REFINEMENT - IN EVERY WAY

Attention to detail, coupled with creativity and engineering integrity, has created one of the most refined cars in the world. Rover 75 is designed with a single goal, to take the stress out of driving and put the pleasure back into motoring.

The car is 4.75 metres long. It is large enough to accommodate four adults in extreme comfort, yet compact enough to retain rewarding manoeuvrability for today's crowded roads. By providing a supremely refined and effortless motoring experience, Rover 75 redefines 'travelling in style', delivering advanced levels of comfort, safety, security, performance and reliability.

The exterior design is outstanding from every angle and the inferred solidity inspired the engineering team to emulate its looks in the car's dynamic performance. Rover 75's purity comes from being designed by one man with one vision; for Richard Woolley, studio director - Rover Cars Design, there was only ever one Rover 75. He said,

"I am convinced that this car will re-kindle a pride of ownership that, when you have parked it, will make you feel the need to glance back as you walk away. Above all, it has a soul."

STRIKING INTERIOR

Wyn Thomas, chief designer, interior said,

"On the inside, Rover 75 makes a bold new design statement. It is all new and unlike any other in its class. It is where Rover's reputation for stylish interiors is applied with real conviction."

The striking interior design has a tangible solidity which stems from the use of traditional materials in a very contemporary way. Cool chrome, soft leather and real wood are used as an integral part of the design, not as an afterthought. They become an integral part of the car's character rather than just applied character. Focal points are the dashboard and the console. The wood veneer is both attractive and functional. For example, it houses the full-size passenger airbag. Careful attention has also been paid to storage capability in order to provide useful stowage space.

Even working within the tight constraints of airbag packaging, the interior design team has managed to retain the hallmark Rover dashboard shelf

An integrated telephone, a choice of two navigation systems, a 'concert hall' audio system and fully automatic air conditioning are just some of the features that will be available in Rover 75.

The instruments are also striking in both their design and execution. They deliver precise information through careful use of graphics against the traditional parchment back and colour. The night-time illumination is equally striking with the instruments backlit in orange. The steering wheel is adjustable for both height and reach and the seats, although capable of carrying five in comfort, are designed to reflect the style of a four seat grand tourer.

The front header console has assumed more prominence in Rover 75 than in recent Rover products. Its futuristic style fits perfectly with the striking nature of the interior design, yet is fully functional. It houses a microphone for the integrated telephone option as well as courtesy and map lamps and the sunroof switch.

LEADING EDGE BODY DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

The development of Rover 75 made full use of leading edge technology to provide a new level of body rigidity - over 2.5 times that of Rover 600. 40% of the body is constructed from high strength steels of new' formulation.

Eliminating body distortion allows precise and consistent suspension geometry and lasting freedom from squeaks and rattles. It dramatically improves refinement by minimising panel flexing and booming, producing an impact resistant passenger compartment surrounded by energy absorbing zones for increased crash protection. Driving the car produces an instant feeling of 'hewn from solid'.

A great deal of attention has also been paid to the science of insulation and the suppression of wind, road and engine noise, including the specification of a triple door sealing system and a full double bulkhead between the engine and passenger compartments. The combined strengths of Rover and BMW acoustics engineers have created a car that will lead its class in interior noise quality.

 INTUITIVE DRIVING PLEASURE

Intuitive driving pleasure comes from controls that fall easily to hand, excellent visibility and constant but unobtrusive feedback.

The dashboard layout ensures that controls fall easily to hand and all switches have a reassuringly solid feel. The driver's seat is height adjustable and includes a lumbar support feature. Electric windows, powered and heated door mirrors and an extremely efficient heating and ventilation system all add to driving pleasure.

But it is in the chassis design and dynamic control that the car becomes really engaging for driver and passengers. The front suspension is by MacPherson struts, mounted on a perimeter frame. This mounting system has resulted in impressive levels of isolation and refinement which will redefine the class.

At the rear, a subframe mounted Z-axle ensures precise control and contributes to sharp, yet predictable, handling and a smooth, supple ride. Coupled with the stiff and virtually inert body structure, the isolation is exceptional over ridges, potholes, raised manhole covers and cats eyes. The fatigue and discomfort of driving over these road irregularities is something that the Rover 75 occupant is unlikely ever to experience.

Extensive computer modelling has ensured that the development of a refined ride has not sacrificed enjoyable handling characteristics or masked feedback. The suspension system is designed to allow drivers of varying ability to maintain safe control up to very high limits.

The all-disc brake system features the latest generation 4-sensor AB S and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) maximises rear brake efficiency under all road and load conditions.

V6 QUAD CAM 24 VALVE PETROL ENGINES

Four engines make up the range for Rover 75, the petrol engines coming from the highly acclaimed K-series modular family. Most significant are the KV6 Quad Cam 24 valve engines available in both 2.0 litre and 2.5 litre displacements. The KV6 evolution engines have seen major investment and development for Rover 75 with many components being redesigned or new. KV6 has moved from a low volume special facility to a new high capacity production line reflecting the greater volume requirement for this and forthcoming new Rover Group products.

