| Author | Message | ||
     Chris Derby (Derby) New Member Username: Derby Post Number: 10 Registered: 02-2003 |
forgive the pics.. i was drunk.. http://derby.oriontek.net/2k5_disco/1.jpg http://derby.oriontek.net/2k5_disco/2.jpg http://derby.oriontek.net/2k5_disco/3.jpg | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 443 Registered: 04-2003 |
you were so drunk that you took pics of a honda element  | ||
| Jamil Abbasy (Jamooche) Member Username: Jamooche Post Number: 80 Registered: 05-2003 |
Hideous! Just hideous! | ||
| Bill Bettridge (Billb) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Billb Post Number: 1037 Registered: 02-2002 |
Holy crap that's ugly! Damn - end of an era.... Bill | ||
| Phillip Perkinson (Rover4x4) Senior Member Username: Rover4x4 Post Number: 441 Registered: 02-2003 |
| ||
| p (Pfb) Member Username: Pfb Post Number: 44 Registered: 08-2003 |
Hope it looks better when they pull all that camouflage off... | ||
| David Seger (Croakus) New Member Username: Croakus Post Number: 30 Registered: 06-2003 |
Ford really has NO IDEA why we bought this vehicle, do they? THEY think the big problem with Land Rover is the fact that it doesn't say "soccer mom" accross the back. I think the big problem with Ford is that they build crap. The 2004 is the last Land Rover I will ever buy. | ||
| Randall Smith (Mr_smith) Member Username: Mr_smith Post Number: 64 Registered: 04-2003 |
I wonder what it would look like if you removed that front bumper. They may be having an auto show there this week. I will be in Vegas next week. Some times they leave the new model cars at the dealer after the show. Will go by dealer next tuesday to see, and I will post here. Randall | ||
| Gregg Gallagher (Gregg_gallagher) New Member Username: Gregg_gallagher Post Number: 8 Registered: 08-2003 |
Is nothing sacred anymore...Much as GM did to my beloved Saab, I fear Ford will do the same to my beloved Rover....in ten years every car will be homogenized...plain white milk...that sucks. | ||
| Wes Legaspi (Wes) Member Username: Wes Post Number: 170 Registered: 02-2002 |
I see a lot of 'disguised' cars here in vegas, it seems that sin city is a favorite destination for drive tests. Chris, when did you take those pics? | ||
| June H. Han (Junehhan) Member Username: Junehhan Post Number: 97 Registered: 04-2003 |
Ya know, we can say all we want about the new Discovery, but the fact is that none of us has driven one yet. Let's reserve our judgement of the new Disco till we actually see the real thing, and see what the real thing can do offroad. | ||
| michael burt (Mikeyb) Senior Member Username: Mikeyb Post Number: 520 Registered: 03-2002 |
i have never seen a real porsche 959 or driven one, nor have i seen a russian zil or driven one, but i feel like i can have an opinion about both based on write-ups, reports, word of mouth, and whatever else. based on write-ups, reports, word of mouth, and whatever else, i can say i do not like, nor will i like, what i see the 2005 disco becoming. there are many on this board that do not like the DII and have never driven one, but their opinion is theirs and no matter if you like it or not, to them, it is valid. i like my DII. maybe somebody will like the DIII. but i feel pretty sure i will veiw the DIII the way a lot of folks view the DII, as a step away from what we think land rovers should be. and that is just the way it is. mike | ||
| June H. Han (Junehhan) Member Username: Junehhan Post Number: 100 Registered: 04-2003 |
Well, what if this new DIII accomplishes everything Land Rover's have been about, except in a more technological non traditional sense? If it maintained, or even had superior offroading abilities compared to the D1 and DII's, then what? I believe it's clear that electronics is going to play a huge part in any future Land Rover, and my biggest concern is how durable many of these technological gadgets will be after repeated offroad usage. | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Dweb Lounge Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 1910 Registered: 02-2002 |
Thanks for sharing your photos Chris, First off; as a general use SUV (Sccer mom / dad), I like it. I am defining general use as: around town, towing the jet ski, hauling mountain bikes and snowboards to the mountains, and frequenting massage parlors. Secondly; a lot of folks do not like change. Adding computers and tweaking the suspension or redesigning the suspension to eliminate solid axles may improve what it can do off road. BUT, the purists that like field maintainability and reliabilty scoff at technology and I can see their point. Case in point: those folks who drive an 8000 mile round trip to drive the Rubicon or Dusy trails can repair just about anything that breaks; in the field. The days of Wild Kingdom and the Camel Trophy are over. Enthusiasts that occupy this board are a very small minority when it comes to the coporate bottom line. Having spewed all that out.....I would buy one for the wife. Somebody above mentioned Porsche. I watched a show last night about the GT3 for the states. That car is amazing and rare since there are only 700 going to be manufactured next year. Anyway, a comment about purists was made in regards to the future. Apparently these Porsche "Purists" scoff and technology like power windows and a cd player that comes standard on a GT3. Have a nice day, Paul | ||
