A Range Rover Vogue limousine has been built which is due to be unveiled at the Limousine and Chauffeur Show, but this is not any old limousine, it’s the fi rst of its kind to be super-stretched in the UK.
The 140 inch right-hand drive diesel model was specified by A1 Stretch, the UK’s largest operator, to a specialist company, based in Dorset. The project was launched at the beginning of the year when Chris Wright from Carbonyte UK Ltd, who was previously one of the engineers of the Mclaren SLR, was asked to put together the plans for a mind-blowing super-stretch which was going to stand out as the first limo to be built in Britain.
So work began on the project and the team at Carbonyte UK engineered the structure on CAD, and they soon realised to achieve the torsional stiffness required from the vehicle; the sections of steel required would bring the weight to an unacceptable level, so the use of composites was then considered. Chris developed a carbon fibre body system for use on super cars that displayed immense strength and stiffness for a fraction of the weight compared to steel and as the design brief was to reduce the overall weight of the conversion, the team applied Aerospace Technology which enabled them to achieve their targets.
The 3.5 metre side panels weigh in at 20 kilograms each and are resistant to the dents operators experience and once painted they conform to the strict standards demanded by all the top vehicle manufacturers (OEM’s). For the production limousines the company have planned for the future, the team will develop the roof structure to be manufactured in Carbon composite to reduce the weight further and also to allow the possibility of raising the roof line to allow greater interior space.
The panels are even bonded to the structure using aerospace adhesives which are immensely strong and durable with the added advantage of being an efficient method of producing multiple vehicles to tight tolerances.
The company are extremely proud to be designing and building a stretch limousine in this country, so Anne Wright who designed the interior thought they would celebrate the fact by using a subtle union jack outline design on the seating which is all manufactured in-house. The theme is also refl ected in the ceiling design which leaves you with the feeling of this being a British super stretch vehicle, with class and style. Up to date technology is showcased in the carbon fi bre bar, all of which is illuminated with a subtle, yet striking combination of white and blue LED’s.
Chris Wright commented, “The vehicles built for the American market are hugely impressive, but our vehicle is aimed fi rmly at the European market, bringing the class and status of the current model Range Rover, with the lower operating costs associated with running a diesel, plus the added benefi t of right hand drive with European sat-nav as standard.”
He added, “Our vehicle can be serviced at any Landrover dealership, or independent specialist, with all parts available off the shelf. We also can demonstrate the quality of construction by offering customers the opportunity to come to the factory in Dorset and to see their vehicle being built, a service you would otherwise have to travel to the States to receive.”
The company is being represented by A1 Stretch Limousines, who have been advising on the specification of the show vehicle throughout the design and build process. The input from the largest operator in the UK will keep Carbonyte up to date with the demands and requirements of customers and operators from around the world.
