This week is the Land Rover Discovery’s 20th anniversary. Since 1989, there have been four incarnations of Land Rover’s midsize sport/utility vehicle: the Discovery Series I, Discovery Series II, Discovery 3/LR3, and the current Discovery 4/LR4. To commemorate its history along with the newly released Discovery 4, Land Rover has issued 20 facts about its family 4x4.
Twenty facts about the Land Rover Discovery:
1) The raised rear roof section on the Discovery 4/LR4 was implemented as direct reference to the original Discovery. The rise in roof height was needed to fit passengers comfortably in the rearmost seats.
a. 392,443 Series I models built in nine years – 43,604 per year
b. 278,570 Series II models built in six years – 46,428 per year
c. 220,057 Discovery 3/LR3 models in five years – 44,011 per year
3) A third-generation common-rail fuel system allows the latest 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 to achieve 9.7-percent-better fuel economy than its predecessor. The first-generation Discovery used direct injection, and the second generation used electronic unit injectors in their diesel offerings.
4) The original Discovery was launched as a three-door, with the five-door model following in 1990. The Series I is the only generation to see a production three-door model.
5) All-around visibility has always been a design concern. High driver seating position is now supplemented with no fewer than five miniature cameras mounted around the current Discovery 4/LR4, well-suited for low-speed driving conditions.
6) Early Discovery models shared their headlights with the Freight Rover van. Taillights were sourced from the Austin Maestro van; very early models even had taillights carrying the Austin-Rover logo. The logo was eventually replaced by the Land Rover oval.
7) Development of the Discovery 3/LR3 witnessed 75 prototypes tested in all extremes across the world, from temperatures of -22 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
8) Side graphics on the Series I are a distinguishing feature for the earliest Discovery models. The graphics were refreshed in 1992, but were phased out by 1994.
9) Land Rovers are well remembered for their feats during the Camel Trophies of the 1990s. Dubbed the “Olympics of 4x4,” the Camel Trophies were eventually succeeded by the Land Rover G4 Challenge, which was canceled in late 2008. Special Camel Trophy edition Discovery models were sold in some countries.
10) Commercial van variations of the Discovery started in 1993. Land Rover Special Vehicles used the three-body shell to create the Discovery Commercial, and van variations have been created for each generation.
11) The Discovery 3/LR3 was among 60 Land Rovers donated to the British Red Cross Society and its sister societies in recognition of Land Rover’s 60th anniversary in 2008.
12) One of the options on the early Discovery was a shoulder bag trimmed to match the vehicle’s seats. The bag could be attached to the center console and today command a high premium.
13) The Discovery 3/LR3 has won a total of 111 awards across the globe.
14) While the Series I and Series II ride on beam axles with coil springs, the following two generations were equipped with electronically controlled, all-independent air suspension. Topline Series II models were fitted with self-leveling air springs.
15) The longest first-generation Discovery model had a wheelbase of 116 inches and was built for ambulance duties.
16) The four-millionth Land Rover to leave the production lines was a Discovery 3, completed on May 8, 2007. This particular model was donated to the Born Free Foundation, one of Land Rover’s key conservation sponsors, and was eventually set to use as a rapid-response rescue vehicle.
17) The Series I was available in Japan as a Honda from 1994 to 1996. The Honda Crossroad was a straight port-over for the Rover Group’s former business partner.
18) The Discovery was the first Land Rover to be designed using CAD technology.
19) A well-lit and airy interior is a key asset to the Discovery line. Deep windows and alpine lights in the roof have been standard since the Series I. Glass sunroofs, formerly options, are now standard on the Discovery 4/LR4.
20) The original project codename for the Discovery was Project Jay. Projects were named in alphabetical order, following bird and animal themes.
Key dates in the Discovery’s history:
1989: Series I launched as a three-door model
1990: Series I five-door model goes on sale
1994: Series I facelift, launched in U.S. and Japan
2004: Discovery 3/LR3 launched
2009: Discovery 4/LR4 launched
"The Discovery legend has been built on innovative design and advanced technology. From the introduction of high-efficiency direct-injection diesel technology into the 4x4 market in 1989, to pioneering occupant safety with the adoption of twin airbags in 1998, Discovery has led the way," says Phil Popham, Land Rover’s managing director. "It is truly the best loved SUV the world over. Today, we sell the Discovery in 91 countries and sales to date have hit over and above 900,000."