It’s been nearly two years since we first saw the Land Rover LRX in concept form at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, but we now have our first visual evidence that the project is off the ground. Land Rover announced in late September that the LRX would be heading to production as a 2011 model.
The British automaker describes the vehicle as a “small Range Rover.” What that means for the final naming scheme is unclear. We’d wager it might be called Range Rover LRX, but that’s pure speculation.
Land Rover released a single rendering of the production model with its earlier announcement, and now we have some photos of what we believe may be a form of test mule for the LRX five-door model.
“Feedback from our customer research also fully supports our belief that a production version of the LRX Concept would further raise the desirability of our brand and absolutely meet their expectations,” said Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover.
Land Rover says the LRX will be the smallest, lightest and most efficient vehicle the company has ever produced. It was designed at the firm’s Gaydon facility and will be produced in Halewood. The production LRX will be largely based on the Land Rover LR2, although powertrains are expected to be unique.
Gerry McGovern, Land Rover design director said the production version will be “true to the concept and have many recognizable Range Rover design cues.” These include the signature clamshell bonnet, the floating roof and the solid wheel-at-each-corner stance.”
10/30, 9:32 AM
posted by:
telememo
nothing like the concept, bif disapointment. Looks very much like the current LR2 only a bit smaller…
10/30, 9:33 AM
posted by:
A4
^are you stupid? it’s using an LR2 body to cover the LRX underpinnings.
10/30, 9:40 AM
posted by:
Genesis101
Let me guess this will compete with the Q3, and X1?
10/30, 9:42 AM
posted by:
kingston
I think what we are looking at is the shell of an LR2. At least thats what I hope, bc this identical to the current LR2.
10/30, 10:11 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I hear there’s a sale on cosmetics at Macy’s.
I just figured that in real life most of the people who drive these would be interested to know that.
10/30, 12:22 PM
posted by:
scratchy
there is an interview somewhere , after the guy said the car will look “true to the concept ” he added that the roof will be higher to allow more headroom in the back and the front will look different.
10/30, 1:44 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
So Johnny, are you back from Macy’s yet? LOL j/k
10/30, 2:02 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Are you kidding? I’m white trash… see you at the Wal-Mart.
10/30, 2:04 PM
posted by:
SomeGreek
It seems that they squeezed the Freelander and look what came out!
10/30, 2:38 PM
posted by:
Uncover
There is a sale at BMW dealers, the premium brand is selling out their not so premium X3 with the piece of junk auto transmission that it’s as horrible as a newbie on a stick shift. It also comes with non-existent customer service that is the worst than not having customer services.
10/30, 3:13 PM
posted by:
LDMAN
“LRX Concept would further raise the desirability of our brand and absolutely meet their expectations” Phil,which brand are you talking about? Land Rover or Range Rover? What is the wading dept rating and ramp break over angle on that thing? Why not just badge that LRX soft roader JAGUAR? That thing is no Land Rover.
10/30, 8:00 PM
posted by:
DrFill
I don’t recall the LRX looking exactly like monkey crap!
Damn Alzheimer’s!
DrFill
10/31, 7:36 PM
posted by:
A4
WHY DOES EVERYONE THINK THIS LRX MULE WITH A BUNCH OF LR2/FREELANDER PANELS IS THE ACTUAL CAR? ITS A TEST MULE. TEST. MULE.
jesus christ.
10/31, 11:53 PM
posted by:
DrFill
A little heavy on the Mule
DrFill
11/01, 6:04 PM
posted by:
telememo
A4 you’re dumb why would Land Rover be the only manufacturer in the world who does not use the actual body or something close to what they plan to launch? Test mules are not only for testing the mechanics and underpinnings but also to see how it reacts and interacts with the body etc, especially on a new model that is so visually different from their predecessor. Besides since the LRX is largely based on the current LR2 there is no point in testing the underpinnings of something that has already been in the market for a while. Look at all the comments above; you’re definitely alone in your opinion. Stop thinking you’re smarter than everyone else cause you’re not!
11/01, 6:22 PM
posted by:
DrFill
Yet another possibility
This could be a “Mule” for the next LR2!
Did they mistake it for the LRX project, in a rush to say they got a scoop?
Would this be the first mistake LLN has made?
DrFill
01/07, 3:58 PM
posted by:
Mark Kleis
LLN didn’t mention anywhere that this was the production LRX – in fact, it mentions only that these pictures *may* show the project is underway.