Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia unveiled the new Range Rover Velar. It impresses with its design, advanced technology, and driving experience. This SUV, a part of the L560 Range Rover Velar series, symbolises modern luxury and sophistication.
The Range Rover Velar embodies a reductive design philosophy, achieving a blend of elegance and presence. Notable features include a fresh design for the radiator grille, headlamps, and taillamps, providing a bold and contemporary look. The SUV showcases super-slim Pixel LED Headlights with signature daytime running lights and 3D LED taillights for a sophisticated aesthetic. Additionally, two new exterior colours, Metallic Varesine Blue and Premium Metallic Zadar Grey, have been introduced.
Apart from this, two new design wheels available in 22″ in Style 1075 offer a ten-spoke gloss dark grey with contrast diamond-turned finish on the H Spec and L Spec variants or in gloss black, while 20″ in Style 1089 presents ten-spoke gloss black on the M Spec.
We recently saw Brabus turn the Maybach S680 into the most potent S-Class in the world and now a new project has been unveiled. The Brabus 600, a Range Rover turned into a five-door supercar.
Brabus’ redesign of the Range Rover begins on the exterior with a new front bumper that includes additional carbon fibre components and an apron that is intended to decrease lift at high speeds. It features a new diffuser and wing on the back, and for the wheels, they went with the Monoblock ZV set, which has 24-inch wheels. The new control module for the air suspension, which lowers the body by up to 20 mm, allows the 20-spoke alloy wheels to fit under the arches.
For most modern cars, a 50-year span might mean 10 generations of models but for the Range Rover, there have been only five, with the latest one arriving in Malaysia today. Launched in England in October 2021, the new luxury SUV’s arrival was delayed due to the pandemic and also production. It is now available in Malaysia with a price starting from RM1,268,000 (duty-free) and RM2,488,000, inclusive of duties but without insurance.
The first model to use the brand’s new Flexible Modular Longitudinal Architecture, the new Range Rover retains the many design elements that have characterized what was the first luxury SUV for decades. The clean long form, clamshell bonnet and split rear door are just a few of them.
It’s not surprising though that there is such strong continuity in the Range Rover’s design. ‘Guardian of Land Rover DNA’ Professor Gerry McGovern has led design teams for the model since the third generation and has ensured that this DNA is present in every model of the brand.
Long before there were premium and luxury SUVs, there was the Range Rover. Flagship of the Land Rover range when it was launched in 1970, the Range Rover would be the choice of the rich and famous and be the benchmark for 4×4 vehicles as it was always a technological leader. And even when the luxury carmakers began to offer their SUVs, the Range Rover still held its position high in the segment.
Now, five decades later, the fifth generation has come out and as before, it comes with refinement and innovations that are in tune with the world of today. Progressively introduced in various markets over the past year, the new Range Rover (L460) will be introduced in Malaysia in mid-February.
Following the announcement a year ago that Lunaz Design was taking orders for its first batch of classic electric Range Rovers, demand has been growing and now accounts for 45% of the marque’s total production. The orders are for two configurations – ‘Town’, which focuses on rear seat and driver comfort, and ‘Country’, which incorporates engineering features that enable ‘better-than-new’ off-roading capability – which will be made in a 70:30.
The company says that the first two units are the most complex Range Rover builds ever undertaken by Lunaz Design. The first is a Long Wheelbase variant in ‘Town’ configuration and the second is a fully open Safari model – the same type that featured in the James Bond film, Octopussy – in ‘Country’ specification.
Less than a year after the Range Rover started its fifth generation, its brother – the Range Rover Sport – also moves into a new generation. Having been born only in 2005, this model enters only its third generation. Moving further along with electrification of the range, it comes with a choice of three powertrains – mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and combustion engine. In a couple of years, there will also be a fully electric version available.
As with every Land Rover, all the familiar styling elements are present, thanks to the ‘guardian’ of Land Rover’s design DNA, Gerry McGovern. Since the 1980s, he’s led design teams at the British company and for the new Range Rover Sport, the exterior has the recognizable profile with taut surfacing accentuated by stealth-like detailing and muscular proportions.
