McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Land Rover News

Land Rover news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated as each story breaks, covering the Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport, the Defender and the special editions built in limited numbers. Our reporting takes in reveals, first drives, off-road engineering and the values these vehicles hold over time. Land Rover sits at the centre of luxury SUV news, and the segment keeps expanding each year. Our marketplace supplies the element most publications leave out entirely. Many of these vehicles are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which places the reporting and a genuine asking price side by side. For Land Rover news today, begin with the stories below.

By Andrew Nabors – April 28, 2017

A Custom Range Rover SV For Boxing Champ Anthony Joshua

Tomorrow Night's Main Event at Wembley Stadium will be a match of epic proportions. Anthony Joshua MBE will be facing off against Wladimir Klitschko. Fighting for Queen and Country, Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations worked with him to showcase their talents. He was quoted as saying it will be "one of the biggest nights in my boxing career", so he recently spent time at the Special Vehicles Technical Center in Warwickshire.Also Check Out: How An Enzo Is DeliveredThe artists and coachbuilders are using this 2017 Land Rover Range Rover SV Autobiography Dynamic to debut the new SVO Design Pack. It offers new front and rear bumpers along with revised rocker panels and fender vents for a unique look. It will be officially available for order in May, but motor1.com got the scoop before everyone else. The enticing new paint is named World Champion Graphite, and it complements a diamond stitched interior of ebony and pimiento red. Under the hood is the supercharged 5.0 liter V8 which was previously only available in the Sport SVR. It delivers 550 horsepower and 502 lb-feet of torque to all wheels. They are a blast to drive, but if you don't need supercar power, the V6 powered full-size Range Rover offers the same luxury in an efficient manner. Our dealers will be happy to help you build one to your liking, so stay with us for all your Land Rover news.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 24, 2016

2016 Holland & Holland Range Rover Built for Hunters Come...

Early this morning Land Rover announced the release of the 2016 Holland & Holland Range Rover, of which, 30 examples are slated for the United States. This special edition Range Rover will feature the Holland & Holland signature green paint, badging and exclusive wood and veneer trim for the interior among the other signature features released in 2014.Updates to the 2016 model include "rear load space updated to include a deployable, locking, leather trimmed gun case which accommodates two firearms from Holland & Holland," according to a media release from Land Rover.The Holland & Holland Range Rover is set for sale globally and will be available in the United States in spring 2016. MSRP is set at $244,500 for the 2016, limited edition example. Stay tuned for updates as they come available.Range Rovers For Sale

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By Caitlin Duffy – November 09, 2015

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible Unveiled

When wireframe sculptures began popping up around London in early October, it was announced that the world was just a month away from Land Rover's latest reveal.The 1:1 replicas were perfect scale models of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, a new take on the popular SUV that Land Rover describes as "a convertible for all seasons." A press release issued by the marque today joins a few videos shared to YouTube Nov. 8, giving us a full look at this new all-terrain, all-weather car - the world's first luxury compact SUV convertible.With a fabric roof capable of being stowed in just 18 seconds at speeds of up to 30 mph, the Evoque Convertible brings an entirely new approach to Land Rover's lineup. It's the first ever convertible for the marque, which isn't surprising, as SUVs rarely, if ever, have convertible variants created. It's a car capable of taking you to the top of a snow capped mountain, across a shallow river and through a desert in 95 degree heat - all in the same day, should those circumstances arise.Set to go on sale during the Spring of 2016, this new Evoque will arrive just in time to enjoy some summer sunlight and warm days. Check out the photos and video of this new SUV below, and if a hard-topped, non-convertible Evoque is more your taste, find one from our exclusive listings for your outdoor adventure.Range Rover Evoques For Sale Gallery (via Land Rover, YouTube) See More Land Rover News

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By Caitlin Duffy – October 05, 2015

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible Begins Testing

Lovers of the Land Rover name will be able to enjoy warm days and off-roading adventures in a new and exciting way soon, when the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible is fully introduced to the world.First announced through a creative marketing ploy similar to the one used to unveil the original Evoque design, the Evoque Convertible is set for full reveal in November and, as a press release issued today tells us, will be available for purchase as early as Spring 2016."Thanks to a combination of innovative engineering and the application of advanced technologies, Evoque Convertible will deliver a dynamic and assured SUV experience that has been tested around the world," described Mike Cross, Land Rover's Chief Engineer of Vehicle Integrity, said in the release. "We call it 'The Convertible for all Seasons.'"The Los Angeles International Auto Show is the chosen location for the car's unveiling, no doubt in part due to the year-round convertible-friendly weather in southern California. A video of the Evoque Convertible's testing was also issued today, detailing how it's just as well suited to off-road endeavors as any Land Rover yet created.The video, which you can watch above, was shot at the Eastnor Castle estate in Herefordshire, England, a legendary property of Land Rover's with ample acreage for testing of new vehicles. The four-wheel drive convertible was put through its paces on the estate's grounds, ensuring that no rigidity was lost with the removal of the Evoque's roof.(See Also: Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible Set to Launch in November)Be sure to stay with us for more updates as they are released, and in the mean time, find an Evoque with a permanent roof from our exclusive listings at the button below.Range Rover Evoques For SaleGallery (Source: Land Rover, YouTube) See More Land Rover News

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By Caitlin Duffy – October 02, 2015

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible Set to Launch i...

London streets are seeing a strange type of vehicle crowding up their roads as wireframe sculptures line up on iconic streets.They're 1:1 replicas of a new model from Land Rover, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible. As a press release from the English manufacturer tells us today, it's the first compact luxury SUV convertible the world has seen.Six of these convertible wireframe sculptures were created, following in the footsteps of the wireframe sculptures that helped launch the Evoque in 2011. Made from aluminum and each sporting a different color, they "illustrate the elegant evolution of the Range Rover Evoque's transformation from coupe to convertible," according to the release.(See Also: Khan Flying Huntsman 110 6x6 Defender Double Cab Pickup Unveiled)The Evoque Convertible is set for a full launch in November, when we can see what the 3D sculptures look like completely filled in. Until then, you can keep an eye out for these sculptures as they go on a global tour to build buzz for the new model, or find yourself a hardtop Evoque from our exclusive listings at the button below.Range Rover Evoques For SaleGallery (Source: Land Rover) See More Land Rover News

By Andrew Nabors – September 08, 2015

Land Rover Range Rover Sentinel: Grenade & Bulletproof Lu...

While we agree that every armored car should be capable of fording rivers until now it had to involve an expensive custom build.In a Sept. 8 press release, Land Rover formally announced the Range Rover Sentinel. Starting with the venerable Range Rover Autobiography, an armored passenger cell is built of six pieces of hardened steel with no visual changes to the exterior. Capable of stopping a .30 caliber, armor piercing, incendiary ammunition, it can also survive 33 lbs of TNT from a lateral blast.The Sentinel is the first vehicle fully engineered by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations, and given the attention to detail on their previous efforts, it will probably be a game-changer for the industry."The Range Rover Sentinel is one of the most extraordinary Range Rovers ever produced," said SVO Managing Director John Edwards in the release. "It has been expertly engineered by Special Vehicle Operations to provide class-leading levels of protection to occupants against extreme attack, whilst retaining the Range Rover's luxury and refinement with off-road capability."Retaining the luxury and capabilities of the Autobiography, the panoramic roof is now multiple layers of transparent composite that can withstand a direct grenade blast. The Dynamic Stability Control systems have been recalibrated for the additional weight, but a driver training program is included to ensure you can escape unfriendly situations.(See Also: New Land Rover Tech Makes Trailers "Invisible")Pricing will start under €400,000, or approximately $447,400 USD at today's exchange rate, and includes a 50,000 km warranty. A formal release will take place at the annual Defence and Security Equipment International Exhibition, taking place in London next week. For more security news you can use, stay tuned to Autofluence.Range Rovers For SaleGallery (Source: Land Rover) See More Land Rover News

By Andrew Nabors – September 02, 2015

2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Autobiography Review

For over a decade, Land Rover’s Range Rover Sport has been the smaller and more exciting alternative to their timeless and traditional full-size SUV. Since we have a 2015 full-size HSE in our inventory, we welcomed spending a week with a new Range Rover Sport V8 featuring the Autobiography package.(2015 Range Rover Sport Pictured Above)The Sport’s second generation debuted for the 2014 model year, and many derided the fact that it grew in size, becoming much closer to the full size model in the process. This was a logical step in order to make room in the lineup for the Evoque. Bigger in this case is better. Land Rovers have never quite been comparable in size to American SUVs, as they are built for narrow British roads. This is why we don’t mind the Sport gaining a few inches. If the body was steel, this increase would be more detrimental, but like big brother, the Sport is a mostly aluminum construction. 2015 Range Rover SportTurbochargers are all the rage due to their ability to multiply an engine’s power output with almost negligible impacts on maintenance. Jaguar Land Rover chose the road less traveled and have repowered their lineup with traditional roots style superchargers. Unlike a turbo, which lies sleeping until you need it, a supercharger is spun by a belt on the engine. The blower is always spinning so this Land Rover has more power than you will ever need. Rated at 510 hp and 461 lb-ft, a wide open throttle releases the Kraken. You need to have a mile of open road in front of you, because this SUV accelerates as if it has been strapped to an ACME rocket. The only downside is that supercharged engines love to breathe, and since this exhaust is designed to not disturb the country club crowds, provoking the loud pedal is not as rewarding as it could be.Our urban test loop doesn’t feature any African Savanna, Arabian desert or frozen tundra to traverse, but their sales literature assures us that we would be safe, as long as premium 93 octane fuel can be found in abundance. Rated at 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway, thirst is the price to be paid by a supercharged V8 with permanent 4WD. Speaking of price, the sum total for the most well-appointed Sport model ever made is $98,107. This places it slightly above the lesser trim levels of the full-size Range, but much less expensive than a similarly equipped G63 AMG. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more Land Rover news and reviews.

