IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Land Rover unveils a vision of
its future at the North American International Auto Show (Detroit Auto
Show) in January 2008, with the world debut of the LRX concept -- 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.
"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. "The LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it's a very
different Land Rover.
The LRX is described as a cross-coupe, 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.
"LRX has unmistakable Land Rover design and the breadth of capability
that you'd expect from our vehicles. But it carries those essentials into a
segment where the brand has never been before, and with a proposed level of
efficiency that would make it one of the cleanest vehicles in its class,"
commented Popham.
"It is Land Rover's way of affirming the brand's responsible approach
to future product development. 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."
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.
Land Rover North America is part of Ford Motor Company's Premier
Automotive Group with headquarters in Irvine, California. Land Rover
established operations in the U.S. in 1986, and now imports and distributes
Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, LR3 and LR2 vehicles manufactured by Land
Rover in Solihull and Halewood, England. Land Rover's worldwide operations
are wholly owned by Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan. For information
about the Land Rover retailer nearest you, call 800-FIND-4WD or log on to
http://www.LandRoverusa.com.
Vehicle specifications and features are subject to change. For the
latest Land Rover pricing and product information, contact Land Rover North
America Product Communications at (949) 341-5800. Land Rover-related press
releases and electronic photos of the company's products are available
on-line in the Land Rover section of Ford Motor Company's news media
website (media.landrover.com).
SOURCE Land Rover North America
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Related links:
http://www.media.landrover.com
http://www.LandRoverusa.com
CONTACT:
Deborah Sandford, Communications and Public
Affairs Manager, +1-949-341-6184, dsandfor@landrover.com, of Land
Rover, or Barbara Barrett, Communications Manager, of Land Rover
Canada, +1-613-230-2639, Bbarret7@ford.com
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