2005 Land Rover LR3 Priced Nearly $13,000 Higher than Outgoing 2004 Discovery

The reason Land Rover has raised LR3 pricing is due to a much higher level of standard equipment in base SE and HSE trim

Land Rover claims the LR3 is the "most technologically advanced, boldest, Land Rover ever launched in the history of the company," says Vic Bernardini, president of Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover Canada. (Photo: Land Rover)

levels. Included standard is Land Rover's Terrain Response technology, plus a Jaguar-derived 300-hp V8 engine and 4-corner, cross-linked air suspension, similar to that offered on the automaker's range topping Range Rover.

"The all-new LR3 is the most technologically advanced, boldest, Land Rover ever launched in the history of the company," commented Vic Bernardini, president of Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover Canada. "This premium SUV, with its unmatched versatility and capability, is an excellent value considering the amount of features, content and innovation Land Rover is bringing to the market."

The biggest news to current Discovery owners will be the addition of a world class V8 engine. The sophisticated 32-valve DOHC 4.4-liter unit, 200 cubic centimeters larger in

The new sophisticated 32-valve DOHC 4.4-liter engine is said to be much more refined than the outgoing 4.6-liter OHV 2-valve per cylinder lump. (Photo: Land Rover)

displacement than the 4.2-liter Jaguar V8 which donated its basic architecture, is said to be much more refined than the outgoing 4.6-liter OHV 2-valve per cylinder lump. The engine now makes 83 additional horsepower, matching the old V8's peak torque rating with its 300 horsepower. The new 4.4-liter V8's improved 315 lb-ft of torque maximizes at a higher 4,000 rpm compared to the outgoing model's 2,800 rpm, which shouldn't make much of a difference getting off the line but may be felt in extreme off-road conditions. The new engine's improved fuel economy, however, will be appreciated in both situations. In order to prep the engine for 4x4 use Land Rover has sealed it from dust and water, and revised its air intakes to allow deep river wading.