| Max Thomason (Lrmax) Member Username: Lrmax Post Number: 248 Registered: 11-2002 |
I think the biggest drawback is the ability to modify. Lifting a truck with IFS (properly) is a lot harder, more time consuming, and more expensive. As opposed to any current disco (minus rear air suspension) many people on this board can install a new suspension by themselves within a weekend at their own pace. I think the biggest killer here is the removal of 16" rims. If it is like the new RR, then the disc brakes are so large that you must run an 18~20" rim. That significantly narrows the availible tire selection, which is bad. Max T. .02 cents | ||
| Gregory M Lichtenson (Gml) New Member Username: Gml Post Number: 30 Registered: 09-2003 |
When Landrover stopped sending 5 speeds to the USA shores in 1997 that should tell you that landrover has forgotten what made Landrovers what they are today! Never mind the 2005 Disco 3 where the hell is the new Defender , if they f this new defender up look out its all over for us...Landrover use to have techs to answer question about are Landrover but no more now you get a wet behind the ears person that really only knows what kind of wax to use...signed very pissed of by the way I own a 1995 Discovery with a 5 speed..PS FORD does not care about us anymore they want yuppis and mommys etc.. nothing wrong with mommys but thats what they make hondas for....RSVP RSVP 777NYCEND..One last thing call MR BILL BACKER and ask him for answers on the new DEFENDER thats rite Bill Backer he is the man running the whole show in the USA etc...I have spoken to him once and he has no clue about anything except his paycheck. Hay Mr Backer get real and start listening to the core landrover owners..when they call on you for answers. His tel# in california is 949 341-6800 give him a ring and say try not to f up the company anymore than you have already done signed MR feedback!!!!! RSVP RSVP all in Landroverland................??? | ||
| Gregory M Lichtenson (Gml) New Member Username: Gml Post Number: 31 Registered: 09-2003 |
When Landrover stopped sending 5 speeds to the USA shores in 1997 that should tell you that landrover has forgotten what made Landrovers what they are today! Never mind the 2005 Disco 3 where the hell is the new Defender , if they f this new defender up look out its all over for us...Landrover use to have techs to answer question about are Landrover but no more now you get a wet behind the ears person that really only knows what kind of wax to use...signed very pissed of by the way I own a 1995 Discovery with a 5 speed..PS FORD does not care about us anymore they want yuppis and mommys etc.. nothing wrong with mommys but that what they make hondas for....RSVP RSVP 777NYCEND.. | ||
| Randall Smith (Mr_smith) Member Username: Mr_smith Post Number: 67 Registered: 04-2003 |
"RSVP"?? I thought the day they added cup holders was the turning point. | ||
| Brent (Silly_me) Member Username: Silly_me Post Number: 76 Registered: 07-2003 |
You think that the new disco is hideous? Check out what they showed off at the IAA: http://osx.wieck.com/pv/WKA/2003/09/09/WKA2003090928978_pv.jpg | ||
| Chris Derby (Derby) New Member Username: Derby Post Number: 11 Registered: 02-2003 |
These pics were taken Saturday afternoon... I'm just glad I had my camera w/ me (and could remember how to use it...) | ||
| Gregory M Lichtenson (Gml) New Member Username: Gml Post Number: 32 Registered: 09-2003 |
I hope Landrover views this web site they could learn alot on the DISCOWEB ORG etc......It looks like a montero with humps on the fenders etc totally totally this disco 3 is a really badly designed piece of sht for lack of a better word....I think its time to sell the company back to Landrover,because ford is slowly f ing up !!!!!Like Harley Davidson its time for the employees to buy it back from ford..If you are listening Bill Backer wake up and smell the coffee brewing.....anyone jump in on this one Come on dont be silent while the empire falls from out from under your feet... | ||
| Greg Davis (Gregdavis) Senior Member Username: Gregdavis Post Number: 999 Registered: 08-2002 |
Greg, the problem is, we're not the "Core" owners as you stated. We are but a very small fraction of the buyers. Yeah, I hate to see the DIII get away from solid axles, etc., but if I were trying to make the company profitable, there's no way I'd cater to the small percentage here. What I'd like to see is Ford turn some profits with these new vehicles and use some of those profits to offer a niche vehicle, like Jeep is doing with the Rubicon. Of course, the only proble with that idea is what vehicle do you base it on? Truth be told, I see alot of people on this board (and others) say "Hey, bring back the Defender", but would that really fill the role of the Disco? For me, no it wouldn't. There's just not enough room in it for my needs. And if you go with a 110, it's then too big. I think the days of a new Disco being purchased by an enthusist for the purpose of being modified and used hard are VERY numbered. | ||
