2016 RANGE ROVER SPORT SVR

The Wilks brothers, designed the first Land Rover in 1948, they made it stout like an ox. The world-renowned vehicle was not the product of a lengthy car-builder's pregnancy with new ideas but rather an answer to a why-not question type. Maurice Wilks, who was the chief designer at Rover and proud owner of a jeep, began thinking of building his own vehicle when he realized that the one he had would eventually break down. The first Range Rover was fitted on a Jeep frame!

The news from  Range Rover about the Range Rover Sport SVR –is that it was designed, engineered and built in Britain. They state that the Sport SVR amplifies the engineering integrity, robustness and attention to detail that are Land Rover hallmarks. The Range Rover Sport was introduced in 2005. Since that date the British marquee they state has built over 500,000 vehicles.  I remember when Ford bought the line or Jaguar and Range Rover but reasons for which I will never understand required they sell the group to TATA.  All I can say is that Tata has been amazing. Bringing the vehicles even higher in luxury and power. Models introduced since the Ford sale are superb. Design, engineering has only become better since Tata took ownership.

Jaguar Land Rover has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors since 2008, when Tata acquired it from Ford. It sold a total of 462,678 vehicles during 2014, comprising 381,108 Land Rover vehicles and 81,570 Jaguar vehicles the PR department indicated..

Tata Motors did well with its business of passenger cars but in the same period, Ford did not. In 2008, when Ford was on its way of bankruptcy, Tata Group offered Ford to buy their luxury car brand Jaguar-Land Rover. Bill Ford, along with his team, reached “Bombay House”. “Bombay House” is the headquarter of Tata Group.   The deal was finalized for 2.3 billion US $, which amounted to 9300 crore Indian Rupees at that time. Ford was incurring heavy losses from Jaguar – Land Rover division. Why? William Clay Ford loved Jaguar and Land Rover and his family business just did things poorly. Now Tata is profiting and making the brand a favorite around the World.

In the meeting, Bill Ford said to Ratan Tata, ” You are doing a big favor for us by buying Jaguar- Land Rover”. What a mistake!

The British introduced the first all-aluminum SUV! In addition they introduced the first AWD all-wheel-drive SUV with traction control.  45 years and they have continually made the finest SUV’s.  Now they have even the best Diesel available. Diesel fuel is one of the most efficient fuels on the planet. Less processed than traditional gasoline, diesel has a notably high energy density. Simply put, a gallon of diesel fuel goes a longer way than a gallon of most other fuels, including gasoline. But, right now I must discuss the Sport SVR.

The Range Rover Sport SVR builds on the success of the Range Rover Sport. Its all-aluminum unibody reduces weight by 39 percent compared with its predecessor and provides a strong, stiff and lightweight structure on which to create the Range Rover Sport SVR. The Range Rover Sport SVR was created by the Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations team and will be built alongside existing models and sold through the Land Rover retailer network. 

Competitors took their SUV’s and built high  performance models. With the BMW’s M models (X5M SUV AT $100,000 PLUS), Porsche Cayenne Turbos (starting at $117,00), Mercedes AMG SUV models with(5.5 and 6 liter turbos), like the G65 6.0 litre AMG biturboV-12 (starting at $212,000) and SRT branded FCA vehicles (like Grand Cherokee SRT starting at $69,000) Range Rover just joined the club in  ultimate performance off-road. The Range Rover Sport V8 SVR was above the price of the Range Rover HSE I drive ($105,000) coming in at $121,525.00.  This performance SUV like the competition is not needed on Rodeo Drive, Worth Avenue or Fifth Avenue. It will shine in the mountain areas like the Promised lands in Pennsylvania, Yosemite, Aspen and Vail. But, we know the money people wish to show off and will even drive the SVR in South Beach?

The additional money is only worth it to those that must have the newest and fastest model. It is a touch faster. Braking is worse than the Sport model by a few feet. On the skid pad very similar numbers.

According to Range Rover Press release the SVR had a lap time of 8 minutes 14 seconds on Germany's legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack. I was unfortunate not to be at the test track to check their numbers! The Range Rover Sport SVR shows the full potential of the lightweight and robust all-aluminum architecture, while retaining refinement, luxury and off-road capability.

John Edwards, Managing Director of Land Rover Special Operations, stated : "The Range Rover Sport SVR is a natural progression beyond the core vehicle's outstanding on- and off-road capabilities and leading-edge design. It's exhilarating performance will satisfy a particularly demanding customer set."

The Evoque is superb. So is the HSE. The Discovery is outstanding. So is the base Range Rover Sport.

"A thorough range of revisions specially developed by Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations combine to make this premium derivative even more distinctive both inside and out, as well as taking its dynamic capabilities to the next level without impacting on comfort, refinement or all-terrain versatility. The Range Rover Sport SVR is truly the world's most capable performance SUV."

The Range Rover Sport SVR - designed, engineered and built in Britain - amplifies the engineering integrity, robustness and attention to detail that are Land Rover hallmarks. The Range Rover Sport was introduced in 2005, with over 500,000 vehicles built to date.  The Range Rover Sport SVR builds on the success of the Range Rover Sport. Its all-aluminum unibody reduces weight by 39 percent compared with its predecessor and provides a strong, stiff and lightweight structure on which to create the Range Rover Sport SVR. The Range Rover Sport SVR was created by the Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations team and will be built alongside existing models and sold through the Land Rover retailer network. 

The heart of the Range Rover Sport SVR is an evolution of the Jaguar Land Rover all-aluminum 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine. With cast-iron cylinder liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps, this engine features a combination of strength, performance and refinement.

To increase performance, engineers at Special Vehicle Operations have tuned the Bosch management system and increased maximum supercharger boost pressure resulting in power and torque increases of 40hp and 41lb-ft respectively. Producing 550hp and 502lb-ft of torque, the SVR boasts a 0-60 mph time of just 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top track speed of 162 mph.

Each of the SVR’s horses has three-quarters of a pound less  to move than the non-SVR. That helped the SVR hit 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and the quarter-mile in 12.8 seconds, knocking 0.3 second off each of the standard Supercharged model’s times.

The Range Rover Sport SVR design enhancements include larger air intakes in the front bumper to increase airflow to two intercoolers that reduce the temperature of pressurized air from the supercharger before it enters the engine.

In Dynamic mode, sport driving characteristics are intensified thanks to sharper throttle response and more incisive gearshift logic.

The engine's advanced and highly efficient design characteristics include: low internal friction; high-pressure direct injection with a centrally mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided injection system; dual independent variable camshaft timing (VCT); and an advanced intelligent Stop/Start system that stops the engine instead of idling and instantly restarts it when the driver is read to proceed.

The smooth and responsive eight-speed ZF® 8HP70 automatic transmission has been retuned for the available performance. With a sure-footed four-wheel-drive system, the transmission receives additional torque in its lower gears to achieve a thrilling 0-60 mph time of just 4.5 seconds.

Equipped with eight close ratios, shift times have been reduced by up to 50 percent through the implementation of rapid and precise fuel cut-offs during upshifts. This leads to shorter, more visceral and audibly crisper shifts while utilizing engine inertia for a sense of acceleration through the shift. It also creates a more immediate connection to the vehicle, and ensures the engine is constantly within its power band.

The transmission's adaptive shift strategy monitors acceleration and brake inputs, lateral cornering forces, kickdown requests and even the severity of gradients, before choosing one of 25 pre-determined programs to seamlessly adapt to driver behavior and road conditions. Sportier driving triggers more aggressive gearshifts and defers upshifts.

To improve dynamic stability on the Range Rover Sport SVR, the throttle is automatically blipped during high-speed downshifts, smoothing the transition between ratios. This function also allows the transmission to perform a series of rapid downshifts under hard braking with maximum refinement and control.

Corner Recognition maintains one gear through a turn to improve stability while also ensuring a keen response once the bend straightens and the driver can accelerate. The eight speed ZF transmission recognizes a series of overtaking maneuvers and maintains a lower gear to ensure instant acceleration^. .  The transmission's torque converter operates for smooth take off in first gear, but is bypassed by a locking clutch from second gear.

The transmission is controlled via either steering wheel-mounted paddle shift controls, or the gear lever. You can default to full automatic mode, make occasional manual interventions, or push the gear lever to the left to gain manual control.

In manual mode, gear shifts are made via the paddle shift controls, or by pushing the gear lever forwards for downshifts and pulling back for upshifts, echoing the shift logic of racing cars. In Dynamic mode, the shift strategy will not upshift at redline and will only downshift to prevent engine speeds below idle speed.

The SVR is fitted with permanent four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, with a low-range option for demanding terrain, and a 50/50 percent torque split front-to-rear.

Optimum traction on the all aluminum Range Rover Sport SVRis maintained thanks to an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the center differential, which distributes torque between the front and rear axles - up to 100 percent can be channeled to either axle in extreme conditions. Sophisticated electronic traction-control systems further contribute to capability. I have driven Range Rovers for 20 years and this ability to hold to any road with superb traction is why it is the finest off road vehicle made.

The transfer case offers selectable low- and high-range, using a two-speed fully synchronized shift on the move' system which allows the driver to change between the two at up to 37 mph for exceptional flexibility. High-range provides a direct drive ratio of 1:1, while the low-range ratio is 2.93:1, providing an extremely low crawl speed. This allows for an overall crawl ratio of 45.542:1.

To optimize traction and stability, the Dynamic Active Rear Locking Differential has been recalibrated. The differential now locks earlier and to an increased extent, satisfying performance-minded drivers and ensuring torque is transferred to the rear wheel with most traction, increasing agility.

Torque Vectoring is also uniquely recalibrated. It uses the Range Rovers brake system to create the effect of a torque-vectoring differential, constantly balancing the distribution of engine torque between the four wheels during cornering, for improved grip and steering, and reduced understeer.

