When Good Isn't Enough: Land Rover releases 2008 LR2 HSE

For 2008, Land Rover has added a new trim level to the new LR2 (a.k.a. Freelander), the LR2 HSE. The nomenclature is commonly used in the flagship trims of all vehicles in the Land Rover line-up. The LR2 HSE adds 19 inch alloys, titanium door handles, body-color bumpers and side sills, and a rear spoiler on the outside. The interior adds a 8-way power driver's seat, 6-way power front passenger seat, and a new center console with a sliding cover.

The pricing of the top-of-the-line LR2 hasn't been announced, but we speculate a minimum of a $2000 jump from the LR2 SE (only one trim level in LR2 line-up). The LR2 HSE will go on sale throughout Land Rover dealerships on November 1st. Continue reading to view more images and the official press release.

[Source: Land Rover]



PRESS RELEASE: LAND ROVER LAUNCHES THE 2008 LR2 HSE

Irvine, Calif, August 23, 2007 – Since its introduction in April 2007 the all-new Land Rover LR2 has enjoyed strong sales and to reinforce its line-up in the U.S., Land Rover North America today announced the introduction of a new and enhanced derivative – the LR2 HSE

This new version has a sportier stance than the LR2 SE due to body color bumpers and side sills, a rear spoiler, titanium door handles and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Changes to the interior see 8x6-way power adjustable seats and a storage box with a sliding cover.

"The LR2 reflects Land Rover's dynamic design, with a smart and spacious interior and an abundance of advanced technologies. It has been very well received around the world since its introduction," said Phil Popham, Land Rover's Managing Director. "The HSE version offers subtle changes for those customers seeking a slightly different look to their LR2."

All of the technical highlights of the LR2 SE are carried over into to the HSE model. These include a 3.2-liter inline-six engine that develops 230 bhp and provides 0-60 mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds).

The engine is matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission, with Land Rover's CommandShift™ offering manual sequential gear changes when required. There is also a driver-selectable sport mode for even more responsive performance.

The LR2 HSE is packed with technologies to improve both on-road and off-road performance. Land Rover's unique Terrain Response™ system is standard, making off-road use easier. Other advanced technologies include a new permanent intelligent all-wheel-drive system for superior traction and better on-road fuel economy. The patented Gradient Release Control works in conjunction with Hill Descent Control to improve driver confidence and control when releasing the brakes on steep and slippery slopes.

The LR2 HSE will be available November 1, 2007 at Land Rover retailers nationwide.

Land Rover North America is part of 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, Range Rover Sport, LR3 and LR2 vehicles manufactured by Land Rover in Solihull and Halewood, England. Land Rover's worldwide operations are wholly owned by Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan. For information about the Land Rover retailer nearest you, call 800-FIND-4WD or log on to www.LandRoverusa.com.

Vehicle specifications and features are subject to change. For the latest Land Rover pricing and product information, contact Land Rover North America Product Communications at (949) 341-5800. Land Rover-related press releases and electronic photos of the company's products are available on-line in the Land Rover section of Ford Motor Company's news media website (media.landrover.com).

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2007 Land Rover Discovery 3 Pursuit (UK)

Based on the Discovery TD V6, the “Pursuit” is a UK only limited edition version (300 units) that features Java Black paint work with Ebony interior, 19” alloy wheels, body coloured wheel arch surrounds, manual leather seats and chrome finish mirror caps.

[Source: CARSCOOP via Land Rover]

Follow the jump for the official press release.

PRESS RELEASE:

IN PURSUIT WITH LAND ROVER

A new well-equipped limited edition Discovery 3, called the Pursuit, will be on sale in March 2007, for under £30,000 OTR. Only 300 Discovery 3 ‘Pursuits’ will be available from Land Rover dealerships across the country. Based on the TDV6 GS model, the Pursuit also features Java Black paint work with Ebony interior, 19” alloy wheels, body coloured wheel arch surrounds, manual leather seats and chrome finish mirror caps.

Land Rover’s multi-award winning Discovery 3 is a technology-packed, premium 4x4 designed to deliver outstanding performance both on the road and off-road. The bold, versatile design is distinctively Land Rover and offers exceptional space, comfort and flexibility, for up to seven adults.

