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2010 Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e Start/Stop Now Available In Australia

LAND ROVER’S NEW start-stop equipped Freelander 2 TD4_e is now on sale in Australia, the first ever SUV to feature the fuel-saving technology.
The stop-start system is exclusive to the diesel-powered TD4_e model and a manual transmission is the only gear


LAND ROVER'S NEW start-stop equipped Freelander 2 TD4_e is now on sale in Australia, the first ever SUV to feature the fuel-saving technology.

The stop-start system is exclusive to the diesel-powered TD4_e model and a manual transmission is the only gearbox choice. However, with fuel economy dropping from 8.5 l/100km to just 6.7 l/100km, the Freelander 2 TD4_e makes a strong case as a genuinely fuel-efficient midsize 4x4.

Output from the turbocharged 2.2 litre diesel engine is unchanged at 118kW and 400Nm. The main changes have occurred to the starter motor system - which is reinforced - the ECU tune and the car's electrical system.

The Freelander 2 TD4_e's start-stop system shuts down the engine when the car comes to a halt with the clutch out and the gearbox in neutral. The moment the driver depresses the clutch, the engine is restarted and power is restored instantaneously.

Low rolling-resistance tyres boost mechanical efficiency and a gearshift indicator on the dashboard also prompts the driver to change gear to improve fuel economy.

The result is a claimed fuel saving of up to 20 percent in heavy urban traffic and a reduction in CO2 emissions from 224g/km to 179g/km.

Priced from $45,590 before on-roads, the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e is the new entry-level model for not just the Freelander range, but Land Rover's entire line-up. Like most manufacturers, Land Rover's eco-friendly efforts won't stop with start-stop either.

A diesel-electric hybrid 4x4 with an all-electric rear axle was previewed at the London Motor Show earlier this year, and possibly previews the next generation of green Land Rovers.

PRESS RELEASE

The new entry level Freelander 2 TD4_e has been introduced into the Australian market, addressing the growing need for more fuel efficient vehicles. As such the TD4_e is the most fuel efficient Land Rover ever and is the worlds first SUV with an intelligent Stop/Start system.

A combined 6.7 l/100kms (down from 8.5 l/100kms in auto TD4) and CO2 emissions improved from 224 to 179g/km makes it the greenest Land Rover as well. In additional tests, Land Rover engineers have measured fuel savings approaching 20% in heavy urban traffic.

This is the first application of Land Rover's e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES on a production vehicle and is just one element of Land Rover's comprehensive green technology roadmap, which will drive the company to increasingly lower emissions and more sustainable technologies in the coming years.

Roger Jory, Land Rover's General Manager, said: "The Stop/Start Freelander 2 is the first production vehicle to benefit from Jaguar Land Rover massive investment in sustainable technologies. It also represents a new entry level into the Land Rover brand, offering improved fuel efficient and reduced emission without compromising the vehicles outstanding on-road performance, and class-leading off-road ability".

Stop/Start system

Land Rover's new Stop/Start system improves fuel efficiency in urban and stop-start driving. The vehicle automatically shuts down the engine in appropriate conditions, resulting in zero tail-pipe emissions and saving fuel which otherwise is used idling the engine when stationary. The engine instantly re-starts when the driver is ready to move off.

There are also sophisticated controls in place to help ensure the Stop/Start system does not compromise the needs of either the driver or vehicle. For the engine to shut down, the vehicle must be stationary, the gearbox in neutral and the clutch pedal raised. To restart, the driver simply depresses the clutch and the enhanced starter motor engages the engine, ready for when first gear is selected. When the engine has been shut down by the Eco stop/start system, the ECO icon on the centre consol will illuminate.

