Range Rover Rumors, News   & Feedback to Solihull
Archive to 2002  

Range Rover Sport Outsells Discovery/LR3

Range Rover Sport in G4 CompetitionNew Range Rover Mayfair Limo

Nokian to Make Tires in RR Sizes

RR Sport Runner-Up in Four Wheeler of the Year

Range Rover Sport to Participate in 2006 G4 Challenge

Land Rover 2nd to last in JD Power Dependability Study

Range Rover Sport Nears Launch

Land Rover Spins Off  RR Classic Parts Support:
New "Classic Parts" Program Explained

2006 Range Rover Unveiled

2005 Model Updates

Range Rover Sport??

Will Disco 3 / LR3 Hurt Range Rover Sales?

Range Rover Wins On/Off Road Comparison Test

Feedback to Solihull: Please Make EAS More Field Recoverable

"Range Stormer" Concept Vehicle

Land Rover Scores 2nd to Last
in JD Powers Survey (July 2003)

May 2006
Range Rover Sport Outsells Discovery/LR3

The latest Land Rover sales figures for April 2006 indicate that the Range Rover Sport is easily outselling the so-called LR3 in the US (known as the Discovery 3 worldwide). The sporty Sport has special appeal to the well-heeled younger set -- a recent poll on the Rangerovers.net forum indicates that more than half of Sport owners are in the 20-35 age group. During the month of April 2006, Land Rover sold 1,548 Sports, compared to 1,254 Disco3/LR3's and 929 Range Rovers.

Interestingly, while sales of the "real" Range Rover are at an all-time high, sales of the Disco 3/LR3 are down 35% from a year ago, suggesting that the Sport has taken a lot of sales away from the LR3.
 

January 2006
Range Rover Mayfair LimoNew Range Rover Mayfair Limo

Stratstones of Mayfair, London, are introducing a new Limo version of the Range Rover. It uses the supercharged engine, and is stretched 300 or 600 mm beyond normal length. Armoured versions are also available. According to the Stratstones press release, features include

·        Enhanced exterior styling

·        Full length panoramic glass roof

·        Exclusive interior styling

·        Electric reclining aircraft style rear seats

·        Fridge

·        Business/personal audio visual systems (Wi-Fi)TV/DVD

·        Engraving/embossing to the interior trim.

·        Armouring to level B6 and above, available on request.

A pdf file of photos is available at http://rangerovers.net/custom/Mayfairpics.pdf   The launch is being held at Stratstones of Mayfair, Land Rover Dealership, London. UK on Monday 30th January 2006 at 6.30pm.; if you would like an invitation, email Alan Pulsford and tell him you came from Rangerovers.net. 


Nokian SUV tireJanuary 2006
Nokian to Make Tires in Range Rover Sizes

I have always thought it odd that no all-terrain tires are available for the new Range Rover, a vehicle that is supposedly designed for all terrains. The stock tires supplied with the vehicle are rated even by the manufacturer (Goodyear) as 5 out of 10 in off road ability. Even winter snow & ice choices are relatively few, and non-existent in the 255/55R19 size most commonly found on Range Rovers. On Nokian's website there is a solicitation asking what sizes people would like them to produce, so I sent in an inquiry regarding the 255/50R19 that is standard on most Range Rovers. They recently informed me that their intention is to start making this size very soon. They already make their "SUV" pattern in in all sizes used by the Range Rover Sport, and in the 255/60R18 size used on base model RRs in many markets
.
Photo: Nokian Hakkapeliitta SUV tires, courtesy of Nokian

See the Range Rover III Tire & Wheel page for more information on tire choices for the new RR.


January 2006
Range Rover Sport Runner-Up in "Four Wheeler of the Year"

Four Wheeler magazine's annual "Four Wheeler of the Year" competition this year included the RR Sport, Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Suzuki Vitara and Toyota Land Cruiser. The Toyota came out with top honors, with the Range Rover Sport as runner-up.

The Sport did well on the pavement sections of the test, although it only registered a 10.48 second 0-60 time, about the same as a Classic RR could do with the standard 3.9 litre engine 17 years ago. Where it lost points relative to the Toyota was in off-road testing, mainly due to sidewall destruction on its very unsuitable low profile tires (255/55R19 on 19x9 rims), its harsh ride when the suspension is put into high profile, and the "steep learning curve" of the "terrain response" system. The Toyota also had better ground clearance and wheel articulation. The editors opined that they might just have given the Sport the nod if they had been given the Supercharged version and stouter tires.


October 2005
G4 Range Rover SportRange Rover Sport to Participate in
2006 G4 Challenge

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, the G4 Challenge versions of the Discovery 3 (called LR3 in US) and Range Rover Sport were unveiled. The winch-equipped Range Rover Sport is pictured at right and at top of page in official Land Rover press release photos. (Photo at top of page is on a scouting expedition for the event). The G4-equipped Sport also has Goodyear 255/55R19  MT/R mud terrain tires, skid plates, an expedition roof rack, and rocker panel guards, all of which will become official Range Rover Sport accessories. The Sport is surprisingly adept off road, as witnessed in our recent Rangerovers.net off-road test drive. Each G4 vehicle is also equipped with a kayak and bicycle, since this event is a multi-modal affair which tests the contestants' endurance and skill in more than just off-roading.

For those who don't remember, the G4 Challenge is the 21st century replacement for the Camel Trophy, which was the ultimate serious off-road endurance event. The difference is that the G4 is somewhat watered down and a bit more "Politically Correct", not being sponsored by a cigarette company. Not being a pure off-road event, it generally lacks the extreme four wheeling that characterized the Camel Trophy. As part of its new-found PC flavor, it includes fitness and physical endurance tests involving rock climbing, kayaking and bicycling. Also in contrast to the Camel Trophy, different parts of the event are held in different venues around the world. To appeal to the spandex warriors who tend to donate heavily to organizations trying to close down off-roading, each G4 Challenge vehicle (there are over 130 altogether in the fleet) has a kayak and a bicycle on the roof.

