The all-new, fourth-generation, Range-Rover is undergoing its final few months of testing before making an expected showroom debut early next year. The launch of the new car will see the biggest technical leap yet in the 42-year history of the model as it switches to an all-new aluminium monocoque platform.
Developed from the pressed-and-riveted technology used by Jaguar under the XJ saloon, the new lightweight platform is expected to shave a massive 400kgs from the weight of today’s production car. Sources suggest that if the Mk4 is equipped with the new V6 petrol engine being developed by JLR, the lightest version of the new Range Rover could tip the scales at just under two tonnes.
See the latest spy pictures of the new Range Rover
However, the new Range Rover will be heading further upmarket, with entry-level prices likely to start at £70,000 and there’s no definitive news yet on the likely engine line-up for the new vehicle. Indeed, in preparation for the new model, today’s Range Rover is now only available with V8 petrol and V8 diesel engines and in two upmarket trims: Westminster and Autobiography.
Range Rover’s design team hasn’t strayed too far from the look of today’s model, though the boxiness of today’s car has been significantly softened. The roof now slopes more towards the rear and the tailgate is much less upright.
The rear light clusters have also been slimmed down and the wing vent is now much smaller and is inclined rearwards. At the front, although the headlamps are not completely upright, the nose retains its bluffness and the grille design is said to be close to that on the 2012-model year Range Rovers.
There’s no news on the interior design, but it is unlikely that the design team have abandoned the current model’s distinctive upright wooden ‘stantions’ that support the centre console.
