Current Land Rover Defender to Soldier On Beyond 2017 in LWB Form

Land Rover has already announced plans toreplace the Defender with a brand-new model in four years from now. It has even displayed not one, but two such concepts named DC100 at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, previewing the 4x4 model’s successor in three-door form.

This, however, does not mean that the current Defender, which traces its roots back original Land Rover Series launched in 1948, will be discontinued.

British magazine Autocar reports that the long-wheelbase 110 and commercial 130 versions will remain in production even after the new short-wheelbase model is launched.

A source from within Land Rover said, “There are a number of changes to the legislation, which mean that we can keep the current Defender in production longer than we thought.”

Therefore, the iconic British 4x4 will remain in production at least until 2017, perhaps even longer. It may even not have to meet stricter EU6 emission standards to its classification as a commercial vehicle – but even if it does, it can always be fitted with Land Rover’s EU6-compliant 2.2-liter turbodiesel.

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Report: Jaguar and Land Rover to Build Cars in China in Partnership with Chery

What do you do when you are a luxury carmaker and sales aren’t going as well as expected? Simple: you invest in China, as despite the cooling car market, buyers continue to have an appetite for foreign luxury cars.
In July, we reported that Jaguar and Land Roverowner, Tata Motors, would invest heavily in the two brands in order to improve their sales, especially those of Jaguar, which are on a sharp decline.
In the same report, Tata mentioned that the company was “considering options for assembly and localization of selected Jaguar Land Rover products in China”.
The problem is, you don’t just march into the country and start building a plant. According to the Chinese law, you must have a local partner. And since taxes on imported cars make their cost prohibitive, any company that sells cars in China has followed the same route.
Now JLR is also examining possible joint ventures. Reuters reported that, according to China Business Review, JLR has decided to form a partnership with Chery, and the two companies are already seeking approval from local authorities to go ahead with their business plan.





Representatives of both companies denied commenting on the matter. Perhaps that’s because Chery has already been burnt when its partnership with Subaru was vetoed by the government on the grounds that Toyota, which is a Subaru shareholder, already has two such ventures in the country.
If the deal goes through, JLR's Chinese plant is expected to manufacture 40,000 units annually, all of which will be sold in the local market.
Story source: Reuters

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Judge Rules in Favor of BMW Dealer who Fired Employee Over Facebook Posts

Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are a boon as long as you make judicious use of them. Apparently, Robert Becker, an employee at a Lake Bluff BMW dealership crossed the line and the consequences were dire.

Becker posted comments and pictures on Facebook about a sales event organized by the dealership he was working for, Karl Knauz BMW, criticizing the cheap food that was offered to guests.





On the same day, he posted pictures of an accident at a nearby Land Rover dealership belonging to the same owner. A salesperson allowed a 13-year old son of a customer on the driver’s seat of a car. This proved to be a mistake, as the boy stepped on the gas and drove into a pond.
Along with pictures from the accident, Becket posted: “This is your car. This is your car on drugs”.
After those incidents, he was fired on June 22, 2010. Then the National Labor Relations Board filed a complaint against the dealership on behalf of Becker.
However, things didn’t turn out as Becker may have expected: An NLRB administrative law judge ruled that the dealership did not violate federal labor law in firing him.
NLRB representatives did not comment on the decision.
Story References: Chicago Tribune

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Land Rover Scores 54% of the Vote in MSN Cars’ Poll of Best 4x4 Brands

In a recent online poll, MSN Cars asked its readers a simple question: “Which firm makes the best '4x4' type cars?” The winner, with an astonishing 54% of the 39,663 votes is IndianBritish automaker Land Rover.
The brand’s winning combination of aggressive yet attractive styling, “go anywhere” off-road ability, ruggedness and comfort have made Land Rover the powerhouse brand it is today – and a deserved winner. Land Rover UK managing director Colin Green is understandably over the moon:
“We are thrilled that MSN users have voted Land Rover their favourite 4x4 brand. We know that Land Rover has some of the best brand loyalty figures in the industry and this poll is testament to that. Taking over half the votes is a great achievement and goes to prove that Land Rover really does make the world's most authentic 4x4s. Thank you to everyone who voted for us!”
Second place was snatched by Toyota (9%) and Audi took a surprising third (8%). Jeep claimed an equally surprising sixth (3%), bested by the likes of BMW (6%), Mitsubishi (5%) and Subaru (4%). Mercedes-Benz shared 7th place with Jeep while Lexus, Volkswagen and Volvo scored 2% a piece.





