Land Rover Dresses Up LRX for Geneva

Land Rover’s LRX Concept was such a big hit when it debuted in Detroit that
It was such a hit in Detroit that Land Rover’s bringing it overseas to Geneva. (Photo: Land Rover)
it’s making a comeback for its official European launch at Geneva this week. The LRX, which is seriously being considered for production, will be shown off in Switzerland in two different guises, Black and Silver versus the original SUV’s shade of White.

Although the Black & Silver LRXs are very similar in appearance to the first LRX, they do feature several improvements including a host potential features that Land Rover is hoping to put towards a customization lineup, similar to what Mini has done with the Cooper and Scion has done with the xB.

One instantly noticeable difference is the roof, which is painted in silver to contrast the metallic black bodywork. It features a removable carbon composite insert with integrated attachment points for snowboards in place of the Detroit concept’s panoramic roof, as well as a set of roof rails that can be used as cross-bars for cargo carriers and other external, roof-mounted systems. A new, integrated step-pad in the bumper allows customers to access the roof easily, without worry of scratching the paint.

Lower down on the body, Land Rover has fitted the LRX with matte finish fender flares and new carbon composite skid plates and underbody protection, keeping the LRX’s internals safe and sound should the driver go off-road.

Land Rover has also given the Black LRX a new chocolate-themed interior, and is working on a way to put the concept’s thin-form seats into production.

Finally, Land Rover has announced details pertaining to the LRX’s powertrain. It gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel mated to a hybrid drivetrain system. At speeds of up to 20 mph the LRX is driven purely on electrical power by its rear wheels, but at higher speeds the diesel kicks in to provide more thrust. Land Rover claims the LRX can achieve 50 mpg on the mixed cycle, and emits no more than 6.8 oz/mi, making it the most efficient Land Rover ever.

This article was taken from: automobile.com