Quote:

Some observers reckoned we'd see the all-new Land Rover Freelander as early as this year's Detroit Show, but it was conspicuous by its absence. However, the advanced state of the car in these pictures shows it's close to production-ready and, instead, we now expect to see the finished car for the first time at the Paris Show later this year, and sales should start late in 2006.

It's clear from the pictures that the new Freelander looks very similar to the existing model, especially around the nose where Land Rover trademarks such as the grille and clamshell hood are obvious, even under the camouflage.

However, we expect that several styling cues from the LR3 and Range Rover will find their way onto the new Freelander. Look closely, for example, and there appears to be a new air intake ahead of the front passenger door, as on the LR3.



Another change on this new model is that the central location of the rear license plate seems to confirm that the spare wheel will not hang on the rear door, as on the current model. Likewise, the position of the handle on the tailgate seems to suggest that it will open from the top, whereas the current model's is a side-hinged affair. The Freelander itself is believed to have grown slightly in every dimension, with a wider track and longer wheelbase, but head of design, Geoff Upex, has already said the ute will be basically the same size as the current model. What will improve, though, is the car's packaging, so it should provide more space for both passengers and luggage. The pictures also seem to show that the rear doors have grown, making for easier access.

Despite what the similar looks might suggest, the new Freelander actually sits on an all-new platform, a stretched version of the C1 platform that underpins the Ford Focus, Mazda 3 and Volvo S40. In due course, we expect to see a 'baby' Volvo 4x4, the XC50, on the same building blocks.



The new Freelander is expected to be an even more capable vehicle off-road than the current model, with a stiffer chassis and increased ground clearance. Most of the components will come from parent company Ford, but upgraded to ensure the new SUV performs as well as we expect of a Landrover away from Tarmac. The gearboxes and engines, likewise, have been upgraded to improve their off-road performance and will include stronger V6 units that are crucial to the car's success in America.

The car in the pictures is a five-door and, unlike the current model, that will be the only body style available. The slow-selling three-door and soft-top models are not being directly replaced. However, rumours persist that we will eventually see a 'baby' Land Rover which will sit below this new Freelander in the Land Rover range, possibly in 2008 and including a front-wheel drive model.

Brenda Priddy & Company

 www.vip-culture.com | 06 RRS HSE | 06 Odyssey Touring

All new web site just for the new Freelander (or LR2 or whatever it'll be called):

www.freel2.com  Like this site? Buy some RRSPORT goodies to show your support!

good work ! i think you just about cornered the market  www.vip-culture.com | 06 RRS HSE | 06 Odyssey Touring

I don't like that it looks too similar to the LR3. They are taking advice from Porsche designers I guess. Diego Paredes Fontanals
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It does look very DISCO3 'ish ???????? 
" WITH MORE EXTRAS THAN A HOLLYWOOD EPIC "

Is that an official pic  RRS TDV6 Gone but still around
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No, the top pic is chopped up from this Disco 3 pic:

http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/displayima...amp;pos=68 Like this site? Buy some RRSPORT goodies to show your support!

Its that same car  RRS TDV6 Gone but still around
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760Li Alpina
BMW 535D M Sport
BMW X6 XDrive35D
BMW 320D Coupe M Sport
And A Van For Rex!

WINNER - 2008's Idler Of The Year
WINNER - 2008's Comedian Of The Year
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I love boobies i love boobies i love boobies cuz i'm a big kid now! (Come on everybody sing with me you know the words!)

I'm a great fan of the current Freelander and would be first in the queue for one of the new ones...................... but I've got the Sport now. I will certainly be looking for a test drive in one from the local dealer I hope it doesn't end up looking like the top photo - I'm sure that is one of the prepro D3s and not a freelander - it looks too similar to the prepro D3 V8HSE I drove about 3 weeks before D3 official launch of Disco 3 2020 Pangea Green 1st Edition D240 New Defender 110 is here and loving it
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With the 3.2l engine this going to fly! We have one booked already, for the wife, but I bet I won't be able to convince her to have that engine

 RRS TDV6 Gone but still around
SL55 AMG
760Li Alpina
BMW 535D M Sport
BMW X6 XDrive35D
BMW 320D Coupe M Sport
And A Van For Rex!

WINNER - 2008's Idler Of The Year
WINNER - 2008's Comedian Of The Year
WINNER - 2008's Funniest Incident

I love boobies i love boobies i love boobies cuz i'm a big kid now! (Come on everybody sing with me you know the words!)

The 2.2 Diesel should be a goodun too - especially if you add one of TC's chips!! I think that engine is already in Xtype jags and Mondeos and get rave reviews by the road testers 2020 Pangea Green 1st Edition D240 New Defender 110 is here and loving it
2018 Melting Silver Mini Countryman PHEV - soon to be replaced
2015MY Corris Grey SDv6 HSE Dynamic, the best car I have ever owned, totally reliable only a cou0le of rattles in 3 years, now no longer in my care
Also in my garage is a 1996 TDi300 Defender 90 County HT made into a fake CSW

Just spotted this link from Landrover Chronicles.....

http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphotos.cfm/...spy-photos cheers
Andrew
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RRS TDv6 SE, Bonatti Grey/Ebony/Rhodium
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Also seen on Freel2.com at http://www.freel2.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20  Like this site? Buy some RRSPORT goodies to show your support!

Tim in Scotland wrote:

The 2.2 Diesel should be a goodun too - especially if you add one of TC's chips!! I think that engine is already in Xtype jags and Mondeos and get rave reviews by the road testers

One of my team has a 2.2 X-Type as a company car. Likes it, but says it's a bit laggy.

Then again, sure TC could eliminate that little niggle!  Runner up - 2009 Best Avatar Award
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