Land Rover is a British automaker that produces premium all-wheel drive cars. off-road. It belongs to the Indian Tata Motors and is part of the Jaguar Land Rover group. The headquarters is in Wheatley, Coventry.
The brand appeared in 1948, and the company of the same name was formed only in 1978. Prior to this, the brand was part of the Rover product line.
In the post-war years, British industry was in decline. Strategic materials were distributed according to quotas among enterprises capable of producing competitive products intended for export. Before the war, fast and elegant cars were assembled under the Rover brand, but now they were not in demand. The market craved something simpler and more reliable. In addition, there were difficulties in obtaining necessary spare parts. The head of the company, Spencer Wilks, was looking for something to load the idle capacities of his enterprise.
At this time, his brother Maurice Wilks could not find spare parts to repair his army Willys. Then the brothers came up with the idea to create an alternative Willys, an inexpensive and undemanding all-terrain vehicle that would be useful to farmers. The automotive industry has been one of the priorities in the recovery of the British economy. The Wilkes brothers received government approval to resume production of civilian cars and settled in the new Meteor Works plant in Solihull. During the Second World War, this enterprise produced engines for aircraft and tanks. Therefore, many sheets of aluminum accumulated here, which were later used for the body of the first Land Rover car.
The American Willis Jeep was taken as the basis for its development. The bodywork was made from Birmabright aluminum alloy, a lightweight, easy-to-machining material that kept costs down. In addition, it was resistant to corrosion, making the machines of the brand durable in the most severe operating conditions. The design of the car was also as simple as possible. Instead of pressed steel parts for the chassis, the designers decided to weld pieces of scrap steel and then assemble and use them as a supporting frame. The result was a strong and reliable chassis that was inexpensive to manufacture.
The assembly of the first prototype was completed in the summer of 1947. He received the name Center Steer. A pre-production sample was shown in the spring of 1948 at an exhibition in Amsterdam. On its hood was a new name for the automotive industry - Land Rover. The novelty aroused great interest among the public, much to the surprise of its creators.
The first cars were ascetic. They received a green color used for aircraft, a ladder-type frame, a centrally located steering wheel, a 48-horsepower 1.5-liter engine, a special galvanized frame coating, and all-wheel drive. Reliable and simple machines were in demand. Just three months after the start of production, the new SUV was already sold in 68 countries. The maximum speed was only 75 km / h. It was a noisy and tough machine, which nevertheless became a favorite of farmers.
Land Rover Series I (1948-1985)
Initially, the Wilks brothers considered their new brainchild to be a kind of “intermediate” option that would help the company survive hard times, but already in 1949 the number of SUVs produced exceeded the number of Rover sedans.
The novelty brought income, which made it possible to introduce a number of improvements. Since 1950, cars have been equipped with a modernized drive system that allows the driver to choose between front and rear wheel drive. Several wheelbase lengths and several body variations were introduced. The car was very popular with the military: it was listed in the armed forces of several countries.
Since 1957, Land Rover vehicles could be equipped with diesel engines. Then came a closed aluminum body and a thermally insulated roof. The spring suspension was replaced by a spring suspension. The first classic Land Rover has survived to this day. Since 1990, he has been known as Defender.
In parallel with the release of utilitarian all-terrain vehicles, the company was developing a car that could combine the comfort of a sedan and the cross-country ability of an SUV. One year after launch First Land Rover introduced the Station Wagon model with a closed seven-seat body. The list of equipment included a cabin heater, a double-blade windshield wiper, upholstered doors, leather seats, spare wheel protection cap. The body with a wooden frame and aluminum cladding was developed by Tickford. However, the car turned out to be too expensive and did not have the success that its creators had hoped for. But the next model has become a real legend.
range rover appeared in 1970 and was designed mainly for the American market. It was equipped with a Buick V8 gasoline engine with a permanent all-wheel drive system and long-travel spring suspension. The car became an exhibit of the Louvre as an outstanding achievement in the field of automotive design. For many years to come, this model has become a leader in its class, setting new quality standards.
The program to launch the car in the North American market was called Project Eagle. The model was equipped with a forced motor, thanks to which the maximum speed exceeded 160 km / h, and the acceleration time to 100 km / h was 11.9 seconds. In 1985, Range Rover of North America was founded. The car was designed for wealthy buyers, so it was equipped as standard with cruise control, air conditioning and automatic transmission gears.
