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By Autotropolis Editors
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Strengths: |
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Off-road ability; seating space and comfort; available technology and luxury features. |
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Changes: |
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For 2008, the V6 engine is no longer available in the U.S. market, leaving only V8-powered Land Rover LR3 SE and HSE models.
Seven-passenger seating is also now standard across the model line. A power passenger seat is a new standard feature, and the HSE model gets a power-adjustable steering wheel with memory function. New stitching is part of the premium leather upholstery. There's also a new walnut wood trim inside the HSE, along with a black lacquer finish available at no extra charge. |
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Value: |
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The LR3 is stands out in its class of premium sport utility vehicles with a good mix of tough off-road ability, interior comfort, and a good on-road ride. The Terrain Response allows even novices to get through tough off-road situations. Inside, it offers available appointments-such as second-row heated seats, a heated windshield, and adaptive lighting headlamps-that aren't widely available. |
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Overview: |
The Land Rover LR3 is powered by a 4.4L V8 making 300 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque for 2008. The modern aluminum engine has chain-driven overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Power is delivered through a six-speed automatic transmission, which has a Sport mode for maximum acceleration and CommandShift mode for manual shift control.
The permanent four-wheel-drive system uses an infinitely variable locking center differential to vary the torque distribution front-to-back. There's also a low range for steep or challenging off-road situations. A locking rear differential is optional.
Supplementing the mechanicals is a wide range of electronic aids.
Dynamic stability control helps maintain stability on- or off-road; hill descent control helps with steep descents while off-roading; and the anti-lock braking system includes electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist.
A four-wheel independent suspension underpins the LR3, with unequal-length control arms and air springs with electronic control and three levels of driver-selectable settings, allowing a long range of wheel travel for off-roading yet tight control for on-road handling.
Linking all of these systems together is Terrain Response, a system that automatically adjusts and coordinates the LR3's many electronic systems to suit the terrain. The system's five modes are General, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Rock Crawl, with the latter only available with low range.
With space for seven, the LR3 has three rows of upright seating, upholstered in soft leather. The second and third rows sit high so as to give occupants a view ahead, while the second-row seat is split 35/30/35 to allow sections to be folded forward to expand cargo space, and the third row folds completely down into the floor.
Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a power sunroof, and rear park distance control.
The HSE model adds larger 19-inch wheels, heated mirrors, bi-xenon headlamps, second-row heating and cooling controls, a Bluetooth hands-free system, walnut wood trim, and a 550-watt Harmon/Kardon sound system with 14 speakers. All LR3s are equipped with front side air bags and side-curtain air bags that cover the first and second rows.
Major options include premium leather surfaces, heated first- and second-row seats, a heated windshield and washer jets, an adaptive lighting system, a DVD entertainment system, and a center-console cooler box. |
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