Land Rover Defender X-Tech, 2011

Land Rover Defender X-Tech, 2011

 

 

 

Land Rover launches the new 2011 Land Rover Defender X-Tech Limited Edition at the 2011 Brussels Motorshow.
The Land Rover Defender X-Tech offers raw and edgy style, with the class-leading all-terrain capability you would expect of this motoring icon.

The exterior is available in Zermatt Silver, enhanced by a contrasting Santorini Black finish to the roof and wheel arches. And, for the first time, this Defender is fitted with unique gloss black 16 inch Saw Tooth alloy wheels, to create a sense of raw utilitarianism.
The interior is available in Ebony and the seats offer the addition of leather side bolsters, for a more refined finish.

The Land Rover Defender X-Tech is available in the 90 Hard Top Commercial derivative, with the full range of accessories also available to enhance capability and individuality.
Powered by the 2.4 litre common-rail diesel engine, this Defender boasts fuel efficiency and performance with 360Nm torque for effortless towing and enhanced on-road performance.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport Autobiography, 2010

Land Rover Range Rover Sport Autobiography, 2010

 

 An unprecedented level of personalisation for Range Rover Sport is available, with a stunning selection of six Land Rover Range Rover Sport Autobiography limited edition themes featuring stylish duo-tone premium leather interiors as well as unique exterior design cues including the grille, vents and 20" diamond turned finish alloy wheels, all presented for the first time at the 2009 IAA.

Three of the themes - called Cannes, Portofino and Valencia - have a more luxury-orientated character, while the other three - named Le Mans, Monaco and Monza - have an overtly sporting theme and feature a dramatic new body kit which is tailored to accentuate the sophisticated style of the 2010 Range Rover Sport. The striking body kit is also available as a separate option.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2010

Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2010

 

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport reaffirms its status as the most exciting and dynamic member of the Land Rover range with a comprehensive package of engineering and design changes for the 2010 model year. The vehicle's stylish new appearance signals the transformation under the skin, which includes two powerful and efficient new engines - the LR-V8 naturally aspirated and
LR-V8 5.0-liter Supercharged, enhanced levels of interior craftsmanship and refinement, and significant improvements to both on-road and off-road driving dynamics.
A comprehensive program of chassis system modifications has transformed the Land Rover Range Rover Sport's on-road dynamics, while also delivering a substantial improvement in its off-road capabilities.

The introduction of new systems such as Adaptive Dynamics, working in conjunction with existing Dynamic Response on Supercharged models, and the addition of the road-focused Dynamic program to the Terrain ResponseTM system help enhance agility and ride quality. Further improvements to the Terrain ResponseTM system ensure that off-road capability is kept at the expected class-leading level.

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport's stylish, muscular exterior has been updated to provide a cleaner, more sculpted feel. Striking signature LED headlamps combine with a new two-bar grille, front bumpers and fenders to create a more sporting and aerodynamic stance. At the rear, new light clusters and a revised bumper design mirror the smoother front-end.

The interior has been comprehensively redesigned, using higher quality materials, soft-touch finishes and superior craftsmanship to create a premium environment which is truly worthy of the Range Rover brand.

New engines deliver exceptional performance and refinement.
The most significant changes on the 2010 Range Rover Sport are to its powertrains. The vehicle benefits from two powerful new engines: 510bhp LR-V8 5.0-liter supercharged and a 375bhp LR-V8 5.0 liter naturally aspirated engine.

The LR-V8 engines are all-new and designed by the Jaguar Land Rover powertrain team using an impressive collection of state-of-the-art technologies. They were developed with an emphasis on delivering a smooth, refined and responsive performance, without a corresponding increase in fuel consumption. Both meet the stringent ULEV2 emissions standards.

The performance of the all-new naturally aspirated LR-V8 is now a virtual-match for the outgoing 4.2L supercharged engine The new naturally aspirated vehicle completes the 0-60 mph sprint in 7.2 seconds (just 0.1 seconds off the pace of the outgoing supercharged unit). For those who want the ultimate performance Land Rover Range Rover Sport, there is now the all-new LR-V8 5.0L Supercharged, which is propelled from rest to 60 mph in an impressive 5.9 seconds.
The engines were developed in conjunction with Jaguar - the first time engines have been designed from the outset with the requirements of both brands in mind. Shared primary objectives included the highest possible torque and fast response from low revs.

