Range Rover
The Range Rover is the top luxury SUV model of Land Rover. The name has been used as a separate marque at times, when no other vehicles were offered to share the Land Rover name. The Range Rover is considered one of the top-of-the-line utility vehicles, and still extremely capable off-road.
The first generation Range Rover was introduced in 1970. Improvements compared to the "Series" model include constant four-wheel-drive through a lockable centre differential, all-coil suspension, disc brakes on all wheels, and a 3.5 litre aluminum Rover V8 engine. The vehicle was built on a steel ladder frame, and most body panels were aluminium.
It was introduced to the US in 1987, where it is known as an SUV (sport utility vehicle).
The second generation ran from 1994, still with Rover V8 engines. The new model was even more luxurious, and incorporated improved air suspension, stronger chassis and added luxuries.
In 2002 a third generation was introduced which saw the model move further up-market. Range Rovers now come with BMW M62 V8 petrol and 6-cylinder diesel engines (a legacy of Land Rover being owned by BMW when the third generation Range Rover was being developed). The last model has improved ground clearance and cross-linked air springs. This time, a monocoque body was chosen, with many design cues from the original model.
Among enthusiast, the original model is known as the Classic, the second generation is known as the P38A and the last generation is known as the L322 or just "new Range Rover".
In 1972 the British Trans-Americas Expedition became the first vehicle-based expedition to traverse both American continents north-to-south, including traversing the infamous roadless Darien Gap.
