Land Rover officially announced that a version of the LRX concept was heading to production last week, but fell short on specific details. However, Leftlane recently got the opportunity to speak with Land Rover design chief Gerry McGovern, shedding some light on the LRX program.
Although the production LRX will be branded under the Range Rover nameplate, it will actually share a platform with the LR2. That means the production LRX will have a front-wheel drive bias, but expect a four-wheel drive system worthy of the Land Rover badge.
Despite its ties with the LR2, the production LRX will feature a unique – and highly efficient – drivetrain. Although we couldn’t get McGovern to give up the goods on the new powerplant, we fully expect some type of forced induction, and possibly as few as four-cylinders.
As far as looks go, McGovern says the production LRX will be a near carbon copy of the LRX concept. As the latest rendering indicates, the production LRX will adopt the concept’s aggressing stance, modern front end, upward-sweeping beltline and coupe-like roofline.
Inside, look for the LRX to sport a thoroughly luxurious interior, keeping in line with its Range Rover nameplate.
Although the LRX seems to fill the role of Land Rover’s entry-level vehicle, it will actually be targeted at Range Rover buyers that are looking to downsize but aren’t willing to compromise on luxury. As such, look for the LRX to carry a premium over the LR2, despite its smaller size.
No word on when the production LRX will make its officially debut, but expect to see the new luxury ‘ute by mid-2010.
09/28, 2:25 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
Darn, it looks like it will become an overpriced unreliable-based LR2 offering with a sleek body.
We were really looking forward to this vehicle. Not so much now that they seem to be targeting current LR owners trading down versus new conquest buyers.
09/28, 2:25 PM
posted by:
vicdub85
Can’t wait to not see these on the road. Disgrace to the Land Rover name.
09/28, 2:28 PM
posted by:
aesir
Any interest I had just went *poof*
09/28, 2:52 PM
posted by:
2WheeledSpeed
I hate any Land Rover that isn’t caked in dirt/dust/mud and running through the desert or jungle. I’m just going to put that out there.
09/28, 2:53 PM
posted by:
anyclearer
I still like it, dont think its a disgrace.
09/28, 3:35 PM
posted by:
Bosley
“Can’t wait to not see these on the road.”
I think that the road might be the only place you’ll see these over-priced luxo-utes. They better make sure it can fit into all the downtown parking garages and has ABS to avoid all that city traffic while picking up ‘Timmy’ & ‘Susie’ from school or coming home from the office…….. These days SUVs like these are used as station wagons rather than trucks imo……..
09/28, 3:46 PM
posted by:
aesir
It’s too small to pick up Timmy and Susie, unless Timmy or Susie is your signifcant other and she’s not a fan of the new Angus burger at McDonald’s, which is surprisingly tasty.
09/28, 3:55 PM
posted by:
05Z88Path
Well the LR2 is priced about $10K too high as it is, but with a more luxurious interior and perhaps more power they might be able to sell the LRX. It was a very cool looking concept (saw it at the NYC autoshow) and will fit in nicely next to the Range Rover Sport. I always wish Land Rover the best of luck b/c of their history/heritage as well as a lineup full of potential. Unfortunately, their high prices and recent (relatively speaking) quality problems continue to plague them…
09/28, 4:01 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
You’ll see more of them on the back of flatbeds being carted off to the dealer to fix yet another unexpected repair. It’s your typical import.
Smart folks will continue to make the right choice and buy a new Chevy Equinox or GMC Terrain which like all General Motors vehicles WILL NOT break down or have an unexpected repair for many, many hundreds of thousands of miles. That’s what happens when you are the world standard in quality and reliability.
GM. An American Revolution
09/28, 5:18 PM
posted by:
A4
LLN: I’ll give you a high five if you just go back to calling them Freelander and Discovery like they should be. Every time i hear LR2 or LR3 I have to take 10 seconds to remember which one is which. It’s like an 8 year old trying to remember which hand is his left, or NMOFGM.
09/28, 5:56 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
still high marks for styling…low marks for utility…since LR really de-emphasizes pillars with this design it wouldn’t seem out of place to make a 4 door variant…i still think the 2 door body style will stifle sales…
09/28, 7:03 PM
posted by:
F50
I HATE Land Rover and all of its lineup.
09/28, 7:05 PM
posted by:
scratchy
leftwingagenda , they said they will add more headroom to the production version , which will kill the design.
09/28, 7:46 PM
posted by:
DrFill
If it starts below $40k, big hit!
If not, expect it to fall flat on it’s face
DrFill
09/29, 12:28 AM
posted by:
aesir
Haha! A4 made me laugh out loud.
09/29, 4:51 AM
posted by:
Ramatai
I guess it will start below the Range Rover Sport and be a hi margin offering. This will not be a mass market car that would be a pointless exercise for Land Rover. Why try an compete in such a market they’d have no hope with there cost base.
I think it looks great but hope they get the interior right because most LR models don’t, I’d still consider one the residuals on LR cars is typically quite good.
09/29, 12:13 PM
posted by:
aesir
@Ramatai: Maybe it will be mostly sold in Europe… it makes more sense there than here in the states.