It’s official, the Chicago new Land Rover, the LRX, will be available for purchase in 2011.  It was unveiled as a concept coupe SUV a few years ago,and LR enthusiasts are happy to find out it will actually become a reality!

Like the Chicago Land Rover LR4, it will have many of the same characteristics that make it a true Land Rover.  These include “the signature clam shell bonnet, the floating roof and the solid ‘wheel-at-each-corner’ stance.” It will also have the same quality, durability and cargo/passenger space that Land Rover drivers come to expect.  Another LR feature the LRX will keep is the 4-wheel drive.

Some changes will be found, compared to my uncle’s Chicago used Land Rover.  This model will be smaller, weigh less, and be more efficient.  It will also be a sportier and sleeker model.  The LRX is about 8 inches shorter than the LR2 and has smoother body contours.  This SUV will be made with a lower roof-line and tapered nose.  I really like the new design, it’s a little more classy looking versus the some of the more traditionally styled Chicago new Land Rover models.

Powertrain wise, the 2011 LRX is reported to come in several options.  The first being a 2.2 L turbo-diesel that provides 160 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The second option is predicted to be a3.2-liter petrol inline six that has a HP of 230 and 317 Nm of torque.  A possibility of a hybrid version is also being tossed around.  This is  likely since the auto is built in the UK and Europe is setting stricter emissions standards that come into play in 2012.

Some other features to be part of the Chicago new Land Rover’s interior include sunroof, a navigation system, windshield that is heated electrically, and bi-xenon headlamps. It is not clear if these will come standard or if they will be available for and extra charge.  Either way, Land Rover is promising this model to be a great addition, as the Chicago Land Rover LR4 was when it was put on the market.

More and more details will be released about this new SUV the closer it gets to arriving at dealerships.