The new, fourth generation of Land Rover's supremely versatile seven-seat vehicle gains a new name - Discovery 4 - to go with its powerful and highly efficient new engines, fresh exterior identity and more premium cabin. The class-leading breadth of capability is extended even further with dynamic improvements for both road and off-road driving, and Land Rover has added a battery of user-friendly new technologies and features.
"The outgoing Discovery 3 has well over 100 international awards to its name. But we've found ways to improve virtually every aspect of the vehicle's design and engineering - some subtle, some major. New design signals comprehensive engineering change under the skin, and now gives us the Discovery 4,"says Phil Popham, Land Rover managing director.
Star billing on the Discovery 4 goes to the two** highly efficient and refined new engines, LR-TDV6 3.0* twin turbo diesel and LR-V8* direct injection petrol engine.
The LR-TDV6 3.0** delivers 9 percent* fuel economy improvement (EU combined cycle) and almost 10 percent* less CO2 emissions, at the same time as increasing power by 29%, all compared with the existing 2.7-litre engine. Torque increases even more, up 36% to 600Nm - believed to be the highest torque output of any 6-cylinder, production diesel, passenger vehicle engine in the world
The power and torque are both accessible across the entire rev
range, to deliver immediate throttle response and effortless
cruising ability. The results include a
0-100 km/h in 9.6 seconds (0-60mph time of 9.0 seconds), a 24
percent improvement over the 2.7-litre.
The 5.0-litre LR-V8** petrol engine is all-new and was designed by the Jaguar Land Rover powertrain team using an impressive collection of state-of-the-art technologies. On the EU combined cycle fuel economy is improved by 7%*, now delivering over 20mpg* (13.9 l/100km) and CO2 emissions are also reduced by 7% down to 328g/km.
The engine has been developed with an emphasis on delivering a smooth, refined and responsive driver experience. The naturally aspirated LR-V8 delivers 375PS and 510Nm of torque, improving on the outputs of the current 4.4-litre V8 by 25 percent and 16 percent respectively. The additional performance can be seen with a 0-100km/h time of 7.9 seconds (0-60mph time of 7.5 seconds).
The highly acclaimed LR-TDV6 2.7** diesel is also introduced intoChinafor 2010. The refined and flexible 2.7-litre TDV6 turbodiesel is a high pressure 'common rail' unit that uses variable geometry turbocharging. The Land Rover engine produces 190bhp (140kW) and a massive 440Nm (325lb ft) of torque. The CGI (compacted graphite iron) block is lighter, stiffer and more durable than conventional cast iron.
The LR-V6 4.0-litre petrol continues to be available. The smooth and durable 215PS (160kW) petrol V6 engine has 360Nm or 265lb ft of torque.
Land Rover's engineers have also transformed the on-road ride and handling for the new generation Discovery 4, and even improved on the near-legendary off-road capabilities of its predecessor. The comprehensive changes include new suspension components, revised steering, larger brakes, improved traction control, and enhancements to the award winning Terrain ResponseTM system, which helps optimise the vehicle for virtually all on-road or off-road driving situations.
The iconic exterior design has been updated, most obviously with smoother and simpler surfaces at the front, including a new, more aerodynamic bumper. The sportier new lights help give the vehicle new character, and include LED technology front and rear. The sophisticated new front headlights include available High Beam Assist, automatically switching the high beam on or off, as conditions require.
The interior is completely redesigned, with a transformed dash and centre console, new seats and an array of new, user friendly features.
"The new interior not only has a much more premium look and feel, it's also gained improvement to its functionality. The new console inclines towards the driver, the switchgear and controls fall more readily to hand, and new LED Interior Mood Lighting in HSE models helps make the cabin a more pleasant and more easily used space after dark. We've made the interior environment more premium too, with smoother surfaces, softer materials and close attention to critical details such as stitching,"says Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director.
* Manufacturer's estimate
** Engine availability varies by market
