New Range Rover Sets New Benchmark for Luxury & Capability

January 2002 Britain's Land Rover has introduced the next Range Rover and it has many automotive experts searching for superlatives. Considering its unique combination of on- and off-road abilities, the new Range Rover is one of the most capable vehicles in the world.

The new Range Rover HSE, which will be available in North America in June as a 2003 model, is only the third all-new Range Rover in 31 years and is set to enhance Land Rover's reputation as a maker of premium vehicles.

Among the new Range Rover's key features are:

All-new stiffer monocoque body with integrated chassis All independent suspension with interconnected air springs Advanced five-speed automatic transmission featuring CommandShift control, allowing manual up and down sequential shifting, and a two-speed, electronically activated transfer gearbox which has the ability to shift from Low to High ratio on the move A new torque-sensing center differential continuously and automatically changes the torque bias between front and rear axles depending on available traction Outstanding crash test performance and occupant protection More interior space than previous model Greater ground clearance than previous model The new Range Rover has evolved its distinctive exterior design and has moved firmly into the 21st century with uniquely styled headlamps and tail lamps, distinctive engine intake louvers and clean, crisp surfaces. Central to the new Range Rover's superb on- and off-road handling and ride is the totally new sub frame-mounted fully independent air suspension. The chassis also features a number of electronic traction control systems including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and the Land Rover-pioneered Hill Descent Control (HDC). Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) supplement the standard anti-lock brakes (ABS).

Land Rover-related press releases and electronic photos of the company's products are available online in the Land Rover section of Ford Motor Company's news media web site (media.landrover.com). Electronic photos of Land Rover products can also be received in digital form through Wieck Photo DataBase at 972-392-0888 or media.wieckphoto.com.