Details of the new Discovery 4 for 2012 have now been announced, and it seems the 36 times award winner, will maintain the crown as the world’s most capable all purpose vehicle with an impressive array of improvements being offered including modified engines, new transmission and interior features.

Due to developments in Land Rover’s e_terrain technologies, the new Discovery 4 is packed full with even more features which help reduce both fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

The new ZF 8HP70, 8-speed automatic transmission has led to improvements in efficiency and has helped reduce CO₂ emissions on the 3.0 SDV6 diesel from 244g/km to an impressive 230g/km.

Along with the new transmission, the Discovery 4 now comes with ‘Drive Select’ rotary gear shift and steering wheel-mounted paddle shift. Amazingly though, despite having managed to reduce CO₂ emissions, Land Rover engineers have actually been able to increase the power from 242bhp to 253bhp – ensuring that the car can also deliver phenomenal performance.

In addition, the 3.0 SDV6 also comes with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meaning it is amongst the cleanest diesel engines on the market.

And these are just a few of the improvements made. Here’s a summary of the full list of amazing e_terrain technologies which have made the Discovery 2012 such an exciting prospect:

• EU5 LR-TDV6 engine technology
• Cutting edge LR-V8 engine technology
• New ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic improves efficiency and reduces CO₂
• Diesel particulate filters on all European market Discovery models
• Engine calibration optimised
• Low engine idle speeds
• Reduced torque-converter slip
• Higher torque, allowing longer gearing
• Intelligent Power System Management (IPSM) including smart regenerative charging
• Clutched air conditioning pump to reduce parasitic losses
• Improved aerodynamics

It’s not only the performance which has been improved, the Discovery 4’s design and equipment levels have also been given a make-over. With two new alloy wheel designs, three new option packs and improved audio and navigation systems based on the latest electrical architecture, Land Rover has just made the best all-purpose vehicle even better.

“Improved performance, lower CO₂ emissions and enhanced design and equipment levels, consolidate the Discovery 4’s position as the most capable and versatile all-purpose vehicle on and off the road today. The Discovery 4 is quite simply in a class of its own,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

If you’d like to find out more about this new and improved vehicle, visit the Discovery 4 web page.

Written by LandRover Our Planet