To celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the Range Rover, they have commissioned a 'paper' bridge to cross.

• Land Rover celebrates 45 years of Range Rover with creative collaboration
• Luxury SUV completes world-first drive across one-off paper bridge
• Partnership with world-renowned British artist Steve Messam and specialist British paper manufacturer James Cropper PLC to build unique installation
• Intelligent 4WD all-terrain technology and lightweight aluminium construction of flagship model makes unique drive possible
• One-off art project kicks off Range Rover 45^th Anniversary celebrations at Guangzhou Motor Show

Land Rover has driven its flagship Range Rover luxury SUV across a bridge made of paper. The freestanding structure in Suzhou, China, spanned five metres without glue or bolts to hold it in place.

Land Rover commissioned the unique bridge to mark the 45^th anniversary of its Range Rover family and to highlight 45 years of Range Rover innovation ahead of the Guangzhou Motor Show in China.

The hand-built paper bridge took three days to construct in the ancient water city of Suzhou, which is famous for its bridges and nicknamed ‘Venice of the East’. The unique crossing was made of high quality paper supplied by specialist British manufacturer James Cropper PLC.

The jaw dropping drive is the latest in a long line of industry firsts for Land Rover’s flagship SUV. Range Rover was the world’s first ever luxury SUV when it debuted in 1970 and was the first vehicle to drive across the Darien Gap in Central America two years later. In 1989 it was first 4x4 to be fitted with ABS anti-lock brakes and introduced both Electronic Traction Control and electronic air suspension to the sector in 1992. 

The latest fourth-generation model was the first all-aluminium SUV when it debuted in 2012. Its innovative lightweight aluminium body provides a total vehicle saving of up to 420kg compared to using traditional steel.

Land Rover Experience Chief Instructor Chris Zhou was entrusted with negotiating the paper bridge, using a variety of all-terrain technologies to preserve the delicate fabric of the unique structure. Range Rover is available with a series of innovative features that combine to provide unrivalled all-terrain capability including Terrain Response 2 and All-Terrain Progress Control.

Terrain Response 2 features an auto mode which, when selected, optimises a range of vehicle settings to enhance all-terrain capability without any input from the driver.

All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) allows drivers to concentrate purely on steering the vehicle when negotiating difficult or slippery terrain by maintaining a set speed ranging from 1mph to 19mph without any pedal inputs. The intelligent technology enhances all-terrain capability and can be activated on the move or from a standstill, to help when pulling away on tricky surfaces, and even works in reverse gear.

The industry-first technology can assist drivers when pulling away on slippery wet grass – a demanding surface for even experienced off-road drivers – by ensuring minimal wheelspin, and even help to drive the vehicle out of deep sand.

Nick Rogers, Director Group Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “China is an important market for Range Rover, so we have picked the perfect place to celebrate 45 years of our luxury SUV family. Range Rover’s advanced lightweight body and peerless all-terrain capability were crucial factors in making this unique drive possible.”

Artist and paper bridge designer, Steve Messam, said: “Paper structures capable of supporting people have been built before but nothing on this scale has ever been attempted. It’s pushing engineering boundaries, just like the Range Rover, and the ease and composure with which the vehicle negotiated the arch was genuinely breathtaking.”

Range Rover is the ultimate luxury SUV and combines sophisticated exterior design with class-leading all-terrain capability and exquisite interior refinement.

Happy Birthday to the Best 4x4xFAR, the Range Rover reaches 45, and is still the best in the world.

• Range Rover revealed to world media in 1970, reaches 45 year milestone on 17 June 2015
• Lightweight all-aluminium body construction, Terrain response™ 2 and All-Terrain Progress Control are the latest in a history of Range Rover innovations
• Now in its fourth generation: original Classic (1970), second-generation P38a (1994), third-generation L322 (2001) and current model (2012)
• Range Rover is the original luxury all-terrain vehicle and a genuine design icon
• Land Rover brings together four generations of Range Rover to show the evolution of the vehicle over 45 years 

The iconic Range Rover celebrates its 45^th birthday today. Reaching the important milestone is the latest in a series of 2015 highlights for the world’s most desirable luxury SUV.

