The 211 hp 3.0 LR-TDV6 diesel remains the entry level choice for Discovery 4 customers in European markets conforming to EU5 emissions regulations. For 2012, the engine has been further improved with a reduction in CO2 emissions from 244g/km to 224g/km thanks to a low-flow fuel injection system and a new, highly efficient, ZF 8HP70, 8-speed automatic transmission. The power of the 245 hp version of the LR-SDV6 has been increased to 256 hp and the CO2 emissions substantially reduced from 244g/km to 230g/km. Maximum torque remains unchanged – 600 Nm at just 2000rpm. EU4 markets will continue to receive the 245 hp version of the LR-SDV6 equipped with the existing 6-speed automatic transmission with command shift.
The 5.0 LR-V8 naturally aspirated engine, designed specifically with Land Rover vehicles in mind, remains in the Discovery 4 line-up unchanged for the 2012 model year. The lightweight aluminium alloy engine is both super-efficient and compliant with the stringent US ULEV2 and European EU5 emissions regulations. The 5.0 LR-V8 produces 375 hp and 510 Nm torque. The LR-V8 drives through the ultra-refined ZF HP28 6-speed automatic transmission. Its characteristics have been optimized by Land Rover engineers to provide the same class-leading response, with rapid and refined shifts. The superior power and torque characteristics of the engine make it possible to actuate the transmission’s lock-up clutches much earlier in each gear, reducing slip through the hydraulic torque converter, optimizing both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Three new option packs are available to customers for 2012 – the Technology Pack, HSE Luxury Pack and the Vision Assist Pack. The Technology Pack includes Premium Navigation incorporating 4x4i off-road navigation, as well as ‘Say What You See’ voice activation and Parking Aids for the front and rear with rear view cameras. The HSE Luxury Pack includes Xenon Adaptive Front Headlamps including Cornering Lamps, Harman Kardon LOGIC7® 17-speaker 825W audio system, Premium Leather Pack, full-length roof rails in satin black, electric steering column adjustment for height and reach and an electric tilt/slide sunroof and the front centre console holds a cooler box. The Vision Assist Pack has Xenon Adaptive Front Headlamps including Cornering Lamps, Automatic Headlamps with High Beam Assist and the Surround Camera System including Approach Lamps, Tow Assist and Tow Hitch Assist.
Discovery 4 audio systems have been improved for 2012. A new, entry level 8-speaker system with colour display replaces the previous system with black and white display. The entry level system also has options for Bluetooth, DAB and USB/iPod connectivity. The Hi-ICE Harman Kardon System has been upgraded from 9-speakers to 11-speakers and the output boosted from 240W to a substantial 380W. The Premium Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 system has seen the most dramatic improvement, from 14 to 17 speakers and an almost unbelievable increase in output power from 480W to a staggering 825W. The higher end touch-screen audio systems were previously available only in conjunction with a navigation system but are now available independently. Navigation is available in two levels – Base and Premium, with the latter enhanced with voice activation. Touch screens have been revised with a new, contemporary style and a ‘Virtual CD Autochanger’ on models equipped with hard-disc navigation allows storage of up to 10 albums in uncompressed format on the same hard drive. ‘Say What You See’ voice activation gets over the problem of memorising commands and prompts the driver by displaying commands in a step-by-step format on the screen. Voice commands can be run together as shortcuts and the system is activated by the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button on the steering wheel.
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) is now equipped with a single slot DVD drive in the audio head unit so the disc can be conveniently loaded from inside the cabin. This new system replaces the previous six DVD Changer accessed through the luggage compartment. The rear seat audio system is operated by new powerful wireless technology called WhiteFireTM via cordless headphones, and can also be controlled by remote control. The system supports connectivity with games consoles and video playback of MP4 files stored on USB. The phonebook capacity for the Discovery 4 has increased significantly for 2012 from 700 entries to several thousand, whilst the TFT Message Centre interface has been redesigned to display audio, phone and navigational information.
