1989 saw the debut of Land Rover’s most significant development since they redefined the 4×4 market with the Range Rover: the Land Rover Discovery. Right from the outset, the new product lineup had an unparalleled ability to adapt to itself and overcome even the most technical terrain.
More than three decades later, the success continues. Now in its 5th generation, it seemed almost impossible to perfect something that is, to all intents and purposes, close to being a perfect vehicle. That is until the specialists at Matzker, in Cologne, accepted the challenge. After all, if you have ever had the opportunity to meet the team, then you will already be aware of their motto: “good just isn’t enough when the best is within grasping distance.”
Matzker, now in their fourth decade, is synonymous with the development and manufacture of technology and accessories related to the Land Rover brand. So, unsurprisingly, they took it upon themselves to address the already impressive factory performance of the new Discovery and take it to the next level.
HANDLING AND PERFORMANCE
The foundation of this transformation is their own dc8 package which primarily addresses the suspension and engine performance. The electronic handling and off-road kit enhances the variable height suspension by taking it 28 mm lower on the road and an extra 30 mm higher off pavement.
The suspension modifications are further improved thanks to a Selective-Control-Shock Absorber which represents state of the art technology and was specifically designed for the Discovery 5. The system is adaptive and responds accurately in accordance to the terrain. As a result, comfort is improved without compromising stability and precision through the serpentines. The suspension becomes more flexible which in turn equates to more wheel travel and axle articulation. Offroad traction is simply mind-blowing! On the road, it is no less impressive and excels with improved safety thanks to minimising the typically inherent 4×4 sway. The dc8 package blends sports car agility with maximised safety.
It would be a shame if this dynamic improvement couldn’t be put to proper use. So, Matzker have used their TR-6 tuning option and reprogrammed the 3.0 L six cylinder engine to produce an additional 45 BHP and 70 Nm of torque compared to the stock setup. You now have 303 BHP and 670 Nm at your disposal. Once you have driven this package, you will never want to look back. This Discovery wants to be the leader of the pack.
The full potential of top speed has been unleashed by Matzker’s Speed Unlimiter. This means that the abrupt activation of the limiter, and the accompanying shudder, is now a thing of the past.
PROTECT AND SALVAGE
As far as improved off-road ability is concerned, a 3-piece skid plate made from durable aircraft aluminium reliably protects the front axle and gearbox from inadvertent damage. This off-road accessory is essential for more than just the occasional elusive river crossing.
The front valance hides a winch for those most daunting situations. This solution has the benefit of neither worsening the approach angle nor altering the overall dimensions of the vehicle. The fairlead is positioned below the registration plate to facilitate quick operation without adversely effecting the car’s day to day use. The winch can pull up to 3.600 kg and is equipped with 30 metres of synthetic rope.
GOING THE DISTANCE
Matzker has even addressed the operating radius of the vehicle – more practical for everyday use and imperative for long distance travel. An additional 90 litre fuel tank now fills the space previously occupied by the spare wheel. Now the vehicle can carry a total of 175 litres of fuel which equates to a distance of approximately 1.600 km (depending upon the terrain). In line with all of Matzker’s developments, the additional tank for the Discovery 5 is of premium quality and maximises the use of existing space.
ENLIGHTENED
To complete the conversion, the Matzker dc8 Discovery is LED equipped for every eventuality: four round lamps in the radiator grille are complimented by a 1.000 mm LED light bar which combines an 8° long-distance driving lamp a 120° broad beam for shorter distances.
CONCLUSION
An impressive vehicle. Time to explore the world!
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