Fourth Gen Range Rover unveiled - bigger,lighter and plusher

Land Rover has dropped a preview of the the 2013 Range Rover, the latest in-line of the luxury off roader since 1970 that spawned only four generation. The new Range Rover hosts a series of technical innovation that see the introduction of all-aluminium monocoque chassis that shed weight of up to 420kg, which is 39% less than the current model which has been around since 2001. There is also new subframe at both end, constructed entirely from aluminium and support an all-new air suspension, which coupled with the state-of-the-art electronic stability control and Terrain Response 2 which ensure the off-road handling prowess and on-road magic carpet ride quality.

The modern cues adopted from the Evoque small posh SUV, with a clearly sleeker headlamp that swept back into the fender instead of the blocky rectangular item with 21st internals like the current model. Not unlike the current model, the new 2013 Range Rover has lost the clean uncluttered look of the 2001 car, which was diluted in mid-life facelift with the inclusion of a more cluttered headlight and grille. The side panel however is retained in its cleanliness. The vertical fender vent has moved to the door giving the new "RR" a longer hood-look, despite the slightly weirder look of the door with the addenda. The floating roof over the uncluttered glass house has been retained though. Also retained in the uninterrupted belt line that runs from the headlight to the rear combi. The rear light also has taken lesson in restyling, with more elongated extension along the side panel.

The wheelbase also has been extended by around 100mm, from current 2,880mm. So overall length could be exceeding 5,000mm for the first time as the current model is already 4,972mm. Land Rover also mentioned about the upgraded in sumptuous. The cabin architecture combine the traditional Land Rover British touch with neo-modernism pioneered in Evoque. The dashboard theme strikingly similar to the entry level "RR" Evoque and it does without the extreme wooden pillar of the current model, instead the wood is applied more on the panel type. Apart from the increased in accommodation space, the rear seat will also be offered with Executive setup with twin rear seat separated by lengthened centre console. The increased in wheelbase has resulted in 118mm increased in rear knee room. High end Meridian surround sound system will be on offer too. In-cabin noise intrusion is set to be reduced too with optimized aluminium structure design with increased modal stiffness and glass lamination.

For the drivetrain, the new Range Rover is offered in 3 engine option, which are all familar units. The range starts from 3.0L V6 and goes to 4.4L V8 for the diesel. The petrol version will be supercharged 5.0L V8. All powertrain will channelled the drive via ZF 8 speed automatic gearbox permanently to all wheels.

The production of the new Range Rover is set to commence at the end of British summer in Solihull plant where customer deliveries expected in 2013. The legendary British off-roader will be officially unveiled in Paris Motorshow in September. Malaysian price is RM730,000 for the 4.4L TDV8 version and the entry level model is expected to cost around GBP70k which is slightly more than the current car. More photos of the 2013 Range Rover can be found after the jump.