2005 Land Rover LR3 First Drive

WICK, SCOTLAND -- The fifteenth century castle that was to be our home for two nights loomed in the foreground, as our lineup of 2005 Land Rover LR3s maneuvered over rocks, across formidable sand dunes, and along the hard-packed shoreline of Scotland’s North Sea. Following a full day of design and engineering presentations in Gaydon, England, our small cadre of auto writers had been flown to northern Scotland to put the newest Land Rover -- the LR3, which replaces the Discovery in the U.S. -- through its paces over a period of two days, driving on paved roads and dirt tracks, and through technical off-road/4WD evaluations. The task was to evaluate the LR3’s new smoothness and control on the road and its improved 4WD prowess in the areas of traction, suspension articulation, hill descent, steering, gearing, breakover angle, and angles of approach and departure. It took some getting used to, from the LR3’s new alpha-numeric name and the Land Rover presenter’s boasts of “high technology as a re-occurring theme” to the LR3’s unique electronic wizardry called Terrain Response -- “a smart technology that makes drivers expert in the cabin.” Maybe that was great for the masses of people that hadn’t been on Camel Trophys, participated in 4WD adventures, attended four-wheeling driving schools, and competed in numerous off-road races around the world -- as had many in our small group of journalists. For the Sunday adventurer, this level of luxury and vehicular intelligence from bonnet to boot would surely swivel their heads and open their wallets.

But surely, not professional drivers. NO way.

Page 2: Terrain response

Two days hence, the humbling conversion was complete. on winding and slender paved roads, as well as on dirt tracks and over highly technical, off-road courses set up by some of the best-of-the-best to be the some of the toughest-of-tough, it was time let go of solid axles, manual transfer cases, pushrod engines and body-on-frame construction. The 2005 Land Rover LR3 was unflappable. Capable and luxurious. Able to tow and stow more wellies, wax-cotton jackets and fly rods…and able to bring more of your buddies or girlfriends along for the ride to the mountains or the museum.With increased power, improved throttle response, upgraded steering and braking, and an on-road ride and handling prowess that rivals the more expensive Range Rover, the Land Rover LR3 is able to ford 28 inches of water, traverse 35-degree side slopes, and climb and descend slopes of up to 45 degrees thanks to improved angles of approach, departure and breakover. But, more than that, Terrain Response comes from the engineering analysis of fifty different surfaces that included grass, gravel, low mieu, mud and ruts, snow, sand, forest track, and rock crawling. It’s the technological equivalent of ABS: no matter how good you think you are, Terrain Response improves the driveability (and therefore, safety) by automatically making adjustments that control your ride height, gear selection, throttle mapping, Hill Descent Control, and locking differentials. Perhaps best of the lot is an LED display that provides a picture map of the vehicle, including steering wheel angle, so you have a visual representation of positioning when driving over difficult obstacles or across rough terrain. It helps to know what your coming up to and how you’ve positioned your vehicle to handle the challenge. The display also lets you know whether the LR3’s differentials are locked or open, a great training mechanism for beginners It has great potential for bringing newbies into the four-wheeling fold.

Page 3: Names

In every part of the world except North America, the 2005 Land Rover LR3 is called the Discovery 3. Intuitively named for global distribution, this third-generation Discovery should be welcomed in markets worldwide. Given that, the shift away from the established and renowned Discovery label seems odd. Perhaps it is a marketing strategy; perhaps Land Rover is following the trend of abridged model naming using letters and numbers. Or, maybe it is an effort to try to modernize the Discovery, and distance it from previous generations. Whatever the marketing strategy, the new Land Rover LR3 reflects current brand design DNA, introduced with the recently redesigned Range Rover. North American consumers should have no problem recognizing the LR3 as a Landie. Styling Styling cues shared with the pricier Range Rover include the flat slab sides, functional vents in the front fender, and distinct headlamps that feature a small circle budding from the larger round lamp. And even with the resemblance to the Range Rover, the 2005 Land Rover LR3 still embraces its Discovery heritage. The most notable feature is the stepped roofline – the glass between the C and D pillars extends beyond the horizon of the other side panes and wraps into the roof. Three panels of glass – one sunroof and two moonroofs – improve relations between cabin members and the blue above.

