- Land Rover is set to introduce its first hybrid in 2013, based on the new 2012 Range Rover.
- The range-extender hybrid is to be introduced in 2014.
- Land Rover's "top-down" strategy focuses on the larger models first.
- Diesel-electric hybrids are unlikely to make it to production.
- Land Rover has no plans to introduce a hybrid version of the Evoque.
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, England — Land Rover will introduce a series of new hybrid models over the next few years. Global Brand Director John Edwards confirmed to Inside Line that the company "will introduce a top-down strategy," focusing on the larger models "where the greatest consumption gains are to be made."
The first model to be hybridized will be the new 2012 Range Rover, which debuts with gasoline and diesel engines next year. A gasoline-electric hybrid version will be added in 2013, followed by a range-extender hybrid in 2014. The latter is likely to use a small gasoline engine to charge an electric battery in a similar manner to the Chevrolet Volt.
This technology is likely to be shared with future Jaguar models.
Edwards said the company had yet to finalize how it will position its hybrid offerings, but admitted that it is likely to combine an electric motor with a V6 gasoline engine to "offer V8 performance with V6 fuel consumption." In the short term at least, we are unlikely to see a production version of the diesel-electric range_e concept that is based on the current Range Rover Sport. The cost of such a hybrid would be prohibitively expensive and it would be unlikely to appeal to U.S. customers.
The "top-down" strategy also means we're unlikely to see a hybrid version of the new Evoque. Although the Evoque platform will accommodate a hybrid powertrain, Edwards said, "There are currently no plans to introduce a hybrid version."
Inside Line says: The Range Rover hybrid is an important step, but the range-extender version could be a game-changer. — Alistair Weaver, European Correspondent
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jscion says:
07:16 PM, 05/25/2011
@guy1974....Hey, I love Fiats and Alfa's but even I can admit that they aren't known for their reliability or refinement. I have an uncle who see's plenty of Land Rovers over and over and over and over again. He's probably been fixing cars before you even knew what a Land Rover was. For me, the interiors are cramped, the ride is rough and they feel clumsy. Try getting into a Lexus LX or Toyota Land Cruiser, THAT'S WHAT A SOLID SUV LOOKS LIKE!!!
damaje199 says:
12:24 PM, 04/07/2011
Considering the lack of competition for Hybrid luxury SUVs out there, Tata is stupid for not bringing the Diesel Hybrid over to the US. Mercedes promised a diesel hybrid M class, and delivered a gas hybrid instead, and the Escalade is also gas hybrid, the added economy of a diesel mated with a hybrid powertrain would be very good way to smack the competition even if the only reason people buy hybrids that cost that much is to be able to one up their neighbor who could only afford the base gasoline powered engine with out the extra batteries.
openeyes1 says:
11:00 AM, 04/07/2011
@guy1974; Yes, you're right, who cares if this Land Rover Hybrid still sucks down gas, is overweight and handles badly. We Ahmericains have a God given right to drive the biggest vehicles on Earth, waste as much gas as possible and try to kill everyone else on road. Who cares about the rest of the world, we should only care about ourselves.
Yea, Right..............
guy1974 says:
06:47 AM, 04/07/2011
Speak for yourself Jscion (I assume you like subcompacts) - the Land Rover/Range Rover SUV's are great. They are very refined. I watched the Top Gear Bolivian Challenge last night and the Range Rover was the best so reliability is subjective!
jscion says:
04:29 PM, 04/06/2011
Who cares!!! These are super expensive, overpriced SUV's that don't offer the refinement and reliability of the competition.
tdiluv says:
02:50 PM, 04/06/2011
Taking out 2,000 pounds will help also!