Sportier image than Range Rover
Where the Range Rover presents itself as a more formal vehicle in keeping with its flagship status, the Sport gets the sporty touch with short overhangs, an assertive front-end and steeply raked glazing at the front and back.
Like the latest Range Rover, the Sport, has Digital LED lighting units which create a distinctive Daytime Running Light (DRL) signature. These are the slimmest ever units fitted to a Land Rover. At the rear, uninterrupted LED light graphics introduce surface LED technology to a production vehicle for the first time, providing a crisp and contemporary look at night.
A characteristic shoulder line runs the length of the vehicle, accentuated by new lower fender details and the longest spoiler ever fitted to a Range Rover. The clean lines of the exterior are enhanced by flush glazing and door handles, contributing to an impressively low Cd of 0.29.
Advanced chassis technologies
The Sport introduces more advanced chassis technologies, along with the flexible mixed-metal architecture (MLA-Flex). The engineers had a comprehensive dynamic toolkit to govern the new SUV’s integrated chassis control system while also raising torsional stiffness by 35% to achieve the most engaging and dynamically capable driving experience.
Advanced features include the new Dynamic Response Pro (DRP) which works together with the latest generation Dynamic Air Suspension (DAS) that has switchable-volume air springs for the first time. DRP provides ultimate roll control via a 48V electronic active roll control system, capable of applying up to 1,400 Nm of torque across each axle.
DAS, which is standard across the range, interfaces with the intelligent system to enhance the bandwidth of the suspension. This works by varying the pressure within the chambers (higher pressure provides stiffer damping) to deliver traditional Range Rover comfort with the dynamic handling expected from the Sport. To optimize responses, the vehicle monitors the road ahead using eHorizon navigation data to pre-emptively prime for upcoming bends.
Driving off-road, especially on rough terrain, requires a degree of expertise and as the leader in 4×4 technology, Land Rover has worked to reduce the demands on the driver. When it introduced systems like Hill Descent Control in the 1990s, even inexperienced drivers could go down a slippery slope almost like a pro as a computer managed the speed and power. 4×4 instructors felt their jobs would no longer be needed before long.
More advanced assistance systems
In more recent times, the company developed the Terrain Response system which has different settings that the driver can choose to suit terrain conditions. In the Sport, an improved second generation of the system makes its debut along with a new Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control specially designed for use on tricky terrain. An evolution of All-Terrain Progress Control, Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control allows the driver to set the desired speed and comfort level, from a choice of 4 settings, over rough surfaces.
Powertrains
Before the fully electric Sport comes in 2024, customers can choose from two extended range Electric Hybrids, 6-cylinder Ingenium petrol and diesel engines using mild-hybrid technology, and an all-new V8 Twin Turbo. It’s likely that the electrified powertrains will sell in bigger numbers in Europe while the all new V8 Twin Turbo would find more customers in North America and the Middle East.
The new P510e Electric Hybrid incorporates 3-litre 6-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine with a powerful 105 kW electric motor and 38.2 kWh battery, producing a total system output of 510 ps. A 100-km range on only electricity is claimed. At the other end of the spectrum, the V8 Twin Turbo produces 530 ps, launching the Sport from standstill to reach 100 km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds (with Dynamic Launch engaged). All the models are fitted with the trusty 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.
Sustainable materials
Within the Sport is the luxurious ambience that would be expected from any Range Rover. In keeping with environmental considerations, sustainable materials are used but still retaining the premium look and feel.
The Alexa-enabled Pivi Pro infotainment system with its curved floating touchscreen provides intuitive control of the vehicle systems. The high resolution 13.1-inch touchscreen has an interface that is easy to use and haptic feedback reduces the need for the driver to keep looking at what is being touched.
Of the many new features, the next-generation Cabin Air Purification Pro deserves highlighting. Clearly developed as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide a cleaner and safer cabin environment, Land Rover says it can significantly reduce odours, bacteria and allergens – including the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This is done by a PM2.5 filtration system with nanoe TM X technology. There is also an advanced CO2 Management function which can purify the cabin or while driving to help increase alertness and enhance wellbeing.
