Caught Testing: 2013 Range Rover LWB

There isn’t much lacking from the current Range Rover, the boxy British-built sport-utility is loaded with luxury features and has an optional 510-bhp supercharged V-8 engine. Of course, a little more cabin room would be nice, and perhaps some extra cargo space for those extra Neiman Marcus shopping bags. Spotted here is an extended wheelbase version of the Range Rover, which could reach production as early as late-2012. Even with this test vehicle’s strange ‘pixelated’ camouflage, it’s still easy to spot the longer rear doors and side glass. Why this prototype also includes a rear roll-cage (visible in side profile shots) remains a mystery.

2013 Range Rover LWB

Bigger and Lighter Than Before
It’s worth noting that the current Range Rover is limited to only 5-passengers. This long wheelbase model could allow for the fitment of an additional rear seat, though it’s impossible to tell whether or not one is fitted to this test vehicle. At the very least, rear passengers should have far greater legroom, and cargo space should swell considerably from the already ample 35.1 cu. ft. in the standard model.

2013 Range Rover LWB

The engine lineup should be mostly carry-over, with the 5.0-liter V-8 offered in 375-bhp naturally aspirated and the aforementioned 510-bhp supercharged format. A 6-speed automatic transmission will send power to Range Rover’s legendary four-wheel-drive system. Not many owners will go rock crawling in something like the $170,000 range-topping (pun intended) Supercharged Autobiography Ultimate Edition – but this SUV is definitely equipped for the challenge.

2013 Range Rover LWB

Even though it’s bigger, this new Range Rover could be markedly lighter than before. By sharing aluminum chassis technology with its partner, Jaguar, the future Range Rover lineup could be several hundred pounds less portly. That should boost performance and fuel economy that, as it stands, is an oil-executive-friendly 12/18-mpg city/highway.