The G4 Challenge was inaugurated in 2003, when the new Range Rover was the star of the show. For the 2006 event, the Range Rover Sport will be the contestants' vehicle in the Thailand and Laos segments of the competition, likely to include some of the toughest off-road segments. (The Freeloader will be used in Rio de Janeiro and the Discovery 3/LR3 in Bolivia). More information on the event is available on the official G4 Challenge website.

July 2005
Land Rover 2nd to Last in Dependability Among All Vehicles,
and 3rd to Last in Initial Quality

Land Rover scored worse than all other vehicles except Kia in the 2005 JD Power Vehicle Dependability Survey. In the more familiar JD Power Initial Quality Study (IQS), Land Rover came third to last for the 2005 model year.

The Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) measures the number of problems over a 3 year period. Thus, the 2005 VDS covers the 2002 model year. In the words of the JD Power press release (June 29, 2005), ""While the Initial Quality Study [IQS], which measures problems experienced in the first 90 days of ownership, can be an indicator of how models will perform over time, our studies consistently show that long-term durability is a tremendously important factor to consumers," said Chance Parker, executive director of product and research analysis at J.D. Power and Associates. "As the number of problems owners experience with their vehicles increases, repurchase intent and the number of recommendations owners will make to others decreases. The study also finds that long-term durability can have a significant impact on a vehicle’s retained value.""

In the 2005 VDS, Land Rover owners reported 395 problems per 100 vehicles, narrowly beaten for the bottom spot by Kia with 397.  The most dependable brand was Lexus with 139, and the industry average was 237.  In the 2005 Initial Quality Study, Land Rover was beaten for dead last by Mazda and Suzuki, but managed to achieve 149 reported problems per 100 vehicles compared to 81 at top-scoring Lexus.

The dependability results are particularly embarrassing for a maker of vehicles designed to be taken into the outback, far from the nearest dealer or mechanic.  Ironically, Land Rover continues to advertize its vehicles as suitable for remote expeditions while neglecting to make them either reliable or repairable in the field. A prime example is the famous electronic air suspension system --  when a problem occurs, the computer goes into "hard fault" mode and the vehicle sinks to the bump stops. Even if the cause of the problem (such as a pierced air spring bellows) is fixed on the trail, the owner cannot reset the fault without the expensive computer test equipment used by the dealer, so the vehicle remains on the bump stops, effectively bringing an end to the off-road expedition. It would be very simple to provide a means of resetting such faults in the field after repairs are made, but even the latest models show no such facility, making owners wonder if they are only suitable for off-road expeditions at the demonstration course on the dealer lot, or within a very short distance of it!

In view of Land Rover's class-beating off-road prowess, it is unfortunate that its higher likelihood of breakdown compared to other 4x4s, coupled with its built-in computerized barriers to repairability, make remote off-road expeditions in a Land Rover more of a challenge than for other brands.

April 2005
Range Rover Sport Nears Launch

An avalanche of details is now becoming available as the new Range Rover Sport model approaches its projected June 2005 on sale date. Of course, you can already order one, and many people have (over 3,000 so far in the UK). Pricing has been announced and will be as follows:

UK: Turbo Diesel Model (2.7 liter V6)                                    £34,995
        4.4 Liter V8 Model (ie Discovery engine)                        £44,885
        4.2 litre supercharged model                                             £57,495      

US: HSE Model (4.4 liter 300 HP V8 Discovery/LR3 engine) $56,750
       Supercharged Model (4.2 liter 390 HP V8)                      $69,750

Levels of trim will probably vary according to market. In the US, all models will have DVD-based touch-screen navigation, bi-xenon headlights, sunroof, and a Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 audio system. The basic models will have 19 inch alloy wheels, while the supercharged models will have 20-inch wheels, a different grille, different seating surfaces, power vents, chrome exhaust extension, Dynamic Response, Brembo front brakes, adaptive front lighting, the cold climate package,  and black-on-silver badging.

Several further details that may not have been clear earlier are now available. While the Sport shares the combined body and frame construction used on the new Discovery (called the LR3 in the US in an apparent effort to shed the Discovery's reputation for unreliability), its wheelbase is 6 inches shorter and the body is smaller overall. Normally, the shorter wheelbase would improve off-road performance, but the stance has been lowered to improve on-road performance, reducing off-road  ground clearance and breakover angles.

The same Terrain Response system introduced on the Discovery is used, augmented for on-road use by a Dynamic Response system that intervenes to save your life when a wheel threatens to lift off the pavement while negotiating a bend at 130 mph. The system is pretty advanced, sensing cornering forces and acting on the anti-sway bars to improve body control in corners; the bars are decoupled on the straights for greater ride comfort and off-road for maximum wheel articulation -- another advance in Range Rover suspension design innovation. The Dynamic Stability Control system is also manually switchable.

In an initial road test., the ride was reported to be a bit firm and fidgety on poor surfaces, indicating that the engineers have not yet mastered the art of providing the velvet ride quality of the Classic in an updated form, but this model is clearly aimed at the sports enthusiast who probably will not mind. Off-road ability, while possibly compromised by the low ground clearance, is still sufficient to leave the competitors (in this case the BMW X5 and its ilk) stuck in the ditch.

Rangerovers.net now has a new section on this new model with some interesting pictures and details of the mechanical design, driver controls, performance etc -- see the new Range Rover Sport page.


February 2005
Land Rover Spins Off Older Genuine Parts Operation:
"Classic Parts" Program Launched

Throughout 2004 we were hearing rumors about the discontinuation of genuine parts supplies for older Land Rovers and Range Rovers, including the Classic. This was a huge shock for owners used to knowing they could rely on long-term parts support for their Rovers. Ford apparently wanted to drop support for all models more than about 8 years old, as is customary in "run-of-the-mill" US car companies. Most US cars don't last much longer than that before going to the wreckers anyhow, and most owners of older models do not go to the dealer network or generate profits for the parent company. 

Surprisingly for a company that seems to understand brand values like Ford does, it apparently did not realize that part of the attraction of the Land Rover brand is the tradition of vehicle longevity, which cannot be separated from long-term parts availability. While Land Rovers are notoriously needy of service and parts, one of the few logical reasons to own one has always been its basic longevity and the long term availability of parts for even the very oldest models. (As noted elsewhere on this site, if Land Rover steadily strips away the real reasons for owning a Land Rover, it will be left competing on such factors as price, performance, fuel economy and build quality where it is clearly inferior).

The internal debate on the parts issue evidently led Ford to compromise somewhat. What finally happened in October, 2004 was that Land Rover UK and NA spun off the genuine parts operation for "older" Land Rovers to Unipart (the well-known parts manufacturer/supplier in the UK). Under the deal signed with Land Rover,  Unipart is taking over the manufacture and distribution of all genuine parts for Range Rover Classic as well as Euro-spec Discoveries through 1994. Most likely, US spec. Discovery I vehicles will soon be added to this line as well. Ford is calling the Unipart line the Land Rover Classic Parts (LRCP) program.

As the dust has started to settle, the meaning of all this is slowly coming into focus. For starters, LR UK has deleted all RR Classic parts from its database and technical information. Dealers cannot order the parts through Land Rover UK or LRNA any longer, but have to order them through Unipart. For UK dealers this is  an inconvenience, but for US and overseas dealers it is only possible if they set up a separate account with Unipart in the UK and import parts by their own container freight arrangements. To further madden the dealers, when the program started, the only thing Unipart had in stock was a parts catalog CD for the line - (but no parts!) and dealers, who carry very little parts stock on hand, do not like the importing via container arrangements! Because of pressure from dealers who are still servicing Range Rover Classics, Unipart and Land Rover North America will most likely work out some compromise to ease this situation (if you hear about what happens, please email me).

Naturally, the advertising gurus at Land Rover have been putting a positive spin on all these developments, with press announcements such as the one at
http://www.classiccar.net/npps/story.cfm?ID=78, trumpeting the program as if it is a new enhancement to guarantee eternal parts support for their loyal customers, rather than a scheme to get rid of a supposedly less profitable section of its parts operation.

Rovers North and British Pacific are official suppliers for the "new" Classic parts line, while other US parts suppliers are taking their own active steps to ensure that owners of older vehicles will get continuing parts support even for the oldest models. For example, Atlantic British has announced its own branded parts line called Atlantic British Legacy Parts. These will include genuine parts, quality aftermarket parts, and performance upgrade parts.

If you have any information to help readers understand the evolving parts situation for older Range Rovers, please email me. If we publish it here are happy to keep your name confidential if you prefer.

January 2005
2006 Range Rover Details Released

2006 Range RoverLand Rover has released pictures of the 2006 Range Rover, showing some striking new exterior details -- front grille and bumper, power vents, lamps and wheels -- and the long-awaited heart transplant from Jaguar in two versions, a knock-off of the Discovery/LR3 4.4 litre engine for the base model, and a 400 HP supercharged 4.2 litre version more worthy of a Range Rover. (Photos are Official Land Rover press pictures). The new model is expected to be on sale starting in about April of 2005, depending on market, continuing the tradition of model year exaggeration that Land Rover has sometimes adopted in recent times. 

Both engines use a new torque-based engine management system that, together with drive-by-wire throttle control and variable camshaft phasing (on the normally-aspirated model), continually adjusts the engine to optimize performance, fuel economy and emissions.  Due to the increased sophistication, the new engines should provide  better fuel economy than the outgoing adaptation of the BMW 7-series V-8.

Range Rover 2006 interiorAlong with the new engines are some cosmetic changes, with a new front bumper design, new headlamps (which  swivel when you turn the wheels, like the old Citroen DS21) and taillights, a slightly different front grille and revised power vents with three vents instead of two. . There are also additional color combinations, and the inevitable revision in the style of the 19 inch alloy wheels. The supercharged models also get a special mesh design on the grille and power vents (as shown on the photo above), 20-inch alloy wheels, and special black-on-silver badges.

Other changes under the skin include "sharper steering, crisper braking performance". The air suspension is said to be "improved", although it is not clear what has been changed as yet. There is more sound deadening,  and a tire-pressure monitoring system. A rear-view camera projects directly to the front-fascia screen, and the driver can use touch-screen control for audio, phone and off-road driving information. In an effort to catch up with the aftermarket suppliers, there is also an available rear-seat entertainment package with a six-disc DVD changer, twin screens and headphone pods that are all fully integrated with the vehicle's sound system.  If the interior photos are anything to go by, it looks as if the last remaining vestiges of wood have been removed.

The updated model will be officially unveiled at the North American International Auto Show. It and the Range Rover Sport (see below) will be available in North America in the summer of 2005. For spy pictures, see this link. For more information and photos on Rangerovers.net, see the Mk III Range Rover page.


