• Trio of Range Rover Hybrid prototypes successfully complete first urban stages of epic ‘Silk Trail 2013’ expedition
• Hybrid capabilities already tested in seven countries, covering over 2,770 miles (4.468km) in 12 days
• Five countries and 41 days to go on marathon 9,950 mile (16,000km) endurance drive
• Fantastic new imagery and film added to media website.

The three Range Rover Hybrid prototypes participating in the Silk Trail expedition have now passed through seven countries in Europe in little more than a week. Since starting the 10,000-mile (16,000 km) adventure from Land Rover’s home in Solihull, UK on the afternoon of Thursday 22 August, the convoy has progressed south through the UK, east through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, and south-east through Poland and the Ukraine.

This expedition will visit 12 countries and takes in some of the world’s most challenging roads, passes and trails, including part of the ancient, 4,000 mile Silk Road connecting Asia with the Mediterranean. These are the first hybrids to ever attempt this challenging route.

This first section was always expected to be the most straightforward part of an otherwise ambitious journey, with the toughest challenges still ahead – but even so, the route has already presented the vehicles with the stresses of urban congestion, the hazards of some poorly maintained former Eastern Bloc roads and the first of many official border-crossings.

In London, Brussels, Dusseldorf, and Berlin, the Range Rover Hybrids made short work of dense rush-hour traffic, their 35kW (47 bhp) electric motors automatically taking over from the V6 diesel engine at urban speeds to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Combined with command driving position, smooth ride and luxury cosseted cabin, progress in the  Range Rover is effortless.

In the historic city centres of Krakow and Lemberg in Poland, where traffic runs nose-to-tail over ancient roads made bumpy by cobbles and tramlines, the Range Rover also impressed occupants with the suppleness of its ride. Even with the vehicles fully laden – load areas, rear seats and roof-racks piled high with heavy expedition gear – the air-suspension gracefully absorbed the bumps.

With most of the urban journey over for now, the expedition is now poised to enter Russia, where it will spend the next six days before crossing the border into Kazakhstan.

• Exterior refresh with distinctive new face and new ‘Discovery’ badging
• New highly efficient 340PS 3.0 V6 S/C petrol engine replaces 5.0 V8
• Intelligent Stop-Start improves fuel economy and reduces emissions
• New optional single-speed transfer box for revised four-wheel drive powertrain
• Eight-speed ZF automatic transmission for all models
• Upgraded models available to order now with deliveries from mid-November (UK.)

Land Rover announces the upgraded 2014 Discovery.  The multi-award winning vehicle gets a new look, new badging, new V6 petrol engine, new fuel stretching technology, new single-speed drivetrain, improved audio systems and a new range of driver assistance, comfort and safety features to broaden its appeal even further.  The core attributes are carried over into the 2014 models which will be available to order now with deliveries from mid-November. You can find more Land Rover models and the new Subaru Cross Trek in Columbus

“The hugely popular Discovery continues to move from strength to strength and the addition of the new 3.0 S/C petrol engine to the 2014 range underpins our commitment to delivering power with sustainability.  As one of the world’s most stylish, capable and versatile SUVs, the Discovery is the perfect vehicle for people who enjoy living an active lifestyle to the full,” said Land Rover Global Brand Director, John Edwards.

For 2014, Discovery has been given a new ‘face’ and numerous detail exterior changes.  A new front grille, new front bumper, new headlamp design, new daytime running lights with a distinctive LED signature, plus two new alloy wheel designs, further enhance the Discovery’s appearance.  To give vehicles a heightened level of distinction, the optional ‘Black Design Pack’ remains available for 2014 models, with revised detailing, plus 19-inch and 20-inch black alloy wheels.

New ‘Discovery’ badging

In recognition of the Discovery’s established identity, the refreshed exterior design for 2014 also incorporates a change of identity for the vehicle in many markets.  For the first time ever, the name ‘Discovery’ name replaces ‘Land Rover’ on the bonnet and the number 4 will be removed from the tailgate leaving just the word ‘Discovery.’

Engine badging moves from the tailgate to an ingot mounted on each of the front doors.  This side badging will reflect the engine type and appear as either, ‘SCV6,’ ‘SDV6’ or ‘TDV6’ in markets where the lower-power diesel engine is offered.  In the USA and the Middle East the vehicle’s badging will remain as previous models. Here you can sign up for a reasonable lease.

Highly efficient petrol V6 replaces V8

Underlining Land Rover’s commitment to power with sustainability, the 5-litre V8 petrol engine is replaced with the highly efficient 3.0 V6 S/C and fuel-stretching Intelligent Stop-Start technology is introduced on all petrol and diesel engines in a number of key markets.  All models are equipped with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

The new V6 generates 340PS and torque of 450Nm to deliver acceleration from 0-6mph in 7.7 seconds and a top speed 121mph.  Thanks to the new unit’s enhanced efficiency and the fitting of Intelligent Stop-Start, the 2014 Discovery with this engine produces just 269g/km of CO_2.

In markets where diesel is popular, the 2014 Discovery will be available with two ‘carry-over’ 3-litre engines – the 211PS 3.0 TDV6 and the class-leading 256PS 3.0 SDV6 – with CO₂ emissions reduced to 207g/km and 213g/km, and fuel consumption improved to 36.2mpg (combined cycle) and 35.3mpg for the SDV6.

New optional single-speed transfer box

For 2014 models, buyers will be offered a choice of two four-wheel drive systems with the new single-speed transfer box or the carry-over twin-speed transfer box which offers high and low range for the most demanding off-road conditions.

The single-speed transfer box acknowledges that some customers do not need to fully exploit the Discovery’s off-road capabilities.  Mechanically controlled, it weighs 18kg less than the two-speed box, features a Torsen differential and provides a 42/58 percent front-rear torque split.

New driver aids and premium audio

The new range of driver assistance, comfort and safety features for the 2014 Discovery include: Wade Sensing (a technology unique to Land Rover), Blind Spot Monitoring, Closing Vehicle Sensing, Reverse Traffic Detection and T-junction Cameras.

To align the 2014 Discovery with other Range Rover vehicles, it will be available with Meridian premium audio.  The standard system features 8 speakers and 380 Watts of power, while the Meridian Surround system produces an impressive 825 Watts output and features 17 speakers.

If any maintenance issues arise – Mark Hare detailing near Mechanicsville Md is here to help.

Technical Specifications

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