LAND Rover's new Discovery, unveiled this week at the New York Motor Show, features an all-new design and new technology to improve off-road performance.

The Discovery 3 uses a new Jaguar-derived V8 petrol engine plus a 2.7-litre V6 diesel from the Ford-PSA engine partnership, six speed transmissions and air suspension.

With Range Rover-style headlamps and grille, the seven-seat Discovery 3 uses Land Rover's new Terrain Response system, which enables the driver to select one of five terrain settings with a rotary switch on the centre console.

The settings include a general driving programme, one for slippery conditions (grass, gravel or snow) and three special off-road modes (mud/ruts, sand and rock crawl).

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Terrain response automatically selects the most appropriate settings for the vehicle's advanced electronic controls and traction aids – including ride height, engine torque response, hill descent control, traction control and transmission settings. Land Rover managing director Matthew Taylor said: 'It's like having an expert alongside to help you get the best out of the vehicle.'

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The V8 model uses a 4.4-litre version of Jaguar's 4.2-litre V8 with more low end torque, enhanced dustproofing and waterproofing and revised breathing to allow the car to wade rivers. However, the new 2.7-litre V6 common rail turbo-diesel is expected to be the best seller.

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