2011 Geneva Preview: Range_e is Land Rover’s plug-in diesel hybrid prototype

February 16, 2011February 16, 2011 Omar Rana 2011, 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Diesels, Range Rover, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Range_e, Range_e, SUVs

At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover plans on having one of the most exciting displays in the company’s history. The new Range Rover Evoque (both coupe and 5-door derivatives), the Discovery 4 and Range Rover Limited Editions will be joined by the Range_e, Land Rover’s diesel hybrid plug-in prototype.

The Range_e is one of the several working prototypes currently being produced by Land Rover’s design and engineering center in the UK. Based on the Range Rover Sport, the Range_e features a 3.0L TDV6 diesel unit that works together with a plug-in parallel diesel hybrid system, allowing it to run on pure electric power for 20 miles with a total range of 690 miles. The Range_e features a 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive.

No word on when the Range_e will make it into production but we believe the prototypes will go through a testing phase before hitting roads.

Follow the jump for the press release.

Press Release:

LAND ROVER EXHIBITS ITS GREENEST MODELS EVER AT THE 2011 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

Electric ‘Range_e’: Land Rover’s electric plug in development vehicle showcasing diesel hybrid plug-in technology capable of 89 g/km CO2.
The new Range Rover Evoque: Coupe and 5-Door with customer personalisation options to be shown for the first time.
The new Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition: Land Rover’s new limited edition Range Rover – the most luxurious ever.
The 2011 Discovery 4 ‘Landmark’ Limited Editions with Black and White theme: new variants bringing a fresh, more contemporary sense of design to the latest Discovery 4 line-up.

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 16 February 2011 – Land Rover’s stand at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show will establish this year as one of the most exciting in the brand’s history. A hybrid technology showcase, the new Range Rover Evoque in both coupe and 5-door derivatives, and exciting Discovery 4 and Range Rover Limited Editions complete the line-up

Making its motor show debut is the ‘Range_e’: Land Rover’s diesel hybrid plug-in prototype. The technology-packed ‘Range_e’ is one of several working prototypes currently being developed at Land Rover’s design and engineering centre in the UK.

‘Range_e’ is based on a Range Rover Sport and features a 3.0-litre TDV6 diesel with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Matched with a plug-in parallel diesel hybrid system it offers a premium SUV that can run as a pure electric vehicle. The ‘Range_e’ is the first capable 4WD model from Land Rover to achieve 89g of CO2. It has an EV range of 20 miles, a top speed of around 120mph and a range of 690 miles.

Taking centre stage will be the new Range Rover Evoque with both coupe and 5-door derivatives. On press day (1 March 2011), Land Rover will be announcing full European pricing (excluding UK) and will be showing a range of exciting options available, giving Range Rover Evoque customers the opportunity to create a vehicle that is truly tailored to them.

The choices range from designer exterior packs, contrasting colours on the roof and spoiler, immaculately-trimmed designer interiors, and a range of desirable technologies to maximise comfort and enjoyment on board. Rather than using a traditional trim hierarchy, the Range Rover Evoque gives customers the choice of three design themes: the cool and contemporary ‘Pure’, the luxurious ‘Prestige’, and the bold and sporting ‘Dynamic’.

Customers can further tailor these themes with different designer interiors, option packs, standalone options and accessory items, providing even more freedom to specify the car of their choice.

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.”

Owners can also choose from a very broad selection of official Range Rover accessories. The accessory range includes exterior and interior styling, together with a comprehensive choice of practical loading and towing items.

Also debuting at the Show are two Limited Editions. The Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition is the most luxurious Range Rover ever. With unrivalled levels of luxury for both driver and passenger, the Range Rover Ultimate Edition offers an assortment of super-premium features including hand crafted soft feel leathers; a yacht inspired teak floor and rear cabin iPads* as standard.

The 2011 Discovery 4 ‘Landmark’ Limited Editions with Black and White themes are new variants bringing a fresh, more contemporary sense of design to the latest Discovery 4 line-up. Both models blend high-end interiors with bold, contemporary colour schemes. In keeping with the core appeal of the Discovery 4, both of these Limited Editions offer on-road refinement to match most executive saloons, the versatility of a large people carrier and unrivalled off-road capability. The Discovery 4 ‘Landmark’ is now on-sale in the UK priced from £46,945 on the road.