I get excited when I hear about changes or improvements an automaker is planning.  Whether it’s a new engine, exterior, stereo system, etc, it shows brand loyalists that they are eager to try new things and appeal to all different demographics.  This is precisely what Land Rover is trying to do with the new Range Rover, Chicago drivers!

One area that Land Rover is committed to is finding vehicles that go easy on the environment, while keeping the same features and performance abilities that Land Rover and Chicago Range Rover enthusiasts have come to love!  In 2011, a new compact Range Rover will come on the market and will come in two wheel and four wheel drive options!  The 2WD option will only emit 130 g/km of CO2, so it will be the most fuel efficient LR/RR ever made.  Certainly a big accomplishment for the company!

The two-wheel drive will help make the new Range Rover Chicago lighter, which will reduce resources and materials used to manufacture the auto.   But, for those Range Rover owners who crave the four-wheel drive option for off road adventures, the 2011 model will still have that.  When I mentioned a two-wheel drive option to a friend who off roads with his Land Rover frequently, he looked like he was going to faint.  Lucky for him, he’s still going to be able to enjoy that!

Reports also claim that the 2WD model will be patterned after the LRX concept.  This vehicle debuted a few years ago at the Detroit Auto Show and it certainly has a more modern exterior design versus other Chicago Range Rovers!   The new option may get a “floating roof”, clamshell hood with it’s corners angled, and round LED headlights.  When I look at it, it’s less “boxy” looking than most standard Land Rovers seen on the roads today!

I give a lot of credit to Land Rover for working diligently to make their autos more environmentally friendly. The new compact SUV will be lighter, give off less CO2 and use less resources to engineer.  The 2WD drive may just be the ticket to getting a new LR/RR fan base!