Land Rover announces LR2 HSE

click above image for a few high-res shots of the 2008 Land Rover LR2 HSE

Ford announced today that the littlest of Land Rovers, the LR2, is getting a new derivative called the LR2 HSE. Available from November 1st, the LR2 HSE appears to offer largely cosmetic changes to a customer hoping to look that much more wealthy than the guy in the Equinox next to him. Based on the LR2 SE, the HSE adds body color bumpers and side sills for the coherent look that's so the rage these days, as well as a rear spoiler, titanium door handles and meaty 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The interior gets 8x6-way power seats and a new storage box with a sliding cover. Other than that, the LR2 HSE comes with the same 3.2L inline-six producing 230 hp and a deliberate trip to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. Pricing was not released, but expect to pay a bit extra for your pomp.

[Source: Land Rover]

PRESS RELEASE:

LAND ROVER LAUNCHES THE 2008 LR2 HSE

Irvine, Calif, August 23, 2007 – Since its introduction in April 2007 the all-new Land Rover LR2 has enjoyed strong sales and to reinforce its line-up in the U.S., Land Rover North America today announced the introduction of a new and enhanced derivative – the LR2 HSE

This new version has a sportier stance than the LR2 SE due to body color bumpers and side sills, a rear spoiler, titanium door handles and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Changes to the interior see 8x6-way power adjustable seats and a storage box with a sliding cover.

"The LR2 reflects Land Rover's dynamic design, with a smart and spacious interior and an abundance of advanced technologies. It has been very well received around the world since its introduction," said Phil Popham, Land Rover's Managing Director. "The HSE version offers subtle changes for those customers seeking a slightly different look to their LR2."

All of the technical highlights of the LR2 SE are carried over into to the HSE model. These include a 3.2-liter inline-six engine that develops 230 bhp and provides 0-60 mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds).

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 even more responsive performance.

The LR2 HSE is packed with technologies to improve both on-road and off-road performance. Land Rover's unique Terrain Response™ system is standard, making off-road use easier. Other advanced technologies include a new permanent intelligent all-wheel-drive system for superior traction and better on-road fuel economy. The patented Gradient Release Control works in conjunction with Hill Descent Control to improve driver confidence and control when releasing the brakes on steep and slippery slopes.

The LR2 HSE will be available November 1, 2007 at Land Rover retailers nationwide.

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).