The Discovery’s fairly short wheelbase and its excellent ground clearance contribute to its well-respected “mountain goat” capability.
Power and performance
In North America, a fuel-injected V8 engine powers all Series II Discoverys. Although diesel powerplants were available in the UK, regrettably they never made it across the vast pond that separate our continents.
Displacing 4.0-litres, the English mill produces 188 horsepower @ 4,750 rpm and 250 pound-feet of torque @ just 2,600 rpm. Those ratings seem rather thin by today’s standard but the preponderance of low-end torque delivers effortless acceleration and hill climbing, even when loaded with occupants and gear. As for highway passing—a larger stable of hooves would be appreciated.
The expanded stable came along in 2003, at which point the engine grew to 4.6-litres while output jumped to 217 horsepower @ 4,750 rpm and torque twisted up to 300 pound-feet @ 2,600 rpm. Both engines were adjoined to the same 4-speed automatic transmission featuring an electronic overdrive function.
The transmission shifts smoothly and does a commendable job of maximizing the engine’s deep well of low-end torque.
Ride and handling
Okay, let’s not forget that the Discovery is a real SUV, not some kind of wannabe knockoff. Underneath you’ll find two solid axles and plenty of stabilizing components. Such hardware isn’t known for its genteel treatment of occupants, however, despite the heavy-duty underpinnings, the Discovery is more compliant over the bumps than one might expect.
Some criticism was leveled at the original Discovery due to its pronounced body roll during hard cornering. This issue was all but eliminated in the Series II version. Further augmenting cornering prowess of the Series II is the Discovery’s optional Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) technology. ACE is a hydraulic system that uses pistons at each corner to maintain level cornering and greater stability—and it works remarkably well.
Power and performance
In North America, a fuel-injected V8 engine powers all Series II Discoverys. Although diesel powerplants were available in the UK, regrettably they never made it across the vast pond that separate our continents.
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| 1999 Land Rover Discovery Series II (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Displacing 4.0-litres, the English mill produces 188 horsepower @ 4,750 rpm and 250 pound-feet of torque @ just 2,600 rpm. Those ratings seem rather thin by today’s standard but the preponderance of low-end torque delivers effortless acceleration and hill climbing, even when loaded with occupants and gear. As for highway passing—a larger stable of hooves would be appreciated.
The expanded stable came along in 2003, at which point the engine grew to 4.6-litres while output jumped to 217 horsepower @ 4,750 rpm and torque twisted up to 300 pound-feet @ 2,600 rpm. Both engines were adjoined to the same 4-speed automatic transmission featuring an electronic overdrive function.
The transmission shifts smoothly and does a commendable job of maximizing the engine’s deep well of low-end torque.
Ride and handling
Okay, let’s not forget that the Discovery is a real SUV, not some kind of wannabe knockoff. Underneath you’ll find two solid axles and plenty of stabilizing components. Such hardware isn’t known for its genteel treatment of occupants, however, despite the heavy-duty underpinnings, the Discovery is more compliant over the bumps than one might expect.
Some criticism was leveled at the original Discovery due to its pronounced body roll during hard cornering. This issue was all but eliminated in the Series II version. Further augmenting cornering prowess of the Series II is the Discovery’s optional Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) technology. ACE is a hydraulic system that uses pistons at each corner to maintain level cornering and greater stability—and it works remarkably well.
 |
| 1999 Land Rover Discovery Series II (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |