Model Details
The Land Rover tradition of using durable aluminum panels has been
continued with the new Range Rover. Its front wing outer panels, door
skins and lower tailgate skin are all aluminum to help increase
longevity and reduce weight.
The remaining skin panels and the structural panels are made from
double-sided zinc coated steel. The body has been designed for ease
of repair so the front wing panels and bonnet latch platform are
bolted on, and other panels can be removed and replaced easily.
The new chassis and the stiffer monocoque construction, coupled with
re-designed body mounts, result in less noise and vibration being
transmitted to the passenger compartment.
The new Range Rover is slightly longer, wider and higher than the
classic Range Rover. Retaining the qualities of luxury and robustness
it is aerodynamically more efficient than its predecessor.
Semi-flush glazing contributes to refinement by smoothing the air flow
around the front and rear screens and side glass. The windscreen,
rear quarter and tailgate glazing is adhesively bonded to add body
stiffness and for airbag performance.
The rectangular halogen twin headlights incorporate an outer pair of
headlamps with both dipped beam and main beam, and an inner pair
providing auxiliary main beam.
Power outputs are outstanding with 60 watt on dip, and 55 watt on both
outer main and auxiliary main lamps.
The headlamps also have wipers with washer jets on some models, for
more efficient cleaning than a single power wash system. Front fog
lamps are fitted neatly into the front bib spoiler.
The large rear lamp clusters integrate all the rear lighting
functions. The stop/tail lamp, direction indicators and reflectors
are flush-fitted into the lower rear quarter panels, and the twin
reversing lamp and rear fog lights are fitted in the lower tailgate.
The intermittent rear wipe with variable delay is proportional to the
front delay (i.e. double the front wipe delay), and the rear wiper
works automatically when the front wipers are on and reverse gear is
engaged.
INTERIOR
The new interior is spacious and comfortable giving drivers and
passengers more head-room, leg-room and shoulder-room than other
conventional luxury saloon competitors. The rear compartment can now
be used as an extension to the businessman's office.
Stowage
All models have a glove box in the fascia, large door bins, and
stowage behind the front seats. The centre console provides
additional stowage, and oddments can also be stored out of sight
inside the spare wheel well.
Seats
The front seats are an all-new design giving improved lateral support
and a longer cushion for improved thigh comfort. Folding armrests are
fitted.
The retractable lever on the outside of the driver's cushion adjusts
the height, and a rotary wheel on the squab cushion operates the squab
recline.
New electric seats have all the features of manual seats plus a
front/rear tilt feature, and lumbar support. Adjustments are
controlled by buttons on the outer valance of the seats with finger
tip control even for the height of the head restraints. Heated front
seats are also available.
On top-of-the-range models, a two-position memory can store all the
adjustments of the electric seats - except lumbar support - and also
the positions of the door mirrors and instrument panel dimmer
settings.
The adjustments can be recalled either by using the interior switch,
or - for the driver's seat and mirrors - by a remote handset. Each
Range Rover has a 'his' and 'hers' handset which can be programmed for
the driver's seat and door mirror positions.
The driver simply presses the handset and all the preferred settings
are adjusted automatically within seconds while unlocking the vehicle.
The rear seats feature a deeper cushion for increased thigh support.
They are wider and more comfortable than previous models because the
rear wheel arches no longer intrude into the seating area.
The rear seats also have two height adjustable head restraints. The
seat belt buckles and lap strap are incorporated into the cushion -
eliminating the need to feed them through the seat after it has been
folded down and re-instated providing a flat loads pace floor.
Luggage Accommodation
The rear seat folds in a 60/40 split, and there is a choice of partial
fold-down or a complete fold-over to give a flat floor area.
If the seat base has not been fully latched back into position, the
Range Rover's unique lock down mechanism prevents the back rest from
being raised.
A fabric-trimmed loadspace cover conceals the contents of the boot and
is double-hinged and independent of the tailgate. The cover is
removable and stowable behind the rear seats.
The spare wheel is incorporated in the well alongside tools and can be
removed by a sling.
Luggage accommodation is about 50 percent greater than in previous
models and is more capacious and versatile than the majority of
executive saloon competitors.
