Land Rover will be launching their first line of hybrid models.
The 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Hybrid has been announced with a target date for release sometime in 2014.
Up till now, no other automotive manufacturer managed to release premium diesel SUV hybrid. Land Rover paves the way with two models, the base and Sport models, that share the same architecture, all-aluminum body and the same powertrain.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Hybrid SUV | Base Price: NA |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 22.5 gals (85 L) | MPG for Hybrid Mode: 44 avg |
| Length: 196.8 in. (499.9 cm) | Wheel Base: 115.0 in. (292.2 cm) |
| Height: 72.2 in. (183.5 cm) | Width: 81.6 in. (207.3 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 5278 lbs (2394 kg) | Maximum Seating: 7 people |
| Engine: V6 SD HEV Diesel | Displacement: 3.0 Liter |
| Combined Horsepower: 337 HP | Max RPM: 4000 RPM |
| Torque: 518 lb-ft @ 1500-3000 rpm | Transmission: 8-Speed ZF Automatic |
| Electric Motor: 35 kW | Torque: 126 lb ft |
| 0-62 mph: 6.9 seconds | Maximum Speed: 135 mph (218 km/h) |
* Base 2014 Land Rover Range Rover
Engine
The two models will be available with the same 3.0 SD V6 engine with a total power of 337 horsepower at 4000 rpm. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds while the speed has been limited to 135 MPH.
Fuel efficiency has been optimized for a 44.1 MPG. At the same time, CO2 emissions have been reduced by 26% when compared with an all gas SUV. Both models are four-wheel drives and aided by an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Performance
As a four-wheel drive, the SUV is stable during difficult road conditions. Road grip is satisfactory. The Terrain Response 2 system has been added to improve car stability and ground clearance.
Exterior
From the outside the Land Rover shows the characteristics of a typical off-road vehicle. It features a large frontal grill that connects the two rectangular headlights right above the front bumper.
The distance to the ground is higher than with a city SUV. Looking at the rear of the hybrid, it features two thin vertical stop lights, a large rear window and a minimalist type of bumper.
The upcoming hybrid SUV from Land Rover will open the road for other manufacturers. The Hybrid Range Rover manages to provide fuel efficiency and confidence that people have come to expect from this SUV giant.