By Caitlin Duffy – July 16, 2015

Range Rover Evoque "Special Edition With Victoria Beckham...

Since 1996, Victoria Beckham has been a major influence on the high fashion trends in the United Kingdom. Land Rover has also played a large role in determining what is stylish, simply from the automotive perspective rather than through clothing. Evening Reveal as Land Rover launch the Range Rover Evoque Special Edition with Victoria Beckham at the Central Academy of Fine Arts on April 22, 2012 in Beijing, China.Pic Credit: Dave BenettThe two came together in 2013, launching a limited edition of 200 Evoques dubbed the "Range Rover Evoque Special Edition with Victoria Beckham." The first Land Rover to feature a hand-finished matte paint, it is filled with subtle but stunning details, such as the rose gold found as an accent on the wheels, plated on the interior accents and surrounding the grille and badging.As mentioned in the April 22, 2012 press release announcing the collaboration, the interior is inspired by vintage designs, featuring tan semi-aniline leather with a hand finished stitch.Only five of these four-seater coupes made it to the United States, and now is your chance to own one. It was always garaged, hardly driven and detailed weekly by its celebrity owner. Priced at $94,999 with just 12,500 miles on the odometer, it's a rare chance to own an iconic creation from the United Kingdom.(See Also: Lamborghini Concept S Up For Auction)Take a moment to browse the photos of this listing, as well as photos from the launch of this model, in the gallery below. When you're finished, visit the listing and find out how to make this Evoque yours.Buy Now Gallery (Source: Land Rover) See More Listings For Sale

