Rover 25, 2004

 

•  Rover 25, 2004

The revised exterior and interior style revisions to the new-look Rover 25 extend consistently to the latest 45 and 75 models, thereby creating a new and refreshed family-look for the Rover products, in the year the marque celebrates its Centenary.

Substantial changes are made throughout, with the Rover 25 featuring a new hatchback design that includes clear centre-line badging and the rear number plate positioned within the bumper. New alloy wheel designs and enhanced features prevail. Inside, attention has been directed to enhance the stylish cabin with high-quality features, a new centre console, switchgear and an array of technology features.

The Rover 25 completes a new family style identity with clean and fresh, stylish lines providing a contemporary elegance that evolves consistently across the Rover range following the recent introductions of the latest 45 and 75, in the brands centenary year.

The new front bumper design and clear lens covered twin halogen headlamps produce a cleaner and more sculpted exterior appearance. Substantial changes are made to the rear too with a new hatchback and bumper style, complemented by new alloy wheels and centre-line badging.

Inside, the high quality and stylish cabin features an all-new fascia, centre console, switchgear and an array of technology features. The Rover 25 combines a crisp and attractive style with excellent refinement, supple ride and handling and high standards of accommodation for the sector.

The new fascia design includes four styled circular air vents that give definition and feature to the centre and ends of the fascia, and each finished in chrome. A wood fascia insert dresses the interior appearance for up to date interpretation of this traditional Rover feature. The insert is also available in a new range of finishes - burr walnut for the Rover traditionalists, and for Rover customers after something a little more contemporary, light oak and dark oak finishes are also available.

Covini C6W, 2004

• Covini C6W, 2004

The original idea for the Covini C6W was conceived by Ferruccio Covini in '74 and made provision for 10 inches front wheels because there where no low profile tyres at the time. The project was ditched in favour of the Soleado prototype, deemed more important, and lay dormant until the 80s when hydro-pneumatic suspension for the four front wheels where devised to optimise weight distribution under various loading conditions. High development costs and other contingencies forced the project to be delayed again. Its use of new ABS technologies and airbags in the 90s pointed in the direction of new research into active and passive safety. This aspect encouraged backing from companies for its development.

Why six wheels?

    * in case of a front tyre deflation, the vehicle control is guaranteed by the other wheel next to it.
    * four front disc brakes, although a smaller single area, ensure a greater braking surface; this means less overheating and a higher brake effort
    * low risk of aquaplaning, due to the two foremost wheels, which wipe the water for the ones behind them, ensuring a better roadholding
    * comfort is a consequence of more evenly distributed reaction forces in the supension: the reaction in case of a pot hole is divided between the four front wheels and the shudder in the chassis is limited.
    * reduced unsprung weight in the wheels improves the grip. Directional stability is improved: a change of angle due to slack in the steering mechanism (in stuctures like silentblocks) is compensated by the second set of wheels.
    * two additional springs and dampers provide a better handling for the vehicle.

Technical Specifications

• ENGINE: rear, longitudinal, 8 cylinder in V formation, 4 valves per cylinder, naturally aspirated, petrol direct injection Bosch-motronic.
• CAPACITY: 4200 cc
• MAX POWER: 380 PS (260KW) at 6400 rpm
• MAX TORQUE: about 450 Nm (45.9 Kgm) at 2700 rpm
• TRANSMISSION: rear wheel drive transaxle
• GEARBOX: mechanical 6-speed + reverse. Manual and electro-hydraulic steeringwheel mounted servo
• CHASSIS: steel tubular with carbon fibre reinforcements and structural parts
• SUSPENSION: independent front and rear wishbones
• WHEELS AND TYRES: front 16in wheels with 215/45-16 tyres; rear 20in with 345/25-20 tyres
• BRAKES: front and rear vented Brembo discs. Bosch servo and electronic brake distribution
• BODYWORK: glass fibre and carbon fibre
• DIMENSIONS: length 4180mm; width 1990mm; height 1080mm; wheelbase 2230mm/2750mm (to foremost/middle front transaxle); front track 1540mm;  TOP SPEED: 300 km/h (185mph)

Rover 75, 2004

 

 

 

 

• Rover 75, 2004

A new evolutionary design style for the highly-regarded Rover 75 Saloon and Tourer models embraces a sharper-edged front and rear exterior appearance, a larger integrated radiator grille, halogen projector headlamps and three distinct trim identities - Classic, Connoisseur and Contemporary, with SE derivatives are supported by additional option packs that offer carefully tailored specifications across all points in the range.

The established appeal of the Rover 75 range - with its unrivalled reputation as the definitive luxury premium Upper Medium saloon is further enhanced by the addition of the "Contemporary" derivative theme, providing a younger, more modern interpretation of traditional Rover values. Other features include a selection of new alloy wheel designs and options like Personal Assist - Smartnav® voice navigation and concierge service.

The exterior has the clean lines of the sharper-edged Rover 75 design to capture a fresh spirit of style with a larger and more prominent Rover grille, complemented by a new headlamp design incorporating standard fit halogen projector units. The style of Rover 75 has been updated to offer cleaner, more progressive lines without jeopardising the integrity of the original design, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars in the world.

Rover 75 Saloon and Tourer already possess one of the most admired interiors in the motoring world. With the introduction of the Classic, Connoisseur and Contemporary variants this interior is now available in three distinctive identities. In particular,

Contemporary models offer an entirely new and progressive interior based around a new black oak wood finish. This provides a distinctive, younger and more continental flavour to the cabin. Full leather seat trim is standard on SE derivatives of both Connoisseur and Contemporary models.

For security and peace of mind, superlocking disables door and tailgate lock releases and sophisticated electronic networks stand ready to trigger the alarm. Highly convenient 'plip' operated remote unlocking of the boot or tailgate is now available on all derivatives, while a robust engine immobiliser and remote control with a continuously changing security code complete the anti-theft defences.