Land Rover announced the arrival of its newest North American model at the South Florida International Auto Show today -- the Freelander SE3. The sporty three-door shares its five-door stablemate's mechanicals and 101-inch wheelbase, and with twin removable sunroof panels and a detachable rear hardback, the SE3 adds open-air motoring to roster of Freelander attributes.
"No other open-air vehicle offers permanent all-wheel drive, four-wheel electronic traction control, Hill Descent Control and four-channel anti-lock brakes. And, because it is a Land Rover, Freelander SE3 wraps capability and personality into a distinctive, upscale package that can take you to remote places and bring you back in style," says Sally Eastwood, vice president of marketing.
The SE3 shares the five-door Freelander's variable intake 24-valve, 174hp V-6 engine, and CommandShift five-speed automatic transmission. The SE3 features a fully independent suspension with MacPherson strut and coil springs all around. This design provides generous amounts of wheel travel and good bump control.
Land Rover engineered the company's Hill Descent Control (HDC) to act in place of low-range gearing, thus assuring safe, sure travel down steep slopes. HDC uses the ABS sensors to repeatedly pulse the brakes -- particularly on the downhill wheels -- thereby allowing the vehicle to descend at no more than 5.6 mph. In keeping with Land Rover's off-road reputation, Freelander SE3 has four-wheel electronic traction control (4ETC) and anti-lock brakes (ABS) that work both on- and off-road.
The SE3 will be available in Land Rover Retailers in December with a MSRP of $26,995 which includes destination and delivery.