Steering Wheel
The four-spoke energy absorbing steering wheel offers a generous range
of tilt and telescopic adjustment allowing the driver to alter both
the height and reach of the wheel.
The unique adjustment system is through a fingertip operated lever
which automatically retracts into the column cowl after use.
The steering wheel tilts in increments of two degrees between 24 and
32 degrees. Each two-degree movement equals 12mm of vertical
adjustment at the wheel rim, giving a total movement range of 48 mm.
The telescopic adjustment is infinitely variable within a total
movement of 64mm.
On the flagship model the in-car entertainment (ICE) switches, and
cruise control, are fitted on the steering wheel.
The left-hand stalk houses the trip computer switches. Its functions,
displayed on the Message Centre in the instrument pack, include
average speed, average mpg, distance to empty, master trip distance,
and a speed limit warning which can be selected by the driver.
Body Electronic Control Module
At the heart of the new Range Rover's sophistication is an advanced
Body electronic Control Module (BeCM), which controls all the interior
and exterior electrical functions, and communicates and interacts with
all the other major functions of the vehicle.
The BeCM directly controls:-
exterior and interior lighting
seat/door mirror memories
windows and sunroof
security system
instrumentation
wash/wipe features
convenience features
The BeCM has a continuous dialogue with all other major vehicle
systems to give advanced levels of driver control through the
comprehensive information it can pass on via the Message Centre.
For example, while the vehicle can now be driven in Access mode on the
electronic air suspension system up to a pre-determined speed, the
BeCM will initiate preventative actions. It will change the ride
height to the Low position if the Range Rover's speed exceeds Land
Rover's specified safety parameters.
The BeCM also plays a key role in service diagnostics. It will log
any faults as they occur and disclose the information when the Range
Rover is diagnostically checked during a service.
Message Centre
The wholly electronic instrument pack, which incorporates a
state-of-the-art Message Centre, has two clusters of primary and
secondary warning lamps. The primary mandatory warnings are in red
and the advisory warnings are in amber.
The Message Centre itself can display a total of 150 driver warning
and information messages covering every function from automatic gear
selection to ride heights and speeds, airbag faults to bulb failures,
alarm activations and trip computer functions, even when the remote
transmitter batteries need replacing.
Messages are grouped into three priority levels so the driver reacts
promptly to urgent warnings.
Critical Messages require an immediate response from the driver (e.g.
ABS fault). They are given top priority through audible warning and
continuous display, with messages ranked in order of importance.
Non-Critical Messages (e.g. windscreen washer fluid empty), also
require an immediate response and are signaled by an audible warning
and displayed for about four seconds. The display time is two seconds
if the Message Centre is cycling between displays.
Standard information messages are divided into three sub-levels:
Category 1 the display is accompanied by a single beep when the
message is displayed for the first time or when the
ignition is turned on or off. At other times the
information is visual only.
Category 2 these higher priority messages are accompanied by a
single beep each time the message is displayed.
Category 3 these lower priority messages are display only.
Switchgear
All switchgear is ergonomically grouped and positioned for optimum
clarity, accessibility, and control.
Door Mirrors are electronically operated and heated on all new Range
Rovers. On the HSE models the mirrors are linked to the seat memory
and also have reverse gear dipping - a function which can be disabled
for specific circumstances (e.g. reversing with a large trailer).
Auto dimming interior mirror is available on HSE models with a control
to vary the dimming level. The mirror automatically clears when
reverse gear is engaged.
Electric windows and sunroof have one-touch slide functions and an
anti-trap protection controlled through the BeCM. All windows are
one-shot down but only the front windows are one-shot up.
As the window descends, its motor sends out a series of pulses which
are counted by the BeCM so it records the position of the window.
When the window is raised it re-counts the pulses and the rate of
pulses. Any slowing down of the pulses indicates resistance and the
window automatically retracts - the front window backs off 20cm and
the rear goes fully down.
Other functions include one-shot up/down, and an "all-close" function
by remote handset or key through the link with the security and
central locking system. The windows can also be operated for up to 45
seconds after ignition off, and for a further 45 seconds if the
driver's door is opened.
The powered sunroof, fitted to the 4.6 HSE models, has the same
convenience and safety features as the windows. The sunroof can be
remotely closed, with the windows, by remote handset or key, and
operated after the ignition is switched off.
If the anti-trap sensing is triggered the sunroof automatically
retracts 20 cm.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
The heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems incorporate
sophisticated technology to provide comfort and refinement for driver
and passengers.
The separate side to side temperature distribution allows different
settings for occupants on either side of the passenger cabin. A
programmed defrost button gives automatic optimum windscreen and side
window defrosting at the touch of one button.
The major benefit of the new air-conditioning system, standard on SE
and HSE models, is Automatic Temperature Control. The driver and
passenger can select their preferred temperature shown on the LCD
display - and the system works automatically.
For maximum comfort and refinement, fan speed and distribution are
automatically geared to the prevailing conditions.
The system's ECU reacts to sensors which read internal ambient and
solar temperatures, and external temperatures. The system can also
signal a low temperature warning, displaying a snowflake symbol next
to the temperature setting.
Under cold start conditions the system delivers warm air at low volume
to the feet, gradually increasing in intensity as the water flow to
the heater increases in temperature.
Under high ambient temperatures the system provides high volumes of
conditioned air through face level vents, gradually reducing in
intensity as the cabin approaches the pre-set temperature.
Replaceable pollen filters are fitted. The system also has a
self-diagnostic capability which can be communicated through the BeCM
during servicing.
In-Car Entertainment
Three high quality in-car entertainment systems are available with the
new Range Rover. They all feature RDS EON (Radio Data System Enhanced
Other Networks) which displays the station name on FM frequencies, and
improves reception by continuously retuning to the strongest program
frequency. The system also incorporates a selectable traffic
information feature.
On base models the 4 x 7W six speaker system has four bass speakers
(one in each door) and two tweeters (one in each front door).
On SE and DSE models the 4 x 15W system has eight speakers; music
search on the cassette deck; dedicated audio control providing
balance, fade, treble and bass adjustment, and separate auto search
control.
The HSE model has a 4 x 30W system with 11 active speakers - including
a sub woofer speaker in the luggage area - and five amplifiers.
Controls are mounted on the steering wheel and the system includes a
six-disc CD player with disc select and repeat, track select, repeat,
scan and random play.
Interior Lighting
The lighting systems have been carefully designed for maximum comfort
and convenience. The courtesy lights remain on for 18 seconds after
the doors are closed, but fade when the ignition is switched on. They
can be manually overridden.
The front doors include puddle lamps and door edge reflectors. Some
models also have rear map reading lamps, rear door puddle lamps, and
footwell illumination. There is also an illuminated passenger vanity
mirror.
Security
On all models the alarm system includes:-
perimetric sensing of doors, bonnet, and tailgate
volumetric sensing which detects, ultrasonically, movement
within the vehicle
robust engine immobilization which shuts down ignition and
fueling.
Two remote handsets, which store the key, are provided with each Range
Rover. The handset has a lock and unlock button with the lock button
identified by a padlock symbol. One press of the lock button
activates central locking, engine immobilization, and perimetric
alarm. Two presses give the maximum security of super locking - making
it impossible to open the doors from inside or outside the vehicle -
and activating the volumetric alarm.
When the key is used to super lock it arms only the perimetric alarm
and engine immobilization.
An automatic re-lock feature guards against the driver accidentally
unlocking the vehicle, due to the long range transmitter. If the
doors remain unopened, a key is not inserted in the ignition, or if
there is no movement in the vehicle, the system will automatically
re-lock after 60 seconds.
A mislock feature warns the driver - with two beeps from a sounder
under the bonnet - that the vehicle has not been fully secured and the
Message Centre explains the reason for the mis-lock (e.g. tailgate
left open).
A lazy locking feature - enabling all windows and sunroof to be closed
- can be operated by an extended press of the lock button on the
remote handset.
A lazy seats feature, available on HSE models, enables the driver to
unlock the vehicle and have the electric memory seats and wing mirrors
return to his/her position.
If the vehicle has been locked and the handset has been damaged, the
driver can open the doors and re-mobilise the engine using the key to
enter a unique four-digit code.
The alarm system is protected against electronic devices because the
32-bit rolling code receiver in each handset will not accept a code
that has been previously received and processed.
The new Range Rover also has a number of other security features, such
as a four-track key instead of two, making it difficult to copy or
pick.
The design of the lock barrel operates with a free wheeling clutch if
entry is forced. The four-track lock barrel has a hardened steel
cover, and the segmented design will break up under a slide hammer
attack rather than coming out in one piece.
CHASSIS
A totally new stronger ladder frame chassis has been designed by Land
Rover engineers to further improve handling, ride comfort, and
stability, to satisfy luxury saloon customers. The new chassis is
also able to withstand the extreme twisting and bending stresses of
off-road use.
The welded box-section chassis is made from high-strength micro-alloy
steel. Compared to the constant 2mm gauge on the original Range
Rover, the new chassis frame varies between 2.5mm and 4mm to improve
the vehicles crash worthiness in terms of energy absorption and
deformation.
Four cross-members form the ladder construction - one is detachable
for service access to the engine bay.
To maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment the chassis has
been designed to deform in a controlled manner.
In a minor collision the crush cans, mounted between the steel
armature bumper and the front end of the chassis, collapse to absorb
the impact, and can be easily replaced.
In a more severe collision the front end of the chassis deforms to
contain the impact. Further protection is provided by the use of
steel panels in the body design, and side impact door beams in all
four doors, designed to meet U.S. crash standards.
A major feature of the chassis design is the availability of a towing
pack which includes a rear towing cross member fitted behind and above
the chassis rear cross member.
The mounting bracket for the tow ball is attached to the rear cross
member and supported by the towing cross member. The tow ball can be
removed and stowed in the spare wheel stowage area to avoid damage
when the Range Rover is used off-road.
SUSPENSION
Range Rover's legendary suspension system has been totally re-designed
for the new model to deliver best in-class handling, ride comfort, and
stability both on road and off-road.
AXLES
Land Rover engineers have designed all-new beam axles which are not
only lighter and stronger than previous models, but are also quicker
and easier to service.
The spiral bevel pinion differential has a hard ground crown wheel and
pinion, fine forged differential gears, and two-pin and four-pin
derivatives which are fitted to match the powertrain.
The banjo-style front and rear axle case contains an integral yoke at
the front and integral spring mounts and composite link brackets.
Each axle end has a semi floating hub, bearing and carrier
sub-assembly, sealed bearings and specially developed sliding caliper
brakes.
The new axles have not only improved reliability but have also been
designed for ease of manufacture. Over the current Range Rover the
number of parts has been reduced from 338 to 214 and the axles take 30
percent less time to assemble.
FRONT SUSPENSION
The front suspension locates the front axle to the chassis by forged
steel radius arms to minimize fore and aft movement of the axle and
wheels, but to allow maximum axle articulation for off-road
performance, ride, comfort and handling. Transverse location of the
axle is by a panhard rod.
REAR SUSPENSION
A totally new rear suspension system has been developed by Land Rover
engineers.
Replacing the A-Frame concept, the new system uses two lightweight
composite radius arms, made from fibre glass and resin, to provide
location for the rear axle and to act as an integral anti-roll bar.
Lateral location of the axle is provided by a panhard rod.
On the new Range Rover roll stiffness has been increased by 30 percent
to give secure, confident handling through reduced body roll on
corners.
The rate of roll - how quickly the vehicle achieves its roll angle -
has also been improved by enhanced damper performance.
ELECTRONIC AIR SUSPENSION
In 1992 Range Rover was the first 4 x 4 vehicle in the world to be
fitted with an automatic electronic air suspension. The EAS system
has now been refined and developed further and is standard on all
Range Rovers.
It retains the five ride heights (Access, Low, Standard, High,
Extended) of the original system, but increases the options available
to the driver. Some of the height settings have been revised.
The system is now operated by a rocker switch, and the ride height
switches illuminate when selected or when a height change is being
made.
For example, when changing from Standard to Low, the Standard symbol
remains illuminated and the Low symbol flashes until the setting has
changed. The Standard symbol then extinguishes and the Low symbol
remains illuminated. Additional information is also provided through
the Message Centre.
The improved features on EAS involve the Low and Access settings.
