Land Rover has officially unveiled their first-ever hybrid versions for the new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.
The "world's first premium diesel SUV hybrids" come with a 3.0-liter SDV6 diesel, an electric motor and an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The entire hybrid system - including lithium ion battery pack, inverter and electric motor - weighs less than 120 kg.
The electric motor creates 47 hp and 170 Nm of torque and allows both SUVs to offer a total output of 340 hp at 4,000 rpm and 700 Nm of torque between 1,500 rpm and 3,000 rpm. Both models can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in under seven seconds, deliver strong transient and mid-range performance with a top speed of 218 km/h, combined with a 26 percent reduction in CO2 emissions to 169 g/km, equivalent to 6.4-liter per 100 km (36.7 mpg US or 44.1 mpg UK) on the combined cycle.
To demonstrate the capabilities of the new hybrids, three Range Rover Hybrids will embark on an epic trip, from the home of the Range Rover brand in Solihull to the home of the parent company Tata, in Mumbai, India. This Silk Trail 2013 16,000 km expedition visits 12 countries and takes in some of the world’s most challenging roads, passes and trails, including part of the ancient, 4,000 mile Silk Road connecting Asia with the Mediterranean. These are the first hybrids to ever attempt this challenging route.
Order books in the United Kingdom will open from September 10, with first deliveries in early 2014.
