Skip to main content

eLuxury off-roaders Range Rover Hybrid and Range Rover Sport Hybrid set for Frankfurt debut

Range Rover Sport
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Just early last month, we reported that a diesel hybrid Range Rover was in the works. While rumors speculated that the hybridized variant of the existing V6 diesel powerplant would find its way into the Range Rover, few anticipated a Range Rover Sport Hybrid was in the works as well.

That’s exactly what is going to happen, though. Both high-riding British 4x4s will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show later this year, according to CarSales.com.au.

The lithium-ion hybrid battery packs will be installed beneath the floors on both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models. This will ensure that the passenger compartment interior space will be uncompromised.

Where will Range Rover put the electric motor in its already compact 4×4 drivetrain? CarSales asked Stuart Frith, Chief Program Engineer for the Range Rover Sport, if the motor/generator might find its way between the diesel V6 and the eight-speed automatic transmission. “It’s very safe to assume that,” Firth said. We’ll take that as a yes.

Land Rover has set the CO2 emissions target for the hybrid variant at 169g/km, which is pretty good – especially considering the mass and off-road capability of the vehicles.

Could these eco-friendly Rovers make their way Stateside? Still no word. But if the diesel hybrids sell anywhere near as well as the Volvo V60 plug-in diesel hybrid, Land Rover might be convinced to offer the models to other global markets. Here’s to hoping!

Editors' Recommendations

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
Alpine sale: Up to $160 off speakers and subs for your car
alpine speaker sale crutchfield march 2024 car and amp setup on table

If you’re looking to kit your car out with some superior speakers or a subwoofer, Crutchfield is the place to go today. Right now, there’s a huge sale on Alpine subwoofers and speakers with nearly 50 different items forming the sale. As there are so many options, the best idea is to hit the button below to see what’s around. If you don’t know where to start though, read on while we take you through some great items in the sale.

What to shop for in the Alpine sale
Buying the best aftermarket car speakers are important for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road and is currently dealing with a mediocre sound system. One good starting point in the Alpine sale is the 2-way speakers for $104 instead of $130. You get two 2-way speakers with a polypropylene/glass fiber/mica woofer with a specialized rubber surround. There’s a one-inch silk dome tweeter with speakers able to handle up to 80 watts RMS with 240 watts peak power. The grilles aren’t included but the factor ones should be fine for most purposes.

Read more
Mercedes to trial humanoid robots for ‘low-skill, repetitive, demanding’ jobs
Apptronik's Apollo robot at work in an auto plant.

Humanoid robots have been coming on leaps and bounds in recent years, and some major companies are starting to take note.

Mercedes-Benz, for example, has just entered into an agreement with Texas-based robotics specialist Apptronik to collaborate on identifying applications for highly advanced robots that the auto giant could deploy. The deal will involve a trial that will see Apptronik's Apollo humanoid robot work alongside Mercedes' human workers on the factory floor.

Read more
Hyundai Ioniq 9: price, release date, range, and more
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Front

Hyundai has been at the forefront of EV development for a while now, largely thanks to the success of the crossover-sized Hyundai Ioniq 5. But the company is readying another new EV that could be even more popular than the Ioniq 5 -- or at least more desirable in the U.S., the land of big cars.

The upcoming Ioniq 9, previously set to be called the Ioniq 7, will be Hyundai's take on an electric SUV. It will be to Hyundai what the Kia EV9 is to Kia. It will have three rows and carry over design elements from the Ioniq 5.

Read more