Automobiles Review

Tag: Land Rover

  • Flying Huntsman 110 WB 6×6 Concept Debuts in Geneva! Go See it!

    Geneva Motor Show is around the corner and so is Kahn’s long-awaited project called the Flying Huntsman 110. It is no secret that the prototype will be officially revealed at the event and for this reason the tuner has sent us one last picture and some detailed information ahead of debut. The WB 6×6 coach-built concept is based on the Land Rover Defender 110 and also carries a codename “Mission 1”.

    Will this concept challenge the rest of the automotive world – it is still a mystery, but it is definitely intended to do so. To proceed with the details, it is now official that the 6.2-litre GM LS3 V8 engine under the hood of the Huntsman will produce exactly 430 horsepower (316 kW). And this is pretty impressive since it is far more in comparison to the original.

    All this power will be transmitted onto the road via a six-speed automatic gearbox that has a tap shift control. Furthermore, Kahn Design has strengthened the off-road capabilities of the Defender, making it capable of managing even the roughest terrain. This is due to the rugged heavy duty chassis, the updated braking and suspension systems as well as the hi-lo ratio drive system and locking differentials.

    There have been some substantial changes to the exterior that make this project unique.

    Extensions to the bonnet measure 400mm, while these to the rear cabin – 800mm.

    The vehicle has been also widened by 150mm, and these numbers actually make me want to see this vehicle for real.

    This masterful appearance will be further supported by increased windscreen rake and wider rear door. Changes have been applied to the front doors too, which are now longer and allow easier entry.

    In addition, the added panoramic roof starts from the B pillars and continues until it reaches the rear. The other exterior styling tweaks is said to be inspired by Kahn’s Chelsea Truck Company Defenders so this is a good reason to expect aggressive and striking appearance.

    More importantly, the tuner is making plans for producing the Huntsman in up to five potential variants featuring four and six wheel versions. There are is also the option of making it not only a hard top but also a pickup, depending on customers’ response.

    If these details aren’t enough for you, then you will definitely have to wait until next week, when Kahn is promising to give us the full details of the concept. Stay tuned!

    Source: Kahn Design 

  • Is 2016 Range Rover Evoque a Disappointment?

    It is totally British, it is beautiful, it is 2016 model year and it is here! If you have read the last publication, then you’ll already know that I am talking about the brand new 2016 Range Rover Evoque. This amazing vehicle is going to have its official premiere at the Geneva Motor Show and is set to have a market launch in the US this fall. The car has kept its distinctive appeal, powerful on road presence and captivating design, which in my opinion expresses true beauty.

    Well, let’s see what’s new in the Evoque. Land Rover said that it has further refined the exterior in order to give it even more unique presence. In addition, absolutely new are the headlamps featuring LED adaptive technology. Other revisions include upgrades on the front bumper, grille, bigger alloys and more.

    The new LEDs and wider tow-eye cover is a significant update to the design of the front and so are the two versions of the grille. The standard one is characterized by two horizontal bars and a new pattern. The second design includes hexagonal shape and more impressive mesh.

    Only the five-door HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims get the new hood vents. At the back, we see refined tailgate spoiler which adds wider, but at the same time slimmer LED rear brake lights.

    Changes can be also seen inside and they include new seats and door casings, the infotainment system is fitted with the eight-inch touchscreen and there are some changes to the materials used for the interior elements. As a standard the vehicles will come with leather Ebony seats, while the top-of-the-range trim will feature massage function for the front seats.

    Unfortunately, the 2016 Evoque will be offered with only one gazoline unit, which produces 240 horsepower (176 kW).

    The engine can accelerate the car from 0 to 62mph (0-100km/h) in 7.6 seconds on the way to a top speed of 135mph (217km/h). If you wonder about the fuel economy – it is 30mpg/highway.

    Going next to the technology additions, the new Evoque features eight-inch InControl Touch touchscreen infotainment system, eight-speaker stereo system and optional rear-seat entertainment system coming with two eight-inch video screens and wireless digital headphones. Convenience is further enhanced by the Gesture Tailgate function, which allows owners to automatically manage the tailgate by pointing a foot beneath the rear bumper.

    The new SUV will be offered in four trim levels including the SE, HSE, HSE Dynamic and the flagship Autobiography. We are not sure about the precise release price of the vehicle but it is said to be announced near launch and to be comparable with the model currently on sale.

    So in other words there aren’t big changes to the model, despite my expectations and wishes. This is rather a facelift than a true new dramatic design. Just remember how the Civic hatch was changed in 2006 and you’ll know what I am talking about. Land Rover is obviously playing it safe and keeping what’s trendy. I love how the Evoque looks, but next time the ultimate British brand must do something that would really impress us!

