Land Rover's flagship gains a new top-line model and an optional interior upgrade package for 2004. This Range Rover was developed by BMW, which sold Land Rover to Ford in 2000. It uses a modified version of the V8 found in BMW's X5 and a 5-speed automatic transmission with separate gate for manual shifting. An antiskid/traction-control system is standard, as is hill descent control to limit speed on steep descents in forward or reverse. The all-wheel-drive system can access low-range gearing "on the fly" at low speeds. ABS and height-adjustable air-spring suspension are standard, as are front torso side airbags and front and rear head-protecting tubular side airbags. The tailgate is a 2-piece clamshell design, and 19-inch wheels are standard. Range Rover comes in HSE trim and as the new Westminster LE model. Limited to 450 vehicles, Westminsters come with exclusive pearlescent black paint and ebony wood interior trim, and include as standard heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, black leather upholstery, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and rear cargo net. The heated front and rear seats and steering wheel are included with an integrated ski bag as an option package on HSE. These items are also part of the new HSE Luxury Interior Package, which adds 14-way adjustable power seats (vs. standard 12 way) and additional leather trim. All Range Rovers come with front/rear-obstacle warning and a navigation system.
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The 2005 Range Rover reportedly swaps BMW power for a retuned version of the 4.2-liter V8 from Jaguar, which is part of Ford like Land Rover. Horsepower should check in at 300-320 and be delivered through the 6-speed automatic Jaguar uses instead of the current 5-speed. A supercharged option with up to 370 hp is being whispered, but it's not a sure thing yet.
We are sure of the new "Range Rover Sport" expected in spring 2005, likely as an early '06 model and perhaps with a different name. Known as L320 inside Land Rover, it's built on a cut-down version of the new "T5" body-on-chassis platform that premieres with the redesigned 2005 Discovery. The Sport should look much like the recent sleek Range Stormer concept, but with four conventional doors instead of two wowie "beetle-wings." Wheelbase should be around 106 inches for an overall package sized roughly halfway between the Discovery and Range Rover. Price should be closer to the "Rangie's," however. One British source implies the supercharged Jaguar V8 will be the only Sport engine, but we'd expect a normal V8 too. Look for standard 6-speed automatic, all-independent air suspension, big wheels and tires, a luxury-equipped 5-seat cabin, and a full complement of electronic wizards. The last should include Land Rover's new "Terrain Response" system with six driver-selectable settings that allow tailoring the operation of powertrain and brakes to various on- and off-road conditions.