At the New York International Auto Show in March, Land Rover revealed a new Range Rover flagship in the form of the exclusive SVAutobiography and the landmark six millionth Land Rover was a Range Rover Vogue SE, which rolled off the Solihull production line in April.

Over the last 45 years Range Rover has delivered a series of industry firsts as it has evolved into the peerless SUV we know today. 

As well as introducing a host of advanced technologies, many of which have since become industry standards, 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.

Now in its fourth generation, the Range Rover sits at the pinnacle of the Land Rover brand and matches class-leading off-road capability with a range of state-of-the-art petrol, diesel and Hybrid powertrains to deliver an unrivalled blend of refinement, comfort and capability.

Nick Rogers, Jaguar Land Rover Director Global Engineering Operations, said: “Range Rover was the first luxury SUV in the world in 1970 and 45 years on it continues to lead the way. 

The latest model is the most desirable and sophisticated Land Rover ever, mixing peerless comfort with cutting edge technology to provide the ultimate luxury SUV experience.”

The original 1970 Range Rover combined excellent refinement and on-road handling with uncompromised all-terrain capability for the first time, and subsequent generations have maintained its status as the most capable and desirable SUV in the world.

The current fourth generation model was launched in 2012 and was the first SUV in the world to feature a lightweight all-aluminium body, which brought enhanced efficiency to the range.

The SVAutobiography brings a new level of design sophistication to the line-up and is produced by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division. 

It is the most luxurious and powerful series production Range Rover in the vehicle’s 45-year history and is available with distinctive Duo-tone paintwork and a 550PS V8 petrol engine. This year also marks the 21^st anniversary of the introduction of the exclusive Autobiography designation.

Last year, Range Rover became the first vehicle to feature Land Rover’s innovative All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) system – a world first technology designed to enhance off-road capability by automatically maintaining an ultra-low crawl speed over obstacles, allowing the driver to concentrate on steering the vehicle.

Range Rover through previous generations

The Range Rover story began in the Sixties as Land Rover looked to revolutionise the growing 4x4 leisure market. Production of the first prototype began in 1966 and the finished car was launched to critical acclaim in Cornwall, in 1970. 

In a special photoshoot, Land Rover has brought together four generations of the Range Rover to show the evolution of the vehicle.

First Generation – Classic (1970 – 1994)

The first generation model, known as the Classic and originally only available as a two-door, went on sale in 1970 featuring a lightweight aluminium V8 engine, full-time four-wheel drive and all-round disc brakes. 

Numerous variants and upgrades were introduced during its 25-year lifespan including the addition of a four-door model in 1981 and an automatic gearbox in 1982.

Innovations continued at a pace. The first diesel Range Rover arrived in 1986 and in 1989 it became the world’s first 4x4 to feature anti-lock brakes. Then in 1992 it celebrated another SUV first with the introduction of Electronic Traction Control and automatic electronic air suspension.

The Range Rover’s reputation for unrivalled all-terrain capability was cemented by a number of high-profile endurance tests. 

In 1972 it became the first vehicle to complete an 18,000-mile Trans-America expedition, staged by the British Army, which included the perilous crossing of the Darien Gap in South America. 

This was followed in 1974 by the successful completion of an epic 7,500-mile trek across the Sahara Desert in 100 days.

This reputation was enhanced with victory in the 4x4 class of the 18,750-mile London-Sydney marathon in 1977 and by winning the inaugural Paris-Dakar rally in 1979. Then, in 1985, the diesel-powered Range Rover ‘Bullet’ broke 27 speed records. 

Second Generation – P38a (1994 – 2001)

The second-generation Range Rover or P38a – so named because it was developed in building 38A in the Solihull factory – arrived in 1994 delivering an even more luxurious interior, greater on-road ability and off-road capability. Key design features made it instantly recognisable as a Range Rover and the iconic silhouette, floating roof, clamshell bonnet, practical split tailgate and continuous waistline endure to this day.

Technological highlights included the addition of height adjustable suspension and an enhanced engine line-up, with a 2.5-litre diesel and 3.9 and 4.6-litre versions of the V8 petrol providing greater performance than ever before.

In 1999 Land Rover created the most luxurious Range Rover yet with the Linley special edition. Inspired by furniture designer Lord Linley, only 10 examples of the £100,000 model were produced.

All featured black paintwork with matching black leather upholstery, deep-pile carpets and piano black interior trim. It was one of the first luxury cars to feature satellite navigation and even included a television. 

Third Generation – L322 (2001-2012)

The arrival of the third generation Range Rover delivered significant improvements over its predecessor in every department. Bigger and more spacious than the P38a, the interior was inspired by high-end yacht designs, fine furniture and first-class airline seating. The result was the most luxurious vehicle interior in the world.

Technological highlights included the addition, in 2010, of ‘virtual’ instruments. It also became the first vehicle to provide a ‘dual-view’ infotainment display, allowing the driver to keep tabs on the sat nav instructions while the passenger watched a DVD.

As engine technology advanced, the third generation Range Rover line-up expanded.  First came the 4.2 V8 Supercharged petrol engine in 2005, the TDV8 diesel engine in 2006, followed by all-new 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines three years later. 

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 40^th 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. 6,000,000^th Land Rover produced is a Range Rover LWB SE Vogue destined for China. Autobiography designation used to identify flagship models celebrates 21^st anniversary

SHANGHAI 2015 - 6,000,000th Land Rover produced, Congratulations, and here is to the next six million.

• Land Rover celebrates production milestone
• Six millionth production Land Rover is luxurious Range Rover LWB Vogue SE
• Landmark vehicle fitted with unique, celebratory puddle lamp graphic
• One-off vehicle showcased on Land Rover stand at Shanghai Auto Show
• 2015 marks 67 years of Land Rover’s innovation in design and technology, and the 45^th anniversary of Range Rover production

Land Rover is celebrating the production of its landmark 6,000,000^th vehicle by giving it a unique design feature.

The completion of a Yulong White Range Rover LWB Vogue SE on 2 April saw Land Rover hit the manufacturing milestone and the 6,000,000^th vehicle has been fitted with a bespoke puddle lamp graphic to signify its unique status.

The luxury SUV takes centre stage at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show showcasing its one-off motif, which replaces the standard Range Rover silhouette projected by the vehicle’s puddle lamps. The image is created by an inscribed lens within the door mirror-mounted downlight and displaying the Land Rover logo and landmark figure.

The illuminated graphic, which is the width of a grain of rice, is projected through a magnifying lens onto the ground every time the vehicle is unlocked in an image which is 80cm in diameter. This same graphic was projected on to the wall of the Solihull manufacturing facility to mark the moment when the 6,000,000^thvehicle rolled off the production line.

Andy Goss, Director, Group Sales Operations, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “For 67 years Land Rover has been building the world's most capable all-purpose vehicles.  Over this period, a range of ground-breaking innovations and technologies have blended great design, refinement and unmatched all-terrain capability.

“It’s fitting that the 6,000,000^th Land Rover to be produced is a Range Rover, since this year marks the 45^thanniversary of the original Range Rover’s launch and even today, the vehicle remains peerless. With the growth of sales in China since the latest version of the Range Rover was introduced in 2012, it is entirely appropriate that this landmark vehicle is destined for a Chinese customer.”

The 6,000,000^th Land Rover debuts on the Land Rover stand at the Shanghai Auto Show, and will subsequently feature in a number of celebration events being staged in China to mark Range Rover’s 45^thanniversary.  Ultimately this special Range Rover will be sold in the region and its specially commissioned puddle lamps will serve as a permanent reminder of the significance of this unique model in Land Rover’s history.

Range Rover sits at the pinnacle of the Land Rover brand. The latest model was introduced in 2012 and matches class-leading axle articulation of 597mm, wading capability of 900mm and the ability to tow up to 3,500kg, with a range of state of-the-art petrol, diesel and Hybrid powertrains that successfully harness advanced technologies to deliver exceptional refinement, performance and efficiency. 

In addition, the luxury SUV combines sophisticated exterior design and exquisite interior detailing with the exceptional luxury, comfort and fine attention to detail that are established Range Rover hallmarks.

The 6,000,000^th vehicle was built at Land Rover’s Solihull facility, where the company has been producing its world-famous SUVs since 1948. The factory has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, almost trebling production and doubling its workforce. Today Solihull is a global centre of excellence for aluminium and lightweight vehicle manufacturing.  It boasts Europe's largest aluminum body shop, producing the biggest single aluminium pressing of any vehicle for the Range Rover – weighing only 7kg.

