Range Rover has pulled out all stops to pare weight from its new model range – the fourth generation is the world’s first full-size SUV to use an all-aluminium body claimed to be 39 [per-cent lighter than the superseded model’s steel bodyshell.
Full details will be announced at the Paris Motor Show, but all-up, the new Range Rover is 420kgs lighter than its predecessor – that translates into improved dynamics and significant cuts in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
The new looks give the iconic British SUV a sharper edge highlighted by the all-new front-end. “Designing the next generation Range Rover, following over forty years of success, came with a huge responsibility to protect the DNA of such an icon,” revealed Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s design chief. “Our design team worked incredibly hard to capture the elegant proportions and pure surfaces which have been a feature of the best range Rover designs.”
Major changes inside too with even more space. Rear seat legroom has grown by 118mm and there is an option to fit two individual seats in the rear in pace of the traditional three-seat arrangement.
Underneath, the new Range Rover delivers even better off-road capability with the introduction of Terrain Response 2 as well as enhanced on-road agility thanks to its lighter weight and re-tuned suspension. Range Rover says its new model will corner flatter thanks to all-new aluminium front and rear architecture and re-engineered air suspension.
Powertrains have been improved and will comprise refined V8 petrol engines plus the two diesels – TDV6 and SDV8.
The latest Range Rover’s extensive use of aluminium has required massive investment in new production technologies and will be manufactured in a new plant at the company’s HQ in Solihull, UK.
“The new Range Rover preserves the essential, unique character of the vehicle – that special blend of luxury, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability. However it’s a 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,” explained Land Rover’s global boss John Edwards.
Deliveries of the new Range Rover start next year.
