Land Rover auto news

Report: Chinese-market Land Rover Freelander and Range Rover Evoque to use Chery engines?

A couple of developments on the recent Jaguar/Land Rover joint venture are being reported in Chinese media based on a report in China's Economic Daily News. The 130,000-capacity factory planned for Jiangsu is epected to mint its first vehicle in 2014, with numbers given for the breakdown so far as: 43,000 Land Rover Freelander 2s, 34,000 Range Rover Evoque models (called the Aurora in China) and, according to Google Translate, "the joint venture brand vehicles of 23,000 Jaguar sedan."

We're not sure if that really means 23,000 Jags will be made, since that would be a six-fold multiplier of Jaguar's 2011 sales in China. The quoted Land Rover production would only be doubling its sales tally from 2011, even though the brand's sales were up 105 percent in Q1 of this year. There will be a separate joint-venture brand created between JLR and Chery as well, so that could be a part of it. Futher on, the plan is for the plant to expand to a capacity of 250,000 units.

More interestingly, the locally-made engines will be JLR's 3.0-liter V6 alongside two Chery motors, a 1.6-liter TGDI turbo and a 2.0-liter TGDI, with plans to "gradually introduce" the Chery engines into the Land Rovers. JLR engineers are said to be moving to China to continue joint development of the TGDI motors, which has apparently been ongoing. Until those are ready, JLR will import its 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter motor.

The report in China's 163.com is also interesting for the regulatory and business context it provides on the joint venture, with government rules mandating the minimum amount of investment and the establishment of R&D centers. The tie-up is said to be a boon to Chery's fortunes in light of the assertion that Chery's "operating conditions are not ideal" and that getting the "core technology" for its own brands had "become the top priority of the project approval." Official approval of the JV is expected later this year.

Spy Shots: Next Land Rover Range Rover reveals more of its lighter body

This isn't the first (or second, or third) time we've caught the next-generation Big Daddy Range Rover out testing, but this latest set of spy photos gives us our best look yet at some of the SUV's new exterior details. (Sidenote: We have to commend Jaguar Land Rover for having some of the coolest camouflage patterns in the world.)

As you might expect, the Range Rover's shape hasn't changed too much from the current generation, though we can clearly see a sleeker front fascia with headlamps that seem to incorporate new LED running lights, as well as a slightly sleeker roofline. But the big news for this next-generation vehicle is the huge reduction in weight that's supposedly on tap - reports have estimated that as much as 800 pounds have been shed from the SUV's body. This weight savings is largely due to an all-new aluminum platform, as well as widespread use of lightweight materials throughout the body.

Mum's the word on what's going to be found underhood, but we'd expect the usual range of eight-cylinder engines to be offered here in the United States. Murmurs of a hybrid powertrain have also been spinning 'round the rumormill, so don't rule out the possibility of some electric boost being on tap, as well. Click through the above gallery to see the full slate of spy shots for yourself.

Lego Land Rover Defender 110 is plasticized perfection [w/video]

It's official. You really can build anything from Lego blocks. Behold a fully-functional 1:8.5 scale version of a Land Rover Defender 110. This radio-controlled machine features a five-speed transmission with reverse, a two-speed transfer case that offers both four-wheel and two-wheel drive modes and functional disc brakes on all four corners. It's cool. We'll wait while you pick your jaw up off the floor. The machine was also built with fully functional steering that uses the same number of turns-to-lock as the real deal. All told, there are nearly 2,800 parts in the build, including seven motors.

There's a full solid-axle suspension underneath with long-travel springs. Top speed is around 2.5 mph. What's more, the whole body can be removed with just four pins to see the workings underneath.

If that's not cool enough, the machine has been picked up over at Lego CUUSOO. If it gets 10,000 votes, Lego will produce a kit based off of this creation. That's right - this masterwork isn't a kit - an independent Lego maniac by the name of Sheepo came up with it. Head over to the site for more information, and be sure to scroll down to check out a video of the machine.

Continue reading Lego Land Rover Defender 110 is plasticized perfection [w/video]

Report: Chery requests Chinese approval of $1.9B joint venture with Jaguar Land Rover

A month ago, Jaguar Land Rover signed a joint-venture agreement with China's Chery Automobile Company. JLR's 12.1 billion yuan ($1.9 billion U.S.) investment, if approved, will pay for a plant in Changsu to build Jaguars, Land Rovers, engines and joint-venture models. The facility will also house a research and development center. Chery has submitted the paperwork to clear the deal with the Chinese government. The agreement must pass muster with the Ministry of Enviroment Protection, after which it will go to the National Development and Reform Commission.

When the agreement was first inked an Indian analyst said, "it will be some time before we see the results," a nod to the fact that government approvals can take a long time. Subaru is an instructive example, having signed an agreement with Chery a year ago. Sources said the deal was ready to be approved last November, but that was the last that has been heard of it - it's still waiting on the necessary signatures.

But JLR has the long view in mind: it sold 38,890 vehicles in China last year - all imported - a figure representing double-digit sales gains for both brands. The proposed factory will have a capacity of 130,000 units, providing a healthy buffer in case the bureaucracy sits on things.

Rumormill: Sportier Range Rover Evoque planned?

We can't tell you how many times we've asked an automotive executive about future product plans only to be given the default, "We're investigating new options," or, "Anything is possible," write-offs. So, to that end, here's another bit of grease for the ever-spinning rumormill.

Auto Express reports that Land Rover could possibly launch a sportier version of its entry-level Evoque, dubbed - wait for it - Evoque Sport. The news comes after the British magazine sat down with Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's design director, at the recent Beijing Motor Show. When pressed about plans to expand the Evoque range, McGovern stated, "For the moment, we're looking at the cabriolet and special editions - we could do a more overtly sporty one, for example."

