Barretts Land Rover News
40th Birthday of Range Rover

To celebrate The Range Rover's 40th birthday on 17th June 2010, take a walk through time with this series of clips depicting the development of this icon vehicle.


The Range Rover celebrates its 40th birthday on 17 June, 2010. One of the most significant vehicles in the history of motoring, the Range Rover was the world's first vehicle as good on-road as off-road. It was the first fully capable luxury 4x4 and was a milestone in the development of the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle).


Barretts of Ashford – Tel: 01233 506070
Barretts of Canterbury – Tel: 01227 475475

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Labels: 2011 Range Rover, 40th Birthday of Range Rover, Barretts Land Rover Kent News, luxury SUV, motortradesolutions.net, Twitter

Barretts Land Rover News
THE LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4 SCOOPS BRITAIN’S BEST TOWCAR AWARD


The Land Rover Discovery 4, launched in September 2009, has been awarded ‘Britain’s Best Towcar’ in the annual Practical Caravan, The Camping & Caravanning Club & What Car? Towcar awards 2010. 



The Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 XS, which features a class-leading 3500kgs towing ability and comes with optional intelligent towing technologies such as Tow Assist and Trailer Stability Assist, won its class and the overall title emphatically against tough competition from the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI Blue Efficiency Sport Estate, the Volvo XC60 D5 SE Geartronic, the Range Rover Sport 3.0-litre TDV6 HSE and the Kia Sedona 2.2 CRDi 3 auto.



David Motton, Towcar editor, Practical Caravan hailed the Discovery 4’s all round capability, saying: “The Land Rover Discovery 4 is an exceptional car. The old model was one of our favourite towcars, but the new Discovery 4 improves upon it in just about every area. It’s hard to say whether the 3.0-litre engine or the superb ride and handling deserve top billing.



“Most cars picked up far lower scores for practicality than for towing, a sign that manufacturers really need to think harder about towcar drivers’ needs. Land Rover leads the way, though. With its full-size spare, self-levelling suspension, Trailer Stability Programme, huge boot and many more practical features, the Discovery 4 ticks more boxes than just about any other car. It’s the best car in this year’s tests by some margin and a more than worthy overall winner,” he continued.



Anthony Bradbury, marketing director, Land Rover UK, said: “This is a hugely significant award for the Discovery 4 - which was comprehensively updated last year - and a true testament of the vehicle’s overall capability, package and refinement. With seating for seven, powered by the new LR-TDV6 3.0-litre diesel engine which delivers better fuel economy and a whopping 600Nm of torque, and a number of new, user-friendly technologies, it is the ideal towing vehicle and we are delighted to have been recognised in this way by Practical Caravan, The Camping & Caravanning Club and What Car?”

Priced from £35,640 on the road, the Discovery 4 is on-sale now at Land Rover dealerships throughout the UK. For more information or to book a test drive, visit your local Barretts Land Rover dealerships

Barretts of Ashford – Tel: 01233 506070
Barretts of Canterbury – Tel: 01227 475475

You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter:

Barretts Land Rover: @KentLandRover

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Labels: Barretts Land Rover Kent News, Discovery 4, Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 XS, motortradesolutions.net, Practical Caravan, What Car

Barretts Land Rover News
AUTOBIOGRAPHY BLACK: A VERY SPECIAL 40TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION


“The Autobiography Black represents the very best Range Rover has to offer and is a fitting tribute to a vehicle which has consistently set the highest standards for all-terrain performance, luxury and design for the last 40 years.”
Phil Popham, Land Rover Managing Director

The ultimate incarnation of the Range Rover, the Autobiography Black 40th Anniversary Limited Edition, is quite simply the last word in bespoke vehicles.

With a unique finish in Barolo Black, the exterior also features 20-inch alloy wheels, Diamond Turned, a unique front grille with Titan grille mesh, a bright chrome grille ‘U’ edge and black grille surround. Side vents have a new mesh set off by bright chrome bars and a black vent surround. There are body coloured door handles and of course, the tailgate badge, 'Autobiography Black'.

