A prototype of the new MK4 Range Rover to be unveiled in late 2012 has been presented in its prototype form with the codename L405.
The L405 is based on the Jaguar Land Rover in its all aluminum, bonded and riveted platform. This would also underpin the next-generation Range Rover Sport and the next Jaguar XJ.
The New Range Rover would have a lower height and yet have more rear passenger room. It would also be lighter by a half tonne than the current version. This is being achieved with the switch over to an all alloy construction by which there is a shave off by about 450 kg when compared to the all steel body built by BMW.
For engine the car would have a 260 bhp TDV6 unit and the transmission would be with the help of an eight speed ZF automatic gearbox. With this feature the CO2 emissions of the car is expected to be under 200 g/km for the entry level L405 model. While the weight reduction comes mostly due to the bare body shell of the car there is the other part of the weight reduction factor coming from the re-engineered sub frames and lighter suspension systems and interior components. The overall length of the new Range Rover increases by 25 cm and therefore the overall dimension of the car by length is five meter. There is however the advantage of the increase in leg room space at the rear of the car by about 125 mm when compared to the present model.
The Range Rover is the de facto car when it comes to luxury car genre. The leg room space was one big lacuna in this aspect.
Lavish material has also been added to the interior makeover of the new car to be. The design would resemble the Bentley is what rumors point out. For the exterior shape and design it would adopt a more wedge shaped feature which is more modern than the almost bluff and upright appearance seen on current gen Range rovers.
Source: autocar
