Tag Archives: Evoque

Range Rover Hybrid Smoothes Silk Trail

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McDonald Land Rover Silk Trail Expedition

Land Rover Silk Trail Expedition

Jaguar Land Rover’s 2013 Silk Trail 2013 Expedition is now just over half way through.

Demonstrating Land Rover’s legendary capability, its latest model, the Range Rover Hybrid is being put through its final engineering sign-off drive on a gruelling 9,950 mile endurance expedition.

The test, proving the new Range Rover Hybrid as the world’s most capable hybrid, set off from the home of Land Rover in Solihull, UK on August 22 and will travel overland for more than seven weeks through Europe, Russia and Asia to Mumbai, India – arriving on October 15.

Named after the famous trading route, this Silk Trail expedition should prove not only the continuation of Land Rover’s historic build quality and attention to off-road design details, but also show the company’s continued interest in sponsoring off-road challenges.

Perhaps for the new Defender model launch, a rebirth of the famous G4 challenge or even a re-branded Camel Trophy???

With 12 countries having the brand’s eco-credentials stamped on the border passes over 53 days, this tour sounds more hard-top than hard core, but there’s no denying the Range Rover’s ability when (as the trope has it) the going gets tough.

The Range Rover Hybrid and Range Rover Sport Hybrid go on sale across Europe on September 10, with first deliveries in early 2014.

The hybrid powertrain combines Land Rover’s 3-litre SDV6 turbo diesel engine with a 35kW electric motor integrated with the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.  Total output of the powertrain is 340PS and 700Nm torque, resulting in acceleration to 62mph (100km/h) in under seven seconds, a strong mid-range rush and a top speed of 135mph (218km/h).  The powertrain achieves a 26 percent reduction in CO2 emissions to 169g/km and records 44.1mpg (combined cycle).

Click here to visit the Jaguar Land Rover website and get the latest progress report from the team, plus videos and press releases on your favourite Of Road Brand.

www.mcdonaldlandrover.co.uk or see me on Google+

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This article was written by Rupert Astbury

Going Bush

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Having just seen this African tour company, we are reminded of how versatile and far-reaching is the Land Rover:

Bush Ways Safari

Bush Ways Safari Landrover

Bush Ways Safari Land Rover

All our vehicles are tough reliable Safari Land Rovers

B: All our customised safari vehicles are extra wide allowing for more seating space and have:
1 Folding windscreen,
2 Removable canvas roof,
3 Perspex windows for the cold and rain,
4 Fridge for cold beverages,
5 Folding side door,
6 Comfortable coil spring suspension,
7 120L water tank with tap
8 Open sides for unobstructed views.

Our trailers are also custom-built on Land Rover chassis:
9 Chair box for easy access,
10 Easy modular packing system – saves time,
11 Folding side table complete with full kitchen behind.

In the words of the Beach Boys, wouldn’t it be nice.

www.mcdonaldlandrover.co.uk or see me on Google+

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This article was written by Rupert Astbury

History R Us

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A quick post to pass on this gem of a blog. The titular book bears further reading (snikker):

They Found Our Engineer

The British Land Rover 4×4 has grown from 1948 to become one of the world’s leading automotive brands. Exactly how it all came together back in the late 1940s and early 50s has been the topic of interest and debate for many years. This was until two Australian enthusiasts, Michael Bishop and Alex Massey quite literally stumbled across senior member of the original Land Rover development team, Arthur Goddard living in Brisbane, Australia in 2009. The discovery led to many of the myths and tales surrounding the early vehicles to be heard as it happened from Arthur’s point of view. Then to a trip by Arthur to visit his old work place in Solihull and to the vehicle that he helped bring to life back in 1948. The book contains both a technical and human side to this incredible story as well as a great reunion between Arthur and his old colleague Spen King who went on to design the Range Rover in the 1960s. This is truly a unique story from the time of post War World two Britain to modern day Australia and how the iconic 4×4 grew up so quickly in the 1950s to become the world leader that it is today.

