One vehicle that personifies superb design and use of technology is the 2008 Land Rover Range Rover. It was honored at the mid-November Los Angles Auto Show by the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) with top awards as a result of NWAPA's recent SUV of the Year annual competition. The Range Rover was awarded Best Off-Road SUV.
The Range Rover which has won several other awards, offers exceptional structural design, many safety features, and technological advancements in automotive systems.
Land Rovers are unique vehicles, and the Range Rover Sport we tested recently is an amazing vehicle designed for some serious off-road adventure. Land Rover has long been the vehicle of choice for many worldwide expeditions and specialized off-road races. Since 1948, these vehicles have been a leader in technology for off-road use.
The 2008 Ranger Rover Sport we tested was equipped with a supercharged 4.2-liter aluminum alloy V-8 engine that produces 390 HP and 410 lb.-ft. of torque. The powertrain system is enhanced with a permanent four-wheel-drive electronically controlled automatic transmission with normal, sport, and manual shift modes.
While the engine is spectacular, the transmission is the blessing to the marriage with four-wheel electronic traction control and a two-speed electronic transfer box with an electronic center differential. The traction control system is so powerful that the Range Rover can keep moving even if only one wheel has traction.
The rugged, aerodynamic shape of the Range Rover is not deception. This is one tough piece of equipment. Using a great deal of high-strength aluminum in its body, engine, and wheel parts, the vehicle is unquestionably well-structured without excessive weight.
A four-corner electronic air suspension system on the Range Rover allows for automatic load leveling in three modes: access, standard, and off-road. The design is independent front and rear and includes a Dynamic Response System that enhances on-road performance by controlling front and rear anti-roll bars to minimize body roll.
Several unique and likable systems on the Range Rover include its All-Terrain Dynamic Stability Control, Hill Decent Control, and All-Terrain Anti-Lock Braking System (along with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and a special cornering brake control system). With the traction control and stability systems on the Range Rover, it is almost impossible to lose complete traction or roll it over.
Another attractive feature on the Range Rover is its GPS off-road navigation system that provides the driver with real-time information on a touch screen. Off-road engagements are noted on the system, as well as tracking for remote areas (helps you find your way back to where you started). There is also voice control for the audio and navigation system.
There are dozens of other features on the Range Rover, including top safety equipment, high-quality Bi-Xenon headlamps (as well as high-powered illumination fog lamps), 20-inch tires (on the Sport mounted to supercharged alloy wheels), dual-zone climate control, heated front and rear seats, a classy interior design, and a very pleasing 550-watt harmon/kardon LOGIC 7 audio system with 14 speakers. But then again, the base price on our tested Range Rove Sport was $71,175; there were no options.
