Land Rover New Zealand importer Motorcorp Distributors Limited (MDL) has unveiled a special-edition Range Rover SV 4.4 V8 called the Haast Edition, named after Haast's Eagle, a now-extinct raptor that once dominated the skies of the South Island.
"Unveiled" is a better description than "launched", because the car is limited to just 5 examples, destined for "discerning clients".
It's the product of Range Rover's SV Bespoke commissioning house, which offers an "in‑depth consultation and creation process which provides access to unique materials, finishes and personalisation options".
The unique Haast specification was created by MDL, in consultation with SV Bespoke, over the course of a year.
The Range Rover SV Bespoke Haast Edition has an exterior finished in a special colour called Aquila Green, with 23-inch Diamond Turned Gloss Dark Grey Wheels that feature Aquila Green inserts. It's a hue that's subtle in flat light, but also really pops under bright sun or studio lights.
The interior features Sequoia Green and Perlino Near-Aniline leather, Natural Brown Walnut veneers, black ceramic controls and bespoke embroidery on the seatbacks.
As is often the case with a complete Bespoke package, the specific Haast combination of colours and trims is now locked out by SV Bespoke and can never be duplicated. That includes the special Aquilia green colour, which was created and named by MDL and cannot be used on another vehicle.
The Haast Edition was revealed in NZ at a client and media event this week in Coatesville, just north of Auckland.
Eighty of the brand's clients were introduced to the car over two days at the private venue. MDL also held a number of one-on-one viewings.
The idea was not merely to market the Haast Edition, but to reinforce the services of SV Bespoke. On site was an "SV Room" hosted by Adam Mercer, bespoke client liaison consultant from Range Rover, who had travelled to NZ for the function.
"Aquila" is Latin for eagle and the colour is intended to evoke the greens of NZ’s native forests, says the company. The colours in the cabin are supposed to represent the "lushness of moss-covered forests and pristine sandy beaches".
Bespoke embroidery showcases an eagle silhouette inside. Illuminated treadplates and rear seats are adorned with the same emblem, and a "1 of 5" designation.
The Haast Edition is similar in concept (but not the same as) an SV Bespoke Range Rover just unveiled for Australia, the Orpheus Edition, named after an island in the Great Barrier Reef. It's limited to 6 units and finished in a special Blue Gloss, with silver roof. Other countries have created similar models, including the US and South Africa.
MDL has not quoted a price for the Haast Edition; it's officially price-on-application. But consider the quoted A$520k for Australia's Orpheus Edition and you're in the right ballpark.
Fun facts about Haast's Eagle: it was the largest eagle in the world, with a wingspan up to 3 metres. Its main prey was the moa; the extinction of the flightless bird contributed to the same fate for Haast's. It's named after explorer and geologist Julius von Haast, who discovered it more than 400 years after its extinction when examining its remains; hence "Haast's" Eagle. And of course, Julius von Haast also gave his name to the Haast Pass and Haast River.
