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Matthew Taylor, Land Rover's managing director says of the new vehicle: ‘The all-new Land Rover Discovery 3 is the purest expression of 21st Century Land Rover. It is modern, boldly designed, packed with high technology and has the broadest breadth of capability in its class. Now with the addition of this new engine, that has already earned critical acclaim in its Jaguar form, the new Discovery 3 TDV6 will offer outstanding power, responsiveness and refinement to our customers when it goes on sale later this year.’

Anticipated to be the major seller in the UK, Europe and Australia the 2.7-litre, V6, direct-injection, turbocharged diesel engine develops 140 kW (190bhp) of power. This is coupled with an impressive 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque at less than 1,900 rpm endowing the Discovery 3 TDV6 with excellent drivability. The 24-valve engine features the latest technology including a high-pressure common-rail fuel supply, fast-acting electronically-controlled injectors and a turbocharger with variable nozzle control.

Developed to meet the unique demands of Land Rover, the oil sump has pick up points designed to operate at extreme angles and the front crank oil seal is modified to guard against ingress from water, mud or slurry during wading or other off-road driving conditions.

Also unique to its Land Rover application, the TDV6 turbo-diesel has an aluminium ladder frame at the bottom of the crankcase to improve rigidity.

The all-aluminium, 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine provides a powerful alternative. Developing 220 kW (295 bhp) of power and 425 Nm (314 lb-ft) of torque, this power unit features Variable Camshaft Timing that means the engine responds instantly to driving demands. Maximum fuel efficiency is provided by multi-hole fuel injectors and a 32-valve layout.

Power is fed through a manual or automatic ZF six-speed gearbox on the new diesel model. The automatic unit is standard for the V8 petrol engine. A two-speed transfer box shares the drive between the front and rear axles and features an electrically-controlled locking differential. A similar unit is optional in the rear differential for maximum off-road traction.

The Discovery 3 is based on Land Rover’s innovative Integrated Body-Frame™ structure, which allows Land Rover to deliver all the comfort, refinement and on-road poise of a monocoque, while continuing to set new standards in off-road performance.

All-round independent suspension riding on variable-height air springs results in precise road manners and supple confidence off-road. The braking system features large disc brakes all-round to provide maximum stopping power, with the TDV6 boasting 317 and 325 mm discs on the front and rear respectively. The Discovery 3 has a comprehensive array of slip control systems including dynamic stability control, electronic traction control and the award-winning hill descent control to cope with any situation on- or off-road.

Harnessing the performance of the Discovery 3 to cope with a variety of conditions is made simple with the sophistication offered by the new Terrain Response system. Developed by Land Rover engineers steeped in the company’s tradition of innovation, Terrain Response was previewed in the Range Stormer concept vehicle and makes its production debut in the Discovery 3.

Using only a single chunky control, the driver simply dials in the appropriate surface confronting the vehicle, choosing from a general programme for normal driving, a special programme for slippery conditions (dubbed ‘grass/gravel/snow’), and three covering off-road surfaces – mud/ruts, sand and rock crawl. Terrain Response automatically tunes the vehicle’s systems including engine and gearbox response, electronic slip control systems sensitivity and even ride height to optimise driveability and comfort as well as maximising traction.

The interior features the iconic spaciousness typical of the brand. The driver enjoys Land Rover's traditional 'command' seating position, while all the rear passengers get stadium seating – progressively higher than the seats in front – offering a clearer view. The optional third row of seats serve up great comfort, and are big enough to accommodate 95th percentile adults. This cleverly designed seating, fit for seven adults, further improves the Discovery 3's outstanding versatility, including fold-flat rear seats in both second and third rows, to give huge load-carrying ability.

Careful choice of materials for the internal trim enhances the airy practicality of the Discovery 3 and the travelling experience is improved by the latest in-car ‘infotainment’ system options that include state-of-the-art on- and off-road navigation and a Harman / Kardon ‘Logic 7’ digital surround sound hi-fi system with control being through a widescreen LCD display with voice recognition.

Land Rover’s managing director, Matthew Taylor, says of the Discovery 3: ‘It’s a true Land Rover, benefiting from a clarity of purpose and conviction that’s evident from its clean design, versatility and outstanding dynamic characteristics. Like all of the new Land Rovers, it’s great to drive on-road as well as being best-in-class off-road. The Discovery 3 will reinforce Land Rover’s command of a market sector that it created with the original Discovery. It’s a bold and distinctive design that’s coupled with innovative features and a range of powerful engines to provide an unforgettable driving experience whether on- or off-road.’