Page 4: Interior

Up to seven passengers fit inside the LR3, thanks to three rows of seating and interior styling that is functional and elegantly arranged. This is a significant improvement, because traditionally Land Rover and ergonomics were mutually exclusive concepts. The LR3 shows a welcome new stage of interior design and planning. Options include DVD-based navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system.Performance Niceties and stylistic flair aside, the new 2005 Land Rover LR3 is meant to function superbly both on and off the road. A 4.4-liter V8 engine derived from a Jaguar unit is standard equipment in the LR3. Output is around 300 horsepower and 315 lb.-ft. of torque, and the engine has been tuned for better low-end twist. Additionally, improved weather sealing should keep it protected from dust and water. Behind the LR3’s V8, a six-speed automatic transmission chooses gears The “intelligent” gearbox includes a “sport” mode to accentuate performance as well as a Command Shift feature which gives the driver complete manual control. Permanent AWD is standard on the 2005 Land Rover LR3, and it includes Electronic Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control. These systems work in tandem with the throttle, transmission, brakes, and suspension to maximize traction. More difficult terrain is handled in Low range. However, these “simple” stability and traction control systems are just the start, as far as the capability sought by Land Rover engineers. Adding more versatility and a far greater level of competence and control is the Terrain Response system. Five settings are available, each using the large, center-console mounted rotary knob. A general setting handles clean circumstances while another addresses slippery conditions created by grass, gravel or snow. Finally, three different modes are reserved for off-roading: one for mud and ruts, one for sand, and one for intense rock crawling. Once set, the system modulates ride height, engine torque response, traction control, Hill Descent Control, and all gearing.

Page 5: Electronics

Sophisticated electronics, as capable as they may be, need a firm underpinning to function properly. Appropriately, Land Rover engineers have combined car-like handling with truck-like rigidity by employing an Integrated Body-frame. Hydroforming, which limits the use of welds and gives designers more control over frame thickness and design, is used on high strength steel to give the unitary body structure the feel of a traditional ladder frame architecture. At the corners, the double-wishbone fully independent suspension includes height adjustable air springs to provide balance and stability. Rack-and-pinion steering yields a precise steering feel not always found in sport utility vehicles.

Page 6: Wrap

Scheduled to be released this fall, the 2005 Land Rover LR3 is certainly modern, especially with styling adapted from the upscale Range Rover. And despite the name change, the LR3 sticks to Discovery basics in its pursuit of off-road capability while adding Range Rover manners on the pavement.

Page 7: FAQs

What is the 2005 Land Rover LR3 and who are its competitors? A replacement for the Discovery (as it will still be called in all other markets outside of North America), the Land Rover LR3 competes in the premium, midsized SUV segment. BMW, Mercedes and Lexus are key competitors. Gone are the Discovery’s solid axles, manual transfer case, pushrod engine and body-on-frame construction. What is so good about it? With increased power, improved throttle response, upgraded steering and braking, and an on-road ride and handling prowess that rivals the more expensive Range Rover, the 2005 Land Rover LR3 is improved in several significant areas, from it’s ability to travel well on road, handle off road course with typical Land Rover aplomb. Perhaps most of all, the LR3 interior design is a significant improvement over the previous Discovery.

Page 8: FAQs

When will the new LR3 be available and how much does it cost? On sale this fall, pricing for the SE model starts at $44,995, while the HSE model will retail for $49,995. What colors does it come in? LR3 comes in eight standard colors: Chawton White, Bonatti Grey, Alveston Red, Java Black, Adriatic Blue, Zambezi Silver, Maya Gold and the new for ’05 Tonga Green. Who is Land Rover? Land Rover North America is part of the Ford Motor Company’s Premier Automotive Group, with headquarters in Irvine, California. Land Rover established operations in the U.S. in 1986, and now imports and distributes Range Rover, LR3 and Freelander vehicles manufactured by Land Rover in Solihull, England. For information about the Land Rover retailer nearest you, call 800-FIND-4WD or log on to www.LandRover.com.

Page 9: Notes

Base price: $44,995 Engine: 4.4-liter V8 (300 hp 5,500@rpm, 315 lb.-ft. 4,000@rpm) Transmission: 6-speed automatic Wheelbase: 113.6 in. Length: 190.9 in. Width: 75.4 in. Height: 74.1in. Head/legroom: front: 40.4/42.4 in.; 2nd row: 42.4/37.6 in.; 3rd row: 40.1/36.3 in. Shoulder room: front: 59.2 in.; 2nd row: 59.4 in.; 3rd row: 42.8 in. Curb weight, lbs.: 5,426-5,796 Fuel economy: NA Safety equipment: Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution; dual-stage driver and front passenger front airbags; front side-impact airbags; curtain airbags for all three rows