Advanced new Range Rover makes debut

Published Sep 7, 2012

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Following its web reveal in August, Land Rover has officially unveiled its advanced new fourth-generation Range Rover at a glitzy event in Richmond, UK.

Along with this the company has also released some new pictures and information, including details on the full engine line-up.

The most impressive technological feat, however, is how engineers managed to reduce the behemoth SUV's kerb weight by 420kg.

Much of this has to do with the fact that it's the first SUV in the world to use a lightweight all-aluminium monocoque body structure.

In addition to promising a "special blend of luxury, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability" the new Rangie is also more sustainable (and we're really talking in relative terms here) with fuel economy having improved by up to 22 percent.

STILL A TROOPER

However, buyers more concerned about performance than polar ice caps can still indulge in a supercharged V8 petrol engine, which puts out 375kW. While allegedly 9 percent more efficient than the previous equivalent model, the V8 is also quicker to 100km/h with a claimed 0-96km/h time of 5.1 seconds.

The range also offers two diesels in the form of a 190kW/600Nm 3-litre TDV6 and 249kW/700Nm 4.4-litre SDV8. The TDV6 is said to deliver similar performance to the previous V8 diesel, while claimed combined consumption amounts to just 7.5 litres per 100km - equating to a CO2 emissions figure of 196g/km. A diesel-electric hybrid rated at 169g/km will be added to the range later next year.

All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to all wheels via a full-time "intelligent" four-wheel drive system.

A two-speed transfer box is on hand for those steep slopes and the vehicle is reputed to offer class-leading wheel travel, exceptional wheel articulation and a wading depth of 900mm. A real off-roader is most certainly is - at least to those audacious enough to take such an expensive concoction of metal into the wilds.

TERRAIN RESPONSE FOR DUMMIES

In fact it's so advanced that you won't even have to think about what terrain you're tackling. Its new-generation Terrain Response system has the brains to analyse the current driving conditions and automatically select the most suitable vehicle settings.

But let's face it, these SUVs are going to be spending almost all of their time on tar and here the sophisticated chassis with continuously variable damping and the sumptuous interior are really what's going to make the deal for occupants.

Inside the Range Rover has over 118mm more legroom than its predecessor and for those who prefer to leave the driving to Jeeves, there's the option of a new two-seat Executive Class rear seating package.

Naturally, this 4x4 is packed with high-end gadgets and features, from powered upper and lower tailgates to cooler compartments, high-end Meridian surround sound music systems, high-resolution displays with Dual-View, four-zone climate control with Park Heater timer and seats with multi-mode massaging capability. You can even tailor the LED interior mood lighting to your own mood.

THE LIST GOES ON

As for driving aids, the list includes adaptive cruise control, emergency brake assist, blind spot monitoring, reverse traffic detection and a surround camera system with T Junction view, trailer reverse park guidance and trailer hitch guidance.

All of this, of course, is going to come at a price. We won't be able to give you South African prices until it's launched here in January next year, but will inevitably cost more than it does in the UK, where pricing ranges from £71 295 (R940 000) to £98 395 (R1.29-million).

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