First look: Land Rover shows e-Terrain

LAND Rover was still working on its new Freelander, which prevent for the long-awaited new small 4WD from making a public appearance, so the Ford-owned 4WD brand gave an insight into its environmental commitment through the e-Terrain.

Although it looks like a skeleton, the e-Terrain highlights real-world solutions Land Rover expects to incorporate into its line-up over the next few years with efficient technologies that enhance on- and off-road performance.

Among the targets are a 30 per cent improvement in fuel economy and new technologies to reduce emissions to about 150g/km CO2 on a vehicle the size of the Freelander.

Land Rover claims the e-Terrain combines mechanical and electrical advances to make gains in areas ranging from transmission function to cooling efficiency, and from battery power management to power steering efficiency – all without compromising off-road capability.

"The e-Terrain technologies are practical, feasible, real-world solutions," said Land Rover managing director (and former Ford Australia marketing chief) Matthew Taylor.

Over the past nine years, Land Rover’s emissions output has – according to the maker – fallen 13 per cent, compared with the motor industry’s overall average improvement of 9.7 per cent.

e-Terrain also showcases an integrated electric rear-axle drive, bio-diesel capability, electric power steering, and integrated starter-generator.

The sophisticated rear-axle drive – used in conjunction with the integrated starter-generator – improves both urban emissions and off-road ability. Off-road, the IERAD can provide additional torque, as required.

It also allows electric-powered "traffic creep" and low-speed acceleration up to 32km/h, without restarting the engine, benefiting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.