JLR finally unveiled the all-new, four-generation, 2013 Range Rover ahead of its official debut at Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris next month. The new Rangie is longer, stronger, and more refined than the old model, and it’s much lighter – some 420 kg lighter. The looks have also changed, rather drastically. Range Rover says it is a modern interpretation of iconic design cues.
Still, you may need some time to adjust to the way it looks.
One can clearly see the Evoque impact in the design of the new Range Rover, and that’s great. It makes the car look sportier and cooler, without making it any less majestic. It’s just that it has slightly weird taillights that don’t seem to fit the rest of the car properly. Apart from that, the new RR looks as awesome as ever, especially with the new blacked-out roof and pillars.
Enough about the aesthetics. Let’s get to the technical bits because that’s things get really interesting. The new car features a revolutionary lightweight all-aluminium monocoque body structure is 39 per cent lighter than the steel body, hence the 420 kg light saving.
The lightweight body not only improves the efficiency, in combination with a completely re-engineered four-corner air suspension it also results in an even more luxurious and comfortable ride and more agile handling.
Also improved in the new model is the Terrain Response system. The already brilliant feature has been put through punishing on- and off-road test and development regime, with a fleet of development vehicles covering millions of miles over 18 months of arduous tests in more than 20 countries with extremes of climate and road surfaces.
The engine lineup remains the same as before, consisting of a supercharged V8 petrol engine, TDV6 and TDV8 diesel engines. But duo to the new featherweight structure, they are all much more economical now.
2013 Range Rover also comes with a new cabin featuring a luxurious, almost Rolls Royce-like design and trims. Aside using the finest leathers and veneers, RR engineers have also worked very hard on soundproofing the interior, so the rear passengers can enjoy their 118mm more legroom in quiet and comfort. There is also an option for a new two-seat Executive Class seating package for the ultimate in rear-seat luxury.
As usual, the car comes with tons of equipments, such as exclusive Meridian surround sound music systems and upper and lower tailgates, to advanced chassis and driver assistance technologies.
The new Range Rover will become available to order for September 2012.
