CONTENTS ISSUE NEWS 02 Refreshed and Ready to Conquer EXPLORE 04 From Hong Kong to Wuhan A Cross-Border Driving Tour 12 Under A Desert Sun EXP

Transcription

1 JAGUAR LAND ROVER MAGAZINE ISSUE 跨境 探索 A Voyage of Discovery

2 CONTENTS ISSUE NEWS 02 Refreshed and Ready to Conquer EXPLORE 04 From Hong Kong to Wuhan A Cross-Border Driving Tour 12 Under A Desert Sun EXPERIENCE 22 A Rising Star - Kelvin Yuen INSIGHT 30 Wit And Wisdom LIFESTYLE 40 The Beauty of Nature and Logic 54 A Timeless Collection 60 Cycle Revolution 74 Once A Classic, Always A Classic DRIVE 48 Jaguar XF Best in Class The All-New Jaguar XF 66 Jaguar Versus Jetman NEWS Jaguar Land Rover Magazine Download free digital magazine 80 Jaguar Formula E Jaguar Returns to Motorsport British Motors Limited 3102, 31/F, Citicorp Centre, 18 Whitfield Road, North Point, Hong Kong The exclusive distributor for Hong Kong Jaguar Land Rover Showroom 10-13, G/F, Sino Plaza, Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Tel : (852) Production and Advertising Sales Agent Ming Pao Magazines Limited Publisher and Editor-in-Chief / Edmond Lau Deputy Editor-in-Chief / Au-Yeung Kwok On Project Editor / Andrew Yu Senior Editor / Donny Ng, Ivy Ho Art Director / C. P. Leung Senior Graphic Designer / Jason Ting Deputy Sales Director / Polly Kwok Assistant Sales Manager / Water Cheng Advertising Enquiries hotline (852) Ming Pao Magazines Limited 16/F, Block A, Ming Pao Industrial Centre, 18 Ka Yip Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong Tel: (852) Chief Executive Officer & Editorial Director / Patrick Lam Chief Operating Officer / Terry Chan Group Business Director / Cynthia Wong Printing: Asia One Printing Limited 13/F, Asia One Tower, 8 Fung Yip Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong Tel: (852) All right reserved. Jaguar Land Rover Magazine is published on behalf of British Motors Limited by Ming Pao Magazines Limited. The views and opinions expressed or implied in Jaguar Land Rover Magazine are those of authors or contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of British Motors Limited or Ming Pao Magazines Limited, its directors or editorial staff. 01

3 NEWS REFRESHED AND READY TO CONQUER Words: Chan Wai Hung Photography: Manufacturer Translation: Trisha Yeh (Eng) 2016 Range Rover Evoque 2011 Range Rover Evoque Evoque HSE Dynamic Narvik Black LED LED Evoque Lunar/Ice Tan/ Ebony HSE Dynamic Range Rover Range Rover Evoque Active Driveline 360 Evoque Si4 100km/h L/100km Evoque SUV The 2011 Range Rover Evoque stole the hearts of many after its launch, and is poised to dominate its sector once again with the new and improved 2016 model, featuring strengthened technologies and updated styling both inside and out. The distinctive appeal of the Evoque has always been found in its dynamic style and unique charm. The new model introduces a fresh update to the car s exterior with a new front bumper, new grille design, and the slimline LED fog lamps are positioned higher, lending a more muscular appearance. The standard grille features two bold horizontal bars, while the HSE Dynamic sports a geometric hexagonal design finished in Narvik Black. Full-LED adaptive headlamps enable light beams to be automatically aligned with steering inputs to provide brighter and safer illumination while driving, while newly designed daytime-running lights further enhance the Evoque s confident and contemporary look. The car s interior has also been enhanced to offer more choices for customers, with new colourways including Lunar/Ice and Tan/Ebony. The HSE Dynamic even boasts luxurious Oxford leather seats featuring perforated centres and hand stitching, with the Oxford leather sumptuously extending to the dashboard, door casing, and centre console for a premium feel. For maximum convenience, the new Evoque introduces hands-free powered gesture tailgate to complement its existing keyless-entry system. By briefly waving your foot beneath the rear bumper, the electric tailgate automatically opens. In addition, Evoque s signature Terrain Response technology is now paired with Active Driveline and Torque Vectoring by Braking, allowing the car to intelligently switch between twoand four-wheel drive and distributing torque to improve traction in various off-road conditions. An innovative surround camera system also provides a clearer and all-round view of the car, making it easier to park and monitor road conditions for further safety. An Si4 2.0-litre engine is also available with the upgraded Evoque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, and the Si4 engine still manages CO 2 emissions of just 7.8 L/100 km. With all of its innovative and thoughtful upgrades, the Range Rover Evoque has managed to draw upon its previous success and further evolve without diluting its character, cementing its status as a leader in the luxury compact SUV sector. 02

4 EXPLORE 04

5 EXPERIENCE From Hong Kong to Wuhan A CROSS-BORDER DRIVING TOUR Land Rover Club Those who love to travel will appreciate the joy in self-drive holidays, but I have never understood the fun in driving from Hong Kong to China. It wasn t until I followed the Hong Kong Land Rover Club to participate in the Hong Kong-Beijing Rally, even though the destination was just Wuhan, I finally came to appreciate driving in China. Words: Ivy Ho Photography: Chaucer K.C. Wong Translation: Trisha Yeh (Eng) 05

6 Car owners were not at all distressed by the mud that splashed onto their cars as they traversed slopes, crossed gullies, and manoeuvred through thick forests Land Rover Club 133 China offers many locations that are perfect for off-road driving. 06

7 EXPLORE Crossing gullies was easy as pie , G106 2, Land Rover Club Defender Discovery Discovery Sport DS Defender DS 4X4 DS 4X4 07

8 EXPLORE Experiencing the best of both worlds as we toured local spots and savoured local foods. 08

9 It was refreshing to be able to enjoy greener landscapes as we leisurely drove through winding mountainous roads. A Celebration Tour September 12, 2015 was a special day for motorsport in Hong Kong as it marked the 30th anniversary of the first Hong Kong-Beijing Rally. Instead of driving to Beijing, however, we planned to end our journey midway in Wuhan, so for us, it felt much more like a tour than a race. Tagging along with the Land Rover Club, I joined over a hundred other cars at the starting point in Central, where car owners were preparing to drive across the border to Shenzhen. As my mind flashed back to memories of crossing the Thailand-Cambodia border on my bike, I knew that we would be welcomed by a very different landscape once we crossed the Hong Kong-China border. The journey from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Bay was approximately 100 km, and with only light traffic on the day, we managed to arrive at the Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town East (OCT East) within three to four hours. Unsurprisingly, the Land Rover Club s nature enthusiasts chose to make a detour to an outdoor gear store instead of immediately checking into the hotel, where they browsed through large collections of rooftop tents and camping gear. A Beautiful Coastline Had it not been for the one rest day we were granted at OCT East, we would not have had the opportunity to tour the Nan ao subdistrict. Over the years, Shenzhen has developed quickly into a large-scale city, exuding a concrete jungle vibe not unlike that of Hong In China, there is definitely no shortage of picturesque mountain roads and captivating scenery, and off-road vehicles are the best way to explore the majestic countryside. 09

10 shops and cafes. Jiaochangwei s coastline is long, and visitors may also tour the nearby Dapeng Ancient City, although we were unable to do so due to time constraints. Kong. We were therefore pleasantly surprised to be welcomed by the beautiful scenery of Nan ao upon our arrival. With 133 km of coastline, clear waters, and majestic mountains, the east of Shenzhen is stunning and a joy to drive through. Recognised as one of the top eight most beautiful coastlines in China by Chinese National Geography magazine, Nan ao has preserved its ancient landforms, while the town is renowned for its local seafood and beaches. Similar to Hong Kong s Sai Kung, Nan ao features a wide range of seafood restaurants that offer live seafood selections that are prepared and cooked to order. Mirs Bay, also located on the east side of Shenzhen, resembles Taiwan s Kenting. The small coastal district does not house luxury hotels, but offers numerous inns as well as a variety of snack Endless Highways The tour began on the east side of Shenzhen, with the first stop at Foshan, located about 200 km away. We drove 310 km on to Shaoguan the next day, and 500 km to Changsha the day after that. Over the first three days, we mostly drove on national highways, which had relatively light traffic, but once we approached city centres, we were greeted by major traffic congestion. An accompanying photographer who had participated in the first Hong Kong-Beijing Rally 30 years ago recalled a very different experience back then. Apparently, that journey consisted of mostly rough, mountainous roads, and the towns en route to the destination did not offer hotels for the drivers. Many residents of the small towns they drove through would be seen clambering up hills both big and small to catch a glimpse of the race. 30 years later, the scene has completely changed. Most roads we traversed were either smooth asphalt roads or wide bridges, and the majority of roads leading into cities were flanked by tall buildings and shops. Most of the hazards that were present in the first race three decades ago had disappeared as a result of China s rapid development. Beautiful scenery at Nan ao, Shenzhen. Discovery Sport Discovery Sport s off-road capabilities were more powerful than expected. 10

11 EXPLORE Views of the Danxia landform along the way. The first Hong Kong-Beijing Rally was held in Hong Kong on September 15, 1985, where 23 cars entered China through Shenzhen, driving through seven provinces before reaching Beijing. The journey spanned 3,400 km of unpredictable terrain, challenging drivers through a wide variety of difficulties and obstacles. The rally has been held seven times since then, with races between The highways themselves did not offer much scenery, though the China National Highway 106 (also known as G106 or 106 Guo Dao) did give us some nice views as we drove from Shaoguan to Changsha via Danxia and Rucheng County. The G106 runs from Beijing to Guangzhou, covering 2,466 km and passing through seven provinces and cities including Beijing, Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Hubei, Hunan, and Guangdong. Though the scenic part of the route only stretched about 80 km, it was refreshing to be able to enjoy greener landscapes as we leisurely drove through winding mountainous roads. Off the Beaten Track Touring the mainland by driving is not a difficult task, especially if you stick to the highways. Unfortunately, most of the scenery and viewpoints are not near the An Overview of the Hong Kong-Beijing Rally 1985 and 1987, and from 1993 to Marking 30 years from the first race, the 30th anniversary tour was held on September 12, Beginning at the Central Waterfront Promenade with the Victoria Harbour as its backdrop, the tour crossed through Guangdong s Shaoguan, Hunan s Changsha, Hubei s Wuxue and Wuhan, Henan s Zhengzhou, and Hubei s Wuqing, reaching Beijing as its final destination. It was not a race against time, but a test of accuracy. Participants were required to arrive at each stop at a specific time arriving too early or too late would result in penalties through a deduction of points, and the racer with the highest number of points at the end of the race was crowned the winner. highways. In truth, the route set out by the event, even the last leg between Changsha and Wuhan, did not provide too many opportunities for the participating SUVs to show their strength. Luckily, the Land Rover Club organised a special activity with a local off-road vehicle club during the rest day in Changsha, adding a touch of adventure to our tour. Guided by local driving enthusiasts, we not only had the opportunity to taste a variety of local foods, we were also able to see and explore the vast countryside on the outskirts of the city. Those who love off-road driving know and understand that the experience is definitely not about comfort, especially when crossing and climbing through gullies. Having ridden in the rough and tough Defender at the beginning of my journey, my experience on the Discovery Sport later actually felt quite comfortable. Of course, this may have been due to the driver s expert handling of the car. During the 10-day journey, I spent most of my time in the cabins of a Discovery Sport (DS) and Land Rover Defender. As humans, we tend to judge by appearances, and this seems to also apply when we choose cars. Because the DS does not sport a traditional 4x4 appearance, many of us (including myself) are sceptical of its off-road capabilities. However, I must admit that the DS is an evolved, urban version of a traditional 4x4, able to handle most mountain roads and any cross-border, cross-country journey. In China, there is definitely no shortage of picturesque mountain roads and captivating scenery, and off-road vehicles are the best way to explore the majestic countryside. 11

