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Updated 3.0-Liter Diesel Engine Underpins Discovery 4 Range for 2012

The 211 hp version of the 3.0 LR-TDV6 was introduced in EU5 European markets in 2011 as the entry level choice for the Discovery 4. Now coupled to the ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic transmission, the 211 hp 3.0 LR-TDV6 produces 224 g/km CO2 compared to 244 g/km last year and continues to offer maximum power at 4,000 rpm and 384 lb-ft (520 Nm) torque at 2,000rpm. Land Rover's V6 diesel engine technology continues to appeal to a greater number of Discovery 4 customers with fuel consumption falling steadily once again, from 30.4 mpg to 33.4 mpg in 2012. The power of the 245 hp version of the LR-SDV6 has been increased to 256 hp at 4,000 rpm and the CO2 emissions substantially reduced from 244 g/km to 230 g/km. Maximum torque remains unchanged - 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) at just 2,000rpm.

All versions of the 3.0-liter diesel engine are equipped with the same parallel sequential turbocharging system. Throttle response is staggering with maximum torque available from only 2,000 rpm.

Driving a turbocharger requires pressure from the exhaust, creating pumping losses in the engine and increasing fuel consumption. To minimize this effect, valves isolate the secondary turbocharger both from the exhaust stream and the engine inlet tract when it is not required. A balance pipe connecting the two manifolds allows the gas from both manifolds to feed through the primary turbocharger. A variable geometry, medium-sized turbocharger is in use most of the time during average acceleration and up to motorway cruising speeds and performs with no discernible lag. It is a more efficient system than series turbocharging in which the smaller primary turbo increases pumping losses

Emissions-Busting ZF 8HP70 Automatic Gearbox

Fitted to EU5 versions of the 3.0-liter diesel engine, the remarkable ZF 8HP70 transmission delivers unrivalled response for driving pleasure while driving fuel consumption and CO2 emissions down to an all-time low. Eight speeds provide closer ratios and a greater overall ratio spread, while the higher overdrive ratio compliments the huge torque of the 3.0 LR-SDV6, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Efficiency is further improved by the internal mechanical layout of the 8HP70 which means that no more than two internal clutches are open at any one time.

The 8HP70 is packed with energy saving features. The hydraulic actuating system is more efficient too, the hydraulic pump drawing less energy from the engine. The torque converter is calibrated to lock-up at lower speeds and operating temperature, reducing fuel consumption and once again taking advantage of the 3.0-liter diesel engine's immense low-end torque. Transmission Idle Control seamlessly and transparently selects neutral when the car is stationary and the engine idling in drive, reducing drag on the engine and saving fuel. The 8HP70 has brains too. In hot conditions it selects a lower gear to run the engine and air conditioning pumps faster to cool down the cabin quickly. In cold conditions it runs the engine faster to reduce warm-up time and emissions.

Petrol V8 Continues to Power the Discovery 4 Range in 2012

The astonishing 5.0 LR-V8 naturally aspirated engine, designed specifically with Land Rover vehicles in mind, remains in the Discovery 4 line-up unchanged for the 2012 model year. The lightweight aluminum alloy engine is both super-efficient and compliant with the stringent US ULEV2 and European EU5 emissions regulations.

The 5.0 LR-V8 produces 375 hp and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm) torque with low CO2 emissions of 328 g/km.

Chassis, Suspension and Brakes

The Discovery 4 suspension system was substantially revised for 2010 model year with changes to roll centers, anti roll bars, suspension knuckles, damper bushes and the addition of a variable ratio steering rack for greater stability during high speed cruising and increased sensitivity at acute steering angles. More powerful brakes comprised twin-piston sliding calipers with 360mm ventilated discs at the front and single piston with 350mm ventilated discs at the rear. The understeer control system, which intervenes by automatically slowing the vehicle to bring it back under driver control, was also revised. These features remain unchanged in 2012 for all versions of the Discovery 4.