The system monitors the vehicle 100 times per second via the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) module.  As the vehicle accelerates through a corner, the system uses yaw sensors to detect the beginning of understeer.  Imperceptible levels of braking are then used to correct the vehicle attitude, while engine torque is transferred to the outside wheels, which have more grip, thus maintaining traction and steering control.

The exterior design and luxurious interior of Land Rover's premium sports SUV have been enhanced for the Range Rover Sport SVR with a range of dynamic improvements.

Designed exclusively by Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), the Range Rover Sport SVR makes a strong visual statement. These include a front bumper with muscular trapezoidal air intakes, dark Range Rover script on the clamshell hood, which also features revised vents, and a new grille in a dark finish that contrasts with the headlights' LED signature lighting. At the side of the vehicle, an all-new fender incorporates a distinctively designed vent, while unique side moldings add muscularity. At the rear, prominent Range Rover Sport SVR badging and a pronounced high-level spoiler with a centrally mounted brake light signal the vehicle's sporting intent. The unique rear bumper features a gloss black diffuser, which incorporates unique quad exhaust pipes, instantly differentiating this high-performance derivative.

The larger air intakes in the front bumper create additional airflow for the charge air coolers that channel air to the powerful 550hp supercharged engine.

The new rear spoiler reduces lift, and has been carefully balanced with the new front bumper.  Beneath the front bumper a new NVH comb is fitted, which reduces wind noise and improves aerodynamic efficiency.  It also reduces front-end lift to help the front tires retain high levels of grip during enthusiastic driving. The deeper front bumper's more aggressive lower section can also be removed for extreme off-roading.

Additional brake cooling has also been introduced for the six-piston Brembo brake set-up, ensuring optimal stopping power.

A choice of seven color palettes are available, including the striking Estoril Blue, exclusive to the Range Rover Sport SVR. Exterior trim detailed in Black and headlights with black casings round-off the design enhancements, creating a visually imposing road presence.

Inside, Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations has differentiated the SVR with distinctive leather sports seats. These comfortable seats offer additional lateral support during spirited driving. Full 14-way electric adjustment is offered and the vehicle's Sports Command Driving Position² and generous rear legroom are unaffected.

The new rear seats recline for maximum comfort and offer full 60/40 folding capability and up to 62.2 cubic feet (1761 liters) of load space.

The seats are finished in luxurious Oxford leather with ribbed, quilted centers, Ebony Black top stitching, eye-catching reflective piping, and all feature the Range Rover Sport SVR logo. Four striking interior color options are available: Ebony Black; Ebony Black and Cirrus White; Ebony Black and Pimento Red; Ebony Black and Tan.

As standard, the vehicle is supplied with turned aluminum interior trim details, with optional carbon fiber trim for the door panels, center console, dashboard and steering-wheel bezel available ($2300.00).

"The Range Rover Sport SVR is the ultimate in premium performance," said Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, Gerry McGovern. "Crafted by Land Rover's 'Special Vehicle Operations', its performance-focused design revisions clearly differentiate the most powerful Land Rover vehicle ever produced from existing derivatives with its ground-hugging, assertive stance and additional road presence. This striking evolution retains the trademark DNA for which the Range Rover Sport is so widely acclaimed."

Differentiated by quad exhaust pipes, the Range Rover Sport SVR is equipped with a two-stage active exhaust featuring electronically controlled valves that optimize sound quality, performance and aesthetics. The new exhaust features larger diameter underfloor pipes - up from 2.2-inches (55mm) in the Supercharged V8 to 2.4-inches (60mm) - for enhanced flow characteristics.

A new exhaust soundtrack audibly distinguishes the Range Rover Sport SVR, with a purposeful modulation at lighter throttle openings and a higher-frequency staccato at peak performance. The electronically controlled active exhaust valves largely eliminate exhaust flow noise, creating pure engine sound through to peak engine speeds. At lower engine speeds, the electronically controlled valves close off two tailpipes. As engine speed and load increases - typically around 3000rpm - the valves open, allowing greater flow through all four exhaust pipes. A symposer enriches sound quality filtering desirable induction noise into the cabin.

Together with modified engine tuning that cuts the air charge far more quickly when the driver lifts off the throttle, the new exhaust also creates a pronounced crackle during deceleration. If desired, the driver can also select a quiet mode at any engine speed. The new active exhaust system has also been designed to maintain the outstanding off-road performance of the Range Rover Sport SVR should owners decide to use its 33.5-inch (850mm) wading capability.

The new rear seats recline for maximum comfort and offer full 60/40 folding capability and up to 62.2 cubic feet (1761 liters) of load space.

The seats are finished in luxurious Oxford leather with ribbed, quilted centers, Ebony Black top stitching, eye-catching reflective piping, and all feature the Range Rover Sport SVR logo. Four striking interior color options are available: Ebony Black; Ebony Black and Cirrus White; Ebony Black and Pimento Red; Ebony Black and Tan.

As standard, the vehicle is supplied with turned aluminum interior trim details, with optional carbon fiber trim for the door panels, center console, dashboard and steering-wheel bezel available ($2300.00).

"The Range Rover Sport SVR is the ultimate in premium performance," said Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, Gerry McGovern. "Crafted by Land Rover's 'Special Vehicle Operations', its performance-focused design revisions clearly differentiate the most powerful Land Rover vehicle ever produced from existing derivatives with its ground-hugging, assertive stance and additional road presence. This striking evolution retains the trademark DNA for which the Range Rover Sport is so widely acclaimed."

Differentiated by quad exhaust pipes, the Range Rover Sport SVR is equipped with a two-stage active exhaust featuring electronically controlled valves that optimize sound quality, performance and aesthetics. The new exhaust features larger diameter underfloor pipes - up from 2.2-inches (55mm) in the Supercharged V8 to 2.4-inches (60mm) - for enhanced flow characteristics.

A new exhaust soundtrack audibly distinguishes the Range Rover Sport SVR, with a purposeful modulation at lighter throttle openings and a higher-frequency staccato at peak performance. The electronically controlled active exhaust valves largely eliminate exhaust flow noise, creating pure engine sound through to peak engine speeds. At lower engine speeds, the electronically controlled valves close off two tailpipes. As engine speed and load increases - typically around 3000rpm - the valves open, allowing greater flow through all four exhaust pipes. A symposer enriches sound quality filtering desirable induction noise into the cabin.

Together with modified engine tuning that cuts the air charge far more quickly when the driver lifts off the throttle, the new exhaust also creates a pronounced crackle during deceleration. If desired, the driver can also select a quiet mode at any engine speed. The new active exhaust system has also been designed to maintain the outstanding off-road performance of the Range Rover Sport SVR should owners decide to use its 33.5-inch (850mm) wading capability.

While ARC is tuned to behave uniquely for the Range Rover Sport SVR during performance driving, it uses the same software map as other Range Rover Sport models when off-road use is detected by on-board sensors. This maintains excellent off-road capability.

Thanks to Ree Hartwell and the Jaguar Land Rover team I was trained at one of their schools to drive the Range Rovers off road.

2015 Range Rover Sport SVR	5.0L V8 S/Charged SVR
Height inches std / off-road (mm)	70.0 / 72.6 (1780 / 1845)
Width excl. wing mirrors / wing mirrors folded inches (mm)	79.5 / 81.6 (2018.5 / 2073)
Length inches (mm)	191.8 (4872)
Wheelbase inches (mm)	115.1 (2923)
Approach angle deg	22.4 std / 30 off-road
Departure angle deg	22.5 std / 27.3 off-road
Ramp breakover angle deg std height/off-road height	19.4/27
Wading depth inches (mm)	33.5 (850)
Turning Circle ft. wall to wall / curb to curb (mm)	41.0 / 40.4 (12.5 / 12.3)
Drag coefficient (Cd)	0.38
Weight from lbs (kg)	5148 (2335)
Front suspension	SLA suspension with twin lower links with air springs/CVD with ARC
Rear suspension	Integral link suspension with air springs/ CVD with ARC
Brakes	15in  (380mm) ventilated disc-front / 14.4-inches (365mm) ventilated disc-rear
Steering	Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) rack and pinion
Four-wheel drive system	Permanent 4 wheel drive with std locking center differential & Terrain ResponseTM 2, optional locking rear axle differential.
Engine type	Longitudinal / V8 / 32 Quad cam DIVCT (Dual Independent Variable Cam Timing)
Displacement cc	4999.7
Bore / Stroke inches (mm)	3.6 / 3.7 (92.5 / 93.0)
Compression ratio : 1	9.5
Horsepower	550
Max Torque ft. lb.	502
Fuel economy	14 mpg city / 16 combined /19 mpg highway3
Transmission	ZF 8HP70 (8 speed Auto)
Fuel tank capacity gallons (liters)	27.7 (105)
0-60 mph1	4.5
0-100 km/h1	4.7
Top speed mph (km/h)1	162 (260)
Wheels / Tires	21-inch alloys with 275/45 R21 110Y Continental Cross Contact all-season tires.

BRUCE HUBBARD

BRADLEY HUBBARD

JB WELKER

JB HUBBARD

BONNIE LYNCH

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

HISTORY

Although only intended to be a post-war stopgap, the Rover Company's Land Rover 4x4 that was launched in 1948 proved to be a worldwide success; within two years, it was vastly outselling the company's usual product of semi-luxury cars. The Land Rover had been designed to be cheap, simple to manufacture and suitable for hard work in rural terrain. It was a basic vehicle with minimal concessions toward comfort. On early vehicles, the canvas hood, passenger seats and even doors were optional extras. From the beginning Rover realized that a market existed for a Land Rover that was off-road capable but more comfortable and civilized. In 1949 the Land Rover station wagon was released with a coach-built wood-framed body by Tickford. While an improvement on the standard vehicle (the Tickford had seven seats, floor carpets, a heater, a one-piece windscreen and other car-like features), its hand-built nature kept prices high. Less than 700 were sold before sales ceased in 1951.

