CAR News

Having got his hands on a number of Discovery’s and promptly transforming them into visual icons, principal British Designer Afzal Kahn has applied the finishing touches to a sportier and aggressive version of the vehicle entitled: the ‘Black Edition’.

You cannot really comprehend the Black Edition nor can you understand the feel of this irresistible vehicle until you actually get behind the wheel yourself. A rousing entity with aspiration; it is the sort of car you can drive with utilitarian but charming purpose.

From exterior styling to performance and lifestyle accessories, the Black Edition exudes craftsmanship and performance enhancing features.

The Black Edition comes with an impressive aerodynamic pack consisting of a four piece body kit, RS grille in matt black, side vents, colour coded side skirts, red calipers, led lights, aluminum foot pedals, Kahn sports exhaust system along with Kahn branding.

Inside is the new “bespoke touch” with a whole new personalised leather treatment to suit the customer’s own specifications. You can also keep your family entertained as they sit comfortably and pander to the whims of the multimedia system.

Evolved through skilled artistic innovation and state-of-the art manufacturing and materials technology- our 22-inch RS-600 wheels – exemplify what A. Kahn Design is all about: elegance and skilled artistic innovation. Furthermore, the option to place 22-inch RS-L wheels, is also available.

A. Kahn Design is for the individual who will not submit to a life of uniformity and who will only accept perfection. As an internationally renowned design house, we recognise the importance of staying true to the original design themes of cutting edge luxury vehicles, while evolving them to achieve a new and dynamic appearance. We are dedicated to the creation of luxury bespoke vehicles – redesigning the ordered monotony of mass produced vehicles and rebuilding them into individually tailored creations.

2011 Land Rover Range_e prototype

Land Rover’s stand at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show will establish this year as one of the most exciting in the brand’s history. Hybrid technology showcase, the new Range Rover Evoque with both coupé and 5-Door derivatives, and two exciting Limited Editions complete the line-up.

Making its motor show debut is the ‘Range_e’; Land Rover’s diesel hybrid plug-in prototype. The technology-packed ‘Range_e’ is one of several working prototypes currently being developed at Land Rover’s design and engineering centre in the UK.

‘Range-e’ is based on a Range Rover Sport and features a 3.0-litre TDV6 diesel with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Matched with a plug-in parallel diesel hybrid system it offers a premium SUV that can run as a pure electric vehicle.

The ‘Range_e’ is the first capable 4WD model from Land Rover to achieve 89g of CO2. It has an EV range of 32km, a top speed of around 193kph…and a range of 1112km.

Taking centre stage will be the new Range Rover Evoque with both coupé and 5-Door derivatives. On press day (1 March 2011) Land Rover will be announcing full European pricing and will be showing a range of exciting options available, giving Range Rover Evoque customers the opportunity to create a vehicle that is truly tailored to them.

The choices range from designer exterior packs, contrasting colours on the roof and spoilers, immaculately-trimmed designer interiors, and a range of desirable technologies to maximise comfort and enjoyment on board. Rather than using a traditional trim hierarchy, the Range Rover Evoque gives customers the choice of three design themes: the cool and contemporary ‘Pure’, the luxurious ‘Prestige’, and the bold and sporting ‘Dynamic’.

Customers can further tailor these themes with different designer interiors, option packs, standalone and accessory items, providing even more freedom to specify the car of their choice.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover design director said: “Customers like to make their own unique statement with a vehicle and we have provided individuals with lots of opportunity to personalise their new Range Rover Evoque, whilst maintaining the essence of the design.”

Owners can also choose from a very broad selection of official Range Rover accessories. The accessory range includes exterior and interior styling, together with a comprehensive choice of practical loading and towing items.

Also debuting at the Show are two Limited Editions. The Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition is the most luxurious Range Rover ever. With unrivalled levels of luxury for both driver and passenger, the Range Rover Ultimate Edition offers an assortment of super-premium features including hand crafted soft feel leathers; a yacht inspired teak floor and rear cabin iPads* as standard.

