Automotive

Range Rover Goes Icon With Its Icon

A number of high-end car companies have been in the restoration business for a while now. For example, Ferrari with their Classiche Certified program will take in old cars made in Maranello, and restore them to showroom condition. Range Rover has jumped into this game, with a factory restored 1978 three-door Range Rover Classic that will be shown in Paris at Salon Rétromobile 2017.

I guess what would make this odd is how it’s a truck company doing it this time.

Unique Fittings

Most of this factory retro stuff is preserve of people like Rolls Royce and Porsche. Mercedes-Benz, for example, goes so far as to say they have, or will make, parts for every car they have ever manufactured; back to and including their three-wheeled Patent-Motorwagen, the car that started it all.

Even more odd is the fact that third-party companies have been in the truck rehab and remanufacture game for a while now. There’s been this outfit in SoCal that goes by the name of Icon, as an example. They essentially take old Toyota Land Cruisers and remanufacturer them better than new. Really, their work is truly outstanding. The level of it makes seemingly anyone consider buying one of their trucks, until you look at the price, which is somewhere around the cost of a new Ferrari.

The Range Rover was launched in 1970, originally in two-door configuration only, up to 1981, when the first factory four-door was introduced. The first generation’s production in ended in 1996. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Prestigious Programs

Whether any of this played into the corporate decision to get into the factory-resto business, Range Rover does not say. They do say the upcoming reveal in Paris of the factory-restored 1978 three-door Range Rover Classic is all part of their Reborn programme by Land Rover Classic. Yes, that’s “programme” with a superfluous m+e, and yes Reborn is a maddeningly pretentious name. But they both kind of fit the product, no?

The Range Rover Reborn program (with one “m” and no “e” you limey lobsterbacks) offers potential customers the prospect to purchase a “new” vintage Range Rover direct from the company itself. The team of experts at Land Rover Classic have drawn on decades of engineering and design experience to complete this first ride in the Range Rover Reborn agenda, a 1978 Classic Range Rover.

The 1978 Range Rover comes in Bahama Gold, which is a clever marketing way of saying sand-colored beige/tan/brown. It’s not a bad shade, and it is original, but it’s still beige/tan/brown, which is a horrid color to make work on a vehicle.

“Range Rover Reborn is another showcase of our dedicated in-house engineering expertise. It underscores our commitment to nurturing the rich heritage of Land Rover, and is a rare opportunity for customers to own a valuable and genuinely collectible automotive icon. It is a wonderful way to preserve the much sought after three-door original Range Rover from the 1970s, from period-correct color ways to interior trim and accessories,” said Tim Hannig, Director, Jaguar Land Rover Classic

Performance Specs

This beige colored box is propelled down the road and/or trail by a fully rebuilt 3528cc V8 engine. This is the same aluminum alloy V8 that Rover has used for decades, and, if I’m remembering this right, the British bought from Buick for a song back in the 1960s. My cousin Mike had a mid-60s Buick Special he got from his grandparents (Ed and Gladys) fitted with this engine, and it was a total sweetheart. Revved like the business and got great gas mileage.

Of course Buick got rid of it.

Who needs a small, efficient engine when you got things like nailhead mills pouring out of the Hamtramck plant like so many Polish sausages?

Anyway, in original (and now refurbished) Range Rover guise, this engine, fitted with a Zenith-Stromberg 175CD type carb, cranks out 132 horsepower at 5,000rpm and 186 lb-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm. All of the power and grunt is put to the tarmac, ground, peat bog, or semi-gravel track via a 4-speed manual transmission with a lockable central differential.

Range Rover is considered a benchmark among luxury 4×4 vehicles. It remains a vehicle of choice for members of the Royal household, politicians, entertainers, and other notable figures from around the globe. During the 1970s, the Range Rover also became the first vehicle to be exhibited at the Louvre in Paris as an exemplary work of industrial design. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Factory Settings

The company goes on to say the “new” 1978 Range Rovers will undergo a complete restoration to the 1970s factory specs using Land Rover Classic Parts to preserve and protect authenticity. They make no mention if the Rovers will be returned to the factory levels of build quality and reliability of the 70s, but they can’t be that sadistic, can they? If you decide you have to buy one of these new/old Range Rovers, Land Rover’s restoration team will guide you through the best options in terms of collectability, preferred chassis numbers, and unique characteristics.

Very helpful of them.

Cost? Well, completed Range Rover Reborn restorations from Land Rover Classic will start at £135,000 GBP, or around $150,000 USD. Which is, jeepers creepers, a lot of green. But what do I know? If old Range Rovers are your thing, I’m not going to argue with you.

Salon Rétromobile 2017 runs February 8th through the 12th.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

1978 Three-Door Range Rover Classic Gallery

Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover

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Automoblog Book Garage: Lamborghini Supercars 50 Years

One of the most inspiring things about Lamborghini Supercars 50 Years is what appears at the beginning. Usually, I skip over the introductory pages of books; I want to get to the “good stuff” and absorb the knowledge within. In my haste, I usually miss things like what struck me when I first opened this book.

