Report: Land Rover to drop Freelander name to unify and revive Discovery nameplate

Following the word that Land Rover scrapped their Defender replacement plans, new details came in surrounding the next car to be replaced in the small UK automaker’s stable: the current LR2, or as the Brits call it, the Freelander.

Much like how the Freelander name was dropped stateside, the new replacement will also follow as the new car is said to be a member of the “new and extended Discovery Family.” It will be based off of an enlarged version of the current Range Rover Evoque platform.

The naming scheme comes in part to unify the nomenclature system for Land Rover so that branding and marketing could allow for various forms of expansion. In other words, the way Land Rover sees it is that their models are actually sub brands within the brand. That said, the idea with the Discovery nameplate is to call the vehicle line the Discovery, but to offer various models under that nameplate. According to AutoCarUK, the Discovery range will be the lineup that offers a range of “rugged models designed for everyday use and aimed at adventurous families and outdoor enthusiasts.”

Consequently, much in the same way the Range Rover nameplate has been divided with the flagship full-size Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport, and the Range Rover Evoque, you could probably expect a wide-range of crossover SUVs to be replacing the current Freelander and LR3/Discovery 3 as the new Discovery family comes to fruition.

As of now, rumors point to a five- and seven-seater for SUV for the LR3/Discover 3 replacement, which will replace the Freelander altogether. Additionally, word is that a compact “urban” model is in the works and will most likely be based off of an even smaller version of the Evoque platform.

Engines are projected to be a range of Jaguar-Land Rover’s new four-cylinder engines, including a supercharged unit.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoCarUK

Chris Chin

Chris Chin is the Editor-In-Chief of egmCarTech and is a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine.

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