With a history stretching back 63 years, there have been many noteworthy Land Rovers. It seems every model the company has released – from the Range Rover of the 1970s to the Discovery and Freelander models of the ‘90s – has ignited the public’s imagination and fuelled much debate.
So tell us, readers: what is your favourite Land Rover? Do you go with the traditionalist Series I of the ‘40s, the radical Evoque or the flawed yet brilliant Range Rover? You tell us.

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British Team to Race Range Rover Evoque with BMW Straight-Six at the 2012 Dakar Rally

More than 9,000 km in 14 days in extremely demanding conditions: this is the world-renowned Dakar Rally in which every year hundreds of competitors strive not just for the win, but for a chance to cross the finish line having lived an outstanding experience in the most prestigious off-road race on earth.
The British Excite Rally Raid Team will race three cars commissioned by RaBe Race Cars and driven by an all-British line-up consisting of Martin Rowe, Andrew Coley and John Hardy. And if the photo reminds you of something, you are right: the T3 race car’s body shell is that of the brand-new Range Rover Evoque.
However, power will come from a BMW 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six diesel pumping out 275HP and 650Nm (479.4 lb-ft) of peak torque. A ZF 6-speed transmission will transfer power to the wheel that are dressed in BF Goodrich desert tires.
“We’ve been working on this project for a long time”, said the team’s business manager David Jones. “We were approached by a manufacturer, RaBe Race Cars, whose staff has been around the sport for a long time. Seeing our professional approach, they asked if we could work together. We have goals we can assist each other with, so we have now set our sights a bit higher.”



Mike Jones of RaBe Race Cars commented: “We have years of off-road motorsport experience at every level, from club to international works teams. The last 15 years have been devoted to Desert raging and achieving top honors at Dakar. It is little known, but we have built cars for many other teams who race under their own colors and logos.”

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Land Rover LRX

Not many concept vehicles have made it to production in nearly the same guise as those that wow showgoers. So when first shown as the Land Rover LRX at the North American International Auto Show, most people assumed that this was purely a figment of some designer’s imagination. What many were not prepared for was that Land Rover committed the LRX project to production changing just a few scraps (and crucially re-badging it to Range Rover) resulting in what we now know as
the Evoque.Positioned to take on the BMW X1 as well as the forthcoming Audi Q3, the Evoque is Range Rover’s smallest SUV yet. It is billed as a coupe utility vehicle and not an SUV, quite like BMW’s sports activity vehicle. The definitions for these are thin but essentially what they do point out is an elevated driving character within a vehicle that has the good bits of a coupe rolled into an SUV. But where the dynamics and engine options are quite impressive on paper, what is most impressive is Range Rover’s design and style take on what the next generation of SUV should look and feel like both from the outside and inside. The Evoque as I mentioned is a cross between a coupe and an SUV, and while it immediately provokes debate on just how much space a coupe-like form provides inside the cabin due to that low slung roof, let me assure you that for the average Indian body size and weight, it’s enough. Yet there is a sense of claustrophobia because the glass areas by which I mean the windows and not the optional panoramic sunroof are small. The sense of claustrophobia is not eased much by the sunroof either, whose benefit to spaciousness is only apparent when you leave the overhead curtain open in which case it gets relatively hotter inside the cabin. The cabin is otherwise well appointed to seat four passengers with all the modern amenities that one could wish for in a luxury SUV. What’s new to the Evoque is an 8-inch touch screen with audio/video and satellite navigation controls all placed on a dashboard that looks more mature and handsome than the conventional Range Rover yet integrates several traditional features such as the rotary gear selector for the automatic version and that chunky steering wheel.
Having put those aspects out of the way the Evoque otherwise is a brilliant design exercise. The exteriors are simply too juicy to ignore when it drives past. It’s got an overpowering presence thanks to that high hood line and those chunky flanks all wrapped around that bevelled front end. What makes it even more tantalising is the detailing, such as the ventilated grille, the led clusters, the air intakes on the hood and the massive front bumper and air dam. Together they make a very arresting visual and hide the nightmarish challenges designers faced in packaging the Evoque. The sense of dynamism is elevated even more with the high shoulder line, the low roof and the narrow windows and I quite like the way those lines lead toward the rear tapering in a very strong and muscular visual. There is a latent power suggested by those lines and the thick and broad bodywork heightens the sense of excitement of wanting to get inside the Evoque.
A critical part of the brief for the LRX concept, which spawned the Evoque was to keep the dimensions compact without losing any of the Land Rover heritage and traditional strengths. What that essentially meant was that designers had to come up with an SUV which was compact enough to take on the X1 and the Q3 but yet have all the necessary all-terrain abilities of any full scale Land Rover. The only place the designers could find the bandwidth to package the Evoque the way it is, was by extruding a new chassis from their Land Rover Mid Size platform which is also the base of the Freelander. So the platform was compressed to keep the height and interior space requirements as specified in the original brief. To retain structural integrity and strength new construction methods and stronger and lighter materials were employed to build the chassis. Eventually smart packaging for instance resulted in the 70-litre tank being shaped in a very un-tank like shape retaining a high ground clearance, a 420-litre boot, a space saver spare wheel in the boot and the option to go with full 20” wheels and tyres if a customer desired it.
Even the engine bay had to be packaged to accommodate the engine and its ancillary components. So a new sub frame was built and new engine installation points as well as a new air induction system were created to keep in mind that the Evoque was a go anywhere as extreme as it gets Range Rover.
But a review of just how well all these aspects work together is still a few months away when the Evoque finally hits production.
It however is not possible to cut corners when it comes to technology, while aiming to provide the same driving experience as any other Range Rover. And the Evoque in fact remarkably adds a few more skills to its burgeoning list of capabilities, one of which is a new terrain response system that now also features a dynamic drive mode.