Inside, there’s a choice of the standard colourway in Jet, or two colourways unique to the Autobiography Black – Jet and Ivory, or Jet and Pimento. The Autobiography Black logo is discretely repeated throughout the interior where it is embossed on the rear seat armrest and appears on the four unique, Grand Black door veneers. Front door sill tread plates are illuminated with the words ‘Range Rover’ and there’s a half wood Grand Black steering wheel. Petrol models also offer gearknob veneers.

“At the top of the Range, the new Autobiography Black 40th Anniversary Limited Edition offers customers the option of complete exclusivity with unique colourway combinations as well as striking interior and exterior design features. Around 700 will be made, emphasising the exclusivity of this limited edition.”
Design Director, Gerry McGovern

No detail has been overlooked in ensuring this is the most special Range Rover in the marque’s 40 year history. Even the key fob and driver’s handbook carry the Autobiography Black logo.

You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter:

Barretts Land Rover: @KentLandRover

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Labels: 2011 Range Rover, Autobiography Black, Barretts Land Rover Kent News, EU5 emissions, Hill Start Assist, Land Rover, luxury SUV, motortradesolutions.net, TDV8, Terrain Response, Twitter

Barretts Land Rover News
INTRODUCING THE 2011 RANGE ROVER: THE MOST CAPABLE AND LUXURIOUS SUV IN THE WORLD


• New 4.4-litre LR-TDV8
o Power 313PS (an increase of 15.1 percent)
o Torque increased by 9.4 percent to 700Nm
o 14 percent reduction in CO2 (down to 253g/km)
o Fuel consumption improved by 18.5 percent to 30.1mpg (EU combined)
o 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds
o 50-75mph drops from 6.3 seconds to 5.1 seconds
o Top speed 130mph
o Meets EU5 emissions regulations

• New ZF 8HP70 automatic transmission
o First 8-speed gearbox ever fitted to a Range Rover (LR-TDV8 only)
o Closer ratios improve comfort
o Wider ratio spread improves efficiency
o Transmission Idle Control reduces fuel consumption

• Terrain Response® enhancements
o Gradient Acceleration Control
o Hill Start Assist

• Improved interior equipment levels with optional reclining rear seats and laminated privacy glass

• Revised exterior design features enhance Range Rover’s classic looks

• Optional Exterior Design Pack in a choice of eight colours

• Optional Harman Kardon Logic 7 1200 watt 19 speaker audio system

• Choice of five new alloy wheels

• 5.0-litre Supercharged LR-V8
o 510PS, 625Nm torque, EU5

“The 2011 Range Rover retains its position as one of the world's most complete luxury vehicles. Its combination of reduced CO2 emissions and superior engine performance continue to make it a clear industry benchmark. And with the introduction of our all-new 'super diesel', we see the Range Rover delivering over 30mpg for the first time.”
Phil Popham, Land Rover Managing Director

A new, class-leading V8 diesel engine, new 8-speed transmission, two significant Terrain Response® upgrades and subtle external styling all combine to ensure the 2011 Range Rover retains its crown as king of the luxury SUV segment.

The LR-TDV8 4.4-litre with parallel sequential turbocharging replaces the outstanding LR-TDV8 3.6-litre and is unique to the Range Rover. An all-new ‘super-diesel’, the LR-TDV8 combines superior power and massive torque with unparalleled levels of refinement. Despite the extra performance, this sublime V8 engine is cleaner too, delivering even lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than its predecessor and meeting the stringent EU5 emissions standards. The headline news, though, is that the combined cycle fuel consumption of the new LR-TDV8 4.4-litre is just 30.1mpg, making this the first Range Rover ever to better 30mpg.

With 313PS and 700Nm torque, the Range Rover’s new powertrain matches power with conscience, reducing CO2 emissions by an impressive 14 percent. The new diesel engine is helped in this respect by its marriage to an impressive new, electronically controlled, ZF 8HP70, 8-speed automatic gearbox tuned by Land Rover engineers to combine silky smooth shifting with exceptionally rapid response and outstanding fuel economy. This daunting combination is enough to catapult the Range Rover from rest to 60mph in a mere 7.5 seconds and complete the 50mph-75mph dash in just 5.1 seconds.

Available only on 4.4-litre LR-TDV8 models, this ‘smart’ transmission integrates with the diesel engine to deliver the most efficient operating regime in all conditions. To reflect the performance of the new 4.4-litre LR-TDV8, diesel models are fitted with the same Brembo-based braking system fitted to the 5.0-litre LR-V8 supercharged model. Providing the immense stopping power required for only the highest performing vehicles, the system comprises 380mm ventilated front discs with unique, lightweight aluminium six-piston opposed action monoblock calipers. 365mm ventilated discs with single piston sliding calipers are fitted at the rear.

For 2011, the Range Rover retains the same class-leading 5.0-litre LR-V8, supercharged petrol engine married to the ZF HP28 6-speed automatic transmission introduced in 2010. Developing 510PS and 625Nm torque the Supercharged LR-V8 will take the Range Rover from 0-60mph in a breath-taking 5.9 seconds.

The 2011 Range Rover is further enhanced by improvements to the Terrain Response® system in the form of Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control. Inside the cabin there are optional illuminated treadplates for the front doors, new transmission controls for the diesel model, and improvements to the entertainment system. Detail improvement to the exterior include new ‘Jupiter’ grilles and side vents for the diesel models.

A new Exterior Design Pack option gives customers the chance to give their Range Rover a more individual look and new colours and wheels have been added to the range.


You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter:

Barretts Land Rover: @KentLandRover

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Labels: 2011 Range Rover, Barretts Land Rover Kent News, EU5 emissions, Hill Start Assist, Land Rover, luxury SUV, motortradesolutions.net, TDV8, Terrain Response, Twitter

Barretts Land Rover Kent News
Land Rover celebrates the production of the 200,000th Freelander 2

Land Rover is today celebrating another milestone achievement – the 200,000th Freelander 2 has rolled off the line at its award-winning plant in Halewood, Liverpool, just three years after production began.

The vehicle, a Freelander 2 TD4_e in Biscay Blue, is destined for a customer in the UK, Land Rover’s largest market. Freelander 2 became the first SUV vehicle in the world to use intelligent Stop/Start technology in early 2009. Since then, Stop/Start has been fitted as standard to all diesel manual Freelander 2 vehicles and accounts for almost 50% of Freelander 2 sales globally.

Halewood Operations Director Michael Straughan said, "This achievement is thanks to the Halewood workforce, who have continuously driven improvements since the launch of Freelander 2 to maximise customer satisfaction. I'd like to congratulate the Halewood workforce on this team achievement."

The positive sales trend continues for Land Rover globally with sales up 29.7% for April and 35.2% year to date. The UK remains the largest market for Freelander 2 with sales up 79.3% year to date.



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Barretts Land Rover Kent News
The Range Rover celebrates its 40th birthday on 17 June 2010

- The Range Rover was the world's first fully capable luxury 4x4.

- There have been three generations of Range Rover: the original (Classic) in 1970, second-generation (P38a) in 1994 and third-generation (L322) in 2001.

- Second model line – Range Rover Sport – launched in 2005 became Land Rover's biggest selling vehicle worldwide in 2007.

- Third model line to be revealed at Paris Motor Show 2010


"Land Rover has a unique history of product innovation. But the Range Rover probably remains the most historically significant vehicle we have ever launched. It is one of the most important vehicles in the history of motoring."
Phil Popham, Land Rover Managing Director.

Overview
The Range Rover celebrates its 40th birthday on 17 June, 2010. One of the most significant vehicles in the history of motoring, the Range Rover was the world's first vehicle as good on-road as off-road. It was the first fully capable luxury 4x4 and was a milestone in the development of the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle).

There have been three generations of Range Rover. The original, now known as the Classic, went on sale in 1970 and continued in production, with numerous upgrades and a multiplicity of variants, for just over 25 years.

The second-generation vehicle, known as the P38a, went on sale in 1994 and was replaced in 2001 by the current model. The continuing success of the Range Rover ensured that other premium makers jumped into the booming luxury SUV market. The latest version has enjoyed higher annual sales than any previous models and continues to be popular around the world. Sold around the world, from London to Los Angeles, Sydney to Shanghai, Turin to Tokyo, the Range Rover remains the ultimate choice for the luxury SUV customer.

"The Range Rover is really four vehicles in one," says managing director Phil Popham. "It's a seven-days-a-week luxury motor car; a leisure vehicle that will range far and wide on the highways and noways of the world; a high performance car for long distance travel; and a working cross-country vehicle."

From princes to politicians, from rock gods to rock climbers, from footballers to farmers, the Range Rover has always appealed to a diverse group of customers.

A second model line, the Range Rover Sport, was launched in 2005, aimed at more sports-oriented driver-focused customers. It has been a great success, and in 2007 was Land Rover's biggest selling vehicle worldwide.

Later this year, a further member of the Range Rover family will be added, taking the portfolio to three model lines. The new vehicle will be smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient, tying in perfectly with the Range Rover brand's commitment to environmental sustainability. Yet it will be no less premium, no less luxurious, and no less special than the other Range Rover models.


A Brief History:

1966 Work began on the first Range Rover prototype, known as the '100-inch station wagon'.

1970 The original two-door Range Rover – known as the Classic – goes on sale.

1971 Range Rover receives the RAC Dewar award for outstanding technical achievement.

1972 The Range Rover is the first vehicle to cross the Darien Gap on a British Army Trans-America expedition.

1974 Range Rover completes west to east Sahara desert expedition – 7,500 miles in 100 days.

1977 A modified Range Rover wins the 4x4 class in the London-Sydney Marathon, a gruelling 30,000 km (18,750 miles) event and the longest ever speed-based car rally.

1979 A specially modified Range Rover wins the first Paris-Dakar rally (a Range Rover wins again in 1981).

1981 First production four-door Range Rover appears along with the first factory-produced limited-edition Range Rover – the 'In Vogue'.

1982 Automatic transmission becomes available on Range Rover.

1983 Range Rover 5-speed manual gearbox is introduced.

1985 The diesel-powered Range Rover 'Bullet' breaks 27 speed records, including a diesel record for averaging more than 100mph for 24 hours.

1987 Range Rover launched in North America.

1989 Range Rover is the world's first 4x4 to be fitted with ABS anti-lock brakes.

1990 Limited Edition CSK – named after founder Charles Spencer King – is launched as a sportier Range Rover.

1992 Range Rover Classic is the world's first 4x4 to be fitted with electronic traction control (ETC).

1992 Long-wheelbase LSE (known as County LWB in the US) launched.

1992 Automatic electronic air suspension introduced, a world first for a 4x4.

1994 Second-generation (P38a) Range Rover goes on sale.

1996 Range Rover Classic bows out after total production of 317,615 units.

1999 Limited Edition Range Rover Linley appears at London Motor Show.

2001 All-New Range Rover (L322) launched.

2002 Half-millionth Range Rover produced at the Solihull plant.

2005 Second model line – the Range Rover Sport – launched.

2006 Terrain Response and TDV8 diesel introduced.

2009 Range Rover features all-new LR-V8 5.0 and 5.0 supercharged petrol engines and technology updates.

2010 Range Rover celebrates its 40th anniversary.

2010 All-New compact Range Rover to be revealed at Paris Motor Show.

Famous Range Rover Owners:
The Queen, who had one of the very first production Classics. She has also owned second- and third-generation models
Prince Charles, who has had his latest Range Rover converted to run on biodiesel
Princess Anne
Prince Andrew
Prince Rainier of Monaco, owner of an early Classic
President Bongo of Gabon, one of the first Classic customers
Johnny Cash, the country music legend, whose Classic appeared in a French production of The Jungle Book. It was matt black embellished all over with brightly coloured hand-painted jungle plants and animals
James Bond. Range Rovers have appeared in many 007 films, but in Quantum of Solace, James Bond (Daniel Craig) drove a Range Rover Sport in the Bolivian desert
Peter Sellers. The British comedian was one of many celebrities in the '70s and '80s who drove customised Wood and Pickett-modified Range Rovers. They were more luxuriously specified than the contemporary Range Rover, and were precursors of the Range Rover Vogue model
Madonna. Her wedding car at Skibo Castle in Scotland was a second-generation Range Rover. She and Guy Ritchie also owned a Range Rover Sport
Pope John Paul II. The Pontiff's 'popemobile' was a converted Classic, featuring bullet proof glass
Billy Connolly, comedian and Range Rover Classic owner
Paul McCartney, ex-Beatle and Classic owner
Bruce Springsteen, rock god, and The Boss
David Gower had a special edition CSK Range Rover. He now has a new Range Rover.
Michael Phelps, winner of 14 Olympic gold medals, and perhaps the greatest swimmer of all time
Jane Fonda, actress and Classic owner
Michael J Fox, actor and Classic driver
Rod Stewart, pop star
Jennifer Aniston, actress, best known as Rachel in Friends
Michael Jackson had a number of Range Rovers, including a Classic. When he died, the Jackson family travelled to the funeral in a convoy of 10 black Range Rovers
Bruce Willis, star of Die Hard, a Classic and third-generation Range Rover
Jack Nicholson, actor
Midge Ure, Ultravox frontman, owner of 'tatty old Range Rover' (a Classic)
Mike Tyson, retired boxer and former world heavyweight champ
Jeremy Clarkson. The Top Gear star owns a Range Rover and recently proclaimed it 'best car in the world' in The Sunday Times
The Sultan of Brunei. One-time 'richest man in the world' has many Range Rovers, including a custom-made gold-plated model for official ceremonies
David Beckham, frequently photographed behind the wheel of his Range Rover Sport. Range Rovers are also owned by other eminent footballers including John Terry, Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen and Jermaine Defoe
Meg Ryan, actress
Richard Branson, Virgin boss and owner of second- and third-generation models
Britney Spears, singer
Angelina Jolie, actress. In the first Lara Croft Tomb Raider movie, she drove a Land Rover Defender
Miley Cyrus, star of Hannah Montana
Pamela Anderson, actress
Greg Norman, golfer
Mel Gibson, actor
Michael Douglas, actor
Ryan Sheckler, skateboarder and MTV reality show star
Michael Jordan, basketball legend
Lauren Conrad, TV star and fashion designer
Pete Wentz, musician and bassist for Fall Out Boy
Keira Knightley, actress
Nicole Kidman, Australian actress
Tom Cruise, actor
Hilary Duff, actress, best known in TV series Lizzie McGuire, and singer
Kobe Bryant, basketball star
Eva Longoria, TV star, best known for Desperate Housewives
Rachel Bilson, actress, star of TV teen drama The OC
Kiefer Sutherland, actor, son of Donald, and star of TV series 24
Bow Wow, rapper and actor
Gwen Stefani, singer and fashion designer
Dr Mae Jemison, former astronaut
Lee Pearson, Paralympic athlete, winner of nine gold medals in dressage events
Anthony Pitt, Australian fashion designer, who started his Academee brand from the lounge of his Bondi Beach flat
Trevor Baylis, inventor of the wind-up radio
Sonya Kraus, German TV presenter, former ballerina and fashion designer

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You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter:

Barretts Land Rover: @KentLandRover

A part of the Barretts Motor Group
www.barrettskent.co.uk

Labels: Barretts Land Rover, Famous Owners, Kent Land Rover, motortradesolutions.net, Paris Motor Show, Prince Charles, Range Rover, The Queen, Twitter