Land Rover Discovery 4: R and D

(Disclaimer: The number plates haven't been blocked since its a dedicated test drive vehicle.) RE-DISCOVERY Attachment 860119 Its official. The box is back. For manufacturers, understanding the term "SUV" is often a difficult task. SUVs often portray different images for different personalities. For some, it means devouring all the other so called hapless cars for lunch and feel like being the king of the road. In other words, poseurs. For some, it means letting the driver do all the drive and let the memsahibs enjoy playing her favourite Bollywood ishtyle film behind the scenes (in other words, rear seat entertainment). In other words, poseurs. For some, its a fashion statement. Vadi gaddi, vade log, vaddi vaddi baatein. In other words, poseurs. For some, it means utility, pure utility. And exploring all its capabilities to its limit. In other words, aficionados. Its often sad to see the first three categories existing more than the last one. As if SUVs which run on petrol have not earned the image of gas guzzlers, some models often come with supercharged 500 plus hp engines which are meant to scare the hell out of any hapless supercar owner driving down a long winding road. Let me make a point, though. I ain't a fan of SUVs. I prefer small cars with big engines, not big giant sized behemoths. But for some reason, SUVs go to unexplored places where the so called caaaars can only dream of. Or perhaps, time to re-discover the SUV? what if we get an opportunity to explore its limits on a purpose built test track? Welcome to the Land Rover Experience. Not for poseurs. Not for the faint hearted. Only for hard core LR fanatics. Rest, keep away. Welcome to Ludhiana. And welcome to dada motors, the JLR dealership located some 15 kms from Samrala chowk near Sanewal. Last Sunday, I was invited by a friend of mine who works at the said dealership to come and experiance a vehicle that made Land Rover what it is today. Time to explore the Land Rover discovery 4, 3.0 V6 Diesel. In a specially built test track inside the dealership premises. Time to get ready for the LR Disco 4 Experiance R and D (Ride and Drive). THE TEST TRACK This purpose built test track is designed with the gloal LR recommended standard and Land Rover personnel were also involved in its design. Its said to be an India first for any car dealership and one of the very few in Asia. Attachment 860133 Its a C shaped track with three purpose built obstacles. Attachment 860135 The first section is built of in the shape of uneven cylindrical blocks (actual concrete) to determine the vehicle's torque distribution capabilities with the 4 by 4 system engaged. Attachment 860138 A close up view of the same. Attachment 860140 The second section is a built in 45 degree incline to test the vehicle's aperture angle and stability along with articulation. Attachment 860142 The last one is perhaps...the most challenging. Purpose built staircase to determine the vehicle's torque distribution to each wheel to prevent it from slipping and to gain traction, if required. Attachment 860145 A close up view of the same. Attached Thumbnails

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