Land Rover is working on a whole new generation of its classic Range Rover luxury SUV, which is set to debut at this September’s 2012 Paris Auto Show with the regular Range Rover model, followed sometime next year by a smaller Range Rover Sport.

However, there will be at least one other bodystyle for the new Range Rover: a long-wheelbase version capable of seating up to seven or eight adults.

AutoExpress has managed to scoop some shots of a prototype for the new Range Rover with a stretched wheelbase and longer tail.

The British magazine claims the new long-wheelbase Range Rover will go on sale one year after the launch of the regular model, targeting customers in China who often prefer to sit up back and let someone else do the driving.

Fans of the original Range Rover may recall the long-wheelbase Vogue LSE (known as the County LWB in the U.S.) from the early 1990s, a name which Land Rover may revive for this latest version.

Almost certain to be offered in the U.S., where it would compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GL Class and even a new Grand Wagoneer from Jeep, the long-wheelbase Range Rover, whatever it’s called, will likely share a powertrain lineup with the regular model. This means naturally-aspirated and supercharged 5.0-liter V-8s, as well as a pair of new turbodiesel units for overseas markets.

It will likely be positioned as a flagship of the new range, sort of how the ‘Autobiography’ models top the current range. This is in line with Land Rover’s desire to go even further upscale with the Range Rover and ensure its products aren’t surpassed by a new generation of ultra-luxurious SUVs set to be launched by Bentley, Maserati and even Lamborghini.

Stay tuned for our own spy shots of the vehicle in the near future.