Autoblog

Click above for high-res gallery of the Land Rover LRX concept

The challenge automaker's face when they attempt to transition a concept vehicle to viable production model is making sure the elements that made it popular with show-goers remain. Case in point: the recently revealed (and repainted) Land Rover LRX concept. The new model is an attempt by Land Rover to show the marque's aggressive side with a sporty two-door SUV that could fill a hole between the Freelander and the LR3. While the exterior shouldn't be too far removed from the show vehicle save for some of the more conceptual elements, the interior is another story. Most automakers let designers run wild inside a concept and then neuter a car's innards on the way to market, but according the Autocar, Land Rover is hoping to keep as much of the concept's interior intact as it can. When Land Rover brings the LRX to market in 2010, we'll know if it succeeded.


[Source: Autocar via Winding Road]

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Black & Silver Land Rover LRX

And here we thought it looked good in white. Land Rover is quick to remind that the LRX is just a concept, but it's sending a pretty strong message in Geneva, where a second, black-and-silver LRX will join the original white truck that premiered in Detroit. And the new one is even hotter than the original, itself one of the best concepts of the last year. It's supposed to demonstrate how a (potential) production LRX could be personalized, and we would like to have one delivered to our personal garage approximately yesterday.

The rakish shape now features a silver roof fitted with side rails and a removable carbon-composite panel. This beautifully contrasts the black primary finish, and aluminum-accented details do their part to further dress up the exterior. As a subtle reminder to onlookers that this is still a Land Rover despite its elegance, matte-finished protective trim adorns the side sills and wheel flares. Furthermore, carbon-composite skidplates supply underbody protection. Inside, a sumptuous-sounding (LR hasn't released any pictures yet) tan-and-dark chocolate interior awaits. Motivation comes from a 2.0L diesel hybrid that is theoretically capable of 60 mpg on the EU combined cycle. The Electric Rear Axle Drive can power the SUV on its own up to 20 mph, and it also can be used to supply additional torque when the LRX is playing in 4x4 mode. Like we said earlier, the LRX is still only a concept, but Land Rover will be actively monitoring customer and dealer interest in Geneva.

The white one got our attention, but this one closes the deal. Hey Land Rover: white or black, just color us interested.


[Source: Land Rover]

click above to view more high-res images of the Land Rover LRX Concept

While not as awe-inspiring as the Audi R8 V12 TDI or the Mazda Furai, Land Rover's LRX Concept still made waves in Detroit. Photos and details of the LRX were let loose a month ago, so we weren't too surprised at what was under the tarp. From afar, the 2-door mini-ute doesn't necessarily look impressive, but a closer look reveals some amazing details. Take for instance the "LRX" logo engraved in the tire tread, or the "Land Rover" inscribed taillights. And of course there's the interior, which lights up differently depending on how the vehicle is being used. Perhaps more importantly is what the LRX as a whole represents for the Land Rover brand. Future models will likely take on planet-saving characteristics of the LRX including reduced weight, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced CO2 emissions. Take a look at the live photos in the gallery below or follow the jump for the press release from Land Rover.

Click image for hi-res gallery

In case you missed it yesterday, the Land Rover LRX is the SUV coupe concept the British marque will introduce next month in Detroit. Based on the Freelander, it's shorter, lower, and exceptionally slick-looking. That goes for the interior, too, which uses ambient lighting to communicate what drive mode the truck's in. Red's for sport, green's for off-road, and blue's for normal. Here's hoping that somewhere, a green light's being lit regarding a production version as well. You can check out our original post here. The attached gallery is now stocked with all the currently available media shots as well. We'll crawl all over the LRX and give you firsthand impressions in a few weeks when we get to see it in the metal.

[Source: Land Rover]

Click image for high-res photo gallery of the Land Rover LRX Concept

The Land Rover LRX is set for a big Detroit debut next month, but you can see it now thanks to German enthusiast mag Auto Motor und Sport. They have thoughtfully posted a full photo gallery of the shortened, lowered Freelander-based Land Rover coupe concept, and thanks to the broken English provided by Google Translate, we can report some of the highlights, as well. The compact SUV boasts long doors and an athletic stance accentuated by a sloping roof, 20" wheels, and a somewhat sinister looking front fascia. The cabin takes on a 2+2 configuration, decorated in typical never-see-production concept trim. The shifter is mounted at the top part of the center console, with a fancy metal central controller for the four-wheel-drive positioned further down.

The attached photos show red ambient lighting in the cabin. That indicates that the car is in sport driving mode. Based on the Auto Motor und Sport piece, our understanding is that the same lighting glows green during off-road use and blue in normal mode. Technical and powertrain details aren't spelled out clearly, but the final paragraph of the translated article mentions (we think) that if the LRX were to make the transition to production, it would likely be built atop the Focus architecture and incorporate a hybrid drivertrain with an electric motor on the rear axle. If you can read German and are able to clarify exactly what the article says, please feel free to do so in the comments.

UPDATE: High-res image gallery added and press release.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]