Next Range Rover to be Lighter and Even More Upscale

Land Rover's product lineup is looking healthier and more widespread than ever.Internationally, its sales have been lifted by a higher demand for luxury sport utility vehicles, which has resulted in greater profits to invest into better quality for its most recent offerings, and better on- and off-road skills too. Since the launch of the Range Rover, designed during the period when Land Rover was under BMW's control, Land Rover has thoroughly revamped its product lineup, and is now ready to start work on the next generation of Range Rover, codenamed “L405”, which is scheduled to debut in 2012.

The main focus for the new Range Rover is shedding weight in order to reduce fuel consumption and drop its tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions. Of course, shedding those extra pounds will increase its handling capabilities and on-road performance enormously. As has been suggested, the next Range Rover is expected to go completely aluminum, using a riveted and bonded monocoque shell, just as with Jaguar's flagship products, the XK and XJ. According to the brand's number crunchers, opting for the light but strong metalcould shave up to 40-percent from the scales when compared to the current Range Rover body shell, which equates to between 660 - 880 pounds. The L405 is said to have a curb weight max of around 4,850 - 5,070 lbs, or about the current weight of a Volkswagen Touareg V8.

In terms of design, it's essential that Land Rover keeps the Range Rover looking like a Range Rover. The quintessential styling cues and general proportions will remain consistent for the new product, but insiders suggest that it'll be slightly smaller, with a lower roof to reduce its top heavy look and shorter overhangs to keep everything in proportion. Land Rover also plans on driving the Range Rover up-market, quite possiblyinto the $120,000 - $160,000 price range given its success not just as a luxury off-roader, but as a prestige icon.

Power will most likely come from the soon-to-arrive 5.0-liter V8 developed by Jaguar, which is said to generate 350 horsepower. A supercharged model, set to appear first on the production C-XF will crank out 460 horsepower.

Land Rover is also said to be developing a drivable version of the hybrid system conjured for the land_e concept vehicle, which could find its way into the Range Rover. Land Rover won't be forfeiting its off-roading heritage for the greenies, mind you. According to those in tune with the project, the system works around the rear axle, which will enable the electric motor to drive all the true off-road components. The combination of a hybrid drivetrain system as well as a lighter body would dramatically help shed carbon dioxide burned per mile driven.

If Land Rover can pull off a move up-market while making the Range Rover less of a burden on the environment, it will ensure the nameplate's survival during forthcoming years, which are expected to be filled with even greater anti-SUV sentiment.