2013 Land Rover Range Rover Spy Shots

The Range Rover SUV is not only one of the most important models for rappers all over the world, but it’s also crucial for Land Rover as most of its other vehicles are based on the same basic design of the boxy off-roader.

Models like the Range Rover Sport, LR4 (Discovery) and LR2 (Freelander) all share their basic design and technology with the Range Rover, so as you can expect engineers have a lot of pressure resting on their shoulders when it comes to designing the next-gen model.

Expected to go on sale in the fall of this year as a 2013 model, the new Range Rover is thought to feature a lightweight, rivet-bonded aluminum chassis based on a modified version of the platform underpinning the Jaguar XJ.

By using the lightweight material, engineers could shed up to 40 percent from the weight of the current model’s unpainted body shell, equating to a saving of roughly 660 to 880 pounds. Advanced composites are also expected to be used for certain elements, such as the body panels and rear tailgate.

This would give the vehicle a final curb weight roughly equal to a fully-loaded luxury sedan, improving both performance and fuel economy--the latter of which is expected to be as high as 33.3 mpg combined for some models.

This same platform will also spawn a new-generation Range Rover Sport, which is expected to replace the LR4 model in Land Rover’s lineup and be available with seven seats for the first time.

These latest spy shots show a prototype for the regular Range Rover testing in the UK, revealing several telling details about its new styling as well as the interior. Code-named L405, the new off-roader is almost ready for its debut.

The vehicle looks to be slightly longer than today’s model, with its roofline considerably lower as well. This should result in lower drag and a smaller overall look. The new headlights will also feature a cluster of LED daytime running lights as revealed in some of the spy shots.

Interior space will be up thanks to a longer wheelbase, especially for rear seat passengers.

Powertrain options will largely carry over from the current model and include naturally-aspirated and supercharged 5.0-liter V-8s, as well as a pair of new turbodiesel units for overseas markets. Output will range from about 260 to 510 horsepower. Also due out a couple of years after the initial launch is a hybrid version offering a combined fuel economy as high as 33 mpg.

Look out for the debut of the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover at the 2012 Paris Auto Show in September.

In the meantime, click here to watch a spy video of a prototype on our YouTube page.