Land Rover's first-ever hybrid models will debut next month with the new Range Rover Hybrid and Range Rover Sport Hybrid to be unveiled at Frankfurt prior to hitting showrooms early 2014. Cutting-edge diesel-electric hybrid powertrains sit at the heart of the vehicles, which have yet to be confirmed for the US but might still make it. A 3.0-liter turbo-diesels V6 combines with an electric motor, sending 335 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque to the road via the ZF eight-speed automatic that features across the lineup.

Land Rover claims 6.7- and 6.9-second 0-62 mph times and 135 mph and 140 mph top speeds for the RR Hybrid and RR Sport Hybrid respectively, while combined fuel economy is 36.7 mpg making these the most efficient cars Land Rover has ever made. Pure electric driving, via the 47hp/125lb-ft electric motor, is limited to just one mile and 30 mph, designed for stop and start driving around town, and acts as a generator under braking.The total hybrid system adds less than 120 kg to the models' weight, while positioning the batteries in a steel cradle below the floor ensures passenger and luggage space remains unaffected.

Full-sized spare wheels and the Sport's 5+2 accommodation is also available, while the RR Hybrids retain the standard model's Terrain Response 2 off-road and 4WD systems. To demonstrate their offroading credentials, three Hybrids will embark on a 10,000 mile journey from Range Rover's birthplace and production facility in Solihull, UK, to Mumbai, India, the home of Land Rover's parent company, Tata. 12 countries will be crossed taking in some of the world's most challenging roads en route.