Thread: New Land Rover Discovery spied testing

Spy shots show new Discovery in cold-weather testing; will form part of JLR's 16-strong model offensive. These spy shots appear to offer first evidence that the Land Rover Discovery and its T5 platform will live on as part of Land Rovers blitz of 16 new models between now and 2020.
Although clearly a test car, the fact that this machine has an unchanged wheelbase and track makes it unlikely that the new aluminium Range Rover platform is hidden under its bodywork. Indeed, the Discovery 4 has a 2885mm wheelbase and the new Range Rover a longer, 2922mm wheelbase. The Range Rover also has a much greater front track, some 85mm wider than the Discoverys 1605mm.
Despite being an existing model, the Discovery appeared on the Land Rover new-model plan that was briefly shown to journalists at the Range Rover unveiling last summer. This added to speculation that the cars heavy-duty T5 platform would live on because it will also become the basis for the next-generation Defender family. Although there is scope for reducing its weight, the T5 platform is highly respected for both its ruggedness and its off-road capabilities.
The current Discovery will be due for a major makeover by 2015, which makes the appearance of this prototype timely. The car is likely to get a new look inside and out that reflects the styling of the recently signed-off new Defender family. Land Rover sources say that the Discoverys flexible seven-seat layout, spacious interior and rugged abilities have created a cult vehicle that the company wants to preserve even as it expands to build a distinct family of models under the luxury, leisure and dual-purpose tags.
Financial analysts recently revealed that Jaguar Land Rover is poised to spend 2 billion this year on new model development and industrial investment, rising to a surprise 2. 75bn next year.