Creative game of hide-and-seek

The purpose of camouflage is to deliberately alter an object’s external appearance to blend into the background and thus make it harder for others to spot. This is presumably what the developers at Range Rover had in mind when they devised the camouflage for their latest test vehicle: the Range Rover GT. At the very least, the creative department in Gaydon drew inspiration from the landscape surrounding the Jaguar Land Rover development centre. Flowing, golden lines echo local topographical contours, according to the press release from Warwickshire. So one might think the car is meant to be hidden within the  landscape in which it is being tested.

To cut a long story short: it didn’t work.

And that’s a good thing. Because for once, it’s not the 738th version of a psychedelically jarring black-and-white-and-grey wrap hitting the roads, but rather a graphic aesthetic. And since a visually appealing camouflage wrap alone doesn’t make a work of art, it’s a nice touch from Range Rover that they’ve also put the perfect vehicle to match it on the road. It’s called the Range Rover GT and will be the first all-electric Range Rover based on the new EMA platform, built at the Halewood plant in the UK alongside the brand’s combustion-engine and hybrid models. It will initially be launched as a pure electric vehicle, with a full-hybrid variant to follow later.

Range Rover has also offered a first glimpse inside: a warm, minimalist space, inspired by contemporary interior design, featuring concealed technology and high-quality, tactile materials. A single-screen concept replaces the traditional instrument cluster; a continuous, concealed air vent runs as a horizontal line across the dashboard; and a woven fabric covers the centre console so that even the speakers are concealed within it. The second row of seats offers the most legroom in its class.

Range Rover itself describes the GT as a new interpretation of the Grand Tourer concept: a high level of comfort on long journeys, effortless performance and the off-road capability typical of the brand. Managing Director Martin Limpert says the result is “the Range Rover with the most pronounced saloon-like comfort to date”. And all that without compromising on off-road capability. Does that sound a bit like a psychedelically romanticised pipe dream to you? Then why not give its sister model, the Defender OCTA, a go. It can do it. Promise.

The brand has not yet said exactly when the Range Rover GT will show its final design and make its debut. Further details are set to follow in the course of the year. We’re already really looking forward to the car. We do have one wish, though: the camouflage wrap, at least as a special paint finish, please.

→ Read more about the Range Rover GT here.