Handling...

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New York Preview: 2010 Land Rover LR4

On the eve of the New York Auto Show, Land Rover has released all the details on its new 2010 LR4. The new LR4 (the SUV formerly-known-as LR3) is packing a thoroughly revised, direct-injected 5.0-liter V8 sourced from Jaguar putting 375 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. Land Rover has updated its Terrain Response system to deliver five different settings to suit the terrain, ranging from a normal driving mode to the infamous "Rock Crawl" setting.

A new front end with revised headlamps and fascia joins a restyled rump with LEDs, while an all-new interior provides ample accommodations for five or seven passengers, depending on spec. A Surround Camera system joins keyless entry, push-button start, gradient release control and tow assist (max. towing is 7,716 pounds) to make jaunts to Grandma's through the snowy climes a breeze. A revised suspension architecture, improved steering and larger brakes (14.2-inch discs in front and 13.8-inch rotors in the rear) round out the major modifications.



LR4 – new generation of Land Rover's versatile SUV, introducing a new engine, improved dynamics and fresh design

* Refined, efficient and powerful new LR-V8 5.0L direct injection engine
* Impressive 375 lb/ft torque and 375 bhp
* ULEV2 compliant
* On-road dynamics transformed by comprehensive chassis system developments and a new super-smooth 6-speed adaptive transmission
* Updates to Land Rover's award-winning Terrain ResponseTM system reinforce class-leading all-terrain performance
* Fresh exterior design includes smoother new front end and revised lights, including LEDs
* All-new interior design delivers a more premium and functional five and optional seven-seat space
* User-friendly new features include available Surround Camera system, Gradient Release Control, Tow Assist, available Automatic High Beam Assist, and Keyless Entry, Push Button start.
* The new, fourth generation of Land Rover's supremely versatile SUV gains a new name – Land Rover LR4 – to go with its powerful and highly efficient new LR-V8 engine, fresh exterior identity and more premium cabin. The class-leading breadth of capability is extended even further with dynamic improvements for both on-road and off-road driving, and Land Rover has added a battery of user-friendly new technologies and features.



"The outgoing LR3 has well over 100 international awards to its name. But for the new LR4 we've found ways to improve virtually every aspect of the vehicle's design and engineering – some subtle, some major. New design signals comprehensive engineering change under the skin," says Phil Popham, Land Rover Managing Director.

