In an effort to reduce weight, Land Rover is considering the use of aluminum for its next generation of vehicles, which is estimated to save close to 1,100 pounds in some models. Land Rover would borrow technology from Jaguar, which already uses the lightweight metal for the structure of its XJ sedan.

A final decision hasn’t been made and that the company is still preparing a business case for the next-generation Range Rover due in 2013. The current model in V-8 guise weighs almost 6,000 lbs.

A reduction in weight increases both fuel economy and performance. The biggest challenge is how to adopt the expensive rivet-bonded aluminum monocoque body for such a large vehicle. If successful, we may see the next generation LR4 and Range Rover Sport sharing the same technology.

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