Land Rover is wasting no time in preparing a production version of its LRX concept, with a road-going version of the ‘ute tipped for a mid-2010 reveal. The LRX concept made its debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show and should make the transition to production car by 2011.
According to Autocar, Land Rover has plans to unveil the production version of the LRX on June 17th, 2010 – a date that happens to mark the 40th anniversary of the launch of the Land Rover Range Rover . Just as the first Range Rover sparked a bold, new direction for Land Rover, the British automaker is hopeful the smaller, more efficient LRX will also take the marque in a new direction.
Land Rover ’s LRX program is believed to be progressing quickly, thanks in large part to a £27 million grant from the British government. Combined with the added dedication from Tata Motors – Land Rovers parent company – the LRX shouldn’t have a problem meeting the June 2010 deadline.
Although details of the LRX program remain scarce, the smaller SUV will likely be built on the Freelander’s front-wheel drive platform. A hybrid system is also in the works for the LRX. Unlike conventional hybrid systems, the LRX’s will rely on the car’s engine to drive the front wheels and an electric motor to power the rear wheels.
Production of the 2012 LRX will begin in early to mid-2011, with sales set to kick off soon after.
