NEW YORK: The Range Rover Velar made its US debut with an exclusive live performance from Ellie Goulding at Hearst Plaza here, which was broadcasted live online to a global audience. The chart-topping singer’s New York show precedes a charity auction of the hotly anticipated new mid-size SUV later this week.
Goulding brought a touch of British glamour to the Velar US launch party when she arrived in Manhattan – the Metropolitan home of Range Rover – to be one of the first people to drive the new Velar.
Ellie said, “I have always been a big Range Rover fan and it was a pleasure to be a part of its launch here in the US. Even more rewarding to be supporting a local charity that improves over 10,000 lives every year in one of my favourite cities.”
A Velar will be auctioned at the East Side House Settlement charity gala, at the Jacob Javits Center on Thursday in advance of the 2017 New York International Auto Show. The winning bidder will be among the first customers in the world to take delivery of the vehicle. The New York-Metropolitan area remains the world’s biggest Range Rover market.
Proceeds from the gala will benefit the East Side House Settlement, a non-profit organisation providing education and social services in the Bronx and north Manhattan. The 2017 gala will mark the second occasion that Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC has served as sole sponsor of the event, which last year saw a First Edition Jaguar F-PACE sell at auction for US$101,000 (RM448,000) and raised a grand total of nearly US$500,000 (RM2.2mil) in support of East Side House Settlement.
The Velar slots in between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport.
Among the Velar key features is an all-new infotainment system called InControl Touch Pro Duo, featuring two 10-inch screens, making the in-car technology experience clearer, quicker and more enjoyable.
Three engine options will be available at launch including a 247hp 2.0-litre Ingenium gasoline, a 180hp 2.0-litre diesel and a potent 380hp supercharged V6 gasoline engine.
It is sold in the US at a starting price of US$49,900 (RM221,000) and will be available for deliveries in late summer.
Keyword: Ellie Goulding drives Range Rover Velar in the Big Apple