Range Rover

Range Rover

Since the reveal of the first ever Range Rover in 1970, the vehicle has continuously evolved. The world’s most luxurious SUV features superb levels of sophistication, inherent capability and design inspiration, together with technological advances that set it apart. We look back at the history of the series of luxury SUV’s known as the Range Rover family.

1969 - Prototype Range Rover Velar

In order to keep the prototype for the first ever Range Rover a closely-guarded secret, the designers and engineers behind this revolutionary new vehicle gave the top-secret prototype the name ‘Velar ’, derived from the Italian word ‘velare’, meaning to veil or cover. The first 26 prototypes were even fitted with a badge of the same name to disguise its identity.

1970 - First Production 3-Door Range Rover

Following the successful testing of the Velar concept vehicle, the first Range Rover was revealed to the world. It was met with widespread critical acclaim, thanks to rare combination of capability and elegant design. It was the first vehicle to deliver permanent 4 Wheel Drive and feature split tailgate, clamshell bonnet and continuous waistline

1981 - 4-Door Range Rover

After 11 years on the market, the Range Rover Classic was made available as a four-door vehicle, giving greater options to the vehicle’s ever-growing fan base.

1994 - Second Generation Range Rover

More luxurious than its predecessor, the design accents of the second generation vehicle, such as the iconic silhouette and the introduction of rectangular headlamps in place of the circular ones have stood the test of time, making the vehicle instantly recognisable to the present day.

2001 - Third Generation Range Rover

Ever evolving, this Range Rover was the first to be built with a monocoque single shell body. The design inspiration for the hull was taken from the tapering of The Italian Riva speedboat, while the pulleys on the luxury yacht prompted the metallic finishes inside the vehicle.

2004 - Range Stormer Concept

The Stormer concept car would become known for showcasing the future design direction of Range Rover, as well as the bold approach to the adoption of new technology within the vehicles.

2005 - Range Rover Sport Production

The introduction of the first sports SUV in the Range Rover family showed Land Rover’s commitment to performance. Engine options included a Supercharged 4.2 litre Petrol engine which delivered rapid performance. The Range Rover Sport also offered cross-linked air suspension, giving drivers optional ride height, which optimised comfort and 4x4 driving, both on and off-road. The varying height was one of the many distinctive new features which reflected the dynamic performance in the appearance of the vehicle.]

2008 - LRX Concept

This cross-coupé concept vehicle was an ambitious and progressive step for the Land Rover design team. Targeting drivers who would rarely go off-road, the concept vehicle still retained Land Rover’s legendary capability but also housed an interior dubbed as ‘futuristic’ by the press.

2011 - Range Rover Evoque Production

Named ‘Car of the Year’ by numerous outlets, the Range Rover Evoque made a splash as soon as it was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2010. Many features seen on the LRX concept vehicle made their way into the luxurious cross-coupé, including the fresh interpretation of the classic Range Rover design.

2012 - Fourth Generation Range Rover

The fourth incarnation of the Range Rover was the first to feature a lightweight all-aluminum body and was instantly recognisable due to its long wheelbase and floating roof. The vehicle also featured the next-generation version of Land Rover's Terrain Response® system. This in-built driving technology automatically selects the best vehicle setting for the terrain.

2013 - Range Rover Hybrid

The first Hybrid of the Range Rover family not only delivered improved fuel economy and reduced emissions, but most importantly, did not compromise on capability. To prove it, the vehicle embarked on a 16,000km journey from Solihull to Mumbai via the ultimate off-road driving test, the Himalayas.

2013 - Second Generation Range Rover Sport

Unveiled by James Bond actor Daniel Craig, certain streets in New York were temporarily shut down to launch the upgraded Range Rover Sport which featured increased efficiencies from the 3.0 litre V6 engine.

2015 - Range Rover Sport SVR Launch

Engineered to deliver a high performance SUV with optimum power, the Range Rover Sport SVR was the first to be produced by the Special Vehicle Operations Team. As the fastest Land Rover ever, the vehicle offers an unforgettable drive. The vehicle’s power is reflected in design features such as the quad tailpipes and unique rear spoiler.

2015 - Range Rover SVAutobiography

The pinnacle of refinement and luxury, the Range Rover SVAutobiography redefined the Range Rover experience. Attention to detail shows in the Brushed Aluminum finishes and the executive seating in the cabin. On the exterior, a unique choice of colour palette ensured drivers were getting the ultimate luxury experience synonymous with Range Rover. The SVAutobiography Dynamic was introduced shortly after, and with its distinctive design and powerful V8 engine the vehicle’s stance reflected its power and agility.

2015 - Range Rover Evoque Convertible

The very first convertible Range Rover, the Evoque Convertible combined the Land Rover’s renowned capability with eye-catching features such as a Z-Folding Roof, whilst maintaining the strong visual stance crafted by Land Rover designers. The result is the world’s first premium compact and the most capable all-terrain 4x4 convertible SUV.From the top-secret Velar concept vehicle to the first ever Range Rover Evoque Convertible, the evolution of the Range Rover is clear. Never compromising on capability, the luxury SUV continues to set the bar in car design, capability and performance.

2017 – Introducing the New Range Rover Velar

A new addition to the Range Rover family is revealed. With its compelling clean lines and visionary design cues, the Range Rover Velar promises to deliver an SUV with the same effortless capability, luxury and refinement expected of all our vehicles.

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Ferrari

Ferrari

No history of Ferrari is complete without mentioning that Enzo Ferrari worked for Alfa Romeo from 1920 to 1929 (he wanted to get a job at Fiat after WWI, but restrictions on civilian auto traffic in Italy meant the company wasn't hiring) and that he raced Alfas for another 10 years after that. From the time he was 12, according to "Ferrari: The Man and His Machines", Enzo knew he wanted to be a race driver. At Alfa, he achieved that dream and adopted the cavallino, or prancing horse, the insignia for his Alfa race car. In 1929, he left Alfa to start Scuderia Ferrari in Modena, his privately owned Alfa Romeo racing team.

The 1930s: Scuderia Ferrari

In 1929, Enzo Ferrari left Alfa Romeo's employment to start his own racing stable (scuderia in Italian). Scuderia Ferrari did not race cars with the Ferrari name, though the Alfas they used on the track did sport the prancing horse. Race cars came to the scuderia from Alfa for tuning for almost a decade, and the Ferrari shop in Modena built its first car, the Alfa Romeo 158 Grand Prix racer, in 1937. In 1938, Alfa took its racing program in-house, and Enzo Ferrari went with it. After 10 years on his own, though, working for someone else proved difficult. He left Alfa (or was dismissed) for the last time in 1939.

The 1940s: Ferrari Survives the War

When Enzo Ferrari left Alfa Romeo, he agreed to not use his name in connection with racing for four years. That wasn't so bad; WWII curtailed racing for most of those four years anyway. Ferrari moved from Modena to Maranello during the war, where it remains today. In 1945, Ferrari began work on the 12-cylinder engine the company would be famous for, and in 1947, Enzo Ferrari drove the first 125 S out of the factory gates. Post-war racing was Ferrari's finest hour on the track. Driver Luigi Chinetti was the first to import Ferrari cars to the U.S. in the late 1940s, including the first highway Ferrari, the 166 Inter.

The 1950s: Race- and Road-Ready

During the 1950s, Ferrari had legendary engineers like Lampredi and Jano on the payroll, and bodies designed by the legendary Pinin Farina. Every time a race car was improved, the road car was the beneficiary. In 1951, a Ferrari 375 brought the team its first victory -- over Alfa Romeo, no less. The 357 America hit the market in 1953, as did the first in the long line of 250 GTs. Production of all Ferrari cars grew from 70 or 80 a year in 1950 to more than 300 by 1960. Enzo suffered a personal tragedy in 1956, when his son Dino, who had helped develop Ferrari's V6 engine, died of muscular dystrophy at the age of 24.

The 1960s: Turbulent Times

The '60s started out pretty good for Ferrari: Phil Hill won the Formula 1 championship in 1961 using a 1.5-liter V6 race car nicknamed "Dino." It was the era of the sexy, swooping 250 Testa Rossa. But things got rough for the Prancing Horse, like when Carroll Shelby brought his Cobra to European race tracks. After years of rivalry, the Texan beat the Italian in 1964. Ferrari was having financial troubles as well, but that was nothing new. There were talks with Ford about a buyout, but Enzo Ferrari instead walked out on that deal and sold part of the company to Fiat in 1969.

The 1970s: What Gas Crisis?

