Land Rover LRX will adhere closely to concept roots
October 9, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Speaking with Land Rover Managing Director, Mr Phil Popham this week, CarAdvice can reveal the brand’s upcoming LRX model will adhere closely to the roots laid out by its concept – as seen at the Melbourne Motor Show back in 2008.
With Australia a key market for the British marque Mr Popham was keen to share his thoughts on the brand’s future during a brief stop in Melbourne, telling CarAdvice the upcoming LRX model will go in to production under the Range Rover badge.
The move will see LRX feature all the premium detail, performance and features typically associated with the brand meaning that, although it is the smallest car ever produced under the Range Rover nameplate, it will not be the cheapest.
Mr Popham explained that research carried out during LRX’s global motor show circuit indicated potential customers are willing to pay a premium price for such a vehicle, provided the production model closely replicated those ideals seen in the concept – a move Mr Popham assured us Range Rover engineers have worked hard to mirror.
“We will invest in some things to enhance feature and refinement levels to make sure it really lives up the the Range Rover name,” hinted Mr Popham.
When asked specifically how closely the LRX would resemble the concept model, Mr Popham replied:
“I think you will be more than pleasantly surprised.”
Land Rover’s environmental focus was also addressed by Mr Popham promising LRX will be the first of many steps the brand takes toward a greener future.
“There no doubt that sustainability for all our customers and all of our prospects is getting more and more important,” Mr Popham said.
As the most fuel efficient and lightest vehicle yet for the Range Rover brand the LRX clearly reflects this intention.
Premium construction techniques and use of modern materials (including aluminium and composite fibre technology) suggest where other Range Rover models may head with weight saving being high on the brand’s agenda, though Mr Popham was quick to point out there is no ’silver bullet’ in addressing environmental concerns and as such did not rule out hybrid or electric models as a part of the brand’s future.
The LRX will be based on the current Freelander2 platform and will be available as a three- and possibly five-door SUV.
With production beginning next year, we can expect to see the premium SUV in showrooms by 2011.
Tags: Land Rover LRX
PLZ PLZ PLZ do not change a single detail on the car. Oh and when you guys go and preview the car to the world media, do it at night with the exact color in this photo.
Well I personally would like to see a toned down version, possibly one without the honeycomb grill and giant wheels, but it is nice to see a brand sticking to their concept for once.
The new Camaro set the bar for sticking to the concept design, ill be curious to see how much this one gets ‘rationalised’
I can think of others, Dodge Challenger and KIA Cerato Koup come to mind.
That is one hell of an evil looking car. Let’s hope it’s nothing like the BMW X6 which is the biggest waste of money ever should you buy one. Only room for 4 people on board and a boot that’s smaller than the average family hatchback. This, along with poor off-road capabilities, means the car is nigh-on useless and you may as well buy an Audi A6 Avant or similar.
The new Land Rover however, looks excellent. Check out that ground clearance! It’s clearly going to be built with off-roading in mind. Let’s hope they keep the looks too eh.
Yeah those 20 inch wheels and low profile tyres mean serious off-roading don’t they?
These sorts of silly things never seem to stop LR when they build the new off road king.
The white roof, and the way it tapers down so aggressively looks kooky I reckon. If it had the same colour and the roof line didnt taper off so much it would look a lot more realistic. Just my opinion, everyone else seems to like it – so before I get flamed, its just my opinion!
Not a big Land Rover fan, but I’d love to have such a mean looking car.
What is it with people complaining about the space in BMW X6, the car was never meant to carry 7 people with luggage and room for a pony in the first place. Get a grip and buy the X5 or Audi Q7 if you want the space.