Next generation Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) not only makes for a quitter journey but also allows greater enjoyment of the Meridian Signature Sound System. ANC operates at its best when the vehicle is in the Dynamic driving mode. Microphones and accelerometers inside each wheel arch constantly monitor the sounds passing into the vehicle, while digital processors calculate the level of noise-cancelling sound required to filter this from the cabin – much like a pair of high-end headphones.
For more information on Land Rover and Range Rover models in Malaysia, visit www.landrover.com.my.
Special Vehicle Operations, Land Rover’s unit with a specialist team of designers, engineers and technicians dedicated to amplifying the performance, luxury and capability attributes, has develop a special edition Range Rover Sport SVR which is described as the ‘ultimate Range Rover’. Orders are being accepted by Land Rover dealers worldwide from today.
Hand-finished exterior colours
There are 3 hand-finished exterior paint choices – Gloss Maya Blue and Gloss Marl Grey colours, both of which are exclusive to the Ultimate edition, and Satin Ligurian Black. Delicate and highly reflective fine white glass flake particles in the solid base coat give an intense star-like sparkle. Each colour features a Gloss Narvik Black contrast roof.
The SV Bespoke team’s attention to detail extends to Black knurled Range Rover lettering on the bonnet and tailgate, with exclusive contrasting Fuji White edging which is also used for side fender accents. A body-coloured carbonfibre vented bonnet, 22-inch 5 split-spoke forged alloy wheels and black brake calipers complement the SVR’s black roof, door mirror caps, front grilles and grille surrounds, front wing detail and tailgate finishers.
Fastest, most power Land Rover model
The Range Rover Sport SVR is the fastest and most powerful Land Rover model ever produced for sale. Now in its second generation, the current model is powered by a 575 ps version of the 5-litre V8 supercharged engine, which produces 700 Nm of torque. That output gives the SUV as capability to go from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 283 km/h.
“Range Rover Sport SVR redefined Land Rover high-performance capability when it was introduced in 2014. We’ve sold more than 20,000 examples to date and demand for the SVR’s characterful mix of power, luxury and thrilling dynamics continues to grow every year. The SV Bespoke personalisation features of this Ultimate edition elevate its appeal even further,” said Mark Turner, Commercial Director, Land Rover SV Bespoke.
Craftsmanship throughout vehicle
The craftsmanship of the SV Bespoke team is also evident inside. Specially commissioned chrome-finished SV Bespoke B-pillar badges, black anodised metal gearshift paddles and Ultimate edition illuminated treadplates enhance the recommended Ebony and Cirrus interior, which incorporates SVR-embossed lightweight Performance Seats in Windsor leather and contrasting Suedecloth.
“Our SV Bespoke design team is always pushing the boundaries to create stunning vehicle colours with enhanced individuality. This is the first SV Bespoke edition we’ve offered with beautifully textured and reflective glass flake paint finishes, which puts the Range Rover Sport SVR Ultimate edition at the forefront of our innovative approach to personalisation,” explained Hannah Custance, Design Manager, SV Colour and Materials.
Visit www.landrover.com.my to know more about Range Rover models available in Malaysia.
By now, you would already have read news that Virgin Galactic – the world’s first commercial ‘spaceline’ – has completed its first ever fully crewed space flight yesterday. And on board the craft called the SpaceShipTwo Unity was founder Sir Richard Branson, who also established Virgin Airlines (as Virgin Atlantic) 37 years ago. The craft, launched from the uniquely designed WhiteKnightTwo aircraft, travelled with four Mission Specialists and two pilots on board, as well as Branson as passenger.
Special Astronaut Edition of Range Rover
Two years ago, Land Rover was already preparing for this historic flight with the Range Rover Astronaut Edition created by the Land Rover SV Bespoke division. It is a special model that will be offered exclusively to Virgin Galactic’s Future Astronaut customers, which already number some 600 people who are said to have signed up.
The special edition of the Range Rover has exterior elements which include unique Zero Gravity Blue paint inspired by the beautiful effects of the night sky, plus a bespoke Virgin Galactic puddle lamp design. The aluminium door handles have the Future Astronaut community constellation design. Astronaut Edition badging also features on the tailgate and side profile finishers.
