Land Rover Discovery LR4 Debuts in New York: Successor to Popular and Competent LR3

[Administrator]

Replacing the popular Land Rover LR3 model for the 2010 year is the evolutionary LR4. Looking in many ways quite similar to the previous model, the LR4 is more refined (particularly on the inside) while still keeping all the functionality that made the LR3 so good.

"The outgoing LR3 has well over 100 international awards to its name. But for the new LR4 we've found ways to improve virtually every aspect of the vehicle's design and engineering – some subtle, some major," says Phil Popham, Land Rover Managing Director.

Under the hood is a new 5.0-liter V8 engine (originally designed for the latest Jaguar models). This new powerplant can be found in the 2010 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport as well, and makes 375hp and 375 ft-lbs of torque, an increase of 25 percent more power and 19 percent more torque over the outgoing 4.4-liter engine. Acceleration to 60 mph is rated at 7.5 seconds.

The new V8 makes use of variable camshaft timing and direct-injection technologies to deliver added performance. And thanks to a new six-speed automatic transmission, power delivery is smoother than ever before.

The 5.0-liter engine is rated at a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 lbs.

More: Land Rover Discovery LR4 Debuts in New York: Successor to Popular and Competent LR3 on AutoGuide.com

[dsfloyd]

The new motor sounds nice, but if they would start making the defender in the US that would be better.

[Chazz Layne]

It doesn't look all that different. So dropping in a new engine and changing the grill is enough to call it by a different name these days?

[TerryS]

Yet another in a long line of "New and Improved" gasoline engines. With their Beautiful diesel also a joint Jag-LR developement, and exceeding US standards, Land Rover continues to ignore the American's desire for an alternative. They claim that there aren't enough of us interested, but if it already exists, and sold in the UK and ROW, what's so difficult in selling it here, apart from their "we know better" attitude.

[Chazz Layne]

I think that is more FEDGOD's fault than Land Rover. They refuse to approve anything "with a diesel engine" for use here with out blood, sweat and motherf***ing tears...

[TerryS]

Originally Posted by Chazz Layne

I think that is more FEDGOD's fault than Land Rover. They refuse to approve anything "with a diesel engine" for use here with out blood, sweat and motherf***ing tears...

I disagree. The Engine emmissions have been compared to the US standards, and exceed them. The EEU specs are tighter than ours (including CA, CT & VT) and the TDV8 exceeds them also. Land Rover Hasn't even made application for submission to the US.

[Jupiter Rover]

It is all about money and they are guessing that they will lose money if they bring over the defender or diesel.

[TerryS]

Getting the Defender to meet current NHTSA specs is impossible. The Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Discovery 3 all have the TDV8, and are sold as LHD in greater numbers than RHD. So apart from the costs of making the application and supplying an engine, what more would they have to invest? They don't have to pass any more crash tests, they have a dealer network for the existing line already in place, and there is demand. So, What $$ ?
BMW has applied and been given the go ahead, VW has a new diesel engine, and has been supplying the Passat and Jeta in diesel for two years. The engine used in IVECO trucks is also used in cars in Europe, S.Africa, South America, Japan (obviously) and in several light trucks in the US. The argument that diesels don't offer economy when fuel is more expensive (currently in CT it is about $.35 more) however factor the huge increse in milage and the savings are significant. The argument of politics isn't credible, or BMW and VW wouldn't have gotten approval. Do you suppose the oil company lobyists just don't likr Land Rover? Yeah, maybe that's it. They used to own one.

[Dantelaterra]

I am incredibly excited about the new lineup of rover's, I want to go buy an LR4, all I need to see is that the new suspension is just as articulate as the LR3

[sideview]

No Land Rover's models to date meet NOx emissions standards in the US.

[sideview]

Originally Posted by sideview

No Land Rover's models to date meet NOx emissions standards in the US.

edit: I should have said no Land Rover turbo diesels

The D3 is a TDV6, I doubt that would be very popular in the US mainstream, and I can't imagine the the majority of the market segment for new RR/RRS would prefer diesel. I would love if they offered them here but can understand why they don't.

[TerryS]

Sideview, I think you're probably right on the current TDV6 (2.7) not meeting the US NOX levels, and I'm now thinking that the US spec IS tighter than EURO 5. I do remember reading that the TDV6 was way below EURO 4, and I'm confused as to whether they have actually adopted 5, or if it's still in that 2 year delay period they gave the refineries.(for the ultra low S diesel)
We're all using the U-low S here, so their chances of meeting our specs get better. If my math is right, their 1.8gm/km works out to 2.7gm/mile, and our spec for NOX is like 1.5 per mile. Their CO levels do meet our specs, and the EEU still doesn't have a CO spec. Do you know if LR has said anything about the emmissions of the new 3.0 being better. I think they said 11% better, but better than what?
I certainly agree with you that I'd love it if they brought even the 2.7 over here. Gas prices aren't going to stay down where they are for much longer either. I've driven the 2.7 and have to say people would be pleasantly shocked. I've got an unusually hot 4.2 in my truck and I'd trade it for an extra 200+ miles per tank any day.

[sowr]

Land Rover's biggest market in the US, California, has extremely tight emissions regulations, as far as I know there's only currently a legal VW diesel on sale here with Mercedes etc. to follow soon. Perhaps LR are waiting to see how their sales figures look before taking the plunge?

[OkieRover]

Jeep has a diesel, or did have a couple of model years ago. It can't be that hard to get a diesel in to the states. I believe it is still a misunderstanding that "Americans don't like diesels".

Try to find a used Jeep CDL or Jetta Diesel. They are very rare to find on the market. They are well liked and held on to by their owners.

[OkieRover]

Originally Posted by TerryS

I've got an unusually hot 4.2 in my truck and I'd trade it for an extra 200+ miles per tank any day.

So would I. In a HEART BEAT.