Land Rover Range_e concept hybrid (2011)

Land Rover will show off the new Range_e diesel-electric hybrid prototype for the first time at the 2011 Geneva motor show.

Yes and no. CAR readers may be familiar with this modified Range Rover Sport, which was reported here in May 2010. However, this is the first time we've seen a working prototype of the Range_e in public; it presages a production hybrid due in 2013.

By mating Land Rover’s existing TDV6 diesel engine and upcoming ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with a plug-in parallel hybrid drive module, the Range_e boasts a most un-Land Rover-like CO2 rating of  89g/km. For comparison, a regular Range Sport TDV6 musters 243g/km of CO2, while the petrol-electric Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid manages 193g/km.

A pure EV mode in the Range_e offers a claimed 20 miles of zero-emissions motoring at speeds up to 70mph, allowing mums a quieter school-run and providing a handy rationalisation to use against eco-zealous guests at dinner parties. Top speed of the Range_e is 120mph, and Land Rover claim a rather rangey 690 miles between refuelling stops for the diesel-electric prototype.

Displayed alongside the Range_e will be the exclusive Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition, also making its public debut at Geneva. As reported the other day, it's a run-out special, bristling with extra kit and even a pair of iPads built into the front seat back rests.

Land Rover will also show off Range Rover Evoque in both three-door 'coupe' and five-door forms, along with further information on the new soft-roader's extensive range of accessory option packages and pricing for Europe (but not the UK). 

And finally... the Discovery 4 'Landmark' Limited Editions round off the Land Rover presence at Geneva 2011.   

By Mark Hamilton