LAND ROVER PEABODY

PEABODY, Mass., Jan. 9, 2012  It takes a special vehicle to stick out from the wide range of new cars and trucks released every year, and few made as big an impression in 2011 as the 2012 Range Rover Evoque. Arriving at Land Rover dealers last September, the compact utility vehicle has been the focus of dozens of awards, most recently taking home the title of Autoweek magazine's "Best of the Best" Truck for 2012. The Evoque was also chosen as the 2012 Motor Trend SUV of the Year in December and the Top Gear 2011 Car of the Year in November.

Only all-new or substantially updated vehicles were eligible to contend for Autoweek's "Best of the Best" awards, which are given out to one car and one truck annually. Contenders were graded on drivetrain, ride quality, handling, exterior, interior design and fun factor in a process that began in January 2011. The 2012 Audi A7 was chosen as the winner in the car category, and both it and the Evoque will be honored at the 2012 Detroit auto show that begins today.

"The Evoque takes the capability and luxury of a full-size Range Rover and condenses it into a compact, stylish shape," said Dave Edwards, general manager of Greater Boston Land Rover dealership Land Rover Peabody. "It doesn't look or drive like anything else on the market, and that is a breath of fresh air for our customers and magazine editors alike."

Autoweek editors praised the Range Rover Evoque for being just as capable as its larger brethren, despite being the only vehicle in the lineup with a four-cylinder engine. While a mighty V8 has become the go-to powerplant for Range Rovers, the Evoque features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that delivers greater fuel efficiency without sacrificing as much in performance, producing 240 horsepower while returning up to 28 mpg on the highway.

Powerplant size isn't the only area where the Evoque deviates from the traditional Range Rover game plan. The Evoque's exterior, which sports a raked-back windshield, sloping roofline, bulging fender flares and hawk-eyed headlights, looks like it came straight off a stylist's sketchbook, and that's because the vehicle has seen little change since it was revealed as the LRX Concept at the Detroit auto show in 2008.

While the Evoque's styling may be something new from Land Rover, the company's DNA is intact in the vehicle's rugged capability. The compact SUV comes with the automaker's Terrain Response system, which allows the Evoque to tailor its ride and handling to master various conditions, whether it is sand, mud or snow. Incorporating Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Traction Control, Roll Stability Control and even Hill Descent Control, the system helps drivers make molehills out of mountain passes.

"It's easy to get caught up in the ways that the Evoque is different from other vehicles in the lineup," Edwards noted. "But what's most notable is that the Evoque hasn't disappointed those who expect great things from Land Rover in terms of capability. If it had, there would have been no way the vehicle could have taken home so many awards since its launch."

Meet at Land Rover Peabody on Sunday, November 19th, at 10:00AM (bagels & pastries will be served).

Then, we'll head out on a scenic drive through the North Shore.

Our final destination will be the Alfalfa Farm Winery. You'll be treated to an hour and a half wine tasting (soft-drinks will also be served), hors d'oeuvres and a tour of the winery.

Guests are welcome to attend. 

Please RSVP to Lori at 978-532-8312 or email at lconnolly@roverpeabody.com by November 14th.

PEABODY, Mass.    In consumers' minds, total vehicle quality is more than just how a car is built; it is also the emotions it evokes during the ownership experience, according to consumer research firm Strategic Vision Inc. (SVI). The company recently released its 2011 Total Quality Index (TQI), which revealed that the 2011 Land Rover LR4 SUV is tops in its segment, easily beating the second-place Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.

Strategic Vision's 16^th annual TQI is based on feedback from 37,069 car buyers that bought 2011 model year vehicles between September and December of 2010. Car owners were surveyed on all aspects of their ownership experience, from buying to driving, taking into account both complaints and the owner's overall attitude regarding their car. Strategic Vision claims their report more accurately portrays owner satisfaction than other studies that focus primarily on problem areas.

