2007 Freelander preview...

dormobiledisco

dormobiledisco

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2004
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www.GregFitzgerald.net
Was browsing and found this: http://automobilemag.com/2007_sneak_preview/0505_land_rover_freelander/

Interesting to see...I like how it looks...kind of the LR3 concept done right. Perhaps this one will sell better.

I do NOT, however, like the idea of a FWD Rover, as mentioned at the end of the article. To my knowledge, there has never been a two-wheel drive Land Rover (except maybe some occasional Series?), and there never should be.

Your opinons?
 
S

syoung

Guest
I like the way it looks- the engines will probably be better and hopefully less quirky. The FWD version may be to soften their penalty taxes from the US Gov't where they take the MPG ratings for the whole line of vehicles and average them... then tax the company based on them. Kinda like a mafia style shake-down.
Anyway- I just might consider that for a commuter when it comes out, as long as it has 4WETC and all that stuff.
 
Roverlady

Roverlady

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Apr 20, 2004
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It might be ok...looks better from that angle than the LR3 (imo)!!

I don't think Front Wheel Drive is a good idea at all....but I'm sure people would buy it and especially if it's cheaper. I personally wouldn't want it.....

Here is another sneak picture I found:
http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosconsumer/0502/23/F03-97933.htm

AND...on the same 'preview' page...I found THIS--now THAT is something to look forward to as well!
 
R

Rocky

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Apr 23, 2004
2,180
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Red Sox Nation
Gotta love that Jag (unvieled in Jan) as the next XK.....Possible base for next Le Mans racer
channel 4 says the freelander will be the Lr2 here.

I've seen more recent photos of the Freelander. That car (and this one) are using the old body. http://www.thecarconnection.com/Ent...hots_07_Land_Rover_Freelander.S178.A8542.html

From carpoint in Oz come the following shots and commentary A much more angular bodyshape.

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/carcontent/reviews/landrover/2006freelander01b.jpg
http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/carcontent/reviews/landrover/2006freelander02b.jpg

Land Rover's Freelander is set to grow in size and stature as it endeavours to barge upmarket -- ostensibly as a rival to BMW's X3 and Mercedes-Benz's upcoming X-Class (or MLK, as it may be badged).

These spy pics are of the successor to the compact British all-terrainer, which is expected to make its maiden public appearance at September's Frankfurt motor show. The partially disguised prototype reveals the vehicle's stretched dimensions -- especially the longer wheelbase. Also noticeable is its added height and wider track.

The images (the rear view is digitally enhanced) indicate Land Rover has opted to throw in a few Discovery 3 design cues -- and this is by no means a bad thing.

The new Freelander is underpinned by the Ford Group's C1 platform -- also utilised by the Mazda3, new Ford Focus and Volvo S40/V50. However, for the Land Rover product it's complemented by a new Haldex four-wheel drive system that's tailored to its all-terrain job description.

Engine choices are likely to include Volvo-sourced five-cylinder units (both normally aspirated and turbocharged) that power the Swedish marque's S40/V50. It may also gain the 2.7lt V6 turbo diesel that's offered in the Discovery 3.
 
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Ted

Ted

Well-known member
Apr 24, 2004
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Arizona
"Interesting to see...I like how it looks...kind of the LR3 concept done right. Perhaps this one will sell better."

It would be a good trick to sell better seeing as LRNA sales are up 23% YTD (102% July '05 vs July 04) largely based on the sales of the LR3.

http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=54083

Anyway, a LR based on the same platform as the Focus without 4WD is dissapointing- but anything LR can do to move the metal thus generating more revenue to invest in a 2008 NAS Defender is ok with me.

I still think the thing looks like an Xterra.

Cheers,

Ted
 
R

Rocky

Well-known member
Apr 23, 2004
2,180
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Red Sox Nation
Advanced robots spearhead new Freelander production

ABB has won a contract from the Ford Motor Company?s Premier Automotive Group for the supply of six-axis robots for a new manufacturing project at the Halewood plant.

ABB will supply more than 200 of the powerful new IRB 6600 and its heavyweight counterpart the IRB 7600, to support the build of the Next Generation Land Rover Freelander, which goes into production at the Halewood plant in 2006.

The new Freelander programme marks a departure for Land Rover from its traditional home at Solihull, West Midlands, to the Halewood, Merseyside, plant, which is probably best known as the manufacturing centre for the Jaguar X-TYPE.

Some 226 new robots are to be supplied, which complement a further 24 refurbished IRB 6000 robots relocated from the Solihull plant. All the robots will be used for spot welding and mechanical handling applications. ABB will also provide pre-engineering support on the project.

Source: http://www.abb.co.uk
 
SCSL

SCSL

Well-known member
Apr 27, 2005
4,144
152
V22Guy said:
The de-evolution continues......
Click to expand...

Yeah but it's got a fully integrated satellite emergency system,,so you can have sushi delivered to your car.
 
A

appstatedisco

Guest
"Land Rover driving dress wearing Southern Mississippi girl!"

Are you married yet? lol. That may be the most attractive phrase I've ever heard, lol.


- Love, AppStateDisco.
 
R

Rocky

Well-known member
Apr 23, 2004
2,180
7
Red Sox Nation
2007 Diesel Freelanders will be equipped with a new 2.2 liter 4 cylinder producing 155BHP and 168BHP outputs, both with 294lb ft of torque.

- 154BHP unit will have a single turbo. The 168HP unit will have two small turbos, one being used at lower speeds, and the second used to boost performance and higher speeds.

I guess with this type of power from a 2.2 litre, the need for a 2.7 litre might not be so great. I get a feeling the 2.2 units might be enough.
 
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