Ride & Handling Optimization (page 2 of 7)

traction and performance for the prevailing terrain conditions. The system cannot be switched off. The 'special programs 
off' is the default program and covers all general driving conditions. Four specific terrain programs are selectable to cover 
all terrain surfaces.  
 
The system is controlled by a rotary control located on the center console, rearward of the selector lever (automatic 
transmission) or gearshift lever (manual transmission). The rotary control allows the selection of one of the following five 
programs:  
 

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Special programs off  

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Grass/Gravel/Snow  

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Mud/Ruts  

l

Sand  

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Rock crawl.  

The rotary control can be rotated through 360 degrees or more in either direction and selects each program in turn. When 
Terrain Response is fitted to a vehicle, a hi-line instrument cluster will also be fitted which will display the selected 
program in the message center.  
 
The Terrain Response system uses a combination of a number of vehicle subsystems to achieve the required vehicle 
characteristics for the terrain selected. The following subsystems make up the Terrain Response system:  
 

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Engine management system  

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Automatic transmission (if fitted)  

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Transfer box (center differential)  

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Rear differential (electronically controlled)  

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Brake system (ABS/DSC/ETC/HDC functions)  

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Air suspension.  

A Terrain Response control module is located below the rotary control. The control module detects the selection made on 
the rotary control and transmits a signal on the high speed CAN which is received by each of the subsystem control 
modules. Each of the affected control modules contain software which applies the correct operating parameters to their 
controlled system for the Terrain Response program selection made. Each control module also provides a feedback for 
the selected program so that the Terrain Response control module can check that all systems have changed to the 
correct operating parameters.  
 
Information is displayed in the instrument cluster message center which informs the driver of improvements which can be 
made to the vehicle operating parameters to optimise the vehicle for the prevailing conditions. Inexperienced off-road 
drivers may benefit from the automatic assistance of the Terrain Response system and the driver information. 
Experienced off-road drivers can select the specific programs for extreme conditions to access control over the vehicle 
systems (e.g., throttle shift maps or traction settings) which are not accessible on vehicles without Terrain Response.  
 

TERRAIN RESPONSE ROTARY CONTROL AND MODULE