Although the basic engine architecture is the same for each brand, Land Rover engine requirements differ to satisfy demanding all-terrain needs . For example, they feature a deeper sump to accommodate the extreme tilting angles that Land Rover Range Rover Sport may be subjected to off-road. In addition, belt drives are waterproofed, as are the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump and starter motor.

Direct injection - increased power and torque, low emissions.
One of the key features of the new LR-V8 is an industry first, centrally-mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided fuel injection system, delivering fuel at a pressure of up to 150bar (2175 psi) directly to the cylinder. The positioning of the injectors ensures fuel is precisely delivered to the center of the combustion chamber, maximizing air-fuel mixing, and improving combustion control.

Fuel is delivered by twin, high pressure fuel pumps driven via an auxiliary shaft in the all new engine block. Delivery of fuel direct to the cylinder has substantially contributed to improved low speed, dynamic response which is particularly useful off-road while adding to driving pleasure on-road. The charge cooling effects of the direct injection fuel system have allowed the compression ratio of the naturally aspirated engine to be raised to 11.5:1, further improving the engine economy.

During the engine warm-up phase, the combustion system employs multiple injection mode strategies to deliver 50 percent more heat for fast catalyst warm-up and reduced emissions.

New variable camshaft timing system boosts engine torque, saves energy.
A new type of variable camshaft timing system (VCT) introduces another industry first. The four VCT units are activated by the positive and negative torques generated by opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves, instead of by oil pressure. This has allowed the engine oil pump to be reduced in size, saving energy and reducing fuel consumption.

VCT units work independently on all four camshafts with 62 degrees of authority on the inlet cams and 50 degrees of authority on the exhaust cams. Timing is optimized by the engine control unit for torque, power and economy at every point in the engine's speed range.
The response rate of the new VCT units is 25 percent higher than before with actuation rates in excess of 150 degrees per second. This delivers a more immediate engine response to the driver's demand.

6th generation supercharger - quieter and more efficient.
A sixth generation, Eaton™ twin vortex system (TVS) supercharger is fitted to the 510 bhp engine. A compact Roots-type unit it feeds air through twin intercoolers which in turn are water-cooled by their own cooling circuit. The high helix rotor design both improves the supercharger thermodynamic efficiency by 16 percent. It also improves noise quality to the point where the unit is now almost inaudible. The intercoolers reduce the temperature of the pressurised intake-air and so optimize power.

The air intake has been radically redesigned compared to the previous V8. The intake air path is a direct feed to the supercharger inlet from the centrally mounted front throttle body. Air is delivered through twin air boxes which reduce flow loss and further increase efficiency. Mechanically, the new supercharger and its intercoolers are efficiently packaged in the V of the engine to deliver a low overall engine height.

Land Rover Range Rover, 2010

Land Rover Range Rover, 2010

The 2010 Land Rover Range Rover has two brand new 5.0-liter LR-V8 engines - the top of the range 510 bhp supercharged unit, and the 375 bhp naturally aspirated version. Both engines were developed in-house by the Jaguar Land Rover powertrain team, with the requirements of the Land Rover Range Rover in mind from day one.

The LR-V8 engines have been developed to deliver more power and refinement but without a corresponding increase in consumption and emissions. The result is a pair of lightweight direct fuel injection engines with class-leading efficiency, which provide significantly more usable low end torque and superior dynamic responses without compromising power at higher RPM. Both engines are compliant with stringent U.S. ULEV2 emissions regulations.

The performance of the all-new naturally aspirated LR-V8 is now a virtual-match for the outgoing 4.2L supercharged engine. The new naturally aspirated vehicle completes the 0-60 mph sprint in 7.2 seconds (just 0.1 seconds off the pace of the outgoing supercharged unit). For those who want the ultimate performance Land Rover Range Rover, there is now the all-new LR-V8 5.0L Supercharged, which is propelled from rest to 60 mph in an impressive 5.9 seconds.

Direct injection - increased power and torque, lower emissions
One of the key features of the new LR-V8 is an industry first, centrally-mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided fuel injection system, delivering fuel at a pressure of up to 150bar (2,175 psi) directly to the cylinder. The positioning of the injectors ensures fuel is precisely delivered to the center of the combustion chamber, maximizing air-fuel mixing, and improving combustion control.

Fuel is delivered by twin, high pressure fuel pumps driven via an auxiliary shaft in the all new engine block. Delivery of fuel direct to the cylinder has substantially contributed to improved low speed, dynamic response which is particularly useful off-road while adding to driving pleasure on-road. The charge cooling effects of the direct injection fuel system have allowed the compression ratio of the naturally aspirated engine to be raised to 11.5:1, further improving the engine efficiency.

