It’s interesting that manufacturers are finding ways of improving CO2 figures, which involve adding gears to a vehicle’s transmission. Land Rover has announced 2012 model changes which in the case of the Range Rover Sport sees the 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel engine receive a power boost from 245bhp to 256bhp, but more importantly, the CO2 emissions from the engine have been reduced by over 5%, down from 243g/km to 230g/km. And these improvements are due in part to the new eight-speed automatic gearbox, the ZH 8HP70. This same engine/gearbox combination is available on the 2012 Discovery 4, which results in a similar lowering of emissions. These engines are fitted with a diesel particulate filter which Land Rover claims make them the cleanest diesel engines on the market.
KELSEYAdmin
All systems go in India
Jaguar Land Rover’s first assembly plant in India, located at Pune in the Maharashtra region of India, is now on stream to assemble Land Rover Freelander 2 vehicles supplied in Complete Knock Down (CKD) form from Land Rover’s Liverpool Halewood plant. The inauguration ceremony was led by Carl-Peter Forster, Chief Executive Officer and MD of Tata Motors and Dr Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer of Jaguar Land Rover.
At the ceremony, Forster, said: “This marks a significant step in our growth strategy for the Indian market. The opening of this plant demonstrates close co-operation between the parent company Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover and we are keen to develop this further.”
Tired of accidents
According to a report from the UK Department for Transport, a review of international evidence suggests that driver fatigue may be the reason for as many as 20 per cent of all road accidents. Anti Sleep Pilot is a new in-car system designed to monitor driver alertness levels to prevent fatigue-related traffic accidents. The dash-mounted device calculates the driver’s fatigue level during a drive and “maintains alertness through simple tests, advising when to take a preventive break before the fatigue level becomes critical”.
Apparently, once a critical fatigue level approaches, the device sends a light and sound signal to let the driver know it’s time to take a break. To be honest, it’s more worrying that such devices are necessary, but if it saves some accidents, it has to be a good thing. The Anti Sleep Pilot retails at £129.95. For further details visit www.antisleeppilot.com.
For sale: one off-road site
There have been features in the news lately about the number of islands around the world that are available to buy at ‘knock down’ prices. Now we hear of a 50-acre site near Telford that would be ideal for a 4×4 off-road project. It comes complete with planning permission for 4×4 events for a total of 28 days a year and there are separate areas that can be used for camping.
The existing track is a total of 4.5kms, claimed to be of “varying levels to test even the most experienced off-road driver”. Buildwas Leisure venue is just five miles from Telford and the M54 and the guide price is £500,000. Easier to access than an island, it will be interesting to see if this turns into a 4×4 project/event arena. If you are interested, contact agents Halls’ Ellesmere on 01691 622602.
September 2011 Issue Editor’s Blog
September 2011 Issue of 4×4 Magazine
Fifteen million is the ‘official’ total number of Jeeps bought and sold from 1941 to 2011. Fingers crossed that my O level maths still holds true and that works out at an average 586 vehicles a day – give or take the odd leap year. That’s simply mind-blowing. Driving ‘Elusive Elaine’, the Willys Jeep featured in this special anniversary issue (page 46), across the sandy expanses of Slindon off-road centre near Arundel, such numbers were of no consequence as I climbed, descended and splashed effortlessly about, caring only that I could stamp hard enough on the brake pedal to stop the bloody thing. It mattered not, because even the latest, wonderful Jeep Wrangler that we had for comparison seemed to acknowledge and respectfully genuflect to this marvellous old girl, without whom, would there have been a magazine like this one, or even…. whisper it…. a Land Rover? Thanks Jeep, for 70 years of 4×4. And to all those Jeep owning readers out there, why not send in details of your Jeep for our Your 4×4 Life feature (see page 94).
Hils at Large
As Jeep celebrates its 70th anniversary, Hils expresses her relief that there is something to celebrate, as a year ago, the iconic American brand looked under threat
We have been enjoying a busy period for milestones over the last few years. In 2008 we marked the 60th anniversary for Land Rover, and the following year saw the arrival of the new Discovery 4 during the model’s 20th anniversary; this year is Ford’s 100th birthday and there is the no small matter of the 60th anniversary of Toyota’s Land Cruiser in 2011 also.
All these manufacturers are massive players in the automotive market, with Land Rover and Toyota particularly in the minds of us in the 4×4 world. But the most significant milestone to celebrate for me is the 70th birthday of Jeep, which we are highlighting in the magazine this month.
It was, after all, Jeep which started the whole business of four-wheel drive vehicles with the Willys Jeep back in 1941. The original Series 1 Land Rover was conceived from the idea of the Jeep, and, 70 years on, we have a line-up that still pays homage to the American manufacturer’s true off-roading heritage, as well as maintaining the 21st Century need for comfort, refinement, exceptional diesel power and those all-important environmental credentials.
TJ Video
MOTORISTS FEAR GETTING A PUNCTURE
As the holiday season gets into its stride, the one problem that most motorists fear when going away on a motoring holiday is getting a puncture. Research*¹ by mytyres, part of Europe’s leading online tyre retailer Delticom, revealed that for 63% of drivers getting a puncture is the biggest distress/inconvenience that they are likely to suffer on the road. However, in the same survey by contrast, only 12% of drivers actually check their tyres.
Tyres are arguably the most important safety critical component on a car and so before setting off for a holiday break, mytyres.co.uk suggest that drivers carry out a simple 5 point tyre safety check.
LANDROVERmax! 2011
LANDROVERmax returns for another fun packed weekend over 13 – 14th August at Stoneleigh Park Showground in the Midlands. The action this year includes live action in the Main Arena, with LRM’s famous Twist Off ramp, extreme winching and driving demonstrations, traverse steer challenge and the spectacular 999 blue light demonstration, where Land Rovers will tackle an actual fire.
You’ll also be able to test your skills on the off-road course (hour-long sessions will be available from £12), watch the Bolddog Lings Freestyle Motorcycle Stunt Team and, of course, there’ll be the stands and classic cars, live music and autojumble. Not forgetting, for the kids, free face painting and a funfair.
You can book tickets for the event online at www.lrmshow.com (advance booking costs from £12 per adult for a day ticket). There are also camping packages, which include admission to the show throughout the weekend.
CAUTION DRIVING IN EUROPE THIS SUMMER!
If you are driving your 4×4 to Europe this summer, be warned: Motoring across the Channel could work out expensive, as speed cameras, overzealous policemen and on-the-spot fines are awaiting.
An EU directive began in March allowing European countries to share driver information. EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas said: “Foreign drivers account for five per cent of traffic on Europe’s roads, but 15 per cent of offences. If you are one of those drivers, I have bad news; you are very likely to be caught.”
Brits are being forced to hand over 90 Euros for not displaying a GB sticker or failing to carry a high-visibility vest. Not having a warning triangle or spare bulbs can cost another 90 Euros. In France, licence and vehicle confiscation is another possibility.
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