The Low position is now 25mm instead of 20mm below Standard for
improved stability and handling. It can also be locked manually
irrespective of speed.
The Access Height, now 65mm instead of 60mm below Standard, can now be
selected up to 40 seconds after engine switch-off and up to 40 seconds
before coming to a halt.
Where headroom is restricted it is possible to drive the vehicle in
Access at speed of up to 20mph by pressing the manual switch when in
Access.
If the vehicle speed exceeds 25mph the Range Rover will rise to Low,
returning to Access if the speed drops below 20mph.
BRAKES AND STEERING
The new high-performance braking system with anti-lock braking (ABS),
as standard on all models, provides excellent stopping power and
traction. A new steering system, coupled with the latest generation
trees, plays a key role in the new Range Rover's handling, steering,
and all-terrain ability.
Large disc brakes, ventilated at the front, are fitted to all four
wheels with a front disc diameter of 297.2mm and rear brake disc
diameter of 304.0mm. Larger calipers are fitted at the front to deal
with the distribution of braking effort - two-thirds front, one-third
rear.
ABS
The new Range Rover, like its predecessor, is fitted with the most
advanced four-channel anti-lock braking system on a four-wheel drive
vehicle. Improvements include the integration of the pump and
accumulator into a more compact unit, and improved brake pedal feel.
The optimized front suspension geometry, and reduced ground offset,
have improved braking performance and stability, particularly on
gravel, ice and snow.
The system's ECU collects data from each wheel at the rate of 250
times a second - two and a half times faster than any other system.
If the ECU detects that a wheel is about to lock, it releases brake
pressure and then immediately re-applies it at a rate of 10 times a
second.
ELECTRONIC TRACTION CONTROL
In 1992 the original Range Rover was the first 4 x 4 vehicle in the
world to be fitted with Electronic Traction Control. The system, an
extension of the ABS which operates on the rear axle, is carried over
as standard equipment on HSE models.
When the system's ECU senses that one rear wheel is spinning faster
than the other, it will apply brake pressure to the spinning wheel and
transfer torque across the axle to the wheel with grip.
STEERING
The new re-circulating ball power-assisted steering system has the
same positive feel as a manual system around the straight-ahead
position while providing full power assistance when required.
It is a linear system with a fixed ratio so the movement of the road
wheels is in direct proportion to the steering wheel.
Off-road the system minimizes kick-back through the steering wheel by
being hard-mounted to the panhard rod mounting bracket - a position
that reduces surface-transmitted vibrations and enhances straight-line
stability.
WHEELS
All new Range Rovers are fitted with cast alloy wheels with a
five-stud mounting. Each major derivative has a different wheel style
with three-spoke 7J x 16" wheels fitted to entry models; five-hole 7J
x 16" fitted to SE models; and prestige five-spoke 8J x 16" fitted to
HSE models.
TYRES
The new Range Rover has higher maximum speeds and greater gross
vehicle weights than previous models. All derivatives are fitted with
235/70 R16 105H rated trees allowing loads of 925kg/tyro at a maximum
speed of 210 kph (131 mph), except the HSE which gets 255/65 R16 109H
rated trees allowing loads of 1030kg/tyro at a maximum speed of 210
kph (131 mph).
ENGINES
The V8 engines, which have been at the heart of the Range Rover, have
undergone the biggest development program in their history to
transform them into world-class units with vastly improved power,
refinement and economy characteristics.
Two brand new derivatives have been developed - a 4.0 litre version
producing 190 bhp and a range-topping 4.6 litre producing 225 bhp.
The 4.6 litre HSE model achieves 0 to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds and has a
top speed of 125 mph.
In addition, diesel Range Rovers are fitted with BMW's 2.5 litre six
cylinder unit which has been widely acclaimed as the best diesel in
the world.
V8 ENGINES
The original V8 engine's inherent strength, torque, and refinement,
coupled with its proven record in four-wheel drive and racing and
rallying applications, made it the ideal choice for further
development.
Land Rover engineers set themselves tough objectives for the new V8.
They wanted increased performance, improved refinement, reduced size,
better economy, reduced servicing costs, emissions compatibility, and
compliance with Land Rover's world-renowned standards for four wheel
drive.
To achieve the objectives the V8 has been totally re-designed with
virtually every component either modified or completely changed.
A totally new engine management system known as GEMS (Generic Engine
Management System) has been developed jointly by Land Rover engineers
and Segam Lucas for the new V8 engines.
It controls every aspect of fueling. and ignition and features a range
of new sensors on all key components. It also communicates with the
automatic transmission ECU and the BeCM.
The system offers hot wire air mass flow sequential fuel injection,
and lambda sensor control of the air/fuel ratio for optimized catalyst
efficiency.
GEMS provides fully programmed ignition control with knock sensing
which continuously monitors every cylinder for signs of detonation or
pinking.
When this is detected the system automatically adjusts the ignition
timing of the affected cylinder to prevent detonation, and
progressively re-instates the ignition advance over succeeding cycles
to its original value.
GEMS uses four double ended ignition coils instead of the distributor
giving improvements in reliability through the elimination of the HT
lead.
The engine management system also communicates with the automatic
transmission ECU so that engine performance can be adjusted
instantaneously during gear changes to reduce gearbox loading and
provide the smoothest possible gear change quality.
All major components within the engine have been re-designed and
balanced to achieve a much improved level of engine refinement.
Crankshaft
For the 4.6 derivative a new crankshaft was required with a stroke
increased from 71mm to 82mm. To maintain strength both the big end
and main bearing sizes have been increased by 5mm to 55.5mm and 63.5mm
respectively.
Pistons
Both engine derivatives have new lightweight pistons with crown height
reduced from 48mm to 36mm. The small end diameter has been increased
from 22.2mm to 24mm to withstand the higher loads from the increased
performance.
Connecting Rods
The engines are now fitted with new con-rods which have been designed
to reduce vibration. They are also fully balanced individually.
Camshafts
New camshafts have been designed for the 4.6 litre and 4.0 litre
engines to cater for absolute engine performance without any
degradation to valve train durability.
Cylinder Block
The cylinder block has been substantially developed to accommodate the
larger main bearing diameters and increased crankshaft counter weight
radius.
To cope with the increased loads of the 4.6 litre engine the main
bearing cap material has been upgraded, and the caps are now
cross-bolted into the cylinder block on all V8 engines. Additional
stiffening ribs have been added to key areas of the block to improve
stiffness and durability.
Cylinder Head and Gaskets
The cylinder head induction and exhaust parts have been modified to
obtain the target engine performance from the 4.6 litre derivative.
Increased gas loads have led to the introduction of a new composite
cylinder head gasket which eliminates the need for outrigger fixings.
The cylinder heads and gaskets are now bolted to the cylinder block.
Exhaust Manifolds
New low thermal inertia, thin wall, stainless steel exhaust manifolds
are used to speed up the transfer of heat to the catalyst to reduce
emissions.
Engine Auxiliaries and Belt Drive
All components forward from the front face of the cylinder block have
been totally re-designed to reduce the engine length by 75mm. The
changes have improved refinement, increased engine durability and
reliability, and reduced service requirements.
The front cover assembly has been re-designed to incorporate a new
high performance oil pump driven off the nose of the crankshaft, and a
new reverse rotation water pump.
All engine ancillary components are rigidly mounted on cast aluminum
alloy brackets to reduce vibration and improve refinement and
durability.
The ancillaries are driven by a single serpentine (or polyvee)
multi-ribbed belt controlled by a dynamic spring tensioner. It has a
life of 72,000 miles.
2.5 LITRE DIESEL
In the early stages of developing the new Range Rover, Land Rover
decided to use the world's finest high performance diesel engine.
After investigating six alternatives they chose the BMW 2.5 litre six
cylinder power plant.
Four years ago BMW and Land Rover engineers began a program to
modify the engine to meet the specific four-wheel drive requirements
of the new Range Rover and its unique heavy duty cycle.
The result is the optimum balance between power output, fuel economy,
refinement, low noise, and low emissions. Compared to BMW car
applications the engine in Range Rover produces slightly more torque
and a little less power.
The maximum power is 134 bhp at 4400 rpm and maximum torque is 199 lb.
ft. at 2300 rpm. A major advantage is that about 80 percent of
maximum torque is available from 1500 rpm through to 4400 rpm enabling
the Range Rover to cruise comfortably at high speed and also to
deliver the immense low-speed pulling power required for off-road use
and towing.
The Range Rover diesel accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 13.3 seconds
and has a top speed of 105 mph.
The BMW indirect injection turbo-charged diesel engine was first
introduced into the BMW 5 series and 3 series in 1992. Its
exceptionally smooth and quiet performance results from a combination
of fully electronic injection control and the unique design of the
main combustion chamber.
In conjunction with BMW engineers the engine has been modified to suit
the off-road requirements of Range Rover.
Oil Sump
All Land Rover engines have to pass a unique test which involves
running the engine at angles up to 45 degrees fore and aft, and 35
degrees side to side.
The requirements of the off-road test resulted in the oil sump
capacity being increased and the pick-up system being revised.
Air Intake
The air induction system has been modified to meet Range Rover's
requirements for wading. Air in now taken from the dry area from
inside the wing above the wheel arch liner and then ducted across the
top of the engine.
Wiring Harness
The wiring harness has been re-routed to keep water and dirt ingress
in off-road circumstances to a minimum.
Cooling Fan
The performance of the cooling fan has been increased with
modifications to the viscous coupling to provide additional airflow
for Range Rover's heavier duty cycle.
Other modifications involve the turbocharger, dual mass flywheel,
crankshaft thrust bearings, engine tune, crankcase breather, and fuel
feed and return pipes.
TRANSMISSION
The ZF 4 speed electronic automatic transmission has been specifically
designed for the new Range Rover, and in particular for on-road
cruising, off-road robustness, and for towing.
The ZF HP22 is fitted to 4.0 litre V8 models, and the ZF HP24 has been
engineered for the more powerful 4.6 litre V8. Both versions have oil
coolers for operating in extreme conditions.
The Automatic transmission has four shift programmes.
High Range
Normal for maximum economy on-road
Sport for the more enthusiastic driver.
Low Range
Normal for non-severe off-road and heavy load towing
Manual for severe off-road conditions where maximum control is required.
"H" Gate Selector System
Land Rover engineers developed a world first by designing a new "H"
gate system which enables a driver to change from high ratio to low
ratio using the same lever.
The "H" gate provides control of both the automatic transmission and
transfer box through one lever. The need for a separate transfer box
gear lever has been eliminated.
The graphics plate indicates the gear that is selected, and whether
the vehicle is in high range or low range. High range is always
positioned on the driver's side of the H-gate for ease of use when
selecting automatic gear positions.
The selector lever now has a two-stage button. The first allows
movement through the automatic gears, and the second - by full
depression - selects the change from high to low ratio.
Low range is selected by first selecting "N" and then moving the lever
through the centre of the "H". The lever is then moved to select a
forward or reverse gear position. To select high range from low range
the procedure is reversed.
High-to-low and low-to-high range shifts can be made up to 5 mph but
it is recommended that the gear change is made when the Range Rover is
stationary.
If a shift is attempted above 5 mph the lights on the graphics plate
will flash on the range being selected. The Message Centre will also
display the "Slow Down" warning.
If the shift lever is moved too fast for a range change to be
completed the lights will flash and the Message Centre will display
the "Select Neutral" advice.
When the engine is started the normal program is selected. Pressing
the mode switch then selects Sport. (Manual in Low Range)
MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS
The manual transmission fitted to the new Range Rover is a further
development of the five-speed R380 first introduced on Land Rover
models in March this year. On diesel models the gearbox has a lower
first gear ratio to suit the diesel engine's characteristics.
Synchromesh is fitted on all gears - with triple cone on the first
three gears and a large single cone on fourth and fifth.
The conventional transfer box lever is replaced by an electronic
button located on the fascia to make it easier for the driver to
change between high range and low range.
Transfer Box
As with current Range Rovers, all new Range Rovers have permanent
four-wheel drive and a viscous coupling unit on the centre
differential.
A new Borg Warner transfer box is fitted to the new Range Rovers.
Range selection is operated by an electric motor and controlled by a
dedicated ECU on both manual and automatic derivatives.
