NEW YORK, NY - An exciting new version of Land Rover's tough compact Freelander will be shown to the world for the first time at the New York International Auto Show. Based on the rugged appeal of the Freelander in the Land Rover G4 Challenge event, the company will build a limited number of Tangiers Orange, G4 Edition Freelanders exclusively for the North American market. The equipment and specification will be modeled after the vehicles currently in use on the Land Rover G4 Challenge international adventure competition.

Based on the current Freelander SE, the G4 Edition will have full-length roof rails with an expedition roof rack. Appearance and protection items include an A-frame brush bar, side rails, and rear lamp guards. The interior upholstery surfaces are well protected with full waterproof seat covers featuring the G4 logo. The vehicles will also come equipped with a sunroof and 17-inch HSE wheels, both upgrades over the SE model.

"We have been getting a great reaction to the Freelanders used in the G4 event," says John Landre, Freelander model manager. "Our customers have been asking if a G4 version of Freelander might be available. And now it's here."

Standard on all Freelanders, the G4 Edition Freelander features a 174hp, DOHC V6 engine with a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with CommandShift™, giving drivers the option of “manual” or fully automatic shifting. The rugged monocoque construction has reinforcing framework and four-wheel electronic traction control, as well as a sophisticated viscous coupling unit (VCU) that transmits the engine’s power through all four wheels. Hill Descent Control (HDC) assures safe, sure travel down steep slopes.

To mark the limited edition, the Land Rover G4 Challenge badging is found on the front fenders and rear tailgate and embroidered into the seat covers. The Land Rover G4 Challenge Edition Freelander will be available for Summer 2003. Pricing is not yet set but the target is under $30,000 according to Landre.