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SPIED: Farewell Freelander, it's Baby Disco

Land Rover will reportedly end its Freelander line in favour of new ‘Baby Discovery’ based on the Evoque.

Spy photographers captured images of a new ‘RS’ variant, the automaker’s sports division. The prototype is based on a heavily modified Range Rover Evoque.

IMAGE GALLERY: Land Rover ‘Baby Discovery RS’ (Spy)

As befits its RS status, you can expect sporty touches such as new front and rear bumpers and larger intakes compared to the standard variant.

The exterior will likely boast a base colour with numerous black elements, like the front and rear spoiler, side skirts, side-mirrors and roof. Inside, expect to see sport seats and carbon-fibre trim.

As for the engine, rumours point toward Land Rover tuning its two-litre turbocharged unit to produce 224kW. In order to handle the extra power, the Baby Discovery RS will also be equipped with a modified suspension, larger wheels and an updated brake system.

LAND/RANGE ROVER SHAKE-UP

Land Rover is planning a brand shake-up by launching a family of Disovery vehicles.

Its decision to create a family of its popular Disco range is largely based on a number of considerations including Land Rover/Range Rover brand confusion.

Land Rover’s global brand director John Edwards said the automaker’s range would be based on “three iconic brands - Range Rover, Discovery and Defender”. Each of those models could be a sub-brand in its own right as demonstrated by the Range Rover.

A new Discovery range will be topped by two flagship models based on the Range Rover’s PLA architecture and will be joined by two units set to replace the Freelander.

Due to government and safety regulations, the venerable Defender line will sadly come to an end. Land Rover announced it will end production of its iconic 4x4 in 2015.

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