Green thinking and the 4x4 collide

Source: Exec Digital Canada

Date :09/04/2008 07:18:33

Branded as a vision of the future, Land Rover has unveiled its latest concept: a hybrid powered Land Rover LRX that combines executive styling with green credentials.

By Gary Chambers

The word ‘hybrid’ has fast become synonymous with diminutive cars that are little more than an urban run-around for environmentalists and green conscious celebrities. But no longer, as the Land Rover LRX enters the fray, due in 2010.

This is a huge step away from Land Rover’s pedigree as a producer of reliable, high-performance off-road vehicles – though it’s a development first hinted at with the Range Rover Sport. The LRX hybrid is definitely a bit different. But can it really compete as a hybrid?

Striking appearance

While many concept vehicles end up reduced to showy design exercises, the innovations evident here are likely to be incorporated in future Land Rovers. The LRX is visually striking, the cross-coupe a stark departure from the conservative design traits of earlier cars. Even the much anticipated Range Rover Sport failed to push the boundaries of conceptual design. But the LRX is a completely different animal.

Although built upon the Freelander chassis, the LRX is both shorter and lighter, giving it a more responsive, sportier feel. The bodywork slopes far more aesthetically, the designers incorporating coupe elements into the appearance. Neatly, an interior LED changes colour with suspension modes: green for eco, red for sport and blue for off-road, eschewing the necessity for distracting glances at the gear shift.

But does it work? The design has a certain appeal, but it’s an acquired taste. The cat-like glare of the headlights and the intimidating front bumper might dissuade some, but the sporty overtones might attract a younger generation of driver.

It seems the LRX is trying to crack the image-savvy crowd with its modern appearance and innovative hybrid technology.

Land Rover claims that it has been optimised for both off and on-road usage, with five drive modes, including the Eco-mode, which maximises the fuel economy during on-road driving. Unfortunately, its off-road credentials are untested, though it is unlikely to be in the leagues of the Freelander or the Defender.

Environmentally friendly

Environmentalism and fuel efficiency are not frequently used to describe a 4x4, but the LRX sets out to change all that. Land Rover has confirmed that it is working on a 2.0 litre turbodiesel/electric version, capable of running on bio-diesel with a fuel economy of up to 60 miles per gallon.

In an effort to make the LRX as economical as possible, the designers have shed weight from every conceivable part of the car. The removable roof panel is made from a carbon composite, and the majority of the trim is sculpted from a light-weight aluminium alloy.

Importantly, Land Rover is working hard to lower its carbon footprint of its cars, with this engine offering the level you would typically expect from a supermini.

The LRX incorporates an Electric Drive Rear Axle Drive (ERAD), which lets the car run purely on electric at lower speeds, with the mechanical engine kicking in when required.

However, the effectiveness of the electric engine is questionable…

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