Land Rover Discovery

We've uncovered Land Rover's sensational plans for the Discovery - an unstoppable machine that will have its off-road opposition dancing to an all-new tune. These exclusive pictures - which reveal a top-of-the-range flagship on video for the first time - show how Land Rover is no longer playing safe with its legendary off-roader and is set to introduce a controversial new look, along with a revised seven-seat interior and fresh engine range. Pencilled in for launch in November 2004, the car will rival machines such as the VW Touareg and new Volvo XC90.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By @Automedia

October 2003

The front features the bold twin-headlamp look first seen on the latest Range Rover, but has a more utilitarian appearance than its luxury big brother. At the rear, the spare wheel has moved from its position on the back door and been located underneath the rear of the boot floor. This allows a Range Rover-style split tailgate, rather than a heavy door. One concession made to Discovery tradition is the rearmost side windows, which stretch into the roof.

But even more dramatic changes have been made under the skin. One Land Rover insider told us: "On or off road, this car will outperform all of its rivals and any of our current products." Entry-level cars will offer a choice between 3.5-Iitre V8 petrol and 2.7-litre diesel V6 units. Flagship cars will be powered by a Jaguar-sourced 4.2-litre V8 tuned to deliver great-er torque. All three engines will be mated to a six-speed gearbox.

While the entry-level machines will have coil-sprung suspension, the range-topper features air-suspension, plus an advanced stability control system called e-traction. The chassis will also form the basis of a smaller, sportier model aimed at the BMW X5. Known as the Range Sport, this is due for launch in 2005.