2005 Land Rover LR3
Source: Land Rover
The Land Rover Discovery 3 is an all-new, premium SUV that offers
class-leading breadth of capability, innovative user-friendly
technology, distinctive design and a spacious interior that can
comfortably accommodate up to seven adults.
'A true Land Rover, the Discovery 3 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, it's great to
drive on-road, as well as being best-in-class off-road,' said Matthew
Taylor, managing director, Land Rover.
The Discovery 3 also introduces sophisticated new technologies, among
them Land Rover's patented Terrain Response™ system, previewed on the
recent Range Stormer concept car. This optimises driveability and
comfort, as well as maximising traction. The driver simply chooses one
of five terrain settings via a rotary switch on the centre console: a
general driving programme, plus one for slippery conditions (known as
'grass/gravel/snow') and three special off-road modes (mud/ruts, sand,
rock crawl). 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 control and transmission settings.
'With Terrain Response, 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,' added Matthew Taylor.
Another innovation is the Integrated Body-frame™ structure, which has
allowed 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 Discovery 3 also features adaptive headlights
that swivel with the direction of travel to illuminate the road ahead.
Dynamic on-road performance
Dynamic on-road performance is a top
priority for the Discovery 3. The top-of-the-range engine is a specially
developed 4.4-litre version of Jaguar’s acclaimed V8 petrol engine.
Changes for Land Rover use include increased capacity (from 4.2-litres),
more low-end torque, enhanced dust- and water-proofing, and revised
breathing to enable the car to wade rivers as well as cruise highways.
In Land Rover guise, the engine must also be able to run at acute angles
for extreme off-road use.
The top-selling engine in Europe is likely to be Land Rover's new,
smooth and flexible 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel (not available in North
America), a common rail unit that uses variable geometry turbocharging
The third engine in the line-up (for selected markets only) is a petrol
4.0-litre V6, a version of one of the world's best-selling SUV
powerplants now further developed for Land Rover use.
All three engines offer strong on-road performance, with full-time
four-wheel drive. Both petrol derivatives are matched to a six-speed
automatic ‘intelligent shift’ transmission, also available with the
diesel though this is offered with a six-speed manual as standard.
On-road driving and refinement are enhanced by fully independent
suspension all round, using air springs on most models. This is height
adjustable, to assist with entry and exit, and to boost ground clearance
to help off-road performance.
Outstanding versatility
'The design of the Discovery 3 is derived
from its capability. Everything you see has been done for a reason,'
said design director Geoff Upex. 'The priority was to give the
passengers and driver a superb cabin environment, with more headroom and
greater comfort. It has big, deep glazing, because that provides greater
airiness and a better view.’
It is also unambiguously a Land Rover. ‘An absolute priority was that
nobody could mistake this vehicle for anything else,’ said Upex. ‘It had
to look thoroughly modern, bold and distinctive.’
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.
The driver enjoys Land Rover’s traditional ‘command' seating position,
while all the rear passengers get stadium seating – progressively higher
than the seats in front, offering a clearer view. The optional third row
of seats serve up great comfort, and are big enough to accommodate 95th
percentile adults.
Large doors provide easy access, with both second and third rows entered
from the centre doors. Cleverly designed seating further improves the
outstanding versatility, including fold-flat rear seats in both second
and third rows, to give huge load-carrying possibilities.
The all-new Discovery 3 replaces Land Rover’s segment-defining
Discovery, the best-selling large SUV in many European countries since
its launch in 1989. The new vehicle goes on sale later this year,
depending on market.
Editor's Note: The all-new Land Rover wears the name LR3 in North America and Discovery 3 in all other markets.
2005 Land Rover LR3 Pictures and Specifications
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General Information
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Year
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2005
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Manufacturer
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Land ROver
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Model
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LR3
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Trim
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SE/HSE
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Body Type
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SUV
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Base MSRP
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$44,995 USD
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Curb Weight
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5,426 lbs.
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Engine / Transmission
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Type
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4.4 Liter Gas
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Cylinders
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8
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Horsepower
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300 @ 5500 RPM
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Torque
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315 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
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Redline
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7100 rpm
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Drive Train
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All Wheel Drive
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Gear Type
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6-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic
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Performance
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0-60 mph
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8 Seconds
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0-100 mph
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N/A
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¼ Mile
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N/A
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Top Speed
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121 MPH
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Gas Mileage
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14 MPG City/ 18 MPG Highway
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