Land Rover Offers Customers More Choice With Efficient 2011 Freelander 2

• New upgraded diesel engine available with either 150PS or 190PS
• Stronger performance and improved efficiency throughout the range
• Revised exterior with new front bumper assembly plus three new colour schemes and new alloy wheel options
• Interior tweaks with new instrument dials and Premium Pack option
• Customers offered more choice with addition of 2WD eD4 derivatives
• Frugal eD4 model capable of 47.2mpg and 158g/km CO2
• Improved intelligent Stop/Start technology as standard on manual transmission

The 2011 Freelander 2 model range, on sale in the UK from the end of September 2010, benefits from a new 2.2‑litre diesel engine available with either 150PS or 190PS outputs, a new look exterior plus interior alterations including new instrument dials and a new Premium Pack option.

Land Rover's new turbo diesel engine is available in the 4WD TD4 150PS model featuring a manual transmission and intelligent Stop/Start technology as standard (an automatic gearbox without Stop/Start is available as a cost option), or the new SD4 model delivering 190PS (available in automatic transmission only).

This new engine is quieter, more efficient and both derivatives have 20Nm more torque than the outgoing engine. This means the 2011 Freelander 2 offers improved engine response and more mid‑range strength for towing. CO2 emissions have been significantly reduced to 165g/km and 185g/km respectively with corresponding fuel economy benefits.

However, despite reductions in consumption and emissions, there has been no compromise in performance.  The flagship 190PS Freelander SD4 accelerates from rest to 60mph in 8.7 seconds with an increased top speed of 118mph. The Freelander 150PS TD4 manual and automatic versions match the performance of their predecessors.

As well as being upgraded from EU4 to EU5, both versions have a new variable geometry turbocharger and have been extensively re‑calibrated to deliver new levels of power, meet emissions regulations and reduce CO2 emissions.  They are fitted with a catalysed diesel particulate filter as standard and are now compatible with 10 per cent biodiesel rather than 5 per cent.

As an addition to the Freelander 2 range, Land Rover will also offer customers a 2WD derivative, available in the UK from January 2011. This will be called the Freelander 2 eD4 and it will be the most efficient Land Rover ever produced, with fuel consumption of 47.2mpg combined, and CO2 emissions of just 158g/km.

"The new Freelander 2 eD4 moves Land Rover into the hugely popular and fiercely contested two wheel‑drive SUV market," said Land Rover managing director Phil Popham. "The European market for two‑wheel drive SUVs represents 23 percent of the segment and we intend to compete strongly here.

"A 2WD option is just one way in which we are developing our vehicles' efficiency whilst adding to the Land Rover range and expanding our appeal to a broader group of customers.  We will continue to make the 'world's finest all‑terrain vehicles' for those customers who require 4WD but will also now offer an alternative."

This groundbreaking Freelander 2 eD4 is powered by the new 2.2‑litre turbo diesel engine, delivering 150PS.  It is only available with a six‑speed manual transmission featuring Stop/Start technology as standard.

The exterior of the latest Freelander 2 gets a new look for 2011.  Marked out by a new front bumper assembly incorporating new front fog lap bezels, a new front grille finish, improved headlights and tail lamps, new full width tailgate appliqué and new 18‑ or 19‑inch alloy wheel styles. There are also three new colour schemes for 2011 Kosrae Green, Baltic Blue and Fuji White.

Inside the cabin, Land Rover's design team have revised the instrument dials, and there are four new seat styles with the option of a Premium Pack that includes Windsor Leather upholstery, an 8/6 way electric seat, plus premium carpet mats and covered centre stowage.

More refined 150PS TD4 and 190PS SD4 with four‑wheel drive

The upgraded direct injection turbo diesel is available in two forms ‑ 150PS on the TD4, and 190PS on the SD4. Both produce 20Nm more torque than the outgoing model increasing to a substantial 420Nm for punchy, refined performance. As well as being upgraded from EU4 to EU5, both versions have a new variable geometry turbocharger and are re‑calibrated from scratch to deliver the new levels of power, meet emissions regulations and reduce CO2. Both the 150PS and 190PS versions of the engine are equipped with a catalysed diesel particulate filter (CDPF) as standard. This enables higher levels of EGR, reducing NOx by 28 per cent, while reducing particulate matter (PM) by 80 percent. The use of an Intelligent Power Management System (IPMS) provides 'smart charging' of the battery by recovering kinetic energy when the vehicle is slowing wherever possible, rather than consuming fuel by charging when the vehicle is accelerating.

Developed especially for this engine, the new variable geometry turbocharger is now water‑cooled enabling it to run at a higher temperature thus enabling higher levels of emissions, power and torque. The engine has also been fitted with a new, more powerful ECU to handle the increased emissions requirements. A new fabricated steel exhaust manifold replaces the previous cast‑iron component for improved efficiency and the EGR system capacity has been increased to meet the extremely low levels of NOx required for EU5. The engine is fitted with a common rail system with fuel delivered by high‑speed piezo injectors.

