The Apple iPhone is featured prominently in a concept car for Land Rover, the LRX, which will be shown at the Detroit Auto Show. The iPhone is an integral part of the dash and can also be used to start the car.

iPO chatted with Matt Hardigree, Associate Editor of Jalopnik. The magazine was given permission to scoop the new concept car from Land Rover. The prototype falls mid way between a "design study" and a "production ready" car. The photos below are from a real car that will be shown at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Photo credit: Jalopnik

Photo credit: Jalopnik

"Although LRX is compact, clever use of space makes it impressively roomy, and many neat design touches maximise its practicality. A second touch-screen area gives a fully interactive display and control for LRX's iPhone docking facility. On either side of the horizontally-split, power-operated tailgate, removable and power-adjustable speakers include an iPod docking station," according to the press release.

Not many details are known about the iPhone integration, according to Mr. Hardigree. He did say that he spoke with Land Rover, and the iPhone will be just one way to start the vehicle. Also, since Land Rover is owned by Ford, and voice input systems to manage an in-car phone are used there, this might extend to the iPhone in the LRX. However, at this point, it is not certain.

Photo credit: Jalopnik

A concept like this suggests how far car manufacturers are going in terms of integrating the Apple iPhone. It looks like cables in the glove box will soon be a thing of the past.