You know the Nürburgring is being overused when a vehicle like the 2008 Land Rover LR2 is getting flung around its nearly 200 corners. We've seen prototypes of the LR2 running around both the desert and the Arctic Circle, but this is the first time we've managed to capture video of the new Land Rover during high-speed testing.
Set to replace the discontinued Land Rover Freelander, the LR2 is a compact sport-ute designed to go heads-up with the likes of the BMW's X3. It won't be much bigger than before but, unlike its predecessor, the LR2 will incorporate the features necessary to make it popular with U.S. buyers. Simple stuff like real cupholders and plenty of storage space will be the most noticeable improvements.
A more powerful engine will be another big upgrade as the LR2 is expected to show up with a considerably more potent six-cylinder than the Freelander. Built on the same EUCD platform as the Volvo S80, we wouldn't be surprised to see Volvo's new 3.2-liter straight six under the hood of the LR2. With 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, it still wouldn't be the most powerful sport-ute around, but it would be enough to keep it competitive.
Judging by its performance on the Nürburgring, the LR2 should be a capable handler. Off-road performance probably won't be much better than the previous model although a scaled-down version of the Land Rover's Terrain Response system could be incorporated.
Look for a possible debut sometime this summer with official U.S. sales expected to start early next year.
Set to replace the discontinued Land Rover Freelander, the LR2 is a compact sport-ute designed to go heads-up with the likes of the BMW's X3. It won't be much bigger than before but, unlike its predecessor, the LR2 will incorporate the features necessary to make it popular with U.S. buyers. Simple stuff like real cupholders and plenty of storage space will be the most noticeable improvements.
A more powerful engine will be another big upgrade as the LR2 is expected to show up with a considerably more potent six-cylinder than the Freelander. Built on the same EUCD platform as the Volvo S80, we wouldn't be surprised to see Volvo's new 3.2-liter straight six under the hood of the LR2. With 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, it still wouldn't be the most powerful sport-ute around, but it would be enough to keep it competitive.
Judging by its performance on the Nürburgring, the LR2 should be a capable handler. Off-road performance probably won't be much better than the previous model although a scaled-down version of the Land Rover's Terrain Response system could be incorporated.
Look for a possible debut sometime this summer with official U.S. sales expected to start early next year.
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