Exclusive features
One-off interior design features include a custom cupholder crafted from the spaceship’s front landing skid (from the first mission in 2018), ‘DNA of Flight’ logo graphic veneer, with additional personalisation options that include stitching the Future Astronaut’s initials onto the headrests.
Customers who buy the Astronaut Edition can choose either a P400e plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain or a high-performance 5-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine.
Automotive partner since 2014
Land Rover has been the Automotive Partner of the Virgin Galactic team since 2014, providing vehicles for various roles before and after each mission. At Spaceport America in New Mexico yesterday, a Defender towed SpaceShipTwo Unity back to its hangar after the craft mission that took it about 80 kms up.
Even after you recover from COVID-19 infection, your quality of life may be affected and cause you to suffer for a long period after that. To avoid being infected, take the necessary measures to protect yourself as well as others – and get vaccinated.
The original Range Rover was launched in 1969 and final production took place in 1996. It has come to be known as the Classic Range Rover and can be regarded as the first premium 4×4 (the ‘SUV’ term didn’t exist then). Well-kept units are collectors items and with the engineering having been robust, they remain capable vehicles even today.
Electrifying classic models
For those who want the Classic Range Rover, there is also a new source from Lunaz, a company in England that specialises in making electric classic cars. Lunaz has earlier ‘electrified’ Jaguar, Bentley and Rolls-Royce classics and now intends to also create an initial run of 50 original Range Rovers built in the ‘classic era’ between 1970 and 1994.
The original Range Rover which as produced between 1969 and 1996.
Since unveiling its electrified classics, Lunaz has received requests from customers to apply its re-engineering and restoration approach to the Range Rover. In response to this, the company has decided to offer two versions – the ‘Town’ and ‘Country’ specifications – which can be delivered in mid-2021.
The more urban expression of these cars will be presented with increased focus on rear-seat and driver comfort, reflecting their dual use as either self-driven luxury vehicles or chauffeured cars. They will be available in both standard and long wheelbase and either the classic 3-door configuration or the 4-door models.
Lunaz has been converting these other classic models with electric powertrains. These include the Jaguar XK120 (below).
Modern engineering, classic looks
The ‘Country’ specification will include a full suite of engineering, technological and design features that augment a full electric classic off-roading experience for the first time. Every vehicle Lunaz produces goes through a full bare metal restoration and re-engineering process ahead of conversion to the company’s proprietary electric powertrain. This approach allows Lunaz to answer the questions of usability and reliability that detract from the experience of owning the most celebrated classic cars in the world.
The electric classic Range Rovers will include a 4-wheel drive system, updated suspension including anti-roll bars and uprated brakes. Within the cabin, the pure utility of the original interior design will be significantly elevated. The Lunaz design philosophy balances the integration of technology and usability within a classic architecture.
Design Director Jen Holloway and her team will work in close consultation with customers to tailor the car to their exact requirements. Material palettes that honour the textile interior that debuted on the original classic Range Rover will be offered as well as more traditional upholstery options with the very finest leathers and woods.
Usability is further enhanced with the inclusion of a full suite of contemporary technologies. Modern conveniences and features will include an infotainment system, air conditioning and entertainment screens integrated into the existing design scheme to ensure the spirit of the original car is maintained.
Electric vehicles have usually been expensive due to the advanced and new technologies but those that have become mainstream models have the benefit of economies of scale to push prices down. Not so with the classic electric Range Rovers by Lunaz which are expected to start at £245,000 (about RM1.33 million), ex-factory. This is the price of exclusivity and being one of 50 owners in the world.
Ever since businesses resumed their operations, they seem to be catching up with lost time and new models are being quickly launched. Now they can do it faster since there is no need to find a venue and organise all the ‘song and dance’ routine because they can do it online.
The latest to use the online channel for launching a new model is Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) which today officially launched the new 2020 Range Rover Evoque. Two variants of the luxury compact SUV are available – Evoque and Evoque R-Dynamic – with prices from RM426,828 and RM475,398, respectively (inclusive of 5% sales tax exemption but excluding registration fees, insurance premium and roadtax).
