Space ships and 4x4s. What's the connection?
That was the question on the lips of some attendees to the Virgin Galactic/Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept partnership launch at the New York Motor Show on 15 April.
The tie-in’s advert, which can be viewed below, is an impressive attempt at trying to fuse the selling points of wealthy people heading off into space (with a few minutes actually spent in orbit), with those of a hardy off-road vehicle.
Aside from the word 'discovery', there may not be too much linking SpaceShipOne and Land Rover's Discovery Vision Concept, which will launch in 2015.
And while a Vision Concept is likely to cost up to £50,000, SpaceShipOne will cost around £150,000. Of course, you only get a single ride in the Virgin space ship, whereas you can keep the Discovery forever.
Land Rover will supply Discoverys for ferrying around the space craft's two flight crew and passengers whilst on the ground.
The Merseyside based SUV maker is probably the most likely to have their machine ready at the launch date, while Virgin's much-delayed foray into the space travel business is perhaps less likely to hit the deadline.
The glitzy launch of the Discovery Vision Concept contrasts sharply with the launch of the Discovery LR3, in which the MD simply pulled the covers off the new vehicle, stating it was too attractive to require all the clever marketing shenanigans.
Lovers of the new-look Discovery may find the new design a little slick and flashy given the rough-tough off-road pedigree of older models. But will it be as solid as ever under the bonnet? Or will it be so packed to the gunnels with new tech that insurance for a car breakdown will be a must?
Either way, the Vision Concept will no doubt garner plenty of attention, especially with Branson's space boffins along for the ride.
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