Auto Spies Exclusive: Next generation Discovery

Agent001 submitted on 11/9/2003 Auto Spies Photos Timestamp: 9:20:14 PM

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Auto Spies Exclusive: Next generation Discovery

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Dear 001,

I have been fortunate enough to get a glimpse at Land Rover's sensational plans for the new Discovery, which is likely to be an unstoppable machine that will have its off-roader opposition quaking in their boots. Land Rover is NOT playing it safe with the legendary off roader and is set to introduce a controversial new look, along with a revised seven-seat interior and fresh engine range. Due for a UK launch in November 2004 (and their major US market in January 2005) the car will take on machines like the VW Touareg and new Volvo XC90.

The front end features the bold twin-headlamp look from the latest Range Rover, but has a more utilitarian appearance than its luxury big brother with large polyurethane bumpers and an overall chunky look - similar too, but not as outrageous as the Judge Dread cars. The spare wheel has been moved from its position on the back door to the underneath of the boot floor. This allows a Range Rover's split rear tailgate to be employed, rather than a heavy door. One concession made to the old Discovery design is the popular c-pillar side windows, which stretch all the way up and around the roof. Inside will feature an elegant, simple, durable, well made interior available in cloth or leather options.

The really interesting changes have been made under the fancy panels and plastic bumpers. A Land Rover designer told me that "On or off road, this car will outperform all of its rivals and any of our current products". Bottom of the range cars will use coil-sprung suspension and Ford PAG designed 3.5-litre V8 (from Jaguar) and the new 2.7-litre diesel V6 (also destined for S-Type and XJ). Top-of-the-range cars will be air-sprung and powered by another Jaguar sourced engine, in this case, a 4.2-litre V8 tuned to deliver greater torque. All three engines will be mated to a six-speed manual, automatic and (possibly) semi-automatic gearbox's with a new stability system called e-traction.

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Toodles,

Your Man Flint