helena wrote:
> Have you guys seen some of the stuff (pics, etc) about the upcoming new
> LR2? I saw some pictures of Maria Sharapova unveiling it in London -
> she and the Land Rover looked *great*! It seems kind of different from
> the other models in the Land Rover lineup - kind of like a more compact
> Range Rover Sport, I think. Seems like it will come with all kinds of
> neat features, I am especially interested in finding out more about
> this Terrain Response feature I read about in a blog. I read it's
> supposed to be available around Spring 07, I think? What do you guys
> think of it?
It depends what sort of guys!
The Land Rover originated just post WWII as the Rover company struggled
to stay alive. By hitting a radical new market (competent all rounder
on the farm as a horse/small tractor replacement and also usable as a
simple road vehicle) with (let's be honest, Brits) technology borrowed
heavily from the Willis Jeep, Rover created a real winner. There were
massive UK exports worldwide since, as a side effect, the Land Rover
became known as a benchmark expedition/harsh environment vehicle.
Since then, LR have moved up market (to project the image of a country
landowner, even if you aren't one) and also diversified into the new
SUV market (to project the image of an out of doors sportsman, even if
you aren't one) very successfully.
For those of us who are nostalgic about the UK's trail blazing past, or
want a real off road workhorse, the projection of an image is
irrelevant, and it's the real off road parameters that matter: adequate
engine power coupled as reliably as possible to the terrain via the
transmission/suspension etc, and clearance, balance, manoeuvrability
and strength to use that traction when you've got it there. Yes,
electronics can help a bit, although the big downside is the
maintainability, especially in more remote territory. I run an old
(nearly 40 years) Land Rover and there's nothing much I can't fix with
a simple tool kit and an AF socket set.
Despite my cycnicism about image, LR have worked hard to both to meet
the market perceptions and also to maintain their integrity in that
their newer vehicles are genuinely designed to be off road capable to
an appropriate degree.
So you'll get varying responses. From those like me for whom a trendy
image means nothing, the Freelander or LR2 are not likely to perform
like a Defender (or, perhaps, even a 101 Forward Control!) in a really
harsh environment and therefore not live up to either the nostalgia or
the definition of a real off road workhorse. Those more extreme than
me may have some harsh views!!
For a good picture of a 101 (the Land Rover I really covet!), btw, look
at
http://www.winwaed.com/landy/history/fc101.shtml
For those who admire the new technology and the presentation, comfort,
and on road performance, the newer models are praiseworthy and LR
should be congratulated on having read the market so successfully.
Sadly, the environmental lobby against 4x4 is (perhaps justifiably)
targetting the use of 4x4s to project image rather than fulfil a real
need and, if they are successful, LR will have wedded itself to a
vanishing market.
!!UNOFFICIAL!!