The V6 engine made it to a production model in the Dino 246 of the early '70s. In 1972, the company built the Fiorano test circuit next to the factory. Ferrari introduced the Berlinetta Boxer flat-12 engine to the world at the 1971 Turin Motor Show in the 365 GT/4 Berlinetta Boxer, and the car hit showrooms in 1976. The next year, Carozzeria Scaglietti di Modena, Ferrari's design house, was officially incorporated into the company. Cars were churned out, by Ferrari standards, with some models being built in the thousands. But the '70s ended on an odd note with the introduction of the automatic (but still V12) 400i.

The 1980s: Greed Is Good...for Ferrari

Let's skip to 1985 when one of the most iconic of all Ferraris appeared on posters across the world: the Testarossa (note that this time, the model name is one word, not two). The '80s also saw the convertible Mondial and the realization of Enzo Ferrari's dream, the F40. It was built to commemorate the company's 40th anniversary, with a carbon-fiber body, a giant wing, and Kevlar panels. Ferrari's brand recognition was at an all-time high, with a (replica) 1961 250 GT starring in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". But in 1988, Enzo Ferrari died, at the age of 90. Fiat's share of Ferrari rose to 90%, and son Piero became VP.

The 1990s to Current: A New Era

In 1991, Luca di Montezemolo took the reins of the Prancing Horse. The supercar streak continued with the F50, but the '90s had a wider offering of smaller engines, like the V8 in the F355 series. There were still V12s to be had, of course, like the Testarossa that continued to be built through the mid-90s. In 2003, Enzo Ferrari got his due, with a 230-mph supercar named after the company's founder. On the track, the hot-blooded Ferrari cars met their match in the cool German driving of Michael Schumacher, who raced Ferraris to seven F1 championships between 1994 and 2004.

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BMW

BMW

Contrary to some opinions, BMW does not stand for Best Motors in the World company. Sure, BMW-branded automobiles are regarded as being some of the few engineering forms close to perfection, but the letters stand for something less boisterous and more good-natured: Bayerische Motoren Werke or Bavarian Motor Works.

The secret to their success does not lie in precise astrological predictions or mischievous and blatant employ of corporate espionage, but rather in a dedication to quality and constant pursuit of excellence. Unlike most of the auto manufacturers out there, BMW hasn't focused on a vehicle as a whole but started from its primary source of power, the engine, which has been perfected by generations of engineers over a close-to-a-century time span. The 'cardio-approach' BMW took resulted into obscenely efficient performance-happy engines that literally rocketed the company formed by Karl Friedrich Rapp in October 1913 straight to the sky.

Rapp's company, 'Rapp-Motorenwerke' - that would later become BMW - focused mainly on aircraft engines due to the large demand at the time, fueled by the imminence of Wold War I. Despite the need for aircraft engines, Rapp failed to sale his powerplants due to a reliability flaw caused by unwanted engine vibrations. However, his neighbor Gustav Otto, who was also the owner of an aircraft engine plant, enjoyed a great deal of success.

Struggles to keep 'Rapp-Motorwerke' afloat failed and, by 1916, Karl Rapp resigned under the weight of the financial difficulties that had been pressing against the factory's lungs for a few years. As in the case of other car brands, such as Bentley or Aston Martin, expected and highly predicable 'Hollywoodian' rescuers came along and fended off the threats. Austrian triumvirate formed by new company owners Franz-Josef Popp and financier Camillo Castiglioni relaunched the Motoren Werke by persuading Gustav Otto into a merger that would prove mutually beneficial. Thus, the 'Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke' or BFW was formed.

Shortly after the new entity was born, its name turned into the murmur of what would later become a shout-out for quality automobiles: BMW. By the time the 20's came with the Charleston and its afferent bizarre fashion sense, BMW had already developed a range of highly-appreciated airplane engines that had garnered tons of acclaim - especially after the 1918-improved Type IIIA engine successfully powered a biplane to the impressive height of 16,404 feet in a mere 29 minutes.

The beginning of the 20's also happily slapped BMW with its still unchanged to this day logo, mimicking the motion of a white propeller on a sky-blue background. While enjoying the heights of an appreciated and sought for brand, BMW was brutally pulled back to earthy existence once the World War was over. The Treaty of Versailles prohibited BMW from continuing its activity and the company switched to manufacturing air brakes for railway cars.

