•New efficient diesel engine boosts torque without sacrificing fuel economy
•Improved transmissions with Stop/Start as standard on manual models
•Revised, more upmarket interior with new instrument dials
•Upgraded exterior, three new colour schemes and new alloy wheel options

Land Rover is upgrading the 2011 Freelander 2 with a new 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, sharper exterior looks and a smarter cabin.

Both quieter and more refined than its predecessor, the new 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine is available with either 110kW as the TD4 model or 140kW as the SD4. In both derivatives, the engine offers an impressive 420Nm of torque (20Nm more than the outgoing models) yet sacrifices nothing in terms of fuel economy or CO2 emissions.

The TD4 is available with an updated manual transmission with Stop/Start as standard, while the 140kW SD4 is available with the six-speed automatic only.

Exterior design changes including new front bumper and grille, new alloy wheels and colour options, give the 2011 Freelander a fresh and distinctive look. Inside, a new range of seat styles finishes and instrumentation set the 2011 Freelander aside from previous models. Another small but significant change is to the Land Rover logo, which changes colour for 2011 from gold on green to a more contemporary bright silver on green.

New diesel 110kW TD4 and 140kW SD4 in detail

The successful 110kW direct injection turbo diesel has been upgraded in two forms, 110kW available on the TD4, and 140kW available on the SD4. Both produce 20Nm more torque taking both versions to a substantial 420Nm for punchy, refined performance.

Both versions have a new variable geometry turbocharger and are re-calibrated from scratch to deliver the new levels of power. The use of an Intelligent Power Management System (IPMS) provides 'smart charging' of the battery by recovering kinetic energy when the vehicle is slowing wherever possible, rather than consuming fuel by charging when the vehicle is accelerating.

Developed especially for this engine, the new variable geometry turbocharger is now water-cooled enabling it to run at a higher temperature thus enabling lower levels of emissions, power and torque. The engine has also been fitted with a new, more powerful ECU to handle the increased emissions requirements. The engine is fitted with a common rail system with fuel delivered by high-speed piezo injectors.

For the first time, the Freelander 2 diesel powertrains are compatible with 10 percent biodiesel rather than five percent. The piston rings have been revised to reduce friction. The main bearings have also been improved in line with the additional power and torque and the engine sump has been fitted with a cover to reduce radiated noise from the bottom of the engine.

The engine cover is made from materials which can be recycled at the end of the vehicle's life. The front timing cover has been re-designed with extra ribbing to reduce radiated noise. The package of NVH improvements is completed by the addition of an 'injector sock', a soft rubberised layer fitted on top of the engine and beneath the engine cover to absorb injector noise. A new sensor located in the exhaust manifold enables more accurate monitoring of internal turbocharger temperatures. Greater accuracy given by the new sensor system allows the functionality of the turbocharger to be further exploited to improve efficiency without compromising robustness.

These improvements make a substantial difference to refinement and economy and the measures to reduce radiated noise combine to reduce engine noise levels by a substantial 2db. The CO2 emissions of the 110kW Freelander 2.2 litre diesel manual are now 174g/km and 185g/km (manufacturer's estimates) for both the 110kW TD4 and 140kW SD4 automatics. Correspondingly, fuel consumption of the 110kW Freelander TD4 manual is 6.6L/100km.

Despite the reductions in consumption and emissions, there's been no compromise in performance. The 110kW Freelander TD4 manual and automatic, accelerate from rest to 100kph in 11.7 and 11.2 seconds, matching their predecessor. The 140kW Freelander SD4 automatic completes the same task in 9.5 seconds. The top speed of the both manual and automatic Freelander TD4 also remains unchanged at,181kph while the Freelander SD4 automatic can reach 190kph. Diesel models have also been fitted with a fuel tank mis-fuelling device as standard to prevent drivers accidentally filling up with petrol.

3.2-litre i6 petrol engine now meets EU 5 emissions regulations

The 3.2-litre straight six continues to head the Freelander 2 powertrain line-up for 2011. The engine has been re-calibrated to meet EU5 rather than EU4 emissions regulations but the power remains unchanged at 171kW and 317Nm torque. The straight six accelerates the Freelander 2 to 100kph in 8.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 200kph.

The straight six is the best balanced of all engine configurations but its length usually makes it difficult to package transversely. However, the Rear End Ancillary Drive (READ) arrangement of the i6, with ancillaries like water pump, air conditioning compressor and alternator mounted at the rear rather than the front, reduce the length of the i6 to an incredible 600.5mm making it an easy fit in the Freelander 2's engine bay.

With an advanced, aluminium block, head and bedplate the i6 remains at the cutting edge of petrol engine design. The i6 is equipped with twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder with cam profile switching (CPS) and variable valve timing (VVT). The combination of the two mix high power with low end flexibility and maximum efficiency.

The i6 also has a variable length inlet tract which adapts to optimise both high end power and low end torque. These technologies combine to deliver 80 percent of maximum torque across the entire useable rev range and 256Nm is available between 1400rpm and 6400rpm. In common with the diesel engines, the i6 uses Intelligent Power System Management (IPSM) for 'smart charging' of the battery.

