Autoblog

Surprise! Land Rover confirms two-door LRX for production

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, SUV, Crossover, Land Rover

Production Land Rover LRX rendering - Click above to enlarge

Land Rover has today confirmed what we've long expected - the popular LRX Concept from the 2008 edition of the Detroit Auto Show is headed for production. The British-born automaker doesn't actually say the new 'ute will be called the LRX when it hits the market in 2011, but it will definitely be wearing a Range Rover badge and therefore likely be marketed as a premium vehicle.

No details are given about the coupe-like SUV's powertrain, but Land Rover does say the it "will be the smallest, lightest and most efficient vehicle the company has ever produced." Previous reports have suggested the production LRX will share underpinnings with the LR2 (a.k.a. the Freelander) and will be offered with an optional all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain that may use an electric motor to power the rear wheels and a transverse engine underhood driving the front wheels.

Judging from the lone rendering released with this announcement, the basic shape from the LRX Concept should survive mostly intact, perhaps gaining a slightly more pronounced front fascia to go along with the production-necessary external door handles. Expect more details to filter out at the beginning of 2010, but in the meantime, click past the break for Land Rover's official press release.

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Surprise! Land Rover confirms two-door LRX for production

Surprise! Land Rover confirms two-door LRX for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Land Rover to debut LRX next June for 2011 launch

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:39:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Crossover, Land Rover, Rumormill, Luxury

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]

REPORT: Land Rover to debut LRX next June for 2011 launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Compact hybrid Range Rover LRX gets green light

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Green, Crossover, Land Rover

Land Rover LRX Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Automakers that hope to continue doing business over the next few years need to be increasingly aware of their fuel consumption, emissions and environmental credibility. In deference to this fact, Auto Express in the U.K. is reporting that Land Rover is moving forward with plans to launch the new LRX compact hybrid 'ute, possibly with a bit of help from the U.K. government.

According to the report, Land Rover will borrow liberally from corporate partner Jaguar's hardware stable, which is rumored to soon include both hybrid and extended-range EV options. Land Rover's innovative electric drive rear axle is supposedly on the LRX menu, which would work along with the automaker's well-known and highly-effective Terrain Response System to put power to the ground wherever possible.

If there's any truth to these rumors, we shouldn't expect Land Rover to have the hybrid LRX in production until at least two years have passed. In the meantime, the British-built, Indian-owned automaker is set to debut stop/start and regenerative braking on all of its models to improve their environmental performance.

Gallery: 2008 Land Rover LRX Concept - Black & Silver

[Source: Auto Express]

REPORT: Compact hybrid Range Rover LRX gets green light originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Updated Land Rover Range Rover headed to Big Apple, more LRX details emerge

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Crossover, Land Rover

Even in the face of an overall market for SUVs that's seen demand fall by over 50% over the last year alone, Land Rover's top-level Range Rover is keeping the British/Indian automaker afloat. Sales of the Range Rover - which boasts a starting price of $78,525 - are down only 17.8-percent for the first two months of the year. It's the smaller LR3 (down 28%) and entry-level LR2 (down a whopping 57%) that are dragging the automaker's overall sales figures (down 36.6%) into the mud.

Given its importance to the brand, word that an updated Range Rover is expected at next week's New York Auto Show is big news. Spy shots of the new Rover indicate that exterior changes won't be terribly dramatic for the model that was launched way back in 2002, but there should be big news under the hood, where we expect Jaguar's 5.0-liter all-aluminum V8 engine to take up residence.

Given how well the Range Rover name resonates with 4x4 buyers, it's not surprising to hear that the British company may badge its upcoming production version of the LRX concept (which debuted at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show) as a Range Rover. Like the concept upon which it's based, the new model will be a coupe-like take on the automaker's well-defined SUV theme. However, given the frequency with which consumers already often interchange "Land Rover" (the brand) and "Range Rover" (the model) - not to mention "Range Rover Sport" (the model) - this arrangement sounds potentially confusing. Further, given the LRX's more road-oriented mission, one has to wonder if branding the LRX as a "Range Rover" will serve to dilut the range-topping vehicle's hard-earned off-road equity...

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd | Image: Auto Express]

REPORT: Updated Land Rover Range Rover headed to Big Apple, more LRX details emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

UK offers �27 million to Land Rover to build LRX

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Crossover, Land Rover, UK

Land Rover LRX Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

When Land Rover unveiled the LRX concept at the Detroit Auto Show in 2008, it said the CUV was "Conceived as a 2.0-litre, Federalised, turbodiesel hybrid, with potential CO2 emissions of 120 g/km." That appealed to the UK government, which has confirmed it has extended a grant offer of up to £27 million to Land Rover to produce an all-new vehciles based on the LRX. Land Rover says it will make a decision on the project, which could cost up to £400 million, later this year. If the car is a go, it would "be the smallest, lightest and most efficient [Land Rover] has ever produced." That's not exactly a monumental thing, considering Land Rover's lineup, but it is the right direction to go. You can watch a video about the LRX here.

Land Rover called the LRX the company's second concept vehicle in 60 years, although that's debatable depending on who you ask. Whatever the case, the LRX was a hit, winning the "Concept Truck of the Year" award in the North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards and generating plenty of praise. Is it enough to spend £400m (minus £27m)? Looks like we're going to find out soon enough. More details in the press release below the fold.

