Tata may have spent a huge sum of money in the acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford's Premier Automotive Group, but that won't stop the Indian automaker from approving funding for new projects for its newly-acquired babies.
Among the new vehicles for which Tata has reportedly already given the green light are the Jaguar XE and Land Rover LRX. As we previously reported, the sports car known internally as the XE or F-Type will target the likes of the Porsche 911 and face competition from the upcoming Maserati sportscar in 2012 when it is anticipated to hit the market. Around the same time, Land Rover is expected to bring the LRX to market and produce the sporty ute at Land Rover's plant in Halewood, England. Despite the shift in ownership, the vehicles are tipped to still be produced in the UK, although a large government contract to supply India's armed forces with Land Rover Defenders could result in local manufacturing of that utility vehicle on the subcontinent.
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.
Segments keep blending and niches keep growing. We don't complain, though, when the results are as stunning as the LRX concept. Land Rover brought a second version of the show car to Geneva in a sharp new black-and-silver paintjob that would be our first choice for arriving at the Academy Awards if they were held on the moon. Hopefully the LRX is less pie-in-the-sky than that, though, because we want one. Or two.
As sinisterly handsome as the carbon LRX looks from afar, the devil is in the details, which include such subtle modern touches as brushed-aluminum badging, grille, roof, vents and the like. And we like.
And here we thought it looked good in white. Land Rover is quick to remind that the LRX is just a concept, but it's sending a pretty strong message in Geneva, where a second, black-and-silver LRX will join the original white truck that premiered in Detroit. And the new one is even hotter than the original, itself one of the best concepts of the last year. It's supposed to demonstrate how a (potential) production LRX could be personalized, and we would like to have one delivered to our personal garage approximately yesterday.
The rakish shape now features a silver roof fitted with side rails and a removable carbon-composite panel. This beautifully contrasts the black primary finish, and aluminum-accented details do their part to further dress up the exterior. As a subtle reminder to onlookers that this is still a Land Rover despite its elegance, matte-finished protective trim adorns the side sills and wheel flares. Furthermore, carbon-composite skidplates supply underbody protection. Inside, a sumptuous-sounding (LR hasn't released any pictures yet) tan-and-dark chocolate interior awaits. Motivation comes from a 2.0L diesel hybrid that is theoretically capable of 60 mpg on the EU combined cycle. The Electric Rear Axle Drive can power the SUV on its own up to 20 mph, and it also can be used to supply additional torque when the LRX is playing in 4x4 mode. Like we said earlier, the LRX is still only a concept, but Land Rover will be actively monitoring customer and dealer interest in Geneva.
The white one got our attention, but this one closes the deal. Hey Land Rover: white or black, just color us interested.
While not as awe-inspiring as the Audi R8 V12 TDI or the Mazda Furai, Land Rover's LRX Concept still made waves in Detroit. Photos and details of the LRX were let loose a month ago, so we weren't too surprised at what was under the tarp. From afar, the 2-door mini-ute doesn't necessarily look impressive, but a closer look reveals some amazing details. Take for instance the "LRX" logo engraved in the tire tread, or the "Land Rover" inscribed taillights. And of course there's the interior, which lights up differently depending on how the vehicle is being used. Perhaps more importantly is what the LRX as a whole represents for the Land Rover brand. Future models will likely take on planet-saving characteristics of the LRX including reduced weight, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced CO2 emissions. Take a look at the live photos in the gallery below or follow the jump for the press release from Land Rover.
