According to AutoCar, Land Rover is working on a new 7-Seater SUV that will be released by 2012.
The new SUV, known internally as the ‘Project L486’ is going to be based on a heavily modified Freelander/ LR2 platform that will likely be extended to make room for an extra row of seats. The new SUV will be positioned more as a crossover than the current LR3. It will also share the same engines and drivetrain as the current LR2.
In Europe the SUV will be powered by 2.0L and 2.2L diesel engines mated to manual, automatic and dual-clutch transmissions. The new 7-seater will have styling that is influenced by the current Freelander/ LR2 and the upcoming LRX.
It will be built alongside the LRX and Land Rover is planning on building 70,000 units per year.
Full Story: AutoCar
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Geneva 2008 Preview: Land Rover LRX Concept Shows Up in Black
Land Rover is Working on a 7 Passenger Freelander/LR2
Comments (13)
"Land Rover is making another SUV." And this is a surprise how? Did anybody expect them to start making compact cars? Is this even news?
Posted by gm0n3y | June 24, 2008 12:56 PM
Posted on June 24, 2008 12:56
"Gas Prices are Insane...But Land Rover"
Yes? Your point? People who buy Land Rovers usually aren't as budget restrained as someone who buys an F150 or a Tahoe = $10 gallon and they'll still be fine.
Posted by Noya | June 24, 2008 1:24 PM
Posted on June 24, 2008 13:24
Yes, but people who drive Land Rovers have terrible teeth.
Posted by Tommy Boy | June 24, 2008 2:51 PM
Posted on June 24, 2008 14:51
I'd wager a month's earnings that this car will be right alongside other Land Rovers; at the bottom of any quality survey.
Posted by Arthur Pappas | June 24, 2008 3:22 PM
Posted on June 24, 2008 15:22
That's only because their owners drive them up mountains and through swamps. Ha ha, seriously, they spend a lot of time sitting in garages dripping oil and crawling around at 30mph on freeways.
Posted by Tommy Boy | June 24, 2008 3:30 PM
Posted on June 24, 2008 15:30
A couple of comments seem to echo my initial reaction, but I'd like to add: Just because gas prices are high doesn't mean there aren't people who actually need a vehicle that can hold 7 people. I know more than one "Brady Bunch"-style family that could fill this (or something similar). I'm sure fewer people will be going for the extra room if they don't need it, but from the headline, you'd think people with big families are supposed to put their kids up for adoption as the gas prices go up or something.
This just in: Gas prices are insane, but families refuse to downsize.
Posted by Rod | June 24, 2008 3:55 PM
Posted on June 24, 2008 15:55
comments about gas prices and suv's aside, this land rover actually looks small. at least, small enough that you'd never guess that 7 people would be sitting inside. a 2 door 7 seater... looks interesting
Posted by Eddie | June 24, 2008 4:33 PM
Posted on June 24, 2008 16:33
@ gm0n3y
Well Said!
Posted by carlover | June 24, 2008 4:41 PM
Posted on June 24, 2008 16:41
The 2.2 diesel is actually quite efficient by US standards. I would suspect a 7 seater getting 30+ mpg could be quite successful.
Peter R.
Posted by Peter R. | June 25, 2008 5:52 AM
Posted on June 25, 2008 05:52
HEY GUYS, BIG NEWS!!! CHEVORLET IS MAKING A TRUCK!!!
Posted by 426Hemi | June 25, 2008 9:51 AM
Posted on June 25, 2008 09:51
deceiving headline, after we get to know its a diesel.
you know writers......
Posted by adrian | June 25, 2008 10:13 AM
Posted on June 25, 2008 10:13
"To come out for 2012 (if Land Rover is still in business)" Land Rover and Jaguar are doing horrible in sales and they both depreciate like crazy!
Posted by Cappy | June 25, 2008 2:14 PM
Posted on June 25, 2008 14:14
Looks nice though. Similar to Saab Aero-X Concept with the roof.
Posted by Cappy | June 25, 2008 2:16 PM
Posted on June 25, 2008 14:16