Land Rover Range Rover (1970)
In the 80s, the company also implemented another large-scale project, which resulted in the famous Discovery, designed for family use. The car was based on the Range Rover, but received a simpler and cheaper body. Its debut took place during the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1989.
In 1993, the 1.5 millionth Land Rover comes out, and a year later, BMW AG buys the Rover Group. The Bavarian automaker immediately took up the design of the new Range Rover model, which was supposed to be fundamentally different from its predecessors. The car received a specially designed chassis and a reconfigured V8 engine. In addition, it could be equipped with a 2.5-liter diesel BMW engine. Electronics controlled everything in the novelty - from security systems to self-leveling suspension.
In 1997, the smallest car, the Freelander, appeared in the company's lineup. Then there was a joke that Land Rover, in addition to SUVs, produces a variety of souvenirs: badges, baseball caps, T-shirts and Freelander. However, despite the skepticism, when the “baby” appeared, it quickly became popular: already in 1998, 70,000 units of the model were sold. For five years, until 2002, Freelander remained the most popular all-wheel drive car in Europe.
He earned the love of the public not only for his good size and all-terrain characteristics inherent in the brand, but also for a large number of unique patented technologies. So, he was the first to receive the HDC slope control system, which allowed him to safely descend an inclined plane. He became the first model of the brand with independent suspension all wheels, load-bearing body and transverse engine. In 2003, Freelander was updated with new bumpers and interior, as well as new optics.
land Rover Freelander (1997-2014)
In 1998, the updated Discovery Series II was introduced with improved chassis, a new five-cylinder diesel engine and an innovative pump-injector direct injection system.
In 2003, the flagship New Range Rover was released with a monocoque body, independent suspension and a new power unit. He immediately becomes one of the leaders among luxury SUVs.
In the spring of 2004, the Discovery 3 model was introduced, created from scratch. It was equipped with an independent suspension, as well as an electronic assistant Terrain Responce, which changes settings depending on the type. pavement. The frame, integrated into the body, lowered the center of mass.
In 2005, a new flagship appears on the market - Range Rover Sport, which is called by many the best car in the history of Land Rover in terms of handling and dynamic performance. He was loved for his compactness, maneuverability and excellent all-terrain qualities.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport (2005)
In 2006, official sales of brand cars in Russia began. Buyers love the British models for their reliability, handling and high quality, paying tribute to their off-road performance and comfortable ride. The best-selling models in Russia are Range Rover Evoque, Freelander, Discovery and Range Rover Sport.
In 2008, the brand, together with Jaguar, was bought by the Indian company Tata Motors.
Debuted in 2011 compact crossover Range Rover Evoque. It is offered in three and five door versions, with two or four wheel drive. The Range Rover Evoque was designed for city driving. One of the main objectives in its design was the reduction of CO2 emissions and high fuel efficiency. In the first year of production, 88,000 units of the model were sold. The car was warmly received by automotive experts and journalists. It was named "Car of the Year" by the authoritative publication Auto Express, as well as "Off-Road Vehicle of the Year" (Motor Trend) and "Car of the Year" (Top Gear).
Now Land Rover continues to develop its line of vehicles and improve its models. Not least in R&D is emissions reduction and hybrid technology, which continues the technological evolution of one of the world's most established automotive brands.
The world owes the existence of the Land Rover brand to the Wilkes brothers - chief designer and executive director car company Rover, which created an unpretentious and inexpensive "jeep" with an aluminum body in the difficult post-war years. With the appearance in 1947 of the first prototype of this model, the history of the world-famous English manufacturer of premium SUVs began.
The history of the Land Rover brand
The brand name Land Rover refers to the Rover company founded in 1887. One of the founders of this company, John Camp Starley, is known for developing and patenting a model of a bicycle with a chain drive on rear wheel. The design he invented is still used today, almost a century and a half later, and in some countries the words "bike" and "Rover" are synonymous.
Manufacturers of equipment in Britain, weakened after the Second World War, had to survive by all available means. State orders for aircraft and other military equipment dried up, in addition, the country had strict quotas for the use of steel. At the same time, after the end of aircraft production, a huge amount of aluminum accumulated in warehouses. The Wilks brothers decided to make him inexpensive SUVs to help the company hold out until it enters the free float on the steel market.