12 EXPLORE Sakharat al-fil The Sakharat al-fil (Elephant Rock). 12

13 UNDER A DESERT SUN Hejaz Salman T. Sultan Discovery The Hejaz is an Arabian land of mythical cities, ghost railways and merciless climate. Few Saudis have ever been there, and when Salman T. Sultan set off in a Discovery on a journey into its heart, he saw his homeland with new eyes. Words: Salman T. Sultan Photography: Abdullah Al Rodhan Translation: Tony Ho (Chi) 13

14 Sunstroke will finish you off if you wander out alone without shade or water. Land Rover Discovery Medina Tabuk 55 Jeddah Discovery Discovery

15 EXPLORE Mada in Saleh Petra Discovery SALMAN T. SULTAN Salman Al-Kharj Born in Saudi Arabia, Salman grew up in the capital Riyadh and the northern town of Al-Kharj, spending most weekends with his family camping in the desert in a traditional Bedouin tent. Al-Muazzam Al-Muazzam Fort 15

16 EXPLORE Qasr Al San e Mada'in Saleh's Qasr Al San'e (The Second Palace). ipod Discovery 35 Discovery Discovery Land Rover Discovery 20 Diamond Turned A Land Rover Land Rover 16

17 Wadi Al-Dissa Driving above Wadi Al-Dissa GPS Wadi Al-Dissa Wadi Al-Dissa 17

18 W e have a saying in Arabic: your true friends are revealed when you travel with them. Anyone who has lived and travelled in Arabia knows the perils of a harsh climate and terrain. You learn a lot about a person when you travel in extremes. When we returned from our 1,000km journey into the Hejaz in search of the lost cities, fabled railway and vast landscapes of the region, we were calling the Land Rover Discovery our third companion. We saw the true side of its character on this expedition. The Hejaz is a region of Arabia stretching from the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in the south to the city of Tabuk on the Jordanian border. It is an unforgiving and unforgettable landscape. It runs from dead flat gravel desert to steep sand dunes and up into mountainous terrain covered in razor-sharp volcanic rock. Water is scarce. Temperatures easily hit 55 C in summer yet can drop to freezing on a winter night. Sudden thunderstorms regularly send flash floods down the wadis (dry desert valleys), yet sunstroke will finish you off if you wander out alone without shade or water. So what possessed us to travel out into this wilderness? We were in search of some of the most extraordinary sights of human endeavour anywhere on Earth ones that lie, almost unvisited, in my native land. I ve been fortunate enough to travel to many places around the world, but I never imagined I would see such things in my own country. It all began in Jeddah, on the Red Sea coast, where we set out in our Discovery equipped for what lay ahead. With a snorkel, roof rack and ladder at the back, the vehicle looked ready to take on anything. It soon needed to. As we drove towards Medina, a nasty sand storm was quickly followed by torrential rain. In the thick sand that lines the wadis further north, such rain could turn to a deluge of quicksand and mud in seconds. Here, thankfully, we were still on road. At Medina our adventure began in earnest. This city, where the Prophet Muhammad lived and taught, is one of the holiest in Islam and a gateway city of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. For centuries, pilgrims have made their way from Damascus in Syria through the Hejaz to Mecca. Traditionally, this was a 40-day journey through mountains, wadis and a stretch of desert that seared in the summer. The only water you could hope to find out here would be rain from the sky. In such conditions, many pilgrims perished, a factor that led the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II to begin building a railway in 1900 from Damascus to Mecca the fabled Hejaz railway. It never got to Mecca. After bringing the tracks all the way to a train station at Medina one of the most opulent on the entire railway the First World War stopped the final stretch to Mecca ever being built. After the war, the tracks in the new Kingdom of Saudi Wadi Al-Dissa EQUIPPED FOR ANYTHING Here s how our Land Rover Discovery was accessorised for our journey Exterior Styling Black mirror caps and side air intake with 20 Diamond Turned alloy wheels with a Gloss Black finish. Raised Air Intake To help the engine breathe in dry, dusty conditions, this snorkel secures to the vehicle s A post and links up to the existing air intake vent fixings. Expedition Roof Rack System This roof rack is extensively tested by Land Rover engineers in all conditions. The system is ideal for carrying a number of accessories such as kayaks and surfboards for your trip. Rear Access Ladder The ladder works in conjunction with the Expedition Roof Rack System to allow items on the roof to be safely accessed. In order to protect the vehicle s bodywork, the ladder also comes with integrated lamp guards. For further information on these parts and accessories, please visit 18

