Land Rover has already taken steps to reduce the CO2 emissions and consumption, starting with the stop-start feature in the Euro-spec LR2. But they are set to take an even bigger leap by introducing a hybrid version of the upcoming LRX, which was recently christened as a new Range Rover model rather than a basic Land Rover.

Land Rover will adapt Jaguar’s hybrid system for use in the upcoming compact Range Rover. The Land Rover LRX concept displayed at the 2006 Geneva Auto Show featured a drive system that can run on electric only, gasoline only or a combination of the two.

In addition, it’s likely to get a development of the Land Rover’s electric-drive rear axle, which can send electric power to the front axle, alter inner and outer wheel torque and also disconnect itself from the central driveshaft, all in the search for traction. Working in tandem with the manufacturer’s Terrain Response system, it could even offer an efficient on-road electric mode.

While a hybrid LRX is still at least two years away, stop-start and brake energy regeneration are set to be applied to all Land Rover models in the near future.