Range Rover Diesel-Hybrid Not Coming To The U.S.

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 11, 2012

When Land Rover announced the new Range Rover earlier in the month, they announced one the powertrains would be a diesel-electric model. The diesel-electric powertrain will combine a 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 model that’s mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with an electric motor. The hybrid can hit 60 MPH in 7 seconds, get 45 MPG (on the European cycle, U.S. number will be less), and can ford water that is three feet deep.

If this is your dream SUV and live in the U.S., I have some bad news. According to Automobile Magazine, Land Rover will not sell the diesel-hybrid Range Rover in the U.S. The reasoning is that the turbo-diesel V6 would need major modifications to meet emissions.

For now, the U.S. will have the choice between a naturally aspirated V8 and supercharged V8. Both engines will come with an eight-speed automatic.

Those who are still dreaming about a diesel-electric hybrid Range Rover can hold out some hope. Within the next year and a half, the European emission standards will closely resemble the U.S. standards.

Source: Automobile Magazine

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.