Land Rover Discovery - 2012 Review, Release date, Priciing and Specifications
Land Rover Discovery - 2012 Review, Release date, Priciing and Specifications
Land Rover Discovery - 2012 Review, Release date, Priciing and Specifications
The LR4 and Range Rover Sport models get a number of updates for the 2012 model year, including modified engines, new transmission and interior features. Both the Discovery 4 and Range Rover Sport models get a three-litre V6 turbodiesel engine up to 256 hp and 600 Nm of torque, and a new eight-speed ZF transmission. Both models still have a V6 engine with 210 hp and a V8.
On the inside there is new USB connectivity, Bluetooth and iPod system with a seven inch touchscreen dual function multimedia system that splits driver and passenger information. A new Harmon Kardon audio system with 17 speakers has been thrown in, too. Other aspects are 19 or 20-inch wheels, new glossy black interior trim, a voice command system and automatic rear door. All the details in two very long press releases after the jump.
2012 Land Rover Discovery 4
• Winner of 36 awards since launch in 2009.
• CO2 emissions down from 244g/km to 224g/km on entry-level 3.0 LR-TDV6.
• Power increased from 245PS to 256PS on higher power diesel and CO2 down to 230g/km.
• New ZF 8HP70 automatic transmission comes with rotary gear shift selector and paddle shift.
• Entry-level audio and navigation systems now compatible with Bluetooth, DAB & USB/iPod.
• Premium Harmon Kardon LOGIC 7 now boasts 17 speakers and 825W of power.
• Rear Seat Entertainment now available via WhiteFireTM wireless technology.
• ‘Say What You See’ voice activation system.
The outstanding 211PS 3.0 LR-TDV6 diesel remains the entry level choice for Discovery 4 customers in European markets conforming to EU5 emissions regulations. For 2012, the engine has been further improved with a reduction in CO2 emissions from 244g/km to 224g/km thanks to a low-flow fuel injection system and a new, highly efficient, ZF 8HP70, 8-speed automatic transmission.
This new 8-speed transmission benefits the high powered 3.0 LR-SDV6 with an increase in power output from 245PS to 256PS and helps drive down CO2 emissions from 244g/km to 230g/km.
In conjunction with the new transmission, the Discovery 4 is now equipped with the rotary gear shift selector and steering wheel-mounted paddle shift. All EU5 models are equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), making them among the cleanest diesel engines on the market.
European markets and countries still conforming to EU4 regulations, will receive the existing 245PS version of the LR-SDV6 3.0, equipped with the ultra-refined 6-speed automatic transmission with command shift.
In addition to the driveline improvements, the Discovery 4’s design and equipment levels have been given a makeover too. There are two new alloy wheel designs, three new option packs and improved audio and navigation systems based on the latest MOST Gen 2.1 electrical architecture. The entry-level audio system has now been upgraded with a colour screen replacing the previous black and white unit and available with Bluetooth, DAB and USB/iPod connectivity. Also for the first time, the audio system is available with a non-navigation touch-screen. The new GEN 2.1 provides enhancements to the Premium Harmon Kardon LOGIC 7 system with an astonishing 825W of power through a 17-speaker system whilst the new ‘Say What You See’ voice command on premium systems allows the driver to use spoken shortcut commands.
“Improved performance, lower CO2 emissions and enhanced design and equipment levels, consolidate the Discovery 4’s position as the most capable and versatile all-purpose vehicle on and off the road today. The Discovery 4 is quite simply in a class of its own,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.
An improved version of 3.0-litre diesel underpins Discovery 4 range for 2012
The 211PS 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 211PS 3.0 LR-TDV6 produces 224g/km CO2 compared to 244g/km last year and continues to offer maximum power at 4,000rpm and 520Nm 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 245PS version of the LR-SDV6 has been increased to 256PS at 4,000rpm and the CO2 emissions substantially reduced from 244g/km to 230g/km. Maximum torque remains unchanged - 600Nm at just 2,000rpm. EU4 markets will continue to receive the 245PS version of the LR-SDV6 equipped with the existing 6-speed automatic transmission with command shift.
All versions of the 3.0-litre diesel engine are equipped with the same parallel sequential turbocharging 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 83 percent of maximum torque. When it was introduced at 2010 model 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 diesel set new standards of refinement and fuel economy at 2010 model 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. European market diesel models are now fitted with a DPF and have an advanced EGR system to reduce NOx. “The entry level version of the 3.0-litre engine ensures that Land Rover’s latest diesel technology is available to a greater number of customers. Both versions combine stupendous low end torque with high power, efficiency and the impressive levels of refinement Discovery 4 owners have come to expect,” said Paul Walker, Chief Programme Engineer.
Emissions-busting ZF 8HP70 automatic gearbox:
Fitted to EU5 versions of the 3.0-litre 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-litre 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.
Apart from CO2-busting efficiency improvements, the 8HP70 offers performance benefits too. Taking just 200 milliseconds to complete the entire shift event, the 8HP70 gears change with an imperceptible interruption of torque for smoothness equalling that of a dual-clutch transmission, while providing a more sophisticated driving experience. The 8HP70 matches the engine speed to its turbine speed in anticipation of oncoming downshifts for an absolutely smooth transition from one ratio to the next. Closer ratios also contribute to making individual shifts smoother.
Driver Type Detection monitors driver inputs and the car’s systems to optimise the response of the gearbox to the driver’s style, while Curve Detection makes sure the gearbox avoids unwanted upshifts and holds on to the same gear when taking a sequence of bends. The gearbox also monitors the driver’s use of the brake together with the rate of deceleration to set up the correct gear for entry and exit to the corner. The 8HP70 does not have to change to a lower gear sequentially and can skip up to six ratios if necessary, for much faster response when preparing to overtake.
Driver controls include steering wheel paddles as standard enabling the driver to take control of gear shifting manually. The CommandShift lever is replaced by a rotary knob for selecting park, reverse, neutral, drive or sport modes, the last of these optimising the gearbox response times for maximum acceleration, improved response and sharper upshifts. The selector knob is flush with the centre console when the ignition is switched off, rising up when it is switched on. To avoid confusion, the Terrain Response Rotary Switch is replaced by a new Terrain Response Optimisation Switch. “The new 8-speed transmission is a perfect match for our 3.0-litre diesel engine. The additional ratios combined with skip shifts mean the engine is always working in the most efficient part of its operating range,” said Paul Walker, Chief Programme Engineer.
Outstanding V8 engine 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 aluminium alloy engine is both super-efficient and compliant with the stringent US ULEV2 and European EU5 emissions regulations.
The 5.0 LR-V8 produces 375PS and 510Nm torque with low CO2 emissions of 328g/km. One of the secrets of the V8’s efficiency is the centrally-mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided fuel injection system delivering fuel at a pressure of up to 2175psi (150bar) directly to each cylinder. The injectors are positioned to deliver fuel precisely to the centre of the combustion chamber for maximum air-fuel mixing and accurate combustion control. The charge cooling effects of the direct injection system allow a high compression ratio of 11.5:1 which further improves engine efficiency. During the engine warm-up phase, the combustion system employs multiple injection mode strategies to deliver 50 percent more heat for fast catalyst warm-up and substantially reduced emissions.
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