Land Rover Range Rover Turns 40
Many people use the term 'Over the Hill' to describe their 40th birthday, but this in-jest phrase has been a staple of the Land Rover Range Rover since its inception in 1970. Able to scale just about any hill (and more) around the world, the Land Rover Range Rover is seen as one of the most capable off-road vehicles around the world. On June 17, Land Rover will be marking 40 years of its iconic SUV that started life as a rugged, off-road vehicle and has since become a status symbol among luxury SUVs, and considering the fact that Land Rover has gone through the ownership of six different companies since 1970, it is actually quite remarkable that the Range Rover hasn't been watered down over the years. Redesigned in 2010 for its fourth generation, it appears that the Range Rover will continue to be a common vehicle on off-road trails and school drop-off lanes for years to come.
Aside from the Jeep Wrangler or the Chevrolet Corvette, few vehicles on the road today have the instant recognition of the Land Rover Range Rover. The original Range Rover, also known as the Range Rover Classic, lasted from 1970 and 1996, but it has only been sold in the United States since 1987. While the Range Rover was renowned for off-road abilities similar to the Jeep Wagoneer, Ford Bronco and even the International Scout, the current model competes against the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Before the Range Rover, Land Rover's sole vehicle was the Series, but since then, the lineup has grown to include five vehicles but only four are currently available in the U.S. - the Land Rover Range Rover, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Land Rover LR4 and the Land Rover LR2.
The first-generation Land Rover blazed a trail, literally, for the current model, which continues to be one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the market although many owners are either reluctant or lack the desire to take an $80,000 SUV down tight trails. Despite its opulent interiors, one of the highlights of the current Range Rover is its standard air suspension system as well as the innovative Terrain Response system. These allow the Range Rover to offer an excellent off-road prowess without sacrificing any of its on-road driving characteristics. Between the basic vehicle design and the Terrain Response system, the 2010 Land Rover Range Rover has a maximum ground clearance of 11.1 inches, a wading ability of 27.5 inches in addition to class-leading approach, breakover and departure angles which are all imperative to off-road driving.
To complement the Range Rover, Land Rover will begin production of a smaller, more fuel efficient model later this year based off the LRX Concept. This yet-to-be-named model will slot in below the Land Rover LR2, and it will feature a standard front-wheel drive layout. Based on spy pictures that fit the styling of the concept vehicle, the new Land Rover compact crossover will feature a two-door configuration and a styling that breaks from the boxy, rugged look of current Land Rover models. This new crossover will arrive in the U.S. next year as a 2012 model.
Select Photos by Jeffrey N. Ross