DETROIT, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Land Rover unveiled a vision of its
future today at the North American International Auto Show (Detroit Auto
Show) with the world debut of the LRX hybrid concept. The LRX is a bold
evolution of Land Rover design that indicates the brand's progressive shift
into new areas of the market, while remaining true to its core values. As
the company prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary during 2008, the
three-door LRX, with its more compact size, lighter weight and
sustainability-focused technologies, clearly addresses the needs of a
changing world and offers the potential of 120 g/km CO2 emissions.
LRX is a cross-coupe and dramatically extends the scope of what Land
Rover represents. 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 and helping to
define a new segment.
"The LRX concept delivers the powerful message that we are as serious
about sustainability as we are confident about the continuing relevance and
desirability of our vehicles," says Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing
director. "LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it's a very different
Land Rover. At this stage, LRX is purely a concept, designed to help us
develop our thinking as well as gauge customer reaction -- but this feels
like a hugely exciting direction to take."
LRX is conceived as being powered by a 2.0-liter, turbodiesel engine,
capable of running on bio-diesel. In combination with other Land Rover
technologies, this powertrain could reduce fuel consumption by as much as
30 percent compared with other SUVs of comparable size, as well as reduce
emissions.
The concept's integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) would allow
LRX to use electric drive alone at lower speeds while retaining full (even
improved) sport utility ability in tough conditions. Unlike the hybrid
technology used by some SUV rivals, Land Rover's unique solution retains
mechanical drive to all four wheels.
Off-road, the ERAD would provide additional torque only when it is
needed, and with maximum electrical torque from standstill, this solution
offers even better low-speed control and enhanced pull-away on difficult
surfaces. On the road, the ERAD would allow low-speed traffic creep up to
20 mph on electric power alone, with the Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG)
function re-starting the engine automatically when needed. The electric
drive would then continue to assist the mechanical drive until the engine
is running in its most efficient range. The ISG would also stop the engine
automatically when the vehicle halts in traffic, so the engine does not
idle needlessly, and restart it quickly and smoothly as required.
LRX also incorporates Hill Descent Control and Land Rover's acclaimed
and user-friendly Terrain Response system. In the LRX, Terrain Response
adds a special "Eco" mode, for optimal economy, to the standard modes found
on all other Land Rover vehicles.
The design of LRX was developed entirely in-house by Design Director
Gerry McGovern's team, driven by a passion to create a vehicle that truly
represents Land Rover's future thinking. Inside, LRX's distinctive seats
'float' on individual plinths and have open frameworks to reinforce the
impression of light, airy interior space -- while also creating useful
under-seat and under-floor stowage areas. To reduce overall vehicle weight,
the glass for the side windows and roof were replaced with polycarbonate
from SABIC Innovative Plastics, which is around 40 percent lighter, yet
still strong and scratch-resistant.
Even the choice of 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% recycled material made from used
plastic bottles and fibers.
"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 fulfilling people's
practical needs," adds Phil Popham. "No single technology delivers all the
answers to whole-life sustainability, but the LRX concept brings together
some of the ideas for the future that interest us, integrating them into a
car that we believe represents an exciting way forward for Land Rover."
SOURCE Land Rover North America
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Related links:
http://www.media.landrover.com
http://www.thenewsmarket.com/landrover
http://www.LandRoverusa.com
CONTACT:
Deborah Sandford, Communications and Public
Affairs Manager, +1-949-341-6184, dsandfor@landrover.com, or
Nicole Marshall, Communications Officer, +1-949-341-6809,
Nmarsh15@landrover.com, both of Land Rover North America, or
Barbara Barrett, Communications Manager, of Land Rover Canada,
+1-613-230-2639, Bbarret7@ford.com
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