The Range Rover gains an all-new TDV8 diesel engine for the 2007 model year. The new engine increases maximum power by more than 50%, to 272 bhp, compared with the outgoing straight-six diesel’s 177. It cuts the SUV�s 0-60 mph figure by over four seconds, but has the same fuel economy as the outgoing diesel (25.1 mpg combined average). The new engine is matched to the six-speed ZF �intelligent shift� automatic transmission already used on gasoline Range Rover models.

Added technologies in the 2007 range include Land Rover�s Terrain Response drive control system, an electronic park brake and electronic rear �e� differential. The vehicle�s cabin gains extra storage, different finishes and more effective air-conditioning, and the option of cooled front seats.

It’s a great time to be a fuel-wise ‘baller or pimp, I guess…because let’s face it. Those of us worried about the rising price of fuel are in no place to afford a rig like this, unfortunately.

Well, they’re at it again.

Land Rover outfitted a bunch of rigs and asked if there were any crazy people handy who’d maybe like to “drive” them part way around the Earth…

Back in the day it was known as the Camel Trophy - today, it’s G4.

No matter the name, it’s some of the most intense offroading you’ve ever seen, and it’s a cinch you’ve never had to deal with the things these guys encounter.

Often times the route planners simply state, “We’d like to go from here to there” and draw a line on a map. That then becomes the route. No road? No matter. The Landies can certainly handle the slogging provided the team is up to the challenge. Rivers, deep mud, bugs, trees are daily obstacles…every day…for months…think of that next time you’re sitting on a Sunday trail ride waiting for one Jeep to get winched out of a ditch.

If you’ve ever wondered who the best offroad drivers in the world are, now’s your chance to see them in action…

The following nations will be represented during the 2006 Land Rover G4 Challenge:

Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile & Costa Rica, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Russia, Taiwan, Turkey and United Kingdom.

Damn, why doesn’t Jeep do something like this?

A bunch of links:

G4 Challenge Home Page
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Is this really a challenge?
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Vehicles and specs
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It seems Land Rover is eyeing the North American market again for 2007/2008. They aim to simplify their manufacturing processes and bring a SWB variant to market here.

Though there is no current plan for a V8 option in the SWB model, the new Defender should still be a capable offroad performer. Reports are that the next Defender will use Land Rover’s new T5 platform architecture, the same body-on-chassis platform used for the new Discovery 3 / LR3.

Great news for Landie fans, and possibly some stiff competition for Jeep if Ford can keep the Landie’s prices in check. Offering only Ford-based V-6 engine options should help, even though most fans of the marque want to see a diesel here, sooner, rather than later. Europe gets one, why not us?

Here’s some of the article:

It appears the rumors are true: The legendary Land Rover Defender will be re-introduced to the North American market in 2007 (as a 2008 model).

More good news: Short-wheelbase, long-wheelbase, and…

Read the full article after the jump. (Opens a new window)