We have seen some fancy car launches over the past 30 years but, apart from those involving jet travel and ancient European castles, I believe Land Rover is the winner with its recent launch of the new 2010 range at the magnificent residential project, Beverly Hills, in Tai Po.In addition to its European architecture and magnificent views of Tolo Harbor, Beverly Hills has a dramatic courtyard with 60 stairs in a staircase 100 feet wide.
When we arrived, the red velvet curtain at the top of the stairs was drawn across. I guessed the curtain would be dramatically opened to reveal the new vehicles for next year.
"And then, as they are off-road vehicles, I guess the cars will come hurtling down the steps at 60 kmh," I suggested to Leonard Cheng, general manager of Land Rover Hong Kong.
He laughed. "They could do that," he said, "but they won't. Tonight we have other beautiful things coming down the stairs."
"These new 2010 models are the result of a total rethink," said Cheng. "You have never seen Range Rovers and Land Rovers like these. They can still handle the off-road, but the focus is on comfort and driving pleasure."
The new Discovery 4 is a new generation of this celebrated Land Rover, introducing new powertrains, improved dynamics and fresh design.
On-road dynamics are transformed by comprehensive chassis system developments and a new super-smooth, six-speed adaptive transmission.
Updates to Land Rover's award- winning Terrain Response system reinfo
rce its status as the best in the class for all-terrain performance.User-friendly new features include surround camera system, gradient release, high beam assist, plus Keyless Entry and push button start.
The new, fourth generation of Land Rover's supremely versatile seven-seat vehicle gains a new name - Discovery 4 - to go with its powerful and highly efficient new engines, fresh exterior identity and more premium cabin. Star billing on the Discovery 4 goes to the highly efficient and refined new LR-V8 direct injection petrol engine.
The 5.0-liter LR-V8 petrol engine is all new and was designed by the powertrain team using an impressive collection of state-of-the-art technologies.
On the EU combined cycle fuel economy is improved by 7 percent, now delivering over 13.9 liters per 100 kilometers, while carbon dioxide emissions are also reduced by 7 percent down to 328 grams per kilometer.
The engine has been developed with an emphasis on delivering a smooth, refined and responsive driver experience. The naturally aspirated LR-V8 delivers 375PS and 510Nm of torque, improving on the outputs of the current 4.4-litre V8 by 25 percent and 16 percent, respectively. The additional performance can be seen in the time of 7.9 seconds it takes for Discovery 4 to go from zero to 100 kmh.
The engineers have also transformed the on-road ride and handling for the new-generation Discovery 4. The comprehensive changes include new suspension components, revised steering, larger brakes and improved traction control.
The iconic exterior design has been updated, most obviously with smoother and simpler surfaces at the front, including a new, more aerodynamic bumper.
After the dramatic unveiling of the new Land Rovers and Range Rovers, we were treated to a jewelry fashion show, with statuesque models coming down the magnificent staircase, wearing dazzling jewelry.
