P38 Range Rover

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Category: P38 Range Rover

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The P38a Range Rover 1994 - 2002

Such was the worry over replacing the original Range Rover that it continued in production for some time after its replacement, the P38a Pegasus Range Rover model was launched, in September 1994.

The designers had a tough challenge, the "Classic" (as it was now called) Range Rover being a difficult act to follow. Since the Range Rover had moved well up-market from its original marketing concept, there was an effort to position the new vehicle as more attractive to the prospective Jaguar, BMW or Mercedes buyer, while retaining class-leading off-road abilities.

The Range Rover design team considered a wide range of more daring designs, but evidently saw the buyer as very traditional and the resulting body shape was possibly a little bit bland. However the new shape did retain certain styling cues from the older design, such as the castellated bonnet and the black "C" pillars. The newer version had an extremely low drag coefficient and much lower wind noise, making it a superb high speed cruiser with a top speed of 111 mph for the 4.0 SE and over 120 for the 4.6 HSE. A diesel option was offered in the shape of the BMW 2.5 TDS engine.

The P38 body is more spacious than the Classic, and retains the much-loved rear tailgate arrangement. The spare tyre is repositioned under the load space, while the fuel tank is moved to a less vulnerable position forward of the rear axle. There is even a glove compartment and drink holders.

While sharing few components, the redesigned model bore considerable mechanical resemblance to the Classic. The steel box section chassis was even stronger and heavier. The 108 inch wheelbase was the same as the earlier Range Rover LSE, and aluminium body panels were used. The engine was still the Buick designed aluminium pushrod V8, available initially in 3.9 litre, then 4 litre or 4.6 litre versions but it was reworked in many details, improving strength and longevity and providing 4-coil distributorless ignition.

For 1999 models, an improved Bosch engine management system combined with a revised intake design gave a slight torque increase. Even more smooth running than the old engine, it was renamed the 4.0 to distinguish it from the older design 3.9 of identical displacement. It produced slightly more power and torque, which was needed to propel the increased weight. The HSE model used a stroked 4.6 litre version of the same engine.

The electronically adjustable air suspension designed into the P38 model is similar to that on the Classic LSE models, which in retrospect can be seen partly as a test bed for the redesign. Vehicle height can be raised and lowered over a 5-inch plus range. In the lowest 'access mode' setting, the suspension is grounded almost to the bump stops. 'Normal' height is only occasionally used, because at highway speeds the body lowers itself an inch below normal to increase stability. When venturing off-road, high profile can be selected for an instant 1.6 inch lift above 'normal'. Finally, there is an "extended profile" in which the system's computer senses that the body is grounded and pushes the wheels down even further until they find terra firma to extricate the vehicle, saving the owner the indignity of having a Range Rover rescued by some lesser vehicle.

The transmission was upgraded to an electrically shifted unit controlled by its own computer (ECU). The controls employ a novel "H" gate shift pattern, eliminating the need for a separate hi-lo range shifter. In low range, a button allows you to operate it as a true manual gearbox, locking it in any chosen gear. (In high range the same button selects "sport" mode for faster acceleration). 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.

Standard electronic sophistication and luxury features on the P38 model were far ahead of anything offered, even as options, by other manufacturers at that time. Aside from the usual luxury car features like dual zone totally automatic climate control, an 11 speaker, 6 disk sound system with steering wheel controls, and lighted driver's and passenger's vanity mirrors, the Range Rover P38 had pollen filters, heated 10-way adjustable power front seats (including power operated headrests and lumbar support adjustment), heated windshield, heated washer jets, power headlamp washers and wipers, rear view mirrors that are heated and tilt down automatically when reverse is selected, power one-touch (open and close) anti-trap windows and moon roof, a 150-function message centre with trip computer, and many other thoughtful amenities to make the journey though punishing terrain even more relaxing than it was in the Classic model. Fortunately, the puddle lamps were retained under the doors so you can see what kind of terrain you are stepping into when you reluctantly leave the luxury of the cabin.

P38 Range Rover pictures

P38 Range Rover.

P38 Range Rover.

P38 Range Rover.

Modified P38 Range Rover.

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