Land Rover\u2019s e-Terrain vehicle isn\u2019t meant to be taken literally. It\u2019s a showcase for the company\u2019s upcoming technology, particularly fuel efficiency a welcome sign, considering a supercharged Range Rover gets 13 mpg in city driving. Land Rover says that in combined use the e-Terrain\u2019s technology can increase gas mileage by 33 percent while reducing tailpipe emissions and maintaining offroad ruggedness. Highlights include a driveshaft that disconnects from the rear wheels during low-load periods to reduce lost efficiency; the rear end of the driveshaft maintains equivalent rotation to allow for seamless reconnection. In low-load city driving, an electric rear axle can power the vehicle without using gas.<\/p>\n
A semiautomatic transmission functions like those in F1 racing cars, eliminating both a conventional automatic transmission\u2019s torque converter and its inefficiencies. Other technologies include a terrain response system and an engine compatible with ethanol-based E85 fuel.<\/p>\n
Land Rover says these technologies will be available on production models in the next several years.<\/p>\n