Three pages in, among the Library of Congress Cataloging information, ISBN number, and publishing credits is a quote from the book’s photographer, James Mann.

In memory of my father, David Mann, who game me my love of cars.

You absolutely must love cars in order to truly appreciate a Lamborghini. Conversely, if you love a Lamborghini, you probably both appreciate and admire the limits an automobile can push.

Pages 136 and 137 are consumed by this beautiful Gallardo LP560-4. A few pages prior, a table chart shows the chassis, engine, and suspension specs. “This was a high-stakes game,” writes Codling. “When Audi collected the keys of the Sant’Agata factory in July 1998, its senior management knew that all eyes would be on the successor to Lamborghini’s marquee car, the Diablo.” Photo: James Mann.

Endless Passion

Author Stuart Codling goes for the grip a few pages later and never lets go. We meet Ferruccio Lamborghini, see his love for machines, feel his pain when he returns from World War II, and sense his fire during clashes with Ferrari.

Beginning with the Miura in 1965, arguably ahead of its time, and closing with one of our personal favorites today, the Huracán, Lamborghini Supercars 50 Years follows a young man who loved machines and what that love could ultimately create. We see other vital namesakes through the years too: Countach, Diablo, Aventador, and Sesto Elemento. The book covers the acquisition of Lamborghini by Audi and how German influence wielded the likes of the Murciélago in 2001, the Gallardo in 2003, the Reventón in 2008, and the Aventador in 2011.

Like Mann’s father, the love of cars draw us to Lamborghini. And for Lamborghini himself, it was a love for all machines. When you think about it, that’s an endless cycle, but one I want to be stuck in.

Lamborghini Supercars 50 Years: From the Groundbreaking Miura to Today’s Hypercars is available through Amazon and Motorbooks.

Photography

Mann is one of the world’s leading car and motorcycle photographers, with more than 20 years of experience shooting for enthusiast publications, the motor industry, and businesses around the world. His work has appeared within and on the covers of more than 50 books. Mann also photographed the British Auto Legends stamps for the Royal Mail.

Author

Codling has worked in motorsports for over a decade as a journalist and broadcaster, covering sports cars in the United States before joining F1 Racing, the world’s best-selling Formula 1 magazine. He has appeared as an F1 expert on TV and radio, has hosted for Renault F1, and contributes to both Autosport and Autocar.

He was once sworn at by ex-Ferrari F1 driver Eddie Irvine.

Lamborghini Supercars 50 Years Gallery

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Chevrolet Owners Record Massive Data Usage In 2016

A top attribute of any vehicle today is connectivity. The ability for our automobile to seamlessly integrate our smartphones in the name of infotainment is becoming the order of the day. Sometimes, and especially for old school car enthusiasts, the connectivity bug may be nothing more than an annoying buzz, but Chevrolet owners tell a different story.

Bowtie customers in the United States used a hulking 4,220,684 gigabytes (or 4,220 terabytes) of data in 2016, marking a nearly 200 percent increase from 2015.

Practical Perspective

Chevrolet has strategically placed and enthusiastically promoted their in-vehicle connectivity, which may explain the jump in data consumption. One of the strongest selling points for us on the new Silverado is the how the truck acts as a mobile hotspot. The OnStar 4G LTE Silverado can connect up to seven devices, ideal for the Jawbone speaker you want to take to the camp ground, but handy for the laptop you need on the job site.

“We are attracting new buyers to Chevrolet by offering technologies like OnStar 4G LTE not available on competitive models,” said Alan Batey, President of GM North America and Global Head of Chevrolet. “New owners are in turn more likely to become repeat Chevrolet customers as these features become an integral part of their day-to-day lives.”

Chevy owners utilize the OnStar 4G LTE for a variety of activities, from streaming videos and playing games, to sending e-mails and listening to music.

“As a strategic plan to grow retail sales, Chevrolet has continually invested in new safety, convenience, and connected technologies across our trucks, utilities, and cars,” Batey said.

2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country. Photo: Chevrolet.

Big Numbers

The most significant increases were with Tahoe and Suburban owners, who used three-and-a-half times more data than a year ago. The figures here may not be surprising, especially as Tahoe and Suburban are the best-selling full-size SUVs today. In 2016 alone, retail sales climbed 21 percent and retail share climbed 2 percentage points, meaning 49.3 percent of the segment now belongs to General Motors. Essentially, Tahoe and Suburban accounted for nearly one out of two full-size SUVs sold in 2016.

No other automaker has a higher retail share for any segment, SUV or otherwise, in the U.S.

Bigger Numbers

Tahoe and Suburban owners consumed 713,669 gigabytes of data in 2016, a 260 percent increase over 2015. That’s equivalent to approximately 3 million hours of streaming standard video, 25 million hours of streaming music, and 1.8 billion song, game, or app downloads.

It’s also the equivalent of 1.5 billion photos posted to social media. Hope you are happy with that selfie you took?