December 4004
2005 Range Rover Model Updates

While we await the major drivetrain changes expected in mid-2005 as 2006 models, some minor updates have appeared in the 2005 model. These mainly involve the navigation system and associated components, as follows:
The copper wiring network that supports the information and entertainment features has now been replaced with a new fiber-optic harness called "MOST" or Media Oriented Systems Transport. This interconnects the GPS navigation with the security system, the car telephone with the entertainment system so it will mute when a call is received, etc. The nav/entertainment system now uses a touch-sensitive VGA screen with 3.5 times higher resolution than the LCD screen it replaced. The GPS system is now voice activated and DVD-based, with a single DVD covering the entire US. It augments GPS signals with dead-reckoning and map-matching techniques when the vehicle loses sight of the GPS satellites. The off-road mode guides you to your destination by degrees and keeps track of where you’ve been by setting trace points which can be followed when returning to your start point.

4x4 Driver Interface: In addition to the usual trip computer functions such as fuel consumption, tank range, average speed and the like, the 2005 system has a 4X4 Driver Interface that graphically displays vehicle settings and positions, such as the angle of the front wheels, the suspension setting and direction of travel. Knowing front wheel position is especially useful when slogging through deep mud ruts. 

The harman/kardon® LOGIC7™ surround sound system has 14 speakers using 710 watts of amplification. The six-disc CD changer in the glovebox can play MP3 discs as well. The system can be controlled by voice command, steering wheel controls or the touch screen. The personal telephone integration system allows owners to use their own mobile phone in the car either via an integrated cradle or with the wireless convenience of Bluetooth™ technology.

On US models, the three existing options remain in place:
Heated Accessories Package (heated front and rear seats, an integrated ski bag, and heated steering wheel)
Luxury Interior Package (includes Heated Accessories Package plus 16-way adjustable contour seats & upgraded dashboard, door pull and cubby box lid leather)
Optional 20" alloy wheels with a full-size spare.

As before, there are two wood finishes and six leather colors. American cherry or burled walnut wood can be paired with a multiple of leather choices including: Parchment, Navy, Ivory, Aspen, Sand and Charcoal. For the exterior, Tonga Green replaces Epsom Green and the remaining colors carry over, so the choices are  Java Black, Giverny Green, Zambezi Silver, Chawton White, Adriatic Blue, Tonga Green, Alveston Red, Maya Gold and Bonnati Grey.

The MSRP is $73,750. Pricing for the 2005 Westminster will be $86,000 excluding taxes, title and license fees.


Range Rover SportNovember 2004
Range Rover Sport??

It seems like it is now official -- everyone knew Land Rover was working on something based on the "Range Stormer" concept vehicle, and now the official company website has pictures of it, under the moniker of "Range Rover Sport". (To see the pictures, go to Landrover.com and click on "Something New is Coming". Ron Beckett also discovered an article about it that came out November 26th on msn.cars; see this link for the article and pictures. (Picture at right is from one of the official photos, Copyright by Land Rover)

From the information available so far it appears that the new model, to be introduced in mid 2005, will look a lot like a Range Rover Mk III, but will be based mostly on the new Discovery/LR3 platform, using the same 4.4 liter Jag-derived engine. An option will be a supercharged 4.2 liter version producing 385 HP, also to be used in the 2006 Range Rover (see above). This is probably the engine destined for the genuine Range Rover as soon as the contracts for the current BMW-derived engine run out (probably 2006). It will be priced in between the Discovery and the Range Rover, and use some Range Rover-class luxury trim and features mixed in with cheaper plastic parts from the Discovery/LR3.

The RR Sport, as the name suggests, will emphasize on-road performance, but will retain the push button Terrain Response off-road system from the Discovery/LR3. The company claims it will have off road capability "better than any competitor", but since the new model is designed to compete with "soft road" ski field parking lot pretenders like the BMW X3 & X5, Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes ML, the bar is pretty low.

We were hoping Land Rover would not use the Range Rover name on something with less than superior off road capabilities -- if they did it would debase the Range Rover name in the same way the Freelander did with the Land Rover name. It remains to be seen whether this will be the case, but let's hope the Range Rover Sport is not another step in that direction. Hopefully, it will retain the full off road capability of the original -- otherwise PLEASE Land Rover Call it Something Else!!!

November 2004
Will Discovery 3 / LR3 Impact RR Sales?

For the third time in a row, Land Rover has come out with a new Discovery model that borrows heavily from Range Rover technology, and does so good a job of it that it exceeds the level of power and (in some ways) sophistication of the original. The new model is so good that it recently won the Motor Trend SUV of the Year award. All the key features of the new Mk III Range Rover are there -- including the independent air suspension with cross-coupling for improved off road traction and ride. Embarrassingly for Land Rover and for Range Rover owners, the new Jaguar-derived V8 engine has more power than a Range Rover. The LR3 is still somewhat lacking in some aspects such as ground clearance, and does not come close to matching the Range Rover in attractiveness of design, but its pricing level in between the old Discovery II and the Range Rover places it in an interesting niche, competing against other luxury SUVs. It will be interesting to see if some potential Range Rover buyers will plump for the Discovery 3 / LR3. Conversely, a lot of potential Discovery buyers may be put off by the higher pricing and go for a J**p Grand Cherokee instead! Don't be surprised if a new model turns up to fill the gap now opened up in the medium priced segment. Meanwhile, we can assume Land Rover is working feverishly to put more power into the Range Rover so it won't continue to be outclassed by its cheaper sibling.

June 2004
Range Rover Wins On/Off Road SUV Comparison Test

The Range Rover is back to its old ways, winning  magazine off road comparison tests. In the July issue of Motor Trend, the vehicle is compared to the other full size luxury SUVs -- the Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LS470, and Infiniti QX56, in a test that includes running the dunes and crawling the rocky trails in Death Valley. The Range Rover won hands down, in a unanimous vote of the testers. One of them, Mark Williams, writes "Pretty damn amazing on gravel and dirt roads, and when pushed on pavement, it feels smooth and locked down. Getting such outstanding ride and handling performance from a hulking SUV is a stunning feat of engineering". The testers found that "when the pavement gives way to boulder-strewn canyons, the Rover marches on utterly unperturbed." As Williams stated, "any time I find myself in butterflies-in-the-stomach driving situations, I want the Range Rover".

