Range Rover LRX Going Into Production for 2011

GAYDON, England — Land Rover has announced it will put its LRX concept into production. The small SUV will be rolled out as a 2011 model in the Range Rover lineup.

The LRX debuted last year at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. At that time, the automaker called the concept a "cross-coupe" that was intended for those who want the benefits and "presence" of an SUV in a more compact and stylish package. Land Rover says the production LRX will be the smallest, lightest and most efficient product it has ever offered.

The LRX concept was the first all-new product to come out under design director Gerry McGovern. It's a two-door that measures 5.9 inches shorter than the LR2/Freelander 2 and, significantly, sits 8.1 inches lower. Among the features on the concept were Land Rover's Terrain Response system — with an added Eco mode — and an integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) that would let the LRX run on electric power alone at lower speeds, while keeping full "and even improved" 4x4 capability when needed. There was also an Integrated Starter-Generator to stop the LRX at idle and restart it quickly when needed.

The concept's 2.0-liter hybrid turbodiesel could run on biodiesel fuel to cut fuel consumption as much as 30 percent compared with other 4x4s, Land Rover said. Technical specifications of the production LRX will be released next year.

Land Rover will build the LRX at its Halewood facility in England and plans to export it to more than 100 countries.

Inside Line says: This may look good as a concept, but we find it hard to believe that a two-door Land Rover with limited off-road capability will find much of an audience. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent