Land Rover Dresses Up LRX for Geneva

Land Rover's LRX Concept was such a big hit when it debuted in Detroit

that

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.