After a number of cryptic images and a couple of leaked images, full details of Land Rover’s sub-Freelander Crossover have emerged ahead of its Detroit debut.

Last week, we posted an article about Land Rover’s upcoming sub-Freelander Crossover. The concept has now been revealed as the LRX: a hybrid-driven compact SUV that shows the direction in which the company’s styling and more efficient technology is moving.

As was previously mentioned, the LRX is a Crossover-Coupé, the production version of which Land Rover intends to position as a premium offering that slots into its range below the Freelander by 2009. This particular version will make its debut at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show in January.

The LRX constitutes the company’s first step towards the adoption of more efficient, sustainable technologies. “The LRX concept delivers the powerful message that we are as serious about sustainability as we are confident about the continuing relevance and desirability of our vehicles,” says Phil Popham, Land Rover’s managing director. “LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it’s a very different Land Rover.”

It certainly is a very different Land Rover in the respect that it appears to be a much sportier, road-orientated model compared to other vehicles in the company’s lineup.

The LRX certainly has an imposing presence for a vehicle that is just 4,35 meters long and 1,55 meters high. The nose sports a deep bumper with Porsche-esque LED indicator blades set into the front air dams and narrow, aggressive-looking headlights. The body takes in a three-door configuration, along with bold wheel arches filled by 20-inch alloys and a panoramic glass roof. Although Land Rovers are renowned as the ultimate terrain-troublers, the LRX sports roughly 8cm less ground clearance than the Freelander’s 21 cm. Even so, the LRX does feature full-time four-wheel drive, Hill Descent Control and a specialized version of the company’s Terrain Response system with an ‘Eco’ mode for lower emissions in urban driving.

The interior fits firmly into the ‘concept flight of fancy’ school, with generous applications of leather, aluminium and a touchscreen for many of the auxiliary controls. Another concept interior trick is the adaptive cabin lighting that changes from blue, in standard driving mode, to red in sports mode and green when tackling the rough stuff.

On the sustainability fron, Land Rover has employed a number of recyclable materials in the LRX’s construction, as well as lightweight polycarbonate for much of the vehicles glasswork.

Land Rover has not yet disclosed any details regarding the powerplant, but if the chaps at are to be believed, the concept could sport a hybrid drive system that integrates an electric motor at the rear axle. We will have to wait until the LXR’s Detroit appearance to confirm exactly what powers this striking new direction in Land Rover’s thinking.

Original article from Car