One of Land Rover’s best-known customers completes unique remote test of New Discovery.

• One of Land Rover’s best-known customers completes unique remote test of New Discovery
• World-renowned British adventurer Bear Grylls experiences Land Rover’s world-first seat folding technology
• Intelligent Seat Fold system allows owners to reconfigure their vehicle seating remotely with a smartphone from anywhere in the world – even in mid-air
• Unique test sees Bear change the seating layout during a 125mph skydiving descent; 
• Seven full-size seats accommodate Bear and 6 fellow skydivers in comfort
• New Discovery world premiere: 28 September 2016 ahead of Paris Motor Show

Land Rover has reached new heights in its new vehicle technology testing.

World-renowned British adventurer and well-known Land Rover owner Bear Grylls took to the skies to put the New Discovery’s Intelligent Seat Fold technology to the ultimate test. 

The system allows Discovery owners to configure their vehicle seating through the InControl Remote app on their smartphone from anywhere in the world - even in mid-air.

Having jumped from a plane with six members of the Royal Navy Parachute Display Team and freefalling at 125mph, Bear was able to change the vehicle’s seating layout at the touch of a button on his smartphone before he had to deploy his parachute.

Once on the ground all the skydivers were able to jump into a camouflaged prototype of the New Discovery, which comfortably seats seven full-sized adults.

The world-first Intelligent Seat Fold technology allows the two rear rows of seats to be fully reconfigured in as little as 14 seconds via the InControl Remote app downloaded on any iOS or Androidoperating system.

Bear Grylls said: “Land Rover is proving why the New Discovery is the ultimate family SUV. The fact that they have created this world-first Intelligent Seat Fold technology is impressive in itself and for the remote function to work while we are freefalling from a plane is pretty cool!

“I’m not sure many people will be using it in such a manner but the technology to operate the car remotely in this way will undoubtedly be a real winner for busy families who want to be prepared.”

Alex Heslop, Land Rover’s Chief Engineer for Discovery, said: “This unique feature sets the New Discovery apart from any other vehicle. The fact that owners can change the seating while doing things like queuing with their shopping is a true milestone in convenience delivered through technological innovation.”

The Intelligent Seat Fold technology can be activated in four different ways, including the remote function tried and tested by Bear Grylls. Closer to the ground, switches within the luggage area and on the C-pillar allow the seats to be moved or folded while standing beside the vehicle. Row two and three seats can also be raised and lowered using the main touchscreen display on the dashboard.

Land Rover’s InControl Remote app allows customers using both iOS and Android smartphones to connect with New Discovery from anywhere in the world, making it possible to perform a variety of functions. From confirming all the windows are closed or checking the fuel level to setting the air conditioning or monitoring its location, the advanced technology brings new levels of customer convenience and connectivity to the premium SUV market.

Ford and BraunAbility come together to produce the worlds first wheelschair accessible SUV.

• BraunAbility, the world leader in mobility vehicles, introduces BraunAbility MXV^™ based on the 2016 Ford Explorer; MXV is the world's first wheelchair-accessible SUV, and continues BraunAbility's long line of automotive mobility innovations  
• BraunAbility MXV gives wheelchair users the freedom of an accessible van with the style and capability of an SUV
• Ford Explorer revolutionized the SUV market, and reigns as the best-selling nameplate in the segment for 25 years; with its Explorer conversion vehicle, BraunAbility revolutionizes what independence means for wheelchair users

The world's best-selling SUV for 25 years is now the world's only volume-production wheelchair-accessible SUV.

Ford Motor Company and BraunAbility have joined forces to create BraunAbility MXV^™ – a wheelchair-accessible SUV that gives wheelchair users the quality and dependability of a BraunAbility mobility vehicle, and the adventurous, "unstoppable" spirit of an Explorer.

"We’re thrilled the Explorer name is connected to such a highly respected brand like BraunAbility," said Omar Odeh, Ford marketing manager. "Explorer has always been associated with helping people go places they otherwise could not, and BraunAbility MXV furthers that reputation."

BraunAbility MXV – available with Explorer base, XLT and Limited models – features patented sliding-door technology, removable driver and passenger seats, and a powered, lighted in-floor ramp. A sliding shifter and front seat base design provide for increased space, while an integrated key fob operates both door and ramp. There’s also an available tow package.

Interior space is maximized to create ample room for wheelchair navigation and comfort. Wheelchair users can drive the vehicle from a wheelchair or ride as a passenger. Notable dimensions include:

• 55-inch usable side door opening height
• 28 1/2-inch usable ramp width
• 58-inch interior height (vehicle center)
• 59-inch interior height (for driver and passenger)
• 55-inch interior floor length behind front seats
• 59 1/2-inch interior width at B-pillar

"Our customers are very excited to have a mobility option that reflects their individuality," said Nick Gutwein, BraunAbility president and CEO. "For us, Ford Explorer was the obvious choice. It’s an iconic American vehicle that reflects the ultimate in independence and freedom."

Featuring a 3.5-liter V6 engine, BraunAbility MXV delivers the performance and capability Explorer drivers have embraced for years, including an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined rating. Actual mileage will vary. MXV also delivers an estimated 5,000-pound maximum tow capacity.

BraunAbility MXV is produced at BraunAbility's 170,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Winamac, Indiana. It is sold at more than 200 authorized dealers throughout the United States.

Whether it be a 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental or a 2016 Continental GT, both are just stunning cars.