By Caitlin Duffy – June 17, 2015

Land Rover Range Rover Celebrates 45th Anniversary

It has become one of the most iconic cars capable of getting the job done and doing so in luxury, and today is the day it celebrates 45 years since its launch.The Range Rover first revealed to members of the media in 1970 on June 17, becoming England's preliminary off-road vehicle that focused on luxury. As a release from the marque today tells us, there have been four generations created since, with each unveiling new technologies and features that have kept Land Rover at the front of innovation.Though today's models are stunning, there can never be enough time spent admiring their roots; as the release reminds us, "the original Classic model was cited as an 'exemplary work of industrial design' when it became the first vehicle to be displayed at the world famous Louvre museum in Paris."(See Also: Remote Control Range Rover and Future Autonomous Plans Unveiled)A full timeline of the model's history was included in the release, and can be seen below the gallery. A few highlights from 45 years of the Range Rover include the first generation's inclusion of a diesel option in 1986 and inclusion of anti-lock brakes, the first 4x4 to do so, in 1989. The second generation, P38a, brought the addition of adjustable suspension and the 1999 Linley Special Edition, the most luxurious Range Rover created at the time.The third generation, L322, ran from 2001 to 2012, bringing about a bigger, more spacious interior and inspiration from high-end yacht designs. Virtual instruments were first implemented and infotainment options grew, including the option for passengers to enjoy DVDs. The fourth generation is currently in production, and with the addition of a remote-control option, it's only going to continue to keep Land Rover at the forefront.Check out the YouTube video from Land Rover documenting the Range Rover's 45 years above, scroll through the gallery below and skim through the timeline to see more of this model's impressive history, then find yourself the perfect Range Rover from our exclusive listings.Range Rovers For SaleGallery Timeline - A Brief History 1966 Work began on the first Range Rover prototype, known as the '100-inch station wagon' 1970 The original two-door Range Rover - known as the Classic - goes on sale 1971 Range Rover receives the RAC Dewar award for outstanding technical achievement 1972 The Range Rover is the first vehicle to cross the Darien Gap on a British Army Trans America expedition 1974 Range Rover completes west to east Sahara desert expedition - 7,500 miles in 100 days 1977 A modified Range Rover wins the 4x4 class in the London-Sydney Marathon, a gruelling 30,000 km (18,750 miles) event and the longest ever speed-based car rally 1979 A specially modified Range Rover wins the first Paris-Dakar rally (a Range Rover wins again in 1981) 1981 First production four-door Range Rover appears along with the first factory produced limited-edition Range Rover - the 'In Vogue' 1982 Automatic transmission becomes available on Range Rover 1983 Range Rover 5-speed manual gearbox is introduced 1985 The diesel-powered Range Rover 'Bullet' breaks 27 speed records, including a diesel record for averaging more than 100mph for 24 hours 1987 Range Rover launched in North America 1989 Range Rover is the world's first 4x4 to be fitted with ABS anti-lock brakes 1990 Limited Edition CSK - named after founder Charles Spencer King - is launched as a sportier Range Rover 1992 Range Rover Classic is the world's first 4x4 to be fitted with Electronic Traction Control 1992 Long-wheelbase LSE (known as County LWB in the US) launched 1992 Automatic electronic air suspension introduced, a world first for a 4x4 1994 Second-generation (P38a) Range Rover launched 1996 Range Rover Classic bows out after total production of 317,615 units 1999 Limited Edition Range Rover Linley appears at London Motor Show 2001 Third-generation (L322) Range Rover launched 2002 Half-millionth Range Rover produced at the Solihull plant 2005 Second model line - the Range Rover Sport - launched 2006 Terrain Response and TDV8 diesel introduced 2009 Range Rover features all-new 5.0-litre V8 and 5.0-litre supercharged petrol engines 2010 Range Rover celebrates its 40th anniversary, 2011 Third model line - the Range Rover Evoque - goes on sale 2012 Fourth-generation (L405) Range Rover launched - the world's first all-aluminium SUV 2013 Long-wheelbase Autobiography Black Edition unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show 2014 Long-wheelbase Range Rover Hybrid makes its world debut in China 2015 Range Rover SV Autobiography launched at New York International Auto Show. 6,000,000th Land Rover produced is a Range Rover LWB SE Vogue destined for China. Autobiography designation used to identify flagship models celebrates 21st anniversary (Source: Jaguar Land Rover) See More Land Rover News

By Caitlin Duffy – June 16, 2015

Remote Control Range Rover and Future Autonomous Plans Un...

Difficult parking situations and pulling out of tight spots are soon to be problems of the past, and Land Rover is at the front of pushing them toward antiquity.New programs have been developed for the Range Rover line, ranging from the "Solo Car" vehicle able to drive autonomously off-road, to a smartphone app that allows drivers to control their car from outside the vehicle. A press release from Jaguar Land Rover today shares some of the details of these new features, giving us another look into the future of transportation.A Range Rover Sport has been developed that can drive at speeds of up to 4 mph without anyone inside of the car, with all of its functions controlled through an app on a smartphone. As a precaution, the operator must be within 10 meters, or 32', of the car and have the smart key on them for this to work.It's the ideal solution to getting stuck in a spot when someone parks too close to your door, maneuvering in and out of tight garages or acting as your own off-road spotter through difficult terrain. You can see an example of this tech in action in the video below, added to YouTube June 15 by Land Rover.Continuing on the note of off-road abilities, Land Rover is dedicated to their reputation for creating the best off-road vehicles on the market and soon hopes to incorporate fully autonomous operation for those situations. In addition to announcing the ability of a Range Rover to autonomously execute a 180 degree turn, seen in the video above, they're developing the exploration vehicle of the future."We know our customers drive in heavy rain, and snow, and bright desert sunshine every day," Dr. Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology, Jaguar Land Rover, said in the release. "We are working on an array of new sensors that would enable a car to operate in any environment, without any outside intervention or input from lane markings or roadside infrastructure like traffic lights."Should this technology advance successfully, it could mean big things for the world of autonomous driving. Vehicles would no longer be limited to roadways, meaning the tech could easily work its way into military and exploratory operations, both on this planet and others. Imagine a Mars Rover vehicle that doesn't need constant control from Houston, or a rescue vehicle entering a disaster area to aid those stuck on foot.Exciting things, undoubtedly, are coming from these announcements, though it's not sure when this technology will be fully implemented into production vehicles. Stay with us to find out when you can buy a Range Rover Sport that turns itself around, or if you're not ready to literally let go of the wheel just yet, take a moment to browse our Land Rover listings, and find an analogue model for your daily drive.View Land Rover ListingsGallery (Source: Jaguar Land Rover) See More Land Rover News

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