We try out the first 4x4 in the world with stop-start technology.
Rating:
GOING green is set to take on a whole new meaning for Land Rover. The firm is preparing to put a stop to its vehicles’ emissions with a new generation of cars – starting with the Freelander.
It has equipped the SUV with a simple stop-start function which will be standard on all manual diesel models. The new system promises to improve the Freelander’s urban fuel economy by up to 20 per cent. Crucially, the arrangement reduces CO2 emissions to 179g/km without affecting performance.
Land Rover claims that the Freelander TD4.e is the first SUV in the world with stop-start. It uses sensors that shut the engine off when the car is stationary and the gearbox is in neutral.
The diesel fires the moment the clutch is pressed to engage first. The process is instant and, thanks to an exhaustive engineering programme, it’s extremely smooth in operation.
There’s no doubt that you need to adjust your driving style to make the most of the system.
It’s only activated by taking the car out of gear, and you need to discipline yourself to put it in neutral – particularly in the cut and thrust of busy city traffic.
However, the extra effort is worth it. When traffic snarls up and the engine is stopped, there are genuine benefits for refinement, as well as economy.
Elsewhere, it’s business as usual for the Freelander. The TD4.e offers the same fine ride and accurate steering as the current model.
Available from next March, the stop-start set-up is part of Land Rover’s e_Terrain strategy, which will bring together hybrid engines and other technologies to create cars that have less environmental impact.
And even though a hybrid Land Rover is some way off, the promise of stop-start should not be underestimated. It’s simple to use and has clear benefits for drivers who spend a lot of time in town. The Freelander is a must for anyone who doesn’t want to compromise when saving fuel.
Rival: Honda CR-V i-CTDi thanks to its super-smooth 2.2-litre diesel engine, the CR-V returns an impressive 43.5mpg on the combined cycle. It’s extremely well put together and comes with a long list of equipment as standard.
It seems like every auto maker on the planet is looking for ways to save on gasoline.
And who came blame them as consumers suddenly wake up and -- gasp! -- come to their senses and abandon horsepower to the meat-grinding factory.
Land Rover is one of the latest to join said fuel efficiency brigade. The Tata-owned automaker will be adding a stop/start system on its new Freelander 2 TD4_e which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show this month.
The system works by automatically shutting off the engine when it is idling. This is expected to help the vehicle to reduce CO2 emissions by 8 percent and to save as much as 20 percent of fuel in urban driving.
Land Rover/Jaguar has invested 700 million pounds ($1.2 billion) in new technologies that has led to the development of the stop/start system.
Other features include the diesel ERAD hybrid, which features electric rear axle drive that is supposed to lower emissions and enhance all-terrain performance.
NEW YORK, March 19, 2008 – A striking black and silver version of Land Rover's acclaimed LRX cross-coupe concept makes its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show after the original white LRX revealed earlier to widespread acclaim (at NAIAS, Detroit, in January).
* Land Rover shows a new version of its LRX concept in New York at the New York International Auto Show - a desirable, premium and compact SUV which extends the definition of ‘breadth of capability’ * Brand new, black and silver version of LRX designed to highlight the concept's suitability for contemporary personalization * Conceived as capable of having a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-liter turbodiesel hybrid, with potential CO2 emissions of 120 g/km and U.S. fuel economy of 50 mpg * Demonstrates Land Rover’s commitment to sustainability – with new technologies, lightweight design and environmentally-responsible materials * A bold evolution of Land Rover design – but still unmistakably a Land Rover * Impeccable attention to detail and precision of execution underpin LRX’s premium credentials
"With its metallic black paintwork, silver roof and precisely detailed exterior features, the second version of the LRX concept is designed to show how well the vehicle can deliver a contemporary example of personalization," says Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's design director.
"The LRX concept already has an abundance of character, but you can tune the appearance to reflect a customer's own personality and lifestyle. Clever use of color and subtle additional details enable the vehicle to be tailored to suit an individual's style, without compromising the clean design of the LRX," he adds.
