Land Rover LRX Sleek cross-coupe concept features sporty looks and promises hi-tech hybrid mechanicals

Think Land Rover, and no doubt a chunky off-roader will spring to mind. For the past 60 years, the firm has produced some of the world’s finest mud-pluggers. From Defender to Disco­very, its 4x4s have majored on practicality and versatility, but have tended to relegate style to second place.Not this time! The LRX was the star of last month’s Detroit Motor Show. It’s a rakish concept representing a bold new design direction for the company as it gets ready to go head-to-head with the forthcoming BMW X1.The revolution isn’t limited to the exterior, either. Bosses at the firm claim this is set to be one of the greenest SUVs on the road. When it goes on sale in 2009, power will come from a hybrid drivetrain featuring a 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit at the front and the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) set-up at the back. At low speeds, the LRX can operate on battery power alone.It’s sleeker and more compact than the Freelander, but there is still no mistaking the LRX for anything other than a Land Rover. The front features the marque’s signature clamshell bon­net, plus distinctive wraparound LED head­lamps and an aluminium skid plate beneath the bumper.

A sharply rising waistline, shallow side windows and bulging wheel­arches – which cover 20-inch polished alloy rims – combine to give the baby Land Rover a purposeful stance. At the rear there’s a steeply raked tailgate, while panoramic glass fills the manufacturer’s trademark ‘floating’ roof.

There are no handles to access the interior; you simply touch a silver pad and the door pops open. Once inside, you are confronted with a cabin that mixes luxury and hi-tech, and demon­strates the firm’s determination to produce a premium compact SUV. Soft brown leather covers the four individual sports seats, the dash and steering wheel. Polished aluminium is used for the centre console, which has a rising dial similar to the gear selector in Jaguar’s XF saloon. Here, it con­trols the Terrain Response system.

The dashboard is clutter-free, featuring only an LCD screen boasting 3D graphics. It’s linked to an Apple iPhone placed in a dock below the gearlever. This innovative set-up does away with the traditional key, and allows owners to personalise the car’s functions.

Everything is controlled through the phone – the seats, climate control, sat-nav and even the colour of the ambient lighting, with a choice of deep red, soothing green and cool blue. The screen acts as the ignition, too, generating a large red ‘start’ button when you want to fire the engine.

Open the tailgate, and you’ll find a chilled bottle holder in the boot floor. Press a button, and speakers swing out for impromptu tailgate parties.

Although this concept only has rudimentary running gear, it’s possible to get a feel for how the real thing will drive. Sitting low on heavily bolstered seats, it’s clear that the LRX takes Land Rover in a more sporting direction.

A deep windscreen and pillarless doors provide excellent visibility, and allow you to accurately place the car on the road. The chunky three-spoke steering wheel and gearshift paddles further reflect the company’s efforts to give its new baby exceptional agility.

However, as it wears the green oval badge, it will still be able to perform off-road. Showroom versions will use the hybrid four-wheel drive linked to the Terrain Response controller.

When the roadgoing model finally makes its public debut in 2009, expect it to feature five doors and a range of traditional petrol and diesel engines, as well as the hi-tech hybrid drivetrain. A name for the new model has yet to be announced, but Freelander Sport is thought to be a possibility.


[souurce:AutoExpress]

Geneva global debut for new Fiesta

FUN-loving and fashionable, sensational and safe; Ford's all-new Fiesta is guaranteed to wow the crowds when the wraps come off at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Taking much of its exterior and interior design from the striking Verve Concept, the next generation of Britain's best-loved small car promises to shake up the supermini scene at its global premiere.

Geneva 2008 Ford Kuga

The Kuga CUV is based off the C-car platform that underpins the C-Max and Euro-Focus (also our Mazda3 and Volvo S40/C30), and is motivated by Ford's 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi common rail diesel. 136 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque can be sent to either the front wheels or all four depending on the model (Trend or Titanium, respectively) and the Kuga comes standard with ESP, Anti Rollover Mitigation, ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.

Inside, Ford boasts a handsomely outfitted cabin, with seating for five and a 60/40 split rear seat that offers a bit of practicality alongside the Kuga's style.

As much as we'd like to bemoan the fact that Ford is still offering products abroad that we think would do wonders for the marque here at home, we can only hope that Mr. Mulally's plan to globalize Ford's lineup happens soon and sends over some of the Kuga's mojo.

© Source: autoblog
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Geneva Auto Show 2008 Preview: Lorinser Nardo3 Mercedes SL

Perennial Mercedes-Benz tuner Lorinser is coming to Geneva with some new toys. Highlighting its booth at the fast-approaching auto salon will be the Nardo3. Based on the outgoing Mercedes SL AMG roadster, the Nardo3 borrows its name from the high-speed test track in Italy and strives to live up to the name by boosting power from the twin-turbo V12 to 660 hp. It also features some slick aero mods, including a new rear bumper with integrated exhaust outlets and a new front end to match. Although Mercedes has already announced its new AMG SL-Class roadsters, Lorinser will only produce 50 copies of the Nardo3 and should have no trouble selling them.

Lorinser will also be showcasing its modifications for diesel Mercedes-Benz cars with the C-Class T-Model that upgrades the C320 T CDI with revised electronics, boosting power from a perfectly adequate 224 hp to 261.

Porsche GT3 RSR considerably improved

The Porsche GT3 RSR launches into the new model year with extensive modifications. The most powerful race car based on the Porsche 911, which last year scored wins at the 24 hour races of Le Mans and Spa as well as overall victory at the Nuerburgring 24 hours, competes in the GT2 class at international long distance races. The most distinguishing feature of the new GT3 RSR is the front end which received major improvements to the aerodynamics. The majority of innovations however are hidden under the weight-optimised body.

Porsche 997 RSR 2008

Porsche are planning to update their most powerful racing 911, the 997 RSR, with a view to it competing in the GT2 category in the 2008 season. After eagerly watching its little sister, the 997 GT3 Cup S, the RSR performed with prowess in a busy 2007 season. It notched up victories in the 24-hour Leman and Spa and achieved overall victory at the Nuerburgring 24 hours.

Other than changes to the front aerodynamics, the principle modifications are concentrated beneath the skin of the creature. The Sachs suspension has a greater range of adjustability and the 3.8L Boxer engine has undergone a few optimisations in order to achieve 465bhp at 8000 rpm, with maximum torque of 430Nm at 7250 rpm. The maximum engine speed is fixed at a good 9400 rpm.s

The sequential 6-speed gearbox is lighter and more efficient than its precursor and has been developed from the experience obtained from the RS Spyder. Thirty-five units are being produced for the major teams around the world at a price of 349,800 €, excluding tax.

© Source: eurocarblog
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31 Renault models exempt from new emissions related congestion charge

London residents, business commuters and tourist visitors could benefit if they drive a Renault following Mayor Ken Livingstone’s new Emission Related Congestion Charge scheme announcement, with 31 cars in Renault’s range falling into the 120 g/km CO2 emissions or under bracket meaning they are exempt from any charge.