Land Rover plans diesel/hybrid Range Rover, even more lux Discovery model

By Nick Jaynes April 4, 2013

Range Rover Sport — Image used with permission by copyright holder

With the 2013 Range Rover, Land Rover returned to its roots a bit.

The original Land Rover relied on aluminum for most of its construction. Even early on, its V8s were all-aluminum while the rest of the planet was using iron.

For the all-new Range Rover, designers created a relatively lightweight aluminum frame and body – saving more than 600 pounds – called the D7 platform. Subsequently, that same platform has been passed down to the 2014 Range Rover Sport, which we just saw for the first time last month at the New York Auto Show.

Now Land Rover is taking that wise idea and sending it down the ranks, through the rest of its lineup.

The next LR4, which will thankfully return to its Discovery nameplate, will receive the new D7 chassis. Due sometime next year, the next-gen Discovery will be even more premium, for some reason.

We think Americans would be far more likely to buy a big, boxy British 4×4 Discovery if it were a bit less posh and had a bit more punch. If you want European off-road luxury, you’ve got plenty of choices, even within the Land Rover/Range Rover brand. Why LR wants to push the Disco up-market is beyond us.

Interestingly, though, Land Rover is planning a diesel hybrid based upon its current diesel V6 setup, according to Car and Driver. This brilliant powertrain isn’t likely slated for the U.S, however.

As for the rumors that the DC100 concept would become the next generation Defender: it won’t. After the hardcore Land Rover fans balked at the DC100’s design, Land Rover sent the two-door off-roader back to the drawing board.

So for those keeping score at home: The Range Rovers are now lighter and faster. The Discovery will be back but will be more luxurious. Diesel-hybrid drivetrains are still being kept off the American shores along with the ancient Defender.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.