Land Rover, the Tata Group owned British auto maker, has launched its first series of hybrid models, namely Range Rover Hybrid and Range Rover Sport Hybrid, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Both the models are said to deliver a brilliant fuel economy with lower CO2 emissions. Also, the models boasts of Land Rover's much appreciated performance and potential. Sources close to the development process revealed that the company had started accepting bookings of the models from 10th of September and will deliver the first lot from early 2014.
The two new models of Land Rover are based on the company's premium lightweight architecture and are powered with similar engines. Interestingly, Land Rover Hybrid models happen to be the first premium diesel SUV hybrids in the world. At the launch ceremony, the Global Brand Director of Land Rover, John Edwards was quoted as saying, “We are excited to introduce the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Hybrids, the world’s first hybrid SUVs with legendary Land Rover capability. The addition of a smooth electric drive enhances refinement, cuts CO2emissions and delivers staggering performance on a par with our SDV8 engine.”
Reportedly, the engine packed within the recently introduced Range Rover Hybrid features three driver-selectable modes, which add to its drive quality. Lang Rover has combined the potential of its renowned 3-litre SDV6 diesel engine with an electric motor of 35kW. The engine has been mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, which transmits the produced output to its wheels. The hybrid technology of this engine comprises a pack of lithium ion battery, inverter and an electric engine, which weighs under 120 kg.
The electric engine of Land Rover churns out a maximum torque of 170 Nm, which boosts the acceleration of the vehicle and offers a driveability in EV mode. Along with, this motor performs as a generator as it harvests kinetic energy through regenerative braking, which in turn charges the battery. Interestingly, when the driver selects EV mode, the car attains a maximum speed of 48 kmph for a range of up to 1.6 km, before the diesel engine restarts.
Altogether, the engine assemble produces a peak power of 337 bhp at 4000 rpm and segment leading torque of 700 Nm at 1500-3000 rpm. Both the newly launched models of Land Rover can smoothly glide from initial to 100 kmph in just 7 seconds, clocking a top speed of 218 kmph. It must be noted that the latest generation Land Rover Hybrid models have been designed to offer a performance oriented drive.
Coming to the interiors of new models, the Range Rover Hybrid features the same five-seat design with ample boot space. Industry experts are of a view that both the new models of Land Rover will continue to offer a segment defining standards of potential and versatility.