No production plans have been confirmed yet for the LRX concept, and both versions will now be used to gauge public, retailer and media response to Land Rover's cross-coupe concept, as well as its interesting new opportunities for vehicle personalization.
"We were hugely excited by the positive response that the original LRX concept generated when we showed it at the Detroit Show in January," says Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover. "But we've always seen scope for LRX to provide a whole showroom of different models, with a range of powertrains including hybrids and bio-fuel capable engines."
Using lightweight material technologies, Land Rover has developed a series of bespoke features for the black and silver LRX that add to the vehicle's individuality and flexibility. The removable carbon composite roof panel contrasts with the silver-colored roof, and has integral anchor points for fixing snowboards and other sports equipment. The sleek black roof bars provide another option for roof-top loads, and a compact step above the rear bumper provides for easy roof-top access. More carbon composite is used for the protective underbody plates at front and rear, while new, lightweight alloy wheels with unique-design tires signal purposefulness. And to protect the vehicle when the going gets tough - in either urban or off-road situations - there are smart, resilient moldings on bumpers and sills.
"The black and silver LRX shows a real world breadth of capability. Its all-terrain ability, extra protection and load-carrying versatility help emphasize that it's an authentic Land Rover, while its compact dimensions, agile handling and efficient powertrain make it a practical proposition for everyday driving," says Popham.
BOLD EVOLUTION The LRX concept marks a bold evolution of Land Rover design, signaling the brand’s potential shift into new areas of the market, while remaining true to its core values. As the company celebrates 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 and offers the potential of 120 g/km CO2 emissions and U.S. fuel economy of 50 mpg (60 mpg, 4.7 l/100km on the European combined cycle).
“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 Popham. “LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it’s a very different Land Rover.
“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. 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.”
COMPACT AND PREMIUM LRX is described as a cross-coupé and dramatically extends the scope of what Land Rover represents. Though 5.9 in (149 mm) shorter than the LR2 / Freelander 2 and 8.1 in (205 mm) lower, LRX is conceived as a premium vehicle, designed to appeal to new customers in the luxury and executive sector – those who want many of the benefits of an SUV and the presence of a larger vehicle, but in a more compact package.
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 and helping to define a new segment. Its many recognizable Land Rover design cues include bold new interpretations of the signature clamshell bonnet, 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 vehicles,” says 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 would help give significant gains in fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.
HIGHLY EFFICIENT POWERTRAIN The white LRX is conceived as a highly fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, turbodiesel hybrid, capable of running on bio-diesel. In combination with other Land Rover technologies, this powertrain could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30% compared with other SUVs of comparable size, and reduce CO2 emissions to approximately 120 g/km.
LRX’s improved efficiencies are the result of advanced mechanical and electrical energy-saving elements, which are combined to achieve cumulative gains in many areas.
The concept’s integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) is particularly significant in Land Rover terms as it would allow LRX to use electric drive alone at lower speeds while retaining full (even improved) SUV ability in tough conditions. Unlike the hybrid technology used by some SUV rivals, Land Rover’s unique solution retains mechanical drive to all four wheels.
Off-road, the ERAD would provide additional torque only when it is needed, and with maximum electrical torque from standstill, this solution offers even better low-speed control and enhanced pull-away on difficult surfaces (such as packed snow or wet grass) or when towing.
On the road, the ERAD would allow low-speed traffic creep up to 20 mph (32 km/h) on electric power alone, with the Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG) function re-starting the engine automatically when needed. The electric drive would then continue to assist the mechanical drive until the engine is running in its most efficient range, benefiting both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The ISG would also stop the engine automatically when the vehicle halts in traffic, so the engine does not idle needlessly, and restart it quickly and smoothly as required.
The electrical drive system uses power stored in a dedicated high-voltage, high-capacity, lithium-ion battery pack, independent of the normal 12-volt battery. This is charged by a regenerative braking energy system, also working through the ERAD.