 The 2.0 litre capacity unit is new for Rover 75, offering smooth power delivery and exceptional refinement. It develops 150Ps at 6500 RPM with 185Nm of torque. The 2.5 litre version delivers 175Ps and 24ONm.

The third engine in the line-up is the 1.8 litre four cylinder variant of K-Series, already well established as one of the world's greatest four cylinder engines. In Rover 75 it develops 120Ps and 16ONm of torque.

STATE OF THE ART 2.0 LITRE DIESEL

The fourth engine in the Rover 75 stable is the first application of BMW Group's latest generation 2.0 litre diesel with the revolutionary common rail fuel system the 2.0 litre CDT. It develops 115Ps at 4000 RPM and 260Nm of torque at 2000 RPM. Using the Bosch system, fuel is delivered by a high pressure pump feeding a joint pressure chamber (common rail).

Very high pressure with precise electronic control optimises combustion and emissions performance, offering a new diesel experience by eliminating diesel 'clatter'. With exhilarating performance and unprecedented refinement, the CDT will redefine diesel motoring at the quality end of the upper medium sector.

ELECTRONICALLY AUTOMATIC

With each engine comes the choice of state of the art gearboxes - manual or automatic. The Rover 75 is the only transverse engine front wheel drive car to offer a five-speed automatic gearbox.

This fully electronic JATCO unit offers a range of driver selectable and adaptive shift modes including, for example on the diesel, idle in neutral. With this feature, the transmission disengages when the brake pedal is depressed and the vehicle is stationary (e.g. at traffic lights) and engages when the accelerator pedal is depressed.

The gearbox enables the driver to match his or her driving mood to suit the conditions - it knows when it is towing or climbing hills and tells the engine when it is going down hill so that engine braking can be made available. The traction control system ensures precise control over the power to the road wheels under all conditions.

The GETRAG five-speed manual gearbox is also a new development offering slick change quality and excellent refinement.

ELECTRONIC ARCHITECTURE

Engineering innovation in Rover 75 is most evident in the car's electrical system. The electrical circuitry is highly multiplexed using proven BMW K-bus architecture. The integration of conventional electrical systems into the central network system improves reliability and opens up a new world of customer or market configurable features such as locking/unlocking logic, customised wash/wipe procedures, lazy locking and even daytime running lights.

SAFE AND SECURE

Rover 75's structure has been designed to provide the optimum performance in crash situations. Coupled with chassis dynamics that provide predictable behaviour and excellent primary safety, the secondary systems ensure compliance with all known current and expected worldwide safety regulations.

Seat belt pre-tensioners, driver and passenger airbags, thorax protecting side airbags and three position belts with a head restraint at all five seat positions are standard on all models. Further head protection from Front Inflatable Tubular Structure airbags is available as an option. To reduce most-impact fire hazards, the airbag electronics trigger a small charge which disconnects the battery main lead.

As is the tradition with Rover products, a robust alarm and immobiliser are fitted as standard on all versions of Rover 75. The key barrel is of the freewheeling type and locks are cable, rather than rod, operated. Remote locking is via a radio frequency system and incorporates superlocking on all doors.

THE RANGE STRUCTURE

The Rover 75 comprises a range of cars which offers its customers the option of creating the exact car of their choice. By combining engine, trim level, options and accessory packs, the car can be tailor made for any personal preference or lifestyle.

Full details of the appointments, options and accessories will be available early in

1999 but the following outline gives a clear guide to the choice that is available:

• 4 advanced engines - 1.8, 2.0 and 2.5 petrol and 2.0 diesel
• 5 speed manual or 5 speed electronic automatic with all engines
• 3 levels of appointment
• 17 exterior colours
• 5 interior colour schemes
• Over 20 factory fit options and over 100 dealer supplied accessories

Standard and optional equipment will include:

• Air conditioning (manual and fully automatic)
• Anti lock brakes
• Cruise control
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
• Traction control
• Front/side and head protection airbags
• Integrated telephone
• Choice of two levels of navigation systems
• Leather upholstery
• Eight different alloy wheel styles
• Heated washer jets and headlamp cleaning
• A range of audio systems
• Folding rear seat
• Heated seats

AVAILABILITY AND POSITIONING

Rover 75 will commence sales in March 1999 and will be available across all established and more recently developed Rover markets. Full details of the range, its appointments and pricing will be announced early in 1999.

The new Rover 75 is positioned as a luxurious British saloon competing against cars such as Audi A4, Alfa Romeo 156 and the Mercedes C Class. It will join the BMW 3 Series to conquest the quality car market.

Final pricing is yet to be confirmed. However, it is likely that prices for the new Rover 75 will start at around £19,000 in the UK.