2005 Land Rover LR3 Preview

And the LR3 is said to be an even more capable off-road vehicle than its superb predecessor, making the availability of a diesel

The LR3 is said to be an even more capable off-road vehicle than its superb predecessor. (Photo: Land Rover)

even more advantageous. Rather than just sticking with the current European Discovery's TD5 5-cylinder diesel, the new model will be named TDV6 for (you guessed it) the new engine's V6 configuration. Just like the SUV's top-line V8, the diesel variant will be sourced from Jaguar. The 2.7-L TDV6, developed in cooperation with PSA (Citroen and Peugeot), makes a decent 190 horsepower, hardly a number that would entice North American enthusiasts, that is until factoring in its torque figure measures 324 lb-ft available at merely 1,900 rpm. The new engine is more refined too, offering improved emissions and fuel economy over its predecessor.

The engine features dual overhead cams, on both banks of cylinders of course, the latest common rail technology, which makes it extremely quiet, and electronically adjustable nozzles for a more thorough injection process, making use of all available fuel. As is almost always the case with modern diesels, the TDV6 is turbocharged, this one with variable geometry, enhancing performance.

Being that a much higher percentage of Land Rover owners take their vehicles off-road when compared to those that own

More Land Rover owners take their vehicles off-road when compared to those that own competitive brands. (Photo: Rolls Royce)

competitive brands, the automaker has gone to great lengths to make certain mud, dirt, sand and water cannot seep into vital mechanical and electrical components. The crankshaft seal material reportedly repels dirt and water, while the oil pump is said to be mounted out of harms way.

Ironic is the fact that what might be Land Rover's most capable off-road vehicle isn't available on the continent with the most opportunity to make use of it, North America being riddled with dedicated off-road trails and more untamed wilderness than just about anywhere else on earth. And most likely the only way it's going to change is if enough potential customers let their desires be known to their local Land Rover dealers.