For(d) Sale: Land Rover & Jaguar

A couple of days ago we learned about the secret talks between Ford and Fiat for the possible sale of Jaguar and Land Rover that were called off after several months of negotiations. While Ford denied commenting on the talks, the US automaker did confirmed recent reports that have been spreading like a wildfire on the internet that it’s discussing the sale of its Jaguar and Land Rover brands.

Yesterday (Tuesday June 12, 2007) Ford’s spokesperson, John Gardiner, told the Free Press that the US carmaker has been reviewing the operations of both British luxury brands for a year. “Ford Motor Co. has been assessing a number of strategic options for all of our operations. That review is continuing and Ford is actively investigating its options. We’re not ruling anything in or anything out and we are working with our financial advisers to determine the best future for Jaguar and Land Rover.”

Bloomberg among others is reporting that Ford has gone one-step further by hiring Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley to arrange the sale of European-based Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo luxury brands. Practically we’re talking about the end of Ford’s PAG (Premium Automotive Group) that started with the sale of Aston Martin back in March to a British-led group of investors for the equivalent of about $924 million. Funny thing is that with the exclusion of Jaguar that’s been economically bleeding Ford for the past 17 years, Volvo, Land Rover and Aston Martin are all profitable. But who’d buy Jaguar by itself?

Via: Freep & Bloomberg

Fiat Considered buying Jaguar and Land Rover!

Now we’ve heard them all; if BMW’s alleged interest in Volvo raised an eyebrow or two what would you say if we Fiat Group was dead serious in buying Land Rover and Jaguar from Ford Motor Company? Citing sources familiar with the matter, Automotive News is reporting that Ford's talks with Fiat started in February and ended in late May. They involved Fiat group CEO Sergio Marchionne and Ford of Europe boss Lewis Booth, who also heads Premier Automotive Group. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

While neither company confirmed the talks Ford spokesman John Gardiner told AN, "Ford Motor Company is continuing to assess a number of strategic options for all of its operations. We're not specifying what they are and what we're evaluating." In other words, you got the dough; we’ve got the will to sell.

Wondering why the hell would Fiat risk buying a sinking ship -aka, Jaguar, and the so and so Land Rover -especially since the Italian carmaker is just recovering? Well, while Fiat must have only been interested in Land Rover, Ford seriously want’s to get rid of Jaguar since its been loosing $500 million to $1 billion a year since 2001, and the only way to achieve that is to sell Jaguar with the more prosperous Land Rover. Back to Fiat, the Italians seem to have wanted Land Rover mainly for two reasons: increased global SUV/Crossover sales and Land Rover's U.S. dealership network that would seriously help Alfa Romeo’s US relaunch in 2009. "Land Rover is a brand many carmakers would love to add to their portfolios - particularly Fiat group, whose five brands are still almost nonexistent in the growing global SUV market," a Turin source said to AN.

So what happened in the end and Fiat bailed out of the talks? According to AN sources, the Italian carmaker halted discussions with Ford because of concern over the potential adverse effect of the acquisition on the Italian carmaker's credit rating.

Source: Automotive News

Technorati: Fiat, Jaguar, Ford, Land+Rover, Carscoop, cars, autos, vehicles

Land Rover Defender Goes In Deep, Really Deep, Waters

While many of will have either heard or even know from personal experience, that the classic Land Rover Defender is one hell of a capable 4x4 vehicle, sometimes it’s the driver that impresses us and not the car. Watch the video till the end and admire this bloke’s persistence.

Technorati: Land+Rover+Defender, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles

Russian Hara-Kiri: Land Rover Discovery Disembowelled

Those Russian folks sure know how to build some tenacious railings as you can see for yourself in these pictures. What a freaky accident; the metal railings literally impaled the Discovery / LR3! There’s no word on whether the driver managed to get out of this accident in one piece, but if he did, he’d better start believing in divine forces... -More pictures after the jump

Via: fishiki

Technorati: Accidents, Land+Rover+Discovery, LR3, Russia, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Range Rover Vogue Security Vehicle: Land Rover announces its first armoured production model

Now this is what I call a bulletproof warranty -literally. Developed by Land Rover Special Vehicles and Armour Holdings Group, the Range Rover Vogue Security Vehicle can cope -depending on which of the four available versions, attacks by hand-guns, assault rifles or high velocity rifle right up to armor piercing weapons. Due to the armored vehicle’s excessive weight that can reach 3.5 tons, Land Rover called upon Prodrive to retune the air suspension, chassis and braking systems. Land Rover hasn’t announced pricings on its first attempt in the armoured vehicle market, but don’t expect any cheap thrills here… -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release & more pics

PRESS RELEASE

It looks just like any other new Range Rover Vogue, but beneath the skin it's a very different story. To provide the ultimate in occupant safety, this Range Rover Vogue goes well beyond the capabilities of air bags and seat belt pre-tensioners.

Fully armoured, it has been designed to resist attack from machine gun or hand grenade while its four-wheel drive chassis and off-road ground clearance allows a quick getaway from attack or ambush. Unlike conventional armoured limousines, the Range Rover Vogue Security Vehicle can be driven across all terrains, including unforgiving urban obstacles like high kerbs or even steep steps. Its broad shouldered strength also allows it to be driven at and through obstacles such as gates or even walls.

In an attack, the Range Rover Vogue's armour and its go anywhere ability can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Developed by Land Rover Special Vehicles as an integral part of the new Range Rover Vogue programme, the Range Rover Vogue Security Vehicle is the first armoured Land Rover vehicle to be offered as a production model. In future, there will be greater availability of other armoured Land Rover products as well as high security models from other marques in the Premier Automotive Group, all developed to the same exacting standards.

The new high security Range Rover Vogue will be available to four levels of security, the first three offering protection from attack by hand-gun, assault rifle or high velocity rifle.

The ultimate version provides protection against armour piercing to European B6 plus standard, and is capable of withstanding attack from a NATO 7.62 ball round fired from 10 metres at a typical velocity of 830 metres per second. B6 plus standard, favoured by Heads of State and other diplomatic, political and religious 'targets', also protects against attack by weapons including the Kalashnikov AK47 rifle.

Also available will be a Range Rover Vogue Security Vehicle built to B4 standard, which protects against attack from a .44 Magnum handgun using flat nose, full metal jacket, soft core ammunition at a typical velocity of 440 metres per second.

On all vehicles, the floor pan is protected to defeat the simultaneous detonation of two DM51 hand grenades rolled in its path. Improved protection to L2A2 hand grenade level is available as an option.

Armouring materials used range from ballistic and blast steel to carbon weave materials such as Kevlar as well as non-metallic materials such as Spectra-shield and Dyneema. The glass is plasma cut, fixed on all four doors and up to 40mm thick to withstand attack - the thickness of the glass is virtually the only visual external clue to an armoured Range Rover Vogue.

Great attention to detail ensures that occupants will not be affected by 'splash', the term given to shrapnel - often molten metal - that can penetrate the body via potentially vulnerable spots such as door shuts or handles and injure or kill occupants. Overlaps on doors are specially designed to prevent splash entering the passenger compartment.

Added protection has been given to the vehicle's fuel tank and battery while the tyres all have run flat capability. A heavy duty jack and strengthened jacking points are also fitted.

Development work has been carried out by Land Rover Special Vehicles working closely with one of the world's leading armouring specialist companies, Armour Holdings Group, that includes O'Gara Hess and Labbe. Testing of the vehicle's armouring is being carried out by QinetiQ, an independent scientific company that was formally an integral part of DERA, the British Government's Defence Establishment Research Agency.

