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LAND ROVER SELECTS FINAL 16 G4 CHALLENGERS

At the end of a gruelling five-day training and assessment program, the final 16 competitors who will represent their countries in the 2003 Land Rover G4 Challenge have been selected. From now until the event kick-off in New York City on 30th March, they will undertake training and preparation programs in readiness for the rigours of the Challenge itself - four consecutive weeks, four time zones and intense physical and mental competition.

The final 16 are:

Arabia: Chris Perry
Japan: Shinichi Yoshimoto
Australia: Guy Andrews
Netherlands: Erik Den Oudendammer
Belgium: Rudi Thoelen
Russia: Sergey Polyansky
Canada: Jim Kuhn
South Africa: Chester Foster
France: Franck Salgues
Spain: Inigo De Lara
Germany: Dirk Ostertag
Turkey: Cuneyt Gazioglu
Ireland: Paul McCarthy
UK: Tim Pickering
Italy: Alberta Chiappa
USA: Nancy Olson

The International Selections event took place at the 5,000 acre Eastnor Castle estate, home to the Land Rover Driving Experience and a world-renowned centre for off-road driving excellence. During the program, which ran from Sunday January 19th through Friday January 24th, a total of 32 prospective competitors, two from each of 16 participating countries, were put through a series of demanding assessment sessions, including GPS and navigation, off road driving, mountain biking, climbing/abseiling and kayaking. The purpose of the event was not only to select the final competitor for each nation based on quantitative scoring systems, but also to train all 32 competitors in each discipline to give them all the skills and knowledge required to complete the Challenge safely. In the event of the selected competitor being unable to take part, the reserve competitor will step in to fly their national flag.

Selected or not, competitors were united after International Selections in their enjoyment of the experience:

Guido Sacre, Germany: "This International Selections is one of the best things I have ever done!

What really makes International Selections special is the connection we get with all the other countries. It has been really great fun and exciting to be here; not to compete with the others but just to live this experience. This is for me a great challenge and I have been really happy to be able to participate in these International Selections."

Nancy Olson, USA: "This entire experience from National Selections to International Selections has been the experience of a lifetime for me. When I signed up for this on the Internet I really didn't know what I was getting myself into. It all sounded good but no words can describe the actual experience. It has been amazing meeting with everybody from all these different countries, they are wonderful to work with and we have all come together and bonded as competitors but also as friends. And I think that this is going to be the major take-away, it's that we've made friends around the world. Now whenever we leave home, we'll never be far away from home."

Tim Pickering, UK: "I've had an adventure this week, an absolutely fantastic adventure. I've learnt so many things. I am going to walk away and it is going to take me weeks and weeks to process all the information that's gone through my head. I have learnt many different things and some new techniques. It has all been really good and we have had a great week. I am absolutely exhausted. I am looking forward to a hot bath and a cold beer."

Maktoum Al Maktoum, Arabia: "The International Selections were fantastic, a great bunch of people, very cold, very wet, very tough, and … fantastic."

Franck Salgues, France: "I think it was a very good melting pot. Sixteen countries are represented here. It is interesting to race against all those people. The competition is very strategic, not only about sport. I think the winner of the challenge will certainly be someone very strategic, adaptable, and who has good physical fitness. My experience of the International Selections can be described as "making friends, challenging, and sharing."

Niki Davies, Land Rover G4 Challenge Project Director, commented: "We have been overwhelmed by the level of professionalism and team spirit demonstrated by all the competitors this week. Despite the fact they have been camping out every night and living on 'boil in the bag' meals to replicate the conditions they will find on the Challenge, everyone has turned in a great performance and it has been difficult to make the final selection."

For further details of the Land Rover G4 Challenge and to follow the action online from March 30th to April 26th, visit www.landroverG4challenge.com

THE G4 VEHICLES

DEFENDER

Over the last 50 years, Land Rover’s definitive off-road vehicle, the Defender, has proven itself in some of the harshest environments this planet has to offer. Tried and tested, the Defender was the obvious choice for the challenging terrain of the Land Rover G4 Challenge South African stage. The exact vehicle to be used in the Challenge is based on the Defender 110, utilising the Td5 turbo diesel engine.

The Defender’s design is one of brilliant simplicity. The vehicle has a rigid chassis, with sturdy axles that articulate underneath. Defender is trusted by people that demand the most off-road, and is unrivalled in strength, ability and reliability.

