Spy Photos: The Bulletproof Look

How will Land Rover match its new hybrid technology to an edgier, “tech-terior”?

Land Rover's full size hybrid models will all debut around 2012 in the LR3/Discovery 3, Range Rover Sport and full size Range Rover.  More than likely the LRX will be the very first Land Rover produced with hybrid electric technology, probably in early 2011, with the Freelander 2 soon to follow.  Land Rover is doing this not just to appear “green” but because they need to fall in line with strict new European emission regulations that go into effect in 2012. (Manufacturers that don't meet these standards will be heavily fined.)

Of course, new technology can’t go it alone.  You need a new look to go along with it.  Shown here are some possibilities.  Is it just us or do they look like they were designed to shed bullets as well as your occasional Rhino.  The LED rings now seen on new Audi’s are making an appearance here, and the clear "European" taillight lenses first available through aftermarket sources have apparently proven so popular that they are being adapted here as well. 

(If all of this isn’t enough of a change for you, be sure to see ‘Rover Ragtop’)