Range Rover Diesel Hybrid not Coming to America
Earlier this month, the 2013 Range Rover officially debuted with the announcement of a diesel hybrid variant coming later in the year. It’s now been confirmed that America won’t be seeing the diesel hybrid, at least not anytime soon.
Out in Europe however, interested customers will be able to purchase the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 model that’s mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. On the European test cycle, the British automaker estimates a 45-mpg combined for the model, but remember that Europe uses Imperial gallons.
The reason why the model won’t be coming to America is due to the amount of work and investment Land Rover would have to put in to make the diesel hybrid ready to meet stricter US emissions standards. Americans will get to choose between a naturally aspirated or a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 motor mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EPA hasn’t released its figures on the 2013 Range Rover yet, but it’s expected to see vast improvements in fuel efficiency thanks to the new transmission and aluminum body.
Those few that are interested in America in a diesel hybrid variant don’t have to give up all hope just yet. The new European standards are coming, and when they do, automakers will have to change their vehicles in order to meet them. When the new standards hit the Range Rover, it may become legal here in the States.
Either way, one thing is clear: the hybridization of vehicles is well on its way.
[Source: Automobile Mag]
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Huge mistake not bringing it over. They already suffer from an image of being unreliable, expensive to maintain,gas guzzlers and the diesel could of atleast scratched off one of the drawbacks.
His speeds were then measured, and the speed limits were based on that test, which is a very different process than what normally goes into deciding the speed limits on public roads.