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept

Continue reading UK offers �27 million to Land Rover to build LRX

UK offers �27 million to Land Rover to build LRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jaguar Land Rover CEO dies

Dan Roth — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover

Geoff Polites, who's stewardship of Land Rover and Jaguar improved the health of both properties, has succumbed after a long illness. Polites led Jaguar and Land Rover back to collective profitability, and kept a steady hand on the helm during the upheaval surrounding the sale to Tata a month ago. While rumors swirled and pundits punned, it was Polites leadership that kept Jaguar and Land Rover on an even keel, with heads down and concentrating, instead of freaking out. Polites spent 40 years in the automotive business, and rose to CEO at Jaguar Land Rover in 2005. Both brands have strong, stylish product portfolios with name cachet, and David Smith, CFO of Jaguar Land Rover will step in as acting CEO for now. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Jaguar Land Rover CEO dies

Jaguar Land Rover CEO dies originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Tata green-lights LRX and Jag sportscar

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover, Tata

Click on images to view the LRX and F-Type concepts in hi-res

Tata may have spent a huge sum of money in the acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford's Premier Automotive Group, but that won't stop the Indian automaker from approving funding for new projects for its newly-acquired babies.

Among the new vehicles for which Tata has reportedly already given the green light are the Jaguar XE and Land Rover LRX. As we previously reported, the sports car known internally as the XE or F-Type will target the likes of the Porsche 911 and face competition from the upcoming Maserati sportscar in 2012 when it is anticipated to hit the market. Around the same time, Land Rover is expected to bring the LRX to market and produce the sporty ute at Land Rover's plant in Halewood, England. Despite the shift in ownership, the vehicles are tipped to still be produced in the UK, although a large government contract to supply India's armed forces with Land Rover Defenders could result in local manufacturing of that utility vehicle on the subcontinent.

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept - Black & Silver

Gallery: Jaguar F-Type Concept

[Source: 4Car]

REPORT: Tata green-lights LRX and Jag sportscar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Land Rover to build the LRX

Noah Joseph — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover

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

We've big fans of the Land Rover LRX concept's styling, which looked as good in black (unveiled in Geneva) as it did in the original white (unveiled in Detroit). So we're suitably pleased by reports that Land Rover is preparing to build the vehicle, which could get the nameplate Freelander Sport in keeping with the nomenclature already set in place by the Range Rover Sport.

The production LRX would target the likes of the upcoming BMW X1 and Audi Q5 (and potentially the Porsche Roxster), while offering a range of eco-friendly engine options that help Land Rover reduce its overall environmental impact. Such powertrain possibilities could include a 2.2-liter diesel and 3.2-liter gasoline inline-six with the potential for start-stop technology and even a hybrid system. Although the Freelander Sport would be oriented towards on-road driving dynamics, we wouldn't expect it to compromise the brand's legendary off-road prowess as much as recent offerings from Jeep. Reports place the production LRX on the road as early as 2010, and we hope much of the show car's dramatic styling would remain in place as the Land Rover rides the rocky road from concept to production.

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept - Black & Silver

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept

[Source: Auto Express]

REPORT: Land Rover to build the LRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Land Rover attempting to keep LRX concept's interior intact

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Crossover, Land Rover

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.

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept - Black & Silver

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept

[Source: Autocar via Winding Road]

Land Rover attempting to keep LRX concept's interior intact originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva 2008: Land Rover LRX is back... in black

Noah Joseph — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 06:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover

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

Segments keep blending and niches keep growing. We don't complain, though, when the results are as stunning as the LRX concept. Land Rover brought a second version of the show car to Geneva in a sharp new black-and-silver paintjob that would be our first choice for arriving at the Academy Awards if they were held on the moon. Hopefully the LRX is less pie-in-the-sky than that, though, because we want one. Or two.

As sinisterly handsome as the carbon LRX looks from afar, the devil is in the details, which include such subtle modern touches as brushed-aluminum badging, grille, roof, vents and the like. And we like. Check out the images in the gallery below to see for yourself, and the details in our previous post.

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept - Black & Silver

Geneva 2008: Land Rover LRX is back... in black originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 06:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva '08 Preview: Land Rover LRX puts on a tux, looks sharp

Alex Nunez — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 23:46:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Land Rover

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.

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept - Black & Silver

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Geneva '08 Preview: Land Rover LRX puts on a tux, looks sharp

Geneva '08 Preview: Land Rover LRX puts on a tux, looks sharp originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Mar 2008 23:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Detroit 2008: Land Rover LRX lights up Motor City

Drew Phillips — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 20:04:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, SUV, 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.

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Land Rover LRX lights up Motor City

Detroit 2008: Land Rover LRX lights up Motor City originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pics Aplenty: Every angle of the Land Rover LRX

Alex Nunez — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 07:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, SUV, 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]

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept

Pics Aplenty: Every angle of the Land Rover LRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 07:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Land Rover LRX unveiled, courtesy of Auto Motor und Sport

Alex Nunez — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 10:50:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, SUV, 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]

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept

Continue reading Land Rover LRX unveiled, courtesy of Auto Motor und Sport

Land Rover LRX unveiled, courtesy of Auto Motor und Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments