The first images of all new next gen Range Rover is out. The new Range Rover is all set to make its first public debut in a couple of months at the Paris Motor show before hitting the market early next year.
For the first time in 42 years, styling and dynamics are not the chief parts of the new gen Range Rover. But there is something more, the most significant change in the vehicle’s 42 year history is adoption of all aluminum monologue body and chassis that removes about 420kg of the current Range Rover’s weight and induces major effect in fuel economy, performance, emissions and agility.
The new model becomes the world’s first all-aluminummonocoque SUV. It utilizes the same technique that is being used by its sister brand Jaguar for its XK and XJ range. In the future almost all of the higher range vehicles are likely to be made in the same way.
According to the report from Land Rover, the new model has incremented much of the performance improvement over its predecessors. JhonEdwar, Global Brand Director, said that the vehicle preserves the essential and unique Range Rover character while at the same time its clean sheet design and lightweight structure will transform the experience of the customers with a change in comfort, handling and refinement.
He also added that the new structure is not only 39% lighter than the previous steel structure but also possess more torsion and bending strength. The new aluminum sub-frames in the rear and front compliments the new design with independent air suspensions. The chassis houses latest electronic ride and stability control equipment. The vehicle also include smarter and responsive Terrain response 2 auto system that checks the on road and off road conditions more efficiently and configures the car according to the current conditions.
The first official pictures show an increase in the wheelbase of about 100mm and it is quite evident that there is similar increase in the front and rear tracks. These changes are mainly to stabilize the vehicle. Each surface of the new model is new but the designing team lead by Gerry McGovern has been entirely tied up to the ethics of Range Rover. The 2013 model also displayed the sophistication and smoothness that made previous L322 version older.
The new element incorporated are the all new floating roof, the blacked pillars, high swage lines on sides, the clamshell bonnet, two piece tailgate and distinct Range Rover script on the bonnet. The headlights have been revived, and grille has been slightly racked, which gives it more dynamic and slicker look.
Moreover designers are promising changes while on the move also. The all new aluminum body has been optimized to work along with laminated screens and side glass to suppress outside noise.
The new Range Rover is available in three engines. The diesel versions are the new 3.0 litre V6 engine which has been developed over years and the 4.4 litre V8 engine, which currently powers existing Range Rover models. The petrol version will be the Range Rover 5.0 litre supercharged V8 engine which is being already offered.
All engines will be coupled with eight speed ZF automatic transmission without option of any manual gearbox. The Range Rover will also come with entire package of the chassis electronics like ABS and traction control systems as well as improved Terrain Response 2 auto facility.
Land Rover has yet not revealed the prices for the vehicle but is expected to price around 70,000 pound and premium models may cost up to 120,000 pounds.