manoftaste
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- Sep 18, 2006
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I completely agree. My sentiments exactly! At least keep some model that is classic Land Rover.
We have seen some news about Land Rover going with three platforms, each catering to a different segment (wasn't one of them capability?), but I don't think they are going to have a Land Rover product that us purists/enthusiasts will be trading in our older rigs to buy. I love my 2013 LR4, and I likely plan to keep it long-term (reliability willing). I just would not be happy with a new Range Rover or Range Rover Sport. The 2014 LR4 hasn't changed much, but you can see the softer direction they are going and the catering to the masses. Don't get me wrong, I can see why Land Rover/Jaguar (Tata) is changing their game a bit from the old generation Land Rovers, as they are strategically catering to the people who buy Land Rovers right now. They could not make a living making a product just for "us". With that said, I do hope they at least hold onto some form of classic Land Rover capability and style amidst their future line up.
Depending on the future line up and look of the "Discovery" in a few years, I'd likely get a nicely restored Defender or just jump ship and get a Mercedes G wagon (as long as they don't make it look like a variant of the ML). I want a box on wheels.
For now, I'll stick with my 2013 LR4 and continue to customize.
Happy Holidays!
Regards, David
I heard/read somewhere (i think it was review/comparison between the new range rover and G wagon, on youtube) that the story with the G-Wagon was that Mercedes had decided to pull the plug but there was quite a bit out cry from owners out there and they decided to continue the model.
I am a big fan of LR's current integrated body-frame and it's benefits both on and off road, its a perfect combination, would hate to see it go, no other SUV can claim that design. Really as of now the lexus 570 has no contender in terms of combination of luxury, comfort, 7-seats, off-raod ability, and smooth highway ride. But LR4 beats it in many ways except the upgraded lexus material/fit/finish quality (which Range Rover does have). if LR upgraded the LR4's interior fit, finish, and material quality up to the Range Rover's level, added supercharge V8, and other things like Adaptive Dynamics suspension, acoustic laminated wind screen and window glass, etc, (and all this adding a bit more weight to make it close to 6000 pounds as lx-570) they would have a one hell of a contender for the 90k lexus-570. I for one would not mind spending that much for another LR flagship model in the form of LR4. The supercharge V8 would give LR4 an edge over lexus' 5.7 liter v8, and the adaptive dynamics suspension would offer Range Rover' comfortable ride quality as well has flatter corners. Range Rover itself is just not practical for me due lack of third row seats, less cargo, bare minimum 20 inch wheels, etc. How many times I have tried to build it online to see if I could somehow make it practical for my needs but it always falls short.
Yes, I want a box on wheels too, but a luxury box, a box that is a good of compromise in a subtle way for good dynamics for smooth/quiet freeway ride quality, which LR4 currently provides with perfect balance between more roomy boxy cabin vs some tapered/rounded body dynamics to deal with wind tunnel situations.
Every time I drive my LR4 on the freeway and hit above 70 or 80 mph, the thing is just smooth as hell giving me a feeling that I could step on it even more, up to 90 mph there is no stress at all in terms being aware of the steering etc. And all of that 5600 or 5700 pounds of weight keeps all four corners well planted on the surface even if its windy out.
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