Autoblog

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Land Rover's London concepts.

Land Rover's luxury mud-plugging image isn't fairing well in an era of high gas prices and eco concerns, so its rolled out two new technologies at the London Motor Show to prove that the automaker has its eye on a sustainable future.

Two LR2 prototypes are on hand featuring a parallel hybrid system mated to a turbo diesel engine. Testing is currently underway and so far, LR has seen a reduction in CO2 emissions by up to 20 percent. The Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD), originally shown on the LRX concept, can deliver power to all four wheels through a 288-volt electric motor producing around 150 lb.-ft. of torque. When complete, the system is expected to proliferate across the Land Rover line-up, along with a new lightweight architecture and a refined start-stop system, under the banner of e_Terrain Technologies.

The second development is the Crankshaft Integrated Starter Generator (CISG), which incorporates an electric motor into a dual clutch transmission, giving a boost in torque and starting the diesel mill.

Both systems aren't going to be ready for primetime for a few more years, but Land Rover's start-stop technology should find its way to production sometime next year.


[Source: Land Rover]

Here's the four wheeled bearded lady of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, courtesy of Kahn Design and (God help us) Cosworth. To us, spending tens of thousands of dollars on a vehicle, then affixing a bodykit to it that would make an '88 Grand Am sneer seems a bit nonsensical. Then again, being of means doesn't always translate into having sense. As if that wasn't enough, even Cosworth hasn't coaxed much out of this abomination. The 3.6-liter diesel V8 gets an extra 30 horsepower, for an even 300. We're not likely to see that powertrain in US-bound Range Rovers any time soon, but it'd be a lot easier to stomach if it were wrapped in the Sport's sheetmetal. We can only hope that this kit isn't glued on that well – from the looks of that front bumper, it's not – and we're guessing that it ends up as tire fodder on the Earl's driveway.


[Source: AutoTrader UK]

Take a ride through Los Angeles and you very well might see a Range Rover with a gun rack, but even with those giant spinners it won't be as pimpin' as Overfinch's Range Rover Country Pursuits Concept. Although labeled as a concept vehicle, the Overfinch Country Pursuits is available for order for a cost-no-object $287,000.

The show car unveiled at the London Salon Privé appeared resplendent in Aubergine purple with custom bodykit, including custom front and rear bumpers, side skirts, roof spoiler and exhaust tips. Inside it's all posh in Light Avocado and Cordovan leather with Olive Ash wood trim, plus a specially-crafted gun compartment complete with three sliding drawers for a removable gun case, ammo, and -- just to round things out -- a crystal stemware set. But just in case you thought it was all show, Overfinch has tuned the 4.2-liter supercharged V8 from 396hp all the way up to 470, along with fitting Brembo brakes with silver branded calipers and a special on-the-fly adjustable suspension. We know this is targeted as the ultimate hunting accessory, but frankly we're not sure who would be buying such a vehicle, nor are we sure we'd want to meet him.

[Source: CarScoop]

Click above for more renderings of the Bell Aurens Longnose

Few things define British motoring better than a Land Rover and the classic roadster. So, why not combine the two? While the vehicles share nothing in common except their status as iconis, two German Brit-car aficionados have melded the two vehicle classes into the Bell Aurens Longnose Land Rover. The end result is somewhat reminiscent of a Willys Jeepster, though it's far more serious in intent. Custom bodywork sits atop a classic Land Rover Series chassis, to which V8 or V12 power is added -- it's up to the buyer. Four-wheel-drive and low-range gearing assure that the Landie's off-road credentials are left fully intact.

Based on the rendering above, the vehicle certainly looks long and low, with no protection from the elements to speak of. Its lengthy bonnet leads to a passenger compartment fronted by folding windscreens. A choice of rear end styles will be available, including an optional boattail, perfect for fording muddy waters. You can read the long-winded press release in its entirety over at The Land Rover Chronicles.


[Source: The Land Rover Chronicles]

Click to view the Range Rover Autobiography in hi-res

Land Rover is preparing to unveil a new, even more luxurious version of its range-topping Range Rover at its home-market British International Motor Show later this month in London. Oddly named the Autobiography (though no more odd than the Vogue nameplate), the new luxury trim level features an array of premium features.

Among the elements that set the Autobiography apart from its "lesser" siblings are a choice of three new wheels (you actually get four of them, plus a spare) like the 20-inch diamond-turned alloys seen in the picture above, a pallet of new color options and stainless steel grille and side vents. Inside, the Range Rover Autobiography gets new leather trim everywhere, optional wood trim on the steering wheel and shifter, stainless steel pedals and sat-nav and TV screens.