During the engine warm-up phase, the combustion system employs multiple injection mode strategies to deliver 50 percent more heat for fast catalyst warm-up and reduced emissions.

6th generation Eaton™ supercharger - quieter and more efficient.
A sixth generation, Eaton™ twin vortex system (TVS) supercharger is fitted to the 510 bhp engine. A compact Roots-type unit, it feeds air through twin intercoolers which in turn are water-cooled by their own cooling circuit. The high helix rotor design both improves the supercharger thermodynamic efficiency and improves noise quality to the point where the unit is virtually inaudible. The intercoolers reduce the temperature of the pressurized intake-air and so optimize power.

The air intake has been radically redesigned compared to the previous V8. The intake air path is a direct feed to the supercharger inlet from the centrally mounted front throttle body. Air is delivered through twin air boxes which reduce flow loss and further increase efficiency. Mechanically, the new supercharger and its intercoolers are efficiently packaged in the V of the engine to deliver a low overall engine height.

New variable camshaft timing system boosts engine torque, saves energy
A new type of variable camshaft timing system (VCT) on the V8 engine introduces another industry first. The four VCT units are activated by the positive and negative torques generated by opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves, instead of by oil pressure. This has allowed the engine oil pump to be reduced in size, saving energy and reducing fuel consumption.

VCT units work independently on all four camshafts with 62 degrees of authority on the inlet cams and 50 degrees of authority on the exhaust cams. Timing is optimized by the engine control unit for torque, power and efficiency at every point in the engine's speed range.

The response rate of the new VCT units is 25 percent quicker than before with actuation rates in excess of 250 degrees per second. This delivers a more immediate engine response to the driver's demand.

Camshaft profile switching - flexibility with performance
In addition to VCT, the naturally aspirated LR-V8 is also equipped with camshaft profile switching (CPS) on the inlet camshaft. Depending on the engine's running conditions and the requirements of the driver, the CPS will switch between a profile that is ideal for low speed driving, and another which gives increased valve lift for high performance. This feature helps endow the Land Rover Range Rover with ample low end torque in demanding terrain, yet fully exploits the potential of the 5.0-liter V8 when conditions allow.

An hydraulically-actuated two-piece tappet switches between profiles on the tri-lobe camshaft altering both the lift and duration. The cam lobe profile selected for engine speeds below 3000 rpm has a duration of 214 degrees and lifts the valves 5.5mm. This optimizes gas velocity for improved low-speed torque and reduces valve train friction for improved fuel efficiency. For high-speed driving, CPS switches to a cam lobe with a duration of 250 degrees and valve-lift of 10.5mm, allowing greater air flow into the engine for high power.

Land Rover Freelander 2 Sport, 2010

Land Rover Freelander 2 Sport, 2010

A unique two-tone interior is introduced on both derivatives, in contrasting Ebony and Storm. The derivative featuring the sports styling pack will offer a leather interior and the standard version with a cloth/leather interior.
The Sport emblem is embossed on the front and outer rear seat head restraints, with Storm coloured stitching on all seats and unique Ebony interior carpet mats with contrast piping feature throughout.

The Land Rover Freelander 2 Sport is available with the powerful and economical 2.2-litre TD4 diesel power unit. The manual diesel comes with Stop/Start technology delivering an 8% improvement on CO2 emissions compared to the previous manual diesel Land Rover Freelander 2 (from 194g/km to 179g/km) and fuel consumption is reduced (from 37.7 to 42.2mpg - an improvement of 4.5mpg).

Land Rover Discovery 4, 2010

Land Rover Discovery 4, 2010

The new, fourth generation of Land Rover's supremely versatile seven-seat vehicle gains a new name - Land Rover Discovery 4 - to go with its powerful and highly efficient new TDV6 diesel engine, fresh exterior identity and more premium cabin. The class-leading breadth of capability is extended even further with dynamic improvements for both road and off-road driving, and Land Rover has added a battery of user-friendly new technologies and features.

Star billing on the Land Rover Discovery 4 goes to the highly efficient and refined new LR-TDV6 3.0 twin turbo diesel engine. This delivers a 9 percent fuel economy improvement (EU combined cycle) and ten percent less CO2 emissions, at the same time as increasing power by 29%, all compared with the existing 2.7-litre engine. Torque increases even more, up 36% to 600Nm - believed to be the highest torque output of any 6-cylinder, production diesel, passenger vehicle engine in the world.