One of the Defender’s key abilities is to tackle any obstacle. It is truly equally at home on a sheet of ice in the Arctic, as it is on the muddy banks of a river in Borneo. The vehicle is sure-footed and unstoppable whether climbing high altitude mountain trails (such as those the Challenge teams will encounter in Lesotho), crossing desert sands or deep-wading through rivers. Where there is a challenge, Defender delivers.

Even the very steepest slopes are within the Defender’s capabilities. Extremely efficient engine braking allows the vehicle to descend slopes of even 45 degrees at walking pace, and when the need to stop arises, Challenge competitors can be confident in the knowledge that the Defender’s powerful handbrake will lock the entire transmission train to hold everything firm.

While the Defender is well equipped to cope with severe cold, Land Rover G4 Challenge teams will be more worried about the African heat. However, efficient engine temperature control and fuel management enables the Defender at least will not be raising a sweat.

Thanks to the revolutionary new Td5 diesel engine, this iconic expedition vehicle has even more pulling power than ever before. With 300 Nm of torque available at only 1 950 rpm, it is little wonder that the Defender remains the number one choice with adventurers everywhere. The state-of-the-art, electronic high speed, direct injection design of the Td5 allows the Defender to retain its position as a class-leading diesel vehicle. The intercooler-equipped engine pumps out 90 kW of power at 4 200 rpm, and returns a combined fuel economy figure of 26.9 mpg (10.5 l/100 km).

Defender 110 Td5; Specifications

Engine Capacity 2 495 cc
Number of Cylinders 5
Bore and Stroke 84.5 mm x 89.0 mm
Compression Ratio 19:5:1
Maximum Power 90 kW (122 Ps) @ 4 200 rpm
Maximum Torque 300 Nm @ 1 950 rpm
Combined Fuel Economy 10.5 l/100km (26.9 mpg)
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph

Dimensions and Capabilities

Length 4 631 mm
Height 2 076 mm
Width 1 790 mm
Turning Circle (kerb-to-kerb) 14.36 m
Departure Angle 34.3 degrees
Ramp Angle 152 degrees
Approach Angle 50 degrees
Wading depth 500 mm
Unladen Weight 2 950 kg

Suspension, steering and Brakes

Suspension Front Live beam axle, dual rate coil springs, telescopic hydraulic dampers
Suspension Rear 3 050 kg live beam axle, multi-rate coil springs, telescopic hydraulic dampers. A-frame
Steering type Worm and roller (power assisted)
Brakes Front Discs
Brakes Rear Discs ABS
Safety Integral rollover cage

FREELANDER

The Freelander, which will be the Land Rover G4 Challenge teams’ primary mode of transport during the East Coast USA stage, is the most car-like of Land Rover’s vehicles. It is an award-winning SUV that raised more than a few eyebrows when it joined the fray in 1997. Since its inception the baby Land Rover has proven itself as worthy of the legendary green oval badge. It astounded seasoned off-road drivers and novices alike with its impressive overland prowess, and serves as proof that advanced technology has a place off-road. This vehicle is equally at home on the highway, as it is negotiating steep, adrenaline pumping terrain. All of which makes it the ideal vehicle to brave the congested traffic of New York City, the easy, yet impressive terrain of the USA’s eastern seaboard, and the challenging routes of the Appalachian Mountains.

When the Freelander was first launched, designer Jerry McGovern’s styling proved a big hit. Suddenly, Land Rover had the world’s best-selling 4x4 in its stable. The latest incarnation of the Freelander may look similar to the ground-breaking model originally launched in 1997, but around 25% of the parts used are different. Styling has also received some attention, with new body colours and alloy wheels, among other minor refinements.

One of the biggest developments for the new Freelander was the addition of a 2.5 V6 engine, which offers 50% more power than the already capable 1.8 used in the past. This engine took more than two years to develop, but the end result is simply stunning. It has 170 kW of power on tap at 6 250 rpm, and 240 Nm of torque available at 4 000 rpm. Additionally, this torque is available through most of the rev range, resulting in an engine that has massive pulling power at almost any engine speed.

Expecting any 4x4 to handle off-road equally as well as it does on the road is asking a great deal. Creating sheer driving enjoyment was one of Land Rover’s objectives for the new Freelander, and this was achieved by integrating a number of systems to create a vehicle that is agile, yet supple enough to tackle any obstacle. The synergy between technologies such as Electronic Traction Control (ETC), four-channel ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) is what creates the indefinable thrill of driving a Freelander.

