Land Rover revealed its first engine stop and start system at the Paris motor show on a new model called the Freelander 2 TD4_e, which will replace the current turbodiesel manual Freelander.

The system is part of a programme of sustainable technology from the British firm known as 'e_TERRAIN' technologies. A £700 million investment by Jaguar and Land Rover in lightweight structures and advanced powertrain technologies is intended to produce class-leading carbon dioxide emissions in a way that "doesn't mean sacrificing core Land Rover values".

When the Freelander is stationary, with the gearbox in neutral and the clutch pedal raised, the engine is shut down. As with other stop-start systems, when the driver depresses the clutch the engine restarts. To cope with the rigours of frequent stopping and starting the battery, starter motor and flywheel have been modified. Sensors monitor the state of the electrical system and also the brake servo and if either is likely to be adversely affected the engine will not shut down.

Other fuel saving measures on the TD4_e include energy saving tyres and a gearchange indicator light. Land Rover claims that CO₂ emissions are reduced by 8 percent, from 194g/km to 179g/km. Fuel consumption is improved from 37.7mpg to 41.3mpg. While in heavy traffic Land Rover engineers claim to have measured fuel savings approaching 20 percent.

Land Rover is offering the fuel saving technologies at no extra cost over the current TD4 and sales will start in mid 2009.

John Lambert - 6 Oct 2008