Land Rover has just announced the details on the much-anticipated, completely re-designed 2013 Range Rover. While its been long assumed that the vehicle would become more luxurious (and it has) it's also quite clear that Land Rover hasn't forgotten the DNA that really makes the Range Rover what it is. Impressively, it seems that the new model actually gains several points in the off-road department. We can't wait to get one of the trail, but for now, let's focus on the technical details that Land Rover has just released.
For the first time, a diesel-hybrid Range Rover will be available for purchase in certain European and Asian markets, Unfortunately North America will not receive any of the diesel powerplants as many enthusiasts had hoped for, as it is not certified for sale in the region. Buyers in North America still have their choice of two familiar, and powerful engines, a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8, and a Supercharged 5.0L V8. New models receive front Brembo brake calipers, electric power steering (which uses less of the engines power) an available panoramic glass roof, and a power split tailgate.
Even though it rarely happened (and we loathe the fact) the 2003-12 "MK3" Range Rover barely made its way off the pavement, but when it did, you quickly realized the incredible ability it had. Quite simply, there is no other luxury SUV that can compete with the Range Rover when the road gets tough, and so far it's looking like it will stay that way. The re-designed 2013 model bests its predecessor in nearly every technical measure of off-road capability aside from ramp breakover angle, due to the slightly elongated wheelbase. Approach and departure angles have been improved along with the vehicle receiving an extra .67 inches of ground clearance at its highest setting. To reduce the likelihood of damaging the vehicle's underbody, extra effort has been placed in streamlining the underbody and suspension components. Wading depth has been increased to 35.4 inches, an impressive gain of 7.8 inches, due to an innovative design which draws air through ducting built into the hood.
The Range Rover also keeps its transfer case with an impressive 2.93:1 low range, 50/50 torque split, and a fully synchronized 'shift on the move' system allowing the driver to change between high and low range at speeds up to 37 mph. An electronically controlled multi-plate clutch provides torque biasing functions as well as a true center differential lock. An active locking rear differential is available, although currently only on Supercharged models.
Terrain Response 2 System
Since its introduction on the Range Rover in 2006, the Terrain Response system has made off-roading more accessible to the masses. To use the system, you simply select an appropriate setting such as "Mud and Ruts" and continue driving, allowing the vehicle to optimize its on-board systems for the conditions. Terrain Response 2 adds an additional "automatic" setting that takes even further advantage of the on-board sensors and automatically places the vehicle into one of the five settings. If desired, there is a manual override.
Suspension Architecture
The "MK4" retains the fully independent suspension architecture of its predecessor, with adding several aluminum components which help to reduce the weight of moving parts, resulting in a better ride. The new wide-spaced double-wishbone design in the front and advanced multi-link layout in the rear provide additional wheel travel over the outgoing model—with 10.2 inches up front, and 12.2 inches in the rear.
Air Suspension
Keeping with what is now Range Rover tradition, the new model is outfitted with air suspension at all four corners which helps the vehicle provide an additional .67-inch of ground clearance in off-road mode. An automatic system now varies ride heights between 1.6-inches and 2.95-inches above standard in the off-road mode, where the previous system only allowed for a single 2.2-inch position. The new system also allows for additional ride height at speeds up to 50 mph, compared to the previous 31 mph limitation. The system is also better equipped to detect deep wading conditions as well situations that would require additional ride height to prevent bottoming out.
For Land Rover enthusiasts such as myself, it's nice to see that the Range Rover hasn't completely lost its off-road prowess—in fact, it's improved it in many ways.
At the time of publishing, pricing details, and MPG figures had not yet been released.
Check out additional details about the launch of the new Range Rover here. [link]
For more information, you can also visit the following website:
http://allnewrangerover.landrover.com/us/en
Complete details:
- 37 exterior paint finishes, including 22 exclusive Autobiography colors
- 17 interior color themes, plus additional choice of seat color
- 3 interior veneers at launch, with more to follow
- 3 headlining colors
- Rear Individualized Seating
- 2 optional contrast roof colors – Santorini Black or Indus Silver
- 8 available alloy wheel designs on 19-, 20-, 21- and 22-inch wheels
- Available full-size panoramic roof
- Illuminated door sill plates on Autobiography trim level
- Electrically deployable side steps available as an Accessory
- Enhanced seating: High specification models now offer 20-way adjustable front seats with new features including 5-mode massage, cushion extension and winged headrests; rear seats now include standard power recline on high specification models, with power lumbar, climate control and winged headrests; the exclusive Individualized seating package can be specified as an option
- Premium Entertainment: DVD playback via 8-inch front touch screen; full Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) package, featuring twin 8-inch video screens and a dedicated remote control; RSE systems are supplied with 'White Fire' infra-red wireless digital headphones offering CD quality sound
- Available Customer Configurable LED Ambient Mood Lighting - variable colors
- Powered split tailgate: The characteristic Range Rover split tailgate is now fully power operated; power upper and lower gates offer flexible operation using the remote control key fob, buttons on the tailgate, or from the driver's seat
- Smart Key system: enables keyless entry and start
- Optional Soft close doors with power latching
- Power operated child locks: standard on rear doors
- Coolers: Available cooler compartment in the front center console armrest; a cooler compartment can also be specified in the rear with the Individualized seating package
- Heated windshield/seats/steering wheel: For cold climates, the new model offers a heated front windshield, plus individually adjustable heated front seats and steering wheel
- Powered split upper and lower tailgates
- High-end audio: Meridian surround sound music systems with audiophile-quality sound
- High-resolution displays: full digital instrument cluster and the central 8-inch touch-screen
- Voice control and connectivity: a seamless connectivity package for mobile devices
- All-new climate control systems with an available four-zone system
- Luxurious seating: available features include multi-mode massage, and the exclusive new Individualized Rear Seating package
- Adaptive Dynamics featuring continuously variable damping
- Two-channel Dynamic Response active lean control on Supercharged models
- Electric Power Assisted Steering, which enables Park Assist automated technology to help
- drivers parallel park their car in tight urban parking spots
- Adaptive Cruise Control – Radar based system with new Queue Assist feature which allows the system to continue functioning at low speeds and down to a complete stop
- Intelligent Emergency Braking (including Advanced Emergency Brake Assist) – to help reduce the risk of collision if the traffic ahead slows quickly or another vehicle suddenly moves into their lane
- Blind Spot Monitoring – with new Closing Vehicle Sensing feature to detect vehicles which are closing quickly from the rear in an adjacent lane
- Reverse Traffic Detection – to warn drivers of potential cross-traffic when reversing
- Adjustable Speed Limiter Device – enables the driver to set their own personal maximum speed
- Surround Camera System – with T Junction view, Trailer reverse park guidance, and Trailer hitch guidance.
- Hands-free mobile phone via Bluetooth, enabling the phone to be controlled via the 8-inch touchscreen or steering wheel controls
- Bluetooth audio streaming, to play music stored on a phone, or other portable Bluetooth device, via the car's audio system
- Voice control, with intuitive 'say what you see' display prompts
- USB connectivity for iPods®/MP3 players or memory sticks
- Individualized rear seating package includes additional USB connectivity for the rear passengers
