LAND ROVER INTRODUCES ALL-NEW DISCOVERY SERIES II

The perfect evolution of the "go-anywhere, do-anything" vehicle

LANHAM, Md. - Representing the first engineering redesign since introduction into the European market in 1989, the Land Rover Discovery Series 11 is a landmark product from the world-renowned manufacturer of sport-utility vehicles - a vehicle that brings a new level of sophistication and technology to the compact sport-utility segment. Eighty-five percent of Discovery Series 11's parts are new, including every exterior body panel, the suspension system and powertrain, yet the Series 11 remains instantly identifiable as a Land Rover - the distinct silhouette, trademark Alpine windows, command driving position, capable stance and unmatched off-road ability are all still very much at its heart. Through and through, the Series 11 is a Land Rover, an authentic go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle.

As more manufacturers rush into the sport-utility segment with a variety of hybrid, semi-capable vehicles, Land Rover remains true to its original course of producing extremely capable vehicles for use both on- and off-road, a product mission the company has faithfully pursued for 50 years. The all-new Discovery Series 11 is no exception. It is an authentic 4x4 that will take its owners anywhere they can imagine.

In redesigning the best-selling Discovery, particular focus was paid to enhancing the handling, performance and on-road comfort of the vehicle, bringing the Series 11 closer in performance to Land Rover's legendary Range Rover, a vehicle that offers exceptional on-road performance without sacrificing the legendary off-road capability that is the hallmark of all Land Rover products.

The all-new Discovery Series 11 has been lengthened 6.5 inches (166 mm), widened 3.8 inches (97 mm), and comes equipped with a long list of new standard and optional features that include four-wheel electronic traction control (4WETC) and the world's first application in a production sport-utility vehicle of an Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) system, which reduces vehicle body lean while cornering and improves overall ride comfort. Further, the Series 11 features Land Rover's patented Hill Descent Control, which supplements Land Rover's legendary engine braking capabilities and helps the driver maintain optimum vehicle control in extreme conditions (e.g. high altitude); an optional automatic Self-Leveling Suspension, which uses a sophisticated rear air suspension to improve the vehicle's ability to handle oversized loads and towing chores and expand its off-road capabilities; and an Electronic Brake Distribution system, which augments the vehicle's handling and stopping predictability and complements the four-channel anti-lock braking system.

The engine in the Series 11 is a new generation of the 1998 4.0-liter V8 unit, wholly improved to provide better power and torque characteristics and noticeably lower NVH levels. The upgraded engine features a new aluminum sump, an all-new "Thor" induction system, modified rocker dovers, improved placement and mounting systems for all the auxiliary equipment, new engine sensors and a Bosch Motronic ignition and fuel management system. The engine is mated to a dual-mode, electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, which is new for 1999. As with all Land Rover products currently sold in the U.S., permanent four-wheel drive and four-channel, four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard.

Inside the Series 11, the cabin has been enhanced with new seating offering more support and comfort for the driver and passengers, an updated instrument cluster and a fresh instrument panel highlighted by a flush-mounted passenger airbag module and a new HVAC system with automatic dual temperature controls. Forward visibility has been improved thanks to a raised headliner at the windscreen. Optional seating for seven is available as it was in 1998, but the 1999 Series 11 features forward-facing rear jump seats with retractable headrests. Every seat in the Series 11 has an individual headrest and a three-point seatbelt.

The Series 11 will go on sale in November 1998, and will remain Land Rover North America's best-selling vehicle.

The Land Rover Discovery Series 11 is one of the most technologically advanced vehicles in the compact sport-utility segment and brings to the North American market a number of industry firsts such as Hill Descent Control and Active Cornering Enhancement. The Series 11 is a ground-.breaking Land Rover. It remains an extremely capable vehicle both on- and off-road no matter the terrain, paved or otherwise. No other compact sport-utility vehicle offers a better mix of comfort and capability.

