Kiwis lining up for new Range Rover and special-edition Mustangs

Thursday, 21 October 2021

A simple video of the Range Rover Sport SVR going quickly. Everywhere.

While EVs continue to make inroads into new car sales, it seems fans of big luxury SUVs and muscle cars are keener than ever to get their hands on the latest offerings in New Zealand, with both Ford and Land Rover reporting strong interest in the upcoming new-generation Range Rover and the special-edition Mustang GT RTR Series Two.

The Range Rover has only been officially confirmed verbally, with Land Rover yet to reveal price, specifications, or the launch date. The images here are a leak, which means they might not be final designs, or even real.

However, that hasn’t stopped more than twenty customers depositing $10,000 to secure an early delivery slot, with as many as 50 expected before official orders open.

This is allegedly the new Range Rover. Looks familiar, doesn’t it?

Lee Small, Dealer Principal at Archibald and Shorter in Greenlane, likened the rush to those camping outside an Apple store to get a new iPhone. “I’ve worked in the automotive industry for more than 28 years, and we have sold hundreds of Range Rovers – but it’s rare to see this much early demand,” he said.

**READ MORE:

The rear looks more different, with a new shaded strip connecting vertical headlights.

* Jaguar Land Rover makes reliability its top priority

* Road test review: Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Meanwhile, interest in the Mustang remains steady.

* Road Test Review: Ford Mustang Mach 1

* New Land Rover Defender revealed - and it's coming here

There’s a large spoiler, special wheels and bespoke suspension here.

Jaguar Land Rover New Zealand CEO, Steve Kenchington, added: “The fact we’re seeing customers willing to buy it sight unseen is testament to the fact our product teams have nailed the design time and time again.”

“I’d also suspect that the global semiconductor shortage – which is affecting the production of everything from iphones to washing machines and televisions to cars – is prompting Kiwis to try and jump the global queue and guarantee themselves this latest version without delay.”

Overnight, some images reported to be of the new Range Rover were leaked online, showing a largely evolutionary design. The front end looks largely identical with some smoother lines and a redesigned grille, while the rear gets a new darkened full-width strip connecting two vertical taillights. Presumably, the strip also conceals an LED light bar.

Inside will be a large Pivi Pro display, seemingly identical to what’s already found inside the Jaguar F-Pace, a new two-spoke steering wheel, a stubby gear selector, and separate climate controls. The interior actually looks quite similar to the F-Pace in many aspects.

Meanwhile, Ford has confirmed a limited run of Mustang GT RTR Series Two special models for New Zealand, with delivery set for early 2022.

RTR Series Two Mustangs get 25mm lower suspension with a revised spring rate along with a comprehensive styling pack. This includes the classic RTR DRL signature in the grille, an RTR-spec front splitter, spoiler (with Gurney flap), diffuser, RTR graphics, puddle lights, and special wheels as well as a serialised dash plate inside the car signed by Vaughn Gitten Jr.

The powertrain is standard Mustang GT fare, with a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 making 339KW/556Nm, paired with a ten-speed automatic. It doesn’t appear the RTR pack is available with a manual transmission.

“We are excited to bring another limited run of Mustang RTR vehicles to the market,” said Rachel White, Marketing Manager, SUV and Passenger Vehicles, Ford New Zealand.

“Stunning to look at and great to drive. If people are keen to get into one they should contact their local Ford dealer straight away. We’ve got limited volume and a variety of colours to choose from, but it’s also first-in, first-served so to secure one and the colour you most want, call today.”

The last run of Series Two RTR models was in 2019, consisting of fewer than 30 vehicles. Almost half of this run are already spoken for, showing there is still demand for American rear-drive, V8-powered coupes as the EV age dawns.