Latest Articles by carolmitchel

Project Khan’s LR2 with Land Rover Performance Kit

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Kahn Design has recently shown their all-new project Khan Freelander 2 on their web site but for some unknown reasons the link was removed. Various speculations are coming out on why the link was removed and one of which is that maybe the vehicle was supposed to be held secret until after the Detroit Auto Show. Another reason that is being looked into is the fact that the body kit showed on the link is actually from the Land Rover factory performance parts catalog.

Land Rover has not made any official statement regarding the new Land Rover Freelander 2 but the Rover shown by Khan Design might be the rumored LR2 Sport. But of course we will know that for sure after the Detroit Auto Show.

The project Khan Freelander 2 adds 20” RS-C alloy (or chrome) rims and a few changes on the exterior as well as the interior features. The interior is provided with leather seats, word steering wheels, revised trim (with some optional high gloss grand Black Lacquer Finish) and of course it will not be complete without its in-car video entertainment system.

Khan Design’s Freelander 2 also uses the new Land Rover Freelander 2 factory performance body kit which is not yet officially introduced yet by Land Rover but most UK dealers have them already in their showrooms and are being offered with the rest of high quality Rover Freelander parts.

Land Rover Freelander 2: Second Generation

Land Rover Freelander 2 has made its world debut at the 2006 British International Motor Show. It will be sold in Europe retaining its original Freelander nameplate but will be marketed as Land Rover 2 in North America. And following its official debut there was an exclusive presentation for journalists held at the Kensington Roof Gardens. There were also some celebrities present at the Roof Gardens.

The all new 2008 LR2 is going to be offered in the US for a base price of US$34,700.

The second generation Freelander was derived from the Ford EUCD platform which in turn was taken from the Ford C1 platform. The EUCD platform was also used on the new Ford Galaxy, Ford S-Max and for Volvo S80 and for other upcoming lines of Volvo and Ford vehicles. New engine range will also be offered for the Freelander featuring transversely mounted 3.2 I6 engine of the Volvo S16 series which has made its debut in the new Volvo S80. The 2.2 DW12 common rail turbodiesel engine was also co-developed by Ford and PSA is expected to be equipped on the Freelander.

The Land Rover Freelander 2 is also expected to be manufactured alongside the Jaguar X-Type at Halewood near Liverpool. And unlike previous Land Rovers the new Freelander will have features such as better ground clearance and greater off-road capabilities.

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Carol Mitchel is an executive assistant in one of the leading automotive magazine in Los Angeles, California. She is a certified car lover and loves extreme sports.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Land Rover Works On An Off-road Coupe

Sat, 06 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

As Ford continues to secure its survival in the automotive industry, it is also planning moves for its precious brands. For its Land Rover brand, Ford is working on a off-road coupe. Yes, an off-road coupe.

The new off-road coupe will be introduced early next decade at around 2013 to replace the 2-door Freelander. A concept version of the car is expected to be introduced as soon as 2008. It is designed to cater to the demands of young drivers with complex driving demands.

In connection with the latest from Land Rover, its North America Division proudly pulled the curtain off its new premium compact SUV at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. LR2, the new SUV from the automaker, joins the remarkable lineup of the automaker that includes Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and LR3. With said powerful lineup around, the automaker expects a bigger slice in the auto market share.

"LR2 combines the advantages of a premium sedan -- such as polished ride, accomplished performance and an attractive cabin -- with the attributes of a robust SUV," said Richard Beattie, executive vice president, marketing and sales, Land Rover North America. "With its tough go-anywhere ability, stadium seating, cabin versatility and spaciousness, we believe that no other compact SUV gets closer to blending these best-of-both-worlds abilities."

New from the bottom up, LR2 delivers superb on-rood and off-road performance. The car made use of upgraded parts Land Rover Freelander however; the automaker equipped it with exciting new features and function to make it tempting and satisfying for the enthusiasts.

The highlights of the new car include the brand-new 3.2-liter inline-six engine that generates 230bh and provides 0-60 mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds. Said engine is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission, with Land Rover's CommandShift. These features contribute significantly in making the performance of the car livelier. The unique Terrain Response is made standard to the model. Said feature makes off-road driving easy and comfortable.

LR2's body uses a 5-door monocoque structure with a touch of fresh design language. However, its form bears the Land Rover's charm. A fully equipped LR2 will be priced from $34,700.

The Best Range Rover Ever Built

Thu, 04 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Land Rover declares all-new Range Rover as the best of its genre. This is because the automaker has added a number of great auto breakthroughs and architecture to pave the way for a magnificent Rover.

For the model year 2007, Range Rover is given a brand new diesel, Terrain Response, fascia, interior, trim and dashboard, instrumentation, electronic parking brake, cooled seats, revised stereo, a whole new set of exciting vehicle features. The latest Land Rover Range Rover parts include the V8 diesel engine, which is one of the world's most advanced. Compared to the 6-cylinder diesel engine, V8 is more powerful yet has the same fuel economy.

"The TDV8 diesel is a great new engine, to power one of the world’s great vehicles – the most complete luxury 4x4," says Land Rover managing director Phil Popham. "Its balance of performance, refinement and economy is unmatched. We believe it makes the Range Rover an even more desirable vehicle, especially in strong diesel markets, and will appeal to many customers who’ve never considered a diesel before."

"Compared with the outgoing Range Rover diesel, the new engine is up to 75 per cent quieter, a huge improvement," says Al Kammerer, product development director for Land Rover. "In both qualitative and quantitative measures, the new diesel is very similar to the V8 petrol engine – a tremendous achievement." The noise level of the new Range Rover is reduced. Noises are dampened by a comprehensive acoustic system to ensure that extraneous noises are avoided.

The performance of the vehicle is likened to excellent sport cars while its fuel efficiency level is like that of petrol saloon cars. Popham added, "Yet the new Range Rover delivers so much more – great comfort, huge carrying capacity, awesome off-road capability and massive towing ability, all with exemplary refinement."

The Terrain Response feature of Range Rover enhances its on-road and off-road capabilities while reducing driver effort. Terrain Response is a patented technology of the automaker. It allows driver to select one out of 5 terrain settings through a rotary control. Range Rover suspension settings and brakes have been upgraded to match the TDV8. Also, the electronic park brake replaced the hand brake lever in the centre console area.

These features plus significant enhancements made all-new Range Rover stand out from other luxury sport utility vehicles available today. "The most complete luxury 4x4 in the world is now even better," concluded Phil Popham.

Land Rover's New Year Resolution

Thu, 04 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Land Rover's New Year resolution is all about making auto navigation easier. So, it is offering navigation system map updates online. Jag owners can take advantage of the direct-selling offer to avail of several disks which are offered at less than half of the original price.

Update CDs and DVDs are traditionally sold through Rover's dealers. However, to increase accessibility, said updates can now be had online. “As a company we embrace the use of technology to develop the ownership experience and this is clearly demonstrated with this new facility. The ability to obtain the latest map information on-line gives our customers a simple, cost effective method of keeping their navigation systems updated,” said Phil Popham, Land Rover MD.

The new Rover web page for ordering is now available in different languages. Currently, it offers 6 languages for customers in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and the United States. Pan–European and North American DVDs are priced at £129 while CDs cost £99.

Aside from easier navigation, Land Rover is also aimed at tracking a futuristic design direction. It uses increasingly bold approach and cutting-edge technology in manufacturing new vehicles. This futuristic design is imbibed in Range Stormer. "The supercharged V8 Range Stormer gives a taste of our forthcoming new entrant in the booming high-performance SUV segment," says the managing director of Land Rover, Matthew Taylor. "The production vehicle that follows will share many of its styling and technical innovations. Range Stormer is a modern, striking, high-technology vehicle. It is very much conceived to be an on-road, high-performance machine, as well as class-leading off-road like all Land Rovers. Breadth of capability is one of its many strengths."

