Spy Shots: �07 Land Rover Freelander

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These photos show for the first time a real prototype - not a mule - of the next Land Rover Freelander.

The new Freelander is scheduled for launch in 2006. As can be seen from the pictures, the next Freelander will be bigger than the current model. Despite the disguise, the styling, wider track and flared wheel arches can be seen. The extra height between the bodywork and the wheels shows that the test car is riding on a new platform. Land Rover execs have said the new Freelander will move more toward the crossover market, which begs the question of whether the Freelander is yet another spin-off from the Volvo XC90 or a new platform spun from the smaller C1 architecture (Mazda3/Volvo V50).

Some clues? The next Freelander will switch to transversely-mounted in-line six-cylinder engines, expected to be 2.8-liter and 3.0-liter units from Volvo, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. A diesel engine from Ford will be a 2.2-liter four-cylinder; a V-6 diesel is in the planning stages.

The 2006 Freelander will be available only as a five-door model; the three-door version has been discontinued.

The new Freelander will be launched in Europe late next year, with U.S. sales coming six to eight months later.



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