Way up in the wintry wonderland that is Sweden, the next-generation Range Rover was caught winter testing. This Range Rover mule is expected to lose a considerable about of weight compared to its predecessor thanks to new aluminum chassis, an alloy body shell, and composite materials. The new vehicle is also expected to be longer, wider and lower than the current generation model.

Land Rover expects to launch the Range Rover as a hybrid as well in 2013, in addition to a new fuel efficient TSV6, TDV8, and 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine. To increase fuel economy, the new Range Rover will also feature a new ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. Adding to all this car news is details of a plug-in hybrid that will arrive 2 to 3 years after the launch. Expect to see the first prototypes of this new design in mid-2011, but the world debut will probably be held off till the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Photos courtesy of gmotors.co.uk