First Range Rover hybrids launched in UK
"We are extremely excited to introduce the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Hybrids, the world's first hybrid SUVs with legendary Land Rover capability. The addition of a smooth electric drive enhances refinement, cuts CO2 emissions and delivers staggering performance on a par with our legendary SDV8 engine," said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.
Hybrid system
Both hybrids are based on Land Rover's Premium Lightweight Architecture (ie. all-aluminium body structure) and share an identical powertrain, combining Land Rover's existing 3-litre SDV6 diesel engine with a 35kW electric motor integrated with the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
The electric motor produces 170Nm torque to boost acceleration and drives the vehicle in EV Mode. The motor also acts as a generator, harvesting kinetic energy through regenerative braking, charging the battery when the vehicle is slowing. In driver-selectable EV mode the Range Rover Hybrid can travel at speeds of up to 48km/h for a range of up to one 1.6km before the diesel engine seamlessly restarts.
Together, output of the diesel engine and electric motor is 250kW at 4,000rpm and a class-leading 700Nm torque between 1,500-3,000rpm, resulting in stunning SDV8-style performance. Both models accelerate to 100km/h in under seven seconds; deliver strong transient and mid-range performance with a top speed of 218km/h, combined with a 26 percent reduction in CO2 emissions to 169g/km, equivalent to 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
The hybrid system, including lithium ion battery pack, inverter and electric motor weighs less than 120kg.
The latest generation Range Rover models have all been designed with the integration of a hybrid system in mind. Consequently, the liquid cooled battery pack is mounted beneath the floor of the vehicle in a protective boron-steel cradle, so it doesn't impact on cabin or luggage space. The hybrids has the same seating capacity and luggage space as the standard vehicles, and also retain the full-size spare wheel.
Both hybrid Range Rover models retain Land Rover's peerless four-wheel drive system, including Terrain Response 2, as well as uncompromised wading and ground clearance.
Billed as the world's first premium diesel SUV hybrids, both models are expected to go on sale in northern hemisphere markets in 2014. Australian will likely follow soon after.
Hybrid Trek
Today, August 22, three Range Rover Hybrids will set off on an epic trip, from the home of the Range Rover brand in Solihull, travelling 16,000kms to the home of the parent company Tata, in Mumbai, India.
Dubbed the 'Silk Trail 2013', the expedition will visit 12 countries and take in some of the world's most challenging roads, passes and trails, including part of the ancient, 4,000 mile Silk Road connecting Asia with the Mediterranean. Land Rover says their trio are the first hybrid vehicles to ever attempt this challenging route.
The 'Silk Trail 2013' expedition featuring the New Range Rover Hybrid is scheduled to visit France, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China and India. The expedition will be broken into 10 separate legs, with the Range Rover Hybrid vehicles driven by teams of Land Rover development engineers and invited media - arriving in Mumbai on October 15.
Range Rover Hybrid - Technical Specifications
Range Rover Hybrid Range Rover Sport Hybrid
Engine type 3.0 SDV6 HEV 3.0 SDV6 HEV
Power kW/rpm 250kW@4000 250kW@4000
Torque Nm/rpm 700@1500-3000 700@1500-3000
0-100km/h secs 6.9 6.7
Max speed (km/h) 218 225
CO2 g/km* 169 169
Combined L/100km* 6.4 6.4
Kerb weight from kg 2394 2372
* Figures are global manufacturer estimates, Australian figures will be announced closer to release.
