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Range Rover by Land Rover in new format conquers all terrain
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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SOLVANG, Calif. -- The twin-rut trail runs along a spiny ridge high above the California Coast, misty blue waters of the Santa Barbara Channel to the left and brown ramparts of the Santa Ynez Range rippling off toward Solvang on the right.
We're riding the ridge in the lap of luxury, air suspension hiked high and a four-wheel-drive system distributing torque from a massive engine to all wheels for slip-proof traction, while we steer a new rendition of what may well be the most sophisticated -- and certainly the most elegant -- sport-utility vehicle in the world.
It's the Range Rover, fancy flagship of the wagon fleet for Britain's Land Rover.
Marked by a high stance and boxy profile with the roof seemingly floating above a wrap of tall windows, Range Rover contains a substantial assortment of mechanical hardware geared for heavy-duty off-pavement performance and the five-place passenger compartment laced with every conceivable accessory for luxurious comfort.
In serious off-pavement skill tests, the vehicle has consistently ranked uppermost in its ability to climb a hillside that tilts upward in a vicious 45-degree slope, or ford a stream where water runs 20 inches deep and clear a ditch with daunting lip of 29 degrees.
Despite such capability for crossing rough terrain, Range Rover in previous iterations was never recognized for get-up-and-go power, as the big engine always struggled to overcome the wagon's 2.5-ton bulk.
Range Rover in new design for 2003 solves any problems from past issues and adds innovations for handling tough trail work while sporting a powerful new powertrain built in Germany by BMW.
The aluminum 4.4-liter V8, with dual cams on top and four valves for each cylinder, generates 282 hp at 5400 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm.
It translates all of that torque through an electronically-controlled automatic transmission with five forward gears and a stick with H-gate shift pattern for the CommandShift manual mode, which operates even in lowest range of four-wheel-drive (4WD).
The 4WD mechanism with two forward speeds employs a chain-driven transfer gearbox and a Torsen center differential. It's always working, either in high range for normal driving including runs at highway speed or low range for slow-go crawling over rough stuff, with a lever located at the base of the shifter on the center console for switching into the low range.
An alphabetical melange of computerized electronic safety equipment helps this new Range Rover manage tire traction and braking.
The gear includes all-terrain anti-lock brake (ABS), emergency brake assist (EBA), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), four-wheel electronic traction control (4ETC) and all-terrain dynamic stability control (DSC).
Another sophisticated device called Hill Descent Control (HDC) keeps the wagon's wheels firmly planted on a steep grade.
During our drive across Santa Ynez ridges, the trail suddenly plunges down an incredibly steep slope.
We flip another toggle on the console to activate the HDC assistance, then point the prow of Range Rover off into space as the path drops away. Wheels follow the slope and the wagon tips forward into what seems like a vertical position as the wheels moan and groan from workings of the HDC equipment while it holds the vehicle on the steep grade.
Driver's feet deliberately stay away from brake and accelerator pedals because Range Rover does all of the work on its own and we merely guide it down the treacherous hill.
It feels rock-solid and rigid, thanks to the stiff new monocoque body with integrated ladder-type chassis.
Wheels tie to the platform through a fully independent suspension system with computer-controlled electronic air suspension (EAS).
Software in the module can determine whether the vehicle is driving on pavement or crossing irregular off-road terrain, then automatically set the air springs to feel firm on roads or soft on trails.
The apparatus also operates automatically in three different modes determining chassis height, or the driver can switch to any mode manually.
Normal setting keeps the suspension at a central height, but it can rise by two inches for covering off-road barriers, drop by 1.5 inches for easy access when climbing aboard or hunker down when cruising at speed.
With the tall posture and a platform designed with brief overhangs fore and aft, Range Rover brings noteworthy measurements for conquering off-road obstacles. The chassis clearance comes to 11.1 inches. The approach angle measured from leading edge of the front bumper to the tire is 32 degrees, with a departure angle in back of 29 degrees and the ramp break-over angle at 28 degrees.
In new format Range Rover retains its overall boxy shape but looks sleek and smooth with curvy corners of the box. It's also imposing with a bold prow plus unusual square clear-lens headlamp clusters and distinctive intake louvers etched into side fenders.
This is a larger package than the previous edition, with wheelbase increasing 5.3 inches and the length stretching 10.5 more inches, width growing by 1.3 inches and height rising by 1.7 inches.
A larger package produces a larger cabin with more room for passengers.
Range Rover's cabin is perhaps the most luxurious salon on four wheels.
Layout consists of two sporty bucket seats in the first row separated by a multifunctional console and a second row bench with positions for three riders and the folding seatback split 60/40.
At the rear, the flat-floor cargo bay opens at the back via a clamshell-style tailgate.
Refinements include rich leather upholstery and trim in real wood that resembles fine cabinetwork.
Driver's seat adjusts under power in ten directions and the passenger's seat moves six ways. An automatic climate system has three comfort zones, and the standards extend to a satellite navigation system, premium audio with CD changer for six discs, and a power sunroof.
The MSRP for Range Rover 2003 rises to $69,330, and a delivery fee of $665 also applies.
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 2003 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER Specs |
| Description: |
Full-size luxury SUV
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| Model Options: |
Full-size luxury SUV
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| Wheelbase: |
113.4 inches
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| Overall Length: |
195.0 inches
Ground clearance 11.1 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 4.4-L V8
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| Transmission: |
Auto/5
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| Drive: |
4WD
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| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/
ABS/EBA/EBD/4ETC/DSC/HDC
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| Airbags: |
2 (front) + 2 (side front)
+ 2 (side head front)
+ 2 (side head rear) |
| Gross Weight: |
6724 pounds |
| Towing Capacity: |
7000 pounds
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| Gas Mileage: |
12/17 mpg
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| Price: |
$ 69,995 |
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