Despite the elaborate London reveal last week, the
Range Rover Velar
remains very much centre of attention at the JLR Geneva stand. There's at least five here, one at a jaunty angle to imply off-road prowess, one cutaway car and a few more static vehicles to poke around. It's hard to be sure just how many there are when they're all in motor show bronze...
'Project Hero' had to feature some cool stuff
It has presence for sure, the low roof and ride height reminiscent of the original Range Stormer concept. The interior looks smart too, although certain older elements do clash with the fancy new infotainment. If the popularity on the show stand is anything to go by Range Rover won't be able to make them quickly enough - you have been warned!
What won't be a common sight though is the 'Project Hero' Discovery, a one-off car produced by SVO with the Austrian Red Cross. As well as looking dead cool - a Discovery with knobbly tyres and stuff stuck on it tends to - it introduces new tech for search and rescue teams. The roof mounted drone features self-centring and magnetic retention, meaning it can be sent away from the vehicle and land back on it with the car still in motion. That's said to be a world first. In addition the Discovery has more lights to improve night vision, power supply points which can accept "multiple plug arrangements" and a sliding heavy duty floor in the boot. The do-it-all diesel Discovery will begin a 12-month placement in Erzberg and Vienna from June. Wonder if SVO could make another if a customer was willing to pay?
In a showroom near you next year
Geneva is the first time that the
I-Pace
has been seen in Europe, the concept now painted Photon Red and descried by Ian Callum as "a radical departure for electric vehicles. It's still on course for a debut next year."
There's also the latest 400 Sport F-Type, which looks pretty smart, plus the latest MY18 XF and E. There's even an XJ to admire, a nice reminder that the car actually exists. Still looks good to us! Surely a replacement must be due soon?