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Range Rover LRX spied testing
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Land Rover engineers have again been spied honing the Range Rover LRX's roadholding at the Nurburgring.
These pictures show an LRX test mule, which is using a Freelander 2 body with a shortened rear end and revised front bodywork.
Hi-res Range Rover LRX spy photos, plus see the concept car it will be based on
The fact the car has been repeatedly spied at the 'Ring is significant, as Land Rover is reported to have put emphasis on ensuring the car has class-leading on-road manners, as well as off-road capability. The adapted front bodywork suggests the testers were elso evaluating areas such as under bonnet airflow and cooling.
It’s expected that the styling of the final version of the LRX will differ from the concept. In particular, it will be higher, as the concept's rakish roof line didn't offer enough headroom to be practical.
The car could also have the option of a hybrid drivetrain, which may be standard on more expensive versions.
The LRX is based on the same basic transverse engine platform as the Freelander. The hybrid version of the LRX will probably use an electrically driven rear axle, which will work in combination with the engine-driven front wheels.
The Range Rover LRX will go into production in 2011, but is expected to be unveiled in production form on 17 June next year. This date is significant, as it will mark exactly 40 years since the original Range Rover was first revealed to the public.
Designed and engineered at Land Rover's Gaydon facility, the it will be the smallest, lightest and most efficient vehicle the company has ever produced. It will be built at its plant in Halewood, on Merseyside.
Photos: Carparazzi
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