OVERVIEW
LAND ROVER ADDS THE POWERFUL, ALL-NEW LR3 TO ITS 2005 MODEL YEAR LINE-UP
The introduction of an all-new model from Land Rover is big news, since it has only happened nine times in the company’s 56-year history. The launch of the new LR3 is that much more significant, as it’s the first new vehicle developed entirely under Ford Motor Company ownership.
Carefully developed and engineered to Land Rover's exacting standards, the LR3 is packed with power, technology and a spacious interior cabin virtually unmatched in its class.
Available in SE and HSE derivatives, LR3 offers the advantages of a powerful and responsive 300 hp 4.4-liter V8 engine, mated to a
six-speed electronic automatic transmission. This transmission is intelligent—adapting its shift patterns to driving style and road conditions—and equipped with Command Shift™, allowing the driver full control over gear changes.
"A true Land Rover, the LR3 benefits from a clarity of purpose and conviction that is evident from its clean design, versatility and outstanding driving experience. Like all new Land Rovers, its on-road composure is on a level with its outstanding off-road capability," said Richard Beattie, executive vice president, Land Rover North America.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Distinctive exterior styling using aluminum, magnesium and Boron steel reflects Range Rover and Discovery cues using new Integrated Body-frame™ architecture
• Jaguar-based 4.4-liter, 300 bhp DOHC, aluminum V8 engine tailored for Land Rover. Six-speed, ZF automatic transmission and two-speed electronically shifted transfer case and center differential lock
• Optimal packaging with a fold-flat interior and seating for up to seven full-size adults
• Exceptional breadth of capability from permanent four-wheel drive and fully independent, height-adjustable air suspension with available locking rear differential
• Production debut for Land Rover’s innovative Terrain Response™ and Integrated Body-frame™ architecture designed to minimize the effect of impacts with smaller vehicles
• Advanced safety engineering uses up to eight airbags and steel safety cage
The LR3 introduces sophisticated new technologies that are a first in the industry. Among them is Land Rover’s patented Terrain Response™ system that optimizes drivability and control, as well as maximizing traction over a variety of surfaces. The driver simply chooses one of five terrain settings via a rotary knob on the center console:
• general driving program
• ‘grass/gravel/snow’ – for slippery surfaces
• three special off-road modes
mud/ruts/sand/rock crawl
Terrain Response then automatically selects the most appropriate setting for the vehicle’s advanced electronic controls and traction aids – including ride height, engine torque response, hill descent control, electronic traction control and transmission settings.
Highly responsive on-road performance was a top priority for the LR3. The new powertrain uses a specially developed 4.4-liter version of Jaguar’s acclaimed AJV8, DOHC engine that develops 300 bhp @ 5,500 rpm. Changes for Land Rover use include increased displacement (up from 4.2 liters), more low-end torque - 315 lb. -ft. @ 4,000 rpm, enhanced dust- and water-proofing, and revised breathing to enable the vehicle to wade in up to 24 inches of water.
For Land Rover use, the water and oil pumps have been re-engineered as has the oil sump to cope with wide ambient temperature ranges, operating environments and angles of operation.
The engine is mated to an intelligent, six-speed, ZF automatic transmission with CommandShift™ and a two-speed transfer case with electronically lockable center differential. As with all Land Rover vehicles, the LR3 has permanent four-wheel drive with power being normally split 50/50 between the front and rear axles.
A new approach to body structure achieves the benefits of a stiff monocoque combined with the strength and off-road articulation made possible by a traditional separate chassis frame.
This Integrated Body-frame™ structure allows Land Rover to deliver all the comfort, refinement and on-road attributes of a monocoque, while continuing to set new standards in off-road performance. The combination of a tough frame mated to a rigid body structure provides occupants with a secure zone in the event of a collision, while also acting as a stable foundation for a suite of advanced dynamic control systems which give the vehicle its sure-footed confidence.
The design of the chassis was evolved with safety in mind. Advanced computer design techniques enabled Land Rover engineers to simulate a variety of scenarios and to evaluate the collision performance of the design before any metal was cut. The body structure uses high strength steel in vital areas such as the A-pillar and roof cross members to provide occupants with a safety-cage.
The complex design of the chassis frame, with its hydroformed construction, reflects this work in its contribution to the safety and crash performance characteristics of the new LR3. The front structure of the frame is designed to provide the collision load path with buckle points to control its collapse in the event of an impact. The load path is deliberately designed to take into account differential crash performance. The front structure is placed so as to impact another vehicle down low at its strongest point to minimize the effect of the collision.
LR3 has extremely powerful four-wheel disc brakes and ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution EBD and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) to provide an automatic extra boost when a panic stop is detected.
