REPORT: Land Rover to debut LRX next June for 2011 launch
Land Rover LRX Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Land Rover is set to celebrate the first 40 years of its eminently capable Range Rover line next June. What better birthday present to itself than to unleash a new model that's set to bring its wares up to date with the modern realities of fuel efficiency and a reduced environmental impact?
The vehicle in question is the new Range Rover LRX, and Autocar in the U.K. is reporting that the small Rover will see its debut on June 17, 2010 with the first production models rolling down the line in early 2011. Styling both inside and out is expected to stay very close to the well-received LRX concept from the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.
Based on underpinnings shared with the Freelander (that's the LR2 here in the States), the LRX could feature a transverse engine driving the front wheels with the first application of the marque's e TERRAIN electric drive rear axle, a setup that is said to be capable of powering the rear wheels using battery power only at speeds up to 20 mph.
Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept
[Source: Autocar]
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Farmboy 3:43PM (8/26/2009)
I'm just not agreeing with the LRX. Can't put my finger on it, but I just don't like it. I mean, I LOVE 2-door SUVs, but this one just doesn't seem right.
Reply
gstylezprodigy 3:54PM (8/26/2009)
it's the best looking Land Rover I've ever seen to be honest...
before I thought they were all over priced SUV's, yet that looks like something to save up for.
zamafir 4:15PM (8/26/2009)
Maybe it doesn’t seem right because IT’S NOT AN SUV.
Rich 4:35PM (8/26/2009)
The Range Rover started out as a two door car with off-road capability.
zamafir 6:07PM (8/26/2009)
@ Rich, and? This is the size of an A3, we're in 2009, that's much smaller than a CUV, and LR's been quite upfront that they're simply going to capitalize on the mini craze by building what is essentially a premium hatchback with LR cues, that's what they're doing. It'll sell great because it'll be noticeably cheaper than their current offerings, smaller, easier to maneuver and will get better fuel economy. the LRX is as much an SUV as the Cayenne is a two door sports car. It's not. Both are radical vehicle departures from their manufacturer’s normal palate as a result of changing market conditions.
AMcA 9:25AM (8/27/2009)
Not an SUV?
Hate to tell you, boys, but this is probably the future of the SUV. Smaller, lighter, more efficient.
FWD? Yes, primarily. But as they've noted, with AWD capability from the electro-RWD feature (which is cool - better packaging, mechanically simpler, and serious torque).
The future's not so bad.
axlewood 3:53PM (8/26/2009)
seems like a car from the future.
Reply
Brendon 5:40PM (8/26/2009)
Looks like the chevy volt.
inline6 4:00PM (8/26/2009)
If JLR keeps this product renaissance up, they won't be losing Tata's money for very long.
In fact, it makes sense that Tata's been losing money on JLR in their first year of ownership...they have all that new metal to pay to tool up for.
Reply
Rich 4:43PM (8/26/2009)
They know how to win in a recession. Invest while it's cheap to do so, then you're ready to sell when the market recovers.
Here in the US, just like the UK, we shut everything down and adopt a foetal position crying like babbies.
MeiSooHaityu 4:11PM (8/26/2009)
The headlights and upper grille kind of remind me of the Chevy volt.
Nice looking SUV though.
Reply
Rich 4:41PM (8/26/2009)
I wonder if it'll gain an extra pair of doors, just like the last new Range Rover concept did...
Reply
ello 4:48PM (8/26/2009)
There are rumors that it will be offered in 2 and 4 door configurations but who the hell knows, but knowing past history I bet there will be a 4 door version. Anyway, I love this LRX concept (I just hope it will not get butchered a lot when a regular version is released, at least exterior wise). IMO this is looking a lot better than recent European/Japanese SUV/CUV designs, it has a nice clean, modern, strong look to it with a lot of details and omits all those unnecessary curves/bulges while still maintaining the Land Rover/Range Rover look.
RED_ 5:04PM (8/26/2009)
Very excited about this, the era where concept cars will actually be built how they are drawn is getting ever closer.
The only thing im worried about with this is that it takes away that range rover ''4x4ness''(?). Doesn't look very strong or tough like the land rovers that are around now. As long as range rover keep their ''im a hard nut'' reputation in the future cars like these will be class.
Reply
zamafir 6:10PM (8/26/2009)
Hasn't that era been here for almost a decade? Audi, BMW, lots of companies are building production cars close to concepts, I believe Audi's been building them 90% faithful for over half a decade. This is the fundamental change most people actually complain about, the lack of any crazy concepts as 99% of the concepts we see now are thinly veiled production cars attempting to garner early public reaction.
Reply
zamafir 6:10PM (8/26/2009)
@ red, comment system ftw.
galant14b 7:02PM (8/26/2009)
I was excited until I saw front wheel drive. *yawn*
Reply
Ray 7:41PM (8/26/2009)
I'm with you there. I thought all Range Rovers were 4wd. I do love the way it looks though.
JerryB 11:46PM (8/26/2009)
I'm not much of an SUV/CAV/Crossover fan, but that's quite a handsome, almost futuristic looking vehicle. Splendid design.
Reply
Avinash machado 3:20AM (8/27/2009)
First Jeep and now Land Rover. Both are losing their core off-road identity.
Reply