Discovery’s 35th celebrated further with new special edition models

Having celebrated its 35^th anniversary last year, JLR has introduced another pair of special editions to the ageing Discovery range ahead of the model’s rumoured discontinuation later this year.

Following the commemorative 35^th Anniversary Edition, the new variants carry the Gemini and Tempest designations as step-ups from the S and Metropolitan variants.

Gemini

For the Gemini, which gets its name from the internal moniker used for the 2.5 Tdi engine that powered the original Land Rover Discovery, the added visual enhancements include 21-inch diamond turned silver seven-spoke alloy wheels, the gloss Narvik Black roof, Gemini graphics on the B-pillars and an Atlas Grey finish around the grille and on the Discovery name script.

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Not stopping there, the Gemini also gets gloss black detailing, first-time availability of the Sedona Red paint option previously reserved for the Defender, tri-zone climate control and a cooled centre console glovebox.

Tempest

The step-up from the Metropolitan, the Tempest takes its name from the internal development code given to the second generation Discovery, with a more extensive array of bespoke changes both inside and out compared to the Gemini.

Available in three colours, Carpathian Grey, Varesine Blue and Charente Grey, the Tempest gets Petra Copper and tinted gloss black lacquer 22-inch diamond turned alloy wheels, along with a Petra Copper gloss or gloss Narvik Black roof, Tempest decals on the B-pillars and Petra Copper detailing.

Unique inside fittings consist of the extended Ebony Windsor leather upholstery and so-called shadow aluminium inserts.

Diesel only

Otherwise unchanged from their respective sibling on the specification front, underneath, both the Gemini and Tempest retain the 3.0-litre Ingenium straight-six turbodiesel engine – the sole option across the entire Discovery range as the previous P360 straight-six petrol has been dropped.

Fitted with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, the unit develops 257kW/700Nm and is again paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Price

Now available, both the Gemini and Tempest, as with the rest of the Discovery range, are covered by a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

• Discovery D350 S – R1 824 700
• Discovery D350 Gemini – R2 038 800
• Discovery D350 Dynamic HSE – R2 136 800
• Discovery D350 Metropolitan – R2 260 600
• Discovery D350 Tempest – R2 351 200

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