May 2004
Feedback to Solihull: Please Make EAS More Field Recoverable

We ave been receiving a steady stream of complaints from owners of the new 2003 and up Range Rovers about their air suspensions collapsing to the bump stops and leaving them stranded. This pathetic scenario is reminiscent of the same situation that happens with monotonous regularity on previous Range Rover models, and we were hoping that Land Rover would realize this is not acceptable on a vehicle designed for off road use in remote areas. One owner in Africa had to drive literally hundreds of miles to the nearest dealer to get the computer reset. It has happened to me twice  in Nevada, 400 miles from home and 200 from the nearest dealer.  Please, Land Rover, provide us with a manual means of resetting the EAS computer when we replace an air spring or fix the EAS problem. Or provide us with some other way to get around the embarrassment of having to abort our off road trips and drive home on the bump stops.


January 2004
"Range Stormer" Concept Car at Detroit Motor Show

The first ever Land Rover concept car is to debut at the Detroit Motor Show. Named the "Range Stormer" for the purpose of the car show, the vehicle is intended as a definite preview of an additional model line. From the photos available so far, it looks like a road-biased model, with better off road ability than the average all-wheel drive vehicle but not intended as a serious off-roader. Some hopeful signs are a return to a separate chassis rather than a monocoque design, and use of a Jaguar-based supercharged V8 engine that has been optimized for low speed torque and running at off-camber angles. Also featured is a new variant of the air suspension used on the Range Rover -- with so-called "Terrain Response" technology developed by Land Rover, allowing selection of six different "terrain settings". The normal setting is for ordinary driving, while "dynamic" is for high speed or winding sealed highways. Other settings include "sand", deep ruts", "rocks" and "grass/gravel/snow". The more highway-biased features include 22 inch wheels with custom Goodyear tires (yet another model that it will be hard to find tires for).

The new model may be a harbinger of efforts by the owners at Ford to capitalize on the Land Rover brand to produce more high sales volume models, but if the brand name is identified with ski field parking lot posers it will inevitably be weakened in the long run. If the new vehicle is not a Class A off-roader, the use of the word "Range" in the name is of concern as it could seriously weaken the Range Rover image. If, indeed, the new model is to be highway-biased and follow in the footsteps of the Freelander, we hope Land Rover gives this model line a name that clearly distinguishes it from the real off-road models it has traditionally produced, in order not to dilute the Land Rover and Range Rover brand names. Use of the word "Free" in the name would be a possible alternative.

More details and a photo are available at this link.


July 2003
Land Rover Scores Second-to-Last in JD Powers Initial Quality Survey

The latest JD Powers survey of initial vehicle quality (July 2003) placed the Land Rover nameplate at the second to the bottom of the list in initial quality, with 190 problems reported per 100 vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership. The top rated Lexus brand scored 76 per 100 vehicles. (For a report on the survey in USA Today see this link, and for the rankings of nameplates see this link. This is an all-too-familiar result, but it is interesting to note that the Ford-owned Jaguar brand is now comfortably in the top half of the rankings. This gives room for hope that the situation at Land Rover will improve under Ford ownership. Indeed, a recent visitor to the factory in Solihull reports that much more up-to-date statistical quality control measures are  now in place on the assembly line, compared to an earlier visit several years ago when quality control amounted to patching up problems after assembly. One thing is for sure -- if you are at the bottom of the list, the only way you can go is up!

August 2002
What will the future hold??New Range Rover In Demand, Wins Accolades

The new Range Rover is beating all sales records with 6 months production allocation already sold in the UK before the vehicle hit the showrooms, and a backlog of 3,000 orders in the US. The 500,000th Range Rover was produced in May this year. This is reminiscent of the introduction of the original Range Rover in 1970 -- the new vehicle was so popular that it took years for the factory to catch up with demand. In all, 317,615 Classics were produced (1970-96), followed by 167,259 4.0/4.6 models (1994-2001).

The new model has also won the praise of the on- and off-road motoring press. It has been voted best vehicle of the year by BBC Top Gear and others. In a Land Rover Owner International Magazine off-road match-up against the Land Rover Defender (usually considered to occupy first place in purely off-road capability), the new Range Rover won! The attention Land Rover has paid to enhancing off-road ability has really paid off. Buyers know they are getting the world's best off-roader, rather than just another gadget-laden luxury SUV like the other offerings that now crowd the upscale sport-utility segment. Much like the Ferrari's 180 mph top speed, extreme off road ability may be fully utilized only by a relative few, but without these characteristics both vehicles would lose their attraction. The backlog of orders confirms that the new vehicle is truly perceived as the most capable all-round vehicle in the world.

July 2002
Baby Range Rover???

With the growth in size of the Mk III Range Rover to Toyota Land Bruiser proportions, it has been rumored that Ford is targeting a new "Baby Range Rover" for around the year 2006. The idea would be to fill the price gap between the new Range Rover and the upcoming Discovery Series III, providing a smaller ultra-luxury SUV.

However, initial gossip indicates this model would not be a real off road vehicle, as it would have no low range gears!!! If so, let's hope they don't call it a "Range Rover" and devalue the name!!

The strategy of attempting to increase sales by using car-like models to exploit the Land Rover name to the maximum is understandable, and perhaps inevitable in the pressure for sales and profits. The Freelander has already taken Land Rover a good distance down this road. Overall sales have indeed increased, but the strategy has led to negative reviews such as that in the July 11, 2002 issue of USA Today entitled: "Phony Freeloader, er, Freelander Falls Flat" . Even reviews like this by regular automotive columnists can see through Land Rover's marketing ploy in offering a vehicle that "lures with the Land Rover name but lacks characteristics that make that name so credible". The Freelander is described as "a parasite, riding the brand's good name without the goods to back it up". Indeed, this model appears to lag behind even its small SUV competition in both on and off road utility, placing it poorly in magazine comparison tests with other SUVs. If this strategy is taken further with the introduction of a "Baby Range Rover", the Range Rover name will certainly be devalued.

