LandRoverLasVegas
Observer
Soon (late May perhaps?) the all-new Discovery will be released. Working for Land Rover dealerships in Las Vegas and Reno, I was one of the lucky one that were able to go to Arizona for a day and a half of driving one on and off-road as well as some classroom time with the folks from corporate. The Discovery launch event was a lot shorter than any other I have been to since my start with the brand in 1999; basically straight off the airport shuttle to the vehicles (or classroom, depending on which group you were assigned).
My group was the lucky first one to be able to do the on and off-road drive with the Discovery and some competitors, on a picture perfect day. Without getting into the competition comparison, I can just tell you that they all drove well on the road, but the most noticeable differences was basically seating position, leg room, storage etc. Personal preferences to me, really. None really stood out in this regard to me. Only the Discoverys went off-road. We had the choice of gas or diesel (of which I preferred).
As a huge advocate for the brand, and noting that in the past 10 years or so, it was painfully obvious to me Land Rover has lost its way in regards to the off-road heritage that it had rightfully earned. All the evolving technological bells and whistles were always expected to be added, the rides got smoother and obviously the recent slew of vehicles were always capable, but store staff members went from khakis and shorts to slacks and ties, with little or no mention of the iconic brand's roots. Even in some models that had a two-speed transfer case as standard equipment, it had become optional. A new reality was here...or so I thought.
But enough of my ranting and raving. I am glad to report that Land Rover is back to these roots when it comes to the new Discovery. According to some of the legendary Land Rover Camel Trophy drivers and others that have been with the brand since it came to the US, the consensus is that it is the most capable off-road Land Rover yet. I am a believer! This was demonstrated to me when we scurried around the Arizona brush that day. I could tell that right away when I took advantage of a vehicle that I had expected to struggle with traction, clearance, and articulation but yet conquered everything in front of me. What a pleasant surprise!
I could spew all the number and specs on this vehicle, but until you drive one off-road yourself at your favorite off-road area, you will know that Land Rover is getting back to it's old self again. I will be getting the fist available diesel!
My group was the lucky first one to be able to do the on and off-road drive with the Discovery and some competitors, on a picture perfect day. Without getting into the competition comparison, I can just tell you that they all drove well on the road, but the most noticeable differences was basically seating position, leg room, storage etc. Personal preferences to me, really. None really stood out in this regard to me. Only the Discoverys went off-road. We had the choice of gas or diesel (of which I preferred).
As a huge advocate for the brand, and noting that in the past 10 years or so, it was painfully obvious to me Land Rover has lost its way in regards to the off-road heritage that it had rightfully earned. All the evolving technological bells and whistles were always expected to be added, the rides got smoother and obviously the recent slew of vehicles were always capable, but store staff members went from khakis and shorts to slacks and ties, with little or no mention of the iconic brand's roots. Even in some models that had a two-speed transfer case as standard equipment, it had become optional. A new reality was here...or so I thought.
But enough of my ranting and raving. I am glad to report that Land Rover is back to these roots when it comes to the new Discovery. According to some of the legendary Land Rover Camel Trophy drivers and others that have been with the brand since it came to the US, the consensus is that it is the most capable off-road Land Rover yet. I am a believer! This was demonstrated to me when we scurried around the Arizona brush that day. I could tell that right away when I took advantage of a vehicle that I had expected to struggle with traction, clearance, and articulation but yet conquered everything in front of me. What a pleasant surprise!
I could spew all the number and specs on this vehicle, but until you drive one off-road yourself at your favorite off-road area, you will know that Land Rover is getting back to it's old self again. I will be getting the fist available diesel!