The i6 engine was originally developed with Land Rover applications in mind and is designed to resist dust, mud and water intrusion as well as operation at acute tilt angles.

Stop/Start as standard on diesel manuals

The manual diesel model is equipped with Land Rover's acclaimed Stop/Start, the first such system ever to be fitted to an SUV. The system closely controls throttle closing, ramps down fuelling and turns off the alternator to ensure the engine stops smoothly. A detailed software strategy combined with the Freelander 2's optimised engine mounting system ensures an equally smooth re-start.

The Start/Stop system has been further enhanced for 2011 with a bi-directional crank sensor and trigger wheel. This enables the system to establish the crankshaft position more quickly, which in turn reduces the crank time from 900ms to less than 700ms, an improvement of 22 percent. The 'real world' result experienced by the driver is improved sound quality and a noticeably quicker response. The lowest temperature at which the system can operate is now reduced from 4°C to 0°C.

Revised transmissions boost efficiency

A second generation Asin Warner AWF21 automatic transmission helps improve efficiency and emissions with a number of improvements. The Torque converter lock-up works over a wider range improving comfort, fuel economy and driveability, while optimisation of internal components reduces weight and inertia for faster shifting. The gear train has been improved with low drag torque friction plates, taper roller bearings and optimised components for greater efficiency. Transmission efficiency is also improved by a switch to low viscosity automatic transmission fluid, while the new control system is faster and has been reduced in weight.

The most significant change is the advanced neutral control logic which reduces drag when the vehicle is stationary, the engine at idle and Drive selected. While not actually selecting neutral, drive load is substantially reduced to save fuel and improve refinement. The calibration of the transmission has been revised by Land Rover engineers to reduce torque converter slip. It retains Land Rover's Terrain Response features, CommandShift® and adaptive shifting.

The many functions of Terrain Response are underpinned by the high levels of body stiffness which provide the best foundation for excellent ride and handling characteristics as well as off-road performance. A structural undertray on the front sub-frame improves steering precision as well as protecting the underside of the vehicle and four point engine mounting aids engine stability and improves refinement.

The Getrag M66 six-speed manual gearbox, specially developed for the Freelander 2, is retained for the TD4. A robust, compact, four-shaft design, power is transmitted via a self-adjusting cable-actuated clutch as before.

Design enhancements both inside and out

The exterior of the Freelander gets a new look for 2011 with a new front bumper assembly incorporating new front fog lamp bezels. There's a new front grille in two finishes, Dark Finish for the 110kW TD4 and Bright Finish for the 140kW diesel and petrol. The Halogen projector headlamps are new, as are the rear tail lamps, which now have a clear inner lens and a black lens surround for greater definition. The tailgate handle is now finished in body colour and the full width signature strip is finished in Noble. Additional body coloured parts include door handles, headlamp washer jets and door mirrors and on SD4 and i6 petrol models the lower side door panels and rear bumper are fully painted as standard. Door mirrors now have a 10 percent larger glass area and to really set off the fresh styling there are also new 18” and 19” alloy wheels. The choice of colours has changed for 2011 too, with the addition of Kosrae Green, Baltic Blue and Fuji White.

In the cabin, there are four new contemporary seat styles offering a greater range of choice. A stylish cloth trim, covered with new Tofino or Resolve fabrics, Napoli leather, a combination of Napoli leather and Alcantara, and Windsor leather for the HSE premium luxury pack. These four new styles differentiate between trim levels. There's a choice of manual, 6/4-way electric adjustment and 8/6-way electric adjustment for the Premium Luxury Pack seats.

New colourways compliment the revised upholstery design with Ebony, Tan and Ivory and there are matching door casings in Ebony PVC with Ivory stitching and Ebony PVC with Tan contrast stitching. Four new fascia finishers come in either Element Silver, Element Black, Dark Chestnut and Piano Black lacquered finish. This lacquered black theme is also carried over onto the steering wheel switchpack.

At the high end of the option range, there's a new Premium Luxury Pack option with Windsor Leather upholstery in Ebony, Almond, Ivory or Tan colourways. The Pack includes the luxurious 8/6 way electric seat plus premium carpet mats and covered centre stowage. All 2011 Freelander 2s will benefit from a clear and contemporary new instrument pack too.

The Freelander 2 provides the safest possible environment for occupants. The Command Driving Position provides good visibility of all four corners of the vehicle and narrow A-pillars ensure that forward visibility is not compromised. There are seven airbags: two curtain, two front, two thorax and a driver's knee bag as standard. The transverse engine mounting not only frees up interior space but offers impressive crash performance, helping the Freelander 2 achieve a 5 star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection.

As with all Land Rovers, the Freelander has been rigorously tested worldwide in the UK, USA, Middle East, Australia and Russia in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +50C° and up to 95 percent humidity. The Freelander is also tested at altitudes of up to 4,000m.

The 11MY Freelander will go on sale in Australia in December. Pricing details will be released closer to on sale date.

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