Land Rover LRX Concept (2011)

Overview:

The LRX is described as a cross-coupé, and dramatically extends the scope of what Land Rover stands for. Though smaller than the LR2, the LRX is conceived as a premium car, designed to appeal to new customers in the luxury and executive sector – those who want many of the benefits of a 4x4 and the visual presence of a larger vehicle, but in a more compact package. The first all-new Land Rover revealed since Gerry McGovern became the company's design director, LRX is a natural extension of the Land Rover range, complementing the existing models with a car that will help to define a new segment. Its many recognizable Land Rover design cues include bold new interpretations of the signature clamshell hood, the floating roof and the solid ‘wheel-at-each-corner’ stance. "LRX is a design born out of passion for the brand, but it is different, relevant, engaging and exciting – because Land Rover has never built ordinary cars," says Gerry McGovern. "LRX has a highly desirable identity and the design alludes strongly to its capability, while clearly underlining our forward-looking philosophy – it's a Land Rover that would be comfortable on Bond Street or Fifth Avenue, but wouldn’t flinch at getting its wheels dirty." Its compact size is one of its greatest assets, which will appeal to anyone who wants the versatile ability of an agile SUV with the cachet of the Land Rover name. In addition, its lower weight and the reduced aerodynamic drag resulting from the smaller frontal area give significant gains in fuel efficiency and reduced C02 emissions. The LRX concept also adopts intelligent power management systems and other technologies first shown by Land Rover in the Land_e concept in 2006. Further details of the LRX's powertrain and sustainability technologies will be released at the Detroit Auto Show. The interior of the LRX concept clearly demonstrates how a compact Land Rover can still be roomy, practical and versatile – and one with great sophistication. The impeccably executed cabin features a combination of soft leathers in rich tan and dark chocolate, with polished aluminum details. The ‘fast’ sloping architecture of the center console reflects the LRX’s sporty dynamics, as does the distinctive binnacle over the instrument panel. The electronic display uses "floating" LCD graphics to create a three-dimensional look that can be personalized for different drivers, as well as interacting with the LRX's touch-screen display. The instrument graphics present data in layers depending on their level of importance, to give maximum relevant information with minimum distraction. When appropriate, displayed information transfers between the main instrument cluster and the touch screen. And further adding to the LRX’s involving personality, the different drivetrain modes are matched by changes in the cabin’s background lighting color – green in economy, red in sports and blue in standard mode. The structures of the seats and instrument panel are elegant enough to be left exposed – one novel approach that Land Rover's designers have taken to reduce vehicle weight. Another example is replacing the glass for side windows and roof with polycarbonate, which is around 40 percent lighter. Even the choice of the premium quality trim materials reflects Land Rover's deep thinking about sustainability, with vegetable-tanned leather (chromium-free, so better for recycling), extensive use of aluminum (both lightweight and readily recyclable), and carpeting made of felt from sustainable sources. And the luxurious vanilla-colored "fine suede" on the door inserts and headliner is a 100 percent recycled material made from used plastic bottles. "We are determined to make sustainability a key element in our future product design and the way we do business, while still creating vehicles that have a strong emotional appeal as well as fulfill people's practical needs," says Phil Popham. "No one technology delivers all the answers to whole life sustainability, but the LRX concept brings together some of the future ideas that interest us, into a car that we believe represents an exciting way forward for Land Rover."

Performance/Specifications:

General

• Engine Location: Front.
• Drive Type: 4WD.
• Introduced At: 2008 North American International Auto Show.

Engine

• CO2 emissions (potential): 120 g/km.
• Engine Configuration: I
• Cylinders: 4
• Aspiration/Induction: Turbocharged.
• Displacement: 2.00 L / 122 cu in. / 1999.6 cc.
• Fuel Type: Diesel.

Dimensions

• Doors: 2
• Length: 4351.001 mm / 171.3 in.
• Width: 1895.001 mm / 74.6 in.
• Height: 1535.001 mm / 60.4 in.