Land Rover dealerships across the UK will open their doors this weekend (28-29 April) to showcase the latest addition to the Freelander 2 range – the 2.2-litre diesel automatic.

Customers interested in purchasing a Freelander 2 will have the opportunity to test the latest model, which features the same six-speed automatic transmission as the 3.2-litre i6 petrol Freelander 2, complete with Land Rover’s CommandShift for manual sequential gearchanging and a sports mode for more spirited driving. It is powered by the all-new 160 PS 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine and has a combined average fuel consumption of 33.2 mpg.

In addition, customers will have the unique opportunity to indulge their adventurous sides by entering a prize draw for a chance to win a ten-day trip for two to Australia or one of 200 half-day off-road driving sessions at a UK Land Rover Experience Centre.

“Since the launch of the Freelander 2 petrol and diesel manual models at the end of last year, demand has been really encouraging. The launch of the new diesel automatic now completes the range and offers our customers more choice,” commented Andy Griffiths, Land Rover UK marketing director.

Prices for the Freelander 2 TD4 Automatic start from £22,330 on the road. The Freelander 2 is already a multi-award winner, picking up the BBC Top Gear SUV of the Year and What Car? Best Compact 4×4 awards and has also recently become the only compact SUV to be awarded the maximum five star rating for Adult Occupant Protection by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).

As with all models in our product range, a cost for offsetting the carbon emissions for the first 45,000 miles is included in the on-the-road price. Administered by Climate Care, an independent provider, the programme ensures that the average amount of CO2 produced by a Land Rover is offset by investments in a mixed portfolio of projects, including renewable energy, technology change and energy efficiency initiatives.

To locate your nearest dealership or for more information regarding the Land Rover range, please log onto landrover.co.uk.

(this article was taken from easier.com)

The Range Rover’s had a heart transplant. A twin-turbo V8 diesel now murmurs quietly away under the bonnet. Nick Fone takes it for a spin

The Range Rover is a vehicle of contractions. It’s big, bulky and angular but somehow poised and elegant at the same time.At 2.7t, the diesel’s heavy but, in its latest guise, incredibly quick.

And that’s thanks to its new twin-turbo V8 power-plant.

Developed at Ford’s Dagenham plant specifically for the Range Rover and its ‘Sporty’ cousin, the new 3.6-litre engine pumps out 272bhp – making it 54% more powerful than the BMW-built 3-litre straight-six used previously.

Thanks to its sophisticated common-rail control, torque is also up by 64% but even with all that extra performance, the big motor is still only as thirsty as its predecessor.

On the road…

Like its fore-runners, the Range Rover oozes opulence, especially in Vogue SE trim.The big 4×4 drives like a luxury saloon but can shift like a sports coupe when it’s required.

In relaxed cruising mode, serenity abounds – the six-speed ZF auto box doing its job more smoothly than a Sloane Square sales-exec.

In fact ratio changes are almost completely imperceptible – a flicker from the rev-counter is the only indicator that you’ve shifted up a gear.

But put the pedal to the metal, and the beast begins to snarl. The acceleration is wickedly enticing and, because of the ultra-calm air-ride suspension, you’re soon cruising at speeds that would cause coronaries with the boys in blue.

Handling is much the same as before – swing into corners too hard and, although better than most 4x4s, the Range Rover rolls about like a ship on high seas.

But swerve off the beaten track and serenity returns – lumps and bumps ironed out just as you’d expect.

There’s no shortage of power now this big V8 oil-burner has arrived and it promises not to be too thirsty either.

But it’s still eye-wateringly expensive – with DVD-players, Sat-Nav and deep shag-pile, the Vogue SE costs nearly £70,000. That’s equivalent to the profit from enough milk to fill Lake Superior, 700,000t of wheat. But much more fun.

Of course you could always opt for the bargain-basement HSE version – a snip at just £54,000.

(this article was taken from fwi.co.uk)

The Tracking Corporation (PINKSHEETS: MIOK) announces their affiliation with Premier Automotive Group Manufacturer, Land Rover Cars North America regarding the Land Rover University LR2 driving school located in Ojai, California. It is designed for their sales guides to become familiar with new product launches to help the dealers stay up-to-date on the newest and latest technology that Land Rover has to offer.

Land Rover University will feature Land Rover Watch, a newly branded Theft Recovery System developed by MicroTRAK GPS, designed exclusively for Premier Automotive Group Manufacturer, Land Rover Cars North America. Land Rover Watch is innovative because it is a specialty product offering comprehensive internet tracking capabilities, instantly tracking and delivering the location of a vehicle.

Land Rover delivers a retail experience that is totally non-traditional, fun, entertaining, enjoyable, honest and most importantly, valuable to the customer. Land Rover sales guides are 4×4 authorities trained at Land Rover University and are enthusiastic and motivated by the love of the Land Rover product.

Commenting on the affiliation, Jerry Grisaffi, CEO of MicroTRAK GPS, INC., said, “To have designed a product superior enough to be featured by Land Rover at one of their state-of-the-art Land Rover University training sessions is an honor we are thrilled to have achieved. To be afforded the ability to purchase an LR2 vehicle accessorized with the Land Rover Watch theft recovery product is a privilege for the entry-level SUV buyer.”

According to the company, the Land Rover brand values are individualism, authenticity, freedom, adventure, guts and supremacy. The LR2 is being viewed as a true Land Rover in a concentrated package. Smaller, lighter, and more affordable than the LR3, it appeals to drivers who are downsizing from traditional sport-utility vehicles into the crossover segment of car-like compact-utility vehicles.

Adding an accessory product like Land Rover Watch to the LR2 makes this the vehicle of choice for owners in search of both on-road performance, as well as class-leading off-road ability. Land Rover owners can customize Land Rover Watch to fit their lifestyle and driving preferences while successfully protecting their investment.

Randy Jennings, National Training and Development Manager, said, “This is a unique working relationship. Our blending of the Land Rover product with the Land Rover Watch accessory makes a significant offering to those who want an enhanced driving experience along with unique custom features that add value to their purchase.”

MicroTRAK GPS, an operating subsidiary of The Tracking Corporation, is a Dallas-based total-solutions provider, with ventures in the asset tracking and vehicle recovery markets. MicroTRAK GPS functions as a multi-faceted corporation focusing on a turn-key approach. This level of dedication provides them with expertise in developing, designing, providing, manufacturing, distributing and servicing GPS technology and products. If you are interested in viewing additional information on The Tracking Corporation, please visit the website at: www.microtrakgps.com.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties.

Although The Tracking Corporation believes the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any assumption could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion should not be regarded as a representation by The Tracking Corporation or any other person that the objective and plans of The Tracking Corporation will be achieved.

(this article was taken from sys-con.com)

Stratstone Land Rover Aylesbury, long term partners of Saracens, will be at Vicarage Road on Sunday to showcase their range of vehicles whilst offering supporters the chance to win some superb prizes.

Land Rover, the Official Vehicle of Premier Rugby and England Rugby, will be offering supporters the unique opportunity to push its award winning range of vehicles to the ends of the earth in Iceland. Against a backdrop of live volcanoes, the lucky winners could find themselves taking a snowmobile ride amongst glaciers and geysers, bathing in the geothermal seawater of the amazing Blue Lagoon and exploring Iceland’s stunning coastline.

Each person who completes the form on the day of the game will also be entered into a free draw to win a 2006-2007 Saracens shirt signed by the team. The lucky winners will be announced at half-time during the match against Harlequins.

All you need to do is head for the Land Rover display or approach one of the Land Rover staff around the ground and complete one of the forms.

Alternatively you can enter the competition online.

(this article was taken from saracens.com)

The scariest moments in off-roading come on the hill climbs.

Staring through a windshield filled with sky, you know you’re going to crest the hill and suddenly head downward. You’re not really sure what awaits you on the other side. Your gut tightens for a precipitous plunge.

This is where Range Rover Sport’s “hill-descent-control” (HDC) system proves invaluable.

Part of the electronics package that includes emergency brake assist, dynamic stability control, active roll mitigation and traction control, HDC automatically slows the vehicle to a crawl, allowing the Sport to tiptoe over rocks and rough terrain.

Rugged off-roading is the correct reference point for all Land Rover products, despite their steep prices and classy accoutrements. While the sport utility category has morphed into a variety of luxurious, car-based “crossovers,” Land Rover remains true to its English roots as a durable rock climber.

The Sport is so resolute about holding its ground that you may think it’s still in Park, even though the shifter says “D” or “R.” After you turn the ignition and shift into gear, nothing really happens until you touch the accelerator. This baby’s not going anywhere until you tell it to go. That’s a true confidence builder on any terrain, paved or not.

The Sport is a relatively new version of the flagship Range Rover, introduced in 2005 bearing a swept roofline, a powerful Jaguar engine, and various cosmetic tweaks to embellish its eye-catching appeal. As a response to performance oriented challengers such as the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5, Range Rover came up with the right answer.

Pricing is prohibitive for anyone but a Range Rover loyalist. The Sport HSE bears a $57,950 tag while the Range Rover Sport Supercharged, like the one I drove, has a 2007 MSRP of $71,250. Options added $6,000 to the bottom line.

As a barrier to entry, pricing delivers the upside of exclusivity. So far, the competition – even Mercedes-Benz – has not managed to challenge the legacy and authenticity of the Range Rover image.

Despite hard times for its down-market competition, Land Rover enjoyed record sales of 192,500 last year. Sales in the United States, Land Rover’s largest market, rose by 3.5 percent with the Sport soaring by 80 percent. Under Ford Motor Co.’s ownership, Land Rover saw sales rise in Russia for the sixth straight year, along with a 54 percent increase in the Middle East and 43 percent rise in North Africa. On the home islands, UK sales of the Sport increased by 52 percent.

Though well-heeled buyers are unlikely to be inconvenienced, fuel economy remains politically incorrect.

