ONELIFE #34 – English

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INTRODUCING THE RANGE ROVER VELAR “EVERYTHING WE HAVE DONE SINCE THE EVOQUE HAS DESIGN AT ITS CORE, AND THE VELAR IS NO EXCEPTION. IT’S MODERN, ELEGANT AND COMPELLING. IT’S GLAMOROUS” GERRY MCGOVERN Finely cut: the Velar’s jewel-like LED lights are the result of new LED technology giving designers and engineers the freedom to completely re-configure the look of the lamps “With a ‘white space’ vehicle you have more creative freedom; particularly when you’re going into a segment of the market where you currently don’t have a vehicle. It frees you up.” Land Rover’s Chief Design Officer Gerry McGovern and his team have clearly pushed the boundaries with the New Range Rover Velar. McGovern has been looking at sketches and models of the Velar for four years as this radical new addition to the Range Rover family has been continuously refined. But he says that it has stayed true to the themes presented in the very first visuals – ‘‘more car-like, lower to the ground, a continued march on modernity, and very characterful.” And McGovern hasn’t forgotten what it’s like to see the Velar for the first time. “It’s a head-turner. It’s a very modern vehicle. You just wouldn’t expect it from us. You’ll think it’s like no Range Rover you’ve seen before, but at the same time you can still instantly tell: it’s a Range Rover.” So how should we view the Velar? In size, it bridges the gap between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. It will appeal to buyers new to the brand, and those upsizing from the Evoque. “It will still be a hugely capable vehicle, on road and off, with its air suspension and lightweight aluminium construction,” says McGovern. “Range Rovers have always been hugely capable.” “But,” he continues, “the Evoque resonated with people through its bold new design. That’s something that we as a brand never previously had. We’ve never had a vehicle that’s sold chiefly on its great design. Everything we have done since the Evoque has design at its core, and the Velar is no exception. It’s modern, elegant and compelling. It’s glamorous.” Glancing at the Velar for the first time, its design does come across as beautifully balanced; from the powerful forms of its clamshell bonnet, through its continuous waist line, to the taut tapered lines of the rear. Its generous wheelbase contributes significantly to its elegance while helping to provide a spacious interior. The twenty-two inch wheels help optimise the vehicle’s stunning silhouette, while enhancing its dramatic presence. It’s clean, reductive, sculptured – and the most aerodynamic Range Rover thus far. New, innovative features on the exterior include super-slim matrix-laser LED headlamps, flush deployable door handles and burnished copper detailing. As is often the case with premium design, its details are subtle, but impactful. “Details are very important,” says McGovern. “However; optimised volumes and proportions are crucial as they are the very foundation of great vehicle design. The Velar has great proportions. It’s planted. It’s purposeful. It has a solid stance, combined with a unique balance of formality and sleek muscularity.” Technology, it becomes immediately clear, has played a leading role in the development of the Velar and has been fully engaged in its interior, too: the ‘Touch Pro Duo’ system is the centre piece; design-enabling technological innovation has allowed the incorporation of two high-definition 10-inch touch screens, integrated seamlessly behind secret-until-lit surfaces. These slim, intuitive displays work in perfect harmony with the cabin architecture, while adding an overall sense of modernity congruent with the vehicle’s exterior design. The upper screen deploys towards the driver and controls the primary functions; navigation, audio and phone. The lower screen replaces all the switchgear which would usually be clustered around and ahead of the 23