Land Rovers and Range Rovers have long been the gas-guzzling SUVs that environmentalists love to hate. With the development of new technologies including a new mild hybrid drive—collectively known as the e-Terrain System that, as an integrated system, can reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 30%.
The technologies that Land-E diesel-electric concept vehicle showcases are:
• A mild hybrid function with the Integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive and ISG Integrated Starter-Generator
• Innovative Propshaft with Seamless Re-connect
• Terrain Response e-Mode
• Biodiesel capability
• ITP - Intelligent Thermal Program
• EPAS - Electric Power-Assisted Steering
• IMES - Intelligent Management of Electrical Systems
Ford’s land rover made a big splash at the recently concluded Geneva motor show and said the technologies could produce upto 30% better fuel economy, without sacrificing on or off road performance.
There’s an integrated electric rear axle, which allows all four wheels to be powered by electricity alone to maintain its benchmark off-road ability.
The next gen range rover will utilize a lighter aluminum body and chassis to reduce CO2 emissions but using both aluminum and hybrid technology together would be applicable in top-end models and this won’t be released until 2012.
The cost of using both these technologies is quite high. If the goal of 30% less CO2 is achieved, we can expect first hybrid Land Rovers coming by the end of the year but in the higher end of the price spectrum. Now the company stands a good chance of becoming one of the greenest carmakers around. The king of the jungle is on the prowl again.
Image : AutoWeek
Credit : Winding Road
