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Land Rover LRX Planned for 2011 Arrival 

 


Land Rover gave brand fans a peek into its future with the LRX Concept two years ago. Now, this new smaller, sportier kind of Land Rover is headed for production with a 2011 arrival planned. It's nothing like you've ever seen or driven. Intrigued?

If you're a Land Rover and Range Rover aficionado, you've probably seen pictures of the LRX Concept. If the production version's 2011 due date sounds a bit far off, its futuristic design and engineering will make it worth the wait. The LRX packages the brand's core values in an eco-friendly new way with striking exterior design and a new take on interior luxury and versatility.

"The LRX concept delivers the powerful message that we are as serious about sustainability as we are confident about the continuing relevance and desirability of our vehicles," says Phil Popham, Land Rover's Managing Director. "LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it's a very different Land Rover. The LRX is in the cycle plan and will be shown in 2010 for likely sale in 2011."

Here's what he means by "very different." The LRX will be the smallest vehicle in the brand's lineup, lower and shorter than the LR2. The design unequivocally says Land Rover, yet its coupe-like profile and stance convey a more on-road kind of performance persona. That isn't to say it will not be off-road capable, just that the LRX is aimed at a customer whose off-road adventures are more likely to be on two wheels or on foot.

Glass wrapping around the rear pillars makes it appear as if the roof floats on the LRX's pillars. A muscular shoulder line seems to encircle the vehicle. A rising beltline accentuates the wedge-like profile. Pushing the wheels out to the corners underscores the LRX's powerful stance. The sculpted corners yield short front and rear overhangs, also a hallmark of current Land Rover and Range Rover design.

The clamshell hood, distinctive headlights and perforated two-bar grille give the LRX the unmistakable Land Rover look up front. Wide wheel arches cover 20-inch alloy wheels on the concept model.

Inside, the LRX offers unrivaled Land Rover luxury and function, making it as practical as it is fun. The concept previewed new, eco-friendly materials including vegetable-tanned leather, which is chromium-free and so much easier to recycle. Aluminum trim is both lightweight and also easy to recycle - and, of course, easy to source from recycled aluminum. The LRX Concept's vanilla-colored "suede" door-panel inserts and headliner are actually made from a 100-percent recycled material sourced from plastic bottles and fibers. Felt used for the carpeting also comes from sustainable sources.

Though the LRX will be the smallest vehicle in the brand's lineup, it will cater to a customer that demands versatility. The LRX complies with a clever interior design. Articulated rear seatbacks provide a large, flat storage area when folded down. The LRX can accommodate two mountain bikes standing upright with front wheels removed and stored in special slots in the floor.

Now, what makes the LRX run? The concept version previewed a hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine that meets emission standards for all 50 states. The turbo-diesel may indeed appear in the future, but the LRX will likely launch with efficient gasoline and diesel engine options. "Diesel, hybrid and small-capacity gasoline engines are in the plan," says Land Rover's Popham.

A special version of the brand's renowned Terrain Response? system will allow the LRX to tackle off-road driving, and it will include a new "Eco" mode that optimizes the vehicle's powertrain and chassis systems for maximum fuel efficiency.

Look for more news on the LRX this year, and start planning for 2011