Rumors: Jaguar-Land Rover to open new Engine Plant in UK

When Tata Motors acquired Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford in 2008, it had to buy powertrains for the models that were already in production by the British group's former owner.

Now, as part for their expansion plan, Tata Motors is considering the opening of a new engine plant, according to British newspaper Sunday Telegraph. If the report is indeed accurate (the company wasn’t available for comment) it will be built in Wholverhampton in central England and employ around 2,000 workers.

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Land Rover Presents Two Defender Concepts in Frankfurt, the DC100 and the DC100 Sport

Six decades is a very long time - and an eternity if we are talking about cars. Yet that’s the lifespan of the Defender, which was first launched way back in 1949. Over the years, it has been updated numerous times but even so, all versions were built on just two core platforms.

Now even Land Rover admits that the time has come for the current Defender to make way for a brand-new model. The first step is the presentation of not one, but two concepts, the DC100 and DC100 Sport at the Frankfurt Motor Show, both of which preview the production version set to launch in 2015.

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Project Kahn Recreates Land Rover's Frankfurt-Bound Defender DC100 Concept

While Land Rover will be testing the design waters for the next generation of the iconic Defender with its DC100 Concept in Frankfurt, British tuning firm Project Kahn is already imagining ways of enhancing and personalizing the potential replacement for the automaker's most famous model through some photoshop wizardry.

Project Kahn dreamed up four different variants of the DC100, the first of which simply features a white paint job along with the tuning firm's trademark multispoke alloy wheels finished in black.

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Land Rover Previews the Future of the Defender with Frankfurt-Bound DC100 Concept

The Land Rover Defender is without doubt, one of the most renowned and recognizable off-road models in the world, which makes designing a replacement model an extremely challenging task, to say the least.

But the British automaker, which is now under the control of India's Tata Motors, believes it's time to move on and prepare fans of the vehicle and consumers alike for the next generation of its iconic Defender with the presentation of the DC100 concept that will bow in Frankfurt next month.

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Vilner Poshes Up Classic Land Rover Defenders for "Russian Oligarch"

Land Rover's timeless Defender is a rugged, durable and extremely capable off roader, and as such, it falls behind when it comes to luxury. But where there's a will (and plenty of cash to go around…) there's a way.

Vilner, which is a Bulgarian design studio, said it was approached by a "Russian oligarch" (a.k.a. a business magnate) who wanted to turn the wick up on a short- and long-wheelbase Land Rover Defender by customizing their interiors.

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SPIED: New, Evoque-Inspired 2013 Range Rover Hits the 'Ring

Only last week, we brought you spy pictures of the all-new 2012 Range Rover, but our man with the long lens has once again managed to capture the luxury 4x4, this time, in and out of the Nordschleife.

The company’s test drivers put the zebra-dressed Range Rover prototype through its paces to check out different suspension settings and evaluate its on-road high-speed behavior and agility.

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Jaguar and Land Rover India PHOTO GALLERY

Tata Motors bought Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford in 2008, it had great plans for both brands. Driven by sales of the sub-$5,000 Nano, the Indian conglomerate would have enough funds to secure their future. Now it seems that the tables have turned, and it's the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) unit that may have to bring in the profits.

Tata Motors reported an 8.5% drop in sales in India for the first quarter of 2011, due to rising interest rates in a country where, according to Bloomberg, 80% of new car sales are based on loans.

Demand for the Nano dropped by a whopping 48% in the last two months alone. Jaguar's global sales dropped even more in the first quarter, as the luxury carmaker reported a 27% decrease.

“Tata Motors had a pretty flat quarter as far as Jaguar sales are concerned, and Indian passenger vehicles sales went down” said Juergen Maier, a manager at Raiffeisen Capital Management in Vienna.

“Everyone is looking at the Evoque and also the product launches from Jaguar that will help increase sales”. Ashvin Chotai, the managing director of Intelligence Automotive Asia, agrees: “The company now revolves around the JLR unit and not the other way around”.

Fortunately for Tata, Land Rover is doing quite well: its sales in the past quarter grew by 22% to 50,747 units. And the Range Rover Evoque has already 18,000 orders even before it officially goes on sale in September, something that according to the brand’s director, John Edwards, will create a waiting list “well into next year” for new buyers.

