Project Kahn Unwraps Range Rover RS500 with 500HP Cosworth-Tuned V8 Diesel

UK-based tuning firm Project Kahn has unleashed its latest creation based on the diesel-powered Land Rover Range Rover. The comprehensive tune covers both the interior and exterior styling as well as the 4.4-liter V8 diesel, courtesy of renowned engine tuner Cosworth.

On the outside, the Range Rover RS500 gets redesigned bumpers, the rear featuring a diffuser, lowered side skirts and a quad tail pipe exhaust system developed by Cosworth. Certain components are painted in silver and form a nic contrast with the black paintjob and tinted windows. The RS500 rides on 22-inch RSX alloys with a multi-spoke design.

Inside, bespoke black quilted leather with silver stitching wraps the seats, glove box and dashboard. There's also aluminum decor on the doorsills, center console, gear lever, air vents and steering wheel. Manufactured in Italy with original Land Rover parts, the new steering wheel has a motorsport-inspired contour and promises to offer a better grip.

The final piece of the RS500 puzzle is the Cosworth performance upgrade, which squeezes 500 horsepower out the 4.4-liter V8 diesel engine, up from the standard version's 313 hp and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque.

By Csaba Daradics

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Jaguar Reportedly Looking into the SUV Segment

According to UK magazine Autocar, Jaguar is considering the development of a crossover / SUV model, presumably to boost sales in Europe and the North America. While creating internal competition for Land Rover models, such as the Evoque, doesn’t sound like a good idea, the project has the backing of Jaguar boss Adrian Hallmark.

“We need a crossover and we need to stop being a saloon-based company”, he told Autocar. This gives the news some credibility, otherwise we might have been tempted to dismiss it as an empty rumor.

But what could determine Jaguar to make such a move? The first thing that comes to mind is economy of scale. Creating an entry-level crossover – if that’s what Jaguar aims for – wouldn’t cost the British automaker an arm and a leg. The Evoque can provide the base, at minimal expense.

With this out of the way, the problem of positioning the new model remains. The alleged Jaguar crossover would cost more and we're not sure if customers will be willing to fork out the extra cash. On the other hand, pricing it as a comparable Land Rover model would create unwanted internal competition.

However, there are success stories of once niche-manufactures embracing the crossover/SUV hype, most notably Porsche with the Cayenne. When it hit the market, much to the dismay of Porsche purists, no one predicted just how important the SUV would become for the German maker.

Today, the bulk of Porsche sales are made up by the Cayenne and, who knows, that could also be the case with Jaguar.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Autocar

Project Kahn Teases Ranger Rover Evoque Cosworth

Land Rover's newcomer won't be arriving in dealerships before the second half of 2011, yet the tuning industry is already rubbing its hands and making plans for the development of numerous sport packages for the Range Rover-badged Evoque. Project Kahn, known for its tinkered Land Rover proposals, has released this single teaser image of the Evoque 5d along with the information that the compact SUV will be powered by a Cosworth-prepped engine.

Apart from that, the British tuner didn't reveal anything else about the model, though it's probably safe to assume that Cosworth will work on the 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, which delivers 240-horsepower in stock form.

Source: Project Kahn , Via: Autoblog.nl

Land Rover Freelander 2 SD4 Sport Limited Edition 190HP Revealed at Bologna Show

A new limited version of the Freelander 2 was unveiled today at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy. Set to arrive in early 2011, the Freelander 2 SD4 Sport LE will be built in a limited run with the UK to receive 500 units priced from £33,945.

“The Freelander 2 SD4 Sport Limited Edition offers customers the practicality, performance and efficiency of our best-selling compact SUV with more dramatic, sporty styling and the overall package represents good value for money,” said Colin Green, managing director, Land Rover UK.

In a similar fashion to the Discovery 4 Landmark Special Edition, the Freelander 2 SD4 LE receives a front grille finished in black and shares two out of the three exterior color options with its bigger sibling, including the Fuji White and Santorini Black, joined by the all-new Firenze Red tone, shown in the pictures.

A discrete bodykit and 19-inch alloys improve the look of the car, while front and rear parking sensors are offered as standard. The interior can be clad either in Ebony Windsor or Ebony Napoli leather, with contrasting stitching or leather stripes. Parts of the dashboard have a Piano Black finish, complemented by new duo-tone floor mats.

The Limited Edition comes with a 190 hp 2.2-liter four-pot diesel, coupled to a six-speed automatic, capable of accelerating the car from standstill to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 8.7 seconds. Top speed is pegged at 118 mph (190 km/h).

Thanks to the Intelligent Power Management System (IPMS), the battery is charged by recovered kinetic energy whenever the vehicle is decelerating. The Freelander 2 Sport SD4 Limited Edition can run on 10% biodiesel and has CO2 emissions of 185 g/km.

By Csaba Daradics

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VIDEO: New Range Rover Evoque 5-Door Launch Film

Now that Land Rover has unleashed most of the details surrounding its new Range Rover Evoque 5-door, the British company is turning its attention on promoting the crossover model to the social media. Beginning from Wednesday, December 1st, the automaker will share a new animated film of the five-door Evoque on its official social media pages including Facebook. For those curious enough (or bored...) to want to take a look, follow the break for the official clip.

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Startech Shows Land Rover Defender 90 Yachting Edition at Essen

Cruising its way to the Essen Motor Show floors, is the sea-flavored Land Rover Defender 90 Yachting Edition, created by Brabus affiliate Startech. And while it ain't an amphibious off-roader, this Defender takes its styling inspiration from -you guessed it- maritime themes.

Finished in a bright white color, the Defender 90 Yachting Edition rolls on 16-inch alloys wrapped around in wider tires measuring 267/75 R16. Complementing the 4x4's looks are new running boards with integrated entrance lights that are activated via the keyless fob or by opening one of the doors, an SVX grille and body-colored headlight covers.

Greater emphasis has been given to the nautical-themed cabin. The crew of Startech's Defender are greeted by a yacht-like wood flooring and navy-blue leather with contrasting white stitching covering with the doors, dashboard, center console and Recaro sport seats. In addition, the shells of the seatbacks are painted white to match the exterior while the headliner is made from Alcantara finished in navy-blue.

A sport steering wheel, aluminum pedals and high-end infotainment system round up the interior appointments.

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