With a multitude of functions mentioned on the official website, it’s no wonder that it’s been much anticipated.

Technology

With the possibility of an optional 12.3” Interactive Driver Display, controlling your media options has been made easier. In addition, you can easily make and receive calls with three view options of Single Dial, Dual Dial, and Extended. The steering wheel has hidden-until-lit switches, which reduces the number of visible controls for a smooth look. These controls work in combination with the Interactive Driver Display to aid in reducing driver distraction.

With rear seat entertainment, the backseat passengers are sure to be entertained on long journeys. The seats have two 8” screens that play TV channels including digital, movies, and can be connected to tablets, smartphones, or other devices through their HDMI, Mobile High-Definition Link, and two USB 3.0 ports.

Controlling the entertainment system is the InControl feature, which provides the additional navigation pro and Pro Services with 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot for extra convenience. Furthermore, you can have a remote multi-function app to locate, lock, and unlock your Range Rover Velar.

Design

The Range Rover Velar has a lightweight aluminium architecture that has been specifically designed and manufactured for strength, safety, and efficiency in mind. With a high-density dampening panels and high-strength alloy sides incorporated, weight is reduced with the rear dynamic stiffening brace without conceding on safety.

Range Rover has also integrated an Ingenium engine into their design, which is a state-of-the-art technological marvel with more power and fuel efficiency. This engine makes use of the Continuous Inlet Variable Valve Lift system, allowing for less CO2 emissions.

Performance

With Roll Stability Control and Dynamic Stability Control, the Range Rover Velar has a decreased rollover probability. The vehicle adds the capability of steering around obstacles or other drivers easily, while monitoring the motion and the cornering forces. The system then applies braking on the outside of the front wheel, reducing the forces that decrease vehicle stability.

Reacting to your driving and to the road, the adaptive dynamics in this vehicle allow for the best possible control and smooth ride by monitoring movements approximately 500 times per second. Working with the Intelligent Driveline Dynamics, the Torque Vectoring helps to balance the engine torque on all four wheels.

Providing extra comfort and convenience, the Range Rover Velar can have from 632 litres (five seats) and up to 1,690 litres (two seats) of space depending on the seat configuration. With options including four or three seats, you are sure to find a vehicle that fits you and your family’s needs exactly. The Range Rover Velar also has an Activity Key – a bracelet which allows you to have an active life without carrying a key fob around, with waterproof and a resistant material.

Are you excited about this new Range Rover Velar model?

The Beginning of the Bollinger B1  

As an introduction to the Bollinger B1, the company describes it as a clean sheet design which uses an aluminium architecture to keep the weight low (this is one of the main worries of electric vehicles). They are also claiming that the trucks weight is distributed 50/50 which could play as an advantage for off-roaders and 4 x 4 drivers.

It does remind us quite a lot of the Electric Land Rover Defender prototype, which was unveiled in 2013, however, unlike the British Built Land Rover, the Bollinger has been fully designed and engineered in America.

Talk that Torque

Although the vehicle will be powered through electrics, a motor will be on each axle, which combined gives an output of 326bhp and 640Nm of torque. As with its dual motor set up, it may come out on top as a popular model, such as other electronic models of long-range previously have done: much like the Tesla Model S and X, which also have two motors.

Power on Power

This variant of the Bollinger B1 will offer two battery options: a 60kWh model (estimated 120 miles) while there is a larger 100kWh model which will go for around 200 miles. Who said electric means restricted mileage? Although battery quality and power does lag over time, hopefully in a few years, the technology used will be improved.

The vehicle will have a charging port on its left front fender, and a quick charging port on the right fender, and the battery (100kWh) could be fully charged in 75 minutes.

Speed for Electrics

The trucks 0-60mph is around 4.5 seconds with a whopping top speed of 127mph. Although the recommended payload is 6,100 pounds, the curb weight is 3,900 pounds while the gross vehicle weight rating is 10,000 pounds. The weight ratings put the vehicle in as a class 3 commercial truck, which also reduces regulatory requirements.

What’s Next?

Bollinger say it’s much too early in the process to announce any pricing, however they did tell us that they will be beginning to take deposits for the vehicle by early 2018. Once they have a site for production in mind and subsequently secured, they said that deliveries could start as early as 19 months after. Any sales and services will be handled by Bollinger directly but they do hope to get some retail locations in major cities as soon as they can.

An electric car not only offers minimal maintenance and cheap running, it is also much better for the environment, and your health. Combining these factors with other innovative features is what makes the Bollinger B1 so exceptional.

Here at CWS we are always keeping up to date with the vehicles on the 4 x 4 scene, and like to keep our customers in the know. If you would like to know more information regarding our parts or our vehicles for sale, you can get in touch with us through our simple to complete contact form. We look forward to talking to a fellow 4 x 4 driver or hobbyist.

So, what is so monumental about this 48-years of achievement and innovation in the auto industry?

History

Beginning life as the Rover Company, the original company experimented for many years before hitting the golden formula with the original Land Rover Series. During the early production of the Range Rover, the details of the model were veiled in utmost secrecy. So much so that twenty-six models were produced under the name Velar to test the capabilities of the car without competitors realising quite what Range Rover was trying to achieve. It even went so far as Velar being registered as its own company in London by 1969.

The launch of the Range Rover officially was met with great enthusiasm. However, America would not officially get these vehicles until 1987 and often Range Rovers were obtained through the grey market there.

However, the subsequent worldwide success of the vehicles meant that Land Rover has skyrocketed to one of the best luxury car brands in the world.

Anniversary

Pioneering design and engineering for nearly five decades deserves a considerable amount of celebration. In this case, a showcase demonstrating the evolution of the vehicle series as a whole. Key dates in the Land Rover story have been picked out to showcase the best of past 48 years.

Key dates include the prototypes series Velar’s development in 1969, to the development of the Range Rover Classic in 1981 and to the modern development of the SVAutobiography in 2015 and 2016. With nearly 2 million sales across these 48 years, the 4×4 as a vehicle class has been shaped and evolved by Land Rovers innovative thinking that they have showcased in this video.

At CWS 4×4, we specialise in providing 4×4 parts for your Land Rover, Range Rover, and Discovery. If you want to know more about the products we can provide, then please don’t hesitate to contact us today on 01458 834930 and we will be more than happy to help.

So, what are some of the best world records that the lauded Land Rover has set in recent years?

Tower Lego Bridge

For anyone who lives or has ever been to London, Tower Bridge will not be an unfamiliar sight. Built between 1886 and 1894, it is as ingrained in the history of London as any of the castles and an important landmark. It was this iconic landmark that Land Rover chose to use in order to set a new – interesting – world record. Though not in the way that you may think…

Land Rover chose to recreate Tower Bridge in, wait for it, LEGO™. That’s right, the children’s toy that is as likely to destroy your foot as it is to create an architectural delight. The thirteen-metre structure is the Largest Lego Structure ever made (using the most bricks) and it involved 5,805,846 individual brick pieces. The previous record was under 500,000 bricks and so this record only beat it massively.

To add a little flare to the record, Land Rover had Bear Grylls – famed urine drinker – abseiled down from the top of the Lego™ and through the drawbridge. He landed next to the new Land Rover Discovery, the reason behind the construction of the replica; two of which were situated on top of the plastic structure itself. With a little bit of inspiration, a lot of determination and a Land Rover for the scale you can truly achieve anything!

Procession of Rovers 

516. That is the number of Land Rovers that took part in the largest parade of cars in 2014. A feat achieved in Portugal, it was a result of the Iberian Land Rover Gathering which takes place bi-annually, taking the parade through the city of Gouveia.

Land Rovers that are large, small, black, red, green and many more variations all took part in this event. It was a sight to warm the cockles of any Land Rover lover!

10,000 Miles in 10 Days

London to Cape Town sounds like a long journey, and it is. 10,000 miles of road and sea, it’s not a trip for the faint-hearted as two Land Rover enthusiasts discovered in late 2013. Driving the British Land Rover Discovery, they left on the 4^th October and arrived at their destination 14^th October. They managed this even in spite of the heavy rain and storms that they encountered along the way.

This is a far-removed achievement compared to the original winners of the world record as far back as 1933, who traversed London to Cape Town in 158 days. Of course, they were only driving a Morris Eight convertible at the time. No doubt they would have done it much faster in a Land Rover!

Ready to set your own record in a stunning Land Rover? Then feel free to check out our sales page, here at CWS we’re happy to set you on the path to record-setting glory! Simply call 01458 834930 for more information!

They are popular for their four-wheel drive models, such as the Defender, the Range Rover series, and the Freelander. But there is one type of Land Rover that has shaped the way that we view off-road vehicles and the countryside environment – the Land Rover Discovery.

It is an incredibly popular type of SUV, with the latest model awaiting its launch in 2017, but how much do you know about the history of this iconic vehicle?

Back to the Glory Days

The first Land Rover Discovery, known as the Series I or the 1, was introduced to the UK market in late 1989. The Discovery was based on the chassis and drivetrain of the Range Rover, but was much more affordable, meaning that it could be targeted at a larger demographic, especially with the competition against Japanese car manufacturers.

The Discovery 1 was incredibly popular up until 1998 when the Discovery 2 was launched. The Discovery 2 had a makeover based on its predecessor, making it more family friendly but also managed to be one of the best SUVs available on the market.

It’s now 2017 and we have seen various types of Discovery, with the Discovery 3 taking over the Discovery line from 2004 to 2009, and the Discovery 4 from 2009 to 2016. Late last year, it was announced that the Discovery 5 would be available in the UK in spring 2017. This new model has the predominant focus of fuel economy, while also maintaining its off-road capabilities.

Special Types of Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery, throughout the years, has been one of the most influential vehicles to hit the global market. As such, there are also some special variations of the standard Land Rover Discovery that are used in different scenarios.

One engineering company known as SC Group, or Supacat Limited, offer two vehicles that are based on the Discovery 4. One of them is a standard Discovery 4 that is converted into a six-wheel drive vehicle that is specifically used for emergency purposes.

The second vehicle is a light reconnaissance vehicle, or an LRV, that is an open lightweight version of the Land Rover Defender. However, the latest version, known as the Mk2, is based on a Discovery 4. Finally, Land Rover themselves offer a less well-known armoured version of the Discovery 4 known as the Sentinel; it’s so secretive that Jaguar Land Rover have even stated that it is indistinguishable from the standard Discovery 4.

Land Rover are a well-established manufacturing company that have provided the world with some of the best SUVs, which is why it is important to take care of your Land Rover. At CWS 4×4, we can provide spare parts for your Land Rover Discovery if you are ever in need of some; whether you need traditional spare parts or even a spare engine, then we are here to help.

If you want to know more about what we can provide for your Discovery or any other Land Rover vehicle series, then please contact us today on 01458 834930 and we will be more than happy to help.

The model, which is due to be released fully in spring 2017, is said to be set to retaining around 59% of its value over 3 years or 36,000 miles. This means a fantastic deal should be heading our way, with unbeatable finance offers on the new car for people looking to buy.

What Is Different About the New Model?

With so many variants of the Discovery model being released, what is so different about this model that is making it retain so much of its value?

With three rows of comfortable, full-sized seating available, there’s more than enough room for seven passengers to enjoy a comfortable journey in the latest instalment in the Discovery collection.

What’s more, these seats can be configured from your smart phone – implementing the first remote Intelligent Seat Fold technology. That’s right, you can move your seating and adapt it for you needs from your home!

A Safe Family Ride

Safety has been always been something that Land Rover have been dedicated to ever since the brand began – and the new Discovery is no different.

With countless pieces of semi-autonomous safety technology installed in the vehicle, drivers will be able to have peace of mind that both they and their passengers are safe while travelling – even on rough terrain, thanks to the architecture of the vehicle which has been perfected over many years.

There’s also plenty of storage space; up to 2,500 litres of luggage space with some of the storage space being specifically designed and placed to aid the needs and requirements of a 21^st Century family.

With USB ports, charging points and an in-car 3G WiFi hotspot that can connect up to eight devices, this new Discovery model is really bringing the family back together and making it possible to go about daily life – no matter what that may entail!

The Leading Residual Values

The figures which show that the new Land Rover Discover is leading the residual values race comes from CAP – a leading expert in the automotive industry. With many benefits to this new car, including the points we made above, it looks like the Discovery is set to become a firm favourite here in the UK when it launches.

With a heavy focus on reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, it means that buyers will be getting a lot more for their money while paying less than other buyers who purchase similar cars.

The Managing Director for Jaguar Land Rover here in the UK, Jeremy Hicks, has high hopes for the new model.

“The new Discovery is already proving to be immensely competitive against the established competition. High residuals and reduced running costs mean that Discovery customers can enjoy all the improved benefits over the outgoing Discovery and its peers for less.”

Here at CWS 4×4, we’re excited to see these new models hitting the roads next spring! If you’re an owner of a 4×4 and are in serious need of some spare parts for your vehicle, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today – we’ll be more than happy to help you!

But have you ever wondered how a 4×4 system works? Well, we can safely say that it’s a little more in-depth than standard two wheel drive, or 2WD, systems.

Essential Parts to a 4×4 System

When it comes to a 4×4 system, there are a couple of important parts that you need to know about;

• The engine
• The transmission
• The drivetrain

The engine is responsible for providing the power to the rest of the vehicle. It does this through a series of complex processes that follow thermodynamic laws. The transmission, also known as the gearbox, is responsible for controlling the power that is generated by the engine.

If you change from first gear to second gear, and so on, then the transmission is the key component of that process. The drivetrain is used to connect the transmission to the drive axles and it is used to split the power from the engine to the different wheels.

How Does Four Wheel Drive Work?

In a nutshell, the main aspect of four wheel drive, or 4WD, is to split the power from the transmission to the front and rear wheels via a set of gears known as a transfer case.

When it comes to 4WD, there are two important types; part time 4WD and full time 4WD. In part time 4WD, the transfer case has a low and high gear setting, meaning that the driver is able to change the overall gearing of the vehicle, which is important when you are wanting to change the amount of torque your vehicle is using. For a high amount of torque, then a low gear setting is required and vice versa.

Part Time 4WD

One important aspect of part time 4WD is that the driver is able to switch between 2WD and 4WD, depending on the terrain that you are driving on. The benefit of part-time 4WD is that it can provide great traction when you are driving off road. However, the downside to this is that the four wheels all rotate at the same speed, which is good for straight roads but bad for curved ones.

On curved roads, the front wheels rotate faster than the rear wheels but because this cannot happen, it means that transmission wind-up and understeering can occur in the back wheels.

Full Time 4WD

The difference between the two types of 4WD is that, with full time 4WD, you cannot switch between 2WD and 4WD and there is a centre differential on the main axle that can adjust the different tyre speeds.

Maintaining your vehicle is essential, especially if you like to go off road or you are wanting to go on an adventure with your family or friends. If you are in need of some spare parts, whether that be a gearbox or any other essential part, then we can help you out. Make sure to contact us today and we will be more than happy to help.

That’s because there are a lot of fresh ideas in the next model of the iconic 4×4, including advanced technology for driver assistance, as well as an aluminium construction which slashes a remarkable 1,000lb off the vehicle weight.

Made of Tough Stuff

Don’t let the new lightweight form of the Land Rover Discovery fool you into thinking we’ll be introduced to a model that has settled for half measures. On the contrary, the towing capacity has been upped to 8,201lb, coupled with an advanced tow assist that promises to make reversing even easier. Under the hood lies a 340hp, supercharged, 3.0 litre, V-6 engine, and you can expect a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox. With the diesel engine also available, 254hp delivers 443lb-ft of torque from 1,750rpm.

A World Apart

The reason the 2017 Land Rover Discovery threatens to redefine the SUV can be found in the wide array of extras and innovations you can look forward to inside the vehicle.

The seven full size adult seats are configurable from your smart phone, be it an Android or Apple, and a total of nine USB ports, six charging points, as well as a 3G in vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot that can support up to eight users mean that your car can become a moving hub for powering, storing and playing your devices.

There is even a dynamic design pack available, which allows you to ‘pimp’ the 2017 Land Rover Discovery, for which parts will be available from CWS 4×4, with a sporty steering wheel and leather upholstery.

The Dynamic Design Pack adds leather upholstery and sporty steering wheel and pedals. It can all be controlled from the fabulous nerve centre known as the Land Rover InControl Touch Pro infotainment system which includes a 10-inch touch screen. To say the 2017 Land Rover Discovery is life changing might be stretching it a bit, but it certainly has the capability to revolutionise your daily journeys.

The history of the Land Rover is a rich and vast one, dedicated to high quality, precision and creating the perfect vehicle for off-roading. With almost 70 years in the industry, Land Rover has truly distinguished itself as one of the best brands in the world, with many more years ahead to continue making history.

Added Technology for General Use

Now incorporating Blind Spot Assist and Intelligent Speed Limiter into its range of technological features, the 2017 Range Rover Sport also comes with Advanced Tow Assist – an amazing bit of kit that allows drivers to dial in where a trailer or caravan needs to go (using the car’s rear cameras and Terrain Response 2 knob) in order for the Sport to automatically steer it there.

With only the need to operate the pedals, driving the new Range Rover Sport is an elegant experience that is sure to delight even Land Rover veterans.

Added Technology for Improved Off-Road Use

Here at CWS 4×4, we’re more interested in the added benefits the 2017 model brings to off-road experiences. With new technology to make trips off the beaten path go far more smoothly, Land Rover have really gone above and beyond with their latest Sport release.

Featuring low traction control that helps to pull the whole car from slippery or loose surfaces, the 2017 Sport is more equipped than ever to handle being driven on gravel or in snow; limiting the amount of torque that the engine sends to its drive wheels, the new Range Rover Sport won’t wheel spin in these conditions – perfect for when you’re stuck up the side of a mountain!

Upgraded for the 2017 release, the All-Terrain Info Centre that can be found on all Range Rover Sports has seen some improvements, too, all of which help make for a better off-roading trip. Now displaying slope assist engagement, wheel status and vehicle geometry, Land Rover has designed this model with the aim of taking some of the guesswork out of driving on unknown terrains, allowing you to push this vehicle to new extremes in confidence.

If you’re looking for more information on the Range Rover Sport, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at CWS 4×4.