DALLAS, Dec. 1, 2004—Yesterday evening, Land Rover LR3 was officially named "SUV of Texas" by the Texas Auto Writers' Association (TAWA). The award was presented to Richard Beattie, Executive Vice President, Land Rover North America, at ceremonies held in DeSoto, Texas.

This year, a significant number of new trucks and SUVs were evaluated by the members of the TAWA organization at the annual Texas Truck Rodeo. The winners were then recognized for their excellence in a number of categories, including value for price, interior/exterior styling, fuel efficiency and ride quality.

"Nowhere in the country is a dependable, outstanding SUV with uncompromised on- and off-road ability such a part of life than in the great state of Texas," said Beattie. "Being named 'SUV of Texas' reaffirms that LR3 can compete in the ever-growing sport-utility market."

Carefully developed and engineered to Land Rover's exacting standards, the LR3 is packed with power, technology and a spacious interior cabin virtually unmatched in its class.

Building on the philosophy established by Land Rover's Range Rover, it introduces a breadth of capability and a level of luxury that sets a new standard for the category.

Available in SE and HSE derivatives, LR3 offers the advantages of a powerful and responsive 4.4-litre, 300-hp V8 engine, mated to a six-speed electronic automatic transmission. This transmission is intelligent—adapting its shift patterns to driving style and road conditions—and equipped with Command Shift,™ allowing the driver full control over gear changes. 

Sales of LR3 commenced on Nov. 1, 2004. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the SE model is $44,995, while the HSE model is $49,995. Prices include destination and delivery charges.