Adding as much as two tons of armour takes the vehicle's all-up weight to nearly 3.5 tons. To ensure that it still behaves like a Range Rover Vogue, vehicle development experts Prodrive Ltd have extensively retuned the air suspension, chassis and braking systems to cope with the extra weight and the demands likely to be placed on the Range Rover Vogue.

A comprehensive list of options takes the protection offered by the Range Rover Vogue Security Vehicle to even greater levels. They include an internal oxygen system, darkened glass and an intercom. Covert emergency lights and a siren are also available. Other options are available to meet customer's specific requirements.

Technorati: Land+Rover, Range+Rover, Armoured+vehicles, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Land Rover Discovery 3 "Pursuit"

Based on the Discovery TD V6, the “Pursuit” is a UK only limited edition version (300 units) that features Java Black paint work with Ebony interior, 19” alloy wheels, body coloured wheel arch surrounds, manual leather seats and chrome finish mirror caps. Don’t you just love marketers? -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to check out the official press release

PRESS RELEASE: IN PURSUIT WITH LAND ROVER

A new well-equipped limited edition Discovery 3, called the Pursuit, will be on sale in March 2007, for under £30,000 OTR. Only 300 Discovery 3 ‘Pursuits’ will be available from Land Rover dealerships across the country. Based on the TDV6 GS model, the Pursuit also features Java Black paint work with Ebony interior, 19” alloy wheels, body coloured wheel arch surrounds, manual leather seats and chrome finish mirror caps.

Land Rover’s multi-award winning Discovery 3 is a technology-packed, premium 4x4 designed to deliver outstanding performance both on the road and off-road. The bold, versatile design is distinctively Land Rover and offers exceptional space, comfort and flexibility, for up to seven adults.

All Pursuit limited editions are powered by the Discovery’s acclaimed TDV6 diesel engine and feature standard technologies including Hill Descent Control, air suspension and Terrain Response™, all industry-firsts for Land Rover.

“Since launch, the Discovery 3 has brought new levels of ability, comfort and refinement to the large 4x4 market. Winning 95 awards worldwide is a testament to its class-leading diesel engine, its versatility and its all-round package,” commented John Edwards, Land Rover UK managing director.

“The limited-edition Discovery 3 Pursuit gives customers the opportunity to buy an exclusive specification for the exceptional price of £29,995 OTR for the TDV6 manual and £30,995 OTR with automatic transmission. We think this represents incredible value for money”

Technorati: Land+Rover+Discovery, LR3, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

One for the Pro: Land Rover Introduces Commercial derivative of the Discovery 3 / LR3

I don’t know if this version’s going to have any impact on the Discovery’s status-quo in Europe (imagine seeing your plumber for example in one of these!) but it’s sure going to make a few professionals smile with pride. The Light Commercial version of the Discovery boasts a loadspace of 2.130 litres –no thanks to the removal of the rear seats and it will be available from March in two specs, the Discovery 3 Commercial and the Discovery 3 XS Commercial. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release and specifications

Technorati: Land+Rover+Discovery+3, LR3, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

PRESS RELEASE: In response to high customer demand, Land Rover has announced that it is to launch a commercial derivative of the award-winning Discovery 3, which will go on sale on the 19 March 2007. Since launch in 2004, the Discovery 3 has demonstrated a class-leading breadth of capability and accrued awards from all over the world. Now, it has been engineered with approval from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to gain N1 Light Commercial 4x4 Vehicle status. Business users will therefore be able to take advantage of the Benefit in Kind tax and full VAT reclaim associated with Light Commercial Vehicles.

There will be two derivatives available: the Discovery 3 Commercial and the Discovery 3 XS Commercial. Standard features include 2130 litres of loadspace with a full length phenolic floor, privacy glass, two-piece bulkhead, four corner air suspension and Terrain Response. “Since launch, our dealers have received a number of requests from customers for a commercial derivative, many of whom bought standard models and then converted them independently for their own commercial use,” stated John Edwards, Land Rover UK managing director.

“The launch of the Discovery 3 Commercial means that for the first time, customers are now able to purchase a Land Rover approved Discovery 3 commercial vehicle, which benefits from the superior levels of ride, handling, comfort and equipment offered by the standard Discovery 3. We believe the Discovery Commercial will further re-define the 4x4 commercial segment.”

All Land Rover vehicles include a CO2 offset for the first 45,000 miles within the on-the-road price. Administered by Climate Care, an independent CO2 offset provider, the program 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.

The complete specifications are as follows:

TRIM LEVEL -PRICE STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Discovery 3 Commercial -£28,240 17” alloy wheels, four corner air suspension, privacy glass and window inserts, non-smokers pack, Four-Channel all-terrain ABS, central high mounted stop lamp, Active Roll Mitigation, cloth seats, full length phenolic loadspace floor, manual 6-speed transmission, volumetric alarm, noble plate finish, Electronic Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, electronic park brake, two-piece bulkhead

Discovery 3 XS Commercial -£31,740 As above plus: powerfold exterior mirrors, roof rails, 18” alloy wheels, cruise control, bright pack, heated front screen and washer jets, rear park distance control, Hi ICE pack, Air Con ATC

Vehicle Data Discovery 3 Commercial Discovery 3 XS Commercial

Loadspace

Loadspace volume (litres) 2130 2130

Weights

EEC kerb weight (kg) 2593 (max) 2602 (max)

Max front axle (kg) 1450 1450

Max rear axle (kg) 1855 1855

Fuel Economy

Urban – mpg (manual/auto) 25.4 / 21.6 25.4 / 21.6

Extra urban – mpg (manual/auto) 34.9 / 33.2 34.9 / 33.2

Combined – mpg (manual/auto) 30.7 / 27.7 30.7 / 27.7

CO2 – g/km (manual/auto) 244 / 270 244 / 270

Towing

Max towing (kg) 3500 3500

2007 Land Rover Freelander 2 features the world's first automotive application of Dolby Pro Logic II 7.1

Land Rover's new 2007 Freelander 2 is getting some pretty cool or should I say, "icy", attention as its the first car in the world that will be fitted with a Dolby Pro Logic II 7.1 surround sound technology system from Alpine. Up to now, this technology was commonly seen in high-end home cinema and entertainment systems.

Alpine promises to reward Freelander owners with its premium sound system that consists of a new sonorous 440 watt amplifier and a comprehensive 14 speaker system that has been specifically created for the latest Land Rover SUV.

Press Release

What is Dolby Pro Logic II 7.1 technology? It works by processing any stereo (two-channel) audio into seven playback channels of surround sound plus a subwoofer channel for low frequency sounds. By detecting the directional cues that occur naturally in stereo content, Dolby uses these elements to create a surround sound playback experience. The technology has been developed specifically to suit the unique listening environment of a vehicle, enabling all passengers to experience enveloping and exciting audio regardless of their position within the car.

Surround Sound Speakers Technical Overview

Centre Fill: Powered directly by the amplifier, the 2 Ohm, 100mm centre fill provides the surround experience for front occupants. As the name suggests the speaker fills the void between front occupants, enhancing the impression of the concert being played out right in front of you. Responsiveness is assured through the use of lightweight neodymium magnet materials. Lightweight materials at the top of the dashboard have the added advantage of lowering the centre of gravity, significant for an SUV.

Tweeters: Neodymium tweeters are used to increase responsiveness. Ideally located in the front and rear doors the tweeters ensure faithful reproduction of the higher frequencies. Highly specified, the 4 Ohm units are fitted in both the front and rear of the cabin ensuring audio excellence wherever you are seated.

Bass Woofer: For faithful reproduction of lower frequencies, a powerful and substantial bass unit was developed. Fed by separate 40 watt audio channels, these units have the ability to move large volumes of air. With a distinct mid unit in the premium system, the bass unit can be tuned to focus purely on deep, crisp and accurate bass reproduction.

