The newest Range Rover, the new Range Rover, claims to have become more capable off-road vehicle. According to Land Rover, the Range Rover 4 off-road is more frugal, more spacious, more refined as well as lighter than its predecessor.
Made up of a total of 270 aluminum pressings, fourteen castings, ten steel pressings and nine extrusions; the new Range Rover claims to be the world’s first sports utility vehicle (SUV) with an aluminum monocoque construction. The manufacturer has pressed the bodyside of the vehicle in one piece, and also used high-strength AC300 T61 aluminum in its crash structure.
The new off-road vehicle is impressively lighter than its predecessors as well as many of its competitors. Its shell is almost 180 kilograms lighter than that of its predecessor. It is also lighter than the BMW 3-series and the Audi Q5 by 23 kilograms and 85 kilograms respectively.
The new off-road car comes equipped with a fifth-generation air-suspension system, a clean-sheet design, aluminum double-wishbones at the front and a multi-link design at the rear. Its new air-compressor boosts performance and allows better control of the pressure when the vehicle runs in the air springs.
Off-road, ground clearance of the vehicle in the front, rear and wheel travel has been enhanced by 18mm, to 296mm, 310mm, and 597mm, respectively. Wading depth has been increased from 700mm to 900mm.
The all-wheel-drive vehicle’s new eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox has a wider ratio spread. It makes use of the torque convertor for launch, before boosting for maximum efficiency. The manufacturer has fitted Brembo 6-pot callipers and 380mm discs to the front wheels. In addition, the vehicle has got a new electric power steering system.
The new car has the V6 diesel engine (286bhp) plus an 8-speed ZF auto with an integrated permanent magnet AC (47bhp) along with 1.7 kWh Li-ion battery. It is capable of running as engine only, electric-motor only as well as both motors together.
It offers much improved rear cabin space, 40mm longer wheelbase and wider rear door aperture for easier access. Legroom has been increased by 118mm. For ride quality and tyre & wind noise, the new Range rover has been benchmarked against well-known luxury cars like the Mercedes S-Class and Bentley Flying Spur.
The Range Rover 4 is due in late 2013.