2008-03-04
Land Rover LRX concepts premiere in Geneva with Lexan™ high-tech plastic glazing from SABIC Innovative Plastics
At the 78th Geneva International Motor Show today, Land Rover unveils its vision of the Land Rover future with the Geneva premiere of two versions of their Land Rover LRX concept car that debuted earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show. The new three-door premium cross-coupé prototype is introduced in two different versions here. The first of the two concepts was made to showcase the latest in design technologies, with one of its highlights including the unique panoramic roof and side and rear windows, made from SABIC Innovative Plastics’ Lexan GLX* high-performance plastic glazing with exclusive Exatec coating technology. In the second version of the car, only the side and rear windows feature the Lexan* plastic glazing with Exatec coating technology.
As a result of the close collaboration with Land Rover, SABIC Innovative Plastics was able to contribute to the automaker’s objective of using lighter weight and more sustainable materials on the LRX concepts. Through the use of SABIC Innovative Plastics’ high performance Lexan polycarbonate (PC) resin with Exatec coating, Land Rover was able to design differently and reduce each LRX’s overall weight by close to 40 pounds (19 kilograms).
“At SABIC Innovative Plastics, we believe we are in a unique situation to be able to help automakers create the vehicles of the future that allow them to meet key regulations related to safety and reduced emissions. By adopting our lightweight glazing technologies, we were able to help Land Rover create a truly differentiated design for their LRX concept with strong Land Rover design DNA. Our Lexan polycarbonate resin and Exatec coating technology offered Land Rover the opportunity to reduce the weight in key applications like the windows and roof to help them meet key design, engineering, safety, and environmental objectives,” said Derek Buckmaster, director Exterior Body & Glazing, SABIC Innovative Plastics, Automotive. “We were delighted to work with Land Rover on this exciting launch featuring our range of glazing technologies, helping them in the engineering and overall delivery of the unique applications.”
Wraparound Glazing for a Bold Design Graphic
In addition to important environmental benefits, the SABIC Innovative Plastics Lexan PC resin offered significant design advantages not possible in traditional materials. Land Rover designers were supported by the SABIC Innovative Plastics glazing and design teams in developing the LRX unique transparent glazing signature that wraps around the entire car, showcasing the fluidity of its lines and excellence surface quality. The car’s upper body design is accented by an enhanced visibility as a result of the clear window glazing. At the same time, the interior of the original LRX concept offers the feeling of a more-spacious cabin with the use of the transparent plastic panoramic roof that is supported by a “spider” frame running into the A-pillars. The rear quarter pillars show how the Lexan material can enhance design freedom, incorporating an aerodynamic boundary layer separator as well as a sharp wrap-around to meet the backlight.
High-performance Lexan GLX polycarbonate with Exatec coating systems also provides high impact strength and UV protection for the LRX concept. On the original LRX concept, the polymer glazing material is used in the A-posts, side windows, rear quarter windows, panoramic roof, and backlight. Incorporating several glazing technologies from Exatec LLC enables the usual mast antenna to be eliminated, with hidden antennas incorporated within the panoramic roof glazing. On the new LRX concept introduced today, the Lexan glazing materials is used in the A-posts, side windows, rear quarter windows, and backlite.
Information about the company: Sabic Innovative Plastics Denmark ApS