Emergency maneuvers and cornering control on slippery surfaces is made safer thanks to Dynamic Stability Control. The parking brake is set electronically using a lift tab on the center console. It operates a drum cast into the rear wheel disc rotors.
If a crash cannot be avoided, LR3 is equipped with eight airbags on seven-seat vehicles and six on five-seat models. The driver and passenger airbags deploy in two stages depending on the severity of the frontal impact and work in harmony with the seat belts.
North American vehicles are fitted with weight and seatbelt tension sensors that detect the presence of an occupant and deploy or inhibit the passenger airbag accordingly.
The side impact protection system has a combination of seat-mounted thorax airbags for the front seat occupants and side curtain airbags for all rows.
The use of lightweight materials including aluminum, magnesium and Boron steel has given LR3 great strength but maintains a GVW of 7,121 lbs. Complex door seals are fitted to improve refinement by controlling wind noise and dust ingress.
Unique Land Rover design cues include its bold, geometric vertical and horizontal elements; its stepped roof (to boost headroom); its asymmetric rear tailgate (to reduce load height when the lower part of the tailgate is closed, and reduce ‘reach in’ distance when opened); the use of an air intake on only one side of the body (it’s all that was needed); and its large glazed areas.
This vehicle was designed from the inside out so a great deal of attention was given to passenger comfort and ergonomics. Front row, bucket seats are fully electrically adjustable and are trimmed with leather upholstery. The second row bench seats three and is set higher in Land Rover’s "stadium seating" configuration. The optional front facing third row of seats is set higher so all passengers can see forward as well as upward though the Alpine windows in the rear roof section. The entire cabin has a light and airy feeling.
When rear seats are folded they can be pushed down to make a flat floor more than six feet long and level from the new drop down rear tailgate to the back of the front seats.
The cabin environment must be able to cope with a broad range of operating conditions, from the deserts of Dubai to the frozen tundra of Sweden. Automatic temperature control air conditioning is standard with separate controls for the left and right front seats. An optional rear heating and air conditioning unit is available for vehicles with third row seating.
A 300-watt harman/kardon® AM/FM-stereo audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer and nine speakers is standard in the SE. A 550-watt harman/kardon® LOGIC7™ digital surround-sound AM/FM-stereo audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer and 14 speakers is standard in the HSE.
A new state-of-the-art, touch-screen DVD-based navigation system is now available with both 2D and 3D map displays.
Because of the continually increasing number of electrical requirements in a modern vehicle, and the need to carefully interface a number of electronic control units and processors, Land Rover engineers divided the electrical system into four main elements that are grouped according to the speed of transmission required. The system that links the in-car entertainment and navigation systems uses fiber optic cabling and is called the MOST® (Media Orientated System Transport) network.
The LR3 also features adaptive headlights that swivel with the direction of travel to illuminate the road ahead. Park distance warning sensors for the rear of the vehicle are standard on HSE. Power assisted rack and pinion steering has a smaller turning radius than previous Land Rovers.
Throughout the development process for LR3, designers and manufacturing engineers worked with the accessory engineers to create a well-integrated and production-grade range of accessories that fits well with the main design concepts. Not only does the accessory program include conventional items such as floor mats and mud flaps, but unique products that exploit the vehicle’s design features and fit the lifestyle of future owners.
One such item is a day tent that encloses the rear hatch. There’s also a sliding load space floor, dog guard, cargo divider, woodgrain interior enhancements and body protection items.
Pricing for the Land Rover LR3 will begin at $44,995 for the SE and $49,995 for the HSE, when it goes on sale this fall. Pricing includes a $665 destination and delivery charge.
LR3 will be covered by a 4-year, 50,000 mile warranty, 6-year, unlimited mileage corrosion warranty and Land Rover’s 24 Hour Road Recovery plan.
2005 LAND ROVER LR3 FEATURES
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
• 4.4-liter, alloy V8 develops 300 hp at 5,500 rpm and 315 lb. -ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm
• Permanent four-wheel drive with two-speed transfer gearbox
• Terrain Response dynamic systems control
• Optional electronically locking center and rear axle differentials
• Six-speed electronically controlled, intelligent automatic transmission with CommandShift
SUSPENSION
• Electronic Air Suspension with automatic load-leveling and multiple modes
• Current Range Rover used as handling benchmark
• Height adjustable, cross-linked air suspension for improved
off-road performance
• Four-wheel independent, double wishbones front and rear
• Rack and pinion steering
• 18-inch alloy wheels standard on SE, 19-inch alloy wheels standard on HSE
BODY/CHASSIS CONSTRUCTION
• Isolated monocoque body – part of the all-new, Land Rover developed Integrated
Body-frame™ architecture
• Advanced use of latest hydroforming technology using aluminum and Boron steel
• Five or seven passenger configurations
• Interior seating flexibility allows for a completely flat load space over six feet long
• Combined loadspace cover and parcel shelf roller blind
• Stadium seating has each row higher than the one in front for visibility
• Two-piece aluminum tailgate
• High speed electrical architecture including MOST® (Media Orientated System Transport) network
SAFETY
• Rigid steel Safety-cage construction
• Command driving position for optimal visibility
• Frontal structure designed to minimize the effect of a collision with a smaller vehicle
• Static glass is bonded for additional structural rigidity
• Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel, all-terrain anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronically set parking brake using drum incorporated into rear rotor
• Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) for extra boost in an emergency stop
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to maintain directional control
• Hill Descent Control (DSC) for slow, sure movement down steep inclines
• Terrain Response™ matches vehicle dynamic systems to terrain
• Four-wheel electronic traction control (4ETC)
• Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD)
• Up to eight airbags fitted depending on seating
• Driver and front passenger seats have weight and seatbelt tension sensors
• Side impact protection from seat-mounted thorax airbags for the front seat as well as downward deploying curtains for the first two rows of seats and adjacent to the third row of seats if installed
• Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions – driver and front passenger belts have pre-tensioners
• Advanced lighting technology to see and be seen
• Mid-mounted fuel tank with anti-burst construction
• LATCH (Lower Anchor and Tether for Children) system for child seat attachment
• Collision-activated inertia switch (unlocks doors, turns off fuel pump and activates hazard warning lights)
• Rear foglamps
SECURITY
• Vehicle security system with engine immobilization feature
• Keyless entry. Central locking of all doors. Superlocking feature
• Child locks for rear doors
• Deep-tinted glass
COMFORT & CONVENIENCE
• Dual-zone automatic climate control system with CFC-free air conditioning
• Optional rear air conditioning for third row passengers
• Reclining, ergonomically designed, power-adjustable front bucket seats
• Front and rear park distance control
• Adaptive front lighting that swivels headlights to track vehicle direction
• Leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel
• Power windows with back-lit controls
• Rear-window wiper and washer
• Power-adjustable, heated exterior mirrors
• Electronic cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls
• Programmable key fob, giving remote control over functions such as air suspension
• 65/35 split folding rear seat
AUDIO & NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT
• 300-watt harman/kardon® AM/FM-stereo audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer and nine speakers in SE
• Premium 550-watt harman/kardon® LOGIC7 digital surround-sound AM/FM-stereo audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer and 14 speakers in HSE
• Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls for volume, station and track selection
• Second and third row personal remote audio outputs. Auxiliary input for MP3 player or iPod®
• DVD-based GPS navigation with off-road capability, dead reckoning and map matching standard in HSE, optional in SE
• Voice recognition for basic navigation instructions
• Touch screen 7-inch LCD dash mounted screen
• The screen also has a 4X4 interface showing the settings of the Terrain Response system including gear, range and front wheel position
EXTERIOR COLORS INTERIOR COLORWAYS
Chawton White Alpaca Beige Duragrain
Bonatti Grey Ebony Black Leather
Adriatic Blue
Alveston Red
Java Black*
Zambezi Silver
Maya Gold
Tonga Green
* Java Black is an extra-cost option
AVAILABLE FEATURES
SE/HSE
Cold Climate Package includes:
• Heated front windshield
• Heated front- and second-row seats
• Heated windshield washer jets
Rear Seat Package includes:
• Second- and third-row fold flat seats
• Third-row side-curtain airbag
• Third-row map lights and accessory power outlet
• Rear luggage net
• Additional front cupholder
Rear Climate Control includes:
• Second-row A/C and heating controls
• Two vents at second-row headliner
• Two vents at third-row C-pillar
• One outlet at third-row lower level
• Tow Package includes:
• Class III receiver
• Remote-control rear height adjuster
Heavy-Duty Package includes:
• Locking rear differential
• Full-size spare alloy wheel
Convenience Package includes:
• Second-row fold-flat seats
• Rear luggage net
• Additional front cupholder
SE (Standard in HSE)
On/Off-Road Navigation includes:
• Seven-inch color-screen
• DVD-based on-road navigation
• Off-road navigation
• 4x4 Driver Information Center
• Voice-activated operation
Lighting Package includes:
• bi-Xenon headlights
• Automatic headlights
• Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Front foglights
• Headlight power washers
• Homelink®
Rear Park Distance Control includes:
• Footwell and puddle lamps
WARRANTY & SERVICE
• 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty
• Corrosion Perforation Limited Warranty
• Land Rover Road RecoverySM 24-hour service
Intro speech:
The new Land Rover LR3 is a new-generation vehicle. It represents what we think the Land Rover brand should stand for, the purest expression of 21st century Land Rover. Modern… high-technology… boldly designed…premium…a vehicle equally at home on the rough or on the smooth…a great driver’s car AND a great off-roader.