Star billing on the LR4 goes to the highly efficient and refined new LR-V8 direct injection engine. This delivers 25% more power and 19% more torque than the previous 4.4-liter engine. The power and torque are both accessible across the entire rev range, to deliver immediate throttle response and effortless cruising ability, giving a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds.)

Land Rover's engineers have also transformed the LR4's on-road ride and handling, and even improved on the much acclaimed all-terrain capabilities of its predecessor. The comprehensive changes include new suspension components, revised steering, larger brakes, improved traction control, and enhancements to the award winning Terrain ResponseTM system, which helps optimize the vehicle for virtually all on-road or off-road driving situations.

The iconic exterior design has been updated, most obviously with smoother and simpler surfaces at the front, including a new, more aerodynamic bumper. The sportier new lights help give the vehicle new character, and include LED technology front and rear. The sleek new front headlights include available 'High Beam Assist', automatically switching on or off the high beam, as conditions require.



Aerodynamic changes to the front end, with the revised front lower chin spoiler and new front wheel deflectors, help to reduce drag by increasing underfloor airflow, and LR4 is fitted with new 19-inch wheels and tires optimized for rolling resistance and improved tire wear.

The interior is completely redesigned, with a transformed dash and center console, new seats and an array of new, user friendly features.

"The new interior not only has a much more premium look and feel, it's also gained improvement to its functionality. The new console inclines towards the driver, the switchgear and controls fall more readily to hand, and new LED ambient lighting helps make the cabin a more pleasant and more easily used space after dark. We've made the interior environment more premium too, with smoother surfaces, softer materials and close attention to critical details such as stitching," says Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director.

New features available for the LR4 include a portable audio interface, available HD Radio, a new available five-camera 'surround' system, for easier parking and towing, and a new key system which offers Keyless Entry and Push Button start.

"The changes and upgrades for LR4 transform many aspects of the previous generation, at the same time enhancing the flexibility and versatility for which this vehicle is famous. It can carry huge loads in its spacious interior, climb mountains, cruise across continents, haul trailers* or transport up to seven family and friends in comfort. I can't think of a more versatile vehicle anywhere," says Phil Popham.



* Maximum trailer weight with brakes; 7716lbs (3500 kg)

All new, LR-V8 5.0L direct injection engine.

"Our new 5.0-liter V8 was conceived from the onset with Land Rover models in mind. Designed with the emphasis on low-end torque, it is particularly suited to the LR4's wide range of capabilities both on and off road."
Engine Group Chief Engineer, Malcolm Sandford.

The LR4's new 5.0-liter LR-V8 is optimized for a balanced combination of performance and efficiency, thanks to its wealth of new features and industry firsts.

Designed entirely in-house by Jaguar Land Rover powertrain engineers, the
LR-V8 5.0L is one of the most advanced engines ever built. The new LR-V8 develops 375 bhp and 375 lbs/ft torque, bettering the previous 4.4-liter V8 for power and torque by 25 percent and 19 percent respectively. Yet when it comes to emissions the engine meets the stringent American ULEV2 (ultra low emissions vehicle) regulations.

Direct injection – increased power and torque with optimized emissions
A key feature of the new LR-V8 is an industry first, centrally-mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided fuel injection system, delivering fuel at a pressure of up to 150bar (2175 psi) directly to the cylinder.

Fuel is delivered by twin, high pressure fuel pumps driven via an auxiliary shaft in the all new engine block. Delivery of fuel direct to the cylinder has substantially contributed to improved low speed dynamic response which is particularly useful off-road while adding to driving pleasure on-road. The charge cooling effects of the direct injection fuel system have allowed the compression ratio to be raised to 11.5:1.

New variable camshaft timing system boosts engine torque, saves energy

A new type of variable camshaft timing system (VCT) introduces another industry first. The four VCT units are activated by the positive and negative torques generated by opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves, instead of by oil pressure. As a result the engine oil pump has been reduced in size, saving energy and improving engine efficiency.

VCT units work independently on all four camshafts and timing is optimized by the engine control unit for torque, power and economy at every point in the engine's speed range.

The response rate of the new VCT units is 25 percent higher than before, and therefore delivers a more immediate engine response to the driver's demand.

The new engine has also been optimized for low-end torque, making it possible to activate the lock-up clutch of the ZF HP-28 automatic transmission at lower speed. This reduces 'slip' in the hydraulic torque converter benefiting both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The higher torque at lower rpm also enables longer gearing for more economical cruising.

The LR4 incorporates several other energy saving features too. At standstill, the idle speed of the V8 has been reduced from 700rpm to 600rpm yielding fuel savings without compromising refinement. An Intelligent Power Management System includes smart regenerative charging, so whenever possible the alternator charges the battery when it is most economical to do so, such as when the car is coasting rather than accelerating.

Strong and compact
The new LR-V8 engine is built around a stiff, all new, aluminum block with cast-in iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps, to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. For the first time at Land Rover, the blocks are high pressure die-cast rather than sand-cast, providing a superior finish and dimensional greater accuracy. The engine also has aluminum heads, with four-valves per cylinder and a strong, spheroidal-graphite cast-iron crankshaft with steel connecting rods. The cylinder heads and block are manufactured using recycled aluminum alloy for the first time, thus reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing the new engine.

The new LR-V8 is also more compact than its predecessors. Overall engine length has been reduced through relocation of the oil pump within the engine architecture.

LR-V8 5.0L naturally aspirated engine in short

• 375 bhp and 375lbs/ft torque
• 25 percent more power, 19 percent more torque than the existing 4.4-liter
• Meets ULEV2 emissions regulations
• Highly efficient multi-hole central spray-guided direct injection – industry first
• Torque-actuated variable camshaft timing on all four cams – V8 engine industry first
• Camshaft profile switching
• Variable length inlet manifold optimizes power and torque
• Reverse cooling improves engine efficiency and speeds cabin warm-up.
• Class-leading, low-friction design features
• Lightweight construction uses recycled materials
• 15,000 mile (24,000 km) service intervals

The new LR-V8 engine has been developed by a joint Jaguar Land Rover engineering team, with base characteristics designed from the onset with the requirements of both brands in mind. High levels of torque and fast response from low revs perfectly suits both Jaguar and Land Rover DNA. The Jaguar version, the AJ-V8 Gen III, was recently launched in the new XF.

Although the basic architecture of both engines is the same, the Land Rover version has a number of special developments. The LR-V8 has a deeper, pressure die-cast sump to accommodate the extreme tilting angles that Land Rover vehicles can be subjected to during all-terrain driving. The LR4's LR-V8 is also fitted with a mechanical cooling fan and, for packaging reasons, the inlet manifolds have been designed especially for the vehicle, while achieving the desired levels of noise vibration and harshness (NVH).

For the Land Rover version, belt drives are waterproofed, as are the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump and starter motor. The engine is also tuned specifically to allow for the greater demands made on the LR4, particularly for towing and all-terrain driving.

Responsive new transmission
The LR-V8 is mated to the revised and super-smooth ZF HP28 6-speed automatic transmission. Its characteristics have been optimized by Land Rover engineers to provide class-leading response, with rapid and refined shifts. The dramatic enhancement of both power and torque low down the rev range on the new engine have made it possible to actuate the transmission's lock-up clutches much earlier in each gear, reducing slip through the hydraulic torque converter, so helping with the improvements in both efficiency and CO2 emissions.

Dynamics transformed
Major dynamic advances introduced for the LR4 include revised suspension architecture, improved steering, larger brakes and enhanced versions of Land Rover's award-winning Terrain ResponseTM and Hill Descent Control systems.
The list of changes starts with new suspension knuckles, designed to reduce the separation between the suspension roll center and the vehicle's center of gravity (reduction of 1.65 inch (42mm) at the front and 2.44 inch (62mm) at the rear). This dramatically reduces the vehicle's natural body movements when cornering. These roll rates are further controlled by a stiffer and larger anti-roll bar.

In addition, new bushings and new front and rear dampers enhance ride quality.
The variable ratio steering rack is revised, complementing the improved ride quality by improving center line stability at high speed cruising and slightly increasing sensitivity at higher lock angles. This enhances the sense of driver involvement in high-speed maneuvers, and also increases precision for low speed control and off-roading.

