2006 Land Rover LR3 in Asheville, NC - $7,490

Introduced last year to rave reviews, the all-new Land Rover LR3 is a spacious, dynamically powerful and thoroughly modern four-wheel drive vehicle with inherent Land Rover characteristics. Engineered with conviction, this is the first vehicle totally developed by Land Rover following its purchase by the Ford Motor Company in 2000.

Available in V6, SE and HSE models, the LR3 is engineered for optimal packaging with a fold-flat interior and seating for up to seven full-size adults. For 2006, the LR3 adds a new base motor with the addition of a 4.0L V6. The Land Rover SUV still retains the sophisticated power of the Jaguar-derived 4.4L V8 engine that debuted with the LR3 last year. Both prime movers deliver torque to the ground through a six-speed "intelligent shift" electronically controlled ZF HP26 automatic transmission.

Its' "sport" mode delivers more performance-oriented throttle response and gear shifts,and features Land Rover's CommandShift operation -- giving the driver full manual control of gear changing. All LR3's come with a two-speed electronic transfer gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive with traction control.

The LR3 is a technologically advanced vehicle with modern styling that reflects Range Rover and Discovery design cues. In addition to the permanent four-wheel drive system and available locking rear differential, an entirely new and patented system to manage the vehicle’s many electronic traction aids was developed.

Called Terrain Response, a single rotary knob on the center console with five terrain settings matches engine, transmission, throttle and traction controls to driving terrain -- from mud to sand, rocks and snow.

On the road, the LR3 equipped with the 4.4L V8 prime mover delivers a strong, powerful performance. The midsize Land Rover SUV features the new Integrated Body-frame architecture which uses aluminum, magnesium and Boron steel for very strong lightweight construction. This new platform utilizes a hydroformed, boxed-steel ladder frame and welded steel monocoque underbody. This modern structure was designed to minimize the effect of impacts with smaller vehicles.

The LR3 is equipped with an Electronic Air Suspension system with automatic load leveling with multiple modes and cross-link valves for improved off-road performance. The four-wheel independent suspension system uses a double-wishbone configuration at the four corners with long-travel air springs. As a result, the LR3 boasts 10 inches of vertical wheel travel in front and 13 inches of vertical wheel travel in the rear.

Inside the cabin, creature comforts surprise and delight driver and passengers. Novel adaptive front lighting swivels headlights to track vehicle direction, while available rear air conditioning makes life pleasant for third row passengers. Ergonomically-designed seating makes traveling long distances in the LR3 easy. The second seat is a 65/35 split folding type designed to maximize available space for cargo and passengers. For 2006, the highly popular third row seating option is standard on all HSE models.

Front and rear park distance control allows the driver to be aware of otherwise unseen obstacles near the vehicle. The DVD-based GPS system features off-road capability, dead reckoning and map matching.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 113.6; overall length: 190.9; width: 75.4; height: 74.5 -- measurements in inches.

Engine: 4.0L V6 -- 216 hp at 4,500 rpm and 269 lbs-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm; 4.4L V8 -- 300 hp at 5,500 rpm and 315 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed electronically controlled, intelligent automatic with CommandShift manual control.

EPA fuel economy: 14 city/19 hwy., (V6); 14 city/18 hwy., (V8)

Cargo capacity: 87.4 cu. ft.

Payload capacity: 1,695 lbs.

Towing capacity: 7,700 lbs.

Parts content -â€" country of origin

Final assembly point: Solihull, United Kingdom.

United Kingdom: 75 percent, Germany: 11 percent.

Engine: United Kingdom.

Transmission: Germany.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, head curtain airbags, alarm system, limited slip center differential, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, engine immobilizer, remote keyless entry system, rear fog lights, hill descent control, central locking system, dynamic stability control and multi-mode terrain response system. HSE adds front fog lights, garage door opener, Bi-Xenon high intensity headlamps with washers, automatic headlamp control, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers and navigation system. Optional safety features include locking rear differential, full-size spare tire and adaptive headlamps.

Warranty

Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile.

Corrosion: 6-year/unlimited.

Roadside assistance: 4-year/50,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the 2006 Range Rover LR3 SUV starts from $38,285 for the V6, $44,985 for the SE and $52,985 for the HSE. Destination charges add $715.

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