Quote:
Originally Posted by dd74
Anyone see the new Car and Driver (I think it was C & D) that shows the hybrid-diesel Land Rover that gets 50 mpg? In a store near you in one year. List $38,000.
I'd volt...I mean bolt on over and get that product; particularly as it might still be part Ford.  |
The Freelander 2 (known as LR2 here as Freelander was a huge flop) is available in Europe as the LR2 TD4_e manual. It's a 160hp 2.2L turbodiesel with a 6 speed manual transmission. It is the same platform as the 2010 Ford Escape, but the Hybrid system (if you can call it that) is NOT the same.
It is considered a
micro-hybrid. The electric motor (which is <10 hp) is used only to re-start the engine in an effort to save fuel at stoplights. It shuts off only when you are stopped, foot on the clutch, and move the shifter to neutral. When you let off the clutch, the little electric motor instantly starts the engine and you're off. Intelligent Start-Stop. You all laughed at the idea when GM introduced it, what, four years ago?
You're right. The system returns 49+ mpg in European extra-urban routes, which would be about 43 mpg EPA highway. But it doesn't meet US emissions.
$38K? The cheapest no-option gas-powered LR2 starts at $36K here in the US. I don't think adding the diesel option and micro-hybrid will keep it at $38K.
Ford hasn't owned Land Rover in over a year, selling to Indian based Tata in 2008. But the platform was developed by Volvo/Ford.
I think you should buy one and let us know how it works out for you, okay?