Bowler Nemesis: 500Hp Beast Based On The Range Rover Sport

The Nemesis is the work of British Off-Road specialist Bowler and it’s developed to take on the world's most hardcore rallies, such as the Dakar. The Bowler Nemesis is based on the Range Rover Sport from which it borrows about 40 percent of its components. That includes the Range Rover’s 4.2-liter supercharged V8 that produces in stock form 385 Hp. Bowler however, converted the fuel system from petrol to E85 bio-ethanol and remapped the engine management system increasing output to over 500Hp. Of course such a beast doesn’t come for cheap as Bowler charges $244,000 or €173,000 for a complete Nemesis.

Range Rover Sport Vesuvius by Project Kahn

While we wouldn’t go as far as calling it “God damn hot”, we do find the Project Khan prepped Range Rover Sport, interesting. Then again, we find Carrot Top interesting, but that doesn’t mean we’d actually go and pay to see him perform, if you get our drift. So, now that we’ve gracefully made our point on the Vesuvius’ appearance let’s see what Project Khan has done to the Range Rover Sport. -Continued after the jump

First of all, the U.K. based tuning house has fitted Range Rover’s luxury SUV with a full bodykit to. It includes a front spoiler, wide arches, rear apron, boot spoiler and additional rear lip spoiler, Kahn side vents and front grille, Kahn stainless exhaust System and Project Kahn Body Badges. Additionally, the Vesuvius gets a bi-colour paintjob (orange bonnet and roof in case you missed it) and Kahn 22” RS-X Forged Wheels & Tyres.

Inside, the bi-colour theme is continued in the quilted perforated seats, centre box and door panels. In addition, the pentagon tinted window glass covers the push button engine start, cream instrument dials and colour reverse camera.

Finally, just to make sure that you’re friends know that you own a Vesuvius, a Vesuvius wristwatch comes free with the purchase of the car. Carrot Top, eat your head...

Via: Motorpasion , Source: Project Khan

Correction: 2008 Range Rover

Earlier today, I posted up an article on the revised 2008 Range Rover. As some of you correctly pointed out in your e-mails and as I discovered, the press release I picked up from another site (unfortunately, without double-checking it), concerned last year’s update and not the current revision. We certainly don’t like hiding behind our computers so I decided to do the honest thing and come forward admitting my mistake and consequently, posting up the correct press release with the matching pictures. We thank everybody who sent us an e-mail. - John @ Carscoop

So according to the correct... press release, the 2008 Range Rover features minor revisions including among other things, the addition of a four-zone air conditioning, a redesigned rear seat armrest that provides extra stowage space, new tread-plates and revised graphics on the touch-screen and instruments. -Follow the jump for the press-release

NEW FEATURES FOR THE RANGE ROVER, TO CONTINUE STRONG SALES MOMENTUM

Enhancements to the Range Rover for 2008 add a series of further luxury touches and practical new features, including four-zone air conditioning. The improvements are expected to help maintain the strong market performance of the Range Rover, with sales in the first four months of 2007 already 19% up worldwide over last year.

"That increase is largely due to the huge popularity of the acclaimed TDV8 diesel that we introduced to the Range Rover line-up last year," says Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director. "The engine's great combination of performance and fuel economy has not only powered overall Range Rover sales, but also shifted our diesel/petrol mix, especially in Europe. Most Range Rover customers who would previously have bought a V8 petrol now choose a TDV8 instead, which offers petrol-like refinement but with 32% better fuel economy."

The list of changes for 2008 is headed by the introduction of four-zone air conditioning, which enables rear seat passengers to control their individual heating and ventilation. This is neatly complemented with 'climate control' windscreen and side glass which is now available in conjunction with automatic rain and headlight sensing. The special glass cuts infrared heat transmission into the vehicle, reducing heat build up when the vehicle is parked in the sun, for example, so allowing the air conditioning to function faster and more effectively on drive away.

A redesigned rear seat armrest provides extra stowage space (including a dedicated location for the optional rear seat entertainment remote control) and there is additional leather trim on the heating and ventilation unit and centre console. There are now a total of seven real wood veneers to choose from, all sourced from sustainable forests, and additional wood veneer elements have been applied to the rear of the centre console. A matching wooden gear knob has also been introduced on some models.

