In 2004, the LR3 was introduced by Ford Motor Company, which owned Land Rover at the time. The vehicle, which was available as a 2005 model year vehicle, was a complete redesign of the Discovery Series II, which had been around since 1998. None of the same components were even used in making the LR3.

Some of the physical features of the new vehicle resemble the Discovery Series II, but overall it’s a completely new vehicle. This change was brought about because the company’s market share for SUVs in this price range was dropping. Consumers were going for the more sophisticated and sporty 4 x 4 models from Toyota, BMW and others.

The LR3 is so named to avoid the negative connotations of the Discovery series and because U.S. marketing gurus suggested that Americans are attracted to the alphanumeric combination. This new vehicle seats 7 adults comfortably. It is the ultimate in off-road vehicles, having reached summits that no other vehicle could before it.

It has a strong 300 horsepower, V-8 engine with 315 pounds of torque. There was also a 6-cylinder model available in 2006 and 2007, but it is no longer being offered. The interior of the vehicle is wonderfully appointed with everything you could ask for in a vehicle. The ergonomics are just perfect.

This vehicle has a Terrain Response system, so at the turn of a knob you can instruct the LR3 on what type of terrain it will experience next. It self adjusts to ensure a great ride for driver and passengers in any condition. It is programmed to handle ruts, rocks, sand, gravel, snow, mud and grass. This feature alone has won the LR3 awards and lots of excitement.

Launched in 1989 the Land Rover Discovery was originally designed to bridge the gap between the utilitarian Defender and premium Range Rover models, offering a true off-road vehicle that could carry five people in comfort.

The Discovery or ‘Disco’ as some owners affectionately call them has been a phenomenal success in the 142 markets around the world in which it is sold and is just as common in the city as the farmyard. With over 50 years experience as the world’s only dedicated 4×4 manufacturer Land Rover has achieved enviable brand loyalty with many owners choosing to purchase another Discovery or Land Rover model.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) announced today that it has accepted the application of the former Ford owned Jaguar - Land Rover to become a member of ACEA. Their membership will start in July 2008. The current ACEA members are BMW Group, DAF Trucks, DaimlerChrysler, FIAT, Ford of Europe, General Motors Europe, MAN Nutzfahrzeuge, Porsche, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault, Scania, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen and Volvo.