Land Rover Environmental Performance Initiative

LRX and Land_e:

Land Rover Environmental Performance Innovations for Tomorrow

An Overview of Things to Come

Edited by JOSEPH V. KUCA

At Land Rover, we pride ourselves on never standing still. Discover the innovative technologies that Land Rover is working on to improve the environmental performance of our vehicles, while enhancing their breadth of capability. These practical, real-world LAND_e solutions will start to be seen on Land Rovers over the next few years.

LRX

With its more compact size, lighter weight and sustainability focused technologies, the LRX clearly addresses the needs of a changing world. Though smaller than the LR2, the LRX is conceived as a premium car, designed to appeal to new customers in the luxury and executive sector – those who want many of the benefits of a 4x4 and the visual presence of a larger vehicle, but in a more compact package.

Its compact size will appeal to anyone who wants the versatile ability of an agile SUV with the cachet of the Land Rover name, while its lower weight and the reduced aerodynamic drag resulting from the smaller frontal area give significant gains in fuel efficiency and reduced C02 emissions. The positioning of LRX could be described as moving subtly from traditional SUV to crossover, with its more car-like appearance and dynamics that are sportier and on-road biased. But while its character is underlined by excellent agility, handling and performance, the LRX also promises the widest breadth of capability in the class. The interior of the LRX concept clearly demonstrates how a compact Land Rover can still be roomy, practical and versatile – and one with great sophistication. The impeccably executed cabin features a combination of soft leathers in rich tan and dark chocolate, with polished aluminum details. Although the LRX is compact, clever use of space makes it impressively roomy, and many neat design touches maximize its practicality.

Overall, the LRX dramatically extends the scope of what Land Rover stands for.

LAND_e

Imagine if you could get dirty, but stay clean. That´s exactly how Land Rover sees its SUV future—a future where a Land Rover´s breadth of abilities is wider than ever, but its impact on the environment is significantly smaller. A future shaped by the most efficient use of innovative technologies, to deliver reductions in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while enhancing Land Rover´s legendary capabilities. A commitment to changing things for the better, while remaining faithful to the unique essence of Land Rover.

That´s what the LAND_e and its environmentally conscious, efficiency-focused e-Terrain technologies target and target in the near future. Because what LAND_e offers isn´t a science fiction dream, it´s an attainable reality, built on viable, relevant technologies and will start to be seen on Land Rovers progressively over the next few years. The promise is a reduction in CO2 emissions in a Land Rover with even more capability than ever. And the reality starts here.

Land_e is first and foremost a technical exhibit concept, not a production vehicle. The technologies are capable of being utilized with a variety of powertrains and body styles and are not tied to a particular platform architecture.

Land_e is based around a gasoline engine with a power-shift transmission and bio-fuel compatibility, specifically the capability of running on bio-ethanol blends of up to E85. The e_Terrain technologies themselves would provide fuel consumption improvements up to 'a third' in real world conditions AND improved pull away/step-off performance.

We recognize the importance of bio-fuels and their ability to reduce harmful tailpipe emissions and their role as a sustainable fuel source in the future.

Join us now as we take you on a journey through Land_e---a veritable showcase of our Land Rover engineer's intelligent technologies of tomorrow that are designed to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions while enhancing Land Rover's unrivaled on- and off-road capabilities.

Imagine, if you will, slipping behind the wheel of your new Land Rover.

Engaging...

In the future, our engines will support the use of up to an 85% bio-ethanol blend – a cleaner, renewable fuel source derived from plants.  CO² produced by the engine is offset by that absorbed when growing new crops, helping to reduce overall CO² emissions.

On pressing the Start button, Land Rover's Intelligent Thermal Program captures waste heat from the exhaust to warm the engine and gearbox faster, thus improving efficiency.

Active aero vanes also close automatically to help raise the engine temperature faster.  A faster engine warm-up improves fuel economy and reduces CO² emissions.

The e-Mode on Land Rover's Terrain Response™ dial automatically optimizes the whole vehicle to the most fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible settings, maximizing reductions in CO².

As the vehicle pulls away, power is delivered to all four wheels and, once the engine reaches optimum operating temperature, the active aero vanes reopen.

Energizing...

Approaching a T-junction and applying light braking: Land Rover's e-Terrain System uses its Integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive to slow the vehicle. Energy that would normally be wasted by conventional brakes is captured and stored in the battery.  If the driver brakes harder, conventional brakes are also applied, maintaining safety and control at all times.

As the vehicle comes to a halt, the e-Terrain System stops the engine whenever it isn't needed. This saves fuel and significantly reduces CO² emissions.

As the traffic ahead clears, the driver presses the throttle lightly and the vehicle moves forward using the stored electrical power.  When the throttle is released, the e-Terrain System slows the vehicle back to rest.

Enhancing...

Under light throttle, the e-Terrain System uses the stored electrical energy to drive away without starting the engine, until speed rises to 20 mph, for example.  When required, the e-Terrain System instructs the Integrated Starter Generator to restart the engine, quickly and smoothly. The engine now powers the vehicle, assisted by the Integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive.  By re-using the stored electrical energy in this way, the engine uses much less fuel and CO² emissions are significantly reduced.

However, if the driver requires full throttle, the e-Terrain System can start the engine instantly, using the electrical energy to provide an extra power boost and enhanced acceleration.

Exceeding...

Driving off-road, onto wet grass: On wet grass it is very important to avoid wheelspin as this damages the surface, causes traction loss and can cause a loss of vehicle control.  The driver selects the Grass/Gravel/Snow mode on the Land Rover Terrain Response dial.

Land Rover's e-Terrain System uses the Integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive to deliver exactly the right amount of power to all wheels, at all times, virtually eliminating wheelspin.

The e-Terrain system can also optimize the vehicle performance in the other Terrain Response modes, thus enhancing Land Rover's unrivaled capability on any terrain.

Excelling...

By using electric power-assist steering, inefficient losses associated with conventional hydraulic steering systems are avoided.  At cruising speed, the e-Terrain System disconnects and shuts down drive to the rear, avoiding unnecessary losses, further improving fuel economy and reducing CO² emissions.

If the vehicle detects a slippery road surface, the e-Terrain System instantly matches the propshaft speed before sending drive to the rear wheels, combining efficiency with full-time four-wheel-drive availability.

Welcome to the Land Rover of the future, the very near future!