Spy shots – 2013 Range Rover

The new generation of the Range Rover will arrive in 2013 and it is expected to feature a lightweight rivet-bonded aluminum chassis which is based on a modified platform that underpins the XJ model. By implementing this new lightweight material, the car will probably be up to 40% lighter in comparison to the current model so it is expected to be 660-880 pounds lighter.

For certain elements like the rear tailgate and the body panels, the company’s engineers will use advanced composites. As a result, the car will have a curb weight similar to that of a fully-loaded luxury sedan, promising to bring better fuel efficiency and increased performance. Some of the models are expected to deliver 33.3 mpg in the combined cycle.

Land Rover will use the same platform for the Range Rover Sport that will replace the LR4 model in the company’s lineup and it will be available for the first time in its history with a 7-seat configuration.

The photographers from Motor Authority have managed to grab a few spy shots with one of the prototypes while conducting some tests in Germany. Also known as the L405, the new generation of the Range Rover appears to be a little bit longer compared to the model you see on the roads today, while the roofline will be lowered significantly. As a result, the offroader will look smaller and it should have a lower drag.

As for the engines, most likely these will be borrowed from the current generation model, including here the V8 5.0-liter supercharged and naturally aspirated engines, along with a few new turbodiesels that will probably be available only in Europe since the U.S. is not a big fan of diesels. The British automaker will also be working on a hybrid version of the Range Rover that will be able to return somewhere around 33 mpg.

The new generation of the Land Rover Range Rover will probably make its official debut next March at the 2012 edition of the Geneva Motor Show or later on in April at the New York Auto Show.

Source: Motor Authority

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