47 years later, the Velar name is reborn.
When Land Rover first dreamed up the idea of a luxury off-roader, the development of such a (then) radical car had to be kept under wraps. In a bid to confuse the media and observers, Solihull engineers decided hide the identities of no less than 26 pre-production Range Rover prototypes. The 26 were then christened ‘Velar,’ which derives from the Latin word velare, meaning to veil or cover.
Of course, the Velar name was lost to time when the Range Rover debuted in 1970, as it bore that moniker so effectively that it became a brand within itself. With the marque gaining recognition for immense luxury with scarcely-believable capability, it spawned the Range Rover Sport and the smaller Range Rover Evoque, designed to appeal to the less-traditional Range Rover customer who might have slightly different priorities than those after the full-fat Range Rover.
Today, the Velar name makes a return after nearly half a century of dormancy. The Range Rover Velar is set to slot between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport in the lineup, and is designed to take on the more dynamic SUV offerings from around the world. Targeted squarely at SUV-coupes (or ‘Sports Activity Vehicles,’ according to one carmaker), the Velar offers a more compact exterior than the Range Rover Sport, and utilises its smaller size to up agility and on-road versatility to ensure that it can bring the game on to more the more sporty competitors.
“Refined for every occasion, for every terrain,” the press release reads. While the Velar is expected to be one of the most dynamic Range Rovers ever made, we have every reason to believe that it will not compromise on the off-road prowess that Range Rovers are so famed for. While this should remain as it should be, the Velar will debut a new cabin design language for the brand, which will see the Velar set up to take on the very best in the segment.
Land Rover design boss Gerry McGovern said that they call the Velar “the avantgarde Range Rover. It brings a new dimension of glamour, modernity and elegance to the brand. The Range Rover Velar changes everything.”
While the Velar name may seem to turn back the hands of time to underline Range Rover’s steadfast commitment to what it does best, the Velar most certainly has its sights set firmly on the future. The Velar will be announced and detailed on the 1st of March, and we’ll be bringing you those details as they come
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