Perhaps a differentiation in Land Rover model designations between real off-road models and those with more modest capabilities would help preserve Land Rover's reputation while allowing it to exploit the wider market for SUVs that are not real off-roaders. This could be done, for example, by continuing variations of the Freelander name (Freedom, Freelance, Freestyle, etc) on the pavement-oriented models, to make it clear to customers that these models are ideal for the average customer's all-weather and low-traction situation needs, going to the ski fields etc, but do not pretend to offer full-scale off road capabilities. In this way the negative public perception of "pretender" models may be avoided.

July 30, 2002
New Range Rover Model Launched Successfully

The launch of the new Range Rover model has been a great success. Since going on sale on June 1 in the US, the vehicle has been very well received by both the buying public (with wating lists for delivery) and by the motoring press. Details of the new model appear on the Range Rover Mk III page of this website.

Most of the information in the pre-release rumors (see below) has proven to be true, and the new vehicle is fully worthy of the Range Rover name.
 

November 6, 2001
Land Rover Releases Photos of Next Range Rover

LRM magazine reports that Land Rover has released several photos of the new model which is to be officially unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January. The photos confirm the look of the new model from the spy photos and technical details previously reported here. Shots of the interior have also been released, showing a clean modern arrangement without an intimidating array of controls except on the steering wheel which is festooned with buttons. Land Rover confirms the use of the 4.4 litre V8 as predicted below and states that the new model will be built in Solihull on a new production line. Importantly, improvements in both on and off road ability are claimed by the manufacturer.
 

Updated September 17, 2001
2002 Range Rover Model Rumors

The next Range Rover is now ready for production. It was due to be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week, but will now probably be introduced to the press in December, and its official public introduction may be at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January. The present model may get a modest facelift and continue alongside it through 2002 or 2003. The recent takeover of Land Rover by Ford was too late to materially affect the new design, so the next RR is largely a BMW creation mechanically, involving build agreements between Ford and BMW.  Auto magazines, spy photos, common sense and "informed sources" have by now given us a good idea of the main features of the 2002 Range Rover, but the information below is my opinion only.

1. Body: The overall size is slightly larger than the current model, with a 2 inch increase in wheelbase to 110 inches and an increase in body length to nearly 5 meters (16.5 feet), making it even bigger than a Toyota Land Cruiser. To keep body weight down but retain the necessary stiffness for of road use, Land Rover is reportedly using Karmann - developed racing car construction techniques with an aluminum and composite body shell bonded to structural foam and aluminium extrusions, probably with steel subframes for the suspension mountings. Total weight is only slightly more than the present model.

Spy photos show a new shape very similar to the present one, but more angular and less bland, with a return to the "Classic" styling cues including round headlights, more prominent castellations on the hood, and squarer topline & rear pillar. (Rumor has it that Spen King, designer of the legendary Classic, has been consulted). Large (probably fake) air vents grace the sides of the front wings or doors. The rear overhang is shorter and slopes upwards for a better departure angle. The interior is naturally upgraded from the present and past ergonomically quirky, rattle-and-squeak-prone tradition. It is rumored to be described by a senior Ford designer as "the best interior I've seen on any car, ever". The superb tailgate design is retained, a relief for those of us who use it for off road camping and picnic table duty.

2. Engines and Transmission: Due to the advanced state of development by the time of the Ford takeover, the BMW 4.4 liter V8 is being used as planned. A deluxe model may use a turbo version originally designed for the Bentley, and a special high powered diesel engine will also be available. These engines should at last improve  the Range Rover's 0-60 times from its traditional economy sedan acceleration. The engines are retuned for the low end torque needed in four wheeling. In 2003 or 2004, Ford family engines -- the 4 liter Jaguar V8 and the 6 liter Aston Martin V12) should start replacing the BMW-derived power plants. Land Rover is re-engineering the Jaguar engines for the torque and other characteristics needed for off road vehicles.

Reportedly, the "H" gate transmission lever design of the current model is being replaced by a button on the dash to select low range.

3. Off-Road Ability and Suspension: It is a given that the 2002 Range Rover will sport every possible luxury for its passengers, but in today's crowded luxury SUV market its main selling point will be its reputation for superior off road performance as the "King Off Road". Spy photos confirm that suspension is independent all round, (probably based on highly modified components from the BMW X5) with ride height adjustable over a wide range, combining low-slung highway performance with a tall off-road mode giving awesome clearance and articulation. Suspension travel is reputed to be extreme, far exceeding that of any previous or current civilian 4x4. Spy photos indicate that wheel and tire sizes are increased over the current model, probably to 20 inch wheels and 31 inch tires. There may even be room for enthusiasts to fit "33's" if such tires can be found for 20 inch wheel sizes.

Normally, independent suspension has an inherent disadvantage over a beam axle off road; the differential's height off the ground is not fixed, and traversing bumps and obstacles can lower it relative to the wheels, bringing it into unpredictable contact with rocks and other aspects of terra firma. In the new Range Rover, this problem is rumored to be largely overcome by programming the electronic air suspension to articulate in a fashion very similar to that of a beam axle in off-road mode.

Other features of the suspension include automatic raising of ride height when the sensors detect large, rapid vertical wheel movements. Electronically adjustable shocks allow damping rates to be reduced at low speeds and off road to eliminate the 4.0/4.6's harsh ride over small bumps, hopefully returning to the Classic's velvet off-road ride quality. At highway speeds, ride height is lowered and damping rates increased to provide the necessary firmer control. Swaybar operation is controlled hydraulically as on the Disco II (hopefully with improvements to eliminate any traction-robbing swaybar effects off road). Use of air springs also allows reduced spring rates in off road mode, improving ride quality and enhancing traction. Four wheel traction control and the Disco/Freelander hill descent control is included.

Recent insider reports confirm that supreme off-road ability appears to have been retained, even improving on the current model in this paramount area of performance. If true, this will be a great relief to Range Rover fans all over the world. One magazine reported that the off-road performance of a test mule spotted in the Middle East was quite remarkable, and better than any previous Land Rover product.

4. We hope the breakover and departure angles are NOT compromised as they have been on the Series 2 Discovery. (The dealer off-road demonstration courses had to be modified to allow the new Discovery to negotiate them!!!) Fortunately, current spy photos indicate that departure angle has been improved. So far, however, breakover is uncertain, and will not be helped by the longer wheelbase.

5. Pricing: The new model will continue the tradition of Range Rovers in going further up-marlet and up in pprice, sporting a slew of luxury options to try and keep ahead of the competition. However, it is unlikely to command the $160,000 mentioned by The Times in a recent interview with Ford's head of Premium Brands. Such figures make good news copy, and probably serve a purpose in deterring customers from waiting for the next model before buying.  However, if any significant  sales volume is to be achieved in today's very competitive SUV market, the "base" price will have to be at or near present levels. If a decision were really made to elevate the Range Rover to the Rolls-Royce price category, most buyers wanting an ultra-luxury SUV with very good off-road capability would switch to Lexus and the like, while those wanting really superior off-road ability would go for the pending 2002/2003 mini-Hummer (H2) to be produced by GM. Realistically, the base model will come in somewhere around the present price levels, with the higher powered versions costing more.

Summary
Overall, I expect the new Range Rover to have four main features: a) Much improved acceleration. b) Better looks. c) Better Off-Road Capability, and d) Better ride quality. If off-road ability is compromised, the main selling point (like a Ferrari's 180 mph top speed -- vital even though few might use it) will be gone. Customers will soon drift away to the competition, which can easily outdo Land Rover in most other respects.

 Return to Top
Return to Range Rovers
September 2001
2002 Range Rover Spy Photos

Spy Photo Sept 17, 2001 showing round headlights.
Article in Auto Express Sept 2001 with some details; older article December 2000.
Recent German Spy Photos of the future RR with headlights disguised
Spy photos Aug 2001 showing conservative exterior changes (headlights disguised)
Spy photo showing grille, round headlight design and side vents
Spy picture of a test rig 12/27/2000 on a transporter trailer.
2002 Range Rover in the snow next to a Jaguar S type 5/8/2000
 

February 2001
Year 2001 Range Rover Models

The Year 2001 Range Rover models hold few surprises. The main news is that the 4.0 engine has been dropped (still used in the Discovery), and all 2001 RRs have the 4.6 engine. Two levels of trim are offered, SE and HSE, with the minor differences detailed below.

4.6SE:
16 inch wheels & tires
300 watt, 12 speaker stereo

4.6HSE:
460 watt, 12 speaker stereo with speed equalization
18 inch wheels and tires
GPS navigation system with off-road marker capability standard
Additional wood trim (window switch surround, rear ashtray)
Exterior rub strip with chrome insert
Optional Lightstone Leather intereior with complementary piping and carpets
Optional wood & leather steering wheel.
Wider choice of interior colors

Otherwise, there are no substantive changes from 2001. On a humorous note, an "off-road" accessory package is offered which includes Running Boards -- an accessory which actually impedes off-road performance and is always removed by anyone who really wants to go off road. Price of the SE  model is up to about $63,000.

March 17, 2000 (Updated June 9, 2000)
Range Rovers to be Made by Ford

BMW is selling the Land Rover division of Rover to Ford, while transferring the remaining (extremely unprofitable) parts of Rover for a token 10 pounds sterling to the Phoenix Group, a new company headed by a former Rover executive. After  rumors that the deal might fall through, Ford Motor Co. announced on May 24, 2000 that it finalized its purchase price for Land Rover, from BMW AG at 3 billion euros, or about $2.73 billion. It was revealed that Land Rover (traditionally the only money-making part of Rover) has itself been losing money for the past two years, even though market conditions for its Sport Utility Vehicles have been exceptionally good. Ford anticipates returning it to profitability in its third year of ownership. The Land Rover business will become part of Ford's Premier Automotive Group, which includes Lincoln, Volvo, Jaguar and Aston Martin. (Ford has also made its own cars in Britain for decades at its Dagenham plant).

Thus, Range Rovers will henceforth be manufactured and sold by Ford Motor Company, headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. The addition of Land Rover to its stable should not cause direct competition with Ford's existing products, since its current SUVs are not intended as serious off-road vehicles. In earlier times, however, Ford did pioneering work in off-road vehicle development; indeed the early Bronco's front suspension design was copied in the design of the Range Rover Classic.

How will the sale affect the launch of the next Range Rover model (see below)?  It has been widely assumed that the new Range Rover will use a BMW engine and other parts from the BMW X5; some have even said it would be assembled in BMW's US Spartanburg plant alongside BMW's new quasi-SUV. Development of the new model is by now far advanced, and recent comments by Wolfgang Reitzl, formerly of BMW and now chief of Ford's Premium Brands division, indicate the model launch will go ahead as planned sometime in 2001. A price range over 100,000 pounds sterling (or $165,000) was mentioned for the next in the Range Rover line, which he described as "the ultimate luxury off-road car with the Lawrence of Arabia touch", and the "Rolls Royce of four wheel drives".