The attention to detail extends to new tread-plates and revised graphics on the touch-screen and instruments. A new interior colour becomes available, called Storm, as well as two new exterior colours, Alaska White and Lucerne Green, and a fresh set of "designers' choices" for recommended interior and exterior combinations. There is also a new, highly polished 20" alloy wheel design.

"We are keeping the Range Rover offering fresh with regular changes: some are major, like the TDV8 engine last year – which, incidentally, will now be badged on the back of the vehicle – while others are about the detail, such as those coming in for 2008," says Phil Popham. "And this approach seems to have continuing appeal for our customers, as we're on track for one of our best ever sales years with the Range Rover."

2008 Land Rover Range Rover Receives Minor Upgrades

In order to keep up with the fierce competition in the luxury SUV segment, Land Rover announced minor upgrades for the 2008 model year Range Rover. Concisely, Range Rover's on- and off-road ability is improved by the addition of the Terrain Response system as standard equipment along with a new infinitely variable locking 'e' (electronically controlled) rear-axle differential which has been added as standard Supercharged and optional HSE equipment. Inside, the instrument panel, climate control system, airbag layout, trim fittings, switchgear, and storage facilities are all newly designed. -See the full press release along with the high-res image gallery after the jump

UPDATE: Correct Press release here

Via: Autoblog.com , Source: Land Rover

PRESS RELEASE: Land Rover's prestigious Range Rover line receives several upgrades for the 2007 model year to sustain its status as the world's most capable and complete luxury SUV. Range Rover's legendary on- and off-road prowess is improved by the addition of the patented and highly acclaimed Terrain Response™ system as standard equipment. A handy control dial positioned on the center console automatically optimizes a host of powertrain and chassis systems to suit driving conditions. A driver may select one of five available modes to handle situations ranging from normal dry-pavement driving to snow, mud, sand, and extreme rock crawling. A new infinitely variable locking 'e' (electronically controlled) rear-axle differential has been added as standard Supercharged and optional HSE equipment to further enhance Range Rover's legendary traction. A center e-differential is standard on both models.

A thorough redesign of the Range Rover's cabin is the second major development for 2007. The instrument panel, climate control system, airbag layout, trim fittings, switchgear, and storage facilities are all newly designed to reflect the latest advancements in aesthetics, ergonomics, and technology. Front seats are redesigned to incorporate new whiplash-reducing head restraints. Front seat cool-air ventilation is now available as an option (standard on Supercharged) to supplement the standard seat-heating feature.

Richard Beattie, Land Rover North America's executive vice president sales and marketing, explains the rationale for introducing new Range Rover engines last year followed by significant changes for 2007: "We're constantly vigilant for opportunities to upgrade our flagship's comfort, capability, and prestige to maintain its status as the world's most complete luxury SUV. With Land Rover sales on the rise and Range Rover enthusiasm higher than ever, it's our duty to exceed our customers' most ambitious expectations. The new interior and chassis enrichments are precisely what owners expect of Land Rover, the luxury SUV category's leader."

Land Rover's design director Gerry McGovern notes, "The changes we've incorporated in the 2007 Range Rover are for the most part practical and aimed at enhancing the day-to-day driving experience. We've made major strides in stowage and control location. The arrival of a new electronically-controlled parking brake system facilitated moving the shift lever closer to the driver and increasing center-console storage capacity. Twin glove boxes-one stacked atop the other and opened by an electric release button-make convenient use of the passenger side of the instrument panel."

"The new instrument panel not only conforms to the latest safety requirements, it's also the next iteration of our much admired architectural design theme," McGovern continues. "Luxury and craftsmanship both rise to a higher level. The Range Rover's command view driving position is improved, we've added a knee airbag for the driver, and the passenger-side airbag has been reengineered for enhanced deployment. In the gauge cluster, the instruments have new, more legible graphics and bezels exhibiting a richer brushed-aluminum finish."

