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The LR3 or Discovery 3 in Europe now comes with the option of an Alpine fully integrated rear seat entertainment system. The factory fit system includes a six disc DVD player and two 6.5 inch widescreen displays screens mounted in the front headrests. The two screens can be operated independently meaning that one passenger can be watching a DVD while another plays on a games console connecting via auxiliary inputs. -Continued after the jump

“The components are securely fitted, tested and designed specifically for Land Rover,” says Alpine’s OEM manager Keith Price. “This allows us to eliminate many of the problems of safety, interference and usability of aftermarket solutions that customers don’t like. The bespoke software allows front seat passengers control of the system too, increasing convenience and avoiding unnecessary stops to turn the system on or change DVD. It all helps to make the journey a little more pleasant.”

Specifications:

- 6 stack DVD changer mounted in the boot of car - Two 6.5” widescreen (16:9 format) displays mounted in front headrests - AUX input for games console, camcorder, etc

Look Mo, no hands, no remote control! This weird looking Land Rover LR3 (Discovery) has been crafted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to drive all by itself avoiding obstacles, even merging into moving traffic without any human assistance whatsoever.

The fully autonomous LR3 is designed to take part in a driverless car competition dubbed 2007 DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) Urban Challenge which will be held on November 3, 2007 in Victorville, CA. During the event, the driverless vehicles will have to cross through a 60-mile mock city course completing a stipulated route within a period of six hours. It remains unclear whether the cars will able to receive the prize all by themselves or if human assistance will be needed... -Details after the jump

PRESS RELEASE: IRVINE, Calif., Oct 22, 2007- Land Rover has joined forces with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) by donating a Land Rover LR3 that has been built to be fully autonomous so it can take part in the forthcoming 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge.

MIT has completely modified the LR3, a vehicle already packed with technology, so that without human driver assistance or remote control, the vehicle is able to drive itself and perform simple tasks such as avoiding obstacles and merging into moving traffic.

The LR3 uses state-of-the-art hardware to view the environment and to track its own motion while driving on major roads or moving through cities. It is equipped with LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) range finders with vision sensors in order to view the environment, helping it avoid obstacles that might get in its way. In order to track its progress along the roads, the vehicle uses a combination of GPS (Global Positioning System) and INS (Inertial Navigation System).

With this combination of technology, the vehicle can locate itself within half of a meter anywhere in the world, giving it the ability to stay on road at all times. By grouping these technologies, the LR3 can navigate itself while avoiding anything that might get in its way.

The DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) Urban Challenge is an annual competition where several autonomous vehicles, like this specialized LR3, compete against each other in several different rounds.

After successfully completing the qualifying round in early August, Team MIT and the LR3 have been invited back to compete in the challenging semi-final round taking place on October 26-31, with the goal of making it to the final competition.

The DARPA Urban Challenge final event will be held in Victorville, CA on November 3, 2007. During the competition, the vehicles will need to traverse through a 60-mile mock city course within six hours, and will be challenged with tasks while completing a stipulated route. Some of these tasks include executing simulated supply missions while merging into moving traffic, navigating traffic circles, negotiating busy intersections and avoiding various obstacles - all without a driver or via remote control.

LAND ROVER
Land Rover North America is part of Ford Motor Company's Premier Automotive Group with headquarters in Irvine, California. Land Rover established operations in the U.S. in 1986, and now imports and distributes Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, LR3 and LR2 vehicles manufactured by Land Rover in Solihull and Halewood, England. Land Rover’s worldwide operations are wholly owned by Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan. For information about the Land Rover retailer nearest you, call 800-FIND-4WD or log on to www.LandRoverusa.com.

Vehicle specifications and features are subject to change. For the latest Land Rover pricing and product information, contact Land Rover North America Product Communications at (949) 341-5800. Land Rover-related press releases and electronic photos of the company’s products are available on-line in the Land Rover section of Ford Motor Company’s news media website (media.landrover.com).

Based on the Discovery TD V6, the “Pursuit” is a UK only limited edition version (300 units) that features Java Black paint work with Ebony interior, 19” alloy wheels, body coloured wheel arch surrounds, manual leather seats and chrome finish mirror caps. Don’t you just love marketers? -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to check out the official press release

PRESS RELEASE: IN PURSUIT WITH LAND ROVER

A new well-equipped limited edition Discovery 3, called the Pursuit, will be on sale in March 2007, for under £30,000 OTR. Only 300 Discovery 3 ‘Pursuits’ will be available from Land Rover dealerships across the country. Based on the TDV6 GS model, the Pursuit also features Java Black paint work with Ebony interior, 19” alloy wheels, body coloured wheel arch surrounds, manual leather seats and chrome finish mirror caps.

Land Rover’s multi-award winning Discovery 3 is a technology-packed, premium 4x4 designed to deliver outstanding performance both on the road and off-road. The bold, versatile design is distinctively Land Rover and offers exceptional space, comfort and flexibility, for up to seven adults.

All Pursuit limited editions are powered by the Discovery’s acclaimed TDV6 diesel engine and feature standard technologies including Hill Descent Control, air suspension and Terrain Response™, all industry-firsts for Land Rover.

“Since launch, the Discovery 3 has brought new levels of ability, comfort and refinement to the large 4x4 market. Winning 95 awards worldwide is a testament to its class-leading diesel engine, its versatility and its all-round package,” commented John Edwards, Land Rover UK managing director.

“The limited-edition Discovery 3 Pursuit gives customers the opportunity to buy an exclusive specification for the exceptional price of £29,995 OTR for the TDV6 manual and £30,995 OTR with automatic transmission. We think this represents incredible value for money”

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