FOR USE ON INQUIRY ONLY
2010 MY Vehicles launched at New York Auto Show ? Wednesday, April 8th 2009
LR4
The new, fourth generation of Land Rover's supremely versatile seven-seat vehicle gains a new name ? LR 4 ? to go with its powerful and efficient new 5.0l petrol engine, fresh exterior identity and more premium cabin. The model's 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.
Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport reaffirms its status as the most exciting and dynamic member of the line-up with a comprehensive package of engineering and design changes for the 2010 model year. The vehicle's stylish new appearance signals the transformation under the skin, which includes two powerful and efficient new engines, enhanced levels of interior craftsmanship and refinement, and significant improvements to both on-road and off-road driving dynamics.
Range Rover
Powerful new petrol engines, revolutionary interior technologies and enhanced driving dynamics reinforce the position of the 2010 Range Rover as the most complete luxury 4x4. Land Rover's flagship has been comprehensively updated to deliver more refined and efficient performance, along with the ultimate in interior comfort and craftsmanship.
LR 2 ? 2009/2010 MY
The exterior and interior enhancement for 2009 is carried over to the 2010 MY and reflects the premium character of the vehicle. High quality new materials and colors combine to create a refined environment within the cabin. A new-for-2009 HST body kit provides several distinguishing exterior features. A more aggressive honeycomb mesh grille design. Painted front and rear bumpers, side sill enhancements and dual HST exhaust tips are also added. This option is available with a choice of five vibrant exterior colors.
Q. When will the 2010 MY vehicles be on sale and at retailers?
The Range Rover will hit the retailers in late summer with the Range Rover Sport and LR4 in the fall. Prices will be announced then.
Q. Why have you changed the name of LR 3 to LR 4?
The revised name signals the extent of changes throughout the vehicle, including its new front-end identity, new powertrains, improved dynamics and new technologies. The new front-end design provides a more contemporary character, and takes account of the customer feedback we have received.
Q. Why is the Terrain Response system's new Dynamic mode only in the Range Rover Sport?
The Range Rover Sport is the most road-focused model in the line-up, and has been designed to offer responsive performance and sporting driving dynamics. The new Dynamic mode provides optimized vehicle settings for fast on-road driving, and has been developed to further enhance the experience for Range Rover Sport customers.
Q. Why are you launching luxury vehicles at the time of a major world recession?
It's critical that Land Rover continues to update its product range, both to stay ahead of the competition, and to continue the progress we've made in improving the efficiency and sustainability of our vehicles. This will place us in the strongest possible position when the economic situation starts to improve.
Q. Do consumers really need products with 5.0-litre supercharged 500 bhp V8 engines?
These products are part of a long-term development programme, and we are providing customers with improved performance and CO2 emissions. Our new engines use leading-edge technologies ? including several world firsts ? to be most efficient and refined in their respective segments.
Q. What sort of actions will you be taking to further improve your carbon footprint?
We can't comment on plans for our future products, but some of the e-TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES we have already announced give an indication of the direction we're taking. For example:
- direct-injection petrol engine technology with variable valve timing
- other engine efficiency measures including low friction internals, optimized engine calibration, reduced idle speed, clutched air conditioning pump
- high torque combined with transmissions with longer gearing and reduced torque-converter slip
- engine stop/start systems have debuted in the UK (NB only announced for Freelander)
- Intelligent Power System Management (IPSM) including smart regenerative charging
- improved aerodynamics
Q. Why are you not fitting Stop/Start technology to other 10MY vehicles?
The first application of our e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES is on 10MY manual diesel LR 2, on sale outside of North America this spring. The technology has been developed for manual transmission vehicles. We are developing Stop/Start systems that could be used on Land Rovers with automatic transmission, although this is a more complex undertaking.
Q. Are large, heavy SUVs still relevant in today's marketplace?
Absolutely. We have a world to serve: valued by customers ranging from families to farmers to aid agencies the world-over, our vehicles are designed to perform in the most inaccessible, difficult terrains. But Land Rover products are also still relevant and rational in today's urban environment ? the LR 4 can efficiently carry 7 adults in comfort, the Range Rover combines the ultimate refinement with the visibility and safety offered by its command driving position, and the Range Rover Sport delivers sheer exhilaration and ownership experience; yet all with ability to handle the modern, active lifestyle of our customers, driving or towing in safety and comfort through all weathers and road conditions.
Q. When will Land Rover introduce diesel derivatives into the US?
We are looking at alternative powertrains and fuels for the US market but are some way off. There are many factors to consider, not least of all customer perception and a supportive infrastructure. |
