Land Rover Discovery Sport achieved a new feat as the luxury SUV towed three train carriages, weighing more than 100 tonnes, along a railway track in a demonstration of towing capability. The 10km journey through the Rhine region of northern Switzerland put the compact Discovery Sport’s pulling power to the ultimate test. The stunt was designed by Land Rover engineers to clearly show the strength and capability of the Discovery Sport.The stunt was designed by Land Rover engineers to clearly show the strength and capability of the Discovery Sport.
The Discovery Sport has a certified maximum towing weight of 2,500kg (2.5 tonnes). The SUV, however, was able to pull 60 times its own weight with the Jaguar Land Rover’s 180PS Ingenium diesel engine that provides 430Nm of torque. In addition, the Discovery Sport benefitted from Land Rover’s portfolio of towing and traction technologies such as Terrain Response, Tow Assist, Tow Hitch Assist and All Terrain Progress Control – a semi-autonomous off-road driving system that automatically manages engine output and braking, to complete the stunt.
While the vehicle’s drivetrain remained unchanged, the only modification that was done was the fitment of rail wheels by specialists Aquarius Railroad Technologies, to act as ‘stabilisers’. Discovery Sport completed the impressive pull using its 9-speed automatic gearbox and Terrain Response technology to generate the necessary traction. Land Rover’s All Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) system was also engaged to maximise traction at a set speed.
The train-pulling feat was undertaken on 10km of track at the Museumsbahn Stein am Rhein in Switzerland, crossing the River Rhine on the dramatic Hemishofen bridge – a historic steel span measuring 935 feet long and soaring 85 feet above the valley floor. Here is the video of the Land Rover Discovery Sport pulling the luxury rail carriages:
https://youtu.be/l8rQEQAeET8
Wow OMG!