Aluminum also had one more advantage - it was the best suited for the production of cars intended for use in difficult conditions, since this metal does not rust, and the body made from it is light in weight, which saves fuel with the impressive dimensions of the "jeep" .
In the spring of 1948, the first 25 cars were shown at an exhibition in Amsterdam and aroused great interest.
However, the Jeep was not destined to become a temporary help to the company - already in 49, the number of Land Rovers sold exceeded the total number sold by the company. cars.
The first modifications of Land Rover did not even have their own name - numbers were added to the brand name, for example, Land Rover 109.
In 1970, the premium SUV Range Rover was created.
In the early eighties, the company began developing a medium-sized SUV price category. It was based on the chassis of the Range Rover, combined with a more modest and not so big body. was introduced in 1989 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
In 1991, the “numbered” models ended their existence, giving life to the same uncompromising Defender SUV.
According to one version, the idea of the logo was inspired by the case of a sardine can, forgotten on the drawings by one of the engineers. An oval oil mark remained on the paper, which became the prototype of the oval framing the inscription in the company logo.
Change of brand owners
Land Rover is headquartered in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England. Modern models - Defender, Discovery, Freelander, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Evoque are assembled at two factories in the cities of Solihull and Halwood.
The company gained relative independence only in 1978. Until that moment, Land Rover was a division of the Rover company, which was part of the Leyland Motor Corporation, a large automotive holding.
Subsequently, the division became part of the JLR Group. In 1994, the Rover Group, along with JLR, acquired German.
In 2000 BMW sold part of the business, as a result of which Ford became the owner of Land Rover.
The chain of ownership ended only in 2008, when Jaguar and Land Rover were acquired by the Indian company Tata.
Land Rover technology.
Speaking about the technologies that have become the hallmark of the brand, it is impossible not to mention Land engine Rover V8. In the classic modification, its volume was 3.5 liters with an effective power of 156 hp. Differs in simplicity of a design.
The Range Rover was one of the world's first premium cars. diesel engine.
Land Rover's aluminum body is also notable, durable and not subject to corrosion.
Among Range Rover's latest technologies are the Dual View Screen and (Hill descent control).
Land Rover in motorsport
For the first time in 1979, a French crew on a special Range Rover modification won the Paris-Dakar rally. Again the Range Rover brought rally victory in 1981.
It is impossible not to mention the Camel Trophy - international automobile competitions that took place on difficult terrain in Brazil, Chile and Argentina from 1980 to 2000. Teams from all over the world on Land Rover SUVs took part in the competition.
Key Models
Unlike "numbered" models with spring suspension, Range Rover axles rely on springs. The car was originally focused on the American market and operation mainly on asphalt.
The design of the new model was so successful that in 1971 the Range Rover Classic was put on display at the Louvre Museum as an example of high art.
The third-generation Range Rover of today is the product of a long evolution, during which the car is constantly acquiring more and more new options aimed at improving comfort: air suspension, downhill assistance system, etc.
The top model of the modern is equipped with a 5-liter gasoline "eight" traditional for the brand with a volume of 5 liters and a power of 510 horsepower with a mechanical supercharger. The maximum torque is 625 Nm.
Land Rover Defender
The heir to the "numbered" models remains one of the few mass-produced "true" SUVs with a ladder-type frame, two axles and a six-speed transmission with permanent four-wheel drive, two-speed transfer case and blockable center differential. - the length of the wheelbase in inches. Of all the early models and later Defenders released, 70% still serve their owners to this day.
Land Rover in Russia
In Russia, Land Rover has a peculiar image: rumors persist that this car is unreliable, but its fans are growing every year. The main demand in Russia is the most expensive models - Range Rover and Discovery.
Sales of Land Rover in Russia began in 1996. In 2001, an official representative office was opened. In 2006, Land Rover sold 6,299 cars on our market, and 9,970 in 2010. Every day more and more cars are stolen in Russia, including Land Rover. Most often, Discovery and Freelander are attacked by hijackers.
In early November, sales of a new model from Land Rover began in Russia - a compact SUV called. The company plans to open a plant in Russia.
The Defender SUV owes its signature color to military stocks - after the end of World War II, a large amount of paint remained in warehouses, which was used to paint aircraft fuselages in a protective color.
Among land owners Rover many famous people: Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Paul McCartney. Singer Madonna once chose a Range Rover as the lead car for her wedding procession. James Bond also drove the Land Rover on several occasions.
Range Rover- legendary SUV, which is produced by Land Rover, the concern's flagship car. Range Rover's country of origin is United Kingdom. The car began to be produced in 1970. During this time, he managed to appear in many films. The world-famous model brought a series of paintings about James Bond. Currently, the Land Rover concern is a manufacturer of models fourth generation Evoque and Sport. These cars are very popular. The company produces up to 50 thousand cars a year.
Development of the first car models
The company began attempts to create an SUV back in 1951. The Willys army SUV was taken as the basis. The engineers wanted to create the same reliable all-terrain vehicle for the needs of British farmers. During the war years, aircraft engines were produced at the company's plant. From this production, many sheets of aluminum remained, which were used for the bodies of new cars for the needs of the country. "Rover" - a manufacturer of military equipment - was thus provided with high-quality aluminum alloy, resistant to corrosion, which increased the service life of vehicles.
In parallel with the production of cars for farmers, the company was developing a more comfortable SUV. But the first models of such cars were too expensive and not popular. It took several decades to create a future legend.
First generation
The Range Rover Classic model was produced by an English company from 1970 to 1996. During this time, more than 300 thousand copies were sold. The first cars were intended for test drives. Real sales started in September 1970. The model has been constantly improved and refined. Since 1971, the company began to produce 250 cars a week.
The car had a unique design for its time. For some time he was exhibited in the Louvre as one of the exhibits. The model was in great demand, and its price rose rapidly. Until 1981, the car was only available in a 3-door version. Such cars were considered the safest and strongest. In addition, the model fully complied with US export requirements.
Disc brakes were installed on all wheels of the car. The aluminum hood was replaced with a steel one, which increased the overall weight of the car. The model was equipped with a powerful and reliable engine from Buick. The machine was designed to enter the American market. At the same time, the manufacturing country of the Range Rover is the United Kingdom.
In 1972, a 4-door model was developed. But she never entered the market. Then came the SUV with 5 doors.
In 1981, the Range Rover Monteverdi was released. The car was designed for wealthy buyers. It was installed new salon leather and air conditioning. The success of this model allowed the company to start developing a car with four doors. The new model was equipped with a 3.5 liter engine, an injection system and two carburetors. The car could accelerate to 160 km / h. This became a new record for SUVs. Polyester bumpers, original body paint, fine wood interiors and other features set the new model apart from others. Cars were equipped with carburetor and injection engines.
For family use, the company developed the Discovery car. The model received a cheaper body. The disadvantages of the first generation cars include their high cost, lack of automatic transmission. generations were not sold.
Second generation
Production of the Range Rover P38A began in 1994, that is, 24 years after the first cars appeared. In 1993 the company became the property of BMW. At the same time, England was still called as the manufacturing country of the Range Rover.
More than 200 thousand copies of this five-door SUV have been sold. The models were equipped updated version gasoline engine V8, 2.5-litre turbocharged BMW M51 inline-six diesel engine. The car was offered in an improved configuration.
Its advantages include stylish design, roomy interior, excellent specifications, safety. The disadvantages of the model are fuel consumption, high cost of repairs and spare parts, failure electronic systems.
third generation
Range Rover L322 appeared in 2002 and was produced until 2012. This model has been devoid of frame structure. It was developed jointly with BMW. The model contains common components and systems (electronics, power supplies) with BMW cars E38. But the country of origin of the Range Rover is still England.
In 2006, official sales of the company's cars in Russia began. In 2006 and 2009 the model was updated. The appearance of the car was changed, the interior was redesigned, the engines were modernized, the list of available options was expanded.
fourth generation
Range Rover L405 was presented at the Paris International Motor Show in 2012. The car is equipped with an aluminum body. When creating this machine, engineers used the latest technology. The model is equipped with a comfortable and roomy body. Currently, the British company continues to develop new car models. Few people have a question, which country is the manufacturer of the Range Rover. Tradition remains tradition.
