New hybrid Range Rover

Land Rover has further progressed the development of its acclaimed Range Rover with the global debut of the Range Rover Hybrid Long Wheelbase with an additional 186mm rear seat legroom at the Beijing motor show.

The derivative brings together two of the most recent innovations in the Range Rover line-up in a vehicle that offers an unprecedented combination of premium luxury, interior space, exceptional fuel and emissions performance and no compromise in Land Rover’s renowned breadth of capability.

Land Rover unveils the new Range Rover Hybrid Long Wheelbase in Beijing

Together with the Range Rover Sport Hybrid, it will be the first diesel hybrid model from any manufacturer to be offered in China. China is recognised by Land Rover as a potentially strong market for its new premium hybrids, whilst the long wheelbase design is identified as best suiting Chinese customers’ preferences for luxury and spaciousness.

Global order books will open in May and first deliveries to customers in China are expected from the end of the year.

In 2013. A fleet of Range Rover Hybrids proved their durability and all-terrain capability on a gruelling 16,000km route from the Land Rover factory in Solihull, across central Asia to the Mumbai headquarters of Tata, Land Rover’s parent company. After the journey, the vehicles were stripped down and scrutinised by Land Rover engineers to improve understanding of how the designs and technologies can be fine-tuned.

SPACIOUS: The new Range Rover LWB offers an additional 186mm rear seat legroom in the back

The Range Rover Hybrid powertrain combines Land Rover’s 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel engine with a 35kW electric motor, integrated with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The system allows the driver to select from three different drive modes to maximise performance or efficiency, and is capable of delivering 26 per cent lower CO2 emissions (169g/km) and 6.4 l/100 km (44.1mpg).

Installing the hybrid diesel-electric powertrain in the Range Rover Long Wheelbase has not compromised space, or the driving experience. The long wheelbase offers the benefits of an additional legroom for rear seat passengers and, with the option of the executive seating package, an impressive increase in the rear seat angle of recline to 17 degrees.

The hybrid system uses the same proven Terrain Response® system and all-wheel drive technology deployed in the petrol and diesel-powered models. Wading depth capability is undiminished at a class-leading 900mm.

The complete system, including a lithium ion battery pack, inverter and electric motor, weighs less than 120kg. The electric motor produces 170Nm torque and operates to boost acceleration when required, and to drive the vehicle in EV (electric vehicle) Mode. The motor also acts as a generator, harvesting kinetic energy through regenerative braking, charging the battery when the vehicle is slowing. In EV mode the Range Rover Hybrid can travel at speeds of up to 30mph (48km/h) for a range of up to one mile (1.6km) before the diesel engine seamlessly restarts.

Together, output of the diesel engine and electric motor is 340PS at 4,000rpm and a class-leading 700Nm torque between 1,500-3,000rpm, delivering performance on a par with the SDV8 engine. The version to be marketed in China is technically identical to that sold elsewhere, except for a change to the exhaust system to take into account the different local emissions standards.

For further information log onto www.media.landrover.com

5th Bugatti Legend pics leaked

An image of the fifth Bugatti Legend has appeared online, ahead of its official reveal at the Beijing Motor Show next month.

Known as the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Elizabeth Junek, the model serves as the penultimate part of the Legends special edition range.

Dedicated to Czech female racing driver Elizabeth Junek, the Veyron will be limited to just three units – like all models in this special edition line-up.

Bugatti has finished the Elizabeth Junek model with a two-tone black and yellow exterior, in homage to the colours of the racing driver’s car. The alloy wheels and fuel filler cap also wear the same colour combination.

Though to be confirmed, it will be powered by the same 1183bhp 8.0-litre W16 engine from the standard model, capable of 0-62mph in 2.6 seconds.

The Grand Sport Vitesse also holds the record for the fastest open-top car with a record-setting top speed of 254mph.

Like the other Legend models, expect the Elizabeth Junek to carry a price tag of around £1.8million.

Previous Legends models have included the Jean Bugatti, dedicated to one of the men responsible for shaping the brand, and the Jean-Pierre Wimille, named after one of Bugatti's most famous factory drivers.

So far, Bugatti hasn't had any trouble selling all Legends Edition cars, with most buyers being from the Middle East or USA.