The 2011 Discovery 4 Limited Editions with Black and White theme are new variants bringing a fresh, more contemporary sense of design to the latest Discovery 4 line-up. Both the Black and White model variants offer levels of luxury not seen before of a Discovery 4, blending high-end interiors with bold, contemporary colour schemes. In keeping with the core appeal of the Discovery 4, both of these Limited Editions offer on-road refinement to match most executive saloons, the versatility of a large people carrier and unrivalled off-road capability.

2011 Land Rover Defender X-Tech Edition

Land Rover launches the new 2011 Defender X-Tech Limited Edition at Brussels Motorshow.

The Defender X-Tech offers raw and edgy style, with the class-leading all-terrain capability you would expect of this motoring icon.

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

The interior is available in Ebony and the seats offer the addition of leather side bolsters, for a more refined finish.

The Defender X-Tech is available in the 90 Hard Top Commercial derivative, with the full range of accessories also available to enhance capability and individuality.

Powered by the 2.4 litre common-rail diesel engine, this Defender boasts fuel efficiency and performance with 360Nm torque for effortless towing and enhanced on-road performance.

The Defender X-Tech Limited Edition will go on sale from March 2011 starting at £24,995.

2011 Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured Edition

Land Rover has just released latest Armoured Edition for the 2011 Land Rover Discovery 4.

Land Rover is enhancing its range of factory-supported armoured vehicles with the launch of the powerful new Discovery 4 Armoured.

Replacing the successful Discovery 3 model, the Discovery 4 Armoured offers the same legendary all-terrain capability and state-of-the-art protection, but features an upgraded specification to deliver superior levels of performance, luxury and style.

Compared to the previous model, the Discovery 4 Armoured offers a more powerful 5.0-litre LR-V8 petrol engine, improved passive safety with an airbag restraint system for driver and front passenger, and a more luxurious interior with premium leather seats.

With discreet armouring and a generous 500kg payload, the new model provides highly versatile, safe and comfortable transportation for five people and their luggage.

Benefiting from Land Rover’s extensive experience in the armoured vehicle market, the Discovery 4 Armoured is supplied with a full three-year, 80,000km factory warranty on the base vehicle and armour, along with comprehensive after-sales support from specialised technicians.

“The new Discovery 4 Armoured offers an outstanding breadth of capability, and enables occupants to travel across challenging terrains in confidence and safety,” says John Graham, Commercial Manager Armoured Programs, Land Rover.

“Developed by Land Rover in partnership with global leaders in vehicle security, the Discovery 4 is the ideal choice for government agencies, security organisations and businesses whose employees are exposed to high-risk locations.”

Fully certified armouring systems
Although virtually indistinguishable from the standard model, the Discovery 4 Armoured features ballistic steel armour and glazing which provides ballistic protection in accordance with European standards BS EN1522 level FB6 and BS EN 1063 level BR6 respectively.

Developed in partnership with the vehicle armouring specialists Centigon, it also provides blast protection against 15kg TNT (or equivalent) detonated in close proximity to the vehicle and under floor protection against two DM51 hand grenades. The protection offered was certified by QinetiQ®, a globally recognised independent blast and ballistic testing organisation.

“Rather than relying on testing the individual armour components, we have ensured that the entire vehicle is independently certified to B6 standards, so that we can be completely confident of its ballistic integrity,” added John Graham.

Comprehensive engineering changes have been made to the base vehicle to ensure that it maintains optimum ride and handling on all surfaces, despite the additional mass of the armour.

The Discovery 4 chassis features independent air suspension, and modifications that include uprated air springs and retuned dampers, larger diameter anti-roll bars, and heavy duty Alcon disc brakes front and rear.

Land Rover engineers have also enhanced the passive Safety Systems in the new Discovery 4 Armoured, with driver’s steering wheel and passenger fascia dual-stage airbag restraint systems.

