The fourth generation Range Rover will be seen for the first time at the Paris motor show in September. Land Rover says the new model will be over 400kg lighter thanks to its aluminium platform.
The new vehicle, developed under the L405 codename, is claimed to be the world’s first SUV with an all-aluminium unibody structure. In US market spec, the weight saving of the 5.0-litre V8 model is said to be 700lbs, while Land Rover quotes a figure of 420kg (926lbs) for variants sold in some other regions. The outgoing model has a steel body and an architecture which was derived from that of the E53 BMW X5.
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As with the current Range Rover (L322), pneumatic suspension is to be standard for all model grades but this is a new system which takes into account the almost 40% weight loss. The ride is said to be as good as that of the acclaimed third generation model but steering feel and cornering abilities are claimed to be have been greatly improved.
Land Rover has also paid much attention to NVH, specifying acoustically laminated glass for the windscreen and side windows. The emphasis on improved passenger comfort also sees rear legroom extended by “over 4.7 inches”. Buyers can also order the vehicle with two rear seats instead of the standard bench.
The split tailgate that has always defined the Range Rover features on the new model but there is now electric opening and closing for both upper and lower sections.
The engine line-up will consist of V6 and V8 diesels as well as normally aspirated and supercharged versions of the existing 5.0-litre petrol V8. Land Rover is yet to reveal the new model’s full specifications. The division says it will do so “in September 2012, ahead of the Paris motor show”. An on-sale date of December is quoted for North American markets and January for the UK and other parts of Europe.
The new Range Rover should get off to a strong sales start thanks to the current model having built up a large owner base in the almost ten years it has been in production. It also hits the market ahead of the replacements for the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Cadillac Escalade, each of which is due to be launched in 2013, as is a mid-life facelift for the Porsche Cayenne. The Lexus LX 570 is not due to be renewed until 2014, while it is not yet clear if the Lincoln Navigator and Navigator L will be replaced in 2013 due to low sales of the current models.
Author: Glenn Brooks
