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2011 Land Rover LR2 Review

August 2010
Filed under: ROVER Car News | ROVER Headlines
Exterior design changes including a new front bumper and grille, three new colours, and new alloy wheels, give the 2011 LR2 a fresher look. Inside, a new range of seat styles are complimented by the redesigned instruments, setting the 2011 LR2 aside from previous models. Another small but significant change is to the Land Rover logo, which changes colour for 2011 from gold on green to a more contemporary bright silver on green.

3.2-litre i6 petrol engine now meets EU 5 emissions regulations

The 3.2-litre straight six continues to head the LR2 powertrain line-up for 2011. The engine has been re-calibrated to meet EU5 rather than EU4 emissions regulations but the power remains unchanged at 233PS and 317Nm (234lb ft) torque. The straight six accelerates the LR2 to 60mph in 8.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 124mph.

The straight six is the best balanced of all engine configurations but its length usually makes it difficult to package transversely. However, the Rear End Ancillary Drive (READ) arrangement of the i6, with ancillaries like water pump, air conditioning compressor and alternator mounted at the rear rather than the front, reduce the length of the i6 to an incredible 600.5mm making it an easy fit in the LR2s engine bay.

With an advanced, aluminium block, head and bedplate the i6 remains at the cutting edge of petrol engine design. The i6 is equipped with twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder with cam profile switching (CPS) and variable valve timing (VVT). The combination of the two mix high power with low end flexibility and maximum efficiency.

The i6 also has a variable length inlet tract which adapts to optimise both high end power and low end torque. These technologies combine to deliver 80 percent of maximum torque across the entire useable rev range and 256Nm (189lb ft) is available between 1400rpm and 6400rpm. In common with the diesel engines, the i6 uses Intelligent Power System Management (IPSM) for smart charging of the battery.

The i6 engine was originally developed with Land Rover applications in mind and is designed to resist dust, mud and water intrusion as well as operation at acute tilt angles.

Design enhancements both inside and out

The exterior of the LR2 gets a new look for 2011 with a new front bumper assembly incorporating new front fog lamp bezels. Theres a new front grille in two finishes, Dark Finish for the 150PS TD4 and Bright Finish for the 190PS diesel and petrol. The Halogen projector headlamps are new, as are the rear tail lamps which now have a clear inner lens and a black lens surround for greater definition. The tailgate handle is now finished in body colour and the full width signature strip is finished in Noble. Additional body coloured parts include door handles, headlamp washer jets and door mirrors and on SD4 and i6 petrol models the lower side door panels and rear bumper are fully painted as standard (available as an option on other models). Door mirrors now have a 10 percent larger glass area and to really set off the fresh styling there are also new 18 and 19 alloy wheels. The choice of colours has changed for 2011 too, with the addition of Kosrae Green, Baltic Blue and Fuji White.

In the cabin, there are four new contemporary seat styles offering a greater range of choice. A stylish cloth trim, covered with new Tofino or Resolve fabrics, Napoli leather, a combination of Napoli leather and Alcantara, and Windsor leather for the premium pack. These four new styles differentiate between trim levels. Theres a choice of manual, 6/4-way electric adjustment and 8/6-way electric adjustment for the Premium Pack seats.

New colourways compliment the revised upholstery design with Ebony, Tan and Ivory and there are matching door casings in Ebony PVC with Ivory stitching and Ebony PVC with Tan contrast stitching. Four new fascia finishers come in either Element Silver, Element Black, Dark Chestnut and Piano Black lacquered finish. This lacquered black theme is also carried over onto the steering wheel switchpack.

At the high end of the option range, theres a new Premium Pack option with Windsor Leather upholstery in Ebony, Almond, Ivory or Tan colourways. The Pack includes the luxurious 8/6 way electric seat plus premium carpet mats and covered centre stowage. All 2011 LR2s will benefit from a clear and contemporary new instrument pack too.

The LR2 provides the safest possible environment for occupants. The Command Driving Position provides good visibility of all four corners of the vehicle and narrow A-pillars ensure that forward visibility is not compromised. There are seven airbags: two curtain, two front, two thorax and a drivers knee bag as standard. The transverse engine mounting not only frees up interior space but offers impressive crash performance, helping the LR2 achieve a 5 star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection.

Terrain Response offers unparalleled driving dynamics

Terrain Response delivers the most sophisticated four wheel-drive technology in the sector ensuring the LR2 is equipped for every surface it may encounter, from sand to tarmac. Four settings remain for 2011 - catering for general driving, slippery conditions such as grass, gravel, or snow, mud and ruts and sand. Terrain response also oversees the stability controls and traction aids such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Traction Control (ETC) and ABS according to the selected terrain. It also engages Hill Descent Control (HDC) to suit the selected terrain and changes the setting of the electronic centre coupling to optimise the four wheel-drive system in off-road conditions. In addition, Terrain Response includes Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Roll Stability Control (RSC) Engine Drag Control (EDC) and Gradient Release Control (GRC).

The many functions of Terrain Response are underpinned by the high levels of body stiffness which provide the best foundation for excellent ride and handling characteristics as well as off-road performance. A structural undertray on the front sub-frame improves steering precision as well as protecting the underside of the vehicle and four point engine mounting aids engine stability and improves refinement. As with all Land Rovers, the LR2 is rigorously tested worldwide in the UK, USA, Middle East, Australia and Russia in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +50C° and up to 95 percent humidity. The LR2 is also tested at altitudes of up to 4,000m.

2011 LR2 technical data
i6 petrol auto 4WD
Height mm (in) 1740 (68.5)
Width mm (in) 2195 (86.5)
Length mm (in) 4500 (177)
Wheelbase mm (in) 2660 (104.7)
Turning Circle m (ft) 11.3 (37)
Min Weight From kg (lb) 1775 (3913)
Front suspension Macpherson strut with lower control arm and anti-roll bar
Rear suspension Strut assembly with lateral and longitudinal links and anti-roll bar
Brakes Ventilated front disc - 316mm,, ventilated rear - 302mm
Steering Hydraulic power assisted rack and pinion
Four Wheel-Drive system Full time 4 wheel drive with Haldex rear axle differential.
Engine type Transverse, in-line 6-cylinder, 24-valve, multipoint fuel injection

Displacement cc 3192
Bore/stroke mm (in) 84x96
Compression ratio 10.8
Max power PS (kW) 233 (171)
Max Torque Nm (lb ft) 317 (234)
Fuel consumption EU urban/extra urban/combined (mpg-L/100km) 18.2/34.9/26.4 (15.5/8.1/10.7)
Emissions EU5
CO2 g/km 255
Transmission Aisin SWF21 6 Speed auto
Fuel tank capacity litres/imp gals/US gals 70/15.4/18.5
Range, miles (km) 400 (650)
0-60mph 8.4
Top speed mph (kph) 124/200

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