19 EXPLORE Tackling the sands of the flat plains outside Mada in Saleh. Arabia fell silent, but the signs of this engineering feat remained stone station buildings, bridges, tunnels, the track bed, old trains and, most vitally, small stone constructions that housed water tanks at each halt to store accumulated rain water. The terrain around Medina was mountainous, but then we headed out into a gravel desert on smooth tarmac. The landscape was flat as far as the eye could see, with villages visible in the far distance. Then all of a sudden we hit lush, bright orange sand reminiscent of the Empty Quarter, which soon turned to black volcanic mountain ranges. One moment we were on a sand dune, the next we were down in a wadi about to crawl up the next mountain, and the next we were back on the highway cruising along as if nothing had happened. It was at this point in the trip that we arrived somewhere that made the train stations of the Hejaz railway seem like they were built yesterday. We drove out into the unearthly landscape of Mada in Saleh, a region of intense terracotta-hued rock formations. The area is under UNESCO protection, and with good reason. This huge, empty wilderness of windswept rock was once the site of an ancient civilisation, and they have left their mark in the most breathtaking way. Thousands of years ago, humans carved giant palaces, houses and tombs out of the base of these mountains using the simplest tools. Most of us have heard of Petra yet this over 2,000-year-old site is its equal and almost unvisited. I walked up to a vast doorway cut from the face of the rock and touched my hand to it. The surface was so smooth it felt like a machine had done it, not a human hand. It was an eerie place. A strange, musty smell hung in the air like a heavy presence. A tale told that this place had been cursed by God because the people did not listen to the prophet who was sent to them at that time. For a moment, 19

20 EXPLORE Discovery Wadi Al-Dissa The Discovery driving through Wadi Al-Dissa 20

21 I could believe it. A wind picked up, blowing sand into my eyes, and I could feel myself dehydrating. I headed back to the Discovery. To be in such wild terrain and to open a door and sit in a luxurious leather seat in cool air conditioning, to plug in my ipod and pull a cold bottle of water from the cooler box was an incredible juxtaposition. The Discovery gave us a sense of security, safety and heightened confidence. At one point, I was driving in the sand when a steep mountainside came into view. The rocks were sharp, like spikes. I drove on. Gradually the gradient increased to about 35 C, the Discovery working its way over loose rocks. It was so steep I couldn t believe the vehicle was not just toppling down the mountain. It didn t. In fact, the Discovery never showed any signs of difficulty. In this harsh terrain, it was more composed than I was under pressure. I am descended from a Bedouin family, but I have never lived in the desert. My ancestors could A scorpion sting is fatal. A camel spider bite just makes you really sick. One of the many carved rock dwellings of the people of Mada in Saleh. read the desert and understand its dangers. I had to come prepared. The number one issue was dehydration. Even in cooler weather, you tend to lose water in the desert without knowing. By the time you realise you re thirsty, it s too late. Your body is about to shut down. Weather in the Hejaz is fickle, so just as heatstroke is a danger, so too are flash floods, something to beware of in the dry wadi beds. The other dangers are the natural inhabitants the animals and insects. We saw holes in the desert where horned vipers, black cobras and sand boas crawl underground to avoid the rain and cold, falcons circled overhead at midday in search of food, and lively wild baboons threatened to attack our vehicle for food or even the rubber from our windscreen wipers. Many Saudis wear sandals in the desert, but I wore boots to guard against scorpions and camel spiders. A scorpion sting is fatal. A camel spider bite just makes you really sick and by really sick, I mean it infects your foot and it swells up badly. I wasn t taking any chances. Leaving Mada in Saleh, we headed into mountainous terrain leading north towards our final destination, Tabuk, passing little train stations in the middle of nowhere. After over 100 years, the buildings and bridges were still there. Considering that they were built in the wilderness with no GPS, cement trucks or cranes, it was an impressive achievement of engineering and infrastructure. We met locals who told us stories of the railway that had been passed down the generations. They explained how when it was first built, the track was made out of steel and the sleepers of wood. At night the people living nearby would steal the sleepers to burn and warm their houses. In the second phase of construction, they used steel sleepers. On our final ride into Tabuk, we saw a sight that left us speechless. We drove into Wadi Al-Dissa. The sky was pure blue and the mountains changed colour around us. At first we were flanked by deep red rock and the sand in the wadi bed was red. Ten kilometres later, the sand and rock turned bright white. In another 10km they became grey. Like many Saudis, I can remember the first time I saw snow as a child. Looking at Wadi Al-Dissa for the first time gave me that same feeling. This journey has shown me parts of my home country that the majority of Saudis will never see in their whole lives and I could hardly believe my eyes. 21

22 EXPERIENCE A RISING STAR KELVIN YUEN 19 Kelvin 19-year-old Kelvin Yuen was catapulted to fame overnight after winning two international photography awards for two photographs of Hong Kong s nightscapes. And while he often finds himself at high places (literally), this farsighted teen keeps his feet on the ground and his eyes on the horizon as he talks to us about his hopes and dreams. Words: Ivy Ho Translation: Trisha Yeh (Eng) Photography: Kelvin Yuen / Hiro (interview) 22