The redesigned front bumper also helps improve steering feel, as its new front wheel deflectors help reduce aerodynamic lift at the front of the vehicle by up to 50% at higher speeds.

Increased stopping power
A new, larger brake system has been introduced to cater to the LR4's enhanced performance and to improve braking feel. This new system is inspired by the four-piston, opposed-caliper performance system derived from the Range Rover Sport. It employs a 14.2-inch (360mm) ventilated front disc with a new, cast iron twin-piston sliding caliper – which serves to reduce the size of the front brake package while preserving its stiffness, which in turn helps achieve excellent pedal feel.

At the rear, a single piston sliding caliper, now manufactured in aluminum to help reduce vehicle weight., operates on a 13.8-inch (350mm) ventilated disc,. An additional advance to the braking system is the new emergency brake light function. When the vehicle undertakes severe or emergency braking, the brake lights flash, to reduce the risk of rear end collisions.

More control in the corners
A refinement to the Dynamic Stability Control system helps automatically slow the vehicle if taking a corner too fast, enhancing driver control. The system operates according to steering inputs from the driver. In extreme cases, automatic braking intervenes to reduce the vehicle speed, with the braking pressure level applied according to the steering inputs.

Updates for award-winning Terrain ResponseTM and Hill Descent Control
For LR4, Land Rover's award-winning Terrain ResponseTM system gains new features and refinements, further extending the vehicle's all-terrain capability. Terrain ResponseTM optimizes the vehicle set-up for virtually all on-road or off-road driving situations, with five different settings to suit different terrains:

* General driving
* Grass/gravel/snow
* Sand
* Mud and ruts
* Rock crawl
* For soft sand – one of the most power-hungry surfaces – 'sand launch control' has now been introduced, which makes for noticeably easier drive-away. New, speed-dependent wheel-slip targets for the traction control system permit only very limited wheel-slip, helping to prevent the wheels digging down into the sand.
* New for LR4, revisions to the rock crawl program apply low level brake pressure when the vehicle is in first or reverse gear at speeds below 3 mph (5km/h). This low-level brake force reduces the vehicle's roll tendency and the intervention of the traction control system, giving a more composed drive through rocky terrain.

Land Rover's much-acclaimed Hill Descent Control system is enhanced on LR4 with the addition of Gradient Release Control. This inhibits the initial rate of acceleration when descending very steep inclines, to increase control when braking is released at extreme angles.

The system activates automatically whenever Hill Descent Control is engaged, temporarily maintaining brake pressure after the driver releases the brake pedal. It then progressively eases braking pressure to control vehicle momentum and acceleration. Once the vehicle's target off-road speed is achieved, Hill Descent Control operates to take the vehicle to the bottom of the slope in its customary composed manner.

A new face on a distinctive design
"LR4 stays true to its clean, geometric, architecturally-inspired predecessors, while its new front bumper, lights and face with smoother lines and subtle curves, together with more color-coding, combine to enhance the overall impression of premium quality."
Gerry McGovern, Design Director,

The Land Rover LR4 has evolved a distinct design heritage over 20 years and four generations of iconic, instantly recognizable vehicles. LR4 inherits the clean lines of the previous generation, but now subtly updated and given a more premium, more contemporary look.



Smoother, simpler surfaces are employed at the front, giving the vehicle its new character, emphasized by sportier looking front lights, with new LED position lamps configured in a unique, signature stepped profile around the main light units. New lights are also introduced at the rear of the vehicle, incorporating LED stop, tail and indicator technology.

The new front bumper has a larger cooling aperture to accommodate the new engine's greater power outputs. Cleverly, the larger bumper actually improves vehicle aerodynamics by reducing drag, thanks to its innovative front wheel deflectors that help smooth the airflow from the front bumper around the front wheels.
A new, twin seven-spoke 19" wheel design is introduced on the LR4 to complement the existing seven-spoke 19" wheel and, for the first time, a new striking, 10-spoke 20" wheel is available as a factory-fit option.
Three new paint colors complete the exterior changes for LR4 - Nara Bronze, Bali Blue and Ipanema Sand.

All-new interior
"The interior of LR4 continues to offer the driver and passengers superb visibility and versatility. But the re-designed fascia and console architecture plus the use of premium materials, make the cabin a much more desirable place to be."
Gerry McGovern

The new interior for LR4 combines smooth, flowing surfaces with significant reduction in the complexity and number of controls. It provides a much softer, more premium all-round interior ambience, but still in keeping with the vehicle's signature architectural theme.

The new console is now inclined towards the driver, improving visibility and access to the controls. The Terrain ResponseTM control is now more prominently located at the front of the center console, making way for the cup-holder in a more accessible position, mid-way along the console.

All models feature a new steering wheel, with revised switch layout for driver information, remote audio controls, cruise control and heated steering wheel.
A choice of natural-finish woods, along with stitched and wrapped fascia, door casings and center console, add to the crafted bespoke feel. There are also two new interior contrast colors, a mid-tone Nutmeg and a darker Arabica, complementing the existing Almond light interior colorway.

New seating is introduced for rows one and two, with a new, extended front seat cushion profile to improve support and seating comfort and, for the first time, the front seats feature height-adjustable head restraints in place of the traditional seat mounted grab handles. HSE vehicles specified with the Premium Leather pack also feature electrically adjustable seat bolsters, allowing front occupants to tailor their seating's support. For convenience, the electric seat memory controls are relocated to the door casing.

New ambient lighting adds the finishing touch to the interior, with the introduction of white LED's to cast subtle halos around the metal-plated interior door handles and pockets. The fascia and center console area, complete with soft-stitching, and switchgear highlighted in "Noble" finishers, also benefit from the interior mood lighting when vehicle lights are on.

Technology made simple
The LR4 is packed with easy-to-operate and useful features, not technology for technology's sake. The aim throughout is to simplify the operation, to help make journeys more relaxing and stress-free
Stuart Frith, Chief Program Engineer

Inside and out, the LR4 gains a raft of relevant new technology, to improve the driving experience.

The navigation system adopts an easy-to-use menu structure which now also features 'towards guidance'. This supplements the junction map and icon-based information with details of the actual road signage viewed by the driver along the route.



The new available Portable Audio Interface allows connectivity to an array of personal audio storage devices, USB sticks and MP3 players, enabling the various devices' functions to be accessed and controlled via the fascia-mounted touch-screen system. One of the connectivity ports is a dedicated Apple i-PodTM point made exclusively by Land Rover, for continued functionality in extreme driving conditions, by helping to prevent the device coming loose from the socket.

A new 5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) driver information LCD screen is also introduced with LR4. Sitting within the re-designed instrument cluster, the message center display ensures key information is communicated in a clean, simple and user-friendly manner.
And a purer, crisper radio sound is now available thanks to the introduction of HD Radio in the US. Along with the fine listening experience, comes additional features such as song title and artist information.

Cutting edge user-friendly technologies
Outside the vehicle, convenient and relevant new systems enhance safety and security.

The new front headlights incorporate available Automatic High Beam Assist technology. This can automatically switch on high beam headlights where external light levels are below the system's threshold. Importantly, the system is also designed to detect preceding and approaching traffic, and in a split second will automatically switch back to low beam to avoid dazzling others.

No less than five digital cameras make up the new available surround camera system, relaying to the touch-screen a near 360-degree view. The cameras, which support easier parking, towing and off-road maneuvering, function immediately as the vehicle is started, and have options for selecting and zooming in to assist with close quarter parking and with towing.

The 'tow assist' function (selected from the touch screen menu) helps perform accurate towing maneuvers. The wide fields of views on the side cameras give a clear view of the reversing trailer: the images are electronically manipulated to provide an undistorted view, with guide lines overlaid on the rear camera image to illustrate both the vehicle and trailer's trajectory.

Specific characteristics such as type of trailer, number of axles and width guides can be fed into the system to enhance the system outputs.

Another towing aid, Trailer Stability Assist, detects trailer oscillations by monitoring key vehicle behaviors, such as uninvited steering movements and slight vehicle swing in response to trailer behavior. In these circumstances, the system can initiate engine torque reduction and braking interventions to bring the towing back under control.

And finally, the LR4's sophisticated new remote key offers available Keyless Entry and Push Button start.

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