This isn’t the first time we’ve spotted Land Rover testing the next-generation Range Rover, but this time we got an even better impression of how the big Rover will adopt the design cues of its smaller Evoque sibling.
Although the new Range Rover will continue to be a boxy, upright SUV, expect the rear windshield to slope sharply in keeping with the Evoque. The test mule seen in these spy photos even has fake D-pillar extensions designed to hide the more aggressive slope of the rear glass. The roofline also will take a lesson from the Evoque and decline slightly toward the rear of the SUV, whereas on the current model the roof is almost parallel with the road. The Range Rover’s nose will likely wear a redesigned fascia, grille, and headlights, all of which are obscured by camouflage in these images.
The cabin likewise manages to ape the Evoque by borrowing that model’s steering wheel and touch-screen infotainment system. Under the skin, look for the next Range Rover to use more aluminum and drop its curb weight by at least 1000 pounds. It should also get new, more fuel-efficient engines including turbodiesels and updated V-8s. The powertrains currently on offer in the Range Rover date back to a 2005 refresh of the model.
There’s no word yet on when the next Land Rover Range Rover might debut. We can probably expect to see the luxury SUV by the end of this calendar year, or early in 2013.