The full history of Land Rover brand cars has over 60 years of reliability, high cross-country ability and maximum comfort for the driver and passengers. Initially, Land Rover was an exclusively English corporation, but in 1994 it was acquired by BMW.
Today, the impressive range of cars of the legendary Land Rover company, for which the concept of bad roads simply does not exist, is considered one of the most sought-after and prestigious cars that perfectly emphasize the status of its owner.
From World War II to the present day
During the Second World War, industry in Britain received a steady income, with the end of hostilities, financial flows dried up. The country's leadership was forced to look for ways to resolve this situation. This can be considered an important impetus in the history of the development of the entire English automotive industry, and the Land Rover brand in particular.
Taking advantage of the difficult economic situation in the country, Rover quite easily received approval from the country's leadership for a new launch of mass production of passenger cars. The company was given absolutely new plant, located in Solihull, which was rebuilt before the start of the war, and throughout its entire length produced military equipment, being classified.
Thus began the history of the land rover company, which, on a very large territory of the plant provided to it, could afford to launch the production of a small number of car models that first rolled off the assembly line before the war. A new idea for entering the market was proposed by the brothers, then managing the company - to create a simple and inexpensive "transport" with a minimum need for scarce sheet steel.
The whole history of the land rover brand would have been completely different without the creation of the first post-war car of the same name, the prototype of which was Willis Jeep. It was extremely simple in everyday use and a reliable car with excellent cross-country ability, the production of which required a minimum of steel. This car was a definite stopgap that allowed Land Rover to get through a difficult period of strict steel quotas.
By life a winner
In the history of land rover, a huge role was played by the sharp decline in "interest" in aluminum, which was noted after the war. Since it was much cheaper than steel, the engineers came up with the idea to use it more widely for the body of the new model. Aluminum was not only easier to process and required fewer resources, but it was also highly resistant to corrosion.
The lack of metal also affected the chassis of the car. The inability to manufacture steel parts of the chassis, the high economic costs that were necessary for this, prompted engineers to an original solution. Pieces of steel (in the form of scrap), which were in abundance, were welded together, gathering, subsequently, into supporting frame. This not only saved resources, but also made it possible to manufacture a frame, which had no analogues in the history of land rover.
In the spring of 1947, they started assembling the prototype, and by the summer it was completely ready. As it turned out, just such a car fully met the needs of society at that time. By the spring of 1948, 25 samples of the new car had already been assembled. It was announced at an exhibition held in Amsterdam, where it was a huge success, becoming not a temporary one, as planned, but a popular SUV for many years.
Perfection carried through the years
In the same year, the number of new SUVs released several times exceeded the number of sedans produced by the company, providing a steady income. This allowed the modernization of the model to begin, and in 1950 a completely different all-wheel drive system was implemented in the history of the Land Rover brand. By means of a special lever, it was now possible to switch between all-wheel drive or only rear-wheel drive.
In the 60s, Land Rover significantly updates the list of cars produced. In addition to the forward control car option, the list of cars produced by personal orders has been expanded. For example, a landing vehicle appeared weighing only 500 kg, designed to be delivered to the combat zone by air. Throughout its history, the Land Rover has been on construction sites, helped firefighters and doctors - all due to its unsurpassed performance in terms of cross-country ability.
After a serious marketing research conducted in the same year, it turned out that Land Rover managed to “win back” more than a third of the global SUV market. After that, it became clear that a completely new car market for connoisseurs of outdoor activities was opened before the company.
It all started with the intention of the engineers to make only a small part of the improvements to the already released version. But as a result of painstaking work on the new development of the Rover design studio specialists, a fundamentally different car has turned out, with an already proven rigid frame and a lightweight body, which is highly corrosion resistant. The car, called the Range Rover, would then be exhibited in the Louvre, and the public got to know him in 1970, and the car instantly made a real sensation.
The Range Rover was produced with two doors, complemented by a rear folding side. The exterior of the car could not be called chic, but its sales literally beat all records. Its exceptional reliability will be confirmed a little later by a group of military men who made a rally on it from Alaska to Argentina, where the Range Rover has never failed its creators for six months, having overcome all the tests with honor.
