Range Rover Sport Trio from Project Kahn

British tuning firm Project Kahn has presented its 2011 lineup of modified Range Rover Sport models, which comprise three variants featuring select exterior and interior appointments, plus some performance upgrades.

The diesel-powered Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6 RSE Signature Edition is the entry-level model of the range, and it comes with a comprehensive exterior styling package that includes new bumpers, a roof spoiler, twin mesh front grille and side vents, complemented by 22-inch Kahn RSL alloys. Inside, the Signature Edition gets front headrests clad in twin mesh, Kahn gauges and clock, inserts with Swarovski diamonds, stainless steel sill plates and a leather key ring.

The finishing touch is a Project Kahn Acoustic Supersound four-pipe exhaust system, said to emit a “unique deep rumble sound”.

Next up is the more aggressive Range Rover Sport RSE300 Cosworth, which, besides being fitted with the Signature Edition bodykit, also features a so-called painted floating roof, LED daytime running lights, a boot spoiler and 22-inch RS Matte Pearl Grey wheels. According to the tuning firm, a Cosworth engine conversion is responsible for a noticeable power increase.

The RS600 is the range-topping model and it features a 6-piece bodykit, integrated LED lights and custom wheels. The interior is covered in high-quality perforated and quilted leather, complemented by contrasting stitching applied to the steering wheel and gear shifter. Other appointments include the blue Kahn gauges and clock, plus a leather key ring.

By Csaba Daradics

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

First Official Photo of New Range Rover Evoque 5-Door

At the world premiere of the new Range Rover Evoque 3d (see here) at the Paris Motor Show today, Land Rover re-confirmed it will be producing a more practical, five-door version of its new compact SUV model and released the first official photo of the vehicle before its official reveal later this year.

The British automaker did not release any other details on the SUV but it is safe to assume that the 5-door variant will be offered with the same four-cylinder engines announced for the 3-door model, including a 2.2-liter turbo diesel with 150HP and 190HP derivatives, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline producing 240HP.

Both diesel and petrol engines are offered with an updated six-speed auto transmission, while the Evoque will be the first Range Rover model to be available in both four-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive versions.

Sales of both the three- and five-door versions of the Evoque are expected to start next summer.

Paris Preshow: Range Rover Evoque Revealed in Detail, gets Four-Cylinder Turbo Engines

We've finally got some more artsy pics of the new Range Rover Evoque, which is set to be in a lot of peoples' driveways come next summer. Oh, hey, there are specs, too. Just to get the pricing issue out of the way, Rover says it'll start at £30,000 when it arrives in the UK next summer (foreign pricing to come at a later date).

The "low carbon" front-wheel drive (or optional full-time four-wheel drive) Evoque is called a "cross-coupé", and is kind of like the new-urban spiritual successor to the old 3-door Range Rover. A four-door model is also on the way (see the spy shots here), but I'll stay with the shooting brake of SUVs, thank you very much.

From the pics, you can see the divine interior - in this case coated in leather with "twin needle" stitching - houses the expected Terrain Response system, a Jag-inspired transmission knob, and all the cell/MP3 connectivity you'll ever need.

The dash also gets an optional dual-view 8-inch screen (the kind where driver and passenger have the ability to see different projections on the monitor).

Audio from your iPod will be routed through a 17-speaker Meridian system and backed by 825 watts, while above the seating area is your gateway to the stars (or a glass panoramic roof, if you're not feeling as inspired as I am right now).

Power for the most elite of cute-utes comes from a series of gasoline and diesel turbo engines that incorporate start/stop tech, while the Evoque also stays a little greener thanks to electronic power-assisted steering (which is considered a low-CO2 system).

The four-cylinder turbodiesels are based on a 2.2-liter unit and provide either 150 or 190 horsepower.

Opting for the FWD 150-horse diesel earns you the most green points with an estimated fuel economy of 58 mpg Imperial (48.3mpg US or 4.9lt/100km) and under 130 grams of CO2 per kilometer of emissions (the 4X4 low-output diesel comes in at a still impressive 50 mpg (41.6mpg US or 5.6lt/100km) and under 145 g CO2 / km).

On the other hand, if you're looking to burn gasoline and have a closer power-to-torque ratio, go with the 2.0-liter Si4 engine. Using direct injection, turbocharging, and variable valve timing, the car puts down...well, Rover didn't say, but the 0-60mph (96km/h) claim is 7.1 seconds.

Suspension duties are handled by a MagneRide setup in order to make handling sporty yet comfortable (though that claim will only be proven once it's been tested). Land Rover program director Murray Dietsch says that they've "tuned the Range Rover Evoque's chassis and Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) to deliver precise and responsive steering at lower speeds, making the car nimble and fun to drive."

To keep things relatively simple, the Evoque will come in three flavors from the get-go: 1) "Pure" (aka Base), which provides the car, soft-touch materials, and aluminum trim; 2) "Prestige" (aka Luxury), which adds 19-inch wheels and a lot of leather; and 3) "Dynamic" (aka Sport-Lux), which adds 20-inch wheels, unique exterior styling (bumpers, grille, spoilers with contrasting colors, etc.) and sports seats. There will also be a hybrid in the future, so expect this little guy to get even greener.

Of adding a smaller Range to Rover's lineup, CEO Dr. Ralf Speth says, "These are exciting times for our business. Not only will the Range Rover Evoque increase our worldwide market share, it helps to define a new segment for premium compact SUVs that are more sporting and stylish."

We'll have more on Land Rover's promising Evoque from the Paris Show floor on September 30.

By Phil Alex

Victoria Beckham is Range Rover's New Creative Design Executive

Former pop star Posh Spice, or as she is formally known, Victoria [David] Beckham, has found a new job; she's been appointed creative design executive at Range Rover. The announcement was made yesterday during the 40th birthday celebrations of the Range Rover brand, at The Orangery, Kensington Palace, where Land Rover introduced its new Evoque 'baby' SUV.

In her new role, the pop singer-turned-fashion-designer will lend her trendy input on future special edition Range Rover design projects, starting with a Special Edition of the Evoque.

Speaking at Range Rover's 40th anniversary event, Victoria Beckham said: "This is a very exciting collaboration. The classic British heritage of Range Rover and the effortless style, quality and beauty is something I truly admire and also what I hope to achieve with my own brand. I am honoured to take on this role and be part of the creative team."

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover and Range Rover Design Director, and the man responsible for hiring Beckham, commented:

"Victoria Beckham is a talented British fashion designer and is extremely knowledgeable about great design and trends. Victoria understands luxury products - she is a Range Rover fan and has been a Range Rover owner for many years. Her fashion business is now in its third year and her designs are loved by critics and bought by many of the most stylish women in the world. I believe this appointment adds a new dimension to my design team as we continue to design products to appeal to a wider audience."

New Range Rover Evoque: First Official Photo of Compact SUV

We just received the first official photo of the all-new Range Rover Evoque, which is the production version of the LRX Concept. We're still gathering details so stay tuned on Carscoop for more.

[Update] This here is the all-new Range Rover Evoque, a compact SUV that we came to know as the Land Rover LRX, which was the concept version that previewed the production model. Land Rover unveiled its new 'baby' SUV at an exclusive event in London for guests attending a 40th birthday celebration of Range Rover held with VOGUE magazine.

The new Range Rover Evoque has remained remarkably true to the LRX show car as the only visible differences concern some minor details such as the exposed door handles and the larger (and apparently far more practical for everyday use) exterior mirrors.

"The all-new Range Rover Evoque is an important step for the future continued success and growth of the brand," said Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover.

"Customers can be confident that the new car will be premium, luxurious and just as special as the other Range Rover models. Its sporting looks and unique qualities will open the brand to a new group of customers who may not have considered a Range Rover product before," Popham added.

Aside from the three-door model unveiled today, Land Rover will also add a five-door body style to the lineup. The company hasn't released many details on the SUV, but it has confirmed that it will be available in front- and all-wheel drive configurations.

According to Land Rover, the 2WD drive model will emit less than 130g/km of CO2 making it the 'greenest' and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever.

The Range Rover Evoque will make its global public debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September and will go on sale in Europe in the summer of 2011 and in North America and other markets in the fall of the same year.

The all-new Range Rover Evoque will be built at Land Rover's plant in Halewood, with the company stating that it will create 1,000 new jobs in the Merseyside area.

Production Version of Range Rover LRX to be Unveiled on Thursday, July 1

Land Rover will lift the covers and announce the name of its all-new compact Range Rover model based on the LRX concept car at a special event held in partnership with VOGUE magazine [sic] for the Range Rover's 40th birthday in London on Thursday, 1st of July, the British automaker announced today.

The production version of the LRX will go on sale in 2011 and will be offered in both 2WD and 4WD configurations - a first for the company. According to Land Rover, the front-wheel drive model will emit less than 130g/km of CO2 making it the 'greenest' and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever.

It is believed that the 'baby' Range Rover will be available in three- and five door bodystyles.

We'll bring you full details and photos of the new Range Rover model after tomorrow's unveiling.

Range Rover LRX Concept Gallery