The all-new Range Rover
Wednesday 7th November 2001
All photographs are copyright Land Rover Limited
Land Rover have today released the first
official pictures of the brand new Range Rover, which will replace the current model from
February 2002.
The new Range Rover sees the end of two Range Rover traditions - the legendary Rover
V8 engine, and ladder chassis and beam axle construction. The new Range Rover is to use
the 4.4l BMW V8 engine, as used in the BMW 540 and X5, as well as BMW's 3.0l 6-cylinder
diesel powerplant. The biggest development however, is the new car's monocoque
construction, and all-round independent suspension.
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The new exterior styling maintains strong links to the 31-year
heritage of the car, with castellated bonnet ends, as well as door pillar angles
which mimic those of the original 1970-1995 Range Rover. The overall look of the new car
is very solid, and the car appears to have been machined out of a solid block of metal.
The new car is longer (by 30cm), taller and heavier than the current model, but is
narrower than it's predecessor.
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The lights on the new Range Rover are said to emulate those of the
classic Range Rover, the dual round headlights replacing the rectangular units of the
current car, and those of the Defender, with round indicators and sidelights on the front
and back.
Another interesting design aspect of the new Range Rover are the
aptly-dubbed 'Shark Fins' in front of the front door shut line.
These are to help cooling of the engine bay, but also give the front end of the car an
aggressive stance.
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The inside of the new car is a mixture of fine leather, wood and
aluminium, which combine together to produce an interior which is designed to better every
other luxury 4x4 and, crucially, every luxury executive car on the market.
The specifications and prices for the final production cars are not yet
known, but it is known that the interior specification is built up of options, with almost
infinite combinations available. It is also likely that an Autobiography will be able to
be specified to leave the factory at a purchase price of over £100,000.
The worldwide debut of the car is due to be the Detroit Motor Show in
January 2002.
Land Rover have launched a preview web site for the new Range Rover -
www.rangerover.landrover.com
More Pictures
Click a preview image to see a full-size version
    
 
  
  
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