From the moment it was introduced in 1989, Land Rover's Discovery has led its class in off-road competence. The 1999 Discovery Series 11 is no exception - it remains the benchmark. But it has been redesigned to assure that on-road handling and performance now match its unrivaled off-road prowess. To that end, the suspension has been entirely replaced with the goal of enhancing the vehicle's overall on-road ride characteristics. Solid axles front and rear remain, but the axles are now similar to those found in the Range Rover and deliver on-road performance similar to that of a European touring sedan. The 1999 Discovery Series 11's track is wider than the 1998 model Discovery's by 2.1 inches (54 mm) at the front and 2.9 inches (74 mm) at the rear, giving the vehicle a wider stance.

The front axle is located with two steel radius arms, which have been lengthened for 1999 to allow for improved axle articulation. The geometry of the suspension has been retuned to allow slightly more dive under heavy braking in an effort to enhance driver feel. A Panhard rod is fitted to the front suspension to locate the axle laterally to the chassis and resist extreme cornering forces. Dampers and single-rate coil springs are designed to allow for maximum wheel travel necessary for off-road performance - but without sacrificing on-road control. Additionally, all bushings and progressive-rate bump stops have been updated and tuned to improve control and reduce NVH levels.

The rear axle is located with two radius arms that allow for exceptional wheel travel and a Wafts linkage system to provide lateral location of the rear axle while giving good vertical travel and maintaining lateral control. The suspension geometry has been revised to enhance stability and control under heavy braking by reducing the amount of rear-end lift.

Due to the incorporation of wider axles and improved suspension geometry, the power-assisted worm and roller steering is now more responsive, giving the driver greater feel of the vehicle's 'handling and steering characteristics. Additionally, the turning circle has been reduced by almost four inches (100 mm) to 39.0 feet (11.9 m) despite no change in the vehicle's wheelbase. The tighter turning circle helps make the Series 11 more maneuverable on- and off-road.

The performance and comfort of the 1999 Series 11 is further enhanced by the optional Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) system. ACE is a feature unique to Land Rover and a world first for volume-production sport-utility vehicles. ACE measures lateral acceleration during cornering and steering maneuvers and utilizes a hydraulic system to apply torque to the body via two piston/[ever configurations - which replace the front and rear anti-roll bars - to counter lateral body movement.

ACE virtually eliminates the movement of the vehicle's body up to an acceleration of 0.4 g laterally, and then allows a progressively higher amount of body movement (lean) as lateral acceleration increases. The benefit to the driver is that the vehicle feels more stable and responsive under cornering conditions, while passenger comfort is improved due to a reduction in body movement.

ACE has the ability to build up pressure to counteract up to 1.0 g lateral acceleration in 250 milliseconds. This reduction of body movement during cornering or emergency maneuvers provides a greater sense of the vehicle's ride and handling predictability and enhances both passenger comfort and driver confidence.

The Discovery Series 11's optional Self-Leveling Rear Suspension (SLS) uses rear air springs similar to those found in Land Rover's Range Rover to maintain optimum ride height and performance under all load and towing conditions. Using sensors to monitor the vehicle height, Land Rover's SLS keeps the Series 11 level under normal-use conditions when an unevenly distributed load has been placed in the vehicle or when the vehicle is towing.

The system is activated automatically when the engine is running and the sensors detect an uneven ride height. Valves in the air suspension unit are automatically opened or closed accordingly, with an air compressor feeding the springs if necessary, until a level ride height is achieved.

In addition, the self-leveling suspension offers the driver the ability to adjust the vehicle's rear bumper height manually (via a hand held control) to ease the process of connecting a trailer to the vehicle and for rear-end loading. When activated, the rear suspension will drop as far as the bump stops, lowering the towhitch by 4 inches (100 mm), to match the height of a trailer hitch. It can then be returned to standard ride height

SLS also benefits the driver in off-road conditions: with the touch of a switch on the instrument panel, the driver can raise the rear of the vehicle an additional 1.6 inches (40 mm), increasing the departure angle and overall off-road performance. In the event the driver has not selected the off-road mode and the chassis becomes high centered, the air suspension will automatically raise the rear of the vehicle 1.6 inches (40 mm) - it does so by extending the rear axle (wheels) downward - to offer an improved chance of dislodging the vehicle. Once the vehicle is underway, normal ride height is resumed.