"Taking the entire car ownership experience into consideration results in a clearer picture of what Land Rover offers," said Dave Edwards, general manager of Greater Boston Land Rover dealership Land Rover Peabody. "For one, Land Rover provides an off-road experience that can't be replicated, and our staff creates a relationship with our customer that adds to the pleasure of owning a Land Rover. Those factors get overlooked in studies that focus on problems alone."

In the Near-Luxury Utility segment, no competitor was close to the 2011 Land Rover LR4, which scored 923 points out of 1000. That number was good for second in the entire index, behind only the Jaguar XJ made by Land Rover's sister company. Score breakdowns from the study will not be released, but such a high score means the LR4 is offering a high level of satisfaction for owners, from their experience at Land Rover dealers to driving their new sport-utility vehicles.

Proven utility is one of the ways the LR4 separates itself from the off-road claims of its competition. While the LR4 is more than comfortable cruising the highways of America, it is capable of heading deep into the woods and beyond thanks to its innovative off-roading equipment. Each LR4 features Hill Descent Control to make going down steep inclines painless, and Gradient Release Control refines throttle operation when climbing challenging hills. There is also a four-corner air suspension that can increase ride height for rough terrain and lower the entire vehicle to make loading and unloading cargo easier.

With three rows of seating, the LR4 is particularly well equipped for families, and even the third row gets special treatment. The standard Alpine roof with integrated sunblinds and power sunroof provides a clear view of the sky for all three rows of seats. Meanwhile, leather upholstery provides a tactile, easy-to-clean element to the LR4's interior.

"The LR4 is one of our most popular models because it is incredibly versatile and family-friendly," Edwards noted. "You can pack the kids and pets up for a vacation and tow a camper or boat at the same time. During the winter, there's no better way to get to the ski slopes during a snowstorm than in an LR4."

 

PEABODY, Mass. ? Warren Waugh, a co-founder the Lyon-Waugh Auto Group, has a passion for historic cars and charity work, which makes the North Shore Concours D'Elegance a fitting outlet for his affection. Featuring iconic cars from the last century, the car show taking place at Endicott College on July 31 and sponsored by the Lyon-Waugh Auto Group will benefit scholarship programs aimed at current and future students at the school.

Held at the oceanfront Misselwood Estate on the Endicott College campus, the Concours D'Elegance will feature two different show fields, including a judged concours field and a parking area filled with collector's cars that are open to car lovers of any age. In addition to the allure of rare and antique cars, the event will include art, jewelry and fashion shows, as well as musical entertainment.

"I can't think of a better way to spend a day than admiring historic cars along what used to be referred to as the 'Gold Coast' and raising funds to help young people continue their education," said Waugh, whose auto group includes Massachusetts MINI dealership MINI of Peabody, BMW of Peabody, Acura of Peabody, Land Rover Peabody, Audi of Nashua, and Porsche of Nashua. "Last year, the event had everything from a 1904 Grout Steamer to a 1932 Chrysler Imperial. It was a fantastic gathering and I'm hoping this year will be just as successful."

WHAT: North Shore Concours D'Elegance

WHEN: Sunday, July 31, 2011, 11 a.m. EDT ? 3:30 p.m. EDT

WHERE: Misselwood Estate at Endicott College, 407 Hale Street, Beverly, MA

HOW: General admission is $10, with a discounted $6 ticket for Beverly residents and Endicott College students, alumni and staff. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available at https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/9089245. $45 for car registration.

While there are no modern equivalents of classic cars like the 1970 Ford Torino GT 429 Convertible expected to be at this year's show, modern versions of motoring icons are still available as new cars, like the 2011 MINI Cooper available at MINI dealerships. A modern on the first MINI manufactured by the British Motor Corporation in 1959, today's MINI is available in several forms to suit the modern driver's needs.

The original MINI was a huge success, becoming a British icon and selling more than five million units before its original production run ended in 2000. The next-generation MINI would arrive in the United States a year later, and this updated MINI has evolved in the decade since while still maintaining its predecessor's classic charm. The 2011 MINI Cooper still revels its retro looks, complete with a contrasting color roof just like the MINIs of old, along with the round headlights and flared fenders.

"The 2011 MINI Cooper is a faithful modernization of the original," Waugh commented. "It has the old-school playfulness and looks that make it such a hit with people both young and old. The models at the Concours D'Elegance are on display because they showcase timeless designs, and MINIs have remained so popular throughout the years because they too are automotive icons."

PEABODY, Mass.   The Range Rover Evoque has received a lot of press for its tidy size, its forward-looking design and even its efficiency, but until recently there had been a major bit of information missing from headlines: the price. Land Rover finally cut to the chase prior to the Evoque's debut at Range Rover dealerships this fall, with an MSRP starting at $43,995 for four-door models and $44,995 for two-door models, including the destination and delivery fees.

As the most affordable Range Rover, the Evoque, which is shorter than a Ford Focus, is Land Rover's smallest SUV, making it a boon for city dwellers who still want to escape into the countryside. Available in three trim levels, Pure, Prestige and Dynamic, Range Rover Evoque customers will have a number of unique features to choose from when selecting their vehicle, ranging from interior ambient lighting to two-toned upgraded leather.

"Evoque drivers will be people who want the luxury of a Range Rover, but with dimensions more suitable for urban environments," said Dave Edwards, general manager of Greater Boston Land Rover dealership Land Rover Peabody. "We're seeing some new technology packed into the Evoque that sets it apart from the rest of the lineup, both in regards to performance and fuel economy."

The Evoque's performance comes from a 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine harnessed by a six-speed automatic transmission and directed to the ground through its all-wheel drive system. With a smaller powerplant than other Rovers and the use of lightweight materials like aluminum and Boron steel, the crossover SUV is able to achieve fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Inside, the Evoque features additional opportunities for customizing each vehicle, such as available Almond/Espresso, Ebony and Cirrus/Lunar leather options. Climate control with air filtration and air quality sensing comes standard, as does the Oxford leather steering wheel and engine start button, which adds a sporty flair to the driver's domain.

Of course, a Range Rover isn't a Range Rover if it can't tackle wintry roads and trails, and the Evoque is equipped to take on all conditions. Range Rover's Terrain Response system adjusts the stability control and traction control based on conditions ranging from snow to sand, and Hill Descent Control keeps steep descents under control at all times.

"It's new and flashy looking, but the Evoque didn't lose its Range Rover pedigree when it became more fuel-efficient and compact," Edwards added. "Range Rover luxury will now come in a package that can easily parallel park, but there's no luxury sedan on the market that has all-terrain capability of the Evoque."

Life is full of seemingly trivial choices that lead us to rather significant outcomes. That's the premise of a new interactive film, "Being Henry," made to promote the all-new Range Rover Evoque crossover arriving this fall at Land Rover Peabody, a Massachusetts Range Rover dealer. By allowing viewers to make the decisions of the main character Henry, played by Leo Fitzpatrick of HBO's "The Wire," the film exposes the watcher to a wide variety of zany situations and eccentric characters.

As viewers make choices during "Being Henry," they are also unknowingly building their ideal Evoque based on how they react to subtle situational, emotional and color-based references. With three uniquely-designed models to choose from, the option of a five-door or coupe, and several combinations of exterior and interior themes and finishes, the Evoque will offer a level of customization never before available at Land Rover dealers. Viewers can see how their own personalized Evoque turns out at www.helloevoque.com/beinghenry .

"The traditional look of a Land Rover or Range Rover is iconic, but customers now have the chance to really incorporate their personal tastes into the look of their Evoque, and the new film highlights this really well," said Dave Edwards, general manager at Land Rover Peabody. "Both the film and the Evoque appeal to a new demographic that wants both sustainability and choice in the products they buy."

The most fuel-efficient and sustainable Range Rover to date, the Evoque features a turbocharged two-liter four-cylinder engine that still kicks out a healthy 240 horsepower and 241 pound-feet of torque. The Evoque will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds, which Land Rover says is as fast as their V8-powered vehicles.

The Range Rover Evoque will be inheriting the title of Land Rover's most fuel-efficient vehicle from the Land Rover LR2 SUV, which is expected to remain a favorite among off-road purists that want to save a bit more on fuel. The 250,000th LR2 was produced this past March at Land Rover's Halewood assembly line in the United Kingdom amid strong global sales.

When it comes to driving performance and technologies, the Evoque and LR2 don't sacrifice much compared to their larger Range Rover and LR4 brethren. All-wheel drive is standard on both vehicles, while Land Rover's Terrain Response system allows drivers to tackle whatever road conditions New England can throw at them with a turn of a dial.

"Both the Evoque and the LR2 meet the modern needs of buyers, but on different levels," Edwards added. "While the LR2 offers better gas mileage to customers that still want legendary off-road handling, the Evoque brings all-around performance to city dwellers or weekend warriors that may have never considered a Range Rover before."

Land Rover has been named the most-improved luxury brand in Automotive Leasing Group's (ALG) Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study (PQS). While Land Rover vehicles have traditionally been praised for their off-road prowess, ALG found that the brand had gained traction in luxury circles from an increase in popularity of the 2011 Range Rover Sport, currently at Land Rover Peabody, and strong consumer interest in the upcoming, fuel-efficient Range Rover Evoque.

Based on survey results from approximately 4,000 U.S. consumers, the PQS found that Land Rover had a 2.5 percent increase in perceived quality during the past year. The results come on the heels of an R.L. Polk survey which found that the brand also enjoyed the highest increase in owner loyalty in 2010, up 8.2 percentage points.

These accolades arrive as buzz builds for the commuter-friendly Range Rover Evoque compact SUV, which is slated for an autumn launch. The Evoque promises to give Rover lovers a versatile, lower-emission SUV that upholds the tradition of performance associated with the Range Rover name. The Evoque was recently named Best Production Car at the 2010 Design Awards at the Geneva Motor Show, earning praise for translating "the brand identity of Range Rover to a smaller, very relevant product."

Meanwhile, the city-ready Range Rover Sport has consistently proven its reliability and long-term value since its debut in 2005, taking home ALG's Best Residual Value for luxury midsize utilities in each of the six years it has been on the road.

"The Rover Sport and Evoque represent a new direction for Land Rover, and both models have customers thinking differently about what a Rover can do," said Dave Edwards, general manager of Greater Boston Land Rover dealer Land Rover Peabody. "In today's economy, customers are looking at their vehicles from all angles before investing, and factors like monthly fuel savings and resale value matter now more than ever."

Smaller, lighter and more fuel-efficient than any Range Rover to date, the Evoque combines responsive handling and precise engineering with a number of customizable design options meant to turn heads during city commutes. The Range Rover Sport more closely matches the standard Range Rover's unrivaled off-road capabilities, while its reduced frame size makes it better suited for the confines of urban driving.

Customers looking to cash in on the superior resale value of a Range Rover Sport, as well as those looking to turn in used Land Rovers to upgrade to the Evoque, are encouraged to bring their vehicles to Land Rover Peabody for a fair appraisal and additional incentives for sales.

"Thanks to new models introduced in recent years and improvements in industry resale reports, there has never been a better time to trade in or sell a Range Rover," Edwards added. "We've seen a big demand for used Range Rover models manufactured during the last five years, and that means that these owners have a lot of leverage when looking for the best resale price available."

While the number of new compact SUVs and crossovers in recent years has been dizzying, their promise of improved fuel efficiency combined with legitimate off-road capability has largely gone unfulfilled. The all-new Range Rover Evoque changes that by stashing Land Rover's proven off-road ability in a compact package to create the most fuel-efficient and nimble Range Rover ever. Currently on a tour of auto shows around North America, the Evoque is expected to arrive at Land Rover Peabody, a Greater Boston Land Rover dealer, in the fall of 2011.

The Evoque incorporates design characteristics that make existing Range Rover models the best in their class in off-road capability, including ample ground clearance and large departure angles for ramps, mounds and other obstacles. To add fuel efficiency and greater responsiveness, the Evoque features a new turbocharged 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter Si4 engine with direct injection, as well as a body built with high-strength lightweight materials, including titanium, magnesium and aluminum.

Arriving at Land Rover dealers in five-door and cross-coupe models, the Range Rover Evoque, with its refined exterior and interior, departs from the compact SUV herd by bringing Land Rover's distinctive luxury and craftsmanship to an urban crossover. Both Evoque models will offer three distinctive design options, each with a captivating profile that includes a rising beltline, boldly contoured shoulders and a tapered roofline. The spacious Evoque interior includes an abundance of luxury materials and technology, such as ambient LED lighting and an available all-glass panoramic roof.

"The Evoque will shake up its segment because, although there are many crossovers on the market, none of them are Range Rovers," said Dave Edwards, general manager of Land Rover Peabody. "With the Evoque, you get the most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever built, as well as a model that stays faithful to the brand's tradition of renowned off-road performance."

As the first Range Rover to come equipped with a Meridian premium sound system, the Evoque delivers 825 watts of surround sound from 17 speakers, all controlled by a signature 8-inch touch screen. A number of bold exterior options, such as 20-inch wheels and unique bumpers, grilles, sills and tailpipes, make the luxury crossover stand out at stoplights.

The Range Rover Evoque includes an Adaptive Dynamics system with advanced MagneRide that creates a smooth, controlled ride while improving handling response. A number of additional technologies in the Evoque ensure excellent drivability in variable conditions, including Gradient Release Control, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Terrain Response.

"It's the perfect crossover for Massachusetts drivers, one that's just as comfortable parked on Newbury Street as it is handling winter drives up in ski country," Edwards added. "It perfectly meets the demands of Boston professionals that value efficiency and impeccable design, but want the versatility to escape the city on weekends. We can't wait for our customers to see it firsthand in our showroom this fall."

Land Rover Peabody Poker Run: Saturday, June 12, 2010

 

 

Land Rover Peabody hosted their second annual Poker Rally and luncheon to kick off the summer.  Over 35 guests attended a poker run themed rally that ended with a very special luncheon at Woodman's of Essex.

Guests met at the dealership at 10:30am for a light catered breakfast including pastries, bagels and coffee.  Once every attendee arrived, it was time to line up and set off on the rally. 

 

The Land Rover Peabody team coordinated a route that took Land Rover customers and co-pilots on an hour and a half drive through the north shore.  Guests rallied to 3 destinations along the way- the historic Salem Willows, The Wylie Inn & Conference Center at Endicott College and Stage Fort Park in Gloucester.  At each stop, guests were met by LRP staff members and handed a poker playing card.  At the end of the trip, every rally participant gathered together at Woodman's of Essex for a traditional clambake lunch (and received their final playing card).  The luncheon menu included Woodman's world famous clams, lobster, steak and chicken. 

At the conclusion of the meal, every customer revealed their poker hands.  The 2 best hands received a gift bag filled with Land Rover accessories and gear. 

 

Stay turned for details on Land Rover Peabody's 3^rd quarter off road event. 

 

See our photo gallery!

For a month filled with a lot of clouds and rain, Land Rover Peabody sure lucked out.  It was a gorgeous day for an off road event...LRP style.

The dealerships' first off road event of the year kicked off on Saturday, June 13th.  This time around, the event would be geared towards Land Rover owners that have never participated in an off road experience.  14 cars (35 drivers and passengers) arrived at Land Rover Peabody at 10 am on Saturday for a light breakfast and a chance to get acquainted with the LRP staff.

When it was time to "hit the trails," the LRP staff brought everyone together for quick instructions and then rallied up north to the Manchester Athletic Club (Manchester by the Sea, MA).  And, if you are wondering...yes, Land Rover's can rally and they look quite good in a pack.