But don't just take my word for it – it is my pleasure and my privilege to introduce the new Land Rover LR3…
Unveil vehicle.
Thank you. I hope you can now begin to understand why we at Land Rover are incredibly excited by this new vehicle. It is the most important new model launch in our history.
So why are we launching it, here, in New York, geographically 3,000 miles from our home in England, but culturally a million miles from the perceived traditional heartland of Land Rover – which is surely more East Africa than Upper East Side?
Well we think that New York is the perfect location. For a start, North America will be the biggest market for Land Rover, worldwide, next year, once LR3 sales are up and running. New York is an excellent market for us: you have probably already noticed a number of Range Rovers and Discoverys around, looking quite at home. Just as at home in fact as they are out in the wild.
The dynamic versatility of our vehicles has always been one of their key strengths. Breadth of capability – that ability to be great on road and off – sets Land Rover apart from our rivals. LR3 expands this breadth even further.
Indeed, the LR3 introduces another new Land Rover technology, Terrain Response, first showcased on our Range Stormer concept car.
The LR3 is the first production vehicle to get Terrain Response. Over time, you’ll see it across the Land Rover range.
Like all Land Rover innovations, Terrain Response is smart technology. It’s easy to use, and makes the driver’s job simpler, not more baffling. It optimises driveability and comfort as well as maximising traction. The driver simply chooses one of five terrain settings via a rotary switch from on-road to extreme off-road.
Terrain Response then automatically selects the most appropriate settings for the vehicle's advanced electronic controls and traction aids – including ride height, engine torque response, hill descent control, electronic traction and transmission settings.
It's like having an expert alongside you, to help you get the best out of the vehicle whatever the conditions, on-road or off.
Add height-adjustable fully independent air suspension, high- and low-range transmission that is electronically selected, infinitely variable locking centre and rear diffs and we’re confident that the LR3 is the best off-roader in its sector.
But you would expect that from a Land Rover.
What’s perhaps more surprising is the way it goes on-road.
Well, great on-road refinement and performance was a priority for LR3.
A 300bhp 4.4-liter Jaguar-sourced V8 engine, specially adapted for Land Rover, is an excellent starting point for a great road car. Then add an all-new Integrated Body-Frame architecture to give it superb on-road refinement. Add a six-speed electronically controlled automatic gearbox.
Add fully independent cross-linked air suspension, which not only helps off-road, but greatly improves ride and handling on-road, too. Add a few more high-tech touches, like adaptive headlights that swivel with the steering.
Net result: it is a magnificent road car.
The LR3 is awash with clever technology, as you’ll see when you get a chance to pore over it in just a few minutes time.
It is fabulously versatile, too. Seven seats are offered, and even the rear pair are big enough for 95th percentile adults. And that includes me!
When you get a closer look you will see the easy entry and exit, and the sheer practicality of that cabin. The rear seats – all five of them – fold into the floor, creating an SUV with great load carrying capacity. We think it has the most spacious and versatile cabin in its class.
The cabin has been crucial in the design of this vehicle. Geoff Upex, Land Rover’s design director, who is here today, describes the LR3 as being designed from the inside out. He and his team started with the cabin priorities. The 'Command Driving Position' and 'Stadium Seating' to provide superb passenger environment and fantastic headroom. Form follows function. It is not a car artificially styled, to try to be something that it is not.
It has an asymmetric rear tailgate because that makes the load height lower and improves the reach-in distance when loading the trunk. It has a stepped roof because that gives more rear headroom.
It’s smart design.
It’s also a design of great conviction. It had to be recognised, instantly, as a Land Rover. Like all good designs, it barely changed during its gestation. The very first sketches, of the LR3, look just like the vehicle you see today.
For Europe I can also tell you that, on top of the Jaguar-derived V8, there is a new highly sophisticated common rail turbodiesel. This 2.7-liter V6 is one of the most advanced diesel engines in the world, offering superb performance and economy.
Ladies and gentlemen, the all-new LR3 – or Discovery 3 as it will be known outside North America- is the most technologically advanced and boldest Land Rover that the company has ever unveiled. It’s a car of engineering and design conviction that reflects the confidence that we have in this vehicle and in this company.
We’re convinced it will be a success. Just as we are brimming with confidence in the future of the great team and company that has conceived it.