Earlier today, we shared a pair of photos of the 2013 Range Rover. At the time and due to the low quality of the images, we weren’t 100 percent sure whether they were real or the result of some crafty photoshop work.
Well, now, thanks to a Russian website that dropped high-resolution versions of those photos and then some more including the first image of the SUVs interior, we can say that this is indeed Land Rover’s brand new 2013 Range Rover.
Beginning with the interior, it quickly becomes clear that the smaller Evoque heavily influenced the modern and de-cluttered design of the 2013 Range Rover’s dashboard that sports a large multimedia screen on the center console and a sizeable electronic display for the instrument gauges.
The flagship Land Rover model also gets a Jaguar-style rotary gear selector, as first seen on the XF, for controlling the eight-speed automatic transmission. Right behind are the controls for the Land Rover Terrain Response system.
The cabin in this model features three different colors of leather along with wood and aluminum trims.
In regards to the exterior design, before you utter the words “Ford Flex and Explorer”, keep in mind that the Range Rover preceded both of these models, with its exterior styling having evolved from the original model produced between 1970 and 1996.
As with the second generation of the Range Rover (1994-2002) and the outgoing third iteration (2002-2012), the new model’s styling is a modern evolution of its predecessor with a rounder and less boxy front end.
While we still don’t have any official information from Land Rover on its newest creation, we do know that the 2013 model makes use of an aluminium monocoque platform as well as aluminium body panels.
These measures are believed to help reduce the SUVs kerb weight but as much as 1,000 pounds / 450kg (depending on the model) over the current Range Rover with significant benefits in handling and of course, fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
The same Premium Lightweight Architecture (PLA) will also underpin the next Range Rover Sport that’s due in 2013.
As for the engine choices, the new Range Rover will likely launch with a selection of V6 and V8 diesels, and supercharged V6 and V8 petrols.
Hat tip to Bruno R. for the find!
Photo Credits: Land Rover via Autowp
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