For 2 hours, guests and passengers climbed steep, rocky hills, drove through muddy terrain and got to know a lot about the features and capabilities of their Land Rover.  Several guests couldn't believe their car could have such incredible agility off road. LRP staff also snapped hundreds of photos of guest tackling the course in their vehicles.  That will certainly make for many memories.

After making several passes through the course, everyone gathered together for lunch and Rover talk.  Everyone had an incredible time at the event and left with favors including a Land Rover picture frame, wallet and a tee shirt to remember the day.

If you are interested in attending our next off road event, please ask a member of our staff for details and to pre-register.

See more photos from our Land Rover Service Clinic!


Land Rover Peabody hosted their first service clinic of 2009 on Saturday, March 21st.  Current Land Rover Peabody customers were invited to attend the clinic and get to know more about their car.  Our factory trained technicians performed a complimentary multi-point inspection and scanned the customer's vehicle for any service related issues. 

During the clinic, customers were invited to enjoy a catered breakfast, coffee and juices.  Children in attendance were able to color their own Land Rover and participate in arts and crafts.  

Every customer received a complimentary car wash a gift bag of Land Rover accessories and special "clinic day discounts" on their favorite Land Rover Gear.  

At Land Rover Peabody, we take pride in our service department and our factory trained technicians.  It is our goal to keep our customers vehicles performing at their best!   

PEABODY, Mass., Dec. 8, 2011 ?  When it comes to iconic British vehicles, the rugged Land Rover Defender is near the top of the list. Unfortunately for American off-road enthusiasts, the model was pulled from the United States in 1997 due to its lack of airbags. Now Land Rover is bringing a properly equipped Defender back, recently revealing a pair of concept vehicles at the LA Auto Show that provided a glimpse of what the SUV could look like when it likely reaches Land Rover dealers in 2015.

Dubbed the DC100 and DC100 Sport, the dynamically styled pair of concept SUVs took to the platform at the LA Auto Show featuring the off-road capabilities of their forebears, but adding the premium materials that Land Rover drivers have come to expect. Though the boxy duo looks little like the rest of the lineup, which includes the new, sophisticated 2012 Range Rover Evoque, they are still unmistakably Land Rovers.

"Land Rover's DC100 concept vehicles have the Defender face that harkens back to the very beginning of the brand, a time when Land Rovers were purely utilitarian vehicles," said Dave Edwards, general manager of Greater Boston Land Rover dealership Land Rover Peabody. "Today Land Rovers are just as competent off road as they were more than 60 years ago, but now they come with luxurious touches and technology that the original models could only dream of. This is a trend I expect the next Defender will continue."

The DC100 incorporates raised air suspension, a redesigned roof rack and an available air-intake snorkel that is paired with a sonar water-depth finder for fording activities. Meanwhile, the DC100 Sport is an open-top two-seater well suited to hitting the beach or cruising over sand dunes while soaking up the sun. Interior designs focus on function just as much as form, giving the DC100 concepts a utilitarian appearance balanced by ergonomic seating that had been missing in former Defenders.

Both vehicles feature an advanced version of Land Rover's Terrain Response system, which allows the driver to change the vehicle's settings to suit a range of environments, from ice to mud and sand. A story published by the Los Angeles Times suggests the evolved system will use 3D mapping to warn drivers of upcoming obstacles and will likely find its way into an updated version of the Land Rover LR4 as well.

Land Rover LR4 owners already enjoy one of the most capable SUVs available thanks to its sophisticated four-wheel-drive system and technological enhancements like Hill Descent Control, Gradient Release Control and four-wheel Electric Traction Control. The LR4 also comes with an adjustable air suspension that can raise the vehicle nearly five inches for more off-road capability, or lower it for easier loading and unloading.

"The LR4 is a very special vehicle," Edwards noted. "There's little else on the market that combines capability, comfort and performance in such an attractive design. The LR4 is the complete package."