Changing the look, stay true to tradition
In the 80s, the company began to implement the Project Jay project, as a result of which the history of the Land Rover Discovery car model belonging to the class of family cars was laid. The already proven wheelbase from Range Rover with a lightweight and inexpensive body. As a result of the work, a long history of land rover discovery started, which the public saw for the first time back in 1989.
If Discovery and Range Rover confidently occupied the luxury car segment, the victorious story of the updated Land Rover Defender began a little later. This model has proven itself, for example, among fans of outdoor activities. This was facilitated not only by the comfort of the car and its excellent handling, but also by unsurpassed off-road performance, which has not been surpassed by other manufacturers so far.
Following the acquisition of the Rover Group by BMW Corporation, updates model range continued. The design of a new car began. As conceived by the designers, the new Range Rover was to be completely different from previously produced cars. For him, a fundamentally new chassis was developed and the V8 engine was “redrawn”. In addition, the engineers provided for the possibility of equipping the car with a 2.5 liter diesel engine.
The new car was equipped with the latest electronics system that controlled absolutely everything - from the perfect system responsible for driving safety to the suspension, which was made self-leveling. The new model was called the Range Rover Classic, and this luxury car existed for 26 years, during which more than 300 thousand copies rolled off the assembly line.
The history of the Land Rover Freelander model, unlike the history of the Defender or Discovery, began relatively recently. Despite the fact that there are a sufficient number of models on the market for small SUVs, the appearance of the Freelander could not go unnoticed, since it inherited everything best performance legendary brand. Since the start of work on this model, a lot of the latest developments have appeared in it, without which it is already impossible to imagine a car.
For example, HDC (Controlled Descent), which is based on ABS, was developed and patented, and this is just one of hundreds of Land Rover innovations. The appearance of the Freelander car did not become a point in the history of the company's development. In 2005, motorists showed genuine interest in the new model launched on the market - Range Rover Sport, which, in terms of a number of characteristics, became the best car in the history of Land Rover. This is a versatile, maneuverable car with excellent cross-country ability and a comfortable driving style on any road. The capabilities of the "legendary" car can be seen in the video
The SUV you love.
Each car manufacturer has its own preferences, its own principles, which the company follows when developing the next model. Sleek design, unstoppable engine power, elegance, or the desire to break new records in acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h.
English company Land Rover with the main direction in production was determined in the middle of the last century.
The world needs cars that can overcome even the most difficult roads. SUVs - that's what the consumer is ready for.
Maurice Wilks, founder of Range Rover.
So in 1948, the Land Rover trademark was registered and the company began its long and eventful journey to building an automobile “all-terrain future”.
Land Rover History
The mid-40s was a difficult post-war time for all industries. Resources were sorely lacking, the economy of England was in decline, and about the release of ultra-fast high-speed cars, in which the company specialized Rover before the start of the war, there could be no question. The time has come for completely different cars, machines with clearly defined tasks: endurance, readiness for tough operation and cross-country ability.
At the time, Maurice Wilks was the chief designer at Rover, while his brother was the chief executive of the same company. In a word, the guys were well versed in cars. Among the main favorites of the Wilkes was an American SUV Willys.
This car model was used exclusively for military purposes and was a joint development Willys-Overland Motors and Ford. The light reconnaissance vehicle met the most stringent standards, and its release was directly controlled by the US government. In 1945, the production of an SUV was suspended, and the enterprising brothers had an idea that would very soon turn into one of the most successful cars post-war era.
The British government made a bet on the automotive industry and the newly minted Land Rover could not let us down.
The shortage of metal for production ended in 1947. The military industry slowed down, and a year later, the first-born of Land Rover, the first SUV of the concern, flaunted at the car exhibition in Amsterdam.
The transmission and engine were borrowed from the Rover passenger car, the body was made of lightweight aluminum alloy, resistant to corrosion and inexpensive to manufacture. Scrap steel was chosen for the manufacture of the chassis, refusing to press. So Land Rover received a reliable and durable bearing support. The exterior still sounded echoes of the war - green paint, angular shapes.
Although the Wilkes brothers positioned the new model as an "intermediate class for farmers," crazy demand for Land Rover forced the company to reconsider plans to release its first SUV. By 1949, the Land Rover SUV outsold the established Rover sedan.
1,5 liter engine with 48 horsepower and all-wheel drive with a top speed of up to 75 km/h, this is the first Land Rover to go on sale in 68 countries in just a few months. And most importantly, what attracted buyers in the first place - four-wheel drive.
