Laforza SUV- A Range Rover Competitior (1988)

chevelle · 6th February 2009, 19:02

Hello all,

On my recent visit to a auto dealer to test drive CLS500 and Lexus is350, i came across this 'Luxury SUV' that was launched around 1988 as a competition to Range Rover.
Also there was a chopper there, looked good.

Find more info here
Laforza - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

the test drives of CLS and IS350 were short, and it was an exhilarating experience. the CLS500 was a 2006 fully loaded model, it was in great condition except for wheel alignment and a screechy noise coming from steering when taking a right turn. I revved it from 5mph to 65mph and acceleration was mind numbing, the brakes were superb and stopped it in no time. as for the looks, its one of the best looking cars i have come across and even after so many years in market it still looks fresh. the exhaust note was awesome. m in love

i wasn't the driver for IS350, but had the pleasure of sitting at the back, and it was cosy n luxurious
wanted to take both of them on freeway but due to lack of time, couldn't.

P.S: Photos taken with iphone, so please pardon the quality. one photo is shaken as i was in hurry.

comments and views are welcome

Nitin · 7th February 2009, 01:51

chevelle,where were these pics taken?
The Laforza seems like a mix between the Land Rover & the Jeep Cherokee,IMO.

chevelle · 7th February 2009, 15:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nitin

chevelle,where were these pics taken?
The Laforza seems like a mix between the Land Rover & the Jeep Cherokee,IMO.

These were taken at dealer in sacramento, california.

chevelle · 7th February 2009, 16:35

Interestingly, it used Ford's 5.0 V8 engine 215hp, Chrysler's four wheel drive system, suspension from Fiat built army truck, ford's four speed automatic transmission, leather interior, all steel body, painted at same place where ferrari testarossa used to be painted.
that's some hybrid of Italian and American technology. no wonder it was go anywhere suv with luxurious lyfstyle.

it had six way power adjusting front seats,power windows,powered moon roof,remote locking, tilt steering, cruise control, front reclining seats,defogger among other things , it can tow a 8000 lb trailer.

that's some stats i guess.

it has got rave reviews by all and is considered one of the better rivals to RR and LM002.

canonball · 7th February 2009, 18:37

Laforza was an italian car made mostly with fiat parts. I think it was a joint exersize between fiat and an italian coach builder. I recall it had a Ferrari engine and one of the fastest SUV's made in that period. America and middle east and Sultan of Brunei are the only 3 markets where thery were able to sell anything. It was even more expensive than a Range Rover

HPP · 8th February 2009, 00:29

Laforza was a disaster of a vehicle. Rovers have enough issues, but when someone tries to copy it and only builds something with far less "quality".. it can only end badly.

chevelle · 8th February 2009, 01:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by canonball

Laforza was an italian car made mostly with fiat parts. I think it was a joint exersize between fiat and an italian coach builder. I recall it had a Ferrari engine and one of the fastest SUV's made in that period. America and middle east and Sultan of Brunei are the only 3 markets where thery were able to sell anything. It was even more expensive than a Range Rover

it didn't had ferrari engine, in italy it had alfa romeo 6 cylinder engine, while it was imported to USA without engine and suspension and it had a ford v8, used at that time in ford explorer.

more details here

San Diego Metropolitan - Road Test - May 1999
Laforza
A Laforza to be reckoned with | Car News Blog at Motor Trend

hope this helps

the company went into bankruptcy in 1991

6th February 2009, 19:02	#1
chevelle Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: sacto Posts: 1,299 Thanked: 552 Times View My Garage	Laforza SUV- A Range Rover Competitior (1988) Hello all, On my recent visit to a auto dealer to test drive CLS500 and Lexus is350, i came across this 'Luxury SUV' that was launched around 1988 as a competition to Range Rover. Also there was a chopper there, looked good. Find more info here Laforza - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia the test drives of CLS and IS350 were short, and it was an exhilarating experience. the CLS500 was a 2006 fully loaded model, it was in great condition except for wheel alignment and a screechy noise coming from steering when taking a right turn. I revved it from 5mph to 65mph and acceleration was mind numbing, the brakes were superb and stopped it in no time. as for the looks, its one of the best looking cars i have come across and even after so many years in market it still looks fresh. the exhaust note was awesome. m in love i wasn't the driver for IS350, but had the pleasure of sitting at the back, and it was cosy n luxurious wanted to take both of them on freeway but due to lack of time, couldn't. P.S: Photos taken with iphone, so please pardon the quality. one photo is shaken as i was in hurry. comments and views are welcome Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

7th February 2009, 01:51	#2
Nitin Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 3,294 Thanked: 20 Times View My Garage	chevelle,where were these pics taken? The Laforza seems like a mix between the Land Rover & the Jeep Cherokee,IMO.
	() Thanks

7th February 2009, 16:35	#4
chevelle Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: sacto Posts: 1,299 Thanked: 552 Times View My Garage	Interestingly, it used Ford's 5.0 V8 engine 215hp, Chrysler's four wheel drive system, suspension from Fiat built army truck, ford's four speed automatic transmission, leather interior, all steel body, painted at same place where ferrari testarossa used to be painted. that's some hybrid of Italian and American technology. no wonder it was go anywhere suv with luxurious lyfstyle. it had six way power adjusting front seats,power windows,powered moon roof,remote locking, tilt steering, cruise control, front reclining seats,defogger among other things , it can tow a 8000 lb trailer. that's some stats i guess. it has got rave reviews by all and is considered one of the better rivals to RR and LM002.
	() Thanks

7th February 2009, 18:37	#5
canonball Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,466 Thanked: 205 Times View My Garage	Laforza was an italian car made mostly with fiat parts. I think it was a joint exersize between fiat and an italian coach builder. I recall it had a Ferrari engine and one of the fastest SUV's made in that period. America and middle east and Sultan of Brunei are the only 3 markets where thery were able to sell anything. It was even more expensive than a Range Rover
	() Thanks

8th February 2009, 00:29	#6
HPP BHPian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Minneapolis, MN/Hyderabad Posts: 234 Thanked: 4 Times	Laforza was a disaster of a vehicle. Rovers have enough issues, but when someone tries to copy it and only builds something with far less "quality".. it can only end badly.
	() Thanks