Forced by the Versailles-imposed conditions, the company found itself searching for other alternatives and soon enough came to focus on developing motorcycle engines. Over a two-year period of time (from 1920 to 1922), BMW built two motorcycle models, the Victoria and the Flink. Their success was consequently marked by the building of the first BMW factory, that would further kick the brand to new heights.

Although BMW motorcycles encountered sales problems due to defective suspension, the company still managed to hold a constant leading position in aeronautical engineering. By 1927 the company was the proud  holder of just over one third of the aviation records of those time, with an astonishing 29 out of an overall 87. Two-wheeled vehicles quickly turned into four-wheeled ones in 1928, when the Austin license-built Dixi 3/15 rolled out the factory doors.

Only one year later, BMW made the headlines once again, this time by setting a new motorcycle-speed record through their Ernst Henne ridden 750 cc bike, that reached the speed of 134.65 mph (216.75 km/h).

Swinging from breaking world records to engineering innovations, BMW hit the bull's eye once more in 1932, with the launch of their new car model, the 3/20 PS. The 782 cc 4 cylinder powered car was the first one independently produced by BMW. Shortly after the waves of acclaim generated by the new machine, the company announces its next model, the 303 saloon, that would bring a persistent trait in all future BMW engine configurations: the 6 cylinder one.

Only years after the launch of the 303 in 1933, BMW continued its world record breaking streak, at the same time with the beginning of a new chapter in its cylinder-powered existence: the development of the company's first roadster, the 328 model (1936), and a row of motor sport wins over the following two years.

As time passed by, BMW got bigger and bigger and, shortly before the Wold War II outbreak, took over some more factories in the vicinity of Berlin. More motor sport wins were to follow, with Baron Fritz Huschke von Kanstein winning the Mille Miglia race in 1940s.

Needless to mention, war necessities threw the company into military equipment production policies once more. Despite the lengthy world conflict, BMW developed some of its greatest pieces of machinery, such as the R57 Wehrmacht military motorcycle, as well as the 109-300 jet engine which was one of the first jet engines in the world to enter mass production.

After recovering from the 1944 bombings that heavily damaged their plant in Munich, BMW received permission to repair Allied army motorized equipment at their plant in Allach. Due to BMW's versatility and need for mechanized faming implements and spare parts, the first BMW bicycle was born. Soon after the genesis of the leg-powered two-wheeled vehicle, BMW received a hard blow from the US army, that had ordered the dismantling of the Munich and Allach plants.

After a 5-year absence from the Germany industry, BMW returned in style. Crossing the ocean all the way to New York, BMW debuted their first motorcycle in almost 2 decades - following their last one at the beginning of the 40's. More success awaited in the line for BMW, as their R68 motorcycle model developed in the 50's quickly became a standard-setter among international motorcycle manufacturers. Meanwhile a previous model, the  R67/2, reached the 100,000 threshold in 1953.

BMW receives further acclaims in the years to come, as it establishes itself as an engineering force to be reckoned with. The 1955 Isetta, powered by a 12/13 hp motorcycle engine, becomes a favorite among customers. The result? Over 160,000 units are sold, transforming the Isetta into a symbol of the post-war decade.

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Nissan Altima

 Nissan Altima

We recently shared news with you about the 2019 Nissan Altima and all the exciting changes that will come in the new model year. Sometimes, when a vehicle is refreshed and reborn, it’s nice to take a step back and a look back at where the vehicle has come from.  

After all, the Altima is now entering its 6th generation. It was first introduced in the 1993 model year, with the first model rolling off the assembly line on June 11, 1992 in Tennessee. So, let’s take a walk back in time to look at the history of the Nissan Altima through all 6 of its generations.

1st Generation Nissan Altima 

The first iteration of the Altima appeared in the 1993 model year and continued on until 1997. It was meant to be a successor of the Stanza, and in fact, it actually came with both the Stanza and Altima badging initially. 

At the time, the Altima’s engine delivered 150 horsepower, which was quite a powerful output for the time. Even today, 150 horsepower is real solid for any sedan. Plus, although the technology hasn’t been wide spread until just recently, the Altima in 1993 and 1994 was available with a head-up display.

2nd Generation Nissan Altima 

The 2nd generation of the Altima ran just from 1998 – 2001. Since this was at a time when airbags were just beginning to be used across the board and become included in all vehicles, it was a big deal when side airbags became available for the vehicle. Also available were standard leather seats on all GLE models. 