Range Stormer is equipped with sophisticated Land Rover suspension, traction control, powertrain, throttle response, Terrain Response and other exciting features. "You'll be seeing an increasing amount of innovative technology in our future vehicles," added Taylor. "But technology that makes the driver's task simpler, not more complicated, such as Terrain Response. You select the terrain. The car then helps you conquer it."

Range Stormer is also equipped with the supercharged V8. Renowned Jag vehicles that use said engine include the high-performance XJR and XKR models. The engine mechanical Land Rover parts used in the vehicles boost their performance and drive feel.

New Navigation For Land Rover

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Some choose to have a better year by listing down the best types of promises for themselves. Some choose to list down goals that they would like to achieve for the whole year.

This trend does not only happen in people but it also does happen in businesses and companies. You see, if you were a dealer of Land Rover body parts, for example, you would like to start the year with a goal in mind, based on what happened the previous year. That way, the experiences are still fresh and you can start anew with the New Year.

For the Land Rover brand, the group has chosen to have its own share of resolutions for the New Year. One of the most promising ones that the brand has shared with the motoring public is that it would be offering customers and interested parties a new way of navigating through our streets and roads. Land Rover says that they had thought of doing such so as to give owners an easy time while driving. They would be offering interested parties in 2007 the latest breed of satellite maps. And yes, those who would like to take part could order these new navigation system maps online. Plus, the prices are about to drop down to half its current price.

“As a company, we embrace the use of technology to develop the ownership experience and this is clearly demonstrated with this new facility. The ability to obtain the latest map information online gives our customers a simple, cost effective method of keeping their navigation systems updated,” says Phil Popham, one of the top head honchos at Land Rover. Popham disclosed such information basing on the truth that for most vehicle brands, updating navigation systems need owners to actually purchase CDs or DVDs. However, this time around, everything would be easier online.

To actually order, one must visit the site which can be accessed through www.navigation.com/landrover. The site has already been up since the 22nd of this month. Those who may have a hard time understanding the English language can actually opt to use their native languages. Some of the languages available include that of Germany, Italy, Spain, and France.

A V8 for Land Rover LR2?

Sat, 23 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Ford is considering offering a version of the new Land Rover LR2 with a V8 engine. The information was divulged by Edmunds. The automaker also intends to use the 4.4-liter V8 of Yamaha used in the Volvo XC90 and S80.

The shift to V8 is not a hard thing to do. This is because LR2 uses same platform as that of Volvo S80. Since viability is not a bother, the only query is whether consumers are amenable to pay more for an LR2. This was noted by Richard Beattie, Land Rover's executive vice president of marketing and sales. Andrew Foster, chief program engineer said that a V8 LR2 was merely an "interesting idea." Conversely, Earl Beckles, exterior designer of Land Rover, said that he would very much like to design a sportier body kit for the LR2.

“LR2 combines the advantages of a premium sedan – such as polished ride, accomplished performance, an attractive cabin and ease-of-use – with the attributes of a robust SUV, including go-anywhere ability, toughness, stadium seating, cabin versatility and spaciousness," said Phil Popham, Land Rover’s managing director. "We believe that no other compact SUV gets closer to blending these best-of-both-worlds abilities."

Land Rover Freelander, popularly known as LR2, is a compact crossover sport utility vehicle with a permanent all wheel drive. Its most recent version has debuted at the 2006 British International Motor Show. Said crossover SUV boasts its Land Rover Freelander performance parts that made it powerful and enticing. In the United States, the crossover SUV will be having a base price of $34,700.

LR2 will soon be joining well-established parts for Range Rover Sport, Land Rover Discovery off-road parts, and other renowned vehicles of the automaker. LR2's technical highlights include a brand-new 3.2-liter inline-six engine featuring advanced technologies. They are incorporated to boost outstanding performance of the vehicle.

“We purposely kept strong Land Rover design cues, such as the clamshell bonnet, stepped roof and the basic form," said Land Rover design director Geoff Upex. "The overall look is new and contemporary. The design is chiseled, geometric and simple – it looks like it's hewn from the solid. We have kept a close design relationship with the LR3 and Range Rover Sport, but interpreted the design language to suit the requirements of customers for a more compact SUV."