Mid: For more accurate mid range reproduction, the Freelander 2 has new mid range speakers. With most of what we hear being in this range, the performance of this speaker is critical. With rapid response, the mid speaker can perform in harmony with the mid bass and tweeter arrangement.

Subwoofer: The substantial subwoofer is driven by two 40 watt amplifier channels to accurately reproduce the lowest frequencies. A substantial ferrite magnet system is used to move the air that creates not only the sound but the deep feeling. Strong and light, the enclosure has been designed specifically for the Freelander 2 creating an environment that permits Alpine’s audio engineers to tune the system for the best bass response across the range.

Rear Surrounds: For the true surround sound experience, the new Freelander 2 has a further two mid units in the rear of the vehicle. Providing scale and depth to performances, they are ideally suited for concert or live music reproduction.

Technorati: Land+Rover+Freelander, 2007, Dolby+Pro+Logic+II+7.1, surround, sound+system, ice, Alpine, gadgets, autos, auto+news, vehicles, cars, automotive

Official: 2007 Land Rover Defender

The granddaddy of all "Landies" the Defender, was presented officially today in its 2007 suite. The latest in a long line of evolutionary updates to a vehicle whose roots date back to 1948 (since when nearly 1.9 million units have been sold), the 2007 model year boasts a newly designed interior with a Discovery LR3 styled fascia and a new 2.4 litre four-cylinder diesel engine that's matted to an also new, 6speed gearbox.

Changes to the Defender's exterior have been kept to a minimum as the only visual hint to the 2007 model is the revised bonnet profile. The Defender will make its first public debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show in September.

Press Release

More Pulling Power: Defender's new 2.4 litre, four-cylinder engine draws on parent company Ford's acknowledged diesel engine expertise, and represents a major step forward in terms of refinement and driveability. Torque output is higher than the outgoing engine right across the usable rev range, and the 360 Nm (265 lb ft) peak is delivered at only 2000 rpm; over 315 Nm (232 lb ft) of torque is available from 1500 rpm to 2700 rpm.

Engine peak power output is 122 PS (90 kW), with more than 90 per cent of peak power available from less than 2200 rpm to over 4350 rpm -over 60 per cent of the usable rev range. Naturally, in European markets (with high quality diesel fuels), the new engine is designed to be fully compliant with EU4 emissions legislation. But with Defender's status as a truly global product, a unique engine tune has also been developed to tolerate variable quality, high-sulphur fuels.

Based on a cast-iron block, the engine features an alloy, 16-valve cylinder head with Denso common rail fuel injection. Not only is combustion noise dramatically reduced, thanks to the excellent control provided by the engine's solenoid-driven fuel injectors, but a new Garrett variable geometry turbocharger also helps ensure throttle response is improved over the outgoing engine. The engine's lubrication and sealing systems have been specially developed to cope with Defender's onerous range of operating angles.

6speed Gearbox: The new GFT MT 82 six-speed gearbox provides a much wider ratio spread than before; the lower first gear offers a reduction in crawl speed and combines with the engine's increased torque output to make towing on-road and off-road even easier. The increased engine torque also helps in-gear acceleration, and has allowed the new sixth gear to be set 20 per cent higher than the outgoing model's top gear. This helps to improve real-world cruising refinement and fuel economy. Ground gears in both the gearbox and new transfer box help boost refinement, while reductions in clutch and gear-change loads make day-to-day living with Defender significantly easier.

Individual pedal maps specifically matched to the demands of each gear are designed to ensure throttle progression and control is better than ever before; in addition, improved anti-stall characteristics further extend the vehicle's renowned ability to tackle the toughest terrain.

Improved Comfort And Ergonomics: Defender's new facia is based on a single, large moulding supported on a robust steel rail to help eliminate squeaks and rattles. Instruments from Land Rover's Discovery 3 provide clear, concise information to the driver, and details like all-LED instrument illumination help ensure high standards of reliability. Improvements to ergonomics abound -for example, a new passenger-side grab handle provides robust, two-handed support during extreme off-road driving. The process of modernising Defender's facia hasn't sacrificed its usability either, with versatile stowage shelves conveniently located for both the driver and passenger. Two console options are available: a practical open-tray design that keeps contents to hand and a large, lidded design that provides an impressive 14-litres of stowage.

In-Car Entertainment Systems: For the first time, high-mounted tweeters are available in Defender and work in conjunction with the new speaker installation for significantly improved clarity and sound reproduction. An auxiliary/MP3 audio input socket is also available.

New Heating And Ventilation System: Cabin airflow is up almost 50 per cent, with new aluminium plate and fin heat exchangers helping deliver impressive performance. In cold weather, the heater warms the cabin 40 per cent quicker than before and can achieve cabin temperatures a full 12C higher. The air-conditioning system can cool the cabin in half the time of the old unit, and achieve cabin temperatures 7C lower too. The addition of side window demist vents helps maintain visibility whatever the weather.

Seating: Seating is also comprehensively improved. New, taller front seats are designed to improve back support and head restraint ergonomics. Robust, more supportive second row seats are introduced too. 110 Station Wagon and 130 Crew Cab models can comfortably accommodate three occupants on a new, asymmetrically-split second row seat. A spring-assisted fold mechanism helps when folding the seats for carrying large or awkward loads.

Defender 90 Station Wagon second row occupants benefit from a pair of individual, full-size, forward-facing rear seats. Providing significantly increased comfort and space over the outgoing model, these seats are also available as a third row option on the 110 Station Wagon. Accessed either through the rear door or by folding the second row seats, they can be easily folded and stowed sideways in the loadspace.

Seat trims include durable all-vinyl and cloth specifications; a half-leather option is also available to add a touch of luxury to the new cabin. Three-point safety belts are specified for all seating positions. Upgraded sound insulation, the common rail engine's excellent combustion control and the significantly higher top gear all contribute to a substantial overall improvement in cabin refinement.

Defender's unique vehicle architecture has been retained. The chassis frame is available in three different wheelbases, and in both standard and heavy-duty guise (for even greater load-bearing capabilities). A total of 14 separate body styles -from pick-ups and soft-tops to crew cabs and station wagons -are produced on the mainstream production line. Beyond this, Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations team offer a range of products from standard drop-side or box-body conversions to bespoke design and build adaptations into ambulances, mobile hydraulic platforms and even airport fire tenders -all of which are covered by Land Rover's extensive warranty.

Technorati Tags: Land+Rover+Defender, 2007, Autos, auto+news, vehicles, cars, automotive, Paris+Motor+Show, 2006

Land Rover Defender 2007 pictures

*UPDATE: FOR OFFICIAL PICTURES AND INFO, CKICKE HERE: 2007 LAND ROVER DEFENDER

As reported earlier this year (click here: 2007 Defender), Land Rover is planning to update its nearly immortal Defender which has been in production with various upgrades since 1948 -talk about British infatuation with the past… These phone cell pictures taken from Land Rover's Solihull factory in Birmingham give a first glimpse of the 2007 Defender which according to Land Rover, is going to on sale next spring. While its seems that the exterior remains practically the same as there are only minor changes -check out the side gills, the interior gets a more serious upgrade with Discovery (LR2 & LR3) style gauges, air vents etc.

Press Release: "Customer demand for the Defender will see Land Rover release details of a new model for 2007 later this year, including a series of significant upgrades to enhance the ownership experience and meet forthcoming legislation. It starts going on sale next spring and will help ensure that the Defender remains in production until at least 2010."

Technorati Tags: Land+Rover+Defender, 2007, pictures, images, official, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars