The big daddy of the luxury SUVs has officially been injected with new “life.” Photographs of the new Rangie have been circulating for some time, as we reported here, but specifications have now been released to whet the appetite of prospective buyers.
Firstly, we can expect to see a diesel hybrid towards the end of 2013, with a CO2 figure as low as 169g/km. All Range Rovers will now be built with an all-aluminium monocoque body structure, which has contributed to the slimming off of over 350kg from the previous generation vehicle.
The engines
The V8 supercharged model, producing 375kW, now gets to the 100km/h mark in a smidge over 5 seconds – as opposed to the previous smidge under 6 seconds. So, it’s still the magnificently powerful machine we’ve become used to, albeit in a somewhat lighter guise. Fuel consumption, accordingly, is set to be cut by 9% – which, in this market, is purely incidental. The only real world difference will be whether the lower carbon tax will outweigh the price increase – which has not yet been established – for the new model range.
In the rest of the line-up, a 3,0 litre TDV8 Rangie has been added to the list – instead of the 4,4 litre we saw before. Here, Land Rover claims a 22% drop in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, saying that the Range Rover will hit as low as 7.5 l/100km.
At just under 5m long, the new Range Rover has a very similar footprint to the outgoing model, but with a smoother and more streamline profile – the most aerodynamic Range Rover ever.
Bragging rights
“Launching the all-new Range Rover represents a major milestone for Land Rover, being the first exciting output from an unprecedented investment in premium vehicle technologies,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.
“The new Range Rover preserves the essential, unique character of the vehicle – that special blend of luxury, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability. However, its clean sheet design and revolutionary lightweight construction have enabled us to transform the experience for luxury vehicle customers, with a step change in comfort, refinement and handling.”
Features highlighted
As per Land Rover press release:
• Keyless entry, soft door close with power latching, power upper and lower tailgates, cooler compartments, and electrically deployable towbar
• High-end audio from British specialists Meridian – exclusive surround sound music systems with audiophile-quality sound
• Displays – state-of-the-art high-resolution displays, include the stunning full digital instrument cluster and the central 8-inch touch-screen with Dual-View functionality
• Voice control and connectivity – a seamless connectivity package for mobile devices
• Climate control – all-new best-in-class climate control systems, including the powerful new premium four-zone system and Park Heater timer facility
• Luxurious seating – upgraded seating with luxurious new features such as multi-mode massage, and the exclusive new Executive Class rear seating package
• Interior illumination – the latest LED illumination for subtle and sophisticated ambient lighting, including the ability to change the colour scheme to suit the driver’s mood
• Two-channel Dynamic Response active lean control, and Adaptive Dynamics with continuously variable damping
• Electric Power Assisted Steering, which enables Park Assist – the latest automated technology to help drivers parallel park their car in tight urban parking spots
• Adaptive Cruise Control – with new Queue Assist feature which allows the system to continue functioning at low speeds and down to a complete stop
• Intelligent Emergency Braking (including Advanced Emergency Brake Assist) – to help drivers avoid a collision if the traffic ahead slows quickly or another vehicle suddenly moves into their lane
• Blind Spot Monitoring – with new Closing Vehicle Sensing feature to detect vehicles which are closing quickly from a further distance behind
• Reverse Traffic Detection – to warn drivers of potential collisions during reversing manoeuvres
• Surround Camera System – with T Junction view, Trailer reverse park guidance, and Trailer hitch guidance.
The new Range Rover will be manufactured where it was designed – in the UK.