2008 Land Rover LR2

The fourth new model from Land Rover in a four year time span, the LR2 joined the Range Rover (2002), LR3 (2004) and Range Rover Sport (2005) in the British automaker's growing lineup of SUVs and crossovers.

Technical highlights of the LR2 include a new 3.2-liter inline-six that provides zero to 60 mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds. Output is 230 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 234 pound-feet of torque at 3200 rpm.

The engine is matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission, with Land Rover's CommandShift offering manual sequential gear changes when required. There is also a driver-selectable sport mode, for faster, more aggressive gear changes.

Like other Land Rovers, the LR2 offers an elevated driving position and plenty of window area for a good view of the world outside. It also features the company's "stadium seating" layout, where rear passengers sit slightly higher than front occupants, for increased visibility.

Cargo space is 59 cu. ft. (1670 liters) with the rear seats folded and 26.5 cu. ft (755 liters) with the rear seats up.

The body is a five-door monocoque structure, with enough stiffness to provide confident handling on-road and a solid feel off-road. The suspension is fully independent and uses modern stability control systems, including Roll Stability Control (RSC) -- a technology that helps mitigate the risk of roll-over even in extreme conditions.

Although the LR2 will likely be viewed as a road-friendly crossover, it offers a number of features geared specifically for true off-roading. These include Land Rover's unique Terrain Response system, standard all-wheel-drive, and the patented Gradient Release Control, which improves driver confidence and control when releasing the brakes on steep and slippery slopes.

Other features and options include: keyless starter button, bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive front lighting, rain-sensing windshield wipers and rear park distance control. A standard two-part panoramic sunroof increases the cabin's airiness; air-conditioning also comes standard and a full-color touch-screen DVD satellite navigation system is optional. A choice of top-level audio systems includes 12-speaker Dolby Pro Logic II 7.1 Surround Sound with fiber-optic interconnects. An auxiliary audio connection (for MP3 players) is standard.