Range Rover Range Rover (L405)

[HighestOfHigh]

Land Rover will be releasing official information on the 2013 Range Rover very, very soon, but as to be expected, the first few images of the new SUV have leaked onto the internet.

The big daddy Range Rover uses full design cues pulled from the smaller Evoque – the headlamp corners that are swept back over the front quarter panel, for example – but we have to admit, this thing looks more like a one-off Ford Flex than a sleek new Land Rover. Most of us on staff prefer the design of the current SUV, at least on the basis of these leaked images. We'll wait until we see the full brace of images and get an in-person look before we write it off as being unattractive.

We'll have official details coming soon, but it's safe to say that the new Range Rover will be lighter than its predecessor, thanks to an aluminum frame and lightweight components throughout the body. We fully expect V8 power to be on tap for the U.S., but don't rule out the use of Jaguar Land Rover's new 3.0-liter supercharged V6, either. Stay tuned for more information.

- http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/first-2013-land-rover-range-rover-images-leak-out/

 

[tristatez28lt1]

Looks like the renders were very accurate this time. And yes it looks exactly like a Ford Explorer.
No thanks to that.

 

[mini_cooper4]

Exactly what I've expected just a bit worse...
but really what the **** is this ????
BMW's Range Rover is in production for over a decade and is still a great SUV and now the greatest downgrade in the automotive history... that's what Ford is capable of doing...

 

[Tarek]

Haha..what's this?..the GL-Class looks tons better than this.

 

[omoderncultureo]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/upcomingvehiclesx/sets/72157631068669958/

 

[Tumbo]

Omg... They ruined such a cool car!
And the Evoque is so sexy!

But this...? FAIL

 

[Merc1]

I actually like this. The interior looks really barren. I can't wait until that press release comes out.


M

 

[MarcinM]

interior dissapoints compared to the current car, however i like the sharpened up evoque style exterior.

 

[martinbo]

I like the exterior a lot. I like that interior even more. It'll look tremendous in the metal, I'm sure.

 

[rollo]

I was very skeptical at first that it would resemble a Ford Explorer, but this might turn out to be very good looking. And I like the interior as well.

 

[omoderncultureo]

Here's the Press Release:

THE ALL-NEW 2013 RANGE ROVER

Land Rover Introduces the Next Generation of the World's Most Iconic Luxury SUV

• Unmistakably a Range Rover, a modern interpretation of iconic design cues

• Legendary Land Rover off-road capability with transformed on-road handling and agility

• Lighter, stronger and more refined. The world's first SUV with an all-aluminum unibody structure

• Weight savings of up to 926lbs (420kg) when compared to the outgoing model delivers improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions. A US specification V8 model is approximately 700lbs lighter than similarly equipped outgoing model

• A more spacious and luxurious interior provides a truly composed motoring experience for all occupants. Rear legroom increases 4.7 inches

• Adaptive dynamics suspension system further refines ride quality

• Enhanced all-terrain performance with the introduction of a new fully automatic Land Rover "Terrain Response 2 Auto®" system

• Designed and engineered in Britain at Land Rover's development centers throughout the UK

• Manufactured in a new aluminum production facility at Land Rover's Home in Solihull, United Kingdom

Mahwah, New Jersey, USA, August 15, 2012 – The new 2013 Land Rover Range Rover has been engineered from the ground up to be the most capable, most refined Range Rover ever. Lighter, stronger, and with new levels of refinement, the next Range Rover reinforces its position among the finest luxury vehicles.

As the fourth generation of the Range Rover line, this all-new model was developed from the ground up, capturing the innovative spirit and iconic design of the original model which changed the world of motoring when it was launched over 40 years ago.

Designed and engineered at Land Rover's development centers in the United Kingdom, the next Range Rover will be produced at a new manufacturing facility at Solihull, United Kingdom which employs the latest low-energy aluminum body construction technologies.

The all-aluminum unibody structure is 39 percent lighter than the steel body in the outgoing model. This enables a total vehicle weight savings of up to 926lbs, depending on market and specifications. The US specification vehicle with the naturally-aspirated 5-liter V8 will be approximately 700lbs lighter than the outgoing equivalent. This new aluminum platform delivers significant enhancements in performance and agility, along with an improvement in fuel economy and reduction in CO2 emissions.

In addition to the strong and rigid aluminum body, an all-new aluminum front and rear chassis architecture has been developed and paired with a with completely re-engineered four-corner air suspension. The luxurious ride has been retained, while the vehicle's handling and agility have been sharpened. The new suspension architecture delivers flatter, more confident cornering abilities, with a natural and intuitive steering feel.

John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director, said: "The new Range Rover preserves the essential, unique character of the vehicle – that special blend of luxury, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability. However, its clean sheet design and revolutionary lightweight construction have enabled us to transform the experience for luxury vehicle customers, with a step change in comfort, refinement and handling."

Within the cabin, the all-new Range Rover provides occupants with a sensation of serene isolation, meeting the highest standards for Range Rover refinement. Measures like the rigorously optimized body structure and acoustic lamination of the windshield and side door glass have significantly reduced noise levels, while the new suspension architecture has enabled engineers to achieve heightened levels of ride comfort, refinement, and control.

