LAND ROVER has today announced Australian pricing and specifications for the 2010 Land Rover Discovery 4, due to arrive in showrooms from early October.

With over 100 international awards to its name, the outgoing Discovery 3 has left some big shoes to fill. The Discovery 4, Land Rover says, is more than up to the task.

Sporting a new engine, a refreshed exterior, a more luxurious interior and revisions to the chassis and suspension, the brand new Discovery 4 looks to be well on its way to continuing the success of its predecessor.

Engines

Two new engines have joined the Discovery 4 line-up.

The LR-TDV6 3.0 litre twin-turbo diesel develops 180kW (up 29 percent) and a class-leading 600Nm of torque (up 36 percent).

Fuel economy is rated at just 9.2 l/100km on the combined cycle, making for a 8.9 percent improvement. CO2 emissions have been reduced by 8.3 percent, the LR-TDV6 engine releasing 243g/km.

Stepping up the power, the 5.0 litre naturally-aspirated V8 delivers 276kW and 510Nm of torque, with fuel economy rated at 13.9 l/100km and CO2 emissions at 326g/km.

The existing 2.7 litre LR-TDV6 remains available, producing 140kW and 440Nm of torque.

The improved engines are mated to Land Rover’s new six-speed adaptive shift automatic transmission.

In the case of the V8 engine and its ample low down torque, the transmission can now lock-up earlier in each gear and reduce energy-wasting slip, thus improving efficiency and power transfer.

Interior And Driving

The interior has been completely redesigned and now appears far more modern and sumptuous than its predecessor.

At the helm, drivers have access to an array of features including a portable audio interface, HD Radio, and a new five-camera ’surround’ system. Push button start and keyless entry are standard.

Comprehensive revisions to the chassis and suspension systems include revised steering, larger 360mm brakes and improvements to the Terrain Response system.

Land Rover has improved its much vaunted Hill Descent Control (HDC) system on the LR4 by adding a Gradient Release Control feature.

The system activates automatically when HDC is switched on and controls initial brake pressure and acceleration on steep declines.

Land Rover has fitted Trailer Stability Assist to the LR4, designed to reduce engine torque and instigate light braking automatically while towing to reduce the chance of towing-related accidents.

Safety

Safety features across the Discovery 4 range include Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), Slip Control System includes: Electronic Brake-force Distribution, All-terrain Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Traction control and Dynamic Stability Control.

Other features include Electronic differential control, Emergency Brake Assist, Enhanced Understeer Control, Hydraulic rear brake boost, Roll Stability Control, Trailer stability assist and Hill Descent Control, with Gradient Release Control.

A full complement of airbags has been included as standard equipment, including full size driver and front passenger, driver and front passenger side and head, and rear outboard passenger head airbags.

Pricing

The 2010 Land Rover Discovery 4 will be offered four different specification levels.
Land Rover Discovery 4 2.7 TDV6     $68,490
Land Rover Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 SE     $81,990
Land Rover Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 HSE     $94,990
Land Rover Discovery 4 5.0 V8         $126,460

Source: The Motor Report