Specially built Land Rover LR4 features aluminum parts

Land Rover Las Vegas and Aluminess, a San Diego specialty fabrication company, have partnered to build a custom Land Rover, which is on sale at the dealership. The vehicle, a 2009 LR3, has aluminum bumpers and an aluminum roof rack.

"This aftermarket partnership with Aluminess allows our customers to have a say in the construction of their own vehicle," said Trevor Fagan, Land Rover Las Vegas marketing director.

The aluminum components are as strong as their steel counterparts found on factory-built LR3s but one-third the weight, allowing the vehicle to maintain its unmatched off-road capability while reducing the stress on alignment, suspension and brakes.

In the future, Land Rover is planning to build all its vehicles with lightweight aluminum bodies. The switch from steel promises several benefits, including fewer emissions and greater fuel economy.

"Aluminum body construction also requires fewer parts and joints than steel, improving crash worthiness and overall road behavior," said Ray DiNardi, Land Rover Las Vegas general manager.

Test drive the Aluminess-equipped LR3 now at Land Rover Las Vegas, 5255 W. Sahara Ave. Call the dealership at 579-0400.