The 2005 Land Rover LR3 will stay true to its rock-clambering roots, but in recognizing that most people drive SUVs on asphalt rather than off-road a new Terrain Response System (TRS) configures the LR3's mechanicals to optimize travel on a given road surface. Controlled by a five-position rotary dial on the dashboard, the driver can choose the proper configuration to handle normal street surfaces, slippery streets, or three off-road situations (mud/ruts, sand, rock crawl), The 2005 Land Rover LR3's TRS will automatically set the traction control system, locking differential, vehicle height, engine torque output, transmission shift points, and Hill Descent Control (HDC) to optimum levels. Other interesting features of the 2005 Land Rover LR3 include three sunroofs, a traditional stepped roofline and adaptive headlamps that swivel with the steering to better illuminate around curves in the road. Options include a DVD navigation system, a rear-seat entertainment system and a third-row seat that brings occupant capacity to seven passengers. From a styling standpoint, the Land Rover LR3 loses the rugged and chunky shape of the Disco in favor of a smoother, more tailored silhouette. Styling cues like headlamps and functional side gills are lifted from its handsome older brother, the Range Rover. Another trickle-down feature is a split clamshell-type rear tailgate that facilitates loading and unloading cargo. The 2005 Land Rover LR3 will hit showrooms by the end of this year. Pricing has not been released, but it will probably stay in the midsize luxo-ute range of about $40,000. While the LR3 doesn't seem to possess the features or specs to make it stand out head and shoulders above its competition - the BMW X5, Lexus GX 470, Mercedes-Benz ML-Class and Volvo XC90 - the new Rover should have wider appeal than the outgoing Discovery. Especially with its sophisticated, modern new name that just rolls right off the tongue. --Photos Courtesy of Land Rover North America
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