With over 4.7 inches more legroom than the outgoing model, the rear occupants benefit from vastly increased space and comfort. The option of a two place rear seating package provides for the ultimate in personalized rear-seat luxury.

To deliver the characteristic effortless performance expected by customers, the Range Rover will continue to offer a choice of V8 engines in the North American market, enhanced by new eight-speed ZF automatic transmissions.

Each new Land Rover model is extensively tested for durability and reliability. The new Range Rover has been subjected to Land Rover's punishing on-and off-road test and development regime. A fleet of development vehicles covered millions of miles over 18 months, with arduous tests in more than 20 countries through extremes of climate and road surfaces.

The all-new Land Rover Range Rover has a clean and elegant shape which is inspired by a fresh new interpretation of classic Range Rover design cues. While instantly recognizable as a Range Rover, the new vehicle takes a step forward with a bold evolution of the model's iconic design language.

The sumptuous interior incorporates distinctive Range Rover design cues, but executed with a very contemporary treatment. Clean, elegant surfaces are flawlessly presented using the finest leathers and veneers.

"Designing the next generation Range Rover, following over forty years of success, came with a huge responsibility to protect the DNA of such an icon," said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer. "Our design team worked incredibly hard to capture the elegant proportions and pure surfaces which have been a feature of the best Range Rover designs."

The all-new Range Rover has been engineered with the latest developments in vehicle technologies. Exclusive sound systems by renowned British audio specialists MeridianTM are standard. A thoughtfully designed split power folding upper and lower tailgate setup offers ease of access and versatility. Advanced chassis and driver assistance technologies are abundant. Amongst the innovations featured in the new Range Rover is the next-generation of Land Rover's Terrain Response® system, which analyses the current driving conditions and road surfaces through on-board sensors, and automatically selects the most suitable vehicle settings program for the terrain.

The all-new Range Rover will be available in over 160 markets worldwide, with North American customer deliveries scheduled to start in December 2012.

 

[Merc1]

Weight savings of up to 926lbs (420kg) when compared to the outgoing model delivers improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions. A US specification V8 model is approximately 700lbs lighter than similarly equipped outgoing model.

OMG! Jaguar and Land Rover finally have the funding to do some real engineering, FINALLY. That much weight should make a dramatic difference on the road.


M

 

[PHYBENZ]

Interesting details on the exterior like the metal accent at the bottom of the doors that then runs onto the gills. The interior looks a little plain but of high quality. Perceived quality blows the GL away, sorry to say. Why can't MB put wood like Range Rover does around their controls instead of that ugly black plastic around the radio and the plain interior colored plastic around the AC controls.

 

[Merc1]

Thats what I was trying to explain another thread about the RR vs the GL. The look of the RR is untouchable, the materials look better. The whole presentation is more bespoke and just a level above anything else in the SUV world. That is what sells these things, the look inside and out, and the status that comes from that. It sure isn't the reliability. Off road capability, but I have yet to see one caked in mud or dirt as if it just came from an off roading session, like I've seen Jeep Wranglers.


M

 

[PHYBENZ]

I mean look at even that small metal tray under the door arm rest above the wood. That detail is great. GL is very cookie cutter, especially since the interior is lifted off the much cheaper ML. Makes MB's margins bigger, but still...

 

[Mss7211]

It's definitely beyond all

 

[Centurion]

I actually like this. The interior looks really barren. I can't wait until that press release comes out.


M

That makes it two of us. Two days ago I was in I-loathe-Ford-Explorer-Mode but now I am completely won over. The above photo says it all. What an incredible SUV. At first sight the car does look like an abomination, not because it is one but because it's a big departure for the muscular and utilitarian appearance we love so much.
Now, the car has reincarnated into something different, something new. It's no longer a SUV but a luxury cruiser. The sleek body panels sans-protruding bumpers or wheel arches says it all. Land Rover are gunning for the S-Class and the LWB model will stress that even harder. To better understand the car one has to look at the Evoque and the up and coming Range Rover Sport. All three cars will form a gorgeous gradient going from:

Aggressive(Evoque) to Athletic(Range Rover Sport) to Elegant(Range Rover) targeting three different consumers very well.

Those disappointed by this new Range Rover will probably be more pleased with the new Range Rover Sport since it will be less blingy than the Evoque but less “plain” than the Rover Rover. But for now, I think the new Range Rover looks fantastic and will have people gob smacked by how sleek and well composed it is unlike the norm for large SUVs which are chunky and intimidating.

 

[martinbo]

It's late. I ought to go to bed. But I came back into this thread just to have another look at this new Range Rover again. And I love it; I'm no designer's arse but I see a huge dose of Art-deco in the exterior design. The interior is immaculate. This is the anti-SAV, the anti-Cayenne because it's no SUV, no Sporty Utility... it's a luxury multi-terrain vehicle. Pure motoring aristocracy.

 

[Centurion]

More eye candy is to come when we see real life shots of the car from angles like this one:
It's one hell of a regal shape. Land Rover have designed one hell of a Land Yatch! The outgoing model already looks old dated now.

 

[Cashmere]

Love it! Very subtle aesthetic changes but it looks great.