For the first time, the Freelander 2 diesel powertrains are compatible with 10 percent biodiesel rather than five percent. The piston rings have been revised to reduce friction. The main bearings have also been improved in line with the additional power and torque and the engine sump has been fitted with a cover to reduce radiated noise from the bottom of the engine.

The engine cover is made from materials which can be recycled at the end of the vehicle's life. The front timing cover has been re‑designed with extra ribbing to reduce radiated noise. The package of NVH improvements is completed by the addition of an 'injector sock', a soft rubberised layer fitted on top of the engine and beneath the engine cover to absorb injector noise. A new sensor located in the exhaust manifold enables more accurate monitoring of internal turbocharger temperatures. Greater accuracy given by the new sensor system allows the functionality of the turbocharger to be further exploited to improve efficiency without compromising robustness.

These improvements make a substantial difference to refinement and economy and the measures to reduce radiated noise combine to reduce engine noise levels by a substantial 2db. The CO2 emissions of the 150PS Freelander 2.2‑litre diesel manual is now 165g/km and 185g/km for both the 150PS TD4  and 190PS SD4 automatics, a reduction of 8 percent and 14 percent respectively. Correspondingly, fuel consumption of the 150PS Freelander TD4 manual has improved by 9 percent to 45.6mpg. The 150PS Freelander TD4 and 190PS Freelander SD4 automatics share the same figures again at 40.4mpg, an improvement of 14 percent.

Despite the reductions in consumption and emissions, there's been no compromise in performance. The 150PS Freelander TD4 manual and automatic, accelerate from rest to 60mph in 10.9 and 10.5 seconds, matching their predecessor. The 190PS Freelander SD4 automatic completes the same task in 8.7 seconds. The top speed of the both manual and automatic Freelander TD4 also remains unchanged at 112mph, while the Freelander SD4 automatic can reach 118mph. Diesel models have also been fitted with a fuel tank mis‑fuelling device as standard to prevent drivers accidentally filling up with petrol.

Freelander eD4

Perhaps it is not so surprising that Land Rover should begin production of such an exciting new model as the Freelander eD4. The European market for two‑wheel drive SUVs has never been better taking a healthy 23 percent of the segment. So now, buyers who want Land Rover style, the Land Rover Command Driving Position, generous interior space and a 2000kg braked towing capacity, but don't need four wheel‑drive, have the perfect answer in the Freelander eD4. It has the lowest CO2 emissions of any Land Rover in the history of the company at an impressive 158g/km.

The drivetrain of the Freelander eD4 is based on existing four‑wheel drive system, but the new EU5, 2.2‑litre 150 PS turbo diesel engine ‑ available on the eD4 model ‑ drives the front wheels only through the existing six‑speed manual gearbox. At the front, a new jackshaft and bracket replaces the PTU, transmitting drive to the left‑hand driveshaft.

In total, the revisions have reduced the weight of the eD4 by a substantial 75kg. Because of the mechanical changes, it's also been necessary to modify software. The Slip Control System (SCS) has been optimised to suit the front wheel‑drive system and the Roll Stability Control (SCS) software has also been re‑tuned to account for the weight reduction.

The combination of the new 150PS diesel engine, Stop/Start and the reduction in weight means the eD4 achieves an impressive 47.2mpg  (manufacturers estimate) on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 158g/km. This represents a reduction in CO2 compared to the outgoing TD4_e of 11.7 percent. Despite the reduction in emissions, performance of the eD4 remains unchanged from that of the previous model TD4. Like the four wheel‑drive diesel models, torque has risen to 420Nm for 2011 with a top speed of 112mph and a 0‑60mph time of 10.9 seconds.

Stop/Start as standard on diesel manuals

All manual diesel models are equipped with Land Rover's acclaimed Stop/Start technology, the first such system ever to be fitted to an SUV. The system closely controls throttle closing, ramps down fuelling and turns off the alternator to ensure the engine stops smoothly. A detailed software strategy combined with the Freelander 2's optimised engine mounting system ensures an equally smooth re‑start. As before, the starter's mechanical components have been upgraded to ensure durability throughout the life of the vehicle. This includes the use of a heavy duty ring‑gear, new dual mass flywheel friction control plate, absorption glass mat battery and uprated starter motor.

The intelligent Start/Stop system has been further enhanced for 2011 with a bi‑directional crank sensor and trigger wheel. This enables the system to establish the crankshaft position more quickly which in turn reduces the crank time from 900ms to less than 700ms, an improvement of 30 percent. The 'real world' result experienced by the driver is improved sound quality and a noticeably quicker response. The lowest temperature at which the system can operate is now reduced from 4°C to 0°C.