The supercharged Sport’s V8 engine consumed premium unleaded at the rate of 13 miles per gallon in the city and 19 on the highway for an annual refill tab of $2,651.

The upside of bad fuel economy is an excess of power. The 4.2-liter supercharged V8 delivers 390 horses at 5,750 rpm and 410 foot-pounds of torque at 3,500 rpm. That translates into a 0-to-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds. The naturally breathing V8 in the HSE cranks out 90 fewer horses and 95 fewer foot-pounds of torque at peak performance, but that’s not exactly wimpy.

The Sport’s ZF electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission offers three modes – automatic, sport, and the manual CommandShift.

The Sport mode allows the engine to rev higher before upshifting and offers more aggressive downshifts.

A two-speed transfer case comes with an electronically controlled, variable locking center differential that automatically distributes torque to both drive axles.

You can shift between low and high ranges without stopping.

In urban driving, the Sport is lustily responsive while remaining utterly stable and confident. You can shoot up the freeway entrance ramp and merge with traffic easily, knowing that all you have to do is take your foot off the accelerator to quickly reduce speed.

The high driving position and excellent visibility via the large side mirrors adds an extra degree of comfort.

Range Rover continues to deliver the most attractive interiors in the SUV class if you’re willing to pay the premium.

The front bucket seats are power adjustable (eight-way driver and six-way passenger), with firm bolsters and high-grip seating surfaces to keep passengers in place during hard maneuvers.

The automatic climate control system has settings for two zones. Heated front and rear seats are standard on the Supercharged model and optional on HSE. A power sunroof is standard on both models.

The programmable key fob can command the air suspension to lower the vehicle to ease entry. A phone system with BlueTooth technology provides a cradle for your mobile phone. A Park Distance Control system senses objects both in front of and behind the vehicle.

The Sport’s 550-watt Harman/Kardon Logic 7 sound system uses a 12-channel amplifier playing through 14 speakers. Steering wheel controls command volume, station, and CD track selection.

Sirius Satellite Radio gear is standard on the Supercharged model and optional on HSE. Strangely, tuning the stations on Sirius took an inordinately long time. General Motors has already solved the time lag problem with satellite radio. Land Rover should have too.

2007 Range Rover Sport at a glance

WHAT’S NEW: Personal Telephone Integration System with Bluetooth, power accessory upgrades.

PLUSES: Safety, security, comfort, performance.

MINUSES: Fuel economy, price, satellite radio tuning.

TYPE: 4-wheel-drive, five-passenger, full-size sport utility vehicle.

PRICE: $70,535 base, $77,250 as tested.

POWER: 4.2-liter, 390-horsepower, supercharged V8 engine; six-speed auto transmission.

FUEL ECONOMY: 13 mpg city, 19 mpg highway; estimated annual fuel cost $2,651.

CHASSIS: Electronic air suspension with multiple modes; Bosch four-channel, all-terrain disc brakes with ABS; electronic parking brake; Active roll mitigation; Dynamic stability; Hill descent control; Terrain Response; electronic traction control; Electronic Brakeforce Distribution; power rack-and-pinion steering; 20-inch wheels.

LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 188.5 x 85.4 x 71.2 inches.

WHEELBASE X TRACK: 108 x 63.2/63.5 inches.

CURB WEIGHT: 5,648 pounds.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 6.8 inches.

OPTIONS: Adaptive cruise control ($2,000); oak trim ($500); rear-seat entertainment ($2,500); 20-inch Stormer wheels ($1,000).

BOTTOM LINE: Off-road royalty.

(this article was taken from saukvalley.com)

A devoted husband, Nick Pointing, helped his wife achieve her Chitty Chitty Bang Bang dream by converting his old 1973 Land Rover Series 3 into her very own Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car. The car took four years to complete and he modeled the car on a 1968 toy car for measurements. The completed car even has its own set of fold out wings.

Nick Pointing had no experience of building or welding but still managed to produce the car after several years of persevering. He stripped his Land Rover of all its parts except the chassis and engine. He then made the wooden part of the car using wood from the local boatyard and for the windscreen, used a windscreen from an old MG sports car.

The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car now has a valid MOT and later this year, the couple intends to travel over land to Australia whilst raising money for several different charities. The top speed of the car is 80mph and the couple will have a journey of over 12,000 miles.

Land Rover have just announced that they will be ‘The Official Vehicle to the British Eventing Team’ this year. Land Rover is also title sponsor to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials at the end of August / beginning of September and still have Zara Phillips as the face of a Land Rover advertising campaign – showing the relationship between Land Rover and equestrian sports.

Land Rover have presented the British Eventing team with a Land Rover Discovery 3 with keys given to Zara Phillips, William Fox-Pitt, Daisy Dick plus a few other team members. The Discovery 3 is popular in the UK and is even in the Guinness Book of Records for being the most-awarded vehicle ever.

Land Rover are also still sponsoring The Royal Windsor Horse Show, Bramham International Horse Trials and The Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park