All Pursuit limited editions are powered by the Discovery’s acclaimed TDV6 diesel engine and feature standard technologies including Hill Descent Control, air suspension and Terrain Response™, all industry-firsts for Land Rover.

“Since launch, the Discovery 3 has brought new levels of ability, comfort and refinement to the large 4x4 market. Winning 95 awards worldwide is a testament to its class-leading diesel engine, its versatility and its all-round package,” commented John Edwards, Land Rover UK managing director.

“The limited-edition Discovery 3 Pursuit gives customers the opportunity to buy an exclusive specification for the exceptional price of £29,995 OTR for the TDV6 manual and £30,995 OTR with automatic transmission. We think this represents incredible value for money”

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2007 Land Rover Discovery 3 Commercial (UK)

-100th Post-


This is only for the UK, which is kind of a shame. Of course, we could pony up for a Quigley, but a Landie offers its stellar air suspension, storied capabilities, and more comfort. For commercial users, vans often make sense, but for those of us who aren't hauling furniture, the new Land Rover Discovery 3 Commercial sounds like it'd be just the ticket. The Disco, which we know in the US as the LR3, has had some fairy dust sprinkled on it in order to receive tax refunds offered to businesses by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

There are two different Disco Commercials available, the Discovery 3 Commercial, and the Discovery 3 XS commercial. The rear seats come out, a bulkhead goes in, and a phenolic-lined load floor goes down. These changes have been requested of Land Rover dealers in the past, and many Land Rovers were converted by third parties. Now, with the commercial versions coming directly from the factory, quality and features will be consistent.

Another nice touch is the inclusion of a CO2 offset plan at purchase. The plan is administered by Climate Care, and during the first 45,000 miles of the vehicle's life, investments are made in various renewable energy, efficiency, and new technology projects that will offset the average amount of CO2 produced by the truck. Alas, since the Disco Commercial is UK-only, we won't be driving a full load of Autoblog gear back and forth in the coddling comfort of a Solihull interior. We'll be thinking about it though, as we pilot a relatively brutish (but just fine, thank you) rented cargo van down the highways and byways.

The Commercial variant of the Discovery 3/LR3 will be forever kept in our minds as this post is our 100th post of the blog. A car not too extravagant, a car not too shabby, the Discovery 3 Commercial does its job already.

[Source: Autoblog via Land Rover]

Follow the jump for the official press release.

PRESS RELEASE:

LAND ROVER TO INTRODUCE 'COMMERCIAL' DISCOVERY 3

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 9 February 2007 – In response to high customer demand, Land Rover has announced that it is to launch a commercial derivative of the award-winning Discovery 3, which will go on sale on the 19 March 2007.

Since launch in 2004, the Discovery 3 has demonstrated a class-leading breadth of capability and accrued awards from all over the world. Now, it has been engineered with approval from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to gain N1 Light Commercial 4x4 Vehicle status. Business users will therefore be able to take advantage of the Benefit in Kind tax and full VAT reclaim associated with Light Commercial Vehicles.

There will be two derivatives available: the Discovery 3 Commercial and the Discovery 3 XS Commercial. Standard features include 2130 litres of loadspace with a full length phenolic floor, privacy glass, two-piece bulkhead, four corner air suspension and Terrain Response™.

"Since launch, our dealers have received a number of requests from customers for a commercial derivative, many of whom bought standard models and then converted them independently for their own commercial use," stated John Edwards, Land Rover UK managing director.

"The launch of the Discovery 3 Commercial means that for the first time, customers are now able to purchase a Land Rover approved Discovery 3 commercial vehicle, which benefits from the superior levels of ride, handling,

comfort and equipment offered by the standard Discovery 3. We believe the Discovery Commercial will further re-define the 4x4 commercial segment."

All Land Rover vehicles include a CO2 offset for the first 45,000 miles within the on-the-road price. Administered by Climate Care, an independent CO2 offset provider, the programme ensures that the average amount of CO2 produced by a Land Rover is offset by investments in a mixed portfolio of projects, including renewable energy, technology change and energy efficiency initiatives.

To book a test drive of the new Discovery 3 Commercial or for more information regarding the Land Rover range, please visit your local Land Rover dealership or log onto www.landrover.co.uk

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