Land Rover Discovery Series IIThere have
been three generations of the vehicle, which is less expensive than the
company's top Range Rover model. The Discovery was introduced in the late
1980s and is the most popular model from Land Rover. It is less
utilitarian than the Defender, but it is very competent off road. The
current Discovery Series III is marketed in North America as the LR3.
The Series II Discovery debuted in autumn 1998 and in the US in 1999.
Land Rover promoted that the Discovery Series II had been extensively
modified to the extent of no less than 720 'differences', albeit most were
very subtle. The interior and exterior was re-worked to be less
utilitarian, but it was still very similar to the Series I. However, every
body panel was new (and incompatible) except the rear door outer skin. The
rear body was extended to improve load space but at the expense of added
rear overhang, which adversely impacted off-road ability. However, overall
off-road ability remains impressive and in practical terms, choice of
tires is far more relevant. Changes to the diesel engine models saw the
2495 cc Td5 (in-line direct-injected 5 cylinder) engine introduced, in
line with the updated Defender models. This electronically managed engine
was smoother, producing more usable torque at lower revs than its 300 Tdi
predecessor. The Td5 engine is often mistakenly attributed to BMW but the
engine was derived from the Rover L-series passenger car engine and
developed by Land Rover. The 3948 cc V8 petrol version was given a revised
intake system, and rebadged as 4.0 liters at the same time, despite no
actual increase in cc over the previous 3.9 L engine. ACE (Active
Cornering Enhancement, an electronically controlled hydraulic anti-roll
bar system) was fitted to some versions, which reduced cornering roll to
insignificant proportions. Self-leveling air springs were fitted to some
models and European type-approval for 7-seat vehicles was only given for
air-sprung cars.
The locking centre differential was still fitted until early 2001,
although the linkage to operate it was not attached, as Land Rover
believed that the traction control and newly-developed Hill Descent
Control would render it redundant. The actual locking mechanism was
removed in early 2001, before being fully reinstated (with linkage) with
the face-lifted 2004 model. Whilst the traction control system worked very
effectively, it did not offer the same level of control and smooth
operation as the vehicles fitted with the diff lock. Aftermarket
manufacturers began offering kits to allow the lock to be fully
operational, which simply consists of a linkage on pre 2001 models, but
requires the linkage and locking mechanism to be installed on 2002 and
2003 models. Customer demand saw the diff-lock controls fully reinstated
as a cost option only (standard on top of range HSE/ES vehicles) on
UK/Irish models. The "face-lift" models are easily identified by new
"pocketed" headlamps which matched the Range Rover and face-lifted
Freelander models as well as redesigned turn and brake lamps on the rear
of the vehicle. As with earlier models, however, this can be deceptive
since kits are available to modify 1998–2002 vehicles with the newer
lights.
A small number of Discovery II Commercial models were produced by Land
Rover Special Vehicles, this time based on the five-door bodyshell but
with the windows rendered opaque to give van-like appearance and security.
Normal vehicles were exported to Republic of Ireland, where the rear side
windows were smashed and rear seats were destroyed in the presence of a
Revenue official, to offer a model that avoided the Vehicle Registration
Tax (saving approximately 40%).
In the final production run of the Discovery II, only two models were
offered for sale in the UK market, the 'base' Pursuit, which still
retained a high level of equipment as 'standard' and the 'top spec'
Landmark, which offered all Leather interior, twin sunroofs, ACE (Active
Cornering Enhancement) six disc CD player and Heated Windscreen. The final
vehicles left the production lines in late May 2004 to make way for the
all new Discovery 3 (LR3) models
The Commercials released by Special Vehicles came with rear self
leveling suspension as standard, and on the 03+ facelifted vehicles the
rendered windows are fixed in place so a retrofit of seats is not viable
without significant effort. The last revision of this vehicle still had a
high spec and came with climate control, roof bars, alloy wheels & marine
ply boarding in the loadspace as standard.
Cargo length = 53 inches
Cargo width = 44 inches
Cargo height = 41 inches
Production |
1999-2004 |
Body
style |
4-door SUV |
Engines |
2.5
L Td5 I5
4.0 L V8
4.6 L 217 hp (162 kW) V8 |
Transmissions |
4-speed automatic
5-speed Manual |
Wheelbase |
100.0 in (2540 mm) |
Length |
185.2 in (4704 mm) |
Width |
74.4
in (1890 mm) |
Height |
76.4
in (1941 mm) |
|