L322 Range Rover
- Details
- Category: L322 Range Rover
- Last Updated on Monday, 25 July 2011 20:19
- Written by Site Admin
- Hits: 7702
L322 Range Rover 2002-Present
The third Range Rover model, representing only the second major design update in 32 years, was officially introduced to the world at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2002. The new model was developed during BMW's period of ownership of Land Rover from 1995 to 2001. The redesign was given a high priority by BMW, with a total "clean sheet" approach. The challenge was to update the on-road performance and handling from that of past Range Rovers to levels more competitive with contemporary luxury vehicles, while also improving on past Range Rovers' supreme off road abilities. The designers succeeded brilliantly in improving both on-road handling and off-road ride through the use of a highly innovative cross-coupled independent airbag suspension. The latest Range Rover is bigger, better looking, has a fantastic interior, is marginally faster, much more refined and of course even more luxurious than its predecessor.
Reassuringly, full attention was paid to off-road capabilities to ensure it is still the "king off road". Following the tradition of all Range Rovers to date, further innovation in suspension design is largely responsible for these remarkable dual personality capabilities. It is acknowledged that most buyers may never use its stupendous off road capabilities, but knowing the capability is there is the reason people will pay for a Range Rover.
The redesign continued the recent trend in this market segment towards larger vehicles, expanding the Range Rover's length by another 9.5 inches to 195 inches, providing a body as cavernous as a Toyota Land Cruiser. Wheelbase is increased by five inches from 108 to 113 inches. The use of modern monocoque construction techniques could not prevent a small weight gain.
The designers wished to avoid the main criticism levelled at the P38 body, that it erred on the side of blandness. Accordingly, the new shape, while very recognisably a Range Rover and similar to the P38, is more interesting. The new model borrows numerous design cues from the Classic Range Rover, including round headlights under a rectangular lens cover, more prominent castellations on the bonnet, a squarer top line & rear pillar, and the "floating" roof. (Rumour has it that Spen King, designer of the legendary Classic, has been consulted in the redesign). The large air vents that grace the sides of the front wings like shark gill slits provide the necessary engine bay cooling, so they are not just for show. The rear overhang slopes upwards for improved departure angle. The much-loved rear tailgate arrangement is again retained.
The interior is, as expected, luxurious, with every possible amenity, but with improved ergonomics and more intuitive controls for items like the windows. Sufficient genuine wood panelling is in evidence to exude the feeling of a prestigious club that only British cars can achieve.
Unlike the P38, the chassis, suspension and engine are complete breaks with the past. A monocoque design replaces the separate chassis and body. Don't get the idea, however, that this new technique has resulted in a lightweight version of the Range Rover, as it weighs approximately the same as a Bentley Arnage. The BMW 4.4 litre V8, borrowed from the 7-series BMW's, was given the unenviable task of powering this vehicle. The engine was modified in various ways to withstand the rigours of off-road use, including re-tuning for low speed torque, strengthening of the crankcase to mount the front differential, beefing up of drive belts, etc. Power output, in spite of its twin overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, is only moderately greater than the 4.6 litre version of the old Rover V8, but its wider torque band and 5 speed gearbox yield a modest boost in acceleration.
Like the previous model, the suspension has several height settings, and can be adjusted in similar fashion.
The transmission is still a ZF unit but now has the BMW Step-tonic function (called Command Shift in the Range Rover), allowing automatic or manual shifting. The transfer case has been upgraded to allow shifting into low range without coming to a halt. A new torque-sensing centre differential performs a similar duty to the viscous centre diff lock on previous models. The innovative electronic traction control system is retained, applying the brake to a spinning wheel so that torque is transferred to the wheel with the most grip. Hill Descent Control, which automatically and selectively applies the brakes on steep descents in such a way as to avoid wheel lockup, is borrowed from the Discovery to add to the vehicle's manageability on steep downhill grades.
2005 Model Update
Conscious of the need for more horsepower to keep up with the Range Rover's competitors, and reluctant to keep relying on BMW for power plants, Ford, the new corporate owners, presided over the adaptation of engines from Jaguar (also Ford-owned) for Land Rover use. A 4.4 litre, 300 hp version of the Jaguar 4.2 litre V8 was developed and first used in the new 2005 LR3/Discovery 3 model, temporarily giving it more power than the Range Rover. A premium model using a supercharged version of the Jag 4.2 litre V8 developing 400 horsepower was also introduced. Both engines are lightweight aluminium alloy units, with advanced torque-based engine management systems that, together with drive-by-wire throttle control and variable camshaft phasing (on the 4.4 litre version), continually adjust the engine to deliver optimum performance. Both the engines are specially adapted by Land Rover for better low speed torque characteristics, the ability to run at the extreme angles encountered off road, improved protection from dust and rocks, and improved sealing needed for wading.
The new engines are matched to the new 6 speed ZF HP26 unit also used in the Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport, with normal, sport, and manual shift modes. On the supercharged model, a "positive torque" feature is added to enhance gear changes. The transfer case, also shared with the Discovery, has an excellent low range ratio of 2.9 to 1 and an electronically controlled locking centre differential.
The supercharged models got their own special mesh-design front grille and power vents, 20-inch alloy wheels, plus special black-on-silver badges.
2006 June: Range Rover gains a Twin-turbo V8 diesel engine option, TDV8. The TDV6 option is later phased out.
2009 : Range Rover Refreshed
New corporate owners Tata continue to develop Range Rover, and introduce tweaks to the 2009 model. Front door seals have been improved to reduce road and wind noise. New colour and wheel options are available, and a new 'Autobiography' package is available.
The new Autobiography Package adds unmatched elegance to the Range Rover’s interior trim. All seat surfaces are upholstered with soft semi-aniline leather. The top of the instrument panel, sides of the center console, and top surfaces of the doors are also clad in leather. The wood panels in the Autobiography consist of 14 pieces located strategically throughout the interior to provide an especially luxurious appearance. The climate control system is upgraded to the full four-zone configuration and special climate controlled glass is fitted to help keep the interior cool and comfortable. The rear-seat entertainment system offered in Range Rovers is standard as part of the Autobiography Package, as well as an exclusive, unique Autobiography badge positioned on the tailgate.
L322 Range Rover pictures
L322 Range Rover.
The Range Rover was given an update for 2011 in preparation for it's replacement around 2013 by the L405 Range Rover.
If you can help us out with more information or pictures of the L322 Range Rover (maybe even yours?), please do so. You can contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Share this post
