The 2010 Land Rover LR4 is powered by Jaguar Land Rover's all-new 5.0L, direct-injection V-8 -- a significant increase in size from the outgoing LR3's current 4.4L engine. With the new engine comes more power: 375 brake horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque, up from 300 and 315, respectively. The new engine (also employed in the Jaguar XF) uses variable camshaft timing, which works independently on all four camshafts, improving engine response. It also boasts lower fuel consumption, reduced CO2 emissions, and is ULEV2 compliant. It's backed by a revised ZF HP-28 six-speed automatic that should help improve fuel economy (not yet rated) and make quicker, more refined shifts.
Underneath, updates were made to the suspension, including new knuckles, new shocks, and a stiffer anti-roll bar, and the LR4 also receives larger brakes (now 14.2-in. at the front as opposed to the LR3's 13.3) and an updated traction control system. Terrain Reponse now offers a sand launch control, and Hill Descent Control now uses Gradient Release Control, which reduces initial acceleration on extremely steep grades.
Styling has been refreshed, with smoother, more aerodynamic lines, a new two-bar grille and LED headlights with high-beam assist. There are now side vents and new wheel styles. The interior has been completely redesigned. There's a new center stack and the Terrain Response control now sits above the shifter. There are new seats for the first two rows, new leather colors, and the addition of ambient lighting. There's also a new five-inch TFT driver information screen, flanked by redesigned gauges. For those who felt the LR3's stack was too cluttered, the number of buttons was cut nearly in half. To make the LR4 easier to park, buyers can get a five-camera system -- also handy when towing and in off-road situations. With more than 1300 new parts in all, Jaguar Land Rover engineers did as much as possible without creating an all-new platform. Their efforts will no doubt make the LR4 a more capable, powerful, and fuel-efficient vehicle than the outgoing LR3. Expect it to go on sale in October.
