We've big fans of the Land Rover LRX concept's styling, which looked as good in black (unveiled in Geneva) as it did in the original white (unveiled in Detroit). So we're suitably pleased by reports that Land Rover is preparing to build the vehicle, which could get the nameplate Freelander Sport in keeping with the nomenclature already set in place by the Range Rover Sport.
The production LRX would target the likes of the upcoming BMW X1 and Audi Q5 (and potentially the Porsche Roxster), while offering a range of eco-friendly engine options that help Land Rover reduce its overall environmental impact. Such powertrain possibilities could include a 2.2-liter diesel and 3.2-liter gasoline inline-six with the potential for start-stop technology and even a hybrid system. Although the Freelander Sport would be oriented towards on-road driving dynamics, we wouldn't expect it to compromise the brand's legendary off-road prowess as much as recent offerings from Jeep. Reports place the production LRX on the road as early as 2010, and we hope much of the show car's dramatic styling would remain in place as the Land Rover rides the rocky road from concept to production.
It will be interesting to see where Land Rover decides to put the LRX into production. Will be a good feeler to see where and what the new ownership are going to do with the company.
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"In certain places, at certain hours, gazing at the sea is dangerous. It is what looking at a woman sometimes is." - Victor Hugo
Originally Posted by Elemental
Some guys play hard to get, I play hard to want.
....its a much sportier land rover. the RRS s/c had more shit on it racing down a drag strip from motortrend and what not that offroad related shit. its gonna suck offroad, the least it can do is go fast...
It's going to be based off the Freelander 2 / LR2 chassis though. Like a LR2Sport. Provbably will come with the same V6 as the 2. Good thing for your way of thinking is that block is based off the Volvo motor, and those guys SC everything they use, in one model or another. So maybe you'll see an LR2/S SC model.
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"In certain places, at certain hours, gazing at the sea is dangerous. It is what looking at a woman sometimes is." - Victor Hugo
Originally Posted by Elemental
Some guys play hard to get, I play hard to want.
I will look ever so pretty on my way to the Hairdresser and nail salon!
R&D money needs to spent on its roots not the trendy crowd.
Does Land Rover have any concept of what realy makes the Brand anymore? Over here in the UK you still pay out top cash for a decent Disco I and a pre TD5 Defender. Thats because thats when Land Rover was Land Rover not the abortion it's grown into.THATS what people want,not this.
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82' series III 109 safari prepared 2.25 pet.WILL NEVER GET RID OF!!!!
Land Rover Monthly stated that it would be available with a Diesel/electric hybrid motor, which seems odd if they are going to call it a "sport" model. So I would imagine you are probably right, it would have to be offered with a SC V6 as well otherwise calling it a "sport" would be kind of retarded.
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03' Disco with BFG MT's...other than that its still a grocery getter, but a OME lift in my Garage waiting to be installed.
1) Redesign the Defender 90, 110, 130 frame and chassis to incorporate more automation in their fabrication and assembly. Include technology to reduce platform weight and increase strength (think composites).
2) Develop a new diesel/hybrid engine, transmission, transfer box to fit.
3) Move Defender production out of the 1937 era building it's currently in and give it its own modern facility.
4) Ensure all Defender models of Land Rover are certified for export to all countries where a current Land Rover market exists including the U.S.
5) Retrofit the diesel/hybrid drivetrain into the Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport and market worldwide.
6) Adapt the diesel/hybrid drivetrain to the Freelander 2 and market worldwide.
7) Certify the turbo diesel powertrain available in the Range Rover Mk III for U.S. import.
that's a great looking small suv and people were expecting that it would be priced just below 40,000.. perhaps we couldn't expect for it to compromise the brand's legendary off-road prowess as much as recent offerings from Jeep. rivals like bmw and audi would be much more interested on their competitive sales.
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Petty Deh
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REPORT: Land Rover to build the LRX
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