    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque
    2016 Range Rover Evoque

    Source: Land Rover 

  • Kahn Releases Barolo Black Land Rover Defender XS 110

    The beginning of the week starts with two exceptional news about the Land Rover family of vehicles. The first one, which we will review below, is on A. Kahn Design’s latest project involving the Defender XS 110, and the second one we will keep in secret for the next hour. Ok, ok, it is about one of the most impressive cars in the segment, frequently adored by women and recently announced as a symbol of Britain. Have you guessed it?

    But, going back to the topic, the team of specialists at Kahn sent us several photos of a Defender XS 110, with some detailed information which reveals what they have changed. Firstly, we must mention that some of the upgrades included are delivered Chelsea Truck Company’s.

    Thus, we have a very contemporary looking seven seater, dressed in Barolo Black “coat”. Starting with the front of the vehicle, it now features brand new X-Lander grille and challenging bumper in which are integrated LED Diamond bright headlights. There are also visible front and rear wide wing arches and bumper sump guard mesh hood vents that basically help to minimize the temperature of the engine.

    Another prominent asset of the updated exterior is the new shoes. They are called Mondial wheels and are painted in Piano Black. On all four corners they come in the size of 9×20 inches and are coupled with 275x55x20 tyres. Beneath them we can also see painted brake callipers. At the back, we can not pass without mentioning the twin crosshair exhaust system and hard-wearing mud flaps.

    Opening the door, one immediately feels the luxury imbedded inside this SUV. Almost every single element, ranging from the centre glove box to the roof headlining and sun visors is upholstered in seats in quilted and perforated leather. Of course, the same has happened to the three rows of seats.

    Those inside will also enjoy the new interior look, due to the addition of Churchill time clock & rev counter fascia, door, new Alcantara sun visors, the vented machined aluminium foot pedals and tuning company’s billet steering wheel. Great project, isn’t it?

    Source: A. Kahn Design 

  • What Eyes! What a Silhouette! What a Range Rover Evoque!

    Land Rover has revealed the first teaser image of the 2016 Range Rover Evoque. The facelifted Evoque is heading to Geneva Motor Show early next month for its official premiere and it promises to deliver unmatched characteristics which will set a new benchmark for optimized driving exhilaration. This is expected to be the most successful Land Rover ever produced!

    Nothing much can be really seen from the depicted picture but at least it opens a preview of an impressive “eyes” signature. The 2016 model year Range Rover is said to be the first model that arrives with full LED adaptive headlamps. With such strikingly powerful technological equipment, the car will be able to offer “superior illumination in dark conditions, following the curves of the road, and is identifiable by the distinctive headlamp graphic.”

    Commenting on the enhanced presence of the car, Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, said that: “Our challenge has been to enhance Evoque without diluting its iconic design. The design refreshments give it an even greater presence on the road yet retain the emotional appeal that has made it so popular with more than 400,000 consumers around the world.”

    The automaker has been somewhat too coy and still hasn’t shared enough specific information regarding the performance of the new Evoque. What we know for sure, though, is that it will be fitted with a new engine line-up, new safety and convenience features, and interior improvements all wrapped in the trademark exterior design.

    More details will follow on 23 February 2015.

    Source: Land Rover

  • Kahn’s Spectacular Range Rover Sport HSE 400 Luxury Edition

    Kahn’s latest project is here and it is spectacular. Of course it is base on tuning company’s favorite Range Rover and it is intended for those who seek to drive duly presidential manner. The first thing about this Kahn Range Rover Sport 400LE Luxury Edition is its exclusive exterior color, called Aleutian Silver. It endows this special model even more powerful stance and aggressiveness.

    Kahn decided to give the vehicle a meticulous styling package that expresses the capability of this vehicle on another level. The tuning specialists have done this through fine finishing touches and a big deal of craftsmanship.

    We can see that they have replaced the front and rear bumpers with carbon composite with exposed carbon fibre detailing. Next, they have redesigned the RS front grille and it now features a 3D mesh.

    At the back of the Range Rover Sport they have installed new twin single exit crosshair exhaust system in polished aluminium command attention. A set of commanding 600LE ultra light 9.5″ x 23″ wheels in Dark Liquid Silver is what this imposing machine runs.

    Behind the wheels there are new brake callipers finished in liquid red. Body coloured side sills and vent surrounds, matt black bonnet vent mesh and Kahn lettering on the bonnet and tailgate round out the exterior styling package.

