Land Rover Introduces the 2005 Model Year Line-Up Including the All-New LR3

Upgrades and Refinements for Range Rover and Freelander

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 1 -- There will be an entirely new mid-size premium SUV in Land Rover showrooms this fall. Named the LR3, it gives Land Rover a spacious, dynamically powerful, and thoroughly modern, four-wheel drive vehicle with inherent Land Rover characteristics. Engineered with conviction, this is the first vehicle totally developed by Land Rover following its purchase by Ford Motor Company in 2000.

The LR3 will have four-wheel independent suspension, permanent four-wheel drive with locking center and rear differentials, a 300bhp V8 Jaguar-derived engine, a new six-speed automatic transmission, two-speed transfer case and up to seven passenger seating. It has advanced electronic information and entertainment systems and a highly versatile seating system that can be converted into a flat load space.

"The LR3 joins Range Rover and Freelander to give Land Rover retailers a range of premium offerings, from compact to full-size, all with outstanding on- and off-road performance," said Richard Beattie, executive vice president, Land Rover North America.

Pricing will start at $44,995 for the 'SE' model and $49,995 for the 'HSE' model.

RANGE ROVER

Range Rover takes a technological leap forward in 2005 with a number of convenience and entertainment improvements. The electronic systems -- GPS navigation, audio, and telecommunications are all new and all integrated using fiber optics.

"Range Rover has enjoyed steady sales growth and is widely coveted as the SUV of choice by consumers, media and general public alike," said Beattie. "The 2005 model builds upon that success and is even more desirable."

A new DVD-based navigation system is state-of-the-art and uses a VGA display for greater brightness and resolution. The entertainment system has been boosted to 710 watts playing through 14 speakers using harman/kardon(R) LOGIC7(TM) surround sound. And the new mobile phone interface can use Bluetooth(TM) technology. All of these systems can be operated by voice command, a touch screen video display or by controls on the steering wheel.

Range Rover HSE will have an MSRP of $73,750. Pricing for the Westminster will be $86,000.

LR3

The LR3 is a technologically advanced vehicle that is totally new from the ground up. The very modern styling reflects Range Rover and Discovery design cues. The new Integrated Body-frame(TM) architecture uses aluminum, magnesium and Boron steel for light weight but very strong construction.

This is the most powerful Land Rover ever built with its Jaguar-based 4.4-liter, 300 bhp DOHC, aluminum V8 engine that's been extensively modified for use in the most rugged off-road conditions. It's mated to a six-speed, ZF automatic transmission and two-speed electronically shifted transfer case with locking center differential.

A state-of-the-art, six-speed ZF transmission provides fully automatic and CommandShift(TM) manual operation, even in Low range.

Exceptional breadth of capability was the goal when developing LR3. The permanent four-wheel drive system and fully independent, height-adjustable air suspension with available locking rear differential and powerful four-wheel disc brakes with ABS more than met their objectives.

An entirely new and patented system to manage the vehicle's many electronic traction aids was developed. Called Terrain Response(TM), a single rotary knob on the center console matches engine, transmission, throttle and traction controls to driving terrain -- from mud to sand, rocks to snow.

Advanced safety engineering includes up to eight airbags and steel safety-cage construction to protect vehicle occupants, while the Integrated Body-frame(TM) architecture has been designed to minimize the effect of impacts with smaller vehicles.

FREELANDER

The AWD Land Rover Freelander builds on its rugged good looks and award-winning performance in 2005 with a value-enhancing boost in standard equipment. Buyers will have a choice of two body styles, the 5-door SE or the sporty looking 3-door SE3 with lift-off hardback. Both are powered by a 2.5-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with CommandShift(TM).

A new Premium Package of options brings the SE up to the same specification of last year's HSE model, and provides owners with greater value as compared to a similarly equipped 2004 HSE. In an effort to simplify the ordering process for consumers and retailers, the HSE model has been discontinued for 2005.

"Freelander's two-model line-up in the premium compact segment gives buyers the opportunity to own a Land Rover at a more affordable price and lower cost of operation," said Beattie. "We have increased standard content and lowered the price of the best equipped model to build value."

New base MSRP for the SE will be $27,495, an increase of $1,500 over the same model in 2004, but it now includes sunroof, fog lights and full size spare tire as standard. Those items were optional at $1,475 last year.

The SE3 also has a MSRP of $27,495 so buyers have a choice of which model Freelander best suits their taste and lifestyle with no difference in price.

All Land Rovers 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 Road Recovery(SM) 24-hour service.

Land Rover vehicles are available from 164 Land Rover retailers in the U.S., including 96 exclusive Land Rover Centres, which look more like hunting lodges or ski villas than traditional dealerships.

Land Rover North America is part of Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover with headquarters in Irvine, California. Land Rover established operations in the U.S. in 1986, and now imports and distributes Range Rover, LR3 and Freelander vehicles manufactured by Land Rover in Solihull, England. Land Rover's worldwide operations are wholly owned by Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan. For information about the Land Rover retailer nearest you, call 800-FIND-4WD or log on to http://www.landroverusa.com/.

Vehicle specifications and features are subject to change. For the latest Land Rover pricing and product information, contact Land Rover North America Corporate Communications at (949) 341-6100. Land Rover-related press releases and electronic photos of the company's products are available on-line in the Land Rover section of Ford Motor Company's news media website (media.landrover.com).