New Features For 2011 Discovery 4

• Winner of 20 awards during the last year
• New Gradient Acceleration Control
• New Hill Start Assist
• Optional Homelink opens automated garage doors and gates
• Super‑efficient 3.0 LR‑TDV6 diesel delivers spectacular performance
• 245PS@4,000rpm
• 600Nm@2,000rpm
• 244g/km CO₂
• DPF as standard on all diesel models
• Discovery 4 now EU5 compliant across the range
• New electric leather seat option enhances premium feel
• Three new paint colours offer buyers more choice
• Land Rover grille badge colour change for a more contemporary look
• For  2011 the Discovery 4 is further enhanced by improvements to the Terrain Response^TM system in the form of Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control. Both systems further enhance the Discovery 4's outstanding off‑road ability and provide a further layer of safety and support to drivers venturing off‑road. All models are now powered by the 3.0 LR‑TDV6 diesel engine and are equipped with a DPF as standard. All meet EU5 emissions standards, making them among the cleanest diesel engines available on the market today.

Homelink, Land Rover's garage door or gate opener system also becomes available outside the USA for the first time, linked to Automatic High Beam Assist. Externally, there are three new paint colours. To improve the premium feel of the Discovery 4 even further, the interior has been enhanced with a new front leather seat option on the mid‑range XS model upwards.

Since last year the Discovery 4 has won 20 UK and International awards and thanks to higher forecast residual values and more competitive lease rates, Discovery 4 sales had increased by 70 percent between January and June 2010, compared with the same time last year.

"The Discovery 4 remains one of the most capable and versatile vehicles on and off the road. It's the ideal tow vehicle, can tackle the most challenging off‑road conditions and delivers superb on‑road refinement to rival the best executive saloons. As the ultimate all purpose vehicle, the Discovery 4 is in a class of its own," says Phil Popham, Managing Director.

Exceptionally efficient 3.0 LR‑TDV6 powers Discovery 4 range for 2011

For 2011 the stupendously responsive 3.0 LR‑TDV6 sequential turbo diesel engine becomes the sole power unit for the Discovery 4 and completely supersedes the 2.7 LR‑TDV6. The ultra‑high efficiency of the 3.0 LR‑TDV6 combined with the use of diesel particulate filters across the entire range means all Discovery 4s are now EU5 compliant. With 245PS at 4,000rpm and maximum torque of 600Nm available at just 2,000rpm, the 3.0 LR‑TDV6 is not only clean but hugely powerful too.

The engine is equipped with the ground breaking parallel sequential turbocharging system and third generation common rail fuel injection system. Throttle response is staggering with maximum torque available from only 2,000rpm. The new 3.0‑litre diesel can significantly out perform its rivals by delivering 500Nm in only 500 milliseconds from idle. This means drivers have instantaneous access to 95 percent of maximum torque. When it was introduced last year, the parallel sequential turbocharging system was the first of its kind to be fitted to a V‑engine anywhere in the world. The twin turbochargers work sequentially to provide best in class torque at low speeds and pack a huge punch at high speeds.

Driving a turbocharger requires pressure from the exhaust, creating pumping losses in the engine and increasing fuel consumption. To minimise 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.

The 3.0‑litre LR‑TDV6 set new standards of refinement and fuel economy when it was announced last year, with its third generation common rail fuel injection system. Operating at 2,000bar, the piezo injectors are designed to minimise noise while optimising combustion. The system operates in 'metering mode' supplying just the right amount of fuel to the injectors rather than returning it to the tank and wasting pumping energy in the process. All diesel models are now fitted with a DPF and have an advanced EGR system to reduce NOx. "Thanks to the unique design and parallel sequential turbocharging system, the 3.0 LR‑TDV6 represents the absolute pinnacle of diesel technology combining unrivalled low end torque with high power, efficiency and the impressive levels of refinement Discovery 4 owners have come to expect," says Paul Walker, Chief Programme Engineer.

Superb 6‑speed automatic transmission

The LR‑TDV6 3.0 drives through the ultra‑refined ZF HP28 6‑speed automatic transmission. Its characteristics have been optimised by Land Rover engineers to provide the same class‑leading response, with rapid and refined shifts. The superior power and torque characteristics of both versions of the engine make it possible to actuate the transmission's lock‑up clutches much earlier in each gear, reducing slip through the hydraulic torque converter, optimising fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Advanced chassis, suspension and brakes

The Discovery 4 suspension system was substantially revised in 2010 with changes to roll centres, 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 callipers 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 2011.

Off‑road ability gets even better in 2011 with two new features

When it comes to off‑road ability, Land Rover vehicles are acknowledged as setting the standards for others to follow. For 2011, there are two additional functions, 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 pressurising 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 new all‑terrain enhancements make sure the Discovery 4 stays ahead of its competitors when it comes to genuine off‑road ability. Both are subtle but effective additions which deliver an added layer of safety to drivers who want to venture further afield," says Nick Veale, Vehicle Engineering Manager.

Styling enhancements and new identities for Discovery 4

The Discovery 4 gets three exciting new paint colours for 2011, Fuji White, Baltic Blue and Siberian Silver. LED signature lamps, previously available only with Xenon headlamps, now appear with halogen headlamps for some models too. One small, but important feature is the Land Rover oval badge which has been given a colour change from gold on green to silver on green, creating a more contemporary look. The badge appears on the grille, tailgate, steering wheel and wheel centre caps.

Inside, there will now be the option of electric leather seats with front armrests on the mid‑range XS model upwards. Elsewhere, the Discovery 4 interior combines smooth, flowing surfaces and the minimum number of controls for an uncluttered environment.

Land Rover Homelink takes the hassle out of homecoming

Discovery gets a brand new feature for 2011 making returning home just that little bit easier for owners with remote opening gates or garage doors. The Homelink option is packaged with High Beam Assist and can learn the frequencies of most transmitters used to operate automated garage doors and gates. The press of a button is all it takes to operate.

e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES boost economy and lower CO₂ emissions

The Discovery 4 is packed with features aimed at reducing fuel consumption and reducing CO₂ emissions.

The parallel sequential turbocharging system of the 3.0‑litre diesel makes use of its larger, primary turbo most of the time. The smaller secondary turbo remains dormant when higher power is not required, reducing pumping losses and consequently, fuel consumption. The highly efficient, third generation common rail injection system with piezo injectors and fuel metering, also makes a substantial contribution to fuel economy.

Engines have also been optimised for low‑end torque as well as economy, making it possible to activate the lock‑up clutch of the ZF HP28 automatic transmission at lower speed. This reduces 'slip' in the hydraulic torque converter improving both fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. The higher torque at lower rpm also enables longer gearing for more economical cruising.

The Discovery 4 incorporates several other energy saving features too. At standstill, the idle speed of the V6 is a low 710rpm, using the minimum of fuel without compromising refinement. An Intelligent Power Management System includes Smart Regenerative Charging, so whenever possible the alternator charges the battery when it is most economical to do so, such as when the car is coasting rather than accelerating.

Aerodynamic features at the front end such as the lower chin spoiler and front wheel deflectors help to reduce drag by increasing underfloor airflow. The air conditioning pump is driven through a clutch which disengages when the air conditioning is not in use, reducing parasitic losses and delivering improvements in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES in summary:

• EU5 LR‑TDV6 engine technology
• Diesel particulate filters on all Discovery models
• Engine calibration optimised
• Low engine idle speed
• Reduced torque‑converter slip
• Higher torque, allowing longer gearing
• Intelligent Power Management System (IPMS) including smart regenerative charging
• Clutched air conditioning pump to reduce parasitic losses
• Improved aerodynamics