Thread: New D4 in November

G'day Ben

I glanced at the two articles that you linked but I couldn't see anything that specifically referred to the vehicles imported to Australia. My understanding is that the 8 speed box is to enable the vehicle to meet tougher emission standards in the US and Europe. Those same standards don't apply here in Australia (yet) and hence our models have the 6 speed box.

When I ordered my Disco 4 (due next month) I asked about the 8 speed box and was told that Land Rover have no plans to bring this transmission into Australia. Maybe you should contact your dealer and ask the question?

I have experience with the six speed box in my Disco 3 and am perfectly happy with the idea of having the beefed up 6 speed in the D4.

Cheers

Russ

Sorry, should have linked that article too.

2012 Land Rover Discovery 4 On Sale In Australia From November | Reviews | Prices | Australian specifications

I'm not a fan of paddle shifts and have a nasty habit of driving with my hand on the gear shift (auto or manual) so maybe the current D4 is the go.

I received a quote on the vehicle I specked up yesterday, I will email back and ask about the new model. My guess they will want a sale now not in the new year so will not confirm what I have read (and now linked).

Now is a good time to buy - end of the financial year and all that ... twist their arms .... go on..buy it - you know you WANT it ....

There are two emissions changes.

1. DPF filter. This lets the disco engine meet Euro 5. I know NZ only requires Euro 4 at present but when Euro 4 vehicles (no DPF) decline in production I'd expect Euro 5 to be the only option.
2. 8 speed box and accompaning CO2 reduction. A CO2 reduction means an increase in fuel economy. Put simply the 8 speed box is more efficient (correct gear more often, less T/C slip).

The DPF filter, take it or leave it. It shouldn't be long before tuners can map out the regeneration to enable you to remove DPF's if they give trouble.
The 8 speed box. I can't think of any reason not to have it.

Originally Posted by Dougal

The DPF filter, take it or leave it. It shouldn't be long before tuners can map out the regeneration to enable you to remove DPF's if they give trouble.

The D4 has a configuration parameter DPF fitted/not fitted. Perhaps its like the steering lock fitted/not fitted parameter whereby when set to not fitted the lock isn't activated.

Hey Ben,
I'm with you, love resting the hand on the stick in the D4 especially in sports mode through the hills (pardon the pun ).
The D4 TD3.0 has grouse fuel economy especially on long trips with the 6-speed gearbox - In the low 8's/LPH I get frequently. A little higher around town 10-11's depending on how you drive.
I cant see the value of strolling around in 8th gear, especially around town as you simply wouldn't get there very often. Even on the freeway, you want to know when you plant the right foot, you go places - ASAP, not in 30 seconds time while the gearbox/turbo lag sorts itself out.
Shane.

Originally Posted by Mudrunner

Hey Ben,
I'm with you, love resting the hand on the stick in the D4 especially in sports mode through the hills (pardon the pun ).
The D4 TD3.0 has grouse fuel economy especially on long trips with the 6-speed gearbox - In the low 8's/LPH I get frequently. A little higher around town 10-11's depending on how you drive.
I cant see the value of strolling around in 8th gear, especially around town as you simply wouldn't get there very often. Even on the freeway, you want to know when you plant the right foot, you go places - ASAP, not in 30 seconds time while the gearbox/turbo lag sorts itself out.
Shane.

With the extra 2 gears the vogues are into the 6's for fuel consumption on the highway. Who doesn't want that?

Around town the 8 speeds will be in the right gear with the torque converter locked more of the time. This is where you get the fuel savings over having 6 gears and slipping the torque converter to bridge the gaps.

Finally managed to pin down my local LC dealer. They report with the discontinued 2.7lt and the introduction of the new entry level 3lt, available to order from October (with less torque than the SDV6) they will ship with the 8 speed boxes. However, the 8 speed boxes on the SE and HSE will not hit our shores until 2014.

Looks like it’s time to finalise that order and part with some $$.