Originally posted by unsure
this car is based on the mechanics of the 1st gen crv

Originally posted by Chaptorial
Belongs on Mars not on Earth.

looks like a toy to me

Belongs on Mars not on Earth.

Those pictures look like they came out of a video game advertisment. This truly may be the most ridiculous concept i have ever scene.

they would be cool.... in 2036 not 2006.

These are the first pictures of the all new 2007 Freelander II. The leaked press kit of Land Rover’s new compact SUV model reveals that the new car looks very similar to the existing model, especially around the nose where Landrover trademarks such as the grille and clamshell bonnet are obvious –also think Discovery / LR3.

The car seems to have grown slightly in every dimension, with a wider track and longer wheelbase, thus improving space for both passengers and luggage. The pictures also show that the rear doors have grown in size, making access easier.

Despite its similar looks, the Freelander II is based on an all-new platform -a stretched version of the C1 platform that underpins the Ford Focus, Mazda 3 and Volvo S40. The new Freelander is expected to be an even more capable vehicle off-road than the current model, with a stiffer chassis and increased ground clearance. Most of the components are said to come from parent company Ford, but upgraded to ensure the new car performs like a genuiune Landrover.

Although the new Freelander will be offerd only as a five-door model, it is rumored tha we will eventually see a 'baby' 3door Landrover which will sit below the Freelander II in the Landrover range, possibly as early as 2008.

Land Rover honchos admit they erred trying to sell the Euro-centric first-generation Freelander in the United States. All is remedied when the second-gen, entry-level premium sport/utility vehicle model, renamed LR2, debuts at the upcoming British Motor Show and arrives in U.S. showrooms early next year.

"It’s kind of like Freelander grown up,” says Land Rover design chief Geoff Upex.

The vehicle grows by two inches over the previous model and clearly has a close design relationship with stablemates LR3 and Range Rover.

It will be powered by a new, 3.2-liter V6 that produces 230 horsepower, and a six speed manual and automatic will be available.

Land Rover's all-new premium compact SUV, the Land Rover LR2, is quickly approaching its North American on-sale date. The fourth new model launched from Land Rover in just four years, LR2 joins the impressive line-up of Range Rover (2002), Land Rover LR3 (2004) and Range Rover Sport (2005) that together have seen record-breaking sales performance around the world.

As the latest addition to the world's leading sport-utility vehicle manufacturer's line-up, LR2 sets new standards in its segment. New from the ground up, LR2 delivers outstanding on-road performance as well as the class-leading off-road capability of a Land Rover. A dynamic design, purposeful stance, smart and spacious interior, and an abundance of advanced technologies complete the LR2 package that is competitively priced at $34,700 in the U.S.

"LR2 combines the advantages of a premium sedan – such as polished ride, accomplished performance and an attractive cabin – with the attributes of a robust SUV," says Richard Beattie, executive vice president, marketing and sales, Land Rover North America.

"With its tough go-anywhere ability, stadium seating, cabin versatility and spaciousness, we believe that no other compact SUV gets closer to blending these best-of-both-worlds abilities."

Technical highlights of the LR2 include a brand-new 3.2-liter inline-six engine featuring advanced technologies to deliver an outstanding combination of performance and economy. The 230bhp* i6 engine provides 0-60 mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds)*. The engine is matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission, with Land Rover’s CommandShift™ offering manual sequential gear changes when required. There is also a driver-selectable sport mode, for livelier performance.

Inline-six cylinder engine configurations are ideal for delivering a smooth ride, and the compact new unit in LR2 is small enough to mount transversely. The benefits of transverse fitment include improved interior packaging and safety performance.

The interior package of LR2 has generous head, shoulder and legroom, in both the front and rear. Large glass areas emphasize the spacious feel and complement the elevated ‘command driving’ position – a Land Rover hallmark – and ‘stadium seating’, where rear passengers sit slightly higher than front occupants, for a clearer view of the world outside. Cargo space is also among the best in class: 58.9 cu. ft. (1667 liters)* with the rear seats folded and 26.7 cu. ft. (756 liters)* with the rear seats up.

The exterior and interior design of LR2 is completely fresh, integrating the company’s unique design language with a form that is instantly recognizable as the latest Land Rover.

"We purposely kept strong Land Rover design cues, such as the clamshell bonnet, stepped roof and the basic form," says Land Rover design director Gerry McGovern. "The overall look is new and contemporary. The design is chiseled, geometric and simple – it looks like it's hewn from the solid. 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."

The body is a five-door monocoque structure, with a high level of torsional rigidity which benefits refinement, comfort and handling on-road as well as ensuring the vehicle is fit for serious off-road use. The suspension is fully independent and uses the most modern stability control systems, including Roll Stability Control (RSC ®), a sophisticated technology that helps mitigate the risk of roll-over even in extreme conditions.

LR2 is packed with new technologies to improve both on-road and off-road performance. Land Rover’s unique Terrain Response™ is standard, making off-road use easier. Other interesting technologies include a new permanent intelligent all-wheel-drive system for superior traction and better on-road fuel economy, and the patented Gradient Release Control, which improves driver confidence and control when releasing the brakes on steep and slippery slopes.

Other features and options include: keyless starter button, bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive front lighting, rain-sensing windshield wipers and rear park distance control. A standard two-part panoramic sunroof increases the cabin’s airiness; air-conditioning also comes standard and a full-color touch-screen DVD satellite navigation system is optional. The Premium Audio System offered features Dolby® Pro Logic® II 7.1 Surround Sound. Complete with 14 speakers, including a sub-woofer, the system is played through an in-dash six-disc CD changer. An auxiliary audio connection (for MP3 players) is standard.

The Land Rover LR2 is designed and engineered by Land Rover at Gaydon, near Warwick, England, and is built at the Halewood plant in Liverpool, where outstanding build quality has been acknowledged with a JD Power European Plant Quality Gold Award in 2005.