Follow the jump to read the full press release, and click on the thumbnails below to view in high resolution (and we don't mean like living clean or eating less Doritos this year).

[Source: Land Rover]

Britain's Autocar says that Land Rover will follow up the introduction of the production 3-door LRX with a more practical 5-door edition as well. We loved the compact and sporty LRX concept, and we're glad Land Rover is going to produce a 3-door that should closely mimic its appearance. That said, the word that it'll also be joined by a 5-door is completely unsurprising, as the additional entrances make the LRX a more appealing suburban recon vehicle. After all, it's a lot easier to haul the kids to ballet class and Little League when they have doors of their own to clamber in and out of. Autocar's sources also told the pub that a hybrid drivetrain -- a key element of the concept car -- is also expected to find its way into the mix, given current concerns regarding fuel economy and vehicle emissions. Look for the LRX to debut in 2011. If the production car winds up being anywhere near as good-looking as the concept, there should be no shortage of them in neighborhood garages and driveways shortly thereafter.


[Source: Autocar]

Land Rover is reportedly developing a new seven-seater SUV based on the Freelander. Codenamed "Project L486", the new vehicle will slot into the line-up in between the Freelander and the Discovery, with styling cues culled from the LRX concept. The vehicle will use Ford's EUCD platform, which also underpins the Freelander as well as the Volvo XC60, V70 and S80 and the Ford Galaxy, S-Max and Mondeo. While the new model, which could appear under the "Ventura" nameplate, is said to be more on-road focused than off, it will still feature such go-anywhere systems as hill descent control operated via Land Rover's "Terrain Response" switch, along with traction control and stability management. A wide array of powertrain options are expected to be on offer, including diesel and gasoline engines mated to manual and automatic transmissions as well as Ford/Volvo's Getrag-sourced dual-clutch transmission and a mild hybrid system.

The new model is expected to make its debut in 2012, with production taking place alongside the Land Rover Freelander and the production LRX and the Jaguar X-Type at the Halewood plant in Merseyside, England.

[Source: Autocar]

If you have a passion for Tata-owned British luxury vehicles and you're willing to move to central England, then Jaguar/Land Rover may have the opportunity of a lifetime for you. The newly Indian-owned British marques are looking to fill 600 positions to beef up their engineering staffs that work on emissions performance. Both experienced engineers and yungins fresh out of college are needed, as well as a few HR schmucks and some purchasing and finance bean counters. The reason for the new hires includes tough new European CO2 emissions targets coupled with the fact that former parent Ford Motor Company had been supplying much of the brain-power to meet those targets. Many earth-saving technologies have already been developed, like an engine stop/start system for Land Rover, but more bodies are needed if game-changing products like the LRX are to see the light of day. If you apply, remember that reading Autoblog daily is considered a total asset by HR people.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd, Photo by madebytess
CC 2.0]

It looks as if Ford is finally putting a fork in the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors... it's done. According to a statement from Ford, which can be read after the break, the sale of the two British automakers has been officially finalized as of today. Ford also wishes the best for its recently departed companies and their employees. Awww, isn't that sweet? We're glad we can all still be friends.

At Jaguar Land Rover, things seem to be business as usual. The company has announced that its new proud papa, Tata Motors, has named former CFO David Smith the new CEO for Jaguar and Land Rover. You may recall the untimely death of Geoff Polites, the company's previous CEO. Today's announcement of Smith's new appointment comes right on schedule based on past information provided by the company. Smith has already been the acting CEO since Polites' death late last April.

[Sources: Ford and Automotive News - sub. req'd]

With the cash-infusion that Jaguar and Land Rover are getting from their recent acquisition by Tata Motors, hybrid vehicle development for the two brands is now underway. Indeed, production hybrid vehicles are expected within the next five years. A three-liter liter diesel six cylinder engine, an enlarged version of the current 2.7 liter, and a new five-liter direct injected V8 will be used for these planned hybrids. While JLR knows it wants a hybrid, the exact system for development is still under debate. Mercedes plans to use a new transmission from supplier ZF for its upcoming S-Class, and Jaguar is said to be considering this unit as well. According to Autocar, another option for Land Rover is known internally as the 'Electric Rear Axle Drive' electric motor.

Both Jaguar and Land Rover have recently received government funding for the development of eco-friendly technologies, and much of the work for the upcoming hybrids is expected to be completed as part of these initiatives.

[Source: Autocar]