In support for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Land Rover will hold a challenge in 2008 and 2009 that will help raise money for humanitarian causes.

Called the Land Rover G4 Challenge, the event is a global adventure competition in which 18 mixed-gender two-person international teams battle in grueling off-road driving and adventure activities in remote locations to test the skill, stamina and strategy.

The partnership will generate more than 1 million British pounds ($2.03 million U.S.) for the International Federation over the next two G4 Challenge competitions. A Land Rover vehicle will also be donated to the winning nation’s Red Cross or Red Crescent National Society.

Individuals who wish to participate in the 2008/2009 Land Rover G4 Challenge will go through a rigorous national and international selection process with the best male and female representing their country in the Challenge in Asia 2009.

As the ultimate test of physical fitness and team spirit, the G4 Challenge consists of off-road driving challenges combined with adventure sports and extreme initiative challenges. The entire Land Rover fleet will participate in the competition, with all of the vehicles painted in the distinctive Tangiers Orange color.

Aside from the goodwill acts, Land Rover also showed a brief look at a new concept. A video was played at the end of the press conference showing a black vehicle driving at night with many slightly out of focus shots to disguise the details of the future product.

From what we could tell, it looked like a sporty performance-oriented crossover vehicle. The roofline appeared lower and sloped more toward the rear than current Land Rover products. Also the entire body seemed to sit lower over the wheels with bulging fenders to create an aggressive and sporty look.

No details or product time frame for a new vehicle were disclosed but it appears that a new type of vehicle is in the works.