Originally Posted by
rmp
Here's some ideas, all from personal experience in a variety of LRs. PM me for more details if required:
1. Low-profile rims. No, no, no. On what planet does a 45 profile tyre operate well offroad? Offer 18, 19, even 20 and 21 inch rims if you must, but make all your vehicles avaialble with 17s, max. And I don't want to hear about the giant brake calipers necessitating those rims. You are clever engineers, build a braking system that doesn't require rims from a pimpmobile. This is a MAJOR problem with modern Land Rovers because it affects everything; puncture probability, ride, traction, ability to air down....even overheating on sand as has happened to me in one your finest vehicles.
2. Traction control. LR used to have the best. Now Toyota with the LC200 have stepped ahead and frankly it makes the Range Rover look very average indeed. Need to step up there and soon.
3. Parkbrake. Why can't you secure a D3 or RRS downhill? Because the parkbrake only works on the rear wheels, and the centre diff unlocks at rest. Hence, only two wheels are locked. Again, on this planet, you need all FOUR wheels locked.
4. Lowering the suspension at 40kmph. No, no, no. Come out here and I will demonstrate why auto-lower is a bad idea. Make it 100. And this leads me on to my next point.
5. Control. I'm a big fan of electronics and progress. I'm not a fan of giving up driver control. For example, while I think the electronics do a great job of deciding when the centre and rear diffs should be locked, there are times when I'll want to override. For example, just see Point 3 above. Oh and Point 4. Offroad driving is unpredictable. I've recovered a car by putting it into 2WD and deliberabtely wheelspining it around. I don't want any electronics deciding I can't be doing whatever I want with the car. Have them there by all means, and I understand the LR marketing with technology and how easy they are to use, but....give us the overrides too.
6. Reslience. When the eletronics decide something is wrong, give us information so we can make a call on it ourselves. You may well end killing a customer because he couldn't get his car over a dune as the engine was in limp mode, but he might have been willing to take the risk of engine damage by revving it. His choice, not yours.
Also on that subject make the electronics field-replaceable units. ECU died? Flick in another one. Yes, I know about the cost. But you did ask the question.
Air suspension; love it. But, make it inflatable with a normal compressor should the main one fail.
7. Defender. Take the swaybars off the 110 and throw them away. Our previous models didn't have them and I'd like to understand why LR feels the MY07 needs them. Then give it at least a rear locker and better traction control. The Defender is now embarrased offroad by the Wrangler, 76 and Hummer at least. You can't claim best-in-class offroad capability for it I'm afraid.
Now LR is doing a lot of stuff right with 4WDs. Retain the driving position, the squared-off bonnet, the throttle response, low-low range gearing, nice diesels, the sequential shift autos, HDC adjustable by cruise control, recovery points (oh, add them to Defender please), excellent traction control, and Terrain Response. Turning circle excellent on new vehicles. Dynamic Response also fantastic. Make it standard!
HDC needs to be even slower on all models I've ever driven. Let me show you some rocky downhills and you will agree.
Why is a rear locker not standard on the Vogue? C'mon, it would barely dent the profit margin, surely!
Those are some initial thoughts, hope it helps.
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