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Introducing The Land Rover DiscoveryThe Discovery Series IThe Land Rover Discovery was first shown to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1989. It marked a major departure from previous Land Rover vehicles, being designed specifically for the passenger and family 4x4 markets.This was a fledgling market in Britain when the Discovery was designed but the timing was perfect and the Land Rover Discovery became an instant favourite. The Discovery was capable of competing in the family car market which was a first for Land Rover with Sir Terrence Conran designing an all new interior for the ground breaking vehicle. An all new suspension system designed for the Discovery was an innovation never before seen in the 4X4 market. It could also compete in terms of performance with the world famous Rover v8. The new 200TDi direct injection turbo diesel engine was also introduced boasting impressive economy and award winning performance. Although the Discovery was specifically design for the family market, it still sported the best in class off-road capabilities that the Land Rover brand is synonymous with. The 100" wheelbase chassis was fitted with coil spring suspension for optimum stability and was an instant success. The first Discoveries only came in a 3-door version because of initial concerns about the rigidity of the body in off-road driving conditions but within a year the very popular 5-door version was introduced.
The Discovery Series IIDuring the late 1990's, 'Project Tempest' was being designed shrouded in secrecy. This new Discovery was launched in 1999 as the "Discovery Series II". The name was carefully chosen to remind prospective buyers of the history of the original Land Rover Series II vehicles. The Series II looked very similar in appearance to the original Discovery, but included a variety of new features. Hill Descent Control (HDC) taken from the new Freelander was fitted as standard, and new options included rear Self-Levelling Suspension and Active Cornering Enhancement.
The Discovery IIIThe latest incarnation of the Land Rover Discovery was released in 2004. The Discovery III is a completely new vehicle design from the ground up sporting a modified external design and integrated body-frame.New engines include a 2.7 litre, 190Bhp TDV6 turbo-diesel and a 4.0 litre 215bhp petrol V6. The manual gearbox is still standard, although a new 6-speed automatic gearbox is also available. The Discovery III also comes with a fully independent suspension, fitted with air springs similar to those on the new Range Rover but coil springs are still used on the entry level models. |
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