Of the 6,000,000 Land Rovers produced, more than 900,000 are Range Rover vehicles and the iconic luxury SUV is the first car to have been displayed at the world-famous Louvre museum in Paris, where it was cited as an ‘exemplary work of industrial design’.

The original Land Rover Series I was unveiled at the Amsterdam Motor Show on 30 April 1948, so this month marks the 67^th anniversary of the brand. One-third of the 6,000,000 vehicles produced to date have been manufactured in the last eight years at Land Rover’s UK plants, in Solihull in the West Midlands and Halewood on Merseyside. The current model line-up includes Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Discovery, Discovery Sport and Defender.

LAND ROVER HISTORICAL TIMELINE

1947	Original Land Rover project approved
1948	The Land Rover is launched at the Amsterdam Motor Show on 30th April
1948	First Station Wagon introduced
1949	British Army orders its first Land Rovers
1950	Freewheel 4x4 system replaced by selectable two or four-wheel-drive
1953	Long-wheelbase Land Rover introduced
1957	Diesel engine introduced
1958	Series II Land Rover unveiled with more refined styling
1959	250,000th vehicle produced
1961	Series IIA with 2.25 diesel introduced
1966	500,000th vehicle produced
1970	Original two-door Range Rover (the Classic) goes on sale
1971	Land Rover Series III launched
	750,000th Land Rover produced
1972	Range Rover crosses the Darien Gap on the 18,000-mile British Army Trans-America expedition, taking 99 days to cover 250 miles of dense jungle
1976	1,000,000th Land Rover built
1977	Range Rover wins 4x4 class in the 30,000km (18,750-mile) London-Sydney Marathon - the longest ever speed-based car rally
1979	A Range Rover wins the inaugural Paris-Dakar rally (and again in 1981)
1981	First production four-door Range Rover debuts along with the first factory-produced limited edition - the 'In Vogue'
1982	Automatic transmission introduced on Range Rover for first time
1983	Land Rover adopts coil sprung suspension with introduction of One Ten
1984	Land Rover Ninety introduced
1985	Diesel-powered 'Bullet' Range Rover breaks 27 speed records
1987	Range Rover launched in North America
1989	Range Rover is world's first 4x4 to be fitted with anti-lock brakes
	Land Rover Discovery is introduced as a three-door model only
1990	Land Rovers are re-launched and renamed Defender 90, 110 and 130 with new 2.5-litre turbo-charged direct injection diesel engine
	Five-door Discovery arrives
1992	Land Rover North America is founded with a limited run of 500 Defender 110 vehicles powered by the 3.9-litre V8 engine
	Range Rover is world's first 4x4 to be fitted with electronic traction control and automatic electronic air suspension
1993	Land Rover North America follows up the success of the launch of the Defender 110 with the Defender 90 soft top
1994	Second-generation (P38A) Range Rover introduced
	Discovery launched in USA
1997	Land Rover Freelander launched
1998	Discovery II launched
2001	3,000,000th Land Rover produced is a Freelander
2001	Third-generation Range Rover introduced
2002	500,000th Range Rover is produced at the Solihull plant
2004	Discovery 3 introduced at New York Auto Show
2005	Range Rover Sport launched
2006	All-new Freelander 2 introduced
2007	4,000,000th Land Rover produced is a Discovery
2009	Discovery 4/LR4 launched
	Freelander TD4e (Stop/Start) introduced delivering 10% improvement in fuel consumption over previous model
2010	Range Rover Evoque introduced
2012	Fourth-generation Range Rover introduced - the world’s first all-aluminium SUV
2013	Second-generation Range Rover Sport introduced before establishing record for production standard SUV at Pikes Peak
	Land Rover Discoverys complete record-breaking London-Cape Town expedition, making 10,000- mile journey in 10 days
2014	500,000th Range Rover Sport sold
2014	Land Rover Discovery Sport introduced
2015	Exclusive Range Rover SV Autobiography Black edition launched at New York 6,000,000th Land Rover produced is a Range Rover LWB SE Vogue