The Auto Writer

My visit to the 2008 NAIAS seems to have gone by way too fast, meaning I wasn’t able to spend the amount of time I felt I needed in order to take get a closer look at the vehicles on display. Where possible, I snagged a press kit making a mental note to do some additional research in the near future.

One vehicle which caught my attention is the Land Rover LRX Concept, only the second concept ever built by Land Rover in its 60 years of existence. The first concept, which was called the Range Stormer, was shown four years ago at the show and has since gone into production as the Range Rover Sport. According to Phip Popham, Managing Director for Land Rover, “we like our concept cars to mean something.” Clearly, the company intends to bring the LRX to the assembly line — not show it off and forget about it.

What We Know About The LRX

The LRX on display seems to be taking Land Rover in a new direction. Based on a compact 4×4 body, the LRX will run on a turbo-diesel hybrid with very low emissions. Expected fuel mileage should be just above 50 mpg, putting the LRX right near the top in fuel efficiency. When not needing power from the diesel, the LRX will be electric-only which is at speeds under 20 mph.

Sporting just two doors, the LRX is designed to carry four adults. Passengers are expected to enjoy soft leathers in rich tan and dark chocolate, with polished aluminum details. An electronic display using “floating” LCD graphics will create a three-dimensional look and a touch-screen display will be within reach of the driver.

Land Rover hasn’t announced a production timeline for the LRX, but given that the previous concept made it to the market within a few years time, perhaps the LRX’s debut isn’t that far off?