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  • Range Rover Evoque on the streets of KL – Nov launch!

    In Cars, Land Rover, Local News / By / / 24 comments

    Looks like things are winding towards the Range Rover Evoque’s launch in Malaysia; the SUV has been spotted parked in some locations, and now on the road – reader Ken snapped this photo of the vehicle, which he says is a 2.2 diesel example, near Universiti Malaya.

    The car – which was teased here in two wireframe installation displays in May – will be getting its official launch early next month, we hear. Three variants will be available, a 240 hp and 340 Nm 2.0 litre petrol three-door Coupe and five-door examples in both 2.0 litre petrol and 2.2 litre diesel guise. The diesel will be the 190 PS and 420 Nm version.

    There’s a choice of four external colours – Fuji White, Sumatra Black, Orkney Grey and Indus Silver – to pick from, and the five-door gets four interior colour choices while the Coupe gets two. We also hear that the first batch of vehicles have already been snapped up!

     

  • Frankfurt: Land Rover reveals the DC100 and DC100 Sport Defender concepts

    In 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Land Rover, Technology / By / / 8 comments


    UPDATE: Live photos have been added to the gallery.

    Land Rover has unveiled two Defender concepts at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The first is the DC100 concept which was revealed prior to the motor event and second is the roof-less DC100 Sport concept which was just announced moments ago. According to the famous 4×4 maker, these two concepts will help set the pathway for the future design of the iconic Defender and they both showcase various off-road capabilities.

    Both concepts sit on the same lightweight, mixed-alloy platform and feature 2.0 litre gasoline and diesel engines with hybrid and plug-in capabilities. They both run on a permanent four-wheel drive configuration along with an 8-speed transmission.

    Other features include an Intelligent Stop/Start system, three-abreast ‘social seating’, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Leisure key which is a waterproof and lightweight alternative to the control fob, built-in induction charging stations as well as the ‘Always-on’ connectivity and telematics feature which allow for car-to-smartphone, car-to-car and car-to-base communication.

    As for the 4×4 functions, both concepts have the Terrain-i scanning device which alerts the driver about obstacles while off-roading and it can even suggest alternative routes. There is also something called Wade Aid which uses sonar technology to assess water depth and it can also advise the driver on the optimum speed. Another interesting feature is the spiked tyre system which can be activated by the driver.

    There is also Driveline Disconnect which physically disjoints the rear axle to save fuel when the all-wheel drive system is not required and there is also an updated Land Rover Terrain Response system. So what’s the difference between the two concepts? Well the DC100 pretty much showcases the future of Land Rover capability and versatility while the DC100 Sport is an “active expression of freedom and leisure.” Land Rover also took the opportunity to reiterate that the new Defender will be launched in 2015.

    Continue reading to view an image gallery.
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  • Land Rover Defender DC100 Concept to debut at Frankfurt

    In 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Concept Cars, Land Rover / By / / 13 comments

    Is the Land Rover Defender about to get a massive makeover? It sure looks like Land Rover has the intention, with this new Defender DC100 Concept set to make a public debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

    It’s not a bad idea really, after all, all the passenger car companies are having a field day with modern day retro-futuristic interpretations of their muscle car classics – we now have cool modern versions of cars like the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang. So why can’t Land Rover do the same?

    “Replacing the iconic Defender is one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world; it is a car that inspires people worldwide.  This isn’t a production-ready concept but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century,” says Gerry McGovern, Director of Design, Land Rover.

    A new Land Rover Defender is set to be launched in 2015. Revising its design is one thing, but what about its construction? WIll Land Rover replace the Defender’s ladder frame construction with a monocoque design?

     

  • Land Rover Defender gets new 2.2 liter turbodiesel engine

    In Cars, International News, Land Rover / By / / 8 comments

    While the iconic Land Rover Defender still looks very similiar to the Defenders of the past, its heart has been undergoing a few revisions over the years, with the most recent engine being a 2.4 litre Ford Duratorq that replaced the Td5 engine before it.

    And now it’s time for the Defender’s oil burner to be replaced again, with the Euro 4 2.4 litre retired in favor of a new Euro 5-capable 2.2 litre engine, that despite the lower displacement, makes around the same power – 122 PS at 3,500rpm and 360Nm of torque at 2,000rpm.

    The engine is Euro 5 compliant if a Diesel Particulate Filter is installed, which I can bet won’t be found in the Defender in Malaysia if we go the 2.2 litre path along with the global engine config revision.

     

  • 2011 Range Rover – now with 4.4 LR-TDV8 turbodiesel

    In Cars, Land Rover, Local News / By / / 9 comments

    It was just about a month ago when Land Rover Malaysia introduced the 2011 Range Rover into the Malaysian market with the 5.0 V8 Supercharged which retails at RM798,888. For diesel Range Rover lovers out there, not to worry as the 4.4 LR-TDV8 turbodiesel is now available.

