New Range Rover Spied Again: AutoExpress

Thursday, September 29, 2011

New Range Rover Spied Again: AutoExpress

AutoExpress's spies catch bigger, better luxury SUV on test – it will be lighter and greener, with an array of technology

2013 Range Rover

The next Range Rover is shaping up. These are the latest spy shots of the all-new luxury SUV, which will arrive next year with lower running costs, more space and better performance.

It will take the fight to the Porsche Cayenne, and over the coming years will also have to compete with the Maserati Kubang and a new Bentley SUV. So Land Rover has improved the flagship in every way.

It’ll still be instantly recognizable as a Range Rover, though. Just look at the bluff front end with its wide chrome grille and the ‘floating’ glass area. To give it a more modern look, and increase road presence, the designers will round off the edges and add LED daytime running lights. Under the fresh body lies a new aluminium chassis that helps to shed 500kg – allowing the big 4x4 to tip the scales at around 2,000kg.

This weight reduction is combined with a revised power-train, consisting of an uprated 320bhp 4.4-litre diesel engine and a tweaked eight-speed automatic gearbox with stop-start. It all helps to dramatically cut the Range Rover’s emissions from 253g/km to less than 180g/km and bring average fuel economy up to 35mpg.

A diesel V6 is also planned, and if money is no object, you’ll be able to specify a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 as well. A mild hybrid using an electric motor attached to the gearbox is rumored, too.

Inside, rear seat passengers get more space, in response to some complaints that the current Range Rover isn’t roomy enough.

There will also be plenty of gadgets, such as direct syncing of smart-phones, plus integration of devices like the iPad for rear-seat entertainment.

Expect the new model to be revealed at next March’s Geneva Motor Show, with sales starting in the summer. Prices are likely to increase, meaning the range will start from around £70,000.