Land Rover confirms a diesel-electric hybrid for 2013
Along with details about its 2013 Range Rover, Land Rover teases with an announcement about an upcoming diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain for its signature SUV.
Land Rover released details today of its 2013 Range Rover and confirmed a diesel-electric hybrid version to come later. The redesigned model will become available on dealer lots later in 2012, while keys for the spiffy new hybrid-powered vehicles can be had in 2013.
Though the British company offered specifications for Range Rover's conventional drivetrain, as of right now details on the diesel-electric hybrid are slim. It has yet to be confirmed for U.S. markets, although we'll keep our fingers crossed for now. For those of you interested in getting your hands on either of the V-8-powered options, you'll be treated to changes in styling inside and out, a lighter, more ridged aluminum unibody, and, naturally, the Range Rover's impressive offroad ability. That said, if the price is anything like the current model, you'd be insane to risk taking one on anything more exciting than a potholed city street.
The new Range Rover will initially be offered with a 5-liter V-8, making 375 horsepower, and a supercharged version of the same, with an output of 510 horsepower. These engines will be mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission by ZF, which should aid fuel economy. Other equipment includes Land Rover's Terrain Response System, which lets the driver dial in performance based on the type of terrain being covered.
One of the biggest developments for the new car is its huge weight loss. The most luxurious Range Rover has shed almost 700 pounds, while lesser-trim Ranger Rovers lose up to 930 pounds. This savings is largely due to the new aluminum unibody being 39 percent lighter than the outgoing steel-bodied model. In addition to the body and frame, lighter-alloy wheels and a less bulky engine block make up more savings. No word yet on how this will affect the amount of fuel used, but it should be a more efficient car all around.
Along with a slew of pictures, Land Rover published this snazzy video of the new Range Rover driving over streets and desert sand dunes. Exciting stuff.