From: gpool@pacific.net (Granville Pool) Subject: LR/BMW rumor Status: ROI got mty June issue of _Road_&_Track_ magazine today. In the Ampersand section was the following:
"Rover clone as BMW's 4x4?" by Ian Norris
"With Mercedes' AAV sport utility well on its way, rumor has it that BMW is formalizing plans for its own 4x4 for the U.S. market. Not surprisingly, the off-roader will have its roots in Solihull, the home of Land Rover, rather than in Munich. The basis for the new sport ute will be the replacement for the current Discovery, due to make its debut in 1997.
"Based upon the running gear of the existing Discovery, the 1997 version will be available only as a 4-door and will come with a new Rover diesel engine and the venerable Rover V-8. The newcomer will be built at Solihull and sold throughout the world as a Land Rover, but it will also be made in South Carolina for sale in the U.S. as a BMW.
"The U.S. vehicle will be visually different from those sold under the Rover badge with a BMW-influenced grille and front end. Inside, it will be more in keeping with BMW's ergonomic traditions. Under the skin will be less BMW input, since the German engines are less suitable for use in off-road vehicles than the Rover V-8. The ex-Buick unit has been the mainstay of the Land Rover range for years now and has been well adapted to its purpose. Although a sport utility would fit in well with the existing BMW range and customer demographics, this plan has been officially denied, but don't be surprised if there's a change of mind come next year."
Hmmm, lots of tidbits crammed in that little rumor (which sound rather more than a rumor to me). New Land Rover diesel engine? Does this mean to include the U.S.? Sounds pretty clear hear that rumors that BMW engines will soon replace the Rover ones are probably unfounded. Replacement for the current Discovery? Does this mean the new CB-40 or something else that's in the works?
- Granny