Land Rover Launches 2008 LR2

LOS ANGELES — Land Rover introduced its 2008 LR2, widely seen as a much more attractive replacement to the Freelander compact SUV, on Thursday at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The LR2 is expected to be priced under $35,000 when it hits the market next year. Technical highlights of the LR2 include a 230-hp inline-6 engine that sprints from zero to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. The engine is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission with manual sequential gearchanges. There is also a driver-selectable sport mode for improved performance. Land Rover's Terrain Response system, which enhances off-road performance, is standard. The LR2 is also equipped with a new permanent "intelligent" all-wheel-drive system.

"We purposely kept strong Land Rover design cues, such as the clamshell bonnet, the stepped roof and the basic form," said Land Rover Design Director Geoff Upex. "The overall look is new and contemporary. The design is chiseled, geometric and simple. We have kept a close design relationship with the LR3 and Range Rover Sport but interpreted the design language to suit the requirements of customers for a more compact SUV."

Other features and options include a keyless starter button, bi-xenon headlights, adaptive front lighting, rain-sensing wipers and rear park distance control. A two-part panoramic sunroof is standard. An optional premium audio system features Dolby Pro Logic II 7.1 surround sound with 14 speakers and an in-dash six-disc CD changer.

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