For extreme off-road conditions, the ETC system is combined with ABS to create Land Rover’s unique Hill Descent Control (HDC) system. This device acts as a virtual low range gear when tackling extreme downhill gradients. The ETC system also moves power from wheels that have lost traction to those that have grip, allowing the Freelander to climb steep inclines easily. With all this technology doing the hard work, the driver can relax and enjoy the view.

Freelander 5-door 2.5 V6: Specifications

Engine

Capacity 2 497 cc
Number of Cylinders 6
Bore and Stroke 80.0 mm x 82.8 mm
Compression Ratio 10:5:1
Maximum Power 130 kW (177 Ps) @ 6 250 rpm
Maximum Torque 240 Nm @ 4 000 rpm
Combined Fuel Economy 14.4 l/100km (22.7 mpg )
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph 10.1 s
Top speed 113 mph (182 kph)

Dimensions and Capabilities

Length 4 447 mm
Height 1 767 mm
Width 2 071 mm
Turning Circle (kerb-to-kerb) 11.6 m
Departure Angle 33.9 degrees
Ramp Angle 158 degrees
Approach Angle 30.5 degrees
Wading depth 400 mm
Unladen Weight 1 626 kg
Suspension, steering and Brakes
Suspension Front Independent: MacPherson strut, lower arms, coil springs and anti-roll bar
Suspension Rear Independent: Macpherson strut, trapezoidal link, coil springs
Steering type Rack and Pinion (power assisted)
Brakes Front 277 mm Discs
Brakes Rear 254 mm Drums ABS 4-channel anti-lock system
Safety Twin front airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, driver seatbelt load limiter, integral rollover cage, diagonal side intrusion beams

RANGE ROVER

Under its skin, a new engine, suspension design and transmission system set the new Range Rover apart from its predecessor, while visually, the new vehicle is clearly an evolution of a world-renowned design. It is as tough as nails, yet as smooth as silk. The new Range Rover represents the ultimate in all-round ability and acceptance - the vehicle seems to belong equally as well on a rocky incline as it does outside an opera hall.

With an interior that puts many luxury sedans to shame, Range Rover offers exceptional off-road abilities, without compromising on the finer things in life. It combines rugged good looks with technological foundations, to create one of the world’s ultimate driving machines, and it is in this environment of tough luxury that Land Rover G4 Challenge competitors drive the inviting roads and routes of Australia from Sydney to Darwin.

A sophisticated Electronic Air Suspension automatically selects the appropriate ride height and firmness on the fly, and the new steel monocoque body with integrated chassis gives the Range Rover class-leading torsional stiffness. The result is unprecedented levels of ride quality and steering feel, coupled to inch-perfect straight-line precision.

Like the Land Rover Freelander and Discovery, the Range Rover is equipped with both Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Electronic Traction Control (ETC). In addition, the new flagship also carries a Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) unit, which counteracts sudden side-forces that could unsettle the vehicle, by briefly transferring engine power to an opposite wheel. A torque-sensing centre differential automatically locks when needed to prevent wheelspin, making the new Range Rover one of the easiest vehicles to drive off-road, as well as one of the most capable.

In the world of off-road driving, going slowly is all-important, especially when negotiating steep inclines. HDC is Land Rover’s answer, which, combined with normal engine braking and low range gears, produces the lowest crawling speed of any production 4x4.

The Range Rover is not so much a class leader as it is a setter of benchmarks. There can be no question about its unrivalled on and off-road abilities and the quality and design of its interior is unsurpassed in the 4x4 world. A host of features, such as climate control, cruise control, power steering and much more comes as standard equipment. It is, however, the fine attention to detail, that really sets the new Range Rover apart from its competitors.

The quality of the interior materials is unsurpassed, while the craftsmanship and fit and finish levels are equally impressive. The seats are ergonomically designed to offer unmatched support in all the right places, while GPS navigation lets you sit back and enjoy their luxury, confident in the knowledge that the vehicle knows where you are.

As befits a vehicle of this stature, there is no shortage of engine power. The 4.4 litre V8 engine provides 210 kW of power at 5 400 rpm, with 440 Nm of torque available at 3 600 rpm. The vehicle comes as standard with five-speed automatic transmission, which will allow the Land Rover G4 adventurers some reprieve during their trek across parts of Australia.