This 2nd generation model was unique for the American market, and in fact, it was designed at a center in California. During this 2nd generation, a cassette player still existed, though it also played CDs. 

3rd Generation Nissan Altima 

The 3rd iteration of the Altima ran from 2002 – 2006. Many feel that the early 2000s weren’t the most exciting time for the automotive industry, and this may be true. But, the Altima seems to have been the exception, as it offered a V6 engine, had two-tone dashboard colors and an optional navigation system

4th Generation Nissan Altima 

The 4th generation was an exciting time for the Altima as well, as the first coupe variant was introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2006. This is a time where technology really took off, with the Altima offering features like hands-free Bluetooth pairing, a backup camera, and intelligent key technology. 

And, speaking of technology, this generation saw Nissan’s first hybrid vehicle in the form of the Altima Hybrid. It was only available in 10 states at the time, but it paved the way for a future of green mobility. 

5th Generation Nissan Altima 

The 5th generation is the one you are most familiar with, as it ran from 2013 – 2018. Of course, you can still get a 5th generation Altima as we write this, so we won’t go into a ton of details here. 

One big addition for this generation, however, were the zero-gravity seats inspired by NASA, designed to make the driving experience less taxing for drivers. The Altima also increased in size during this time but remained light weight, meaning that the 182 horsepower engine it came with (and available 270-horsepower V6) can launch the vehicle much easier. 

6th Generation Nissan Altima 

Of course, this brings us to the 6th generation of the Nissan Altima. Since we’ve already described the many changes experienced by the model for 2019, go ahead and click the link below to learn all about it. If you have questions ahead of its release date, be sure to .

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Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla

Did you know that Corolla is the world’s best-selling vehicle nameplate? Produced since 1966 and across 12 generations, more than 45 million Corolla models have been sold throughout the world to date.

As you might expect of such a worldwide phenomenon, the history of the Corolla family is as expansive as its sales figures. So we have compiled individual, comprehensively researched chapters that detail the development, general specifications and public reception of each generation. Click on the bold subheadings to be taken to each chapter.

1st generation: 1966-1970

Meet the first-generation Toyota Corolla, a people’s car that stunned the world with its new technology, innovative features and uncommon desirability.

2nd generation: 1970-1974

Take a closer look at the second-generation Corolla, which offered greater competence and enhanced performance for the world’s new high speed era.

.3rd generation: 1974-1979

The third-generation Toyota Corolla was developed to meet tightening emissions regulations and in doing so brought many innovations to the entire car industry.

4th generation: 1979-1983

The fourth-generation Corolla continued Toyota’s tradition of appealing to the masses by redefining class benchmarks and setting new production records.

5th generation: 1983-1987

The fifth-generation Corolla was the most comprehensive and revolutionary new model in its history, ushering in front-wheel drive and widespread use of computer technology.

6th generation: 1987-1991

Now fully converted to front-wheel drive, the sixth-generation Toyota Corolla continued its worldwide success with a focus on luxury, quality and usability that stirred the senses.

7th generation: 1992-1997

Making the world’s best-seller even better: the seventh-generation Toyota Corolla of the mid-Nineties was bigger, faster and safer than ever before.

8th generation: 1997-2001

The eighth-generation Corolla arrived with body styling specifically tailored for European tastes and desirability on both rational and emotional levels.

9th generation: 2000-2006

We reveal how Toyota went back to the drawing board to develop the ninth-generation Corolla, meeting the requirements of car-buyers in the New Millennium.

Corolla: The lost years?

Within Europe, the following two generations of Corolla were known by another name, Auris, as this new nameplate was felt to be more closely aligned with the existing Yaris and Avensis model lines.

The first-generation Auris (tenth generation Corolla) was produced from 2007 to 2012 and was notable for introducing Europe’s first full production hybrid model, while the second-generation Auris (eleventh generation Corolla) was produced from 2013 to 2018 and re-introduced an estate version to Toyota’s C-segment line.

12th generation: 2019-onwards

The 2019 model reinstates Corolla to Europe with a dynamic appearance and chassis made possible by its high-tech TNGA platform. Three model derivations will be available – Hatchback, Touring Sports and Saloon – plus the landmark introduction of a dual hybrid strategy, which adds a new and more powerful 2.0-litre self-charging hybrid electric powertrain to the range.

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