The first time we learned about the road rover it was a year ago, through Autocar, stating that it was just an internal code to identify a new line of models.
However, from the moment that it is reported that JLR has just registered the name, this matter has become serious.
The registration of a name by a builder can happen for a variety of reasons. Whether to prevent the use of this name — in this case, very close to Range Rover and Land Rover — by potential rivals, current practice in the industry; whether to use it in the future in a model, or in this case, which really piques our curiosity, to identify a new model family complementing the Land Rover and Range Rover.
This rumor, of a Land Rover with a mostly estradistant vocation — even more than the Velar — coincides with the announcement that Land Rover will launch a 100% electric vehicle by 2020 . This new electric Land Rover will essentially be a luxury vehicle, which will have potential rivals in cars such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class — it is speculated, however, that it will assume a form similar to an elevated van.
Naturally, the main destination markets for this type of proposal would be the North American and Chinese, whose strict regulations oblige all manufacturers to have zero-emission vehicles in their portfolio.
Road Rover, the history of the name
Road Rover, like Velar, were names used in experimental vehicles in the past. The name Road Rover was first proposed in the early 1950s as a link between Land Rovers and Rover cars. The concept would be revived in the 1960s as a three-door van, which would eventually become the conceptual basis for the first Range Rover, which would appear in 1970.
But why more estradista?
A Land Rover, or in this case a Range Rover, in addition to rivaling the premium builders, must have referential off road capabilities. Something that should not happen with the new 100% electric model, considering the requirements of the platform and electric powertrain.Apparently, this new model is being developed in parallel with the successor to the Jaguar XJ — the brand's top-of-the-line saloon — so even the platform may not be ideal or have the necessary characteristics to derive a “ pure” all-terrain.
This is where speculation about the Road Rover appellation gains momentum. . On one side of the barricade, considering the expectations that a Range Rover generates, this new electric model with a road-going character would dilute the meaning of the Range Rover brand too much, with the new name Road Rover appearing in its place. In addition to identifying this model, the rumor of a family of models gains strength.
On the other side of the barricade, there are those who claim that it makes no sense to confront the F-segment references with a new, as-yet-unknown brand and dispense with the Range Rover brand cachet. Who is right? We will have to wait.
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More, much more electric
Regardless of the chosen strategy, we will have a 100% electric Land Rover in less than 24 months. It is an essential model to comply with all existing and future zero emission vehicle regulations.
The Jaguar I-Pace proves to be insufficient for this, since, for example, in the state of California (USA) — it currently has the most demanding zero-emission vehicle regulations in the world — JLR estimates that by 2025, between 16-25% of your sales will have to be purely electric vehicles, just to comply with regulations. A scenario that is complicated when nine other states have also adopted or will adopt California regulations.
In addition to the I-Pace, the XJ and this new (and likely) Road Rover will be essential to secure the necessary quotas.