Land Rover launches its first Range Rover hybrid models

Land Rover has introduced its first ever hybrid range rover models - the Range Rover Hybrid and Range Rover Sport Hybrid in the UK, while the product is expected to reach India by mid-October. The vehicles will deliver outstanding fuel economy, lower CO2 emissions and has Land Rover's renowned capability and performance. The bookings for the Hybrid models in the UK will start from September 10 with first deliveries commencing in early 2014.

The two-aluminum Land Rovers are based on the company's premium lightweight architecture and share identical powetrain. They are the world’s first premium diesel SUV hybrids. “We are excited to introduce the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Hybrids, the world’s first hybrid SUVs with legendary Land Rover capability. The addition of a smooth electric drive enhances refinement, cuts CO2 emissions and delivers staggering performance on a par with our SDV8 engine,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

To demonstrate the capabilities of the new hybrids, three Range Rover Hybrids will embark today on an epic trip, from the home of the Range Rover brand in Solihull to the home of the parent company Tata, in Mumbai, India. This ‘Silk Trail 2013’ 16,000km expedition visits 12 countries and takes in some of the world’s most challenging roads, passes and trails, including part of the ancient, 4,000 mile Silk Road connecting Asia with the Mediterranean. These are the first hybrids to ever attempt this challenging route.

The new Range Rover Hybrid powetrain features three driver-selectable modes and combines Land Rover’s popular 3-litre SDV6 diesel engine with a 35KW electric motor integrated with the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The hybrid system, including lithium ion battery pack, inverter and electric motor weighs less than 120kg. The electric motor produces 170Nm torque to boost acceleration and drives the vehicle in EV Mode.

In driver-selectable EV mode the Range Rover Hybrid can travel at speeds of up to 30mph (48km/h) for a range of up to one mile (1.6km) before the diesel engine seamlessly restarts. The combined (diesel engine + electric motor) develops 335.4bhp at 4,000rpm and a class-leading 700Nm of top torque at 1,500-3,000rpm. Both hybrids accelerate to 100kmph in under 7 seconds, and attains a top speed of 218km/h.

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