It is difficult to reconcile the mooted price with Ford's desire to expand sales volume for the Land Rover brand. However the intention is to increase the number of Land Rover models, and expand the US share of sales. Production in a BMW plant is also hard to imagine, so actual production may be in Solihull or in Ford's Dagenham plant in the UK. It also seems very possible that a suitable Ford engine will be slotted in at some point.

Regardless of how these matters are worked out, I am encouraged by the manner in which Ford has treated its Jaguar, Volvo and Aston Martin subsidiaries, which have turned out some distinctive and universally acclaimed models since Ford acquired them. It is very likely that the same thing will happen at Land Rover, and I look forward to seeing the resulting stream of new and improved Range Rovers!

 Return to Top
Return to Range Rovers


Dealer Off-Road Courses Softened Up for New Models

In a disturbing development, Land Rover dealers have had to make their off-road demo courses easier so the new   Discovery Series II models can make it over them. Is this an ominous portent for the rumored new Range Rover?

The  redesigned Land Rover Discovery Series II, while possessing many fine off-road features (eg more wheel travel),  has worse rear overhang, reduced departure angle and reduced ramp breakover angle compared to previous Discovery and Range Rover models. Consequently,  dealers have had to modify the concrete ramps in their demo courses to make them easier to negotiate. The modifications are cleverly done, by embedding rocks in the transition zone at the bottom of the ramp, so the course looks more rugged. However the real effect is to ease the transition between flat ground and the steep slope, reducing demand on vehicle approach and departure angles. As anyone who frequently goes off pavement knows, the rear end is the most common point of contact as you drag the tail through ditches and washouts.

Now that Land Rover has lowered the bar for ultimate off road clearance, Will Land Rovers gradually lose their main marketing distinction -- superior off road capability? Just as people buy Porsches for their superior speed (even though they might not use it), people buy Land Rovers for their superior off-road ability. If the off-road ability of future models is gradually "dumbed down" to merge with other SUVs, most buyers will gradually switch to the less expensive, more fuel efficient, more reliable, faster mass market alternatives, while those who really use their vehicles off-road will have to buy Hummers!

I receive a lot of emails from people wanting to know what the next Range Rover will be like -- and writers express the same desire not to see it go the way of other SUVs. We are hopeful that the next Range Rover will have more rather than less off-road clearance and capability compared with the existing model. The Range Rover tradition of suspension innovation should allow improved breakover, approach and departure angles while retaining good on-pavement geometry. We hope those "helper rocks" can be removed from the demo courses when the new Range Rover emerges. If necessary, an easier bypass section could be included for the Discovery and Freelander -- but the main route should be made harder, not easier, so that Range Rovers are the only vehicles that can negotiate them!!

Solihull -- please do not compromise on the vital ground clearance, approach and departure angles. These are very often  the limiting factors off road, no matter how many electronic traction-aiding features the vehicle has. All Range Rovers to date have had at least a 29 degree ramp breakover angle -- we would not like to see this reduced as it was on the latest Discovery. Please give us at least 30 degrees for approach, breakover and departure angles!
 

Return to Top
Return to Range Rovers

11/2/99
Year 2000 Models

Y2k Range Rovers continue the standard 4.0SE and 4.6 HSE models with minor detail upgrades, and there are some additional "limited availability" models with subtle variations in trim and color options. All 2000 models include side airbags in the front seats, and front seatbelt pre-tensioners. Models include the following:

Range Rover 4.0SE: the standard model gets body-colored spoiler and exterior mirrors; round-effect headlamps, smoked glass indicators, sidemarker and taillamps; chrome interior trim pieces; revised instrument graphics; and cup holder and auto-dimming exterior mirrors.  All colors available. On 4.0 models the "Lightning" 16 inch alloy wheels are standard, "Hurricane" 18 inch wheels optional.
Range Rover County: (4.0 engine), lightstone leather upholstery, "County" tailgate badge.  Available colors: Kent Green, White Gold and Java Black.
Range Rover 4.0: brush bar, rear lamp guards, roof rack. All colors available.

Range Rover 4.6HSE: the standard 4.6 model has the same trim as the 4.0SE. On 4.6 models the 18 inch "Hurricane" wheels are standard, and the 16 inch "Lightning" wheels are optional.
Range Rover 4.6 Vitesse: J.A.M.E.S. navigation system, wood trim kit, java black grille and mirrors, basalt gray badging. Colors: Java Black with walnut leather.
Range Rover  4.6HSK: wood trim kit and cell phone. All colors.

Most of the ones I have seen so far are badged "County", bringing back the name from the 1989-95 Classic models.

Under the hood, matters have been further complicated by the addition of a smog pump, making it more difficult to access the engine for repairs.

 Return to Top
Return to Range Rovers

November 1999
4.0/4.6 Expedition Roof Rack and Ladder
Now Available Through Dealers

The heavy duty full length roof rack made by Safety Devices for the 1997 Land Rover Trek Range Rover 4.6HSEs is now available as an official accessory through Land Rover dealers.  Also available is the nifty matching roof rack access ladder that mounts on the tailgate.

For a picture of these accessories mounted on a Trek 4.6 and on my 4.0SE, see the Roof Rack section of Range Rover Expedition Accessories.

 Return to Top
Return to Range Rovers

June 1999, Consumer Reports
Range Rover Recall

Granville Pool reports that the June 99 issue of Consumer Reports mentioned that there is a recall
for '95-'99 Range Rovers.

If moisture freezes in transmission breather tube and blocks it, transmission fluid could leak out from the dipstick tube and create a fire hazard.

What to do: Have dealer cut breather tube at angle to keep it away from pooled water.


Return to Top
Return to Range Rovers


All Information on this page is the author's opinion only.
If you hear any rumors or news, please email John Brabyn