Land Rover Discovery 4 and Range Rover Sport gets new 8-speed automatic gearbox

The new 8-speed automatic gearbox was developed by ZF, and will be fitted to the Discovery 4 and Range Rover Sport with the 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel powerplant. Along with the new gearbox, the cars also get a 'Drive Select' rotary gear shift and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard.

Land Rover has also upgraded the off-roaders’ 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel engine, increasing power output from 245bhp to 256bhp, with a maximum torque of 600Nm. With the new engine and transmissions, fuel economy and emissions are said to be improved on the Discovery 4 and Range Rover Sport.

Aside from performance enhancements, Land Rover has also given the Discover 4 and Range Rover Sport new features and equipment. The Discovery 4 now comes with two new alloy wheel designs, three new optional packages including the Vision Assist Pack with Xenon Adaptive Front Headlamps including Cornering Lamps, Automatic Headlamps with High Beam Assist and the Surround Camera System with Approach Lamps, Tow Assist/Hitch Assist, plus improved audio and navigation systems.

"Improved performance, lower CO2 emissions and enhanced design and equipment levels, consolidate the Discovery 4's position as the most capable and versatile all-purpose vehicle on and off the road today. The Discovery 4 is quite simply in a class of its own," said Colin Green, Land Rover UK Managing Director.

The improved Range Rover Sport meanwhile gains new colours for the exterior and interior trims, a restyled powered single piece tailgate that is standard across the range, enhanced audio and infotainment systems and a next generation 7-inch touch-screen that is available with optional Dual View technology.