A suggestion, Land Rover: Move the Evoque Sport above the cabriolet on your to-do list.

McGovern didn't spill any more beans about what a Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Sport (what a mouthful) would be powered by, but Auto Express suggests it would likely be a boosted version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four found in the current model. Of course, more visual aggression would be added in the way of larger wheels, a body kit and a lowered suspension. Beefier chassis and brake components would likely be added to enhance the drive experience, as well.

Assuming the Evoque Sport does come to fruition, we likely wouldn't see it until the end of next year since the current vehicle is still a newborn in the market. So, for now, rumormill, keep on spinning.

Official: Land Rover completes 8,000-mile Journey of Discovery from Birmingham to Beijing

Not long ago, Land Rover embarked on an epic trans-continental road trip that sought to retrace the route taken by a similar expedition in 1956 and raise £1m for the Red Cross. And after 8,000 miles traveled through thirteen countries - starting in Birmigham, England and ending in Beijing, China - they finally made it.

The departure was celebrated with the production of the millionth Discovery, the arrival timed to coincide with the Beijing Motor Show. Along the way the rugged motorcade swung through Switzerland for the Geneva Motor Show, hit some of Europe's oldest cities, traversed a wide variety of terrains and climates, rolled through Chernobyl as the first private vehicles to tour the disaster site since the nuclear meltdown there 25 years ago, visited an array of museums and toured a former Soviet submarine base.

But before it could complete the final 72-hour leg into China, the crew had to detonate a controlled avalanche to clear an alpine pass. In other words, it was not your average road trip. Read more about it in the press release below and scope out the high-resolution images in the gallery for a closer look at what the convoy encountered along the way.

Continue reading Land Rover completes 8,000-mile Journey of Discovery from Birmingham to Beijing

Video: Watch a manhole cover send a Land Rover airborne in Russia

We love action movies as much as the next guy, but sometimes the car stunts just look too ridiculous. Like when a cop car goes airborne during a chase scene after rear-ending a parked car. Or how about when a vehicle flips end over end upon impact. That never happens, right?

Well it apparently does in Russia, where, thanks to seemingly everyone in the country having a dash cam, you can watch video of a Land Rover Freelander 2 driving over a manhole cover and going Bourne Ultimatum.

What caused the cover to blow the way it did is not evident, though it's interesting to note that in the aftermath (in the second video especially), you see that it's not a plain, flat manhole cover that comes to rest near the car. It's a cylindrical object with a square grate across the top. Lending credence to the whole thing not being a fake is that a second static security camera (or similar setup) pointed at the street also caught the whole episode.

Scroll down to watch the bizarre incident unfold.

Continue reading Watch a manhole cover send a Land Rover airborne in Russia

Official: Victoria Beckham edition Range Rover Evoque looks suitably Posh

It's been the better part of a year since we first brought you reports that Victoria Beckham - who had then just signed on as a celebrity "creative director" for the Range Rover brand - was set to get her own special edition of the chic new Evoque. We didn't know quite what to make of the news then - much less when the British purveyor of luxury SUVs released a teaser just a few days ago - but now JLR has taken the wraps off its glamorous new special edition, and it's not nearly as gaudy as you might think.

As you can see, the second vehicle released by Jaguar Land Rover's new Engineered To Order division (alongside the new Jaguar XJ Ultimate) is characterized by matte black paint, which contrasts with the gloss black and rose-gold trim. The interior is finished in vintage-finish tan leather, with mohair floor mats and a microsuede headliner. It also comes with a four-piece set of fitted leather luggage, and a leather portfolio carrying the owner's manual and bearing Victoria Beckham's own signature.

In other words, it's suitably posh for a vehicle resulting from a collaboration between the Land Rover Design team and the pop star who made her name as Posh Spice. Only five examples out of the 200 planned for production will make it Stateside, with no word yet on pricing. We'll also be keeping an eye out for more images of the luxed-out, matte-finish Evoque when they surface, but in the meantime you can view the solitary pic released so far in high-resolution and delve into the full press release below.

Continue reading Victoria Beckham edition Range Rover Evoque looks suitably Posh

Official: Vilner adds wood paneling to Land Rover Defender

Bulgarian tuner Vilner has some kind of Luxo-Ray that fires munitions packed with at least two tons of quilted leather and Alcantara, then aims it at just about everything as soon as it can be reloaded. The latest target is the Land Rover Defender Wood, making this the second time in a year that the Defender has come into Vilner's sights.

Last time they only hit it with one barrel and left the floorboards and cargo area covered in black carpeting. This time they unloaded both barrels, so in addtion to black-and-brown Nappa leather and Alcantara wrapping everything from the sport seats to the third brake light, Vilner's added leather arm rests, wood paneling underfoot and a new treatment for its 600-watt "Ground Zero" sound system that all but eliminates usable cargo space.

Oh, and the whole thing is soundproofed. So that no one can hear you scream at your passengers to remove their dark-soled shoes and not eat, drink or touch anything.

Continue reading Vilner adds wood paneling to Land Rover Defender

Video: Land Rover teases new Evoque special edition with Victoria Beckham

Land Rover is using the Beijing Motor Show to reveal a special edition Range Rover Evoque with Victoria Beckham - not "created with" or "by," just "with." It was announced almost a year ago, but Posh Becks has been busy doing the kinds of things keep a woman called Posh busy.

LR has made a vid to support the cause, but it stretches the definition of "teaser" since it's more like 17 seconds of Fashion TV meets Tron in monochrome, bracketed by titles. If you look really closely, you might even see the Evoque in it. Scroll down to check it out.

Continue reading Land Rover teases new Evoque special edition with Victoria Beckham