Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations launched the Astronaut Edition based on the ongoing Range Rover Autobiography but it would be available only to future astronauts who have signed up to fly with Virgin Galactic. While there is no official word whether this model would come to India or not. The standard Land Rover Autobiography retails at 1.79crore to 4.05crore (ex-showroom, India).
The Range Rover Astronaut Edition would be available in two engine choices. The variants on offer are the p400e plug-in hybrid with 398bhp and the 518bhp, V8 p525 supercharged petrol variant.
Changes made to the exterior comprise of the zero gravity blue paint finish inspired by the night sky. The bespoke puddle lamp design and unique astronaut badging on the sides and rear end of the car. The interior features “DNA of Flight” graphic on the carbon fibre front console lid and the rear leather armrest. The door handles are made of solid Aluminium.
The most notable feature, however, is the two discs within the cup holders crafted from the front landing skid of the Virgin spaceship Unity. The special part here is that once the astronaut willing to own this car returns from space, the discs would be swapped with part of a wooden skid from the customers own space flight.
Gerry McGovern, chief design officer, Land Rover, said: “Land Rover vehicles have been part of daily life for the Virgin Galactic team since the launch of the partnership in 2014. The Astronaut Edition Range Rover is the next step on this journey and the chance for the Future Astronaut Community to celebrate our two brands’ shared values of pioneering spirit and true sense of adventure. This vehicle really will take them Above and Beyond.”