LRX also incorporates Hill Descent Control and Land Rover’s acclaimed and user-friendly Terrain Response system, which optimizes vehicle drivability and comfort, as well as maximizing traction. On LRX, this has five modes, including the new and efficiency-focused ‘Eco’ mode. Principally for on-road use, this configures all the integrated elements of the vehicle’s system for optimized fuel economy. The other four Terrain Response modes provided are sports (also new), general driving, sand and ‘grass/gravel/snow’ (a single program for slippery surfaces).
EXTENDING ‘BREADTH OF CAPABILITY’ The positioning of LRX could be described as moving subtly from traditional SUV to crossover, with its more car-like appearance and dynamics that are sportier and on-road biased. But while its character is underlined by excellent agility, handling and performance, LRX also promises the widest breadth of capability in the class.
The design of LRX was developed entirely in-house by Gerry McGovern’s team, driven by a passion to create a vehicle that truly represents Land Rover’s future thinking. It has a very dynamic profile, with a distinctive taper to the floating roofline and a muscular shoulder running the length of the vehicle, accentuated by the rising beltline. The glazing wraps right around LRX, with no exposed pillars, creating a bold design graphic. The architectural structure of the upper body can be glimpsed through the windows and roof – echoing some of the best contemporary buildings.
Pushing the wheels out to the four corners helps give the vehicle its purposeful stance, and its front-end design makes a powerful and instantly recognizable statement of Land Rover’s identity. The carefully sculpted corners dramatically reduce the vehicle’s visual overhangs front and rear.
There are new interpretations of Land Rover’s traditional clamshell bonnet, distinctive headlamps and perforated two-bar grille. The vehicle has jewel-like, tapering blade indicator clusters front and rear, and the wheel arches are wide but softly integrated, housing highly polished, 20-inch alloy wheels.
The fine detailing includes additional polished aluminum in the form of side-strips, side and bonnet vents, and the exterior door releases, which are concealed in the vehicle’s shoulders. Graphic details such as these appear to be ‘punched out’ of the smooth body surfaces rather than overlaid on them. The ‘frosted’ white paint color was especially developed for LRX and its visual depth helps to highlight the vehicle’s form.
IMPECCABLE, PREMIUM INTERIOR The interior of the LRX concept clearly demonstrates how a compact Land Rover can still be roomy, practical, versatile – and sophisticated. The impeccably executed cabin features a combination of soft leathers in rich tan and dark chocolate, with polished aluminum details, while the visible structures of the seats, instrument panel and roof architecture not only give a highly distinctive look but also help save weight.
The ‘fast’ sloping architecture of the center console reflects LRX’s sporty dynamics, as does the distinctive binnacle over the instrument cluster. The electronic display uses ‘floating’ LCD graphics to create a three-dimensional look that can be personalized for different drivers, as well as interacting with LRX’s touch screen display.
The instrument graphics present data in layers depending on their level of importance, to give maximum relevant information with minimum distraction. When appropriate, displayed information transfers between the main instrument cluster and the touch screen. Further adding to LRX’s involving personality, different Terrain Response modes are matched by changes in the cabin’s background ‘mood’ lighting color – green in ‘Eco’, red in sports and blue in general driving and off-road modes.
CLEVER USE OF SPACE Although LRX is compact, clever use of space makes it impressively roomy, and many neat design touches maximize its practicality. A second touch screen area gives a fully interactive display and control for LRX’s iPhone docking facility.
On either side of the horizontally-split, power-operated tailgate, removable and power-adjustable speakers include an iPod docking station. There is also a coolbox, plus a bottle chiller that can be clipped to the lowered tailgate. The tailgate also has integral aluminum cupholders between two padded seating areas, for a new twist on the idea of a traditional Land Rover tailgate lunch.
Every interior design detail combines to maximize both actual space and the feeling of space. The clear roof is supported by a ‘spider’ frame running into the A-pillars, and the rear quarter pillars have glazed apertures for improved visibility and a lighter feel in the cabin.