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24 To photograph landscapes in Hong Kong, it is important to understand the changes throughout the seasons. Spring is best for photographing fog and clouds, while summer is ideal for capturing the Milky Way in Sai Kung A Child s Pursuit of a Dream was the winning photo at the 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest. 24

25 EXPERIENCE Kelvin Kelvin Kelvin Kelvin Good weather always sends Yuen up a mountain. His most frequented places are the Kowloon mountains and High Island Reservoir East Dam, both of which he has visited close to 50 times. Over the summer, he spent 10 days camping at East Dam to capture photos of sunrises, sunsets, and even the Milky Way. 25

26 EXPERIENCE Kelvin Kelvin 2015 Kelvin A Night in a Dream earned an honourable mention at the 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest. Yuen actually likes this photo more than his winning shot. A Perfectionist s World After winning the youth division of the National Geographic photography contest, Yuen was overwhelmed by a sudden influx of interview requests and invitations for collaborations. Did he experience a sense of self-satisfaction having shot to fame so suddenly? No, I only entered the contest to see if I had what it took, says Yuen without reservation. I have never sought awards and I still don t today. He recalls his happiest moment was telling his family about his award and hearing his mother talk excitedly about his interview. Although my mom didn t say it out loud, I know she s proud of me and that has been my greatest reward, says Yuen. As I watch his face light up, I think of how important it is for young adults to receive approval from their parents. It seems the most precious gift of all is the support and encouragement from one s family. His winning photo was taken from Fei Ngo Shan and showcases Hong Kong s unique natural landscape against a backdrop of city lights. However, Yuen is not completely satisfied with this shot. The weather wasn t good that day and the visibility was quite poor. There were a lot of clouds and this affected the light from the sunset, explains Yuen. He has resolved to reshoot this photo when time permits and the weather is better, revealing his perfectionist side. To capture a well-composed landscape shot from the ideal angle, I often have to visit the same spot 30 or 40 times, says Yuen, who strives to shoot the perfect photo by paying attention to the smallest details. With numerous uncontrollable factors including the weather affecting his work, Yuen s photos are extremely intentional and require extensive planning, reflecting his passion and dedication. Self-Teaching By Trial And Error Yuen s slender physique paired with his shy demeanour suggests more of a homebody than the outdoorsy type. Before photography, I would just stay home every day and play computer games, says Yuen. Had it not been for the old SLR camera that his cousin gave him a year and a half ago, he may not have discovered his love for photography. 26

27 To successfully photograph a sea of clouds, winds must be light and humidity must be high. 27

28 The moment he truly fell in love with photography, however, was during a visit to Lion Rock with his classmates. After seeing the sea of clouds from above, I discovered my passion for photographing landscapes and finding new perspectives of Hong Kong, he says. For Yuen, photography allows him to revel in the beauty of Hong Kong s nature while simultaneously challenging him to unearth his potential. Completely self-taught, Yuen has never taken a photography course or read a photography book. When it comes to mastering photography techniques, he prefers a trial-and-error method, proving that learning through experience may be worth more than acquiring head knowledge through books. Similarly, Yuen discovered his passion for nature by actually being in nature rather than solely through his studies in environmental conservation at university. He hopes that his photographs will encourage more people to care for the environment, a cause he personally lives out by clearing out rubbish left behind by others in country parks. Surprisingly, one of the greatest changes that Yuen has experienced after he fell in love with 12 A photo taken from Taiwan s Hehuanshan in December. Kelvin Although he has only been scaling hills and mountains for 18 months, Yuen feels that he has become very familiar with Hong Kong s mountain terrain and countryside. 28

29 EXPERIENCE photography is a renewed motivation to study harder. I never liked studying and would devote all my time to computer games, recalls Yuen. After I discovered photography, I learned the importance of time management and realised that I couldn t just play all the time. I knew I had to pay more attention to my studies, he says. Yuen believes that chasing a dream is no excuse for not working hard, and must be approached in a balanced and practical manner. Many people have commented on how farsighted and mature Yuen seems, but perhaps he is just someone who knows what he wants and goes for it. The Power Of Dedication And Perseverance Most of Yuen s photographs are taken from the mountains. There s a richness and grandeur about photographs taken from on top of mountains, he says. And while nature photography includes a wide variety of subjects from plants and people to wildlife, Yuen has focused his photography on majestic, commanding landscapes since day one. Photographing from the mountaintops is not as easy as it may sound basic equipment consisting of a camera, three wide-angle lenses of various lengths, a tripod, and a bottle of water easily adds up to almost 20 pounds, while waiting overnight or facing poor weather conditions are part and parcel of the job. Yuen, however, sees it differently. Each time I go out, I am only thinking about how to get that perfect shot, he says. I never consider it tough or labourious. During his interview, this young man never talks about big dreams or grand philosophies. Instead, his passion simply overflows, touching and inspiring those around him. In fact, Yuen s road to recognition is not a grand story of dreams, nor does it feature epic twists and turns. Does he feel lucky? I ask. Yes, I think so, he nods, though without perseverance and endeavour, there is no such thing as luck. Renowned Chinese writer, Eileen Chang, once wrote, One ought to become famous as early as possible, suggesting that experiencing change in the early days will bring a very different future of success. I believe that as long as Yuen perseveres with what he loves, he will undoubtedly create a world of possibilities for himself. Kelvin Yuen enjoys the freedom to indulge in his own thoughts and feelings while he is on the mountains. 29

30 30 Alexander McQueen Dress By Alexander McQueen.

