Seen here hot-weather testing before its debut next year, the 2007 Land Rover Freelander should finally have the size, packaging and features to suit American tastes. Built on a stretched version of the C1 platform known as EUCD, the new Freelander won't be much larger on the outside, but better packaging should result in more interior room and improved cargo space.
Although this prototype was almost completely covered in black camouflage, a few details are still visible. The roofline looks to have an exaggerated second tier much like the LR3. This should make for improved headroom in back and the kind of stadium seating for the second row used in most other current SUVs. The front-end styling looks similar to the current model although the addition of a passenger-side air inlet on the quarter panel, just like the LR3, is new.
Land Rover will surely address the current Freelander's lack of power, but which engine will be used is still unconfirmed. The use of the EUCD platform suggests the possibility of an inline six borrowed from Volvo. A more conventional V6 is also a good possibility given the lack of low-end torque delivered by Volvo's straight six. The Freelander is expected to stick with a single speed transfer case since competitors like the BMW X3 have sold just fine in the U.S. without serious off-road hardware.
Expect to see the 2007 Land Rover Freelander debut early next year with sales beginning in the fall.
Although this prototype was almost completely covered in black camouflage, a few details are still visible. The roofline looks to have an exaggerated second tier much like the LR3. This should make for improved headroom in back and the kind of stadium seating for the second row used in most other current SUVs. The front-end styling looks similar to the current model although the addition of a passenger-side air inlet on the quarter panel, just like the LR3, is new.
Land Rover will surely address the current Freelander's lack of power, but which engine will be used is still unconfirmed. The use of the EUCD platform suggests the possibility of an inline six borrowed from Volvo. A more conventional V6 is also a good possibility given the lack of low-end torque delivered by Volvo's straight six. The Freelander is expected to stick with a single speed transfer case since competitors like the BMW X3 have sold just fine in the U.S. without serious off-road hardware.
Expect to see the 2007 Land Rover Freelander debut early next year with sales beginning in the fall.
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