    Inside, the vehicle has been fitted with front and rear seats in soft black quilted and perforated leather. The door entry sill plates and the vented foot pedals were decided in machined aluminium.

    Source: A. Kahn Design 

  • The Coolest 4×4 is Kahn Land Rover Defender Chelsea Wide Track

    One of the coolest-looking 4×4’s out there is made by the British tuning company Kahn. It is based on the Land Rover Defender 2.4 TDCI XS 110 Double Cab Pick Up. With super-strong stance, this vehicle is not only one of the toughest, but also one of the most capable luxury automobiles one can find on the market. Adding to its beneficial credentials is the designation “Chelsea Wide Track” after its name.

    In details, the tuners have added to this Land Rover new front and rear wide wings with vents and bolt apertures. The body color of the car was decided in Corris Grey, while there are accents like the extended wheel arches which were painted in matt black.

    The shadow chrome headlamps contribute to the strong appeal, and the same thing do the front bumper replacement with bumper lights, bonnet and side vents with mesh stainless steel, side steps and the X-Lander front grille. There is a special Chelsea Truck Company rear wheel cover that demands immediate attention.

    This aggressive beauty runs on a set of 9.0×20” Volcanic Black Mondial wheels. They are coupled with 275 x 55 x 20 tyres, beneath which we can see brake callipers finished in Liquid Red. Rounding out the rugged look of this vehicle are the rear mud flaps in toughened leather and a twin crosshair exhaust system.

    The interior matches the exclusive characteristics of the interior. Inside we see Front Sports GTB seats in quilted and perforated leather and Churchill Time Clock and speedo/rev counter facia insert in red.

    The designers took care of the steering wheel and wrapped it in leather. The in instrument binnacle is also in leather, and all around are highlights in Alcantara. Hard wearing front and rear cabin floor mats, vented foot pedals in machined aluminium and door cards in black leather make a definitive statement.

    Kahn Land Rover Defender XS 02 Kahn Land Rover Defender XS 03 Kahn Land Rover Defender XS 04 Kahn Land Rover Defender XS 05 Kahn Land Rover Defender XS 06

    Source: A. Kahn Design

  • Jaguar’s Bike Sense Technology Saves Cyclists from Potential Accidents [VIDEO]

    Jaguar Land Rover just released a video showing that it is currently developing a range of new technologies. They will utilize colours, sounds and touch inside the car in order to alert drivers in cases of potential hazards. The specific thing about these technologies is that they have been created to prevent accidents only involving bicycles and motorbikes. To go into details, the sensors on the car detect when another road user is approaching. In fact, they can even identify it as bicycle or motorbike. When this happens, the Bike Sense will alert the driver via several means.

    The technology does not uses only sound or warning icon, but lights and sounds that the driver will instinctively associate with the potential danger. In addition, the audio system will help the driver understand where the bike is in relation to their car. It will make a sound as if a bicycle bell or motorbike horn is coming through the speaker nearest the bike.

    There is even more to this. When a motorbike approaches up the road behind the car, for example, after the Bike Sense have detected it, the top of the car seat will extend to ‘tap’ the driver on the left or right shoulder. Except for that it sounds pretty strange and even scary; the idea is that the driver will instinctively look over that shoulder to identify the potential hazard.

    There is a scenario, when a cyclist gets closer to the car. What happens next is that a matrix of LED lights on the window sills, dashboard and windscreen pillars will glow amber and then red as the bike approaches. In addition, the exact movement of these lights across the surfaces will also show the direction the bike is taking.

    Bike Sense is also clever enough to know that there are potential hazards that the driver cannot see. For instance, is pedestrian or cyclist is crossing the road, and for some reason the person behind the steering wheel can’t see them, the sensors will detect this and draw the driver’s attention with the help of visual an audible signals. And if for some reason the driver ignores the warnings, then the technology will make the accelerator pedal vibrate or feel stiff.

    At last, Bike Sense also helps prevent vehicle doors being opened into the path of bikes. In these cases it would warn all passengers of an approaching vehicle through sound and light. If anyone continues with the opening of the door, the door handle will light up, vibrate and buzz.

    Source: Jaguar

  • Aspire Design Crafts Styling Tweaks for Range Rover Sport

    Today is the day of Land Rover, since this is the third news we got! For this review are responsible the tuners at Aspire Design, who have taken the Range Rover Sport to a next level. They have finely crafted and custom-made body styling options that add unique solutions and new inspiring look to one of the most popular models. And this goes not only for the exterior but also for the interior.