Enhanced performance on all surfaces
Like the standard vehicle, the Discovery 4 Armoured comes equipped with advanced four-wheel-drive technologies to deliver outstanding all-terrain performance.

This includes full functionality of the latest generation Terrain Response System® – an armoured market class-leading feature, which enables the driver to configure the vehicle to negotiate a variety of surfaces, such as tarmac, ruts, grass, mud, snow or rocks, in the most effective way.

For enhanced performance, the Discovery 4 Armoured is equipped with the new 375PS
5.0-litre LR-V8 direct-injection petrol engine, replacing the 2.7-litre V6 turbo-diesel used in the previous model.

Teamed with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission, this refined and powerful new engine offers significantly faster acceleration, with 0-100km/h (62mph) achieved in just 10.6 seconds.

Comfortable and flexible interior
The interior of the Discovery 4 Armoured is both functional and extremely comfortable, providing a commanding elevated driving position and a flexible seating layout for up to five people. The practicality of the vehicle is significantly enhanced by the generous 500kg payload allowance.

Passengers will also appreciate the completely redesigned Discovery 4 cabin, which features a more stylish and sophisticated design with smooth and flowing surface treatments.

The quality of the interior materials has been significantly upgraded compared to the previous model, featuring premium leather upholstery on the seats and sumptuous real wood veneers.

Comprehensive support
Land Rover provides armoured vehicle customers with a comprehensive support programme, both before and after purchase.

A dedicated security consultant works closely with the customer during the sales process, to ensure their full requirements are met. Customers are able to select from an extensive choice of optional security features to provide the desired vehicle configuration.

Once the vehicle is in service, the customer has access to a full driver training programme. An armour specialist can provide optional services which include scheduled maintenance, support and vehicle familiarisation.

All Discovery 4 Armoured vehicles have a full three-year, 80,000km factory warranty.

EDITOR’S NOTES
1. More details on the Discovery 4 Armoured can be found at http://www.landrover.com/gl/en/lr/professional-vehicles/armoured-vehicles/discovery-4-armoured/

Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured – Detailed Specifications

Base Vehicle Specification
5.0-litre LR-V8 direct-injection petrol engine
Maximum Power (EEC) 375 PS (276 kW)
Maximum Torque (EEC) 510 Nm (376 lb ft)
6-speed automatic transmission
Kerb weight 3550kg (excluding options)
4050kg GVW
Air conditioning
Land Rover Terrain Response® system
Off road capability (deep sand driving not recommended)
Modified suspension system to accommodate increased vehicle mass
378mm brake discs with upgraded Alcon aluminium brake callipers: 6-pot front, 4-pot rear
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System – where licensed

Armour Specification
European Standard BS EN 1522 FB6 and BS EN 1063 BR6 (high velocity assault rifle)
Side blast protection – 15kg device in close proximity to the vehicle
Under floor protection against 2 x DM 51 hand grenades
Heavy duty wheels and run flat tyres – Goodyear Wrangler HP All Weather Tyre

Optional Features

Essential Armour Option Pack
Driver opening window (100mm drop to allow document passing)
Auxiliary secondary battery supply
Anti-tamper exhaust
Intercom

Maintenance Option Pack
Heavy duty spare wheel and run flat tyre – Goodyear Wrangler HP All Weather Tyre
Heavy duty jack and tools

Independent Options
Covert blue lights and siren system (where legal)
Covert headlight flash (LED)
Under bonnet fire suppressant system
Heavy duty jack and tools
Tinted windows
Intercom
Auxiliary secondary battery supply
Anti-tamper exhaust
Driver’s opening front window
Rear payload area glass anti-theft film protection

Specialist Service Option
Global After Sales Support is a tailor made package available on request

Driver Training Package
Armoured Vehicle Driver Training is a tailor made package available on request