Tata also has in the pipeline several Jaguar products including a Sport Break version of the XF and the exotic 200 mph C-X75 hybrid supercar. More importantly, Jaguar will launch a small sedan to rival luxury models like BMW’s 3-Series (hopefully with better results than the X-type).

In order to achieve its goals, the Tata Group plans to invest $2.4 billion annually in the development of 40 new products and variations of Jaguar and Land Rover models in the next five years.

Story source: Bloomberg

PHOTO GALLERY

Design of New 2012 Range Rover

smallest and most fuel efficient model in the British firm's range, but also because its styling will influence the design of the new 2012 Range Rover (spied here testing with heavy camouflage), according to the company’s head of design Gerry McGovern.

“There are aspects of the design that will be key. Range Rovers usually have a level window line and the body’s side and glass areas are equal. We’ve got rid of both on the Evoque, but we’ve still got the signature floating roof” said McGovern in an interview with Autocar magazine.

In addition, both the windscreen and the rear window will have a steeper angle, contributing to the sportier feel of the new Range Rover, while the interior will bear some resemblance to the Evoque. Land Rover says it will try to improve interior space, especially for rear passengers.

Reducing fuel consumption is also priority, not only with the use of more modern engines but also by constructing the Range Rover from alloy panels which is said to help shave about 450kg (992 pounds) reducing the weight to around 2,200kg (4,850 pounds).

PHOTO GALLERY

2011 Range Rover Sport

2011 Range Rover Sport is not much change. There's more skin on the top trim level, and dragging some of the options package and a small degree of run trim dubbed "GT Sport Limited Edition."

2011 Range Rover Sport Land Rover Lite, luxury SUV stance as a descendant of the line vehicle with off-road heritage perfect. The temptation is groundless. Range Rover Sport is Land Rover's transparent attempt to attract a rich set of urban areas are more interested in all-weather mobility of all-terrain adventures.

2011 Range Rover Sport is a five-passenger SUV is available in HSE and Supercharged trim levels.

The 2011 Range Rover Sport HSE has a base MSRP of $ 60.495 (including $ 850 destination and delivery charges) and once again available with an upgrade package HSE LUX. Range Rover Sport Supercharged back with a powerful engine 510-horsepower supercharged V8, at an MSRP of $ 75,395. The new package option and re-luxurious and increase the value.

In addition, the 2011 Range Rover Sport GT Limited Edition available, combining the performance of 375-horsepower 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 in the presence of similar style to the Range Rover Sport Autobiography, together with additional features. The Autobiography, which was introduced in 2010 as a limited edition, a package option for 2011.

2011 Range Rover Sport offers a choice of two power levels: 5.0-liter V8 with standard LR-direct fuel injection and a torque-activated Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) produces 375 hp and 375 lb.-ft. peak torque and meets stringent ULEV2 (ultra low emission vehicle) regulations. LR-V8, new for 2010, is teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission with adaptive display CommandShift ™ Normal, Sport and Manual shift modes.

2011 Range Rover Sport can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a quick 7.2 seconds (0-100 km / h in 7.6 seconds). The transmission sends power to all four wheels via 2-speed transfer case is controlled electronically with shift-on-move-ability.

2011 Range Rover Sport Supercharged is powered by a 510-horsepower version of the same as the LR-V8 Supercharged Range Rover. The 5.0-liter direct-injection engine is enriched with Eaton ™ supercharger and intercooler twin double-vortex, which are all packaged in a V engine to lower overall engine height. Engine produces 461 lb.-ft. peak torque of 2.500 to 5.500 rpm, enabling the Range Rover Sport Supercharged to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. In the Supercharged model, the driver can shift gears manually with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

2011 Range Rover Sport for safety comes with antilock disc brakes (more powerful Brembo brakes fitted to the supercharged model), hill-descent control, front seat side airbags and full length curtain side airbags. Traction and stability control with rollover protection are also standard on all models, such as front and rear parking sensors and rearview camera.

Supercharged model is equipped with adaptive cruise control systems also benefit from a collision mitigation system. Using a forward-looking radar, the system primes the brake system if the collision appears near. It will even start braking in extreme cases.

Assist Vision package adds an optional blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, automatic high-beam assist and multi-camera parking assist.

In testing the brakes Edmunds, Range Rover Sport Supercharged slowed from 60 mph to zero in 123 feet, the results are impressive for an SUV that weighs nearly 6,000 pounds.

One of the best features of every SUV is a view of rule over the road. Range Rover Sport takes a step further with the increase in stadium-style seating for rear passengers, giving them the same view. And although it may be a bit of headroom back there for the passengers is high, they will enjoy high-quality leather upholstery and elegant accents that include cabins and Anigre walnut, or black lacquer.

Although the Range Rover Sport does not radiate the same charm of Old World luxury as top-line Range Rover over the trip, still rich and contemporary feel. Console and switchgear are very modern, such as thin films his dash display, which presents an important - and adjustable - driver and vehicle information through graphs and virtual gauges.

For vehicles that leads her class on several counts, Range Rover Sport the average tariff is only in the cargo capacity to 71 cubic feet available. Sloping rear window company can also inhibit the loading of bulky items.

Drunk Driver Finds Ideal Parking Space for his Range Rover Sport

A security camera in Russia caught a drunk driver in a Ranger Rover Sport climbing the doorsteps and parking the luxury SUV right in front of the entrance of an apartment building in Chelyabinsk, a city located to the east of the Ural Mountains, on Miass River. The intoxicated driver is seen in the security video stumbling out of the British SUV with a bottle in his hand.

The next day, the residents of the apartment were surprised to find the doorway blocked by the Range Rover model. Luckily, the building had an emergency exit located on the other side. As you’d expect, the residents called the police but to their dismay, all they did was to contact the owner of the SUV who came shortly after and drove away as if nothing happened. According to media reports from Russia, the man simply received a parking ticket for 2,000RUB (about US$71)….

Hat tip to Alex from Carlifeblog!

New Land Rover Defender 2011 "Top Choice Car"

The Land Rover Defender has been voted 'Top Choice' reader 'at this year's Reader Awards front of more than 200 other vehicles. The Land Rover Defender 4x4 is a symbol of heritage and plays an important role in the lives of thousands of customers from all over the world who buy every single year.

Farmers, aid workers, NGOs and explorersall over the the world value Defender'sversatility ,extraordinary strength ,endurance and ability . The unique combination of these attributes helps account for very high-level model of customer loyalty.

Land Rover launches new 2011 Land Rover Defender X-Tech Limited Edition in Brussels Motorshow 2011. The Land Rover Defender X-Tech offers a raw and edgy style, with top-class all-terrain capability that you expect from the automotive icon.

exterior is available in Zermatt Silver, Black finish enhanced with contrast Santorini to the roof and wheel arches. And, for the first time, the Defender is equipped with a unique gloss black 16 inch alloy wheels Saw Tooth, to create a sense of crude utilitarianism.

The interior is available in Ebony and the seat offers additional leather side bolsters, to resolve more subtle. The Land Rover Defender X-Tech is available in the Commercial Hard Top 90 derivatives, with various kinds of accessories are also available to enhance the ability and individuality.

Powered by 2.4 liter common-rail diesel, Defender offers fuel efficiency and performance with 360Nm of torque to be withdrawn easily and increase the-road performance.

According to the exterior color, interior is either black or black and tan and we discover with pleasure a leather steering wheel with contrasting stitching, body color center console, air conditioning, front storage box between the seats. ABS, ETC, trailer hitch are also part like the famous radio RDS CD with 2 speaker

The Land Rover Defender X-Tech Limited Edition will be sold from March 2011 starting from £ 24.995.

LA Auto Show: More Debuts Announced, Including Mazda Shinari, New Chrysler 200 Convertible and Hyundai Elantra

Automakers are planning to unload a raft of new vehicles at the rapidly approaching Los Angeles Auto Show. According to the event planners, the LA convention center will host 20 world premieres and more than 30 North American debuts.

We already know about several world debuts such and Nissan's completely redesigned Quest minivan, Murano Cross Cabriolet concept and Ellure sedan study, but today the organizers [officially] confirmed a few more premieres.

These include -in no particular order- the well-received Mazda Shinari sports sedan [read the full story here]; the five-door version of the Land Rover Evoque; Saab 9-4X; Kia Optima Hybrid; VW Eos facelift, and the U.S.-spec Hyundai Elantra compact sedan and Fiat 500

In addition, show planners said Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep will display a handful of new products such as the Chrysler 200 Sedan and it's yet-to-be-revealed, Convertible brethren.

