NAIAS Highlights: Production
Freelander coming to America
Land Rover's 2002 Freelander fits into the premium small sport utility segment and is the first Land Rover to combine unibody construction with a fully independent suspension. This approach was chosen with consideration of the vehicle's size, which is smaller than previous Land Rovers, and with the hope of providing the best possible ride and handling for both on- and off-road use. The basis of the suspension is a MacPherson-type strut arrangement for each wheel with steel subframes mounted rigidly to the body at the front and rear. Generous amounts of wheel travel are provided: 180 mm (7 in) at the front and 204 mm (8 in) at the rear.
Ground clearance is 186 mm (7.2 in) under the front suspension, 214 mm (8.4 in) under the rear suspension, and 220 mm (8.7 in) under the frame. Overall length is 4447 mm (175 in), width 1805 mm (71.1 in), and height (including roof rails) 1757 mm (69.2 in). The wheelbase is 2557 mm (101 in), the front track 1534 mm (60.4 in), and the rear track 1545 mm (60.8 in).
A rigid structure is ensured with substantial longitudinal box-section rails running the length of the vehicle, tied together and to the floorpan by eight integral crossmembers similar to the ladder-frame construction beneath other Land Rover models. The structure above the floorpan is equally strong. This focus on structural rigidity allows Freelander to shrug off severe operating stresses and strains.
The power unit for the North American market is Land Rover's KV6 engine, a 2.5-L unit with 24 valves and double overhead camshafts. Final ratings for the North American-specification Freelander have not yet been established, but it is estimated to be 130 kW (175 hp) at 6250 rpm and 240 N•m (177 lb•ft) at 4000 rpm. The engine is light and compact in relation to its capacity and power. The engine will be mated to a Jatco five-speed Steptronic automatic transmission that offers either the smooth ease of an automatic or the responsive precision of a five-speed manual. All Freelanders sold in North America will also feature permanent all-wheel drive; a center viscous coupling unit (VCU) similar to that of Range Rover; four-wheel electronic traction control, Land Rover's patented hill descent control system, and an all-terrain antilock braking system.
At launch, the Freelander will be offered as a five-door model; a three-door model for North America is being considered. The Freelander has been on sale in Europe as a four-cylinder gasoline and five-cylinder diesel model since 1997.
- Patrick Ponticel
