Press Release

LAND ROVER LAUNCHES THE 2008 LR2 HSE
2008 LR2 HSE

Irvine, Calif, August 23, 2007 - Since its introduction in April 2007 the all-new Land Rover LR2 has enjoyed strong sales and to reinforce its line-up in the U.S., Land Rover North America today announced the introduction of a new and enhanced derivative - the LR2 HSE

This new version has a sportier stance than the LR2 SE due to body color bumpers and side sills, a rear spoiler, titanium door handles and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Changes to the interior see 8x6-way power adjustable seats and a storage box with a sliding cover.

"The LR2 reflects Land Rover's dynamic design, with a smart and spacious interior and an abundance of advanced technologies. It has been very well received around the world since its introduction," said Phil Popham, Land Rover's Managing Director. "The HSE version offers subtle changes for those customers seeking a slightly different look to their LR2."

All of the technical highlights of the LR2 SE are carried over into to the HSE model. These include a 3.2-liter inline-six engine that develops 230 bhp and provides 0-60 mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds).

The engine is matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission, with Land Rover's CommandShift™ offering manual sequential gear changes when required. There is also a driver-selectable sport mode for even more responsive performance.

The LR2 HSE is packed with technologies to improve both on-road and off-road performance. Land Rover's unique Terrain Response™ system is standard, making off-road use easier. Other advanced technologies include a new permanent intelligent all-wheel-drive system for superior traction and better on-road fuel economy. The patented Gradient Release Control works in conjunction with Hill Descent Control to improve driver confidence and control when releasing the brakes on steep and slippery slopes.

The LR2 HSE will be available November 1, 2007 at Land Rover retailers nationwide.

Why should the big boys in overjuiced Range Rover Sports have all the fun? As Edmunds Inside Line reports, Land Rover could drop FoMoCo's Yamaha-sourced 4.4-liter V8 into the new LR2 (that's the Freelander replacement), making it into a lower, quicker, smaller version of the Sport. Because of the modularity across the FoMoCo line, the swap would be an easy fit, though pricing such a beast would be tricky. Would anyone pay $50,000 for a 300+ horsepower small SUV? We're asking. – Mike Spinelli

More Muscle: Land Rover Eyes V8 LR2 [Edmunds]

Related:
Freebird! Ford Releases Photos, Info on 2007 LR2 [internal]

From Land Rover's press office:

[April 11] Land Rover today announced a multi-year relationship with Wimbledon Champion and one of the world's most talented female athletes - Maria Sharapova.

[June 22] Maria Sharapova revealed the all-new Land Rover LR2 during a private reception held at Bablyon at the Kensington Roof Gardens, which was attended by US and UK automotive media and Land Rover executives.

Related:
Freebird! Ford Releases Photos, Info on 2007 LR2 [internal]

It's no more a Freelander than the LR3 is a Discovery, but the LR2 is nonetheless ready to go as the new entry Landie. We've been waiting for this day ever since we concluded the last Freelander was a cocked-up, overpriced mess. We're hoping this one, built on Ford's C1/P1 platform — like the Volvo S40, Mazda3 and European Focus — will do for the 'lander what the LR3 did for the 'scovery. Of course, addressing the last model's most obvious shortcoming is a new, transverse-mounted 3.2-liter inline six, producing 230 hp, that also shows up in the Volvo S80 (share those parts, PAG!). It's linked to a new shiftable six-speed autobox with the CommandShift option introduced in the LR3 (and spreading to the Range Rover this year). There's also more head and legroom, a monocoque body structure and a range of off-roading tech borrowed from its larger siblings. No word on price, but figure somewhere in the thirties. Click through for more pics.