Redesigning an automotive icon comes with a lot of risks, but designers of the 2013 Range Rover have tried to push the vehicle in a new direction without clouding its identity. Taking styling cues from the award-winning Range Rover Evoque, the new Range Rover was recently revealed ahead of its scheduled debut at the Paris Motor Show on Sept. 29, looking thoroughly modern yet still instantly recognizable.
While the sleeker style may grab the headlines, it is the new Range Rover's underpinnings that will affect each buyer's bottom line by cutting fuel costs when the vehicle goes on sale in December. Engineers have made the 2013 Range Rover the world's first SUV to use an all-aluminum unibody chassis, helping shave roughly 700 pounds in weight compared to the current model. The result is reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions without losing any of the capability that Range Rover fans have come to expect.
"Using the latest technology means the 2013 Range Rover can perform just as well as the current model while saving on gas, which is an impressive feat," said Mike Avery, general manager of Land Rover Scarborough, a Maine Range Rover dealer. "Even comfort has significantly improved, with body and suspension modifications creating a quieter and more spacious cabin."
Outside, the SUV's style is a marriage of classic Range Rover lines and modern touches that have proven popular with the Evoque. The sophisticated front end of the 2013 Range Rover dons rectangular headlights that extend back into the front fenders, pointing toward side gill slats that have been a feature of past models. In the back, the horizontally split tailgate is framed by LED-illuminated taillights.
The 2013 Range Rover isn't the only model in the automaker's lineup being influenced by the Evoque. Going on sale later this year, the 2013 Land Rover LR2 will come with the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as the stylish compact Range Rover SUV, replacing the 3.2-liter V6 powerplant in the 2012 LR2. Impressively, the move to a smaller engine in the new LR2 is not only expected to result in improved fuel efficiency, but in more power as well.
The influence of the Range Rover Evoque extends into the cabin of the 2013 LR2, where a similarly designed center console houses a seven-inch color touchscreen for the Meridian audio system and available navigation system. Past LR2 owners will also notice that the Terrain Response system dial has been replaced by buttons to tailor the SUV's suspension and drivetrain to suit snow, mud, sand or ice.
"Land Rover is constantly working to refine its vehicles, whether it's with major redesigns like the 2013 Range Rover or a purposeful refresh like the 2013 LR2," added Avery. "The result is a lineup that brings cutting-edge style and improved fuel economy while still offering all the performance and luxury that has long been part of Land Rover's reputation."
About Land Rover Scarborough:
Land Rover Scarborough is proud to be part of the Goodwin Motor Group that has served Maine and New Hampshire residents for over 80 years. Home to a wide selection of capable Land Rover and Range Rovers models and an expert service team, Land Rover Scarborough’s knowledgeable staff is dedicated to building lasting relationships with their customers, Search Land Rover Scarborough’s online inventory of new and used Rover vehicles at www.landroverme.com, call them at 888-236-7594, stop by their dealership located at 371 U.S. Route 1 or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LandRoverJaguarScarborough.