31 INSIGHT WIT AND WISDOM Land Rover Two key Land Rover designers who grew up in two very different countries China and Italy define what aspects of Britishness influence, impress and inspire them. Words: Manufacturer Photography: Trunk Archive / Christian Smith / Getty Image Translation: Tony Ho (Chi) SOPHIE LI MASSIMO FRASCELLA Jaguar Land Rover Sophie Li grew up in the north of China, near Beijing, but then relocated to the south, near Shanghai, where she studied product design. From there she moved to Coventry University in the British Midlands to learn automotive design. She has been with Jaguar Land Rover for five years and is now an interior designer. Massimo Frascello Land Rover Massimo Frascella grew up in Tuscany, in central Italy. He studied and worked in Italy and apart from the occasional Greek holiday, he didn t leave for years. There followed a period working in England and then seven years in California. Now he s firmly rooted in the UK as creative director of exteriors at Land Rover Design. 31

32 INSIGHT London Grammer Hannah Reid London Grammar singer Hannah Reid It s fresher, slightly more modern. Not entirely polished. 32

33 Paul Smith Defender The Defender commissioned by Sir Paul Smith Red Wharf Bay Land Rover Land Rover MF Burberry Land Rover Massimo Frascella Sophie Li MF The Cult Billy Duffy SL London Grammar? MF Land Rover SL Alexander McQueen 3D MF Jonathan Ive 1998 imac MacBook SL Paul Smith Paul Smith 33

34 It s witty. It has a timeless quality but it s never over the top. Paul Smith Land Rover Gerry McGovern Sir Paul with Land Rover s Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, Gerry McGovern 140 Land Rover? MF Range Rover Discovery Defender SL Land Rover? MF 1969 The Italian Job Spaced with Simon Pegg? SL MF MF Dr. Martens Clarks Bremont SL Liberty? SL Banksy Banksy punk Jamie Reid punk Reid MF Coleridge Shelley Blake Cinque Terre Byron Shelley SL Jane Austen? SL MF SL 34

35 INSIGHT W ith three Royal Warrants and a pedigree drawn in the sands of Anglesey s Red Wharf Bay, Land Rover has its roots firmly in Britain. But it s also an international brand, recognised in nearly every part of the world. Met two key Land Rover designers to ask them what Britishness means to them and how it has become a source of inspiration. Massimo Frascella: Before I moved here, I had the idea of the English having a level of elegance, of sophistication. Well mannered, well educated, but not too passionate... I anticipated a level of formality. That view hasn t changed too much, but I feel like all these characteristics are mingled with a slight edginess. It s fresher, slightly more modern. Not entirely polished. Sophie Li: I agree. Before I came to England, my impression was that everything would be very elegant. But when I came to London to Camden Town, for example I felt a very different, edgy vibe. It was really overwhelming! I d studied classical piano in China, but I d never tried to jam with anyone, and suddenly I was in Camden Town doing just that. It has a really dry humour. Simon Pegg Actor and comedian Simon Pegg MF: I love British music s creativity and progressiveness. While I was growing up, my favourite band was an English band The Cult. I still follow them. Last year they played in Wolverhampton, then in London. I went to both gigs. I was lucky enough to meet them, and I got to know guitarist Billy Duffy. SL: At the moment, my favourite band is London Grammar. British musicians are very open-minded. But this country has contributed a lot to the fashion world, too. In particular, the trench coat. It is elegant but also very practical. It has become a symbol of British elegance, an understated elegance. MF: I love the Burberry trench, too it s iconic, it works if you re just going for a walk with your dog, or if you wear it over a suit. It s got that dual-purpose appeal that we think about all the time when designing Land Rovers. I ve always been impressed by how much countryside there still is in Britain. Here, the border between the city and the countryside is blurred. I think that s where this flexibility and versatility comes from. Can you define any themes in British design? MF: Design here has a timeless quality. It s never over the top. It s quite essential, with clean lines. It s definitely what we try to do at Land Rover for both our interiors and exteriors. We want to create designs that go beyond today. They need to stand the test of time and not feel old in a few years. SL: I admire British fashion designers such as Alexander McQueen who started using tools like laser cutting and 3D printing way ahead of the fashion industry. Designers like this have a respect for heritage, but they re also willing to try new things. MF: Britain is a very fertile land for growing new ideas. The best example of open-minded thinking is Jonathan Ive and his work for Apple. That s a company that s not afraid to take big design risks. When Apple came out with the transparent imac in 1998 instead of the old grey box, it was a big statement as was the aluminium finish on MacBooks. I truly believe that execution and attention to detail always make the difference with great design. SL: He might not be the most innovative in terms of technology, but I really admire Paul Smith. He s very good at taking something that you d never think 35

