New Land Rover Discovery Series II SD - A Value That's Tough to Beat
20 April 2000
New Land Rover Discovery Series II SD - A Value That's Tough to Beat Price Reduction and Durable, Elegant New Interior Highlight Latest
Discovery Series II Model
NEW YORK, April 20 Armed with a tough, elegant new
interior and a distinctive exterior appearance, the new Discovery Series II SD
model makes its official debut today at the 2000 New York International Auto
Show. The SD is now the entry-level Discovery Series II and has been
specifically equipped to make the satisfaction of Land Rover ownership a
reality for more vehicle buyers. With an MSRP of $33,350, the Discovery
Series II SD represents a 2.5 percent reduction in the base price of a
Discovery Series II.
Land Rover's Discovery Series II has proven extremely successful since it
was launched in the United States in January 1999. Sales of Discovery Series
II, the most popular Land Rover in North America, have soared by more than 50
percent when compared to the previous Discovery model. This success, of
course, was expected from launch, as the all-new Discovery Series II offers
customers both an optimal combination of on-road comfort and the rugged off-
road performance for which the Land Rover brand is famous. With a
comfortable, command driving position, a maximum of 58 cubic feet of cargo
space and optional accommodations for seven (all with three-point safety belts
and head restraints), the Series II is the perfect go anywhere, do anything
vehicle.
And now, the introduction of the SD model expands the Discovery Series II
range. The Discovery Series II SD features a Duragrain interior-an
attractive, tough new material developed to replace the cloth interior that
was previously offered.
The new seating surface is durable and stain-resistant, ideal for Land
Rover owners and their families, a group not afraid of a little mud, dirt and
snow-or even wayward ketchup. Similar in appearance and feel to leather,
Duragrain also fits perfectly within the elegant, luxurious parameters set by
every Land Rover.
By industry standards, the Series II SD is hardly a base model-despite its
price. As with all Discovery Series II models sold in the US, the SD features
a long list of standard equipment that includes a strong V8 engine; dual-mode
automatic transmission; permanent four-wheel drive; Four-wheel Electronic
Traction Control (4ETC); Hill Descent Control (HDC); and a four-channel Anti-
lock Braking System (ABS). Discovery Series II SD's standard comfort features
include power-operated side-view mirrors; automatic, dual-zone climate
control; eight-way power-adjusted front seats (the previous, cloth Discovery
Series II model featured manually-adjusted seats); a high-quality, 100-watt
six-speaker sound system; a leather wrapped steering wheel; and a keyless
remote locking system with alarm.
"The Discovery Series II SD is an exceptional vehicle. It's as rugged as
it is sophisticated," said Kim McCullough, Land Rover North America's
Discovery model manager. "We are convinced the SD is the right package for
this market. It will put the Discovery Series II on more shopping lists by
making the vehicle even more affordable and appealing."
In addition to the Duragrain seating surfaces, the SD is visually unique
with solid black bumpers replacing the two-tone, black-and-body-colored
bumpers found on Land Rover's other Discovery Series II models. The five- and
seven-seat trim levels of the new Discovery Series II will wear SD or SD7
designation badges, respectively. The optional, $1,750 Rear Seat Package
includes forward-facing third-row seats and three-point safety belts for seven
passengers; a rear step to ease access; and a rear Self-Leveling Suspension
that incorporates air springs similar to those found in Range Rover models.
Other Discovery Series II SD vehicle options include the Cold Climate Package
(heated front seats and windscreen; $500) and dual sunroofs ($1500). Land
Rover's award-winning Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) system is not offered
on the SD model.
In terms of suspension, powertrain and dimensions, the SD is a Discovery
Series II through and through. The suspension system provides the solid,
comfortable on-road ride and the supreme off-road agility that marks every
Land Rover.
Power comes courtesy of a an all-aluminum 4.0-litre V8 engine with a Thor
induction system and a Bosch Motronic 5.2.1 engine management system, a
variant of which is used in the BMW 750iL sedan. This engine produces 188
horsepower at 4,750 rpm and, more importantly, 250 pound-feet of torque at a
low 2,600 rpm. Significant torque is available throughout the rev band, with
at least 84 percent of the torque peak-that is, at least 210 pound-feet of
torque-available between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a ZF
HP22 electronically controlled, dual-mode four-speed automatic transmission
with a locking torque converter.
Discovery Series II SD's permanent four-wheel-drive system incorporates a
manually operated, two-speed transfer gearbox that allows for shifting between
high- and low-range ratios, helping make Discovery Series II fully capable
both on- and off-road. Four-wheel Electronic Traction Control (4ETC), a
system designed to monitor and control wheel speeds, is also standard
equipment on Discovery Series II SD. 4ETC provides greater traction to the
vehicle in many on- and off-road conditions. When the system detects wheel
slippage, it applies brake pressure to the wheel or wheels with the least
traction. This braking force causes torque to be shifted to the wheels with
traction, thus allowing the vehicle to search for grip and move forward in
nearly all driving conditions.
SAFETY
Driver and passenger safety is the highest priority at Land Rover. In
fact, Land Rover was the first manufacturer to offer dual airbags in a sport-
utility vehicle. Discovery Series II SD features second-generation dual front
airbags; three-point safety belts and headrests for every passenger; and a
front seatbelt pretensioning system designed to help keep occupants securely
in place by removing slack in the belts during an impact.
Outside, the leading edge of Discovery Series II's frame features
collapsible aluminum crush cans designed to deform in an accident, helping to
absorb energy during a frontal impact. In addition, a boxed steel frame, a
steel cage underbody and door-mounted side-impact beams add a further level of
occupant protection.
Permanent four-wheel drive-comprised of three differentials and a two-
speed transfer gearbox and four-wheel Electronic Traction Control (4ETC)-along
with a four-channel, all-terrain ABS and an Electronic Brake Distribution
(EBD) system all enhance the safety aspects of Discovery Series II. Land
Rover's Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) system, standard on all Discovery
Series II models, electronically moderates the brake bias between the
vehicle's front and rear wheels. By adjusting front and rear brake line
pressure as needed, this system provides improved stopping performance under a
variety of load conditions. EBD is particularly useful when the vehicle is
heavily loaded or towing.
All US-specification Land Rover vehicles are backed by a 4-year/50,000-
mile new vehicle limited warranty, a 6-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion
perforation limited warranty and Land Rover 24-Hour Road Recovery(SM) service
for the duration of the new vehicle limited warranty.
For information about the Land Rover retailer nearest you, call 800-FINE-
4WD or log on to http://www.best4x4.landrover.com.
Land Rover North America, Inc., established in 1986, imports Range Rover
and Discovery Series II vehicles manufactured in Solihull, England, for sale
in the U.S. and is a wholly owned subsidiary of The BMW Group, Munich,
Germany.