| Matthew A. Barnes (Discoveryxd) New Member Username: Discoveryxd Post Number: 36 Registered: 08-2003 |
That is the main reason why I'm taking an automotive and metals class in highschool. When I get older I'm just going to buy an old rover and rebuild it myself. I won't even go near any of that ford/rover crap! I would just like to say congratulations to ford. They did a great job of taking what make LR's so special, and FLUSHING IT DOWN THE TOILET! IMO, Matt | ||
| Bill Howell (Billh13) Member Username: Billh13 Post Number: 167 Registered: 03-2003 |
I wonder if the guys that were driving series rovers said the same thing when when discos came out. I can hear it now. "What a piece of shit, did you guys hear its got a aluminum engine in it." "What!!!, a beer can motor. That will never hold up." "Yah, not only that but, it has fuel injection and a computer to run it." "How are you soposed to fix a computer on the trail? I'll never buy on of those discovery!!!!" I'm just saying don't knock technology just yet. They may be tougher than you think, but the disco III's are ulgy aren't they. The guy that desighned those head lights should have his rice rocket designing ass whipped. | ||
| Gregory M Lichtenson (Gml) New Member Username: Gml Post Number: 34 Registered: 09-2003 |
Niche vehicle would be real nice ,Landrover Disco 3 totally manual everything and no onboard computer/obds etc.. Bring back the 5 spd and stopping making autos that are for weak men and even weaker women...Defender 2006 just add the airbags and get it here in a real hurry..and remember manual everything Lets get the engine strobe timers out again...and start raising the BDTC up a notch, like the old days...The only thing that maybe they can keep in are THE OBD etc...Remember strobe lights and Discos go hand and hand....RSVP RSVP lets go everybody 777NYCEND | ||
| Erik Olson (Jon) Senior Member Username: Jon Post Number: 471 Registered: 02-2002 |
I'll give you that this thing looks ugly from an aesthetic and capability standpoint at first glance. A good looksy will likely upset you further... History, and success tends to repeat - or attempts to repeat itself. I think the new RR looks plastic - the whole exterior looks cheap, fake - thin. I worked on the West Coast launch for Range Rover, sat in one, rode in one, and can appreciate the interior appointments. When I crawled underneath, I was really disappointed at the degree of gentrification I saw there. A developer for Land Rover indicated some heavy plastic panels as "protection" and pointed to the strength of the monocoque shell. I walked away wishing I had a sedan with an interior like the Range Rover's, but never would consider it for anything but going out to a nice dinner in the city. The "stock" tires are better suited for jaunts on a European motorway than any California fire-road or crushed oystershell winery drive. I think Series guys must have thought the same of the Discovery - and perhaps the original Range Rover, as we think of the D3. Comprimises for the mass market. If you look at the Discovery 1 NAS, it strongly represents the dilution of the marquee and its intended purpose. However, it isn't realistic to not put electronics in a modern vehicle, especially when the government and market demand it. Now, the D2 featured more electronics, a reduced departure angle in favor of loadspace (for groceries, not expedition gear), and the famed loss of CDL. Why is CDL coming back (on some models) in 2004? Perhaps a dyed-in-the-wool enthusiast-engineer fought for it, laying his job on the line to make it happen? More likely, Ford found a bunch of CDL inventory that was going into the dumpster otherwise, and it represented too big a loss to write-off. The very best news is that 2004 also marks the first year Ford has added that most annoying of features ever conceived: Automatic DriveAway Locking. If you haven't experienced this joy of joyful conveniences - you haven't lived! As long as the US represents the unit sales leader for Land Rover, it will continue its slide into homoginized uselessness. Range Rover, not Defender, is the direction Ford is going with Lode Lane product. $.03 | ||
| Mark & Bev Preston (Markp) Member Username: Markp Post Number: 234 Registered: 02-2002 |
Good point Bill. Ever changing style is what drives auto design and sales. As for technology, get use to it. While many will say no more technology, the systems will get more reliable. Auto companies are constantly looking at the future and new government regulations coming down the pike. One possible new regulation is ride height in 2008. How does Land Rover meet the new ride height regulations and still have best in class off road capability? Technology is the only anwser. I see no reason why one could not offer on-road low profile and off-road high profile in a high reliable package. All it takes is development, money and time. | ||
| Alan Bates (Alanb) Senior Member Username: Alanb Post Number: 308 Registered: 07-2002 |
Don't worry, there will be plenty of used DI and DII's to be had and modified when all those soccer moms dump their's for this thing. | ||
| Mark (Mrroverman) Member Username: Mrroverman Post Number: 67 Registered: 02-2003 |
I dont dig it at all. That shit looks ugly. What happen to the rugged look. That truck looks plastic. I would never buy it. Its beginning to look like Ford trucks alright. Next thing you know well see a Land Rover Discovery Harley Davidson edition. WTF is going on!!! | ||
| Randall Smith (Mr_smith) Member Username: Mr_smith Post Number: 68 Registered: 04-2003 |
I'm sure they will have an optional "off-road" package available too. Big vinyl letters on the side that say 4X4, with off-road written beneath it. Heavy duty shocks will also be part of the package. Randall | ||
| Justin (Vanroth) Member Username: Vanroth Post Number: 93 Registered: 02-2003 |
I think greg davis stated it pretty well... I would just add that a good percentage of new LR owners (excluding discowebies) buy them as a status symbol, yes even the soccer moms. The problem is this 2005 model looks cheaper! If the production model looks anything remotely like that test mule, I don't think you will see them gain popularity. Even soccer moms have taste. Looks are every important to the status seekers (not IFS/IRS, etc). They are definitely going forward with the explorer slabsided design, which IMO is ugly. -justin | ||
| Sergei Rodionov (Uzbad) New Member Username: Uzbad Post Number: 32 Registered: 08-2003 |
its not 2005 model its honda element, look closely. It fugly, but its honda. | ||
| Bill Mallin (Billmallin) New Member Username: Billmallin Post Number: 2 Registered: 09-2003 |
I've kept a copllection of 2005 Disco pictures on our site... here are a few I've found:  http://houstonlandroverclub.com/images/05Disco.jpg http://houstonlandroverclub.com/images/2005Disco2.jpg http://houstonlandroverclub.com/images/2005Disco2.jpg http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/6856_image.jpg http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/6857_image.jpg Enjoy...? -- Bill Mallin 2001 Disco II AKA “Sherman” Web Dood – Houston Land Rover Club http://www.houstonlandroverclub.com | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 747 Registered: 09-2002 |
It doesn't really stand out anymore. When you see a Disco (D1/D2) on the street, they stood out, you could recognize it anywhere. It's kinda like the old Jags. If one drove by or went through an intersection, you instantly knew it was a Jag. This new Disco has lost some of that character. It could be a great truck but I think Ford has designed it for a softer market and made more mainstream. BTW Gregory, it's not BILL BACKER, it's Bill Baker. If want someone's attention and respect, spell their name right. I'm also sure the women of this board appreciate your comments. Show a little class. | ||
| Dirk Commandeur (Dirklc) New Member Username: Dirklc Post Number: 12 Registered: 07-2003 |
I understand (and share) the disappointment in the changes to the Discovery. As off-road enthusiasts, though, we are a minor segment of the current SUV market. For the general market, the Disco III will probably be far superior than the Disco I/II. We are most concerned about off-road capability, to the point where we are willing to overlook things like 'worst in class' engine performance and suspect build quality. The general market is more concerned about on-road peformance, reliability, and interior amenities. I suspect that the new Disco will still be a capable off-road machine relative to their competitive set. By evolving the Discovery closer to the needs of the general market, Land Rover / Ford has made a good business decision even though that's a tough pill for traditional LR fans to swallow. | ||
| Peter J. Kelly (Pjkbrit) New Member Username: Pjkbrit Post Number: 37 Registered: 05-2003 |
"forgive the pics....I was drunk" apparently so were the designers. Even if we are only a fraction of niche consumers, we are vocal and deserve to be heard. At the end of the day we will vote with our hard earned $$$. To Gregg with the beloved Saab, I hear you...I have an 85 900T, rapidly becoming a classic now...but also rapidly approaching 300K. Looks like I'll be buying a recent used 2004 with cdl and 4.6 motor...and seeing if that'll last me 20 years and 300K. This new 'thing' is just hidious and even worse it is entirely derivative. Damn, it looks sooooo 'ordinary' ... what a mistake/what a shame/what a missed opportunity. | ||
| Peter J. Kelly (Pjkbrit) New Member Username: Pjkbrit Post Number: 38 Registered: 05-2003 |
And finally....sorry but Mr. Baker cannot spell "Land Rover"...why do we care how we spell his name....LOL | ||
| Bill Howell (Billh13) Member Username: Billh13 Post Number: 168 Registered: 03-2003 |
Randall said it best for the "off road package". I have learned that if you have to write "4x4" on a vehicle, it won't climb an ant hiil. If it says "sport" it isn't. They never made a Porche "sport". There is a reason. | ||
| Justin (Vanroth) Member Username: Vanroth Post Number: 96 Registered: 02-2003 |