36 INSIGHT would make a pattern, and turning them into a pattern. He s very witty. He travels a lot and he s really good at bringing different cultures and found items back home and repackaging them in a Paul Smith way. Talking about wit who makes you laugh? MF: One of my favourite movies is The Italian Job, the original 1969 version. I also loved the TV show Spaced with Simon Pegg. It has a really dry humour, I thought it was very clever. What s the view of Britain from your respective countries? SL: A lot of Chinese people are now holidaying here. And they really know about Britain as a whole not just London. MF: From an Italian point of view, the younger generation love coming to England to experience this melting pot of different cultures. When I think of British creativity, I always reference London as the centre where newtrends in music, art and design develop. And now there s good coffee, too MF: Well, decent coffee! London has this formal side, with period buildings and policemen on horses. But inside these buildings, there are really dynamic things going on. It s a mix, a really bold combination. I love brands such as Dr. Martens and Clarks, they re very popular in Italy, too. Then there s Bremont. It might be a relatively young watch company, but it is very progressive. SL: If I m in London I love going to Liberty. I love their prints and going there for afternoon tea. The eccentric Regent Street building is part of the experience, too it s something really different. Well it is over 140 years old Would you say that having a rich heritage, like Liberty, or indeed Land Rover, gives you more latitude to be creative? MF: It gives you motivation and confidence. There s no other brand that has three automotive icons Range Rover, Discovery and Defender. At the same time, we have to use our heritage wisely. You have to move on without being held back by it. We can t and don t just replicate designs from the past and make them a little more modern. We need to capture the essence of what those cars were when they first came out and make it relevant for the future. That s how you have to approach it. SL: It s an incredible challenge when we re designing our new generation of Land Rover vehicles today, but a good one. Britain s had a big impact on the arts what are your favourites? SL: Banksy! He s just such a mystery. I love the way he uses his environment, and his works make you smile but they also make you think. I believe Banksy has taken some inspiration from punk artist Jamie Reid. I didn t know much about punk, but when I first came here I would go to old record shops and was really attracted to covers done by Reid. MF: I was fascinated at school by English literature the romantic poets like Coleridge, Shelley and Blake. Perhaps that s because there is a connection with where I come from in Tuscany s Cinque Terre a collection of villages where Byron and Shelley spent a lot of time. SL: My favourite author is Jane Austen. When I was growing up, every Chinese girl loved her. Lastly, has anything really surprised you about living here? SL: Yes, the number of people that go horse riding. Looking after a horse requires such a high level of dedication. MF: As a vegetarian, you have options here. Some countries are a nightmare if you don t eat meat. Here, you feel included. SL: I think that s true of British life in general. We don t feel like outsiders here. Bremont MBIII Banksy The Bremont MBIII and artwork by Banksy (right) 36

37 It makes you smile but makes you think at the same time. 37

38 JAGUAR The Art of Organic Forms 39

39 2007 Mercury The groundbreaking Mercury light was launched in

40 LIFESTYLE The Beauty of Nature and Logic Ross Lovegrove Ross British furniture design is often divided into two camps: one that favours the classic and elegant, and another that prefers the innovative and modern. Known as Captain Organic, British industrial designer, Ross Lovegrove, embraces nature as his inspiration to create futuristic, experimental products. His work encompasses a variety of fields from aviation and architecture to everyday objects. While his designs are more like works of art, he says, I never create things that people do not need. Words: Ivy Ho Photography: Dennis / Manufacturer Translation: Trisha Yeh (Eng) 41

41 LIFESTYLE Ross Lovegrove Ross Tŷ Nant Ross Ross TED Ross 2001 Go Chair 2007 Mercury Ross Lovegrove By studying the origin and evolution of life and form, Lovegrove translates the beauty of nature to create the future of design. Ross 2007 KEF Muon Ross Ross KEF 42

42 Organic, sensual lines radiate life from the inside out, exuding a uniquely natural beauty. Muon Muo Muon Ross I m not interested in minimalism, because minimalism without meaning is just cheap. 43

43 Inspired By Nature At first glance, the grey-haired, white-bearded Lovegrove comes off as the classic British gentleman. His progressive designs, however, tell another story. My work is all about observing the natural world, he says. I hope that people will be able see the unique beauty and logic of nature and experience the rhythm and harmony embedded in nature s forms. Instead of simply imitating nature, Lovegrove s work combines technology and innovative materials to create dynamic, organic forms inspired by nature, which are then crafted into everyday objects, such as a water bottle. Lovegrove s bottle design for British premium water brand, Tŷ Nant, perfectly encapsulates his philosophy on design. At one of the designer s TED talks, Lovegrove explained how he was inspired by a drawing Lovegrove s work combines the organic and the futuristic, seamlessly blending two extremes. Ross Lovegrove Inspired by the logic and beauty of nature, Ross Lovegrove s designs are a trinity of technology, materials science, and intelligent organic form. 44

44 LIFESTYLE 2001 Ross Lovegrove Go Chair In 2001, Lovegrove unveiled the world s first magnesiumframed chair, the Go Chair. of water by Leonardo da Vinci for the design of the Tŷ Nant bottle. Using fluid lines to create an impression of water, Lovegrove initially thought he had failed when he first laid eyes on the finished product. I had no idea how it was going to turn out. It was only when I put the water in that I realized that I d put a skin on water itself, he said. In fact, adding water to this artistically sculpted water bottle injects life into the object. Each bottle is different, meaning the water level will give you a different shape. It s mass individualism from a single product, said Lovegrove. Fat-Free Design Designing based on a concept he calls organic essentialism, Lovegrove is inspired by nature s ability to evolve over time, keeping only what is needed and reducing things to an essential and organic form. My designs are fat-free and that s how life should be, says Lovegrove, explaining a belief that is also echoed in the evolution of our lives today. The designer s fatfree philosophy is also seen in his furniture designs. In 2001, Lovegrove unveiled the world s first magnesiumframed chair, the Go Chair. This incredibly lightweight chair employs an anatomical approach to form and its functional and futuristic design made it an instant classic. The groundbreaking Mercury light was launched in 2007, featuring a floating assembly of large pebbles below a modern aluminium disc. When suspended, the light acts as a floating, sculptural object, while the pebbles reflect light in a multitude of angles to create a mesmerising, dream-like effect. This Is Not Minimalism What is the difference between organic essentialism and minimalism? I m not that interested in minimalism. What you have to understand is that minimalism without meaning is just cheap, says Lovegrove. To him, nature is the starting point for design, and reducing objects to their 45

