Friday, 10 July 2009

New 2010 Model Year Freelander Features New Stop/Start Technology

The Freelander 2 TD4_e  is the world's first SUV to feature intelligent Stop/Start technology and it is standard on all diesel manual models.

The vehicle automatically shuts down the engine in appropriate conditions, resulting in zero tailpipe emissions and saving fuel that would otherwise be used idling the engine when stationary. When the driver is ready to move off, the engine instantly re-starts.

In congested traffic, when the Stop/Start technology will shut down the engine frequently, other features and technologies will not be compromised, so in-car entertainment, climate control, Bluetooth, driver information and other electronic systems will continue to function. Technologies such as a new voltage quality module, a battery monitoring system, a brake vacuum sensor and an enhanced climate control system have been developed to ensure that such services continue uninterrupted in a stop situation.

The system automatically activates every time the vehicle is started and can be de-activated at any time via a switch on the fascia.  Intelligent Stop/Start is automatically disengaged if Hill Descent Control or any of the Terrain Response® off-road programmes are selected.  In addition, to help optimise economy anytime anywhere, an ingenious gearshift indicator light advises when selecting a higher gear would improve fuel consumption.

Fuel economy, compared with the previous model, is improved by up to 11.9% - to 42.2 MPG on the combined cycle – making the TD4_e manual Land Rover's most fuel-efficient vehicle to date. In fact, tests measured fuel savings approaching 20% in heavy urban traffic. The CO2 emissions of the Freelander 2 TD4_e manual are reduced by up to 7.7% (from 194 g/km to 179 g/km), compared to its predecessor The TD4_e is ground-breaking – the first SUV with an intelligent Stop/Start system. This has been made possible by Land Rover's major investment in a programme of sustainable engineering initiatives, collectively named 'e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES'.

Already a vehicle of advanced engineering and innovation, Stop/Start is an important and timely improvement to the Freelander 2. It's also one of the first fruits of Land Rover's investment in reducing emissions and providing more sustainable technologies. To find out more about Land Rover's commitment to a sustainable future, visit Our Planet.

The new 2010 Model Year Freelander featuring Stop / Start technology is now available in your nearest Guy Salmon Land Rover showroom. Why not arrange a test-drive today?