To ensure neither the needs of the driver or vehicle are compromised the engine will not shut down in the following circumstances:

* the external temperature is below approximately 4°C

* the external temperature is above approximately 35°C

* engine has not reached operating temperature

* driver's seat belt is not fastened a door is not fully closed

* the clutch or accelerator pedal is pressed

* climate control system demand is high

* battery charge is low

* Hill Descent Control or a Terrain Response special program are selected

Likewise the engine will automatically re-start if:

* battery charge is low

* climate control system demand increases

* the vehicle's speed increases

* Hill Descent Control or a Terrain Response special program are selected

* brake vacuum has been reduced (eg tapping the brake pedal repeatedly)

The Stop-Start system is automatically activated each time the ignition is turned on, although there is a switch on the fascia to disable the system, if the driver so desires.

Added Fuel Economy Benefits

Along with the intelligent Stop/Start system, the Freelander 2 TD4_e includes a series of additional enhancements which help to deliver fuel economy and CO2 benefits.

There is a new gearshift indicator light in the instrument pack, advising the driver to change gear when a higher gear will allow the vehicle to operate more fuel-efficiently. This is calculated by the Freelander 2 TD4_e's fully mapped engine.

Software developments to the driveline systems on the Freelander 2 TD4_e generate CO2 benefits without reducing Land Rover's renowned capability.

Land Rover engineers are also collaborating with tyre suppliers to drive improvements to fuel economy through reduced rolling losses. Tyre characteristics including rolling resistance are optimised for the entire range of available tyre sizes on Freelander 2 models

End of Life Vehicle Certification

The Freelander 2 is the first Land Rover to achieve compliance with the "EU Directive 2005/64/EC on the type approval of motor vehicles with regard to their reusability, recyclability and recoverability" ahead of forthcoming legislation. This refers to 85 per cent of the vehicle being re-usable or recyclable, and 95 per cent being re-usable or recoverable.

Freelander 2 TD4_e Australian Specification

Engine & Transmission:

* 2.2 Litre TD4 Diesel (118kW / 400Nm)

* Stop/Start System

* 6-speed Manual Transmission

Exterior Features:

* Exterior mirrors - Electric adjustment, heated and power-folding

* Parking Distance Control (PDC) - Rear

* Rain Sensing Wipers

* Halogen Headlamps - Automatic

* Front Fog Lamps

* Headlamp Powerwash

* 17 inch 6 - Spoke Alloy Wheel

* Spare wheel - Full size 17 inch alloy

* Tool kit

Interior Features:

* Climate control - Automatic with air filtration

* Interior rear view mirror - manual dipping

* Load Space cover

* Cloth Seats - Ebony

* Rear seat centre head restraint

* Steering Wheel - with controls for audio system

* Cruise Control

* Audio system - radio with CD player, auxiliary input (MP3 Player) and 6 speakers

Recommended price before statutory and delivery charges:

Freelander 2 TD4_e $45,590*

* Manufacturer List Price is shown and excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest Land Rover dealer for all pricing inquiries.

Land Rover Stop/Start System - In Detail

Behind the Stop/Start system lies an intensive engineering programme, which touches a surprisingly wide number of the vehicle's systems and components

Refined Stop/Start Operation

Land Rover engineers have invested considerable effort into safeguarding levels of engine refinement. To reduce any engine shake associated with some diesel engines when stopping, Freelander 2 TD4_e features controlled throttle closing and ramps down fuel in a smooth fashion, while the alternator is also turned off during the shut down procedure, reducing load on the engine. A software feature change and revised engine calibration further aid smooth shutoff, while engine shake on start up is reduced by the Freelander 2's optimised engine mounting strategy and inherent tuning.

Uncompromised Durability

More stop-start cycles over the lifetime of the Freelander 2 TD4_e will lead to increased use of vehicle's affected components, so enhanced durability of these components was a priority for the Freelander 2's engineering team. They developed a new heavy duty starter motor, a new ring gear, a new dual mass flywheel friction control plate and an absorption glass mat battery. These new features ensure the Freelander 2 TD4_e delivers characteristic Land Rover all-terrain performance and that the system's operation is always rapid and reliable.

Enhanced Starter Motor

The more frequent stop and start activity means that demands on the starter motor are forecast to increase up to three-fold during the lifetime of the Freelander 2 TD4_e. So, to accommodate the durability demands on the vehicle's 2kW starter motor, a number of changes have been made.

The grease seals have been enhanced significantly and new hard-wearing copper-tungsten contact material has been sourced and specified across the TD4_e range to enhance wear resistance within the starter solenoid.

New Ring Gear

An all-new ring gear is specified for all TD4_e models to cope with the increased frequency of starts. The ring gear is attached to the engine flywheel and comes into contact with the starter motor each time the engine is started. The new ring gear is manufactured from a harder grade of steel and contains over 25% more carbon to improve durability.

Dual Mass Flywheel friction plate

Diesel powered Freelanders with manual gear boxes have always featured a dual mass flywheel to ensure engine refinement at start, stop and low speeds. A new Polyetheretherketone friction control plate has been developed for the Freelander 2 TD4_e. This is able to withstand seven times the pressure of the outgoing plate, to ensure greater levels of refinement, under even greater start and stop demands.

Absorption glass mat battery

New absorption glass mat technology has been developed, which offers deeper discharge and recharge characteristics and reduces battery deterioration under much heavier usage. Fine fibreglass matting has been introduced to sit pressurised between the new absorption glass mat battery plates. This aids the battery's longevity in two ways - by allowing the electrolyte to function normally under greater pressure and providing mechanical support for the plates - reducing battery degradation.

Intelligent Technologies

Land Rover engineers focus on the introduction of intelligent, appropriate technologies, and the Freelander 2 TD4_e is no exception. In congested traffic, while the Stop/Start technology will shut down the engine frequently, features and technologies will not be compromised, so in car entertainment, climate control, Bluetooth, driver information and other electronic systems will continue to function.

Technologies such as the new voltage quality module, the battery monitoring system, the brake vacuum sensor and the enhanced climate control system have been developed to help ensure this uninterrupted service in a stop situation.

Voltage Quality Module

The voltage quality module maintains critical vehicle systems, safety and occupant comfort, and has been developed to supply a constant voltage around the vehicle's electronic components during a stop-start, ensuring key services continue uninterrupted with the sudden outrush of amps from the battery.

This technology is effectively a direct current converter, which can convert low voltages, such as that experienced during a 'stop', to a stable higher level for short but crucial boosts, ranging from one to five seconds in duration.

Battery Monitoring System

This system monitors the battery's 'state of health' for the Stop/Start feature to function reliably. The technology is constantly at work, measuring factors such as natural battery degradation, ambient temperature, charge and discharge activity and voltage, to make sure there is enough power available for a stop-start to operate effectively.

If any of these factors show a low measurement, the Stop/Start feature is overridden and the engine will continue running until more battery power is available.

Brake Vacuum Sensor

The Freelander 2's brake system is specified with significant vacuum reserves, but these reserves can become depleted for a number of reasons, such as use of the brake pedal when the engine is switched off. Ultimately this would lead to vacuum reserves becoming exhausted, which would affect the brake servo's operation and pedal loads, in some cases causing them to rise substantially.

To mitigate this, the Brake Vacuum Sensor is specified on all Freelander 2 TD4_e models, and if vacuum reserves fall to a level that will affect brake pedal loads, the system will override the Stop/Start function until the brake vacuum is replenished - ensuring brake pedal loads are maintained.

Enhanced Climate Control System

A number of changes have been made to the vehicle's climate control system to help ensure occupant comfort and reduce misting during stop-start situations. One significant change is the introduction of an auxiliary water pump. On conventional vehicles, the water pump shuts down with the engine, but on Freelander 2 TD4_e models, the introduction of the auxiliary water pump continues the flow of coolant during engine shutdown, maintaining cabin temperature when exterior conditions dictate.

The climate control system monitors cabin temperature and maintains fan speed at a level appropriate to protect the battery's state of charge when the engine is shut down. In extreme hot or cold conditions, extended stops, or if an occupant selects a higher fan speed during a 'stop', the engine will re-start if necessary to preserve occupant comfort. Evaporator temperature, the factor that gives rise to screen misting, is also monitored and the enhanced climate control system will periodically cool the evaporator as necessary to mitigate misting during a stop-start.

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