Newsreader
3rd Mar 2008, 11:33
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT DESIGN
The exposed structures of the seats, roof and instrument panel are just one novel approach that Land Rover's designers have taken to reduce vehicle weight. Another example is replacing the glass for the side windows and roof with polycarbonate from SABIC Innovative Plastics, which is around 40% lighter. The polycarbonate also blocks virtually all UV light (protecting interior materials from fading), while special nano-technology within the material reduces infra-red transmission, helping to keep the interior cool.
Even the choice of premium-quality trim materials reflects Land Rover's deep thinking about sustainability, with vegetable-tanned leather (chromium-free, so better for recycling), extensive use of aluminium (both lightweight and readily recyclable) and carpeting made of felt from sustainable sources. And the luxurious, vanilla-coloured 'fine suede' on the door inserts and headliner is a 100% recycled material made from used plastic bottles and fibres.
"We are determined to make sustainability a key element in our future product design and the way we do business, while still creating vehicles that have a strong emotional appeal as well as fulfilling people's practical needs," says Phil Popham. "No single technology delivers all the answers to whole-life sustainability, but the LRX concept brings together some of the ideas for the future that interest us, integrating them into a car that we believe represents an exciting way forward for Land Rover."
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 4351 mm / 171.3 in
Width (excluding mirrors): 1895 mm / 74.6 in
Width (including mirrors): 2083 mm / 82.0 in
Height: 1535 mm / 60.4 in
Wheelbase: 2660 mm / 104.7 in
Engine (proposed): 2.0-litre turbodiesel
Fuel economy (potential): 60 mpg, 4.7 l/100 km (on European combined drive cycle)
CO2 emissions (potential): 120 g/km (on European combined drive cycle)
The exposed structures of the seats, roof and instrument panel are just one novel approach that Land Rover's designers have taken to reduce vehicle weight. Another example is replacing the glass for the side windows and roof with polycarbonate from SABIC Innovative Plastics, which is around 40% lighter. The polycarbonate also blocks virtually all UV light (protecting interior materials from fading), while special nano-technology within the material reduces infra-red transmission, helping to keep the interior cool.
Even the choice of premium-quality trim materials reflects Land Rover's deep thinking about sustainability, with vegetable-tanned leather (chromium-free, so better for recycling), extensive use of aluminium (both lightweight and readily recyclable) and carpeting made of felt from sustainable sources. And the luxurious, vanilla-coloured 'fine suede' on the door inserts and headliner is a 100% recycled material made from used plastic bottles and fibres.
"We are determined to make sustainability a key element in our future product design and the way we do business, while still creating vehicles that have a strong emotional appeal as well as fulfilling people's practical needs," says Phil Popham. "No single technology delivers all the answers to whole-life sustainability, but the LRX concept brings together some of the ideas for the future that interest us, integrating them into a car that we believe represents an exciting way forward for Land Rover."
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 4351 mm / 171.3 in
Width (excluding mirrors): 1895 mm / 74.6 in
Width (including mirrors): 2083 mm / 82.0 in
Height: 1535 mm / 60.4 in
Wheelbase: 2660 mm / 104.7 in
Engine (proposed): 2.0-litre turbodiesel
Fuel economy (potential): 60 mpg, 4.7 l/100 km (on European combined drive cycle)
CO2 emissions (potential): 120 g/km (on European combined drive cycle)