Bill, Porsche made plenty of "sport" models... The Club Sport. 356SC, 911SC, and its iterations... -justin | ||
| Ho Chung (Thediscoho) Moderator Username: Thediscoho Post Number: 306 Registered: 02-2002 |
cmon guys, it ain't all that bad. Ho Chung | ||
| Leo (Leo_hallak) Member Username: Leo_hallak Post Number: 129 Registered: 02-2003 |
I think SC technically stands for "Super Carrera" . But on the topic of the new look for the Disco I guess we will just have to see what its like when the final product comes out. -Leo | ||
| Susannah (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 515 Registered: 06-2002 |
Speaking for the women on this board: Soccer moms do indeed have class and taste. The soccer moms in this town drive Landcruisers, G-wagons, Merc and BMW wagons and new Volvos. This Rover doesn't look to me like it will be as impressive to the design and luxury seekers as the new RR. I agree with Paul, for the niche of running around town and hauling kids, it will be fine. But I have already decided I will keep my Disco forever and get a Freelander or older RR for a runabout. Honda knew what they were doing: CRV stands for "Comfortable Runabout Vehicle"....the name says it all. PS...Can we PLEASE get rid of this GREGORY LICHTENSON person? Or atleast teach him how to write/type?! PLEASE!!!! | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 752 Registered: 09-2002 |
Susannah - are you serious about what CRV stands for?? | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 453 Registered: 04-2003 |
SC stands for "standard car" and where is the spare tire on the new disco? inside or under? if not on the rear door, then why have the bump-up on the window? and what in the HELL is happening up on the roof? | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 753 Registered: 09-2002 |
Blue - I read that the tire is underneath now, like on the Xterras. | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 454 Registered: 04-2003 |
there's nothing better than pulling a dirty, greasy tire out from under a hot truck on the side of the road or trail, especially when you find that it's been shredded from steep departures. Is it at least a full size spare, or just a glazed donut? RSVP RSVP lets go everybody | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 684 Registered: 08-2002 |
Well unlike many that believe that the latest model year Disco (i.e. 2004) is the latest thing to own, my '95 is likely the first and last rover I will ever own for a ton of reasons. At least that is what I think now. Besides if I want another Rover that looks, feels and behaves like a rover, I'll go get a D90 or County LWB. Because of that I could care less what LRNA decides to do with any of the latest model year. I am quite happy with all of the stuff pre-1997 and LR will never get a new sale out of me anyhow. Even if they do come out with something really trick in a new model, I'll wait 5 years for some soccer mom to get rid of one. I agree with the other post. Lets just hope that they make some money so they can give us back a true offroad vehicle. I believe that the chances of this are a shot in hell, but time will tell. Lets see how long the rubicon lasts too. | ||
| han chung (Hanchung) Member Username: Hanchung Post Number: 92 Registered: 10-2002 |
LOL... my wife looked at the picture and she says... oh... it's like that honda... LOL blue, calm down, when you get the roof rack up there, you can put the full size spare... if they have a roof rack. i wonder if safety devices will even be willing to fab the roof rack for a honda element. | ||
| Christopher Boese (Christopher) Member Username: Christopher Post Number: 166 Registered: 10-2002 |
Chris, what a scoop! I've seen all the DIII spy photos at Autospies, Car Connection, Car Design News, etc., and your images beat them all. Congratulations. | ||
| Max Thomason (Lrmax) Member Username: Lrmax Post Number: 250 Registered: 11-2002 |
The roof of the D3 is like the roof of the Freelander: the sides are kinda rolled up to give the appearance of a taller roof in the back. That is whats wrong with it. Max T. | ||
| Andy Wright (Wrightonman) New Member Username: Wrightonman Post Number: 5 Registered: 12-2002 |
Wow! Great pix from Las Vegas, thanks for sharing them! I think the D3 has evolved just fine cosmetically. I mean none of it's predecessors are exactly rolling things of beauty. There should NEVER EVER be a Land Rover described as Pretty or Cute. I am however terribly concerned over the the suspension, drive configuration, and all the other mechanical changes mentioned here. I had always hoped Rover would never stray far from it's heritage of refined simplicity. It is truly unfortunate the 05 Disco will also be going the "car-like-ride and handling" way of the RR, Freelander, Explorer, Cutesy 'lil Liberty, CRV, RAV, Pacifica, Taurus, Camry, et al.... | ||
| michael burt (Mikeyb) Senior Member Username: Mikeyb Post Number: 526 Registered: 03-2002 |
not to stray too far off topic (but it is because i fear what it will mean down the road for us all), but the latest mitsubishi "sport ute" is built on the galant undercarrage with an all wheel drive transfer case jammed in. i guess they can really tout it's "car like" ride, since it really is just a car. mike | ||
| David Marchand (Dmarchand) Member Username: Dmarchand Post Number: 201 Registered: 09-2002 |
Check the new LRM. It has a full "expose" on the 2005 DIII with REAL pics and a write up. Looks like a minivan. Hahahaha. | ||
| Susannah (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 516 Registered: 06-2002 |
WAIT A MINUTE>>>>My Disco is definitely pretty, cute and BEAUTIFUL...in a sexy, rugged kinda-way! Oh, maybe I'm trying to describe myself....hahahahahahahahahaha Alan, I can't remember where, but I did read that on some Honda materials somewhere. My boss just bought a new one and is so in love....yuck! | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 689 Registered: 08-2002 |
Well, I believe that the hardest thing to stomach with all of this is that landrover really is stepping away from their heritage and going for a more mainstream product that will appeal to more people. in my book this means that owning a LR will not longer be cool to me. One question is, will this really work? Will they be able to come up with an Explorer type product that actually sells like hotcakes? Maybe/Maybe not? Certainly they are going to have many problems to overcome as well as an image problem too. Explorer owners are definitely a different demographic than RR or LR owners. In addition many people know LR to have a high maintenace product that is expensive and expensive to maintain. Another thing to overcome in their "new" market. There are more porblems no doubt. Meanwhile, while they are doing this, they are not importing vehicles like the Defenders that would keep them going with their niche users and they are changing existing products in a way that they may no longer appeal to their niche markets. So they are really kissing this market goodbye as well. So my take is that if the new Disco does not do well they will need to make a real come back and that could be difficult. Essentially, they have sold out, and that is sad. | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 458 Registered: 04-2003 |
LOL, yesterday on the way home from work I was at a stoplight behind a Honda Element that was the exact same color as that Vegas Disco. Wish I had my camera..... | ||
| Andy Wright (Wrightonman) New Member Username: Wrightonman Post Number: 6 Registered: 12-2002 |
Dmarchand- Forgive me, but what is LRM? I'd really like to read this article you mentioned. Thanks in advance, Andy | ||
| David Marchand (Dmarchand) Member Username: Dmarchand Post Number: 203 Registered: 09-2002 |
Land Rover Monthly. North American Edition. http://www.lrm.co.uk/ | ||
| David Marchand (Dmarchand) Member Username: Dmarchand Post Number: 204 Registered: 09-2002 |
Sorry, it's the October issue (I received mine yesterday). They give you the full pics in the article/magazine, of course. Bummer they have it crossed out on the website. Most of the pictures that have been published here to date, are the same vehicle. It seems to have a squatted look. The rear end looks like a beefed up jeep liberty. The spare is indeed mounted underneath the car. Similar to the explorer. | ||
| James P Groom (Jpg) New Member Username: Jpg Post Number: 31 Registered: 06-2003 |
Leo You are correct. According to the Porsche web site, SC stands for Super Carrera.. | ||
| Eric Pena (Evalp) Senior Member Username: Evalp Post Number: 647 Registered: 06-2002 |
Look at all that shit that sticks out under the bottom of it. I'm sorry but for those who say, "give it a chance", "it might do OK", "lets see what it can do first", give me a break. The first time you bring something like that off road, you will rip it to pieces. It is like going off road with a Toyota Camary.  Lets face it, Land Rover has sold out and that really sucks. They will also never get another sell from me and I really don't care what they do to the Discovery or any other. I have the one I want and will never buy another. A Land Rover is no longer being made for 'off the road' use. For around town driving, it will probably do fine, off road it will never work, thats just the way it is going to be now. My enthusiasum for Land Rovers is fading and that really pisses me off. By the way, who the hell is that goof ball that gets to drive his friends around Vegas in the prototype Disco '05. http://derby.oriontek.net/2k5_disco/3.jpg I bet they think thay are cool! | ||
| Pedro (Discoverys) Member Username: Discoverys Post Number: 45 Registered: 08-2003 |
Ford has done it, fu@#%$ up a great off-road vehicle and turned it into a "Elementero". I've seen lots of comments that it will suck off road "the thing sticks out under the bottom of it"… but I doubt that this will be a soccer mom driving car lets not forget that it only makes 12-16 mpg, they will live in the gas station. Also, what about the Diesel engine rovers, those are very though vehicles. They need to start sending those rovers here as well. Later my 2˘ | ||
| Chris W. (Dcwhybrew) Member Username: Dcwhybrew Post Number: 85 Registered: 05-2003 |
I saw these ugly urbanized discos driving into Laughlin, NV from Vegas late yesterday (9/10) afternoon. There were actually three of them. I could kick myself for not turning around and running these damn things off the road. Would have been three less on the market. HA! Seriously though I did almost run of the road starring at them. Anyway, while in Vegas yesterday evening I stopped in the dealership to get a stereo code and asked the sales reps if the three discos I saw were in fact discos. They said yes, that they had been in Death Valley for whatever reason. I'm guessing that when I saw them they were heading for Ford's proving grounds north of Lake Havasu, who knows. Anyway, they are as ugly in person as they are in the pics. And they really do look like the Honda Element, which is a shame. It seemed like others were copying the disco (ie: Mits Montero), now LR has copied Honda. Next thing you know these disco's wont leak, wont need constant repairs and preventive maintenance, will easily last 250k, and will hold their resale value. Geez, what a way to screw up a perfectly crappy (but fun) UV (notice no "S" because there's nothing "sport" about LRs)! | ||
| Justin (Vanroth) Member Username: Vanroth Post Number: 100 Registered: 02-2003 |
Leo is correct about the SC Super Carrera (although it is still up for contention in many owner circles as some SC's are just base model 911's). However the "Club Sport" models are a different "special model" from regular Carreras... They made a number of different Porsches (911, 924, 944, 968, etc) with that moniker. Porsche made even further "sport" models as well... Just called the 911 Sport. The RS term is another "sport" that actually stands for Renn Sport. (Some may say Ralle Sport as well). RSR Porsches are Renn Sport Racing. I do believe I was wrong about the 356... I don't think they made a club sport version of it. Though they did make a SC version. Oh and back to the original thread... Yeah that truck blows... -justin | ||
| Randall Smith (Mr_smith) Member Username: Mr_smith Post Number: 70 Registered: 04-2003 |
I just saw some photo's of the new Freelander on their section of the DiscoWeb. The new Freelander looks really good to me. It also looks like a Land Rover. At least in terms of visual appeal they are heading in the right direction with the Freelander. Randall | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 756 Registered: 09-2002 |
I just wanted to chime in here about the 03 Disco. I have one as a loaner while my truck is in for some servicing and I have to say that I'm quite impressed. Much nicer road manners than my 98 and I like the engine...although it seems a bit thirstier than mine. The 04 with CDL seems like a nice combination for the average joe and the best thing is that it still retains the Disco look! Not liking the looks of that new one so far. Tire on bottom seems silly. And as Eric pointed out, there seems to be a lot of stuff under there. Sad to see.... | ||
| Bill Bettridge (Billb) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Billb Post Number: 1055 Registered: 02-2002 |
Exhaust UNDER the axle - nice touch! That'll last real long (we'll I guess it will in parking lots) LOL Bill | ||
| Kenny Bissett (Jetson) Member Username: Jetson Post Number: 61 Registered: 07-2003 |
All that stuff is intended to fool the competition. They're gonna strip away all the fake parts and reveal the most glorious Disco of all time! Not... | ||
| Christopher Boese (Christopher) Member Username: Christopher Post Number: 168 Registered: 10-2002 |
I'm with Randall - the refreshed Freelander looks much better than the new Discovery, and much more like a Land Rover. Here's more (scroll down): http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=6373. | ||
| Gordon Turner (Gordo) New Member Username: Gordo Post Number: 29 Registered: 07-2003 |
Freelander is still ugly and all I got to say is Disco is DEAD. What are they thinking over there? By the way, went wheeling with a Freelander a month or so ago and that POS snapped something on the warm up run and was in the shop, after being towed home, for 2 wks. Unless it is a Hummer 1, I have no use for independent suspension. Gordo 89RR and 94 D1... still wishing I never sold my series. best LR ever made by far. | ||
| Chris Browne (Chris_browne) Senior Member Username: Chris_browne Post Number: 322 Registered: 02-2003 |
You think Exhaust Under the axle is bad (boy they better fix that) look at the fuel tank, its low, visable in front of the rear axle and just ready to pop when you hit a rock. Total loss of the roof line sucks too. I'm keeping my d1... | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 758 Registered: 09-2002 |
Don't be surprised if they replace the Disco line with the new Ranger Rover Sport (baby RR if you will). I've heard talk about that a couple of times. | ||
| Glenn Guinto (Glenn) Senior Member Username: Glenn Post Number: 743 Registered: 02-2002 |
It's funny how people are too quick to beat on the Freelander. I guess people don't realize that LR really never designed the little Freelander to be used in eXXXtreeme trails where you run your eXXXtreeeme Discos. They are designed as little runabouts, on road grocery getter where it can slap your hardcore rigs silly in MPG and on-road manners category. With some off-the-beaten-path capability of course just to keep up with the 'tradition' which is obviously going down the drain. So, why call it a POS? That's like Michael Jordan playing baseball -- sure he sucked at it but that wasn't really his forte is it? | ||
| Chris Vestal (Conceptvision) New Member Username: Conceptvision Post Number: 4 Registered: 07-2003 |
I am surprised nobody has commented on this yet.. The longer wheelbase, rear independent suspension. This looks like the explorer chassis. | ||
| michael burt (Mikeyb) Senior Member Username: Mikeyb Post Number: 529 Registered: 03-2002 |
for everyone that thinks ford has land rovers best interest in mind, the september issuse of land rover enthusiast states on page 23 that ford is considering using the ford focus platform for the second generation freelander. regardless of the freelander's role as a "suv," a land rover on a focus platform pretty much offends me. mike | ||
| Matthew A. Barnes (Discoveryxd) Member Username: Discoveryxd Post Number: 42 Registered: 08-2003 |
It's plain and simple, Ford is full of idiots that ruined the Land Rover name. I tip my hat to them for a succesful job of ruining a great line of off-road vehicles. IMO, Matt | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 697 Registered: 08-2002 |
Well, greed and money really do make companies and individuals change huh? Seen it happen at many companies that try to IPO and seen it from owners/executives that sell out. What is sad (to me) is that there was plenty for them to do to the existing Discovery to make it more main stream. Lighten it up, improve the engine and power, strengthen some components that break and fix the stuff that we always complain about (driveline vibes, leaks, electrical...). Well instead they have chosen for a complete new platform. Complete sell out, they have now abandoned their core heritage and niche market in hopes that they will sell a gabillion of them. I say that they won't be able to do it and that all of redesign was a waste of time. All they are doing is guaranteeing that the people that like the landrover heritage abandon them. | ||
| Matthew A. Barnes (Discoveryxd) Member Username: Discoveryxd Post Number: 43 Registered: 08-2003 |
Well said Brian, I totaly agree. It's to bad we can't get ford to relize that. | ||
| Christopher Boese (Christopher) Member Username: Christopher Post Number: 171 Registered: 10-2002 |
2005 Discovery testing has now moved to the Southern California mountains. To my morning commute. Just saw one of the test vehicles Chris spotted in Vegas, this time on route 18 between Lake Arrowhead and San Bernardino, accompanied by a white DI. I waved. The engineers did not. This isn't a bad choice of a region for testing (Nissan had a couple of lightly-disguised Muranos in my neighborhood while that vehicle was being developed.) Some of the most challenging trails in California are here, and you're 30 minutes from the freeways or the desert. I did notice that the test truck was pretty dusty, so maybe I'll see it again this weekend on the trails... | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 702 Registered: 08-2002 |
Do you really think that they are going to take it on the most challenging trails in CA? let us know if you see it, but I'd guess they are primarily going to take it to heat and very moderate trails. Afterall they aren't going to seriously bruise an auto that likely has few parts readily available (that is unless it really is an exploder). | ||
| Christopher Boese (Christopher) Member Username: Christopher Post Number: 173 Registered: 10-2002 |
It "feels" like an Explorer in person - that is, it has the same proportions and much the same shape. Yeah, I'd like to see a prototype Discovery on the trails, but it may be they were just testing it on winding (and paved) mountain roads. We'll see... | ||
| Aro and Joe (Deepdoo) New Member Username: Deepdoo Post Number: 36 Registered: 08-2003 |
you will see many "test" vehicles between la and vegas as well as in lake Arrowhead.big bear area. the reason is for hot weather testing in the desert and high altitude/snow testing in the other. i often go to vegas and lake arrowhead and the i have so many pics of the camo cars but have never seen my own car. anyway, that truck sucks ass. good to know in 05 i wont have to stop by the LR dealer. | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 708 Registered: 08-2002 |
Oh, I will make a point to stop by the dealer and when they see my rig and say can I interest you in a new '05. I'll say not if it were free. | ||
| Randall Smith (Mr_smith) Member Username: Mr_smith Post Number: 77 Registered: 04-2003 |
I stopped by the LV dealer on the 16th to see if these new trucks were there (I saw the Freelander there several years ago before it was released). They said that they wouldn't allow anyone who works there to examine the DIII. The "engineers" would just pick up supplies, then head back to the dessert. Randall |
