2005 Land Rover LR3 / Discovery 3

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