In 1954 Land Rover launched its second type of Land Rover station wagon, this time built by the company itself. The new version was much more successful but was aimed at the commercial user who needed an off-road people-carrier rather than the buyer requiring car-like comfort in an off-roader. The station wagon was based on the commercial variant of the Land Rover but with seats fitted to the load space and windows cut into the sides. While available with features such as an interior light, heater, door and floor trims and upgraded seats, the station wagon retained the base vehicle's tough and capable but firm suspension as well as its mediocre road performance.

By the late 1950s, Rover became convinced that a market existed for a vehicle combining the toughness and ability of the Land Rover with the comfort of a Rover saloon car. In 1958 the first of the "Road Rover" series were built. These were a series of development cars built by the engineering department consisting of Land Rover chassis and running gear clothed in a functional but car-like estate car body. The Road Rover was aimed at markets such as Africa and Australia where ordinary motorists faced long journeys on unmade roads where a vehicle with four-wheel drive and tough suspension was a benefit.

By the 1960s, Rover was becoming aware of the development of the sports utility vehicle (SUV) in North America. SUVs such as the International Harvester Scout and the Ford Bronco offered a different blend of off- and on-road ability from existing utility 4x4s such as the Land Rover and the Jeep, proving capable of good on-road comfort and speed while retaining more than adequate off-road ability for most private users. The Jeep Wagoneer proved the concept further. The final element of what would become the Range Rover concept was provided by the president of Rover's USA operations who, frustrated by the lack of suitable vehicles from Britain to compete with the new crop of SUVs, sent Rover a Land Rover Series II 88 fitted with a Buick V8 engine which offered far greater on-road performance and refinement than any Land Rover then in production.

Rover acknowledged the emergence of this new market for recreational off-roaders, and, in 1967, with Charles Spencer King in charge, began the "100-inch Station Wagon" program to develop a radical car to compete. King quickly defined the basic layout of the new vehicle, realizing that only long-travel coil springs could provide the required blend of luxury car comfort and Land Rover's established off-road ability. (King is said to have been convinced by coil springs while driving a Rover P6 across rough scrubland on part of the Solihull factory site that was being redeveloped, but Rover also bought a Ford Bronco which featured such a suspension system in the early stages of the 100-inch SW program). Spencer King was also convinced that a permanent four-wheel drive transmission was needed both to provide adequate handling and to reliably absorb the power that would be required by the vehicle if it was to be competitive. This required a totally new transmission unit to be developed, but Rover spread development costs between the 100-inch SW project and one working on what would become the Land Rover 101 Forward Control. The adoption by Rover of the Buick alloy V8 engine had provided the perfect powerplant for the new 4x4, being powerful, light and sturdy. Various modifications were made to the design to suit use in the Range Rover, such as fitting different carburetors that maintained fuel supply at extreme angles and making a provision for the engine to use a starting handle in emergencies.

The final design, launched in 1970 with bodywork styled largely by the engineering team rather than David Bache's styling division, was marketed as "A Car For All Reasons". In its original guise, the Range Rover was more capable off-road than the Land Rover but was much more comfortable, offering a top speed in excess of 100 mph (160 km/h), a towing capacity of 3.5 tons, spacious accommodation for five people and groundbreaking features such as a four-speed, dual-range, permanent four-wheel-drive gearbox and hydraulic disc brakes on all wheels.

Like other Land Rover vehicles, most of the Range Rover's bodywork skin is constructed from lightweight aluminium, except for the two-section rear tailgate, and the bonnet on all but the earliest models. Apart from minor cosmetic changes,^[3][4][5] the body design changed very little in its first decade. However, while utility Land Rovers had body panels rolled from a single sheet of aluminium, the Range Rover used aluminium panels hung on a steel 'safety frame' (a method pioneered with great success on the Rover P6 saloon). This allowed the bodywork of the Range Rover to carry much greater structural strength with the steel frame while retaining the corrosion-resistant and easily repaired aluminium outer panels. While the steel frame was designed by the engineering team, it was expected that Rover's stylist David Bache would provide a design for the outer panels for use on the production vehicles. For the prototypes the engineers designed their own functional body panels simply to protect the occupants and to allow the vehicles to be driven legally on the road. However the clean, square-cut and functional design of the prototype was deemed so good that Bache only altered the detailing, such as providing a different front grille and headlamp design.

Early vehicles may be distinguished by the rear 'C' pillars being absent of a vinyl covering which was introduced a little later in the 1970s.

One of the first significant changes came in 1981, with the introduction of a four-door body.^[6] Until then, Range Rovers only had two doors, making access to the rear seats rather awkward. These doors were also very large and heavy. Several companies offered conversions to four doors in the late 1970s. That by one of these companies, Monteverdi, was approved for warranty purposes by Land Rover and was closely followed when the company then produced its own development. The four-door version was received well by the public; its popularity was such that the two-door was discontinued in the United Kingdom in 1984,

although the two-door continued to be produced to January 1994, mainly for the French market.