In conjunction with the Malaysian launch, JLRM is also offering RM3,000 worth of accessory vouchers (for a limited time only) that can be used to purchase original Evoque accessories. The accessories come with a 5-year warranty.
The Evoque is in its second generation which was launched in 2018 and the latest one has received cosmetic and functional updates. The design remains instantly recognisable, a sophisticated evolution of the original’s distinctive coupe-like silhouette.
The R-Dynamic variant features more exterior enhancements such as burnished copper accents on the front and rear bumpers, as well as front fender inserts.
Both variants come with a new 2- litre Ingenium turbocharged petrol engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The twin scroll turbocharged engine comes in two states of tune: for the Evoque, the output is 200 ps/320 Nm while for the R-Dynamic variant, it’s 249 ps/365 Nm.
The technical updates
Most of the updates are on the technical aspects, starting with the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system having Driveline Disconnect technology. Standard for both variants, the system allows the driver to fully disengage drive to the rear wheels when cruising to reduce frictional losses. When conditions require additional traction or stability, the system will seamlessly re-engage in a fraction of a second.
For more challenging conditions, the Terrain Response 2 system (standard as well) is engaged to automatically adjust the vehicle’s driving characteristics to match surface conditions. Flooded roads won’t stop the Evoque either as it is claimed to have the best-in-class wading depth of 600 mm.
Advanced visibility technologies
With the R-Dynamic variant, there is the segment’s first ‘ClearSight Rear View Mirror’ that transforms into a high-definition (HD) video screen when activated. If rear visibility is compromised by passengers or bulky items, the driver can flip a switch located on the underside of the mirror to activate a camera feed from the top of the car to display the back end of the vehicle in crisp high definition. The camera has a 50-degree field of vision and superior visibility in low light.
Also exclusive for the R-Dynamic variant is the world’s first ‘ClearSight Ground View’ technology allows the driver to virtually see through the bonnet and under the front end of the vehicle. The driver can see, on the dashboard display, a 180-degree view of the ground ahead, which should be very useful on rough ground.
The new Evoque is also the first Land Rover model to feature Smart Settings, a system which uses artificial intelligence algorithms to learn the driver’s preference. The system applies the driver’s preference to automate comfort and driver-specific media settings throughout the drive.
The vehicle ‘recognises’ the driver from their key fob and smartphone with the use of ‘self-learning’ technology, enabling specific seat and steering column position set up upon approach. Up to 8 driver profiles can be registered. After a few journeys, the Evoque remembers the driver’s preferred temperature settings, media preference and commonly dialled numbers, depending on the time or day of the week.
Intelligent infotainment system
Land Rover’s InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system is central to the vehicle’s digital interior experience. This combines two sleek 10-inch high-definition glass touchscreens and a 12.3-inch driver display panel on the instrument panel. To minimise distractions, the ‘hidden until lit’ interior is used for the state-of-the-art digital interface. A Meridian Sound System is installed in the new Evoque and this has no less than 11 speakers including a subwoofer.
According to Nick Rogers, Executive Director, Product Engineering of Jaguar Land Rover, the Evoque is now smarter than ever. The software that sits behind the infotainment system has been refined to provide a more intuitive customer experience. “On top of that, we’ve added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay connects you to your smartphone while the 4G wifi hotspot connects you to the internet,” he explained.
Additional safety systems
Lane Keep Assist is a new safety feature which helps the driver to stay in their lane by adding a necessary steering correction feature. It initiates a gentle steering input to return the vehicle to its intended position
Also added is Driver Condition Monitor technology, a safety feature that is based on the driver’s steering inputs. Jerky, non-linear movements that are typical symptoms of a fatigued (or drunk) driver will automatically trigger an audible and visual warning from the instrument cluster.
All Land Rover vehicles distributed by JLRM come with Land Rover Care, which entitles owners to 5 years (or maximum of 65,000 kms) of free scheduled servicing, 5 years (or maximum of 150,000 kms) warranty coverage and 3 years of roadside assistance.