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www.mcdonaldlandrover.co.uk or see me on Google+

This article was written by Rupert Astbury

90″ BBQ

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Who can’t find a place in their heart for excellently-aimed nostalgia?

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www.mcdonaldlandrover.co.uk or see me on Google+

This article was written by Rupert Astbury

Another Jaguar Melts!

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Poor old Jaguar, it never rains but it pours. Following the incandescent appearance of Dick Van Dyke‘s Jag, some cock-a-knee geezer’s 24 carat carriage went all wobbly this week!

The BBC’s News Website reports;

Martin Lindsay parked his Jaguar on Eastcheap, in the City of London, on Thursday afternoon.

When he returned about two hours later, he found parts of his car – including the wing mirror and badge – had melted.

Mr Lindsay said he “could not believe” the damage. The developers have apologised and paid for repairs.

The 37-storey skyscraper at 20 Fenchurch Street, which has been nicknamed the “Walkie Talkie” because of its shape, is currently under construction…

McDonald Land Rover: Skyscraper melts Jaguar

Sky scraper melts Jaguar

…

“On the windscreen, there was a note from the construction company saying ‘your car’s buckled, could you give us a call?'”

In a joint statement, developers Land Securities and Canary Wharf said: “We are aware of concerns regarding the light reflecting from 20 Fenchurch Street and are looking into the matter.

“As a precautionary measure, the City of London has agreed to suspend three parking bays in the area which may be affected while we investigate the situation further.”

Mr Lindsay said the developers had apologised and agreed to sort out the £946 repair costs.

Whilst we’d all like to be in the shoes of Mr Lindsay, perhaps we’d like to stay out of his way when he parks.

News story from the BBC

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www.mcdonaldlandrover.co.uk or see me on Google+

 

This article was written by Rupert Astbury

How Many Land Rovers Are Left

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McDonald LandRover Series 2B

Land Rover Series 2B. Reverse Parking Optional

Have you ever wondered if you are the proud custodian of the only Series 2B still running on the road?

Is Grampy‘s Austin Princess in company or going the way of the dodo?

Well look no further than http://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/

How Many Left is a database and search engine of statistics about car, motorcycle and commercial vehicle models registered with the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the United Kingdom.

…The database covers all vehicles that have a valid tax disc or a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). It doesn’t cover cars that were off the road prior to the introduction of SORN, or cars that have never been registered on the road since manufacture.

Here’s an example of the PowerPoint-tastic data tables available to show just how important it is that you keep both of your ‘projects’, the one that works once you can find a transfer box that won’t cost you a kidney, and the P38 that’s slowly bankrupting you whilst making you feel like a god.

How Many 109s Graph

How Many 109s Are Left?

Enjoy.

McD

www.mcdonaldlandrover.co.uk or see me on Google+
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This article was written by Rupert Astbury

Dick Van Dyke’s Jaguar’s Really On Fire!

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No, we’re not kidding.

The gazelle-like super-annuated super-sleuth and mate of Mary Poppins has had a bit of a low-point on the highway.

According to the BBC’s news website:

87-year-old actor Dick Van Dyke has escaped unscathed after his car burst into flames on a freeway in the Los Angeles area.

Passers-by saw him seemingly slumped over in the driver’s seat on the shoulder of the Ventura freeway, but actually trying to make a phone call, Van Dyke said.

They “yanked me out of the car” before it went up in flames.

He said he had not realised the Jaguar was on fire.

Dick Van Dyke's Car's On Fire

Video of Dick Van Dyke’s Cooked Carriage

We wish Mr Van Dyke all the best, and would like to extend our best wishes to all other very-expensive-Jaguar drivers. No, we’re not bitter at all.

Look on the bright side, the Ferrari 458 had a baptism of fire too…

www.mcdonaldlandrover.co.uk or see me on Google+

This article was written by Rupert Astbury

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