LRX’s distinctive seats ‘float’ on individual plinths and have open frameworks to reinforce the impression of light, airy interior space – while also creating useful under-seat and under-floor stowage areas. The clever, articulated mechanism of the powered seat backs maximizes interior flexibility and helps create a large, flat storage area when needed. With the rear seats folded forward, two mountain bikes can be fitted upright behind them, with front wheels removed and stored in dedicated slots in the floor. Alternatively, skis and surfboards can be accommodated in the generous load space, which has multiple tie-down options and a through-loading option.
“Flexible load-carrying capacity is fundamental to the concept of LRX,” says McGovern. “With this vehicle, we’ve interpreted the idea of Land Rover ‘breadth of capability’ to be more about versatility and on-road dynamics than about ultimate off-roading. This meets the needs of the new customers that we believe would be attracted by this type of vehicle; they will not only appreciate LRX’s flexibility, but will also recognize that it has been packaged with the highest levels of precision.”
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT DESIGN The exposed structures of the seats, roof and instrument panel are just one novel approach that Land Rover’s designers have taken to reduce vehicle weight. Another example is replacing the glass for the side windows and roof with polycarbonate from SABIC Innovative Plastics, which is around 40% lighter. The polycarbonate also blocks virtually all UV light (protecting interior materials from fading), while special nano-technology within the material reduces infra-red transmission, helping to keep the interior cool.
Even the choice of premium-quality trim materials reflects Land Rover’s deep thinking about sustainability, with vegetable-tanned leather (chromium-free, so better for recycling), extensive use of aluminum (both lightweight and readily recyclable) and carpeting made of felt from sustainable sources. And the luxurious, vanilla-colored ‘fine suede’ on the door inserts and headliner is a 100% recycled material made from used plastic bottles and fibers.
“We are determined to make sustainability a key element in our future product design and the way we do business, while still creating vehicles that have a strong emotional appeal as well as fulfilling people’s practical needs,” says Popham. “No single technology delivers all the answers to whole-life sustainability, but the LRX concept brings together some of the ideas for the future that interest us, integrating them into a vehicle that we believe represents an exciting way forward for Land Rover.”
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Length: 171.3 in / 4351 mm Width (excluding mirrors): 74.6 in / 1895 mm Width (including mirrors): 82.0 in / 2083 mm Height: 60.4 in / 1535 mm Wheelbase: 104.7 in / 2660 mm Engine (proposed): 2.0-liter turbodiesel Fuel economy (potential): U.S. 50 mpg (60 mpg, 4.7 l/100 km on European combined drive cycle) CO2 emissions (potential): 120 g/km (on European combined drive cycle)
It seems now that Indian conglomerate Tata is now the frontrunner for the purchase of both Jaguar and Land Rover.
Ford Motor *** which currently owns both luxury marques, is trying to sell them together, no doubt because Jaguar is a loss-making, fund-draining operation, while Land Rover was among Ford’s most profitable brands.
Tata is not without competitors, however, One Equity, led by Jac Nasser onetime Ford executive, and Mahindra and Mahindra with American buyout firm Apollo are still very much interested in purchasing the brands.
As it stands, the winner should be ready to shell out around $3 billion in order to purchase the marques, that price likely to include a payment into the companies’ pension funds, of which are in deficit.
Our take? Whoever wins will have a hard road ahead of them. The high end brands require lots of capital to ensure continued development and competitiveness. It would be interesting, though, to see a one time British colony own two of Britain’s most storied franchises. It would also give Tata inroads into the American marketplace that it would not otherwise have had.
Set to make its debut at the upcoming 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, the Land Rover LRX concept foreshadows a possible new model for the storied British marque.
A departure from the brand's traditional boxy, SUV offerings, the LRX is instead a stylish, rakish two-door. Traditional Land Rover styling cues such as the clamshell hood, fender vents, and c-pillar are combined with a steeply rising shoulderline and low, squat roof to form a dynamic shape that is unmistakably Land Rover yet coolly contemporary.
Our take? With the possibility of SUVs soon becoming a tough sell, Land Rover needs to ensure that it will have sellable product. The LRX provids just that, a coupe with tough SUV styling without the SUV stigma. Its bread and butter is in SUVs, so the offering of a traditional coupe or sedan wouldn't be as beneficial to their brand.
IRVINE, Calif, Dec. 14, 2007 – 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.
"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. 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."
Compact and premium The LRX is described as a cross-coupé, 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.
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.
Extending 'breadth of capability' The positioning of LRX could be described as moving subtly from traditional SUV to crossover, with its more car-like appearance and dynamics that are sportier and on-road biased. But while its character is underlined by excellent agility, handling and performance, the LRX also promises the widest breadth of capability in the class.
To help achieve this, it has full-time four-wheel drive and Hill Descent Control, as well as a special version of Land Rover’s acclaimed Terrain Response system, to optimize traction on difficult surfaces ranging from icy roads to wet grass, gravel and snow. But to reflect LRX's more on-road bias, Terrain Response also gains a new ‘Eco’ mode for lower emission urban driving.
The design of the LRX was developed entirely in-house, driven by a passion to create a car that truly represents Land Rover’s future thinking. It has a very dynamic profile, with a distinctive taper to the floating roofline and a muscular shoulder running the length of the car, accentuated by the rising beltline. The glazing wraps right around the LRX, with no exposed pillars, creating a bold design graphic. The architectural structure of the upper body can be glimpsed through the windows and roof – echoing some of the best contemporary buildings.
Pushing the wheels out to the four corners helps give the car its purposeful stance, and its front-end design makes a powerful and instantly recognizable statement of Land Rover’s identity. There are new interpretations of Land Rover’s traditional clamshell hood, distinctive headlamps, jewel-like, tapering blade front and rear turn indicators, and subtle side vents. The LRX’s wheel arches are wide but softly integrated, housing 20-inch alloy wheels.
The carefully sculpted corners dramatically reduce the car’s visual overhangs front and rear. With its perforated two-bar grille, door releases concealed in the car’s shoulders, and graphic details ‘punched out’ of the smooth body surfaces rather than overlaid on them, the LRX is beautifully proportioned and elegantly simple – but very dramatic and distinctive.
Impeccable, premium interior The interior of the LRX concept clearly demonstrates how a compact Land Rover can still be roomy, practical and versatile – and one with great sophistication. The impeccably executed cabin features a combination of soft leathers in rich tan and dark chocolate, with polished aluminum details.
The ‘fast’ sloping architecture of the center console reflects the LRX’s sporty dynamics, as does the distinctive binnacle over the instrument panel. The electronic display uses 'floating' LCD graphics to create a three-dimensional look that can be personalized for different drivers, as well as interacting with the LRX's touch-screen display.
The instrument graphics present data in layers depending on their level of importance, to give maximum relevant information with minimum distraction. When appropriate, displayed information transfers between the main instrument cluster and the touch screen. And further adding to the LRX’s involving personality, the different drivetrain modes are matched by changes in the cabin’s background lighting color – green in economy, red in sports and blue in standard mode.
Clever use of space Although the LRX is compact, clever use of space makes it impressively roomy, and many neat design touches maximize its practicality. A second touch screen area gives a fully interactive display and control for the LRX’s iPhone docking facility. On either side of the horizontally-split, power-operated tailgate, removable and power-adjustable speakers include an iPod docking station. There is also a cooler box, plus a bottle chiller that can be clipped to the lowered tailgate. This also has integral aluminum cupholders between two padded seating areas, for a new twist on the idea of a traditional Land Rover tailgate lunch.
Every interior design detail combines to maximize both actual space and the feeling of space. The clear roof is supported by a ‘spider’ frame running into the A-pillars, and the rear quarter pillars have glazed apertures for improved visibility and a lighter feel in the cabin.
The LRX’s distinctive seats ‘float’ on individual plinths and have open frameworks to reinforce the impression of light, airy interior space – while also creating useful under-seat and under-floor stowage areas. The clever, powered mechanism of the seat backs maximizes interior flexibility and helps create a large, flat storage area when needed, complete with multiple tie-down options. The generous load space and through-loading option also help accommodate bikes, skis or surfboards.
