Land Rover "Range Rover"
The name "Vogue", which had been used in Japan, was removed, and the new model, which underwent a full model change this time, was simply named "Range Rover" as in other markets. This is the fourth generation model counting from the first model that debuted in 1970. It is clear at a glance that the styling of such the latest model strongly inherits the image of the previous third generation.
The thick lower body, which begins with the clamshell hood on the side, and the thin roof mounted on the pillars that are hidden with black paint, the proportions are just like the grammar of Range Rover. impression.
The side vent, which is now one of the most important icons, has evolved into a structure that introduces air from the gap between the engine hood and the upper part of the front fender in the new model, so it no longer has any functional meaning, and the front door panel To move the place to the front. For that reason, the item, which has greatly increased the degree of freedom in design, strongly appeals to the "Range Rover-likeness" in the side view, which is also one of the "highlights" of the new model.
The side vents have become decorations due to the change in the air introduction method. Of course, that still doesn't quite change the feel of the Range Rover.
What is worth noting is rather the total height, and while all the above dimensions have changed to the positive side, the only negative value has been announced. Although the difference from the conventional model is not so large, this "downsizing" cannot be overlooked. If you ask me, in addition to the desire to get a more stylish appearance, it also includes the aim of "reducing air resistance", which is unique to the current model.
A large, heavy body driven by a large-displacement, multi-cylinder engine-Speaking of such a Range Rover, until now, it was a common perception that it was "the model that is the most distant from the two words 'efficiency'." I should have. However, as described later, the new model, which has achieved a significant weight reduction and also adopts an "energy saving mechanism" such as an idling stop mechanism and electric power steering, is a successive model, including the aforementioned improvement in aerodynamic performance. There is no doubt that it is the first “Range Rover that seriously tackles environmental measures”.
The greatest technological highlight of such a new model is the adoption of an all-aluminum body, which claims to be the world's first SUV.
Details have already been reported on this site as a product seminar report, but the monocoque structure body shell alone is said to be ``180 kg lighter than conventional steel, which is 39% less. ” is proclaimed.
Furthermore, the doors are made entirely of aluminum, including the built-in impact bars, the front and rear suspensions are newly designed using aluminum subframes, and the SMC plastic upper and tailgate panels are all part of the lightweight structure. By adopting it, it is also appealing that "a maximum of 345 kg less than the conventional model compared to vehicles equipped with the same V8 gasoline engine".
By the way, the overall vehicle is said to be "up to 420kg lighter", but in fact, this is a diesel that has been reduced from 8 cylinders to 6 cylinders while demonstrating the same or higher power performance.・Topic in the model. In any case, the biggest technical highlight of the new model, which has undergone a full model change for the first time in 10 years, is that it has achieved a weight reduction of more than 10% compared to the conventional model.