    The 4.4 litre V8 oil burner makes 313 PS and a respectable 700 Nm of torque and it replaces the 3.6 LR-TDV8 with a price tag of RM730,000 on the road excluding insurance which is almost RM70,000 cheaper than its petrol counterpart. According to Land Rover, the 4.4 litre diesel engine offers 15% improvement in power, economy as well as acceleration along with a 9% improvement in torque, compared to its predecessor.

    With that said, the 4.4 turbodiesel offers a combined fuel consumption figure of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometers. Instead of a ZF 6HP28 6-speed slush box found in the 5.0 V8 Supercharged, the turbodiesel engine is paired to a ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic. 0-100 km/h is achieved in 7.8 seconds, compared to 6.2 seconds with the force-inducted petrol model.

    Just like the 5.0 V8 Superchanged, the LR-TDV8 turbodiesel in Vogue trim line comes with goodies such as the Terrain Response system with Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Gradient Acceleration Control (GAC).

    Other features include Adaptive Dynamics which is pretty much a variable damping system. Another interesting feature is the rotary dial operated gear selector, commonly known as Drive Select. The gear selector simply raises upon ignition and it comes in conjunction with the 8-speed transmission.

    You can check out the gallery after the jump.
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  • 2011 Range Rover 5.0 V8 Supercharged arrives in Malaysia

    In Cars, Land Rover, Local News / By / / 34 comments

    Land Rover Malaysia today introduced the 2011 model year Range Rover 5.0 litre Petrol Supercharged – primary enhancements to the vehicle include Terrain Response upgrades and external styling refinements.

    The range-topping 510 hp and 625 Nm supercharged LR-V8 mill – first seen last year – continues on, as does the ZF 6HP28 six-speed auto transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 kph time of 6.2 seconds.

    The 2011 model get additions to its award-winning Terrain Response system, in the form of Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control.

    The HSA feature on the Range Rover is always available and not selectable. Meanwhile, GAC is designed to provide safety cover on severe gradients when the driver does not have Hill Descent Control engaged.

    By pressurising the brake system, GAC slows the car to a limit determined by the throttle position when the car is descending a slope in the driver’s intended direction of travel – this includes descending the slope forwards in drive or rearwards in reverse. Otherwise, such as descending while facing up the gradient with Drive selected, the system restricts speed to 5 kph for up to 20 seconds, allowing the driver to regain proper control.

    Cosmetic enhancements for the exterior come in the form of new 20-inch alloy wheels with a sparkle finish as well as a ‘Nobel’ grille mesh for the front and sides, while the cabin gets illuminated treadplates for the front doors and a harman/kardon Logic 7 hi-fi surround system, replete with 14 speakers.

    Luxury being the buzzword, the vehicle comes dressed in European leather trim for headlining and door casings as well as sumptuous perforated Oxford leather seat trim and a 12-piece wood veneer set.

    The good news is that the price for the 2011 version remains the same, at RM798,888 (Peninsular Malaysia) and RM802,388 (Sabah and Sarawak), on the road excluding insurance.

    Gallery after the jump.
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  • Jaguar Land Rover opens its first Indian plant at Pune

    In Cars, India, Jaguar, Land Rover / By / / 4 comments

    Jaguar Land Rover has officially opened its first assembly plant in India last week. Located in Pune in the Maharashtra region, the facility will first assemble the Land Rover Freelander 2, supplied to it by in Complete Knock Down (CKD) form from JLR’s Halewood plant in the UK. It has the capacity to assemble 3,500 vehicles annually.

    Two variants of the SUV will be available, the TD4 SE Automatic and the SD4 HSE Automatic. They’re now cheaper by Rs 2.5-3 lakh compared to previous fully imported CBU units.

    According to the Tata owned company, the Pune facility (it’s not newly built, production line at the Tata owned building was earlier used by Mercedes) will be subject to JLR’s mainstream launch quality processes and will be overseen by experienced manufacturing and quality managers who have moved to India from the UK.

    “Today marks a significant step in our growth strategy for the Indian market. The opening of this plant demonstrates close co-operation between the parent company Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover and we are keen to develop this further,” said Carl-Peter Forster, CEO and MD of parent company Tata Motors.

    JLR is also planning a new £400 million engine plant in India, supposedly a “carbon copy” of a facility JLR has already announced for for the UK. It will churn out four-cylinder engines that are modular in design and up to 2.0 litres in capacity.

     

  • Jaguar-LR to build four-cylinder engine plant in India

    In Cars, India, International News, Jaguar, Land Rover / By / / 1 comment

    Tata owned Jaguar Land Rover is planning a new £400 million engine plant in India, sources told Autocar India. Apparently, the plant will be a “carbon copy” of a facility JLR has already announced for for the UK, which is believed to be in Wolverhampton. It’s possible that the Indian plant will be in Pune, a city that will also host a previously announced Land Rover assembly plant.

