If it were possible to peel away the disguise of this prototype spotted on public roads in Germany by the Carparazzi spy photographers, what you would see is something close to the production version of the upcoming new Range Rover.
Although it is expected the new flagship Land Rover model will build on the current, Discovery-based Range Rover Sport, indications are it will be a bigger car than today’s full-size Range Rover, which was originally launched in 2002 under BMW ownership and owed a lot to the then-current X5.
The cladding is so comprehensive that it is impossible to get a clear view of the next Rangie — Carparazzi noted the test mule’s clamshell bonnet, oversize headlights and Discovery 4 style windscreen — but indications are it will grow in most important directions compared with the present model.
This will mean more of everything: Passenger space, luggage carrying capacity and possibly towing capabilities.
But not necessarily weight. Most significant among the rumours is that, despite the size, the next Range Rover will be a lot lighter than the portly current model, reportedly by as much as 400kg through the use of an aluminium chassis using expertise from “sister” brand Jaguar.
Weight has been an issue with today’s Range Rover and Discovery models, and is something management has reportedly been unhappy about from day one – particularly with the current generation Discovery.
As far as engine options are concerned, it is expected the current range of powerplants will remain on offer, but supplemented by hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants that will borrow technology from the Range e concept.
Previously spotted testing earlier in the year wearing a modified current Range Rover shell, the next Range Rover is the fourth all-new model in the iconic brand’s history and the first to come under the ownership of Indian Tata group —also the owner of Jaguar.
Presently the full-size Range Rover represents only a small proportion of Land Rover sales in Australia, selling significantly less than the Discovery 4-based Range Rover Sport and well behind other models - including Defender - although it is slightly up on year-to-date figures over 2010.
The next Range Rover is expected to be launched in late 2012.
— with Carparazzi
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