Holy Rumplestiltskin! Posted by Greg Haugen on November 11, 1997 at 20:36:38: In Reply to: LR Freelander! posted by Jim Thompson on November 11, 1997 at 01:05:48: Wow, Jim you really have been out of the loop. Freelander has been the hottest topic (besides no more Defenders in the US after this year!) for the past year. I assume that you are unable to acquire "Land Rover World" or "Land Rover Owner" magazines in Tokyo. LRW has extensive stories in both their October and November issues. Here is some of what I know. Freelander has a monocoque body (no box frame), single ratio transfer case (no low range), and independent suspension (no solid beam axles and coils). Some argue it isn't a Land Rover at all. The truth is that design was begun before BMW acquired Rover. LR needs this vehicle to compete with RAV 4 and the Honda CRV. I too hated it at first, but after reading more about it, and considering its purpose in life, I rather like it. I'll never give up my Range Rover for one, but there are plenty of people for whom it will be perfect. If you want me to e mail you some more info (like a magazine article) send me a message. Cheers; Greg Haugen |
