RANGE ROVER HISTORY
It's been 50 years since the first Range Rover was revealed, but the story goes back even further. During the mid 1960s, in a bid to revolutionise the growing 4x4 leisure market, the Rover car company's engineering chief for new vehicle projects, Charles Spencer King, hatched a plan to combine the comfort and on-road ability of a Rover saloon with the off-road ability of a Land Rover.
Development of the first 100-inch station wagon prototype began during the late 1960s, and was released to the world's media to critical acclaim in 1970. Its blend of ability ensured its instant popularity. The original Classic model was cited as an 'exemplary work of industrial design' when it became the first vehicle to be displayed at the Louvre Museum in 1971.
The first generation Range Rover (1970-1996) was only available as a two door, and during its 26-year lifespan the Classic continued to evolve with the introduction of the four-door model in 1981 and an automatic gearbox in 1982. The first diesel Range Rover arrived in 1986.
The second generation Range Rover known as the P38A arrived in 1994 and was instantly recognisable thanks to its familiar silhouette, floating roof, clamshell bonnet, practical split tailgate and
continuous waistline; all of which continue to this day. With an even more luxurious interior, it also featured enhanced heightadjustable suspension and provided greater performance variants than ever before.
The third generation Range Rover (2001-2012) delivered a wealth of improvements on all predecessors during its 11-year period. Engineering innovations included a stiffer monocoque body and fully independent suspension with interconnected air springs at a time when nearly all 4x4s had rigid axles. The interiors of these vehicles were inspired by high-end yachts, fine furniture and first-class airline seats, providing more space and luxury.
In 2012, the fourth generation and most recent Range Rover debuted as the first SUV to feature lightweight allaluminium construction, 420kg lighter than before. Featuring a wealth of new off-road innovations such as automatic all terrain response and progress control, it has evolved to include efficient new electrified Ingenium engines, a plug-in hybrid electric version and innovative infotainment and safety technologies.
For the last five years the Range Rover Svautobiography has been at the pinnacle of the model line-up, with the most powerful and refined vehicles in Range Rover's history. Produced by Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations division, customers can also choose from the Range Rover Svautobiography and Svautobiography Dynamic fitted with powerful V8 engines and finely crafted cabins.
very low trim angles of between 2 and 2.8 degrees. As speed increases, the hull gradually rises out of the water, maintaining a nearly horizontal attitude at all times.
There is no hump coming on plane whatever the speed, be it as low as 5 knots or up to the boat’s maximum speed. Due to its extremely low centre of gravity, this boat is tremendously stable while cruising and at rest. Like its bigger siblings, the Hermes Speedster demonstrates an unbelievable average consumption of 5.5L/h. Claiming once again the title of “The most efficient production boat in the world”.