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here for englishCallaway Supercharged Freelander
In occasione del SEMA show 2001 che ha luogo a Las Vegas ogni anno in Ottobre, è stata presentata un'edizione speciale del Freelander. Si tratta del Freelander Callaway. Il suo nome deriva da quello del preparatore che si è occupato del make up di questa Land Rover: Reeves Callaway. Callaway è una vera e propria leggenda negli States dove a partire dalla metà degli anni settanta si fece un nome occupandosi di elaborazioni e tuning di vetture sportive. Egli ha continuato la sua carriera fino ai nostri giorni esaltando ogni aspetto dell'ingegneria motoristica e dopo le esperienze nel mondo delle competizioni Reeves si è dedicato alla costruzione e commercializzazione delle proprie dream cars (la C12 e la C12R) oltre a prestare, come in questo caso, la propria opera per altre case costruttrici firmando numerose Limited Editions. Ricordiamo la Callaway Range Rover 4.6 nel 1999 ad oggi la versione dalle più alte performances della Casa di Solihull.
La Callaway presenta una serie di modifiche sia estetiche che funzionali. Fra esse spiccano l'intervento al motore portato a 250 Hp e 36 Kgm a 4000 giri tramite l'adozione di un Supercharger e stimato capace di far accelerare il veicolo da 0-60 mph in 7,7 secondi. L'impianto frenante maggiorato con adozione di dischi autoventilanti e baffati da 332 mm anteriormente e da 304 posteriormente con pinze a 4 pistoni, l'assetto ribassato di 5 centimetri con molle e barre antirollio più rigide e ammortizzatori con una nuova taratura, pneumatici Pirelli P-Zero 255-45-R18Z su cerchi in lega da 18". La vedremo mai in Italia?
Las
Vegas, NV (October 30, 2001)
For the 2001 SEMA show, Callaway and Land Rover have teamed up to debut
the “Freelander Supercharged—Performance by Callaway,” an all-new concept
that follows closely on the heels of the Freelander’s U.S. introduction.
The vibrant Azul Blue concept vehicle elegantly showcases how
extraordinary street performance and legendary off-road capability mesh
seamlessly in one powerfully engineered package.
Sporting a Callaway Freelander badge, the concept defines Callaway’s
vehicle development philosophy—as well as the responsiveness, creativity and
precision performance engineering capabilities of the Callaway organization.
Developed
in just over six weeks, the concept vehicle features a full complement of
Callaway enhancements, from extensive engine, chassis and suspension
modifications to a beautifully executed exterior design treatment.
True to Callaway’s engineering approach, the company’s entire team of
seasoned vehicle specialists—spanning two continents, three countries and four
separate facilities—contributed to the project.
The result is a concept vehicle that delivers the superior performance
and distinctive design that today’s driving enthusiast demands, without
sacrificing the Freelander’s essential character.
Supercharged,
Super Smooth, Super Efficient—This Powerplant Compromises Nothing
Callaway’s
engine development group welcomed the challenge of infusing the
“Our engineering objective was to
combine superior driveability with the flattest possible torque curve for the
broadest range of high performance—all without sacrificing fuel economy,”
explained Jim Jones, Callaway’s engine development manager.
To achieve this “no compromises” objective, the Callaway Advanced
Technology team opted for the supercharged engine application.
Callaway engineers designed and fabricated an exclusive aluminum intake manifold,
featuring an optimized intake length that ensures strong, consistent performance
from idle through 6200 rpm. In
addition, engineers developed an exclusive liquid-cooled intercooler/heat
exchanger system. The system
features a high-capacity electric pump for rapid water circulation and optimal
cooling efficiency. The
front-mounted heat exchanger ensures that the Freelander is as cool at idle or
low revs as it is powering along the Interstate. The Callaway team also designed an all-new throttle housing,
CNC machined from billet aluminum and featuring dual throttle ports and integral
idle air control construction. For
a flawless finish, a special Callaway carbon fiber engine cover wraps around the
Supercharger, hinting at the engine’s remarkable performance.
Callaway also repositioned and modified the entire exhaust system to gain equal
power distribution to the twin exhaust pipes.
The new performance exhaust includes a stainless steel muffler design, as
well as resonated stainless steel exhaust tips. The exhaust outlet area is surrounded by a distinctive
dual-purpose billet heat shield. Designed
to protect the rear bumper from exhaust heat, the aluminum shield also serves as
an aesthetic “finale” by repeating the extruded fastener design elements
found in the concept’s wheels.
Callaway
Performance Includes Custom Chassis and Suspension Refinement.
To channel all that added power in a civilized manner, Callaway
applied its engineering expertise to the Freelander’s standard four-wheel
independent suspension. Modifications
include a full complement of Callaway Sport Tuned increased
rate springs and revalved compression rebound dampers, as well as several
custom-engineered and machined components, such as a larger-diameter anti-roll
bar. The concept sits a full two
inches lower than the standard Freelander.
The added performance is matched by equally impressive braking power.
Callaway adapted the race car bred Callaway C12’s superb brake system
for the Freelander concept The grooved and ventilated front (332 x 32) and rear (304 x
25) rotors are enormous, and well suited to performance driving requirements.
A custom aluminum rotor hat, anodized in Callaway blue to match the
concept’s brilliant Azul blue body color tops off each rotor.
Massive four-piston brake calipers, also adapted from Callaway racing
technology, are capable of comfortably managing even the most spirited on- or
off-road driving behavior. To
direct additional airflow to the concept’s brakes, Callaway also designed and
fabricated exclusive carbon fiber brake ducts, integrated in the front bumper.
High- performance 255/45/R18Z Pirelli P-Zero tires are mounted on distinctive
18-inch, two-piece lightweight alloy wheels.
The wheels, featuring custom wheel hub pilots, were especially selected
for this application by Callaway’s Germany-based competition affiliate,
Callaway Competition. The spoke
design allows a clear view of the Callaway-branded brake calipers.
In addition, each wheel integrates a special Callaway wheel cap.
Powerful
Exterior Stance Sets Stage for Freelander’s Star Performer Role
Montreal-based
designer Paul Deutschman’s artistic sensibilities are fueled by an engineering
background, a unique combination of talents that results in vehicle designs that
seem to move—even when standing still.
The success of Deutschman’s
work is in evidence front to rear. A
unique front bumper integrates an aerodynamic splitter, a horizontal extruding
lip that provides stabilizing downforce—for when the going gets fast.
The splitter is complemented by a metallic silver skid plate—for when
the going gets deep and tough. Also
designed into the front bumper are Callaway Competition crafted carbon fiber
brake duct
Moving toward the rear, the design elements continue to point to the concept’s
performance heritage. Rocker panels
provide aerodynamic skirting that further enhances vehicle stability at high
speeds. Styled to suggest a
metallic extruded beam, each rocker sports dual-purpose body colored end caps.
True to the vehicle’s dual nature, both on- and off-road enthusiasts
needs are met. When wheel flaps are
mounted on the rear of the wheel openings, they serve as mud guards.
When mounted at the front of the openings, they serve as air deflectors,
forcing the air around the tire for less drag at high speeds.
The rear of the Callaway Freelander sports an “air diffuser” lip in
the lower bumper area. The final
visual focal point is the distinctive aluminum exhaust heat shield that
integrates exposed fasteners—a styling element that links directly to the
wheel design.
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