Range Rover 4.4 V8: Specifications

Engine

Capacity 4 398 cc
Number of Cylinders 8
Bore and Stroke 92 mm x 82.7 mm
Compression Ratio 10:1
Maximum Power 210 kW (282 Ps) @ 5 400 rpm
Maximum Torque 440 Nm @ 3 600 rpm
Combined Fuel Economy 16.2 l/100 km (17.4 mpg)
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph 9.0 s
Top speed 208 kph (130 mph)

Dimensions and Capabilities

Length 4 950 mm
Height 1 863 mm (at standard ride height)
Width 2 191 mm Turning Circle (kerb-to-kerb) 11.6 m
Departure Angle 29 degrees
Ramp Angle 150 degrees
Approach Angle 35 degrees
Wading depth 500 mm
Unladen Weight 2 570 kg

Suspension, steering and Brakes

Suspension Front Electronic air suspension with variable ride height
Suspension Rear Electronic air suspension with variable ride height
Steering type Rack and Pinion (power assisted)
Brakes Front 344 mm Ventilated Discs
Brakes Rear 354 mm Solid Discs ABS Bosch 5.3 4-channel
Safety Front, head and side impact airbags; head airbags for rear outboard passengers; ABS; ETC; DSC and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)

DISCOVERY

With more than 700 refinements made over its most recent predecessor, the latest Land Rover Discovery represents the pinnacle in innovative design and capability. It is clearly well-adapted for the fourth and final stage in the Land Rover G4 Challenge, which starts at Moab in Utah, and ends in Las Vegas. The landscape in between paints a vivid picture of the latest Discovery’s go-anywhere attitude.

The twin-pocket front headlights may be the most noticeable change in the new Land Rover Discovery, but under the skin, a wealth of other enhancements have been made, to ensure that Discovery remains unbeaten as the world’s top do-anything 4x4. The interior has been refined, and while it retains the versatility and practicality of the past, it now adds new levels of comfort that complement Discovery’s unquestioned off-road prowess.

With the addition of Land Rover Dynamic Control Systems - in particular Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) and Self-Levelling Suspension (SLS), four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Traction Control (ETC) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Discovery has become a vehicle that combines car-like qualities on the road with class-leading off-road ability. It has been designed to provide safety, ease of operation, ultimate control, and freedom from normality.

Despite its 4x4 system and extremely powerful V8 engine, Discovery can feel deceivingly nimble in town. The responsive steering and well-balanced suspension add to this feeling. Throw in Land Rover’s unique command driving position and the flexible and responsive engine, and it becomes clear why the new Discovery commands so much attention from so many diverse owners.

Driving a Discovery on-road requires almost no effort, and taking it off the beaten track leaves even the driver with enough time to enjoy the scenery. During the Land Rover G4 Challenge, Discovery will take competitors from Moab to Las Vegas, passing mesas and intimidating deserts on the way. However, the power from the 4.0 litre V8 engine, together with the almost imperceptible changes from the five-speed automatic transmission, should ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, despite the competitive pressures of the Challenge. The V8 delivers 136 kW of power at 4 750 rpm, with peak torque of 340 Nm coming at only 2 600 rpm.

Discovery 4.4 V8: Specifications

Engine

Capacity 3 950 cc
Number of Cylinders 8
Bore and Stroke 94 mm x 71.12 mm
Compression Ratio 9.38:1
Maximum Power 136 kW (184 Ps) @ 4 750 rpm
Maximum Torque 340 Nm @ 2 600 rpm
Combined Fuel Economy 16.7 l/100 km (16.9 mpg)
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph 11.9 s (0-100 kph 12.8 s)
Top speed 170 kph (106 mph)

Dimensions and Capabilities

Length 4 705 mm
Height 1 940 mm (at standard ride height)
Width 2 190 mm
Turning Circle (kerb-to-kerb) 11.9 m
Departure Angle 25 degrees
Ramp Angle 126 degrees
Approach Angle 30 degrees
Wading depth 500 mm
Unladen Weight 2 750 kg

Suspension, steering and Brakes

Suspension Front Panhard Rod with Dampers and ACE
Suspension Rear Self-levelling with longitudinal radius arms, Watts linkage and dampers
Steering type Worm and Roller (power assisted)
Brakes Front Ventilated Discs
Brakes Rear Solid Discs
ABS 4-channel
Safety Driver and Passenger Airbag, ABS, EBD, ETC