Brian Joss –
Jaguar Land Rover celebrated the vehicles appearing in the new Bond adventure, Spectre. Cars, including the Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVR and the iconic Land Rover Defender, stole the show as they were unveiled in public for the first time at the palatial Thurn und Taxis in Frankfurt.
Naomie Harris (Moneypenny) and David Bautista (Hinx) were guests of honour at the glamorous event showcasing special stunt vehicles used in the latest instalment of the James Bond series. Guests were entertained by British singer and musician John Newman, who performed a number of top ten hits from his album.
Spectre, the 24th James Bond film, from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment, sees the Jaguar C-X75 drive through the moonlit streets of Rome in one of the movie’s most iconic high speed chase scenes. Driven by Hinx, played by David Bautista, the C-X75 supercar, named the most advanced Jaguar ever created, was provided by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) in collaboration with development partner Williams Advanced Engineering headquarters in Oxfordshire, England.
SVO was created in June 2014 to focus on meeting the increasing expectations of today’s most discerning and enthusiastic Jaguar and Land Rover customers. Working on the development of high performance versions of existing models, luxury bespoke commissions and limited run collector editions, it represents the very pinnacle of the two iconic brands.
Specially modified Land Rover Defenders and the fastest, most powerful Land Rover ever, the Range Rover Sport SVR also star in major action sequences shot in Austria. The highly capable Defenders were constructed by the JLR Special Operations division with huge 37-inch diameter off-road tyres and enhanced body protection to tackle the challenging terrain of the snow-covered mountain roads used for filming.
“To have the opportunity to be a part of an iconic chase scene in a Bond movie and to drive the C-X75 supercar was like a dream come true for me,” said Dave Bautista, one of the stars of Spectre. “It truly is a beautiful beast of a car that will go down in movie history.”
“I made my Bond debut in the Defender, and I have so many fond memories shooting that sequence in Istanbul,” said Naomie Harris, who plays Moneypenny. “It’s such a special franchise to be a part of, and I’m thrilled to be here in Frankfurt with the Jaguar Land Rover team”.
“For Jaguar Land Rover to once again be a part of the iconic vehicle line ups in one of the most celebrated film franchises in the world represents a proud moment for us,” said John Edwards, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations. “It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase production and concept cars alike and we look forward to continuing this relationship well into the future.”
Fans around the world will be treated to a host of exclusive Spectre content on Jaguar and Land Rover’s social channels and new websites, including special access to unseen footage and interviews with the design, SVO and stunt teams as well as a stunning 360 dynamic walk-around of the Jaguar C-X75.
Spectre will be released worldwide in October.