The power and torque are both accessible across the entire rev range, to deliver immediate throttle response and effortless cruising ability. The results include a 0-60mph time of 9.0 seconds, (0-100 km/h in 9.6 seconds), a 24 percent improvement over the 2.7-litre.

The iconic exterior design has been updated, most obviously with smoother and simpler surfaces at the front, including a new, more aerodynamic bumper. The sportier new lights help give the vehicle new character, and include LED technology front and rear. The sophisticated new front headlights include High Beam Assist, switching on or off, as conditions require.

The interior is completely redesigned, with a transformed dash and centre console, new seats and an array of new, user friendly features.

e-Terrain technologies boost economy and lower CO2 emissions
The new Discovery is packed with features aimed at reducing fuel consumption and reducing CO2 emissions. The new LR-TDV6 3.0 Sequential Turbo Diesel engine was designed from the outset to deliver class-leading fuel economy and improved low-end torque.

The parallel sequential turbocharging system of the 3.0-litre diesel makes use of its larger, primary turbo most of the time. The smaller secondary turbo remains dormant when higher power is not required, reducing pumping losses and consequently, fuel consumption. A highly efficient, third generation common rail injection system with piezo injectors and fuel metering, also makes a substantial contribution to fuel economy.

The new engine has been also been optimised for low-end torque as well as economy, making it possible to activate the lock-up clutch of the ZF HP-28 automatic transmission at lower speed. This reduces 'slip' in the hydraulic torque converter improving both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The higher torque at lower rpm also enables longer gearing for more economical cruising.

The Discovery incorporates several other energy saving features too. At standstill, the idle speed of the V6 has been reduced from 750rpm to 710rpm, giving a fuel saving without compromising refinement. An Intelligent Power Management System includes Smart Regenerative Charging, so whenever possible the alternator charges the battery when it is most economical to do so, such as when the car is coasting rather than accelerating.

Aerodynamic changes to the front end, with the revised front lower chin spoiler and new front wheel deflectors, help to reduce drag by increasing underfloor airflow.

The new air conditioning pump is driven through a clutch which disengages when the air conditioning is not in use reducing parasitic losses and delivering improvements in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

At the heart of the improvements introduced with Land Rover Discovery 4 is an exceptional and highly efficient new diesel engine. The LR-TDV6 3.0 sequential turbodiesel is based on the existing LR-TDV6 2.7-litre engine, but radically redesigned to deliver substantially higher performance, lower emissions and better fuel economy.

The 2.7-litre has won many admirers as one of the most refined diesels ever made. The new, twin turbocharger LR-TDV6 3.0 boasts substantial increases in both power - up 29 percent to 245PS - and torque, up 36 percent to 600Nm. The ability to deliver maximum torque at just 2,000rpm, combined with unparalleled throttle response, substantially enhances the Discovery's already acclaimed ability both on and off-road.

The new 3.0-litre diesel can significantly out perform its rivals by delivering 500Nm in only 500 milliseconds from idle. From the driver's perspective this means instantaneous access to 83 percent of maximum torque.

But despite this extra performance, engine emissions are dramatically reduced. When fitted with DPF, the new LR-TDV6 3.0 meets EU5 emissions requirements (not due to come into force until 2011) and with a CO2 figure of 244g/km, it undercuts the existing 2.7-litre automatic by ten percent. Fuel economy is also improved by 9 percent, delivering 30.4mpg (9.3 l/100km) on the EU Combined cycle.

The new 3.0-litre engine has been developed by a joint Jaguar Land Rover team, with base characteristics designed from the outset with the requirements of both brands in mind. High levels of torque and fast response from low revs perfectly suits both Jaguar and Land Rover DNA. The Jaguar version, the AJ-V6D Gen III S, was recently launched in the new Jaguar XF.

The LR-TDV6 engine has a deeper sump than its Jaguar sibling, to ensure the efficiency of the lubrication system is not compromised when venturing off-road. The oil scavenge system of the turbochargers has been enhanced for a similar reason, ensuring no oil collects in the turbochargers at extreme angles in off-road conditions.

For the Land Rover version, belt drives are waterproofed, as are the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump and starter motor. The engine is also tuned specifically to allow for the greater demands made on the Land Rover Discovery 4, particularly for towing and all-terrain driving.

Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 e, 2009

Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 e, 2009

The new Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e is Land Rover's most fuel-efficient vehicle to date. Featuring a new intelligent Stop/Start system, it is the first production vehicle to incorporate technologies from the company's programme of sustainable engineering initiatives, collectively named 'e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES'.

On the standard EU4 cycle, the CO2 emissions of the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e are reduced by 8 per cent, compared with the outgoing manual diesel Land Rover Freelander 2. Moreover, in additional tests, Land Rover engineers have measured fuel savings approaching 20 per cent in heavy urban traffic.

The 8 per cent improvement equates to a CO2 emissions reduction of 15 g/km compared with the standard Freelander 2 TD4 manual (from 194 g/km to 179 g/km). In terms of fuel efficiency, consumption is reduced from 7.5 l/100 km to 6.8 l/100 km, a saving of 0.7 litres of fuel every 100 km (62 miles).

These gains, coupled with the added benefits of the gearshift indicator light, software developments and efficiencies from low-rolling-resistance tyres, make the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e the most fuel-efficient production Land Rover ever built.

Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director, said: "The Stop/Start Freelander 2 is the first production vehicle to benefit from the massive £700 million investment in sustainable technologies by Jaguar and Land Rover. From mid-2009, the Stop/Start feature will be included as standard on all Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 manual models, with no associated increase in list prices."

Land Rover's new Stop/Start system improves fuel efficiency in urban and stop-start driving. The vehicle automatically shuts down the engine in appropriate conditions, resulting in zero tailpipe emissions and saving fuel that would otherwise be used idling the engine when stationary. When the driver is ready to move off, the engine instantly re-starts.

Sophisticated controls ensure that the Stop/Start system does not compromise the needs of either the driver or the vehicle. For the engine to shut down, the vehicle must be stationary, the gearbox in neutral and the clutch pedal raised. To re-start, the driver simply depresses the clutch and the enhanced starter motor engages the engine, ready for when first gear is selected.

The Stop-Start system is automatically activated each time the ignition is turned on, although there is a switch on the fascia to disable the system, if the driver so desires.

Added fuel economy benefits
Along with the intelligent Stop/Start system, the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e includes a series of additional enhancements that help to deliver fuel economy and CO2 benefits.

A new gearshift indicator light in the instrument pack advises the driver when to change gear if a higher gear will allow the vehicle to operate more fuel-efficiently. This is calculated by the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e's fully mapped engine.
Software developments to the driveline systems on the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e generate CO2 benefits without reducing Land Rover's renowned capability.

Land Rover engineers are also collaborating with tyre suppliers to drive improvements to fuel economy through reduced rolling losses. Tyre characteristics including rolling resistance are optimised for the entire range of available tyre sizes on Freelander 2 models.

Refined Stop/Start operation
Land Rover engineers have invested considerable effort in safeguarding levels of engine refinement. To reduce the engine shake associated with some diesel engines when stopping, the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e features controlled throttle closing and ramps down fuel in a smooth fashion, while the alternator is also turned off during the shut-down procedure, reducing load on the engine. A software feature change and revised engine calibration further aid smooth shut-off, while engine shake on start-up is reduced by the Freelander 2's optimised engine-mounting strategy and inherent tuning.

Uncompromised durability
The increased frequency of stop-start cycles over the lifetime of the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e will lead to increased use of the vehicle's affected components, so enhanced durability of these components was a priority for the Freelander 2's engineering team. They developed a new heavy-duty starter motor, a new ring gear, a new dual mass flywheel friction control plate and an absorption glass mat battery. These new features ensure that the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e delivers characteristic Land Rover all-terrain performance and that the system's operation is always rapid and reliable.

Enhanced starter motor
The more frequent stop and start activity means that demands on the starter motor are forecast to increase up to threefold during the lifetime of the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e. To accommodate the durability demands on the vehicle's 2 kW starter motor, a number of changes have been made.

The grease seals have been enhanced significantly and new hard-wearing copper contact material has been sourced and specified across the TD4_e range to enhance wear resistance within the starter solenoid.

New ring gear
An all-new ring gear is specified for all TD4_e models to cope with the increased frequency of starts. The ring gear is attached to the engine flywheel and comes into contact with the starter motor each time the engine is started. The new ring gear is manufactured from a harder grade of steel and contains over 25 per cent more carbon to improve durability.