OnStar 4G LTE connectivity was introduced across the Chevrolet lineup in 2015 for the U.S. and Canada. Today, a 4G LTE connection is standard on every new Chevy vehicle, along with the OnStar Basic Plan, which features remote vehicle access and the AtYourService marketplace via the myChevrolet app.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos & Source: Chevrolet

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2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon: Hauling More Than Your Family

Mercedes says their new AMG E63 S Wagon is sportiness meets space and intelligence. Sure, fine. Spin it however you want. All I know is that when I saw this beast puts out over 600 horsepower, all I could think of was, “gas pedal, meet my right foot.”

Station wagons in America are a forgotten segment of the automotive world. Through the 60s and 70s, you had a family, you had a wagon. How else were you supposed to take your wife, 2.3 kids, and all your stuff on a two week driving vacation?

Suburban Stereotypes

But then Lee Iacocca came up with the minivan. And, let’s face it, from a perspective of pure utility, a minivan is the answer. But then, minivans became the symbol of middle class suburban conformity, and potential buyers became nervous about even being near them, let alone driving one.

American SUVs to the rescue! Now you could have the utility of a minivan, with the added style that shows you are a rugged, prepared for anything Man with a capital “M” baby! The fact this demand to show ruggedness and preparedness was largely driven by a subconscious need to counteract deep seated fears of inadequacy rather than any real vehicular need was beside the point.

Who cares if you were never going to drive the thing up 13 miles of bad logging road in the middle of a rainstorm? You might! And that was the whole point.

Twin-scroll turbochargers were utilized for the first time to enhance the overall performance the AMG 4.0-liter V8 engine. They reduce exhaust gas backpressure and optimize the gas cycle, resulting in higher output and increased torque at low revs. Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.

Comeback Stories

Pity the poor station wagon. Forgotten to the dust heap of history.

At least in America, but not in Europe. You go to Europe, and you see a lot of wagons. A lot of them. And let’s face it, if you’re a dad from, oh, Frankfurt with a Geschwindigkeit but a burgeoning family, you won’t take any old people hauler off of the rack.

Oh my no. You’re going to take one that can haul buns down the bahn like a Panzerfaust. And if that’s your bent, then let me introduce you to the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon. And even better, if you’re an American with that sort of bent, then you’ll be overjoyed to learn that Mercedes-Benz is bringing this brute of a ride to our shores.

The new AMG E63 S Wagon combines the Mercedes-AMG art of performance-inspired driving dynamics with modern utility. The wagon is propelled by a hand-crafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, cranking out 603 horsepower (5,750–6,500 rpm) and a stump pulling 627 lb-ft. of torque (2,500–4,500 rpm).

I’ll let those figures percolate for a bit while you consider coming across some knot-head in a brand new Mustang. He with his trollop-of-the-moment beside him, and you with your wife and kids. Traffic light goes green and you blow his butt so far into the weeds you don’t stop smiling for the next 7 miles.

The E63 S Wagon comes with an electronically controlled rear limited slip differential for improved traction. The electronically-controlled limited slip differential reduces slip on the inside wheel when cornering without braking intervention, resulting in the ability to accelerate out of turns earlier and more gracefully. Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.

Class Records

All this moron humiliating power and torque is put to the tarmac via a fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. An electromechanically controlled coupling connects the permanently driven rear axle variably to the front axle. Since the best possible torque distribution is calculated continuously, the wagon can transition from all-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, yet still provide a sound and solid feel for the occupants.

The fact Mercedes-AMG have finally started putting their 4MATIC system into performance cars is a wonderful thing. It puts to rest one of the main arguments, usually hurled by Audi owners, that although the AMG cars are nice, they were only offered in rear drive. Also, if you live in someplace with less than stellar weather, you can now be a lot more happy and secure Mercedes-Benz owner.

All this powertrain tech is enough to hurtle the wagon from 0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds. Mercedes-Benz says the vehicle “sets a new record in this class.” It will be very interesting to see if Audi or BMW can top it. Speaking of top, the AMG family hauler tops out at an electronically limited speed of 180 mph.

“Dad? Are we there yet?” “Yes!”

The large-sized high-performance compound braking system is quick and fade-resistant, even under high loads. The E63 S Wagon is fitted with internally ventilated and perforated 15.4″ x 1.4″ compound brake discs on the front axle with six-piston fixed callipers. At the rear are 14.2″ x .9″ discs and single-piston floating brake callipers. An AMG Ceramic Composite braking system is also available. Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.

Hallmarks & Heavy Right Feet

The new wagon features an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT (Multi Clutch Technology) 9-speed sport transmission mated to a wet clutch. This means smoother power application and less grabbiness than a dry plate scavenger clutch.

“The new AMG E63 Wagon combines our brand’s hallmark driving dynamics with high everyday practicality. It is not for nothing that the model has been a permanent fixture in the AMG portfolio for 40 years,” said Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “The powerful engine and the intelligent all-wheel drive underpin our claim to always be at the forefront of development when it comes to performance.”

And we at Automoblog are not going to argue with him. We might not all have growing families, but we all have heavy right feet.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon Gallery

Photos & Source: Mercedes-Benz USA

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