New Range Rover gets all-aluminium body and hybrid engine

The new model is the result of a £370million investment in aluminium manufacturing technology made at the company's state of the art Solihull plant. The vehicle is said to be 20% lighter than previous models, with fuel consumption and carbion dioxide emissions reduced by 22%. "Launching the all-new Range Rover represents a major milestone for Land Rover, being the first exciting output from an unprecedented investment in premium vehicle technologies," said JLR's global band director John Edwards. "The new model's 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." The Range Rover features a 507bhp V6 turbo-charged diesel engine linked to an electric motor and battery, which capture motion energy generated when the car brakes and decelerates before storing it in the battery and releasing it to power the electric motor. This either boosts the diesel engine or allows the car to travel under electric power only, reducing fuel consumption and pollution. Two diesel engines – a 255bhp TDV6 and a 336bhp SDV8 – are also available, which both come with an eight speed automatic gearbox. "This outstanding new Range Rover symbolises our commitment to investing in Britain and exporting around the world," commented JLR'S CEO Dr Ralf becker. "As the UK's leading automotive investor in R&D we are proud of the work that has gone into developing the new technologies and innovations to make the new Range Rover possible." First deliveries of the new model are expected later this year.