The first major push upmarket was in 1984, which saw the availability of leather trim and automatic transmission; this was followed by the 1985 model year, which saw the instrument pod replaced by a more modern one (adapted from the Austin Maestro) and new door cards (using Austin Metro door handles) with walnut inlays.

The front end of the Range Rover was revamped in 1986. This brought a more pedestrian-friendly plastic grille with horizontal slats, and optional front valance with two fog lights. The seat base was lowered and door handles were redesigned, making it more difficult for rear passengers but greatly improving the comfort for taller people in the front. Other changes included the windows, tailgate and bonnet, but none of those affected the general design. Bonnet and door hinges gradually evolved out of sight and the fuel filler cap was hidden behind a hinged flap.

The Range Rover broke from the Land Rovers of its time by using coil springs instead of the then-common leaf springs. Because of its hefty weight, it also had disc brakes on all four wheels. Originally, it had no power steering, though this was added a few years after its introduction.

One problem with the Range Rover chassis was that it suffered considerably from body roll. Because of this, the suspension was lowered by 20 mm (0.8 in) in 1980,^[9] and later gained anti-roll bars.

Air suspension was introduced in late 1992 for high-end 1993 models.

Most Range Rovers had a 100-inch (2,540 mm) wheelbase. However, 1992 saw the introduction of a more luxurious model, branded the LSE in the United Kingdom and County LWB (long wheelbase) in the United States, providing expansive rear-passenger legroom absent from the 100-inch wheelbase models. These had a 108-inch (2,743 mm) wheelbase and 4.2 litre engines.

The 100-inch Range Rover chassis became the basis for the Land Rover Discovery, introduced in 1989.

The first generation Range Rover, early two-door model fitted with the later model alloy wheels. The post-facelift Range Rover (LWB), such as this early 1990s long wheel-base LSE example, had front valance and horizontal slat grilleOriginally, the Range Rover was fitted with a detuned 135 hp (101 kW) version of the Buick-derived Rover V8 engine. The 3,528 cc (3.5 L; 215.3 cu in) engine was increased to a displacement of 3,947 cc (3.9 L; 240.9 cu in) for the 1990 model year,^[9] and 4,197 cc (4.2 L; 256.1 cu in) in 1992.

Petrol-fuelled Range Rovers were fitted with carburettors until 1986, when they were replaced by Lucas electronic fuel injection,^[9] improving both performance and fuel economy. The Lucas injection system continued to evolve over the next several years, culminating in the 1990 to 1995 Lucas 14CUX. Some export markets retained carburettors, with the original Zenith/Stromberg manufactured units being replaced by Skinners Union (SU)-manufactured items.

From 1979 onwards, Land Rover collaborated with Perkins on Project Iceberg, an effort to develop a diesel version of the Range Rover's 3.5 litre V8 engine.^[12] Both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions were built, but the all-alloy engine blocks failed under the much greater pressures involved in diesel operation. The project was, therefore, abandoned. The effort to strengthen the Rover V8 for diesel operation was not, however, completely wasted; the 4.2 litre petrol variant of the engine used crankshaft castings developed in the Iceberg project.^[13]

Because of the Iceberg failure, it was not until 1986 that Range Rovers gained diesel engines from the factory. The more efficient 2,393 cc (2.4 L; 146.0 cu in) inline-four VM diesel from Italy was made available as an option for the heavily taxed European market as the 'Turbo D' model,^[6] and were increased to 2,499 cc (2.5 L; 152.5 cu in) in 1989.^[10] The VM engines were highly advanced and refined diesel engines for their time but were received poorly by the UK press, who tended to compare their performance to the V8 models. To counter these criticisms Land Rover used a Turbo D Range Rover to set several speed and endurance records for diesel vehicles during 1987, including a continuous run over 24 hours at over 100 mph (160 km/h). The VM were replaced by Land Rover's own 200Tdi turbocharged diesel engine in 1992.^[6] and 300Tdi at the end of 1994.

The Range Rover used permanent four-wheel drive, rather than the switchable rear-wheel/four-wheel drive on Land Rover Series vehicles, and had a lever for switching ratios on the transfer box for off-road use. Originally, the only gearbox available was a four-speed manual unit, until Fairey overdrive became an option after 1977. A three-speed Chrysler TorqueFlite automatic gearbox became an option in 1982, which was upgraded to a 4-speed ZF box in 1985, coupled to an LT230 transfer box.^[9] The other major transmission upgrade in the Range Rover's lifetime was the switch from the LT95 combined four-speed manual gearbox and transfer box to the LT77 five-speed gearbox and separate LT230 transfer box in 1983. The LT230 was later used on both the Defender and Discovery models, but was replaced on the Range Rover by a Borg Warner chain-driven transfer box incorporating an automatic viscous coupling limited slip differential - earlier transmissions had a manual differential lock (operated by a vacuum servo on the LT95 and mechanically on the LT230). The LT77 had two major design changes: first an upgrade to larger bearings for the layshaft and new ratios around 1988, then a newly designed synchro hub for third and fourth gear and double synchros for first and second. This is also known as the suffix H gearbox or LT77s.