Revised transmissions boost efficiency

A second generation Asin Warner AWF21 automatic transmission helps improve efficiency and emissions with a number of improvements. The Torque converter lock‑up works over a wider range improving comfort, fuel economy and driveability, while optimisation of internal components reduces weight and inertia for faster shifting. The gear train has been improved with low drag torque friction plates, taper roller bearings and optimised components for greater efficiency. Transmission efficiency is also improved by a switch to low viscosity automatic transmission fluid, while the new control system is faster and has been reduced in weight.

The most significant change is the advanced neutral control logic which reduces drag when the vehicle is stationary, the engine at idle and Drive selected. While not actually selecting neutral, drive load is substantially reduced to save fuel and improve refinement. The calibration of the transmission has been revised by Land Rover engineers to reduce torque converter slip. It retains Land Rover's Terrain Response features, CommandShift® and adaptive shifting and is available on the TD4 and SD4 Freelanders but not the two‑wheel drive eD4.

The many functions of Terrain Response are underpinned by the high levels of body stiffness which provide the best foundation for excellent ride and handling characteristics as well as off‑road performance. A structural undertray on the front sub‑frame improves steering precision as well as protecting the underside of the vehicle and four point engine mounting aids engine stability and improves refinement.

The Getrag M66 six‑speed manual gearbox, especially developed for the Freelander 2 is retained for the eD4 and TD4. A robust, compact, four‑shaft design, power is transmitted via a self‑adjusting cable‑actuated clutch as before.

Design enhancements both inside and out

The exterior of the Freelander 2 gets a new look for 2011 with a new front bumper assembly incorporating new front fog lamp bezels. There's a new front grille in two finishes, Dark Finish for the 150PS TD4 and Bright Finish for the 190PS diesel. The Halogen projector headlamps are new, as are the rear tail lamps which now have a clear inner lens and a black lens surround for greater definition. The tailgate handle is now finished in body colour and the full width signature strip is finished in Noble. SD4 models are further differentiated by Oberon painted door handles, body‑coloured mirrors, power wash jets and lower body panels.  Door mirrors now have a 10 percent larger glass area and to really set off the fresh styling there are also new 18" and 19" alloy wheel styles to choose from. The choice of colours has changed for 2011 too, with the addition of Kosrae Green, Baltic Blue and Fuji White.

In the cabin, there are four new contemporary seat styles offering a greater range of choice. Covered with stylish new Tofino or Resolve cloth fabrics, Napoli leather, a combination of Napoli leather and Alcantara, or Windsor leather for the Premium Pack, these four new styles differentiate between trim levels. There's a choice of manual, 6/4‑way electric adjustment and 8/6‑way electric adjustment for the Premium Pack seats.

New colourways compliment the revised upholstery design with Ebony, Tan and Ivory and there are matching door casings in Ebony with Ivory stitching and Ebony with Tan contrast stitching. Four new fascia finishers come in either Element Silver, Element Black, Dark Chestnut and Piano Black lacquered finish. This lacquered Piano Black theme is also carried over onto the steering wheel switchpack.

At the high end of the option range, there's a new Premium Pack option with Windsor Leather upholstery in Ebony, Almond, Ivory or Tan colourways. The Pack includes the luxurious 8/6 way electric seat plus premium carpet mats and covered centre stowage. All 2011 Freelander 2s will benefit from a clear and contemporary new instrument pack too.

The Freelander 2 provides the safest possible environment for occupants. The Command Driving Position provides good visibility of all four corners of the vehicle and narrow A‑pillars ensure that forward visibility is not compromised. There are seven airbags: two curtain, two front, two thorax and a driver's knee bag as standard. The transverse engine mounting not only frees up interior space but offers impressive crash performance, helping the Freelander 2 achieve a 5 star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection.

As with all Land Rovers, the Freelander is rigorously tested worldwide in the UK, USA, Middle East, Australia and Russia in temperatures ranging from ‑40°C to +50C° and up to 95 percent humidity. The Freelander is also tested at altitudes of up to 4,000m.

The 4WD TD4 and SD4 models are on sale in the UK from the end of September.

Prices are as follows:

*Automatic transmission available as £1,515 option

The 2WD eD4 model will be available in the UK from January 2011.  Prices will be announced later this year.

For more detailed technical information, please log onto www.media.landrover.com or contact:

Natasha Waddington                          or                     Laura Juniper
UK PR Manager                                                          Senior Communications Officer
Land Rover                                                                 Land Rover
T: 01926 649282                                                        T: 01926 649294
nwadding@jaguarlandrover.com ljunipe1@jaguarlandrover.com

Editor's notes:

Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range. Defender, Freelander 2, Discovery 3, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover each define the world's 4x4 sectors, with 78% of this model range exported to over 140 countries. Land Rover employs 9,500 people and supports a further 40,000 jobs supported in the supply chain.

Land Rover is committed to addressing the challenges of climate change and since September 2006 carbon dioxide generated by Land Rover manufacturing activities and UK customer vehicle use has been balanced through an industry leading offset programme run by Climate Care.