New hybrid versions of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport have been revealed.

Land Rover claims spectacular economy gains, “staggering” performance, uncompromised comfort and even better refinement than conventional diesel and petrol Range Rovers. Manufacturing is understood to be starting very soon.

To prove the new hybrid models, which are claimed to deliver similar levels of off-road capability and durability to conventional models, Land Rover is planning a 10,000-mile expedition called ‘2013 Silk Trail’. This will follow ancient trading routes running through 12 countries from France to India, via Poland, Russia and China, and reaching the Mumbai HQ of Jaguar Land Rover’s parent company, Tata Motors, in mid-October.   

The hybrid system for both models combines the Range Rover’s familiar TDV6 diesel and a 35kW electric motor integrated with the eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox to create a powertrain with peak power of 335bhp. The entire hybrid system, including its lithium ion battery, adds less than 120kg to the models’ kerb weights, considerably less than the weight saving Land Rover achieved by converting both models to all-aluminium 
body/chassis construction. Continued..