December 2007 Top 10 Trail Ready Rigs of All Time From the Factory to the Forest We Pick the Ten Most Capable Turn-key 4WDs of All Time 2005 - 2008 Land Rover LR3 Years 2005-2008 Origin United Kingdom Wheelbase 113.6" Engine Jaguar derived 4.4 Liter – 300 HP Transmission ZF 6 speed automatic with manual mode Transfer Case Land Rover electronically controlled 2-speed (2.93:1low range) Front Axle Land Rover corporate Rear Axle Land Rover corporate All of the other vehicles on this list, with the exception of the Hummer H1, approach off-roading with the same basic formula: solid axles at both ends, a simple two-speed transfer case and a fairly straightforward leaf or coil spring suspension. What happens when a company whose name is synonymous off-road adventure decides to turn convention in its ear and loads a vehicle up with more technology than your average moon rover? 61-80 Super Scout II 66-77 Bronco 74-83 FJ40 Land Cruiser 76-86 CJ-7 88-91 K5 Blazer 92-06 Hummer H1 94-97 Defender 90 03-06 Rubicon 05-08 Power Wagon 05-08 LR3 You get the Land Rover LR3. Perched in Land Rover’s lineup between the cute-ute LR2 and the performance minded Range Rover Sport, the LR3 is Land Rover’s bread-and-butter vehicle. Unfortunately most LR3’s won’t be found any further off-road than a suburban mall parking lot which is a shame because they are supremely capable rigs. The LR3 dances to a different tune than the other vehicles on this list. Instead of solid axles the LR3 rides atop a fully independent suspension sprung by electronically controlled air springs. Rather than a spartan and functional interior the LR3 offers leather lined comfort and convenience. The cornerstone of the LR3’s off-road ability is the Terrain Response System. This system ties all of the mechanical components relevant to traversing the trails including the transmission, electronic throttle, transfer case lock, rear differential lock, and suspension to a single dial in the console. This dial offers settings for various types of terrain including rocks, mud, snow, gravel and sand. Each setting dials up the appropriate level of throttle tip-in control, t-case and diff-lock sensitivity and ride height. If even alters the transmission shift points and traction control sensitivity. Technology and comfort come together in the LR3 to create an SUV that is worthy of the legendary Land Rover badge.