• New film features 16MY Continental GT Speed and R-Type Continental
• Traces the DNA and design of the Continental from 1952 to present
• 16MY GT Speed is the fastest production car ever made by Bentley

The Bentley Continental GT is one of the most iconic cars on the road today. The Continental name first entered the company’s lexicon in 1952 with the R-Type Continental – arguably the world’s first Grand Tourer.

With a top speed of 120 mph it was the fastest four-seater in the world at the time of its launch. Many of the 208 examples produced were coachbuilt by Mulliner – a name that is still closely associated with Bentley to this day.

With just three strokes of the designer’s pen, the shape of the Continental comes to life – the striking power line, muscular rear haunches and swooping, fast roof line. These three elegant styling cues have remained a fundamental part of the Continental’s DNA over six decades.

Today’s Continental elegantly fulfils the same grand-touring brief as its forebear. With immense W12 power, a top speed of 206 mph and an unsurpassed ability to cross continents in total comfort, the Continental GT Speed is a truly extraordinary car.

Follow this link to a new film telling the story of the evolution of an automotive icon.

youtube.com/bentleymotors

For more information about the R-Type Continental, visit this link.

www.bentleymotors.com/en/models/heritage/r-type-continental.html.

More information about the Continental range can be found at this link.

www.bentleymotors.com/en/models/continental.html.

Range Rover débuts the All-New Evoque Cabriolet, one of the most talked about and controversial cars released.

• World’s first luxury compact SUV convertible
• Highly-desirable design ensures distinctive profile with roof up or down
• Lightweight fabric hood stows in only 18 seconds, at speeds up to 30 mph
• Uncompromised luxury – space for four adults, 251-litre boot and ski hatch
• Debuts next-generation infotainment system with 10.2-inch touchscreen
• Most capable all-terrain convertible in the world
• Choice of efficient Si4 petrol and Ingenium diesel engines
• On sale from Spring 2016, in HSE Dynamic and HSE Dynamic LUX derivatives

Land Rover has unveiled the world’s first luxury compact SUV convertible. Range Rover Evoque Convertible combines the bold design and refinement of Evoque with comprehensive specification and a sophisticated folding roof to create a no compromise, all-season convertible.

The ground breaking and distinctive shape of the original Range Rover Evoque lends itself to an elegant convertible design and the new model sits at the pinnacle of the Evoque portfolio as the most exclusive and capable convertible in the world.

As the fifth member of the Range Rover family – and the first ever convertible – the highly desirable new model combines traditional Range Rover luxury with a distinctive four-seat design and versatile storage.

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible has been engineered to meet Land Rover’s most rigorous standards, ensuring exceptional structural rigidity, trademark refinement, outstanding levels of safety and unrivalled breadth of capability.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, commented: “Range Rover Evoque Convertible is a vehicle for all seasons. Its uniquely distinctive design and world-class engineering adds another dimension to the Range Rover family, further enhancing its desirability and appeal.”

The global SUV market is forecast to grow by 20 per cent over the next five years* and Evoque Convertible will play a key role in continuing Range Rover’s 45-year success story, pioneering an all-new SUV sector.

Evoque Convertible’s eye-catching exterior design is made possible by a sophisticated fabric roof shaped to create a crisply defined silhouette that remains faithful to the original design. Its Z-fold mechanism lays flush with the rear bodywork for a sleek, uncluttered appearance when lowered. The fabric roof is the longest and widest currently fitted to any vehicle on sale today.

The fully-automated roof stows in 18 seconds, and can be raised in 21 seconds, at speeds up to 30mph. When closed it provides high standards of refinement with a layer of acoustic insulation ensuring interior comfort on a par with five-door Evoque. In addition, the position of the roof doesn’t affect loadspace, with a generous 251-litre boot offering unrivalled practicality for a convertible.

At the heart of the high-class cabin is an all-new, high-resolution 10.2-inch touchscreen with Jaguar Land Rover’s next-generation infotainment system, InControl Touch Pro, which debuts in a Land Rover. Raising the standard of connectivity for the brand, the highly-responsive and super-fast InControl Touch Pro offers seamless smartphone integration, door-to-door navigation, 3G connectivity and a premium sound system.

Safety hasn’t been overlooked with a Roll-Over Protection Device featuring deployable roll-over bars hidden in the rear bodywork. It deploys two aluminium bars within 90milliseconds in the unlikely event of a roll-over situation to create a survival space for occupants.

Land Rover’s full suite of lightweight, all-aluminium four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines is available with the potent 240PS Si4 petrol providing outstanding levels of performance and refinement.

Diesel power comes from Land Rover’s 2.0-litre Ingenium engines which provide highly efficient and refined performance with fuel economy up to 55mpg (5.1 l/100km) and CO₂ emissions as low as 149g/km. 

Evoque Convertible is underpinned by Land Rover’s world-class all-terrain capability, using the same advanced technologies as Evoque five-door and Coupé derivatives. A customary choice of four-wheel drive powertrains combines with Land Rover’s nine-speed automatic transmission, Terrain Response® system, Wade Sensing and All-Terrain Progress Control to ensure Evoque is a convertible for all seasons.

The new Range Rover Evoque Convertible will be produced at Land Rover’s Halewood plant in the UK, alongside the five door and Coupé bodystyles, and goes on sale across from Spring 2016 in more than 170 markets worldwide.