Land Rover to Premiere Range E Diesel-Electric Plug-in Hybrid at Geneva Show

The new Land Rover Range_e diesel-electric plug-in prototype that was first teased back in May, 2010, will make its motor show debut at next month's Geneva Salon. The Range_e is said to be one of several working prototypes currently being developed at Land Rover's design and engineering centre in the UK. It is based on the Range Rover Sport model and features a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel engine with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission mated to an, as-of-yet unspecified, electric motor and battery pack.

The British automaker said the all-wheel drive prototype can run purely on electricity for up to a distance of 20 miles or approximately 32 kilometers and emits as low as 89g/km of CO2. The Range_e also has a top speed of 120 mph or 193 km/h and a combined driving range of 690 miles or 1,110 kilometers.

The Range_e will be joined at Land Rover's Geneva Motor Show stand by two new Limited Editions, the Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate and the 2011 Discovery 4 'Landmark' with Black and White themes.

Land Rover added that it will also be announcing full European pricing (excluding UK) for the new Range Rover Evoque in both 3- and 5-door forms, and will also showing a comprehensive range of accessories and options for the vehicle.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover design director said: "Customers like to make their own unique statement with a vehicle and we have provided individuals with lots of opportunity to personalise their new Range Rover Evoque, whilst maintaining the essence of the design."

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Project Kahn Presents yet Another Tune for the Range Rover

If you have been following our previous posts on the various Land Rover and Range Rover models tuned by Project Kahn, you may have noticed that they all look eerily similar. And, while there’s nothing wrong with being consistent, we can’t shake the feeling that some different mods would be beneficial. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen with the Range Rover Vogue 4.4 Diesel RS450 despite its fresh bodykit.

The new front bumper with “3D mesh inserts”, the revised rear bumper housing a diffuser, RS side skirts with steel finish and front grille aren’t that bad, but we get the distinct feeling that we’ve already seen them somewhere else…

Additionally, the RS450 comes with a modified stainless steel exhaust system with four exhaust tips and the also familiar 22-inch Kahn RSX alloys.

Inside, the dashboard received no less than 14 new trim pieces with steel or piano black finish and clock fascia available in multiple colors, complemented by Swarovski diamond inserts. Other appointments include the stainless steel sill plates, leather key ring and red key insert with Kahn logo.

By Csaba Daradics

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Super-Lux Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition heads to Geneva Motor Show

At next month's Geneva Salon, Land Rover will display the new Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition, which is claimed be the firm’s most luxurious model ever.

The highlight of the limited edition model are the two stand-alone rear seats, which are clad in specially selected natural leather and separated by an additional console incorporating an aluminum laptop table and refrigerator. Two Apple iPads, strapped to the front seat headrests, provide the high-tech touch.

The opulence continues in the boot where designers used a teak floor with metal and leather accents. The rest of the interior is dressed in different, but equally exquisite materials, such as the Oxford leather found on the door panels, dashboard and steering wheel, complemented by Kalahari wood veneers.

Available in two unique colors, Roussillon Red and Otago Stone, the Autobiography Ultimate Edition model comes with body-colored door handles, dark atlas radiator grille and side vents. Optional side steps and 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels round up the exterior appointments. Clients from selected markets will be able to specify their cars with the classic Santorini Black paintjob as well.

Power comes from either a 4.4-liter LR-TDV8 diesel or a 5.0-liter LR-V8 supercharged gasoline engine. The oil-burner churns out 313HP and an asphalt-shredding 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. It can propel the heavyweight SUV from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.5 seconds while consuming 9.39 lt/100 km (25.1 US mph) on the combined cycle.

The gasoline engine is capable of 510HP and 625 Nm (461 lb-ft), allowing the Range Rover to complete the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in just 5.9 seconds.

Both engines are coupled to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via Range Rover’s sophisticated Terrain Response system, complete with Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control.

A total of 500 Ultimate Edition models will be built, with prices to be announced individually for the 20+ markets that will receive the exclusive Range Rover later this year.

By Csaba Daradics

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Range Rover Sport Trio from Project Kahn

British tuning firm Project Kahn has presented its 2011 lineup of modified Range Rover Sport models, which comprise three variants featuring select exterior and interior appointments, plus some performance upgrades.

The diesel-powered Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6 RSE Signature Edition is the entry-level model of the range, and it comes with a comprehensive exterior styling package that includes new bumpers, a roof spoiler, twin mesh front grille and side vents, complemented by 22-inch Kahn RSL alloys. Inside, the Signature Edition gets front headrests clad in twin mesh, Kahn gauges and clock, inserts with Swarovski diamonds, stainless steel sill plates and a leather key ring.

The finishing touch is a Project Kahn Acoustic Supersound four-pipe exhaust system, said to emit a “unique deep rumble sound”.

Next up is the more aggressive Range Rover Sport RSE300 Cosworth, which, besides being fitted with the Signature Edition bodykit, also features a so-called painted floating roof, LED daytime running lights, a boot spoiler and 22-inch RS Matte Pearl Grey wheels. According to the tuning firm, a Cosworth engine conversion is responsible for a noticeable power increase.

The RS600 is the range-topping model and it features a 6-piece bodykit, integrated LED lights and custom wheels. The interior is covered in high-quality perforated and quilted leather, complemented by contrasting stitching applied to the steering wheel and gear shifter. Other appointments include the blue Kahn gauges and clock, plus a leather key ring.

By Csaba Daradics

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Range Rover RS500 by Project Kahn

Project Kahn has unveiled a new styling and performance package for the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.

Dubbed the RS500, which is completely unrelated to the Ford Focus RS500, the package features a ten-piece body kit with new bumpers, revised side skirts, and a modified grille. Other goodies include a four-tailpipe sport exhaust system and 22-inch RSX alloy wheels.

Inside, the cabin boasts aluminum pedals, a revised instrument cluster, and stainless steel door sills. Moreover, customers can order quilted leather upholstery, a sport steering wheel, and bespoke trim.

Under the hood, the 4.4-liter V8 diesel has been tuned by Cosworth to produce 500 hp (373 kW / 507 PS). While additional performance specifications weren't released, this represents an impressive 191 hp (142 kW / 194 PS) gain from the stock rating of 309 hp (230 kW / 313 PS).

Project Kahn Unwraps Range Rover RS500 with 500HP Cosworth-Tuned V8 Diesel

UK-based tuning firm Project Kahn has unleashed its latest creation based on the diesel-powered Land Rover Range Rover. The comprehensive tune covers both the interior and exterior styling as well as the 4.4-liter V8 diesel, courtesy of renowned engine tuner Cosworth.

On the outside, the Range Rover RS500 gets redesigned bumpers, the rear featuring a diffuser, lowered side skirts and a quad tail pipe exhaust system developed by Cosworth. Certain components are painted in silver and form a nic contrast with the black paintjob and tinted windows. The RS500 rides on 22-inch RSX alloys with a multi-spoke design.

Inside, bespoke black quilted leather with silver stitching wraps the seats, glove box and dashboard. There's also aluminum decor on the doorsills, center console, gear lever, air vents and steering wheel. Manufactured in Italy with original Land Rover parts, the new steering wheel has a motorsport-inspired contour and promises to offer a better grip.

The final piece of the RS500 puzzle is the Cosworth performance upgrade, which squeezes 500 horsepower out the 4.4-liter V8 diesel engine, up from the standard version's 313 hp and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque.

By Csaba Daradics

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Project Kahn Range Rover RS500

Project Kahn from the UK has revealed its latest development based on the diesel-powered Land Rover Range Rover. called RS500,

At the exterior, the tuners decided to pick a glossy black colour together with huge 22-inch alloy wheels. A body kit is also available including a new set of side sills, a new front bumper while in the rear a quad-pipe Cosworth exhaust system is available but also an air diffuser.

The performance upgrade meanwhile increases the output from the stock 313 hp and 700 Nm 4.4-liter V8 diesel engine to 500 hp.

For the interior the RS500 package gets black quilted leather with silver stitching. The sporty look is completed by aluminum decorations on the doorsills, center console, gear lever, air vents, and steering wheel.

Each RS500 is fitted with the Project Kahn Super Sound exhaust system and has a performance upgrade with Kahn Intelligent Power offering 500bhp on the diesel edition.




Press Release

World exclusive- A Kahn Design announces the launch of their brand new Range rover powered by Cosworth-The RS500- 4.4 litre diesel

The Range Rover Sport 4.4 litre diesel (RS500) takes vehicle refinement to the next level. With more focus on the owner, the conversion consists of an outstanding new ten piece body kit complete with a sports exhaust system. The aerodynamic styling package sees the introduction of a brand new bespoke front bumper with fog lamp surrounds in billet steel finish, rear bumper replacement with exhaust diffuser, side skirts, matt black side vents with double mesh, and rear quad stainless steel exhaust system by Cosworth. The kit has been developed by A Kahn -the designer himself and has undergone many hours of testing not only to ensure safety but also to guarantee that perfection is achieved with every car. The body kit has been certified (TUV) and approved by German automobile authorities.

The RS600 package includes a complete interior styling package which sees the introduction of the new bespoke quilted leather interior range to the front and rear seats, glove box and dash board. The steering wheel and gear shift benefit from contrast silver stitching applied against the black leather adding beautiful texture, distinct style and the ultimate comfort. The speedometer, rev counter and clock, feature a shock of electric blue whilst all the while complementing the original design. Everything about the Kahn RS500 exudes style, from the stainless steel door entry sills; side vents foot pedals even down to the smallest of touches such as the Kahn leather key ring.

Their machined billet steering wheel is also available for the Range Rover and the Discovery. Manufactured in Italy and built using the original Land Rover component guarantees an exact fit, fully operational controls and driver airbag functionality. The standard frame is enhanced with a motorsports inspired contoured form and grip and finished in the highest grade lightweight billet aluminum and leather.

Each RS500 is fitted with the Project Kahn Super Sound exhaust system which emits a unique sound emanating from the car as a deep rumble. If that's not enough the RS500 has undergone a performance upgrade, now benefiting from Kahn Intelligent Power offering an impressive 500 BHP on the diesel edition.

The RS500 truly captures Project Kahn's ideology of creating individuality which is enhanced by the inclusion of the Kahn 22" RSX Alloy Wheel and Tyre. The elegant and sculpted alloy wheel designs are created through skilled artistic innovation, state-of-the art manufacturing and advanced material technology. As the UK's leading automotive design house, A. Kahn Design recognises the importance of dynamic cutting edge designs whilst staying true to the original form. The elegant and sculpted alloy wheel designs are created through skilled artistic innovation, state-of-the art manufacturing and advanced material technology.

The full details of the vehicle is as follows:

RS - Aerodynamic Styling Package

• Front bumper replacement including fog lamp surrounds in billet finish
• Side skirts
• Rear bumper replacement including exhaust diffuser
• Cosworth - stainless steel exhaust system

RS - Interior Components

• Cosworth - machined aluminium foot pedals
• RS blue time clock
• Cosworth - stainless steel door entry sills
• Cosworth - leather key ring

Powered by Cosworth Performance Upgrades

• Engine upgrade RS500 powered by Cosworth
• 12 months or 15,000 miles engine warranty
• Cosworth numbered conversion plaque signed by Cosworth chief engineer - Bruce Wood
• Cosworth hand crafted enamel boot badge
• Cosworth branding
Cosworth Complete Conversion

Cosworth - Performance upgrade

• Cosworth - stainless steel exhaust system

RS - Interior Components (Perforated & Quilted)

• RS - Front & rear seats in black leather with silver/white stitching
• RS - Centre glove box

RS - Interior Trim Extras (Choice of Colours)

• RS- 4 door panel tops - quilted
• RS - 4 door armrest stitching - (choice of colours)
• RS- dashboard stitching - (choice of colours)

VIDEO: New Range Rover Evoque 5-Door Launch Film

Now that Land Rover has unleashed most of the details surrounding its new Range Rover Evoque 5-door, the British company is turning its attention on promoting the crossover model to the social media. Beginning from Wednesday, December 1st, the automaker will share a new animated film of the five-door Evoque on its official social media pages including Facebook. For those curious enough (or bored...) to want to take a look, follow the break for the official clip.

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