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Carol Mitchel is an executive assistant in one of the leading automotive magazine in Los Angeles, California. She is a certified car lover and loves extreme sports. Check out a href=http://www.landrparts.com/rover-freelander-parts.html>Land Rover Freelander performance parts for more information.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

The Land Where Land Rovers Rule

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Do you know the land where the Land Rover vehicle roam and rule over all?

Well, it has just been recently found out that among all other 4 x 4 and sport utility vehicles in the whole land of automobiles, three of the vehicle units made and created by the Land Rover brand have been considered and were proven to be the cream of the crop. These three units are the Land Rover Discovery 3, the Land Rover Range Rover, and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

This is basically according to a recent article published in the Planet 4 x 4 magazine. The magazine did further say that the Land Rover is the king of all vehicles made for the off road. Furthermore, this crowning glory of Land Rover is all part of the magazine’s inaugural awards which are given out by the magazine each year. This is sure proof that the Land Rover brand made sure that their vehicles would have the very best Land Rover body parts would be used to make the vehicles so much so that it can not only perform well but it would also last through rugged and rough terrain.

According to the magazine, the top three spots belonged to the three Land Rover vehicles: the Land Rover Range Rover TDV8, the Land Rover Discovery TDV6, and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged. The Range Rover TDV8 also took home the Best Off Roader award. As per the Land Rover TDV6 Discovery 3, this one was able to grab the Large Off Roader category while the Large SUV award was given to the Range Rover Sport Supercharged. The latter also took home the Manufacturer of 2006 honor.

Of course, if you are thinking that Land Rover took home the top awards mainly because it was the only contingent in the mentioned awards, well you should think again. You see, the brand had to contend with other large and well known auto manufacturers like Nissan, BMW, Lexus, and Audi.

“We think this is the most credible test of its kind ever undertaken by a 4x4 magazine, and Land Rover’s success can’t be underestimated,” says the editor of Planet 4 x 4, Alan Kidd.

Land Rover Freelander 2 Lands SUV Award

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

What do awards and recognition do to vehicles and vehicle brands?

Well, these awards do not just gather dust in the shelf or cabinet of these vehicle manufacturers. Such means of recognition actually do serve as a good way of telling the vehicle manufacturers that they did a great job with the awarded vehicle or vehicle product like perhaps those parts for Land Rover Freelander. Aside from this, awards and various means of recognition also do tell consumers just what they can expect out of the vehicles.

For the Land Rover brand, they have just yet added another award to their growing number of awards, recognition, and accolades. And with this new award, Land Rover can sure expect quite a number of consumers clamoring for one of their much coveted vehicle units.

The Land Rover Freelander 2 actually soared and whooshed its way so as to be able to take on the lead as the recipient of the SUV of the Year award. This award is actually given out by the BBC Top Gear magazine and is actually part of the magazine’s annual celebrations where awards are given out. Jeremy Clarkson hosted this year's event.

Despite being still new to the auto industry and the auto market, the Land Rover Freelander 2 has proven that it can be just as good (and even better) as those already grounded vehicles. If you do think about it, the vehicle has just been in the industry for just a short period of time. Imagine, the Land Rover Freelander 2 became public knowledge just earlier this year at the British International Motor Show which was held in London.

“We took the Freelander 2 to India for our awards photo shoot, and it was driven from Mumbai to Goa and back again in four days. It performed faultlessly, carrying the Top Gear team and a pile of photographic equipment through 2000 km of the busiest, roughest, and most dangerous roads on Earth,” says Michael Harvey, the editor of Top Gear magazine. Harvey even does add, “If you need to go on a road trip with a load of baggage and people, and want to do it comfortably, safely and in style, then in the compact SUV sector, the Freelander 2 is the only choice.”