Cabin comfort is improved in multiple areas. The addition of a higher-capacity evaporator increases cooling ability by 15 percent. Two vents have been added at the top of the instrument panel to enhance circulation and to reduce the noise level when the HVAC fan is operating at high speed. Three-zone climate control is standard. A new acoustic windshield is laminated with a triple-layer polymer capable of reducing the transmission of exterior noise by up to six decibels.

Front seats not only offer enhanced safety, thanks to a new head restraint design that helps guard against whiplash injury during a rear-end collision, but are also more comfortable. Electric cushion heating is standard to take the edge off winter mornings. A new option is dedicated air-conditioning units that circulate cool air through center trim perforations in both the cushion and backrest areas (standard on the Supercharged model). Separate controls are provided for the driver and the front passenger.

The new switchgear is ergonomically designed for intuitive operation, convenient reach, and a fine tactile feel. The new parking brake control is a one-touch lever activated by a light pull. The parking brake disengages automatically with forward travel or it can be manually released.

Relocating side-impact airbags from the doors to the seatbacks facilitated a more attractive door panel design with more extensive use of genuine wood trim. Throughout the Range Rover's cabin, the feeling is that of custom-made craftsmanship.

Another notable 2007 Range Rover upgrade is the installation of Land Rover's highly esteemed Terrain Response™ system. A simple turn of this control dial sets a comprehensive range of chassis and powertrain systems to suit drastic differences in terrain. Throttle response, automatic transmission operation, electronic differentials, anti-lock brakes, the air suspension, traction control, and Hill Descent Control all click into synch to give any driver the confidence to traverse challenging terrain. The five available Terrain Response™ settings are: general driving, grass/gravel/snow (applicable to any slippery condition), sand, mud and ruts, and rock crawl.

An electronically controlled infinitely variable locking rear differential is new for 2007. Standard on the Supercharged Range Rover and optional on the HSE, this device aids

traction and handling on- and off-road. An infinitely variable locking electronic center differential is standard on both models. Another change for 2007 is an upgrade of the HSE's suspension calibrations (spring and damper rates) to match those already in successful use on the Supercharged model.

Through three generations spanning over three decades, the Range Rover's status as the most complete and capable luxury all-terrain SUV has never been seriously challenged.

Life at the top is never easy, hence the improvements for 2007. These refinements are built upon a firm foundation. The Range Rover's integrated monocoque body and chassis is fortified with three steel subframes. The main body shell is galvanized on two sides with aluminum-alloy doors, front fenders, and hood to save weight. The permanently engaged four-wheel-drive transfer case is equipped with two speeds and an electronic center differential. The six-speed automatic offers both Sport and CommandShift™ (manual) modes. An extensive range of electronic controls regulate the center differential as well as the ABS disc brakes, four-wheel traction control, air suspension, dynamic stability control, and hill descent control. Four-corner independent suspension with extra-long wheel travel, air springs, and automatic leveling provides a poised highway ride, sure handling, and practically unstoppable off-road mobility. Nine airbags, a body structure designed to absorb energy during a collision, and head restraints configured to help protect against whiplash injury are just three examples of the Range Rover's comprehensive safety systems.

Two new engines with superior performance were introduced for the Range Rover line last year. The flagship's Supercharged and intercooled DOHC 4.2-liter V8 delivers 400 bhp, a 35 percent gain over the previous V8. The 420 lb.-ft. of available torque, up by 25 percent, provides effortless passing acceleration and quiet highway cruising. The Land Rover HSE is powered by a sophisticated 4.4-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine delivering 305 bhp and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. Extensive measures are taken to assure that these engines perform reliably during off-road extremes. They're well protected from rock damage, water and dust ingestion, and oil starvation while driving at steep angles. Special throttle calibrations are in place to provide the driver with sensitive control of the torque delivered during low-speed off-road treks.

Summing up the Range Rover's merits, Beattie notes, "What makes this Land Rover a Range Rover is its sheer breadth of capability. This SUV inspires confidence even in trying circumstances. There's effortless performance for daily driving as well as deep reserves available when adventure calls. The refinements added during the past two model years have raised the bar far beyond the reach of any competitor. The two Range Rovers are more sophisticated and technically advanced than any product we've offered in the past. We're confident that their reputation as the world's most complete luxury SUV is secure."