Land Rover to Premiere Range E Diesel-Electric Plug-in Hybrid at Geneva Show

The new Land Rover Range_e diesel-electric plug-in prototype that was first teased back in May, 2010, will make its motor show debut at next month's Geneva Salon. The Range_e is said to be one of several working prototypes currently being developed at Land Rover's design and engineering centre in the UK. It is based on the Range Rover Sport model and features a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel engine with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission mated to an, as-of-yet unspecified, electric motor and battery pack.

The British automaker said the all-wheel drive prototype can run purely on electricity for up to a distance of 20 miles or approximately 32 kilometers and emits as low as 89g/km of CO2. The Range_e also has a top speed of 120 mph or 193 km/h and a combined driving range of 690 miles or 1,110 kilometers.

The Range_e will be joined at Land Rover's Geneva Motor Show stand by two new Limited Editions, the Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate and the 2011 Discovery 4 'Landmark' with Black and White themes.

Land Rover added that it will also be announcing full European pricing (excluding UK) for the new Range Rover Evoque in both 3- and 5-door forms, and will also showing a comprehensive range of accessories and options for the vehicle.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover design director said: "Customers like to make their own unique statement with a vehicle and we have provided individuals with lots of opportunity to personalise their new Range Rover Evoque, whilst maintaining the essence of the design."

Project Kahn Presents yet Another Tune for the Range Rover

If you have been following our previous posts on the various Land Rover and Range Rover models tuned by Project Kahn, you may have noticed that they all look eerily similar. And, while there’s nothing wrong with being consistent, we can’t shake the feeling that some different mods would be beneficial. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen with the Range Rover Vogue 4.4 Diesel RS450 despite its fresh bodykit.

The new front bumper with “3D mesh inserts”, the revised rear bumper housing a diffuser, RS side skirts with steel finish and front grille aren’t that bad, but we get the distinct feeling that we’ve already seen them somewhere else…

Additionally, the RS450 comes with a modified stainless steel exhaust system with four exhaust tips and the also familiar 22-inch Kahn RSX alloys.

Inside, the dashboard received no less than 14 new trim pieces with steel or piano black finish and clock fascia available in multiple colors, complemented by Swarovski diamond inserts. Other appointments include the stainless steel sill plates, leather key ring and red key insert with Kahn logo.

Super-Lux Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition heads to Geneva Motor Show

At next month's Geneva Salon, Land Rover will display the new Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition, which is claimed be the firm’s most luxurious model ever.

The highlight of the limited edition model are the two stand-alone rear seats, which are clad in specially selected natural leather and separated by an additional console incorporating an aluminum laptop table and refrigerator. Two Apple iPads, strapped to the front seat headrests, provide the high-tech touch.

The opulence continues in the boot where designers used a teak floor with metal and leather accents. The rest of the interior is dressed in different, but equally exquisite materials, such as the Oxford leather found on the door panels, dashboard and steering wheel, complemented by Kalahari wood veneers.

Available in two unique colors, Roussillon Red and Otago Stone, the Autobiography Ultimate Edition model comes with body-colored door handles, dark atlas radiator grille and side vents. Optional side steps and 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels round up the exterior appointments. Clients from selected markets will be able to specify their cars with the classic Santorini Black paintjob as well.

Power comes from either a 4.4-liter LR-TDV8 diesel or a 5.0-liter LR-V8 supercharged gasoline engine. The oil-burner churns out 313HP and an asphalt-shredding 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. It can propel the heavyweight SUV from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.5 seconds while consuming 9.39 lt/100 km (25.1 US mph) on the combined cycle.

The gasoline engine is capable of 510HP and 625 Nm (461 lb-ft), allowing the Range Rover to complete the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in just 5.9 seconds.

Both engines are coupled to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via Range Rover’s sophisticated Terrain Response system, complete with Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control.

A total of 500 Ultimate Edition models will be built, with prices to be announced individually for the 20+ markets that will receive the exclusive Range Rover later this year.

2010 Range Rover to Hit U.S. Roads from $79,275

Land Rover has released U.S. pricing for its updated 2010 Range Rover that made its world debut alongside the facelifted Range Rover Sport and Discovery 4 (LR4) at the New York motorshow in April. The base Range Rover HSE that is equipped with a new 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 producing 375HP starts from $79,275 while the 510HP Supercharged model will set you back by a hefty $95,125. Both prices include a $850 destination and delivery charge but not tax, title and registration fees. For detailed information and a high-res gallery of the 2010MY Range Rover, click here.

Range Rover Sport Trio from Project Kahn

British tuning firm Project Kahn has presented its 2011 lineup of modified Range Rover Sport models, which comprise three variants featuring select exterior and interior appointments, plus some performance upgrades.

The diesel-powered Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6 RSE Signature Edition is the entry-level model of the range, and it comes with a comprehensive exterior styling package that includes new bumpers, a roof spoiler, twin mesh front grille and side vents, complemented by 22-inch Kahn RSL alloys. Inside, the Signature Edition gets front headrests clad in twin mesh, Kahn gauges and clock, inserts with Swarovski diamonds, stainless steel sill plates and a leather key ring.

The finishing touch is a Project Kahn Acoustic Supersound four-pipe exhaust system, said to emit a “unique deep rumble sound”.

Next up is the more aggressive Range Rover Sport RSE300 Cosworth, which, besides being fitted with the Signature Edition bodykit, also features a so-called painted floating roof, LED daytime running lights, a boot spoiler and 22-inch RS Matte Pearl Grey wheels. According to the tuning firm, a Cosworth engine conversion is responsible for a noticeable power increase.

The RS600 is the range-topping model and it features a 6-piece bodykit, integrated LED lights and custom wheels. The interior is covered in high-quality perforated and quilted leather, complemented by contrasting stitching applied to the steering wheel and gear shifter. Other appointments include the blue Kahn gauges and clock, plus a leather key ring.