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Carol Mitchel is an executive assistant in one of the leading automotive magazine in Los Angeles, California. She is a certified car lover and loves extreme sports. Check out parts for Land Rover Freelander for more information.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Land Rover Sets Forth An Iconic 2007 Defender

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

For the model year 2007, Defender will amaze auto aficionados with significant upgrades to meet vehicle legislation and enhance the overall features of the vehicle. The automaker designed the new Defender to make it an iconic vehicle to deviate from its predecessors established stigma.

The new Defender, famed for its toughness and durability, uses rugged ladder-frame box-section chassis and aluminium bodywork to deliver unmatched off-road supremacy mated with improved towing and carrying capabilities.

Defender, which is the descendant of the Series models, is an off-road vehicle with over 50 years of evolution though maintaining its conventional looks. Richard Hammond of Top Gear said that 70% of all these Defenders ever made are still running today. Production of Defender and its predecessors has exceeded 1.8 million. Its annual production remained consistent at about 25,000 units in the previous years and most of the demand came from large contract orders. Example of which is the order for over 900 Defenders by Ente Nazionale Elettricita, an Italian energy distribution company.

Land Rover Defender off road parts are oftentimes confused with those of the Series models. This is because of identical styling used. Additionally, several body parts are compatible with new models which are nearly 30 years old. Nonetheless, the differences are significant. Land Rover Defender auto parts are coil-sprung with permanent AWD and locking central differential.

Since 1948, several versions of Land Rover Defender have been produced by the automaker. As a fact, Defender preserves more than 750 jobs in Rover's Solihull factory. The factory also assembles Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Discovery Land Rover parts. The automaker is also extending the production of Rover Defender 2010 or beyond.

"With sales growth forecast in 2006, Defender remains a significant contributor to the business as well as an enduring symbol of Land Rover's 4x4 heritage," said Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director. "Its simple concept hasn't changed fundamentally over the years, but it remains as relevant as ever.

Popham added, "Defender continues to play a vital role for emergency services, aid workers and farmers around the world. As we grow Land Rover we're not forgetting our core values and our traditional customers."

Off-Road King Receives Striking Refinement

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Land Rover Range Rover comes in with a sophisticated new look and performance. For 2007, the automaker has given its flagship fresh interior for added roominess and style, chassis enhancements and upgraded four-wheel-drive system.

The 2007 Range Rover’s front fascia was noticeably softened and mated with chunkier front bumper. The delicate folding cup found at the center console of the previous model of the vehicle was replaced by a simpler version enhanced by sliding covers. Cooled front seats and greater cargo capacity are made optional.

In addition, OEM Range Rover parts were also modified. For 2007, the 2.7 L AJD Diesel V6 engine will be replaced with new 3.6 L AJD-V8 from Ford. The latter generates 272 horsepower, far better than the 177 horsepower of the previous BMW Inline 6 engine.

Other changes for the 2007 model include the integration of Land Rover's Terrain Response system and solving Range Rover air suspension problems. Terrain Response system is capable of automatically adjusting the suspension, brakes, throttle, and electronic traction aids to deliver a comfortable ride all throughout the drive. According to auto critics, with the system around, driving on a rough terrain will not result to a bumpy ride. The system drives the car for the driver. Another worthy refinement is the upgrade of Brembo brakes for Range Rover 4.4 V8. The ignition switch of the vehicle was also moved. From the centre console, the switch was transferred to the dashboard.

The Supercharged Range Rover will also employ electronic rear differential. Electronic rear differential works with the standard electronic center locking differential to boost off-road prowess. Said feature is also aimed at enhancing on-road agility. The Supercharged version is also equipped with upgraded front brakes from Brembo, premium leather upholstery, adaptive front headlights, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats and a ski sack attached to the rear center seat back. The power of the Supercharged version comes from the 4.2-liter supercharged V8 that boasts a remarkable 400 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.

The new Range Rover combines the conflicting functions of automobiles by delivering superb ergonomics and style with extreme performance of a rugged and mean off-road vehicle. Range Rover utilizes the basic formula of style, comfort, performance, reliability, and excellent off-road technology.