Off-Road Ability Remains Top of the Class for 2012

When it comes to off-road ability, Land Rover vehicles are acknowledged as setting the standards for others to follow with its acclaimed Terrain Response system. For 2011, two additional functions were added, Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control.

Hill Start Assist retains the initial driver-generated brake pressure long enough for the foot to move from brake pedal to throttle without the car rolling backwards. The brake is released after a sufficient time has elapsed or when the engine is supplying enough torque to move the car up the hill. Hill Start Assist is always available, not selectable, and neither is its operation indicated to the driver.

Gradient Acceleration Control is designed to provide safety cover on severe gradients when the driver does not have Hill Descent Control engaged. By pressurizing the brake system, Gradient Acceleration Control slows the car to a limit determined by the throttle position when the car is descending the slope in the driver's intended direction of travel. This includes descending the slope forwards in drive, or rearwards in reverse. Otherwise (such as descending while facing up the gradient with Drive selected) Gradient Acceleration Control restricts speed to 5km/h (3.1mph) for up to 20 seconds, allowing the driver to regain proper control. "These advanced all-terrain functions have proven themselves to be world class since their introduction last year. Both are subtle but effective additions which deliver an added layer of safety to drives who want to venture further afield," said Nick Veale, Vehicle Engineering Manager.

Option Packs: Technology Pack, HSE Luxury Pack and the Vision Assist Pack

The Technology Pack includes Premium Navigation incorporating 4x4i off-road navigation, as well as 'Say What You See' voice activation and Parking Aids for the front and rear with rear view cameras.

The HSE Luxury Pack includes Xenon Adaptive Front Headlamps including Cornering Lamps, Harman Kardon LOGIC7 17-speaker 825W audio system, Premium Leather Pack, full-length roof rails in satin black, electric steering column adjustment for height and reach and an electric tilt/slide sunroof and the front center console holds a cooler box.

The Vision Assist Pack has Xenon Adaptive Front Headlamps including Cornering Lamps, Automatic Headlamps with High Beam Assist and the Surround Camera System including Approach Lamps, Tow Assist and Tow Hitch Assist.

Audio, Navigation and Rear Seat Entertainment

Discovery 4 audio systems have been rationalized and improved for 2012 and the electrical architecture upgraded to the latest MOST Gen 2.1. A new, entry level 8-speaker system with color display replaces the previous system with black and white display. The entry level system also has options for Bluetooth, DAB and USB/iPod connectivity. The Hi-ICE Harman Kardon System has been upgraded from 9-speakers to 11-speakers and the output boosted from 240W to a substantial 380W. The Premium Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 system has seen the most dramatic improvement, from 14 to 17 speakers and an almost unbelievable increase in output power from 480W to a staggering 825W.

The higher end touch-screen audio systems were previously available only in conjunction with a navigation system but are now available independently. Navigation is available in two levels - Base and Premium, with the latter enhanced with voice activation. Touch screens have been revised with a new, contemporary style and a 'Virtual CD Autochanger' on models equipped with hard-disc navigation allows storage of up to 10 albums in uncompressed format on the same hard drive. 'Say What You See' voice activation gets over the problem of memorizing commands and prompts the driver by displaying commands in a step-by-step format on the screen. Voice commands can be run together as shortcuts and the system is activated by the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button on the steering wheel.

Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) is now equipped with a single slot DVD drive in the audio head unit so the disc can be conveniently loaded from inside the cabin. This new system replaces the previous six DVD Changer accessed through the luggage compartment. The rear seat audio system is operated by new powerful wireless technology called WhiteFire via cordless headphones, and can also be controlled by remote control. The system supports connectivity with games consoles and video playback of MP4 files stored on USB.

The phonebook capacity for the Discovery 4 has increased significantly for 2012 from 700 entries to several thousand, whilst the TFT Message Center interface has been redesigned to display audio, phone and navigational information.

Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 HSE: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications