Discovery Made more Capable and Comfortable
September, 1998 -- Land Rover, one of the most recognizable names in off-roading, has revamped their top selling American model, unveiling it this week at the Paris Auto Show. Despite retaining the boxy silhouette that characterizes all of Rover's products, every body panel has been replaced in this sport-ute's overhaul.
The major improvements to the new Discovery include lengthening the truck's wheelbase and widening its track to give it better stability on- and off-road. An innovative Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) feature has also been added to the Discovery. Working in conjunction with the Self-Leveling Suspension (SLS), ACE uses the Discovery's constantly adjusting air springs to maximize balance when cornering. SLS can also facilitate trailer hookup for those who regularly tow. By using a handheld device, Discovery owners can automatically lower the rear suspension of their truck 2.4 inches to match the height of a trailer hitch. Once the trailer is positioned, the suspension can be raised again to the standard ride height.
Land Rover increases the Discovery's four-wheel drive prowess by adding four-wheel traction control, Hill Descent Control and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) to the off-road equipment roster. Hill Descent Control makes it easier for drivers to crawl down a steep grade without burning up the Discovery's brakes. EBD maximizes stopping ability by varying the braking power heading to each of the Discovery's four wheels depending on traction conditions. EBD is intended to minimize those scary sideways skids that four-wheel enthusiasts face when trying to bring their truck to a stop on broken, unstable ground.
The interior of the Discovery gets some much-needed attention in the overhaul as well. The driver and front seat passenger benefit from new seat cushions and adjustable armrests. Rear seat passengers will find it easier to clamber aboard the tall Discovery thanks to grab handles that have been integrated into the rear of the front seat headrests. The optional third row seats are now forward facing on the Discovery, and can still be folded away to increase storage space. A headphone system has been added to the optional Harman/Kardon stereo, thus eliminating the need for consensus building when it comes to choosing the radio station.
The new Discovery goes on sale in the United Kingdom this fall, and is expected in the United States in 1999.
September, 1998 -- Land Rover, one of the most recognizable names in off-roading, has revamped their top selling American model, unveiling it this week at the Paris Auto Show. Despite retaining the boxy silhouette that characterizes all of Rover's products, every body panel has been replaced in this sport-ute's overhaul.
The major improvements to the new Discovery include lengthening the truck's wheelbase and widening its track to give it better stability on- and off-road. An innovative Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) feature has also been added to the Discovery. Working in conjunction with the Self-Leveling Suspension (SLS), ACE uses the Discovery's constantly adjusting air springs to maximize balance when cornering. SLS can also facilitate trailer hookup for those who regularly tow. By using a handheld device, Discovery owners can automatically lower the rear suspension of their truck 2.4 inches to match the height of a trailer hitch. Once the trailer is positioned, the suspension can be raised again to the standard ride height.
Land Rover increases the Discovery's four-wheel drive prowess by adding four-wheel traction control, Hill Descent Control and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) to the off-road equipment roster. Hill Descent Control makes it easier for drivers to crawl down a steep grade without burning up the Discovery's brakes. EBD maximizes stopping ability by varying the braking power heading to each of the Discovery's four wheels depending on traction conditions. EBD is intended to minimize those scary sideways skids that four-wheel enthusiasts face when trying to bring their truck to a stop on broken, unstable ground.
The interior of the Discovery gets some much-needed attention in the overhaul as well. The driver and front seat passenger benefit from new seat cushions and adjustable armrests. Rear seat passengers will find it easier to clamber aboard the tall Discovery thanks to grab handles that have been integrated into the rear of the front seat headrests. The optional third row seats are now forward facing on the Discovery, and can still be folded away to increase storage space. A headphone system has been added to the optional Harman/Kardon stereo, thus eliminating the need for consensus building when it comes to choosing the radio station.
The new Discovery goes on sale in the United Kingdom this fall, and is expected in the United States in 1999.
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