Freelander - Robust Design
Robust Design
Land Rover's unrivalled experience in off-road performance has ensured that Freelander's chassis can take the rough with the smooth.
Suspension members are mounted high on the vehicle to reduce the likelihood of grounding, and rigorously validated to off-road durability and abuse standards.
Subframes
Freelander's front and rear suspension assemblies are located to subframes which form part of the monocoque body structure. The subframes have been designed to be very strong and rigid, so that they will not only withstand the rigours of off-road usage, but also maintain consistent geometry control to give accurate road holding and handling.
A virtual chassis
The subframes are bolted directly to the underframe body box sections, forming a virtual chassis with in the monocoque construction, and helping to reinforce the vehicle body.
Finite element analysis techniques, together with a rigorous vehicle testing programme, have produced structures that combine the strength required for off-road use with minimal weight.
Sump guard
Further adding to Freelander's off-road credentials, the engine and transmission undersides are protected by a substantial sump guard.
In order to combine maximum strength with minimum weight, the sump guard is manufactured from high specification aluminium extrusions. An extensive development and testing programme has proved the effectiveness of the structure in preventing damage to the engine and transmission assemblies.
The Benefits
- Fully engineered for off-road use
- Maximum strength with minimum weight
- High mounted, protected components
- Rigorous proving of off-road performance
