In just a few years, the Road Rover estate could be on the streets?
Rumours have circulated for some time that Land Rover plans to abandon SUVs. But this rendering shows how a rugged but low-slung “Rod Rover” estate might look.
Autocar had suggested earlier in the year that a road-going Land Rover could come in the form an Audi A6 Allroad, or a Volvo V90 Cross Country-inspired Estate car. This vehicle could be powered with a high-tech electric motor.
According to the magazine, the car could be dubbed Road Rover and use the same all aluminum architecture as the next-generation Jaguar XJ sedan. Reports suggested that the car could use a twin-motor layout, with four-wheel drive capability by placing one motor on each axle.
Autocar stated that Land Rover will continue to be a tough 4×4 vehicle and use its superior road-car credentials to compete in the market.
This rendering shows what such a car could look like, with the Land Rover grille positioned slightly lower than usual.
Although the overall stance falls somewhere between Range Rover Velar or Jaguar XF Sportbrake , Land Rover has taken great care of all details. For example, the hidden door handles are rooted in the Velar while the bonnet louvers point to the larger Range Rover Sport.
However, the roofline is pure Velar as are the flanks with their high shoulder lines and sleek vents between the front wheel arches. It is not an SUV but a road car. However, it exudes Land Rover DNA.
The design is sporty with red brake calipers hidden behind black alloy wheels. This hint at the kind of stopping power that requires impressive performance.
There are no indications that the “Road Rover” will be powered by a twin-motor electric powertrain, as was suggested earlier. If it were to be matched by Jaguar’s new electric SUV the IPace for power with around 400 hp, then we might see a car capable of going from 0-60 mph (or 100 kph) in just five seconds.
It would be reasonable to assume that the car’s lightweight design and sleek profile, as well as the inevitable technological advancements between now and 2020, will allow it to exceed the I-Pace’s 292-mile mark in terms of range.
The Range Rover badge on the nose of this rendering suggests that the newcomer could easily be priced near the top of Land Rover’s range.