In June 1970, the Range Rover was introduced to the public, to much critical acclaim. It appeared that Rover had succeeded in their goal of a car equally capable both on and off road – arguably, better than any four-wheel-drive vehicle of its era in both environments. With a top speed of 95 mph (153 km/h) and acceleration from a standstill to 60 mph (97 km/h) in less than 15 seconds, performance was stated as being better than many family saloon cars of its era,^[14] and off-road performance was good, owing to its long suspension travel and high ground clearance. The 1995 Classic Range Rovers would reduce the 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) time to around 11 seconds, and increase the top speed to approximately 110 mph (180 km/h).

Notable off-road feats were winning the four-wheel drive class in the first Paris-Dakar Rally in 1979 and 1981,^[15] and being two of the first vehicles (along with a Land Rover Series IIA) to traverse both American continents north-to-south through the Darién Gap from 1971 to 1972.

J.K. Stanley started the company as a sewing machine firm. Later like the Wright Brothers manufactured bicycles. Then all electric bicycles.  1888!!!Yes that long ago. In 1904 first cars manufactured.

·  1937-1945   Rover factories work on War Effort.
The Rover factories at Acocks Green and Solihull become a part of the Government's Shadow Factories scheme and build a variety of war parts including engines for aircraft and tanks. After the end of World War 2, demand continues for the Rolls Royce V12 Meteor tank engines, which continue to be manufactured at Acocks Green. Solihull begins to prepare to manufacture cars again with plans to manufacture 20,000 cars per year. With a war-crippled economy, the Government demands products for exports and continues to control steel allocations due to short supplies. Rover is forced to drop their ambitious plans.

·  1946   Maurice Wilks' Jeep needs replacing.
Maurice Wilks had a farm on Anglesey that made use of a beaten-up war surplus Willys Jeep. He found this Jeep useful for a variety of practical farm uses. Nearing the end of its life, Maurice was considering a replacement. No British alternative existed, and parts for a new Willys Jeep were hard to get at that time. What spares were available, had to be purchased as bulk war surplus stock. This problem identified a gap in the market for a farm vehicle that was smaller than a tractor but was more versatile, and was rugged without being cumbersome.

·  September 1947   The 'Land Rover' project was made official.
Board Meeting minutes describe it as "the all-purpose vehicle on the lines of the Willys-Overland post-war Jeep was the most desirable" using the P3 engine, gearbox, and back axle.
In reality the first prototypes were already running, with design work starting in spring 1947.

·  April 1948   Land Rover appears at Amsterdam Motor Show.
Development of the Land Rover progressed quickly. The P6 engine proved to be too small, and a 1.6 litre engine is fitted instead. Two prototype 80-inch wheelbase Land Rovers are exhibited at the Amsterdam Motor Show. The new vehicle is greeted with enthusiasm, and was eaten up by the motoring press.

·  1951   Land Rovers out-sell all other Rover vehicles 2 to 1.

·  1954   86" and 107" Land Rovers introduced.
During the 1950s, the wheelbase expands to 86" and larger engines are fitted. A long wheelbase 107" vehicle is introduced with a station wagon body. A diesel option is also introduced at about the same time.

·  1958   Series II introduced.
The Series II introduces the familiar barrel-sided body to the Land Rover range. The 4 cylinder 2,286cc engine is also introduced. Wheelbase options are 88in and 109in. Synchromesh is added to the top two gears.

·  1961   Series IIA is introduced.
This provided a diesel engine with a 2,286cc capacity to match the petrol option.

·  1962   12-seater Station Wagon, and Series IIA Forward Control introduced.
A 12-seater station wagon body is introduced for tax reasons. Fitting 12 adults into this vehicle was a tight squeeze.
The first Forward Control vehicle is introduced. Intended as a robust load carrier, this positioned the cab above the engine.

·  1966   Series IIB Forward Control is introduced.
Due to required chassis strengthening, the IIA Forward Control is too heavy for the 4 cylinder petrol engine; and a 6 cylinder petrol engine is fitted. Heavy duty axles and larger tyres are also fitted. A diesel option was also available. The 6 cylinder petrol engine becomes an option on the standard 109" Land Rover from 1967.

·  1967   Rover and Leyland merge.
Rover and Leyland merge, with Leyland becoming the majority partner.

·  1968   1 ton model introduced.
Heavy duty '1 ton' version of the standard Series IIA 109" (3/4 ton) is introduced.

·  1970   Range Rover launched.
The Range Rover improves on the off-road capabilities of the Land Rover, whilst introducing the comforts and styling normally found on cars. Coil springs are introduced for the first time.

·  1971   Series III launched.
Replacing the Series IIA, the Series III included a number of refinements such as synchromesh on all high-box gears. Externally, it looks very similar to the classic IIA except for the grille and headlights.

