Auto News 5

Forty years ago, Land Rover took a capable off-road chassis, draped it in stylish duds, and crafted what became known as the Range Rover. The company used this same process to create the new 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque -- although it may favor tarmac instead of dusty trails.

What do the Land Rover Defender and the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen have in common? Answer: They date back to an era when passive safety and exhaust emissions were only vague terms instead of strict norms. Although various exemptions have helped to extend the life for these and other golden oldies, the grace period granted by the European Union ends for certain in 2015. Mercedes has no replacement in the pipeline for the G-class, but Land Rover is exploring ways to replace or overhaul the Defender in time for the 2016 model year -- and is even considering a departure from the traditional body-on-frame construction.