrived in 1981 due to market pressure; external coachbuilders had already found success with conversions. The gearbox was improved to a five-speed manual transmission with the option of a three-speed Chrysler Torqueflite automatic, subsequently superseded by a ZF four-speed which improved fuel economy and refinement but is generally regarded as not quite as strong as the Chrysler. It was soon after given a BorgWarner viscous coupling transfer box.
The original Buick 3.5-litre engine gave the original so much power and torque that it was popular with the police. Later upgrades enlarged the capacity to 3.9 litres and culminated in the 4.2-litre V8 block in the 1992-95 model. When people began to demand better fuel economy, Land Rover introduced a diesel. Originally, the Turbo D model used a 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine from Italian manufacturer VM Motori, similar to their engine fitted to the Rover SD1 and 800-series cars, but this had been intended to be a smooth petrol-like engine for cars, not off-roaders. Eventually the Land Rover 2.5-litre Tdi as used in other Land Rovers was fitted, and this gave good on- and off-road performance, combined with acceptable fuel economy for a vehicle as heavy as the Range Rover.
Land-Rover first officially exported the Range Rover to the United States in 1987, seventeen years after its introduction, by which time it was a popular grey market car.

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 1994 to 2000 competing with the Lamborghini LM002. 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 anti-lock braking system and two-wheel traction control — although later models saw this feature applied to all four wheels. In 2000 the Range Rover was facelifted and three special edition models were released:
# The Anniversary edition which was manufactured in Wimbledon green with green leather upholstery and cream piping.
# The Holland and Holland edition: Made in collaboration with Holland and Holland (a famous gunsmith based in London, UK). This model was manufactured in dark green paintwork, brown leather upholstery with cream piping, gun boxes, H & H inscriptions throughout the vehicle, partially green painted alloys and every extra such as a DVD player and TV's throughout the vehicle. 400 Holland and Holland Range Rover's were manufactured, all of them came with 4.6 litre petrol engines.
# The Range Rover Linley: This is the most exclusive range rover ever made. It was designed by the famous interior designer David Linley [1]. The Range Rover Linley was entirely black, with black top quality leather upholstery, black lambswool rugs, black ebony wood inserts, black leather headlining, black tinted alloys and an endless list of other exquisitely made additions. All electrical accessories such as a full entertainment package came as standard. At the time of release the Range Rover Linley retailed for over £200,000 in the UK and only 10 models were ever created.
Two more special edition models were released in 2001:
# The Range Rover Bordeaux: This was available with bright 'Bordeaux Red' paintwork and partially coloured alloys. Also included was cream leather upholstery with 'Bordeaux Red' piping and 'Bordeaux Red' carpeting throughout, including the inside of the tailgate. 200 Range Rover Bordeaux's were manufactured; 100 4.0 litre petrol models and 100 2.5 litre diesel models.
# The Range Rover Westminster: This was available in either silver or grey paintwork different from the usual paintwork of those colours available and grey tinted alloys. The interior was available in "Westminster Grey" leather upholstery with black piping, light grey poplar wood interior, and further colour coordination to the carpets and ceiling. 400 Range Rover Westminsters were produced; 200 4.0 litre petrol models and 200 2.5 litre diesel models.

2002

In 2002 a third generation model was introduced which saw the model move further up-market. Land Rover was now owned by Ford, after they took over from BMW in 2000. The Range Rover initially came with the BMW M62 V8 petrol with 282 bhp 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 unibody architecture was chosen, with many design cues from the original model.
From the Diesel engine of the 2006 model to the supercharged V8, the car can reach 60 mph from 14.8 seconds to 5.0 seconds and has a top speed from 110 to 170 mph (actual speed) respectively.

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 as a 2006 model.

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, 305 hp version of the Jaguar 4.2-litre V8 was developed and first used in the new 2005 Discovery/LR3 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 400 horsepower—the same engine slated for the new Range Rover Sport (the RRS model uses a detuned variant making a total of 389 bhp), scheduled for introduction about the same time (mid 2005) as the updated Range Rover. Both engines are lightweight aluminium 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 was updated for 2006 along with the BMW V8 replaced with a Ford unit. The new engine choices were Jaguar's AJ-V8, with 4.4 L 300 hp (227 kW) or 4.2 L 400 hp (298 kW) supercharged variants. This new Range Rover was officially presented at the 2005 North American International Auto Show and released in summer 2005.
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, rear view camera, a wireless video camera system 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 and an electronic network system known as CAN. A similar system is also used on Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover Sport.
Suppliers for the 2006 Range Rover's components include the DENSO Corporation for touch screen navigation and Alpine car audio for integrated head unit rear seat entertainment. Connaught Electronics Limited (CEL) provides the rear view camera (RVC) and wireless camera (VentureCam) systems and PTI telephone capabilities are provided by Nokia. The audio system is built by Harmon Kardon.

2007

For 2007, all of the Range Rover's changes were mechanical or interior. On the inside, the hidden folding cup holder that popped out of the centre console in previous models was replaced by a simpler and more durable in-console design with sliding covers — almost identical in design to those in the Range Rover Sport. The ignition switch was moved from the lower-part of the centre console up to the dashboard, next to the steering wheel and the Range Rover received the Range Rover Sport / LR3's Terrain Response system as well as a redesigned four-wheel drive control panel. The handbrake is now electronic. Additionally, the seats differ from the old style, slightly resembling the new Range Rover Sport with cooling fans optional on the HSE and standard on the Supercharged. Heated seats are standard across the board and the premium seats from the BMW era are no longer available. The HVAC system was also updated with more vents and quieter operation. That, along with the acoustic laminated windscreen will lower driving noise. An increase in interior storage is mainly attributed to the new split-dual glovebox. And then in a return to original Range Rover styling, more wood inserts have been added to the doors and centre console. Mid-way through production of the 2007 model (around production date of January 2007) the style of the key was changed from the BMW design to Land Rover's current "switchblade" type.

The 3-litre BMW 6-cylinder diesel engine 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 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.
To celebrate twenty years in North America, Land Rover produced the 20th Anniversary Edition Range Rover, of which only forty were produced. Each vehicle is a Supercharged Range Rover in a special pearl white paint with 'Diamond' split-spoke 20" wheels and a unique, two-tone interior. Badges on the tailgate and door sills denote the vehicle as such and lists its production number out of the 40. This special edition retails for US$145,000. Only one of each model was distributed per dealer and the dealerships were chosen in a 'lottery'. The fortieth one was auctioned at a silent auction to benefit charity.

TV and film appearances

Versions of the Range Rover have appeared on television and in films over the years.
Phil Mitchell in EastEnders drove a 1998 Range Rover from October 2005 until May 2007, when the car sunk into a lake after veering off a road.
The Cohen Family in The O.C. owned a Range Rover throughout the series.

References

1. http://imageevent.com/mmm_mag/1966to1969superwagoneerregistry;jsessionid=vqhtedbxx2.lion_s/ See PDF entitled "Move Over, Range Rover"
2.
The History of the Range Rover Marque

3.
Velar History The Range Rover Register

See also

★ Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)

★ Towing capacity

External links

★ Official website of Range Rover

★ The Land Rover FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Land Rovers

★ rangie.com - The Range Rover Knowledge Base - Range Rover resources, with articles and technical tips as well as a mailing list