·  1972   Forward Control 101"
A V8-powered Forward Control is introduced and sells well to the military. Unfortunately, it proves too utilitarian for civilian markets, and it remains a military-only vehicle.

·  1976   One Millionth Land Rover is produced.

·  1979   Stage One 109" V8 introduced.
A new development programme begins to bear fruit with a V8-engined 109" Land Rover dubbed the "Stage One". Essentially a Series III, this had a grille flush with the wings to allow room for the larger engine.

·  1983-84   90" and 110" vehicles launched.
The venerable Series III is replaced by the 90" (1984) and 110" (1983) Land Rovers. These introduce modern styling, and coil springs. A 130in extra-long wheelbase version is also produced.

·  1988  British Aerospace take over the Rover Group.

·  1990  Discovery launched.
The Discovery was aimed at the new family 4x4 market, but still had enviable off-road abilities.

·  1990   90" and 110" vehicles rebranded as 'Defender'.
In parallel to the launch of the Discovery, the 90" and 110" Land Rovers are rebranded under the 'Defender' name to reflect their use be defence forces. Rebranding is accompanied with a new 200TDi diesel engine option, with the 300TDi option following in 1993.

·  1994  British Aerospace sell the Rover Group to BMW.

·  1994  New Shape P38 Range Rover introduced.
The Range Rover is completely re-modelled. The modern P38 Range Rover is aimed more at the on-road luxury SUV market, but is still a good off-road performer - unlike the bulk the competition.

·  1996  Classic Range Rover ceases production.
Production of the 'Classic' Range Rover continued in parallel to the P38, but finally cease in 1996.

·  1997  Freelander introduced.
The much rumoured CB40 project is revealed to the press as the Freelander. Designed to compete against small 4x4s such as the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4, the Freelander departed from standard Land Rover design technologies, with a monocoque body and independent strut suspension. The Freelander quickly becomes Europe's best selling 4x4.

·  1998  Discovery Series 2 launched.
Remodelled Discovery Series 2, codename 'Tempest' is launched.

·  2000  BMW sell Land Rover to Ford.
BMW splits the Rover Group into two, selling Land Rover to Ford. The car division is sold to the British Phoenix management group.

·  2002  Range Rover Mk III launched.
The second major redesign of the Range Rover, is launched.

·  2004  Discovery 3 launched.
Discovery 3 is launched with a significant re-styling.

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Finding yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere because you thought you knew were you were going is bad but it's even worse when the cause of your distress is the very car you drive. Engine or suspension failure are not an option when going off-roading and Land Rover builders are well aware of this.

That's why when the vehicle's creators, the Wilks brothers, designed the first Land Rover in 1948, they made it stout like an ox. The world-renowned vehicle was not the product of a lengthy car-builder's pregnancy with new ideas but rather an answer to a why-not question type. Maurice Wilks, who was the chief designer at Rover and proud owner of a jeep, began thinking of building his own vehicle when he realized that the one he had would eventually break down.

Jeeps had already proven their utility during WWII and civil versions of the military vehicles were on the verge of entering mass production. These were great times for the British to outdo the Americans with the launch of the Land Rover. Luckily, Wilks proved to Rover-factory heads that his design would be a commercial success as well as a reliable multi purpose vehicle that could easily challenge Jeep's supremacy.

The first Land Rover was revealed at the Amsterdam Auto Show on April 30, 1948 where it caught the eye of many. Far mode orders than the maximum that could be handled poured in, making a celebrity out of the freshly-launched vehicle. Built on a Jeep chassis, the Land Rover's main selling points were its rugged, light weight construction and ability of effortlessly covering rough terrain.

Great Britain was still a colonial Empire at the time and took full advantage of its position at the time to spread the Land Rover throughout its provinces. Before befriending expeditions leaders and off-road enthusiasts, the Land Rover became popular with farmers all across Great Britain. For farmers to embrace the idea of switching from horse to Diesel-powered vehicles, the Land Rover had to make proof of its capabilities which it sure did. Soon after, it became the car of choice among gentlemen and land lords.

Soon after, the Land Rover became the main vehicle to be used in expeditions and gained a reputation unbridled up to this day for its reliability in extreme conditions. In fact, the Land Rover became so popular and was the means of transport to reach many remote areas around the world that it is claimed to be the first vehicle to have been seen by 1/3 of Earth's population.

Later models sported a sturdy 4WD system that immediately allowed Land Rover to breach new markets. By the 1970's, Land Rover experienced a sudden set back with farmers turning to similar vehicles of Japanese make that could do a Rover's job at increased affordability. The Asian car manufacturers had already made a reputation for their reliable vehicles and were close to conquering US markets, stage that Land Rovers were still far from. The situation was partially solved with the introduction of an improved Defender model that managed to regain some of its popularity.

After   a few ownership changes, Land Rover becomes property of BMW under which several new models are released as well as some minor and major upgrades are performed on older cars. The Disco and Freelander are the first two models released under BMW patronage that make a significant impact on the SUV and MPV market. Rugged construction is softened over  quality styling.