"Flexible load carrying capacity is fundamental to the concept of the LRX," says Gerry McGovern. "With this car, we've interpreted the idea of Land Rover 'breadth of capability' to be more about versatility than about ultimate off-roading. This meets the needs of the new customers that we believe would be attracted by this type of car. They will not only appreciate LRX's versatility, but will also recognize that this has been packaged with the highest levels of precision."
Sustainable product design The structures of the seats and instrument panel are elegant enough to be left exposed – one novel approach that Land Rover's designers have taken to reduce vehicle weight. Another example is replacing the glass for side windows and roof with polycarbonate, which is around 40 percent lighter.
Even the choice of the premium quality trim materials reflects Land Rover's deep thinking about sustainability, with vegetable-tanned leather (chromium-free, so better for recycling), extensive use of aluminum (both lightweight and readily recyclable), and carpeting made of felt from sustainable sources. And the luxurious vanilla-colored 'fine suede' on the door inserts and headliner is a 100 percent recycled material made from used plastic bottles.
"We are determined to make sustainability a key element in our future product design and the way we do business, while still creating vehicles that have a strong emotional appeal as well as fulfill people's practical needs," says Phil Popham. "No one technology delivers all the answers to whole life sustainability, but the LRX concept brings together some of the future ideas that interest us, into a car that we believe represents an exciting way forward for Land Rover."
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 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).
Want a still-true SUV (you know, one that can actually go offroad) but want to maintain your luxury reputation?
The 2008 Land Rover LR2 HSE separates itself from the rest of the LR2 range by sporting body-colored bumpers and trim, a spoiler, some nifty titanium door handles, and bigger 19in wheels. Inside, drivers are treated to 8x6-way adjustable power seats and, get this, a storage box with a sliding cover. Hmmm.
Otherwise, engine and drivetrain are shared with the LR2 SE (the one without the sweet titanium door handles), namely a 3.2 liter 230 bhp inline six and 6-speed automatic that are capable of propelling this seemingly more sporting-oriented version to 60 in the same 8.4 seconds as the other LR2s.
The LR2 HSE also retains Land Rover's wonderful "Terrain Response" system, with its push button, selectable, modes. Also present are Land Rover's Gradient and Hill Descent controls, as well as permanent all-wheel drive.
Expect to see this latest variant of Land Rover's cute-ute on November 1st.
Our take? Yet another SUV for America's seemingly insatiable thirst for, well, SUVs. Expect to pay more -- bling, that is.
Irvine, Calif, August, 2007 -- Since its introduction in April 2007 the all-new Land Rover LR2 has enjoyed strong sales and to reinforce its line-up in the U.S., Land Rover North America today announced the introduction of a new and enhanced derivative -- the LR2 HSE
This new version has a sportier stance than the LR2 SE due to body color bumpers and side sills, a rear spoiler, titanium door handles and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Changes to the interior see 8x6-way power adjustable seats and a storage box with a sliding cover.
"The LR2 reflects Land Rover's dynamic design, with a smart and spacious interior and an abundance of advanced technologies. It has been very well received around the world since its introduction," said Phil Popham, Land Rover's Managing Director. "The HSE version offers subtle changes for those customers seeking a slightly different look to their LR2."
All of the technical highlights of the LR2 SE are carried over into to the HSE model. These include a 3.2-liter inline-six engine that develops 230 bhp and provides 0-60 mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds).
The engine is matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission, with Land Rover's CommandShift offering manual sequential gear changes when required. There is also a driver-selectable sport mode for even more responsive performance.
The LR2 HSE is packed with technologies to improve both on-road and off-road performance. Land Rover's unique Terrain Response system is standard, making off-road use easier. Other advanced technologies include a new permanent intelligent all-wheel-drive system for superior traction and better on-road fuel economy. The patented Gradient Release Control works in conjunction with Hill Descent Control to improve driver confidence and control when releasing the brakes on steep and slippery slopes.
The LR2 HSE will be available November 1, 2007 at Land Rover retailers nationwide.
