Land Rover has been spotted testing a prototype for a
redesigned Range Rover.
The new mid-size luxury SUV is expected to debut alongside a
redesigned version of the stretched
Range Rover Long Wheelbase sometime next year, which means we'll
likely see it arrive as a 2022 model. A new Range Rover Sport should also be
coming, likely one year after the Range Rover.
Land Rover only last year introduced an updated Range Rover
that offered a new inline-6 engine and mild-hybrid system as the base
powertrain. But the current generation dates back to 2013 so it makes sense the
redesigned, fourth-generation model is coming up soon.
Compared to the current Range Rover, Land Rover's design
team looks to have implemented a slightly less boxier shape for the redesigned
model's cabin. The wheel arches also appear to be a bit more pronounced. Finer
details, like the accents in the lights, are similar to what we see on
the redesigned
Defender introduced for 2020.
Underpinning the vehicle is Land Rover's MLA (Modular
Longitudinal Architecture) platform that debuts this year in a redesigned
Jaguar XJ. It was previously thought the platform would debut in the
redesigned Defender but Land Rover went with an evolution of the D7 platform
instead for the off-roader. The D7 platform underpins the outgoing Range Rover
and Range Rover Sport, as well as the Discovery.
The new MLA platform has been designed to fit
battery-electric powertrains and will eventually underpin most models from the
Jaguar and Land Rover brands. The platform will also be lighter than the
aluminum-intensive D7 platform.
When it comes to power trains, a mild-hybrid setup will
remain the base option, while a new plug-in hybrid setup featuring an engine
mated to an electric motor at the front axle and a second electric motor
powering the rear axle is expected to replace the current Range Rover Sport
plug-in hybrid's single-electric motor setup. A battery-electric power train
will also be offered and targeted at buyers in urban areas.
It isn't clear if a V-8 will still be on offer, though a
deal with BMW Group could potentially make it happen. Jaguar Land Rover and BMW
Group are already poised to share
some engines and
electric power trains, and hopefully a V-8 is on the cards. Jaguar Land
Rover's current 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 is expected to be phased out at the
end of 2020.
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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