Land Rover is looking to the future, in more ways than one. Of course Tata is on the verge of buying the British marque from Ford, but Land Rover has already taken a step forward with the unveiling of the LRX cross-coupe concept at Detroit. Today a diesel-hybrid version follows the all-white LRX.
Land Rover has called it the Black and Silver LRX Hybrid Concept and is shows off a 2.0 liter turbo-diesel engine, capable of 50 mpg while emitting just 120 g/km of CO2, and a striking black & silver guise to display the car's suitability for personalization.
"The LRX concept already has an abundance of character, but you can tune the appearance to reflect a customer's own personality and lifestyle.” said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's design director.
The Land Rover LRX has not been confirmed for production yet. Whether we will ever see this cross-coupe on the European or US roads depends on feedback from the general public. The Land Rover LRX was well received at NAIAS which has put Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover, into a good mood, he said: “We've always seen scope for LRX to provide a whole showroom of different models, with a range of powertrains including hybrids and bio-fuel capable engines."
A striking black and silver version of Land Rover's acclaimed LRX cross-coupe concept makes its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show after the original white LRX revealed earlier to widespread acclaim (at NAIAS, Detroit, in January).
Land Rover shows a new version of its LRX concept in New York at the New York International Auto Show - a desirable, premium and compact SUV which extends the definition of ‘breadth of capability’
Brand new, black and silver version of LRX designed to highlight the concept's suitability for contemporary personalization
Conceived as capable of having a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-liter turbodiesel hybrid, with potential CO2 emissions of 120 g/km and U.S. fuel economy of 50 mpg
Demonstrates Land Rover’s commitment to sustainability – with new technologies, lightweight design and environmentally-responsible materials
A bold evolution of Land Rover design – but still unmistakably a Land Rover
Impeccable attention to detail and precision of execution underpin LRX’s premium credentials
"With its metallic black paintwork, silver roof and precisely detailed exterior features, the second version of the LRX concept is designed to show how well the vehicle can deliver a contemporary example of personalization," says Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's design director.
"The LRX concept already has an abundance of character, but you can tune the appearance to reflect a customer's own personality and lifestyle. Clever use of color and subtle additional details enable the vehicle to be tailored to suit an individual's style, without compromising the clean design of the LRX," he adds.
No production plans have been confirmed yet for the LRX concept, and both versions will now be used to gauge public, retailer and media response to Land Rover's cross-coupe concept, as well as its interesting new opportunities for vehicle personalization.
"We were hugely excited by the positive response that the original LRX concept generated when we showed it at the Detroit Show in January," says Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover. "But we've always seen scope for LRX to provide a whole showroom of different models, with a range of powertrains including hybrids and bio-fuel capable engines."
Using lightweight material technologies, Land Rover has developed a series of bespoke features for the black and silver LRX that add to the vehicle's individuality and flexibility. The removable carbon composite roof panel contrasts with the silver-colored roof, and has integral anchor points for fixing snowboards and other sports equipment. The sleek black roof bars provide another option for roof-top loads, and a compact step above the rear bumper provides for easy roof-top access. More carbon composite is used for the protective underbody plates at front and rear, while new, lightweight alloy wheels with unique-design tires signal purposefulness. And to protect the vehicle when the going gets tough - in either urban or off-road situations - there are smart, resilient moldings on bumpers and sills.
"The black and silver LRX shows a real world breadth of capability. Its all-terrain ability, extra protection and load-carrying versatility help emphasize that it's an authentic Land Rover, while its compact dimensions, agile handling and efficient powertrain make it a practical proposition for everyday driving," says Popham.
Ben-zo
March 20, 2008 5:07:59 PM
Correct, Land Rover! Turbo(bio)diesel and electric hybrid powertrain does seem like a logical combination for economy. Not bad looking either, although I'm concerned it might be about the size of a mini. Overall looks like a great vehicle, just make it reliable.
to my esteemed Solihullites , please heed your compatriots' Lennon/McCartney's advice : "GET BACK TO WHERE YOU'VE ONCE BELONGED" - the body color white , precisely . the application of a heavily dark body paintwork to the LRX simply fades all its handsome lines to BLACK .
Reminds me a lot of the FJ Cruiser; the two door thing (yea the FJ had four but the rear doors were basically nonexistent), the white roof. But this car has a personality all of its own and I think its the best Land Rover I've seen. Looks realy nice.
Correct, Land Rover! Turbo(bio)diesel and electric hybrid powertrain does seem like a logical combination for economy. Not bad looking either, although I'm concerned it might be about the size of a mini. Overall looks like a great vehicle, just make it reliable.