    First to mention is the body styling package, which as you can see endows the Range Rover with sportier and menacing look. When you look at the vehicle, you can’t skip the new front bumper and splitter that incorporate DRL intakes and lights. Then your sight stops at the new front grill which wears tuning company’s logo proudly.

    At its flanks the unique car carries new sidevents, door mouldings and extensions for the latter. When you look the Range Rover Sport from its sides, the wheels immediately stand out! Precisely they were custom made and come in the grandeur size of 22×10.5 inches. Currently, Aspire Design is offering them in two finishes: gloss black/machined face and gloss black/machined edge.

    At the back, the new rear bumper incorporates brand new rear diffuser and exhaust tips. The rear roof and tailgate spoiler should be also mentioned. All Aspire Design parts are produced from Polyurethane plastic and Carbon fibre.

    Although we haven’t received any pictures from the interior, the designers say that the vehicle is equipped with leather interior trim as well as carbon fibre interior paneling.

    2015 Aspire Design Range Rover Sport
    2015 Aspire Design Range Rover Sport

    Source: Aspire Design

  • AC Schnitzer Range Rover Sport Gains Aesthetic Package and More Horsepower

    AC Schnitzer prepared a tuning program for the Range Rover Sport and presented it last March at the Geneva Motor Show. Now the talented tuners are ready to take the driving experience of Land Rover customers even further by making the innovative technical and aesthetic tuning solutions available to order from Land Rover dealers at 20 locations across the world. With this, the tuning experts aim to push the boundaries of the Range Rover Sport.

    First thing to do was to add more power to the 3.0L SD V6 engine, giving the vehicle greater acceleration and more torque. The numbers have grown from 292 hp (215 kW) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) to 340 hp (250 kW) and 720 Nm (531 lb-ft).

    AC Schnitzer Range Rover Sport can now show-off with 340 hp and 720 Nm!

    Surprisingly, the standard fuel consumption and CO2 emissions remain the same thanks to the improvement in efficiency. This increase in power actually enhances the CO2 value per horsepower, and the optimized engine economy.

    Visually, the new exhaust pipes give the Range Rover striking final look. There is an option of two “Sports Trim“ tailpipes or four “Sport“ tailpipes both in right/left combination. When it comes to the all-wheel drive mode, it got more agile due to the addition of lowering module. It brings the Range Rover Sport by either 30 or 35 mm closer to the ground.

    Contribution to the maneuverability are also making the new 275/40 R 22 or 305/30 R 23 rubbers fitted on Type VIII forged racing alloys in either 10.0J x 22 inch or 11.0J x 23 inch configuration. There is an option of Type V forged alloys in BiColor or anthracite in 10.0J x 22 inch with 275/40 R 22 tyres.

    AC Schnitzer also ensured that the vehicle improves its powerful and sporting presence. This was achieved with the addition of the front and rear skirt with integral diffuser. Inside, the cockpit adds new keyholder and velours foot mats.

    Below you can watch the first video showing the AC Schnitzer Range Rover Sport. Enjoy!

    httpv://youtu.be/e1yONXChRcU

    2015 AC Schnitzer Range Rover Sport
    2015 AC Schnitzer Range Rover Sport
    2015 AC Schnitzer Range Rover Sport
    2015 AC Schnitzer Range Rover Sport
    2015 AC Schnitzer Range Rover Sport
    2015 AC Schnitzer Range Rover Sport

    Video Sourcce: YouTube

    Source: AC Schnitzer

  • Range Rover Evoque NW8 Pays Tribute to Famous Abbey Road

    Montreal International Auto Show will see the birth of a special edition which is “Inspired by Britain” – the Range Rover Evoque NW8. Car’s distinctive NW8 badging reflects the postcode in North West London, UK. This place is at the heart of the city’s creative scene for more than 50 years and is also home to world famous Abbey Road. This Range Rover is based on the Dynamic trim level and is the third of three special editions, complementing the existing SW1 Monochrome and SW1 Colour.

    The bold combination of colours makes this model extremely individual. The body of this jewel is painted in Fuji White, while the roof is in the contrasting Firenze Red. The red colour is used also for mirror caps as well as for the Range Rover lettering on the bonnet and tailgate.

    Take a look at the darkened headlights and foglamps, clear rear lights and the Santorini Black wing vents! Then add the grille and the 20-inch alloys are finished in Narvik Black – they all emphasize Evoque’s confident stance.

    Inside, the vehicle is as individualized as outside. Here one ca chose between Taurus leather Ebony seats with Pimento perforated inserts or Ebony seats with perforated Ebony inserts. Other highlights feature embroidered headrests and an Anodised Red rotary Driver Selector with matching CommandShiftTMgearshift paddles. In case of manual models, there is a white gearlever insert with red graphics.

    A distinctive motif, which is inspired by the iconic Abbey Road zebra crossing, sets this model apart from the others. It can be seen on the treadplates, seat tags and key fob. 2015 Range Rover Evoque NW8 will be produced in only 1000 examples and will be available only to specific markets, such as U.S. and Canada.

    2015 Range Rover Evoque NW8
    2015 Range Rover Evoque NW8
    2015 Range Rover Evoque NW8
    2015 Range Rover Evoque NW8
    2015 Range Rover Evoque NW8
    2015 Range Rover Evoque NW8
    2015 Range Rover Evoque NW8
    2015 Range Rover Evoque NW8
    2015 Range Rover Evoque NW8

    Source: Land Rover

  • Meet the First Flying Huntsman a.k.a.105 Longnose Defender

    At last! The Flying Huntsman (Longnose 105) is here. We have seen the vehicle only in sketches and now we are presented the first images of the unique model. The Land Rover Defender has been elongated with an extra 400mm of bodywork, which was inserted into the elongated nose cone ahead of the windscreen. The vehicle is a combination of Kahn‘s sublime style and Paris-Dakar race bred performance technology. In other words it combines great visual characteristics with supreme performance.

    To be more precise, the Flying Huntsman is powered by a 6.2-litre GM LS3 V8 engine, which drives a six-speed automatic gearbox operated by push-button controls. An upgraded braking and suspension system completes the engineering overhaul. The power of the engine is around 400-450 hp (294-330 kW).

    On the outside, the exterior of the Huntsman is augmented with a square sectioned wide arch body kit, which features front bumper with integral LED lamps and sump guard, vented tailpipe exit mud flaps, side steps, Chelsea signature wide wings, crosshair headlamps and a rugged new grille.

    The future models that will wear the Flying Huntsman badge include a 4 door variant with a correspondingly longer wheelbase, and a 6×6 model. There will be also a number of engine manufacturers to make a total of four variants of powerplants, which consist of 3.0 and 6.2 petrol models and 3.2 and 4.6 Diesel models.

    B4 and B6 armoured variants or the so called extreme conversions will also be available, while the B7 variant is still under consideration. Currently, there is no confirmation of the number of units that are to be produced. Previous information points to the number 49.

    The Flying Huntsman 105 Longnose is the first in an upcoming line of related retro classic models. Each of them will be based on the Land Rover Defender. The first example of the 105 Longnose will be formally unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

    Source: A. Kahn Design

  • 2015 Range Rover Sport with Enhanced Attractiveness

    2015 Range Rover Sport - Front Angle

    Caractere Exclusive is trying their hands on the highly attractive and sporty Range Rover Sport. The tuner is introducing an all-new conversion kit for the athletic SUV. The aftermarket visual package is developed from polyurethane which makes it less expensive than all of those carbon fiber body kits.

    In terms of components, Caractere Exclusive fits the 2015 Range Rover Sport with reworked front bumper with intakes, spoilers, and LEDs, sports grilles, a new set of 22-inch fender flares and graphite CW1 wheels wrapped in high-performance tires, sports side vents, side skirts, roof spoiler, and rear bumper diffuser with integrated tailpipes.

    At this stage, it is unknown if the Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport will receive interior and performance improvements as well. What we know, though, is the fact that that the 2015 SUV arrives with a 4.4-liter SDV8 diesel engine that delivers 339 HP and 740 Nm of torque. Mated to a ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic transmission, the Range Rover Sport is able to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 229 km/h.

    In addition to this, Land Rover offers a 3.0-liter diesel engine that generates 292 HP and 600 Nm of torque, with the same 8-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle speeds up from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds, with a top speed limited of 210 km/h.

    Additionally, there is a 3.0-liter V6 supercharged engine with 340 hp and 450 Nm of torque. The engine pushes the vehicle 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds, while the top speed is that of 210 km/h.

    Finally, if you want more powerful engine, the 5.0-liter V8 supercharged petrol is perfect for you. This engine produces 510 hp and 625 Nm of torque. This model covers the 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) run in 5.3 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h.

    2015 Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport
    2015 Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport
    2015 Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport
    2015 Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport
    2015 Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport
    2015 Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport
    2015 Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport
    2015 Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport
    2015 Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport
    2015 Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport
    2015 Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport
    2015 Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport
    2015 Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport
    2015 Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport
    2015 Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport
    2015 Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport

    Source: Caractere Exclusive