- Cross Country Off‑Road Adventure to show adventurers can still traverse the United States virtually all off pavement
- Land Rover LR4 convoy led by Land Rover Expedition Expert Kicks Off Today from Land Rover Experience School in Asheville, North Carolina
- Fans can follow off pavement route across 10 states and 5,000 miles on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
- The route will be based on the Trans‑America Trail,an off‑road motorcycle trail created by Sam Correro
Land Rover is pleased to announce Land Rover Expedition America ‑ Tackling the Trans‑America Trail, an off‑road driving adventure across America starting today in Asheville, N.C. Embarking on this adventure with off‑road icon and certified Land Rover Driving Instructor Tom Collins leading the team, three 2013 Land Rover LR4 vehicles will be demonstrating relentless capability in what promises to be a true adventure as no part of this drive has been pre‑scouted for this journey. Covering over 5,000 miles in the span of one month, through ten states in various climates and terrain, this crew will travel in the footsteps of American pioneers and linking cultures found along the Trans‑America Trail.
Departing from the Land Rover Experience Driving School at the Biltmore Estate today, the route is derived from the Trans‑America Trail, the off‑road motorcycle trail created by Sam Correro. The team will traverse a mountain route in Colorado, two mountain ranges in Utah, with the most challenging areas in Nevada, and one mountain range in Oregon. The route is composed of mostly dirt and gravel with some short connections that require paved roads. This is most prevalent on the East Coast and there are also some sections in Colorado where pavement will be encountered.
The team will face the wild and uninhabited areas of the rugged frontier while simultaneously exploring rural and urban lifestyle stories ‑ all of which will be documented for enthusiasts alike. As they encounter the limitless boundaries of natural elements, updates will be captured and shared virally to include videos, photography, blog updates, and other social media channels. Those with an appreciation for off‑road adventure, breathtaking scenery, historical landmarks, or dynamic machinery taking on the elements, will surely not want to miss this.
Leading this expedition is Tom Collins, a long time off‑road enthusiast and trusted Land Rover guide with his contribution to Land Rover's many automotive programs. Most notably, Collins participated as a member of the 1987 U.S. Camel Trophy team and continued on into the 1990s as U.S. team manager of the famed international competition.
In 1989, Collins' heavy involvement in new vehicle launches, press events and leading excursions, brought him to propose the Great Divide Expedition along Colorado's portion of the Continental Divide. Collins put the Tread Lightly Program and Land Rover North America on the map. Tom also tackled the build and creation of the first driving schools as well as adventure programs in North America. With his extensive knowledge and admiration for cross‑country travel and off‑road expertise, this is sure to be a defining moment for the Land Rover LR4.
The Land Rover LR4 is a luxurious all‑purpose, high‑capability all‑terrain SUV, available with three‑row seating for seven adults. Distinguishing the Land Rover LR4 from competitive luxury SUVs is a blend of on‑road comfort and off‑road capability, bolstered by a permanent four‑wheel drive system with a lockable center differential, an available locking rear differential, a two‑speed transfer case with a low‑range, height adjustable air suspension, and an array of traction‑aiding technologies*. The LR4 uses integrated body‑frame construction, featuring a steel unibody mounted on a rigid boxed steel full frame.
The 2013 LR4 is powered by a 5‑liter V8 engine that develops 375 hp and 375 lb.‑ft. torque. Engineered for a balance of performance and efficiency, the all‑aluminum alloy V8 delivers responsive power throughout the rev range, making it ideal for on‑road and off‑road performance and towing.
The Land Rover LR4 provides significant legroom and cargo space, an essential feature for this type of off‑road adventure driving. The LR4 is equipped with 37.6‑inches of legroom in the second row seats and with the third row seats folded, offers a generous 42.1 cu. ft. of carrying space. This space more than doubles to 90.3 cu. ft. with the middle row folded forward.
Land Rover Expedition America will be authentic, not made for TV, but well documented with short features, a mini‑documentary film to cover the entire journey, as well as the social journey involving social media interaction, photos, videos and blog updates as they make their way from East to West.
*These systems are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc. Driver should not assume that these systems will correct errors of judgment in driving. Please consult the owner's manual or your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for more details.
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About Land Rover
Land Rover, the British maker of Land Rover and Range Rover sport utility vehicles, is renowned for providing its clientele with some of the most luxurious and capable vehicles in the world. Every Land Rover vehicle is equally at home both on and off road, and in any setting; be it in the heart of the city, or traversing the countryside. Today's Land Rover lineup includes the legendary Defender, LR2 (Freelander 2), LR4 (Discovery 4), Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque. Land Rover designs, engineers, and manufactures their vehicles in the United Kingdom. Land Rover is fully engaged with sustainability initiatives and social concerns with continuous involvement in environmental and community programs. For more information visit the official Land Rover website at http://www.landroverusa.com.
About Jaguar Land Rover
•The United States is one of the leading global markets for both Jaguar and Land Rover
•Jaguar Land Rover employs 25,000 people and sells vehicles in 170 countries around the world
• Jaguar Land Rover has two state of the art engineering and design facilities and three advanced manufacturing plants in the UK
• In the 2012/13 fiscal year,Jaguar Land Rover has reported revenues of $23.8 billion, up 17% year on year ($20.4 billion last year)
•Jaguar Land Rover has test facilities acrossthe USAin the following states: California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Washington D.C.
• Headquartered in Mahwah, New Jersey in the United States, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC has offices across the USA and Canada. Jaguar Land Rover has offices in the following locations: California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Washington D.C.
• Jaguar Land Rover is represented by more than 330 independently operated retail outletsin the USA