    The Indian plant will make four-cylinder engines that are modular in design and up to 2.0 litres in capacity, according to sources. This fits in with JLR’s intention to replace the relatively expensive four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines it buys from previous owner Ford. The V6 and V8 engines they use will continue to be made by Ford in Bridgend and Dagenham for the time being.

    It won’t be so soon though, as work on the Indian plant will only start after the UK plant. But when both new factories are up and running, they can churn out up to 500,000 units a year, enough to supply assembly in China, which was announced by CEO Carl Peter-Forster mid last year.

    Jaguar Land Rover is doing pretty well under Tata ownership. They have just announced the biggest-ever profit in British automotive history with after-tax earnings of £1.043 billion for the recent financial year. This is few fold more than the £300 million previous record posted in the 2007, JLR’s last full year under Ford custody. Vehicle sales in China and India have made this possible – sales rocketed by 33% and 61% respectively.

     

  • Range Rover Evoque to arrive in the fourth quarter this year, ‘Salam Kuala Lumpur’ campaign launched today

    In Cars, Land Rover, Local News / By / / 23 comments

    We’re in Pavilion KL now, where Land Rover Malaysia has kick started the pre-launch marketing campaign for the new Range Rover Evoque. To be launched here in the fourth quarter of this year, Land Rover’s latest product will be priced between RM300k and 400k. It’s a big ballpark, but Land Rover Malaysia will be trying hard to price it at the lower half of that scale.

    Launched at last year’s Paris show as a three-door ‘coupe’, Land Rover uncovered the five-door version at the LA show – both variants will be brought to Malaysia. There will be two engine choices for us to choose from – a 240 bhp 2.0 litre Si4 turbocharged petrol engine with direct fuel injection and twin VVT, and the SD4 2.2L diesel engine with 190 PS and 420 Nm. The SD4 is already in Malaysia powering the facelifted Land Rover Freelander.

    As for the pre-launch efforts, it’s part of a global campaign for the Evoque called ‘HELLOEVOQUE’, where the Evoque says Hello to major cities in the local language. For us, they’ve chosen the line ‘Salam Kuala Lumpur’ and there will be two wireframe installations that will be placed around the city – a blue one which depicts a three-door version and a five-door one, which will be in green.

    Designed by London artist Benedict Radcliffe, the life-sized wireframe is making its debut in South East Asia. If you remember, this Hello idea was also used on the test mules prior to its debut.

    “We are extremely excited about the market potential and impact of the Evoque. It’s a game changer for the Range Rover brand as it defines a completely new segment in the SUV market. We are targeting a younger market who are style, technology and environmentally conscious. The Evoque offers a complete Range Rover experience in a smaller, more sustainable and attainable vehicle,” said Land Rover Malaysia MD Mohd Hazem Abd Rahman.

    Besides the LRX concept car design, which is the obvious main selling point, we reckon that the Evoque’s unique cabin ambience is a main draw – it’s high tech yet luxurious. Click here to view our live gallery of the Evoque from the Paris show floor.

    By the way, order books for the Evoque are now open. We hear that LR Malaysia has about 30 names in it already!

     

  • Land Rover Defender all-electric – quietly game for game

    In Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Land Rover / By / / 11 comments


    Click to enlarge

    Do not disturb the animals – well, that would definitely be the case if you’ve got one of these around. It’s an all-electric version of the iconic Land Rover Defender, and it’s meant for use in game parks, where minimising noise levels is as beneficial as reducing environmental pollution.

    Jaguar Land Rover South Africa launched the electric Defender as a concept vehicle at the INDABA tourism exhibition in Durban earlier this week. The vehicle, co-developed with Axeon, Europe’s leading independent developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion battery systems, is a Defender 110 High Capacity Pick Up with an EV powertrain in place of the standard 2.4 litre diesel engine.

    The Axeon pack has been designed to fit into the vehicle’s engine bay in order to maintain ground clearance and wading height for the purpose-built vehicle. The bespoke battery system also incorporates Axeon’s proprietary Battery Management System (BMS), which monitors the battery state as well as measures and controls key operational parameters, important factors for an EV operating in harsh conditions.


    Click to enlarge

    In testing, the range has been shown to be capable of three times a typical game drive on a single charge – in this case around 80 km, with a 20 km reserve range.

    The electric Defender has been well received by experienced LR drivers, including those from the official Land Rover Experience, and has done quite nicely in testing at the rigorous and gruelling Gerotek test facility in Pretoria. In use, the quiet operation has meant a vehicle with the ability to get closer to animals within a game park. All the better to see you with, one supposes.

     
 
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