NEW YORK — The 2010 Land Rover LR4, set to debut this week at the 2009 New York Auto Show, is essentially a face-lifted LR3 with a bigger, more potent engine and a raft of high-tech systems.
Land Rover's design team, under director Gerry McGovern, has subtly freshened the exterior design, with new lamps and bumpers, new paint colors and new 19- and 20-inch wheels.
There are more noticeable upgrades inside the vehicle, including a new instrument cluster and console with a 5-inch thin-film transistor display, a new steering wheel and revised front and rear seats, as well as ambient lighting via white LEDs.
Among the new options are a Portable Audio Interface, with dedicated iPod port; a surround-camera system for easier parking, towing and off-roading; and remote keyless entry with push-button start.
The big news under the hood is the adoption of a new direct-injection 5.0-liter V8 in place of last year's 4.4-liter unit. The new 5.0 makes 375 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a ZF six-speed automatic, it enables 0-60 acceleration in 7.5 seconds.
As part of the makeover for 2010, Land Rover also has revised the suspension architecture, improved the steering and brakes and enhanced the Terrain Response and Hill Descent Control systems.
Inside Line says: A Land Rover by any other name smells just as sweet. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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