The first SUV opened up new opportunities for the company. The car boasted excellent sales, and the Land Rover concern could direct income to new developments. In 1950 comes out new model Land Rover with a modified drive system: now the driver can decide for himself whether to continue the journey in front, rear or all-wheel drive. A number of options with different wheelbase lengths appeared, and the body began to acquire new outlines.
Seven years later, in 1957, Land Rover began installing diesel units and completely abandoned the "soft body", replacing canvas parts with aluminum ones. It was in this year that Land Rover was designed, which became a real classic of the era. Today it is a model Land Rover Defender.
Gradually, Land Rover is turning from a “car for farmers” into a symbiosis of a car with excellent cross-country ability and comfort at the level of sedans. Inspired by the launch of the seven-seater Station Wagon With " full mincemeat”, Land Rover engineers begin experiments with interior equipment.
The vector was chosen correctly. The interior heater, soft door upholstery, leather interior - all these are the nuances that distinguished the premium car of that time from just a car “for everyone”. In 1970, the first model is released range rover, which will enter the American market under the project Project Eagle.
Buick V8 gasoline engine, acceleration to hundreds in 11.9 seconds, top speed of 160 km / h - these characteristics have become a new standard in the world of cars. He became the main exhibit in the Louvre and received the title of "reference sample of industrial design."
With the release of the Range Rover, a new page in history opens for Land Rover. Ahead of 45 years of amazing experiments, developments and improvements, three global generations of SUVs and dozens of prestigious awards.
In 1989, the family SUV enters the market discovery. A more affordable modification of the Range Rover received a simplified body.
In nine years, the SUV will get a second wind and its reincarnation will be embodied in Range Rover Discovery Series II: 5-cylinder diesel engine with patented injection system.
In 1993, the 1.5 millionth Land Rover rolled off the assembly line of the concern, and the Bavarian automaker BMW AG took on the further design of a new generation of SUVs.
In 1997, a compact version of the SUV was introduced. Land Rover Freelander. This is the smallest car in the company's lineup, which is often called a "souvenir SUV"
In just five years of existence, the Freelander has become the best-selling 4x4 vehicle in Europe.
The rapid development and impressive demand for Land Rover SUV models generates the release of more and more new models.
Throughout the evolution of off-road vehicles, Land Rover has patented a series of technologies that have made driving on difficult roads a pleasure:
- HDC downhill system;
- independent air suspension of all wheels with electronic control(when installing load-bearing body and transverse engine)
- Range Rover became the first SUV with an all-aluminum body;
- the first electronic traction control system.
And where there are high-tech patents, there are worthy victories. The off-roader's element is rugged expeditions, crazy long runs and points where a classic sedan would have had a heart attack. Military experience came in handy, and Land Rover's treasury of achievements was replenished with new trophies:
- In 1972, Range Rover becomes the first vehicle to successfully complete the 29,000-kilometre Trans-American run.
- In 1974, a Range Rover crossed the Sahara Desert. The length of the journey, which took 100 days to overcome, was 12,000 km.
- In 1977, an off-road vehicle easily overcame the 30,175 km race in the London-Sydney race.
- 1979 and 1981 were a year of records for Range Rover: 27 speed records in a diesel Range Rover and two victories in one of the toughest races, the Paris-Dakar Rally in '79 and '81.
- The updated and refined model of Range Rover hybrids has successfully overcome the Great silk road from UK to India. The length of this bumpy route is 16,000 kilometers.
The key strength of all Range Rover SUVs is their ability to combine technological power and reliability with premium finishes and upscale interiors.
The range of Land Rover vehicles is represented by an impressive model line that covers almost all the tastes and preferences of the modern driver, for whom reliability is a priority quality.
In 2005, the flagship conquered the market Range Rover Sport who received the title best car throughout the history of the company. Crossover sales began in 2011 Range Rover Evoque and the concern once again managed to combine the incompatible, presenting a city car with the character of an SUV.
Over the 45-year history of Range Rover models, the manufacturer has managed to turn "just an SUV" into a premium car. go to long trip through difficult places and at the same time feel in the cradle of comfort - this is the main task of Land Rover, which the company successfully copes with.