Dual mass flywheel friction plate
Diesel-powered Freelanders with manual gearboxes have always featured a dual mass flywheel to ensure engine refinement at start, stop and low speeds. A new Polyetheretherketone friction control plate has been developed for the Land Rover Freelander TD4_e. This is able to withstand seven times the pressure of the outgoing plate, to ensure greater levels of refinement under even greater start and stop demands.

Absorption glass mat battery
New absorption glass mat technology has been developed, which offers deeper discharge and recharge characteristics and reduces battery deterioration under much heavier usage. Fine glassfibre matting has been introduced to sit pressurised between the new absorption glass mat battery plates. This aids the battery's longevity in two ways: by allowing the electrolyte to function normally under greater pressure and by providing mechanical support for the plates, reducing battery degradation.

Land Rover Discovery 3, 2009

Land Rover Discovery 3, 2009

The Land Rover Discovery 3 made its global debut at the 78e Salon International de l'Automobile, Geneva (March 6-16, 2008). The eye-catching exterior revisions for 2009 add fresh refinement to the acclaimed exterior design - incorporating new front and rear body colour bumpers, body coloured wheel arches and revised exterior detailing.

The pure and clean exterior design has been refined with a re-profiled front bumper, (body coloured on all models), and revised rear bumper and wheel arches, which are body coloured on higher trim levels. The distinctive, asymmetric two-piece tailgate now comes with body coloured tailgate lift handle and the attention to detail continues with the revised coloured side vent, door handles on higher trim levels, and clear-lens side repeaters across the range.

With almost 100 international awards to date, the Land Rover Discovery 3 has earned itself a reputation as the ultimate all purpose vehicle. The latest revisions add to an already class-leading package to build on the Land Rover Discovery 3's unique position as one of the most versatile vehicles in the world - on-road refinement to rival executive saloons, flexibility to surpass people carriers and class-leading all terrain capability.

Land Rover LRX Geneva Concept, 2008

Land Rover LRX Geneva Concept, 2008

BOLD EVOLUTION

The LRX concept marks a bold evolution of Land Rover design, signalling 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 fuel economy of 60 mpg (4.7 l/100km) on the European combined cycle.

COMPACT AND PREMIUM

LRX is described as a cross-coupé and dramatically extends the scope of what Land Rover represents. Though 149 mm (5.9 in) shorter than the Freelander 2 / LR2 and 205 mm (8.1 in) lower, 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 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 recognisable Land Rover design cues include bold new interpretations of the signature clamshell bonnet, the floating roof and the solid 'wheel-at-each-corner' stance.
Its compact size is one of its greatest assets, which will appeal to anyone who wants the versatile ability of an agile 4x4 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-litre, 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 4x4s 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) 4x4 ability in tough conditions. Unlike the hybrid technology used by some 4x4 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 optimises vehicle drivability and comfort, as well as maximising 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 car's system for optimised fuel economy. The other four Terrain Response modes provided are sports (also new), general driving, sand and 'grass/gravel/snow' (a single programme 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 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 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 recognisable statement of Land Rover's identity. The carefully sculpted corners dramatically reduce the car'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 car has jewel-like, tapering blade indicator clusters front and rear, and the wheelarches are wide but softly integrated, housing highly polished, 20-inch alloy wheels.

The fine detailing includes additional polished aluminium in the form of side-strips, side and bonnet vents, and the exterior door releases, which are concealed in the car'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 colour was especially developed for LRX and its visual depth helps to highlight the car'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 aluminium 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 centre 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 personalised 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 colour - green in 'Eco', red in sports and blue in general driving and off-road modes.

CLEVER USE OF SPACE

Though LRX is compact, clever use of space makes it impressively roomy, and many neat design touches maximise its practicality. A second touch-screen area gives a fully interactive display and control for LRX's iPhone docking facility.

There is also a coolbox, plus a bottle chiller that can be clipped to the lowered tailgate. The tailgate also has integral aluminium 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 maximise 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.

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.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
* Length: 4351 mm / 171.3 in
* Width (excluding mirrors): 1895 mm / 74.6 in
* Width (including mirrors): 2083 mm / 82.0 in
* Height: 1535 mm / 60.4 in
* Wheelbase: 2660 mm / 104.7 in
* Engine (proposed): 2.0-litre turbodiesel
* Fuel economy (potential): 60 mpg, 4.7 l/100 km (on European combined drive cycle)
* CO2 emissions (potential): 120 g/km (on European combined drive cycle)