The Land Rover Discovery 4, also known as the LR4 in North America, is entering the 2012 model year with some minor refinements, the most important of which is the introduction of a new ZF 8HP70, 8-speed automatic transmission on the 3.0-liter SDV6 diesel engine which also benefits from a power boost.

First fitted to the Range Rover TDV8 for 2011, the 8-speed auto helps improve fuel consumption to 8.8lt/100km (26.7mpg US or 32.1mpg UK) in the combined cycle and bring down CO2 emissions from 244g/km to 230g/km.

Along with the new auto box, the updated Discovery 4 also comes equipped with the ‘Drive Select’ rotary gear shift and steering wheel-mounted paddle shift as standard.

The refined for the 2012MY 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel now delivers 256-horses, up from 245HP, while peak torque stands at 600Nm (443 lb-ft).

In addition to the powertrain improvements, the 2012MY Discovery 4 gains two new alloy wheel designs, three new optional packages including the Vission Assist Pack with Xenon Adaptive Front Headlamps including Cornering Lamps, Automatic Headlamps with High Beam Assist and the Surround Camera System with Approach Lamps, Tow Assist / Hitch Assist, plus improved audio and navigation systems throughout the range.

“Improved performance, lower CO2 emissions and enhanced design and equipment levels, consolidate the Discovery 4’s position as the most capable and versatile all-purpose vehicle on and off the road today. The Discovery 4 is quite simply in a class of its own,” said Colin Green, Land Rover UK Managing Director.

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