Land Rover has released details of the Freelander’s new stop-start system that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions to 179g/km from the current 196g/km.

The system will be fitted to all manual-transmission, diesel-engined Freelander models next year.

It will be part of an integrated starter-generator unit, and it also reduces carbon monoxide emissions, hydrocarbons, nitrous oxides and particulates, as well as saving fuel, though Land Rover has not yet announced figures for the fuel economy improvements.

As with other stop-start systems already on the market, the engine cuts out when the Freelander comes to a standstill, the brake applied and the gearshift slipped to neutral.

It will remain running if it is needed to power the air conditioning or demisters, however, or if it has not yet reached operating temperature. It then restarts once the clutch is depressed to select a gear.

The starter-generator has a regenerative braking function, capturing energy otherwise lost under deceleration and when coasting. This energy is stored in super-capacitors, which can release it very quickly. It powers an additional 24-volt electrical system to run the stop-start function, supplementary to the standard 12-volt network from which the car’s other electrical functions work.

Land Rover says its stop-start system is just one of a number of new upcoming technologies to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

As part of its e-Terrain Technologies programme, it is also working on diesel-electric hybrids – both ‘mild’ range-extender hybrids and plug-in – and flywheel hybrids which recover wasted energy at the flywheel. It’s also developing lighter-weight structures and working on ways in which recycled scrap aluminium can be used.

This article was taken from: Channel 4

Land Rover LR2 is the replacement of the powerful Freelander. The car is focused on the power-hungry car lovers thus comes with a powerful engine and stylish design. Being the replacement of Freelander, the LR2 is called Freelander in other markets. The car is competent enough with high end compact SUVs’ like the Acura RDX or BMW X3.

The car was first showcased in the Paris auto show in September 2007. The car is built of the Ford C1 platform. Longer wheelbase, increased interior space, upgraded engine, dust, mud, and water resistance, off road features… LR2 has got a good number of features to boast upon.

LR2 is powered by the new 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine which is upgraded for off-road use to resist dust, mud, and water. The six cylinder engine generates 230 horsepower and 234 pound-feet of torque. The twin-cam 24-valve engine has variable valve timing as well as a multistage intake system. The power is transmitted through a six speed automatic gear system. The car has the capability to reach to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, bit higher than the Freelander.

Other noteworthy features are Power driver seat, Split folding rear seat, Radio data system, Weather band radio, Brake assist, Driver front impact airbag, Passenger front impact airbag, Driver side impact airbag, Passenger side impact airbag, Overhead airbag, Electronic stability etc… The independent sturt type suspension with large disc brakes give added comfort and stability, also better control over all road conditions. Compared with other SUVs LR2 is much more softer.

8.3 inch ground clearance and four wheel drive system make the car a perfect off road option. Improved traction control, the stability control, and the anti-lock brakes etc are fixed on this car. A more sophisticated lubrication system designed for the higher stress and temperatures caused by driving slowly over rough terrain helps the car remain calm and stiff.

Coming to the interior, for the better outward visibility, a roomy leather interior with raised theater seating is attached in the rear. If the seats are folded forward the vehicles gives 59 cubit feet of cargo room. Other amenities includes power front seats, rear proximity warnings, headlamp washers and an auxiliary input jack for playing an iPod or other device through the vehicle’s audio system. For improved safety a drivers side knee-hight airbag is fixed in the car, which prevents leg injuries from the steering column.

If you are looking for a small but luxurious SUV with the least amount of cash possible, Land Rover is the best option for you. The price range differs between $34,700 to $39,000.

This article was taken from: One India

Land Rover has released details of an Autobiography edition of its class-leading Range Rover 4×4.

The new flagship receives a host of upgrades, including a selection of paint finishes and 20-inch diamond-cut alloys. The TDV8 diesel model starts at £72,995, and the supercharged petrol variant from £76,495.

But if you prefer more punch, tuning firm Overfinch has also revealed two new additions to its line-up. The Range Rover-based Country Pursuits comes with an aggressive bodykit, and for hunting fans the boot has hand-crafted olive ash drawers for a gun and cartridges. The standard model’s 4.2-litre supercharged V8 is uprated from 390bhp to 464bhp – but it all comes at a price. When it arrives in October, the Country Pursuits will cost £143,950. Also debuting is the Range Rover Sport-based SuperSport II, with 22-inch wheels and V6 or V8 diesel power, from £59,995.

This article was taken from: Auto Express

Though Ford owns Land Rover, the SUV still looks rather British. You can almost picture Prince William darting off from Buckingham Palace in the LR2 on his way to some off-roading in Scotland. And the newest model in Land Rover’s growing lineup retains a decidedly upper-crust look befitting royalty. But it’s what’s under the hood and in the traction-control system that truly defines this very capable machine. And it’s here that the LR2 proves it’s the leader in its category for no-compromise off-road performance and luxury.

I tested the LR2′s grip on the steep, rolling sand dunes at Pismo Beach, Calif., and was tickled by the ease with which it traversed the powdery inclines. The LR2 stormed equally well through slushy mud and cut through deep pools of water when I adjusted the traction-control knob. But this very roomy five-seater is equally at home on dry pavement. Acceleration isn’t bad from a 3.2-liter, inline 6-cylinder, 230hp engine that goes from zero to 60mph in 8.4 seconds. And the permanent all-wheel drive and four-wheel electronic traction control allows for good road handling. So do as Prince William might: slip on a safari jacket, find a sand dune and get busy.

This article was taken from: Newsweek