Other models to go on show in LA include the all-new Audi A7 Sportback, BMW's redesigned X3 crossover, Porsche's new 911 Carrera GTS and Speedster, the Jaguar C-X75 study, and five concept sport models from Lotus that we first saw at the Paris Show last month.

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Land Rover Defender 2007 pictures

*UPDATE: FOR OFFICIAL PICTURES AND INFO, CKICKE HERE: 2007 LAND ROVER DEFENDER

As reported earlier this year (click here: 2007 Defender), Land Rover is planning to update its nearly immortal Defender which has been in production with various upgrades since 1948 -talk about British infatuation with the past… These phone cell pictures taken from Land Rover's Solihull factory in Birmingham give a first glimpse of the 2007 Defender which according to Land Rover, is going to on sale next spring. While its seems that the exterior remains practically the same as there are only minor changes -check out the side gills, the interior gets a more serious upgrade with Discovery (LR2 & LR3) style gauges, air vents etc.

Press Release: "Customer demand for the Defender will see Land Rover release details of a new model for 2007 later this year, including a series of significant upgrades to enhance the ownership experience and meet forthcoming legislation. It starts going on sale next spring and will help ensure that the Defender remains in production until at least 2010."

2007 Land Rover Freelander 2 features the world's first automotive application of Dolby Pro Logic II 7.1

Land Rover's new 2007 Freelander 2 is getting some pretty cool or should I say, "icy", attention as its the first car in the world that will be fitted with a Dolby Pro Logic II 7.1 surround sound technology system from Alpine. Up to now, this technology was commonly seen in high-end home cinema and entertainment systems.

Alpine promises to reward Freelander owners with its premium sound system that consists of a new sonorous 440 watt amplifier and a comprehensive 14 speaker system that has been specifically created for the latest Land Rover SUV.

Press Release

What is Dolby Pro Logic II 7.1 technology? It works by processing any stereo (two-channel) audio into seven playback channels of surround sound plus a subwoofer channel for low frequency sounds. By detecting the directional cues that occur naturally in stereo content, Dolby uses these elements to create a surround sound playback experience. The technology has been developed specifically to suit the unique listening environment of a vehicle, enabling all passengers to experience enveloping and exciting audio regardless of their position within the car.

Surround Sound Speakers Technical Overview

Centre Fill: Powered directly by the amplifier, the 2 Ohm, 100mm centre fill provides the surround experience for front occupants. As the name suggests the speaker fills the void between front occupants, enhancing the impression of the concert being played out right in front of you. Responsiveness is assured through the use of lightweight neodymium magnet materials. Lightweight materials at the top of the dashboard have the added advantage of lowering the centre of gravity, significant for an SUV.

Tweeters: Neodymium tweeters are used to increase responsiveness. Ideally located in the front and rear doors the tweeters ensure faithful reproduction of the higher frequencies. Highly specified, the 4 Ohm units are fitted in both the front and rear of the cabin ensuring audio excellence wherever you are seated.

Bass Woofer: For faithful reproduction of lower frequencies, a powerful and substantial bass unit was developed. Fed by separate 40 watt audio channels, these units have the ability to move large volumes of air. With a distinct mid unit in the premium system, the bass unit can be tuned to focus purely on deep, crisp and accurate bass reproduction.

Mid: For more accurate mid range reproduction, the Freelander 2 has new mid range speakers. With most of what we hear being in this range, the performance of this speaker is critical. With rapid response, the mid speaker can perform in harmony with the mid bass and tweeter arrangement.

Subwoofer: The substantial subwoofer is driven by two 40 watt amplifier channels to accurately reproduce the lowest frequencies. A substantial ferrite magnet system is used to move the air that creates not only the sound but the deep feeling. Strong and light, the enclosure has been designed specifically for the Freelander 2 creating an environment that permits Alpine’s audio engineers to tune the system for the best bass response across the range.

Rear Surrounds: For the true surround sound experience, the new Freelander 2 has a further two mid units in the rear of the vehicle. Providing scale and depth to performances, they are ideally suited for concert or live music reproduction.