45 LIFESTYLE minimal forms allows for expressions of maximum beauty while awakening our innate affinity for natural forms. We are not here to create cheap, geometric designs, but to craft incredibly valuable organic lines and forms, he says. It is no wonder that all of his designs, from furniture to architecture, exude a futuristic sensibility that simultaneously reflects a nature-inspired quality. According to Lovegrove, a wide variety of interesting shapes and forms can be found in nature. To an industrial designer, the true value of design is not simply found in the outward aesthetics of a product, but also in minimising production costs. In 2007, Lovegrove collaborated with KEF for the first time to create Muon, the brand s flagship hi-fi speakers. The use of advanced casting technology significantly reduces We re not just producing cheap geometry, we re producing very valuable organic geometry. Ross Lovegrove Lovegrove s work is informed by his concept of organic essentialism, where form takes centre stage. Most of the designer s pieces are crafted with carbon fibre or aluminium. 46

46 the amount of aluminium needed to craft each speaker, while its fluid, sensual lines are an artistic expression of undulating sound waves. Lovegrove also worked closely with sound engineers during the design process to explore the relationship between form and technology something that greatly impacts the audio performance of the speaker as well. Last year saw Lovegrove s second collaboration with KEF the Muo is a wireless speaker based on the design of the original Muon. Lightweight and portable, the Muo takes a triangular shape to enhance its audio performance, while its airhole pattern, punched into an aluminium shell, echoes the shape of the Muon. Achieving the perfect balance between aesthetics and reality requires profound organic design skills, boasts Lovegrove KEF Muon In 2007, Lovegrove collaborated with KEF for the first time to create Muon, the brand s flagship hi-fi speakers. When asked about his sources of inspiration, Lovegrove admits that he doesn t read very many design books, but actually loves science magazines. I ve always been very interested in science and I know quite a bit about it, he says with a smile. It s just that I ve chosen to be a designer for now. Not a surprising fact, considering how his designs are often creative fusions of science and aesthetics. Any good product should be able to touch a person s soul, even if it takes on a cold exterior, says Lovegrove. If we take a closer look at nature, with all its unique and harmonious forms, perhaps we, too, will be able to see life and its beauty from a different perspective. Designer Profile: 1958 Frog Knoll Philippe Starck 1990 Studio X Ross Sony Cappellini Guzzini Medaille de la Ville de Paris 1998 Batimat Design Award 2009 RedDot 2010 Best of the Best Born in 1958 in Wales, Ross Lovegrove studied at the Royal College of Art, London, and worked at Frog Design in West Germany after his graduation. He later moved to Paris to work as a consultant for Knoll International, and also had the opportunity to work with French designer, Philippe Starck. After founding his own studio, Studio X, in 1990, Lovegrove s products quickly gained traction and enjoyed whirlwind success in Europe and the US. Lovegrove has worked with a wide variety of clients including Sony, Cappellini, Guzzini, British Airways, Japan Airlines, and many more. He is also the recipient of numerous international awards, such as Médaille de la Ville de Paris 1998, Batimat Design Award 2009, and Red Dot Best of the Best 2010, and his work is held in permanent collections at various design museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Design Museum in London, to name a few. 47

47 Jaguar XF Best in Class The All-New Jaguar XF Jaguar E-TYPE XF Maintaining the English charm, clean design, and sporty vibe of the Jaguar E-TYPE, the new XF is a luxury saloon that features a wide range of innovative technologies within while preserving a timelessly British spirit. Words: Chan Wai Hung Photography: Chaucer K.C. Wong Translation: Trisha Yeh 48

48 DRIVE J aguar DNA Jaguar XF XF Canary Wharf XF Jaguar E-TYPE F-TYPE Jaguar XF F-TYPE Jaguar 2007 XF Jaguar Ian Callum Jaguar Jaguar XF XE XJ logo XF 49

49 DRIVE LED J-Blade LED Jaguar LED Cd 0.26 XF XF XE 75% Jaguar XF % XF XF Jaguar XF Intelligent technologies fit for James Bond also feature prominently in the XF. XF InControl Touch 007 Jaguar XF Lane Departure Warning AEB Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) F-TYPE XE Jaguar All Surface Progress Control 30 Torque Vectoring by Braking XF 51mm 87mm 61mm 540 C 50

50 3.0 V ZF 8 Jaguar 0-100km/h 5.4 XF Integral Link 50:50 F-TYPE Integral Link XF XF Jaguar XF XF XF Dynamic Jaguar F-TYPE XF XF Moving into the interior of the car, the XF continues to impress as it expertly combines comfort and luxury with the latest technologies. K nown for its unique DNA that combines innovation, intelligent performance, and exquisite craftsmanship, Jaguar proves its prowess once again with the all-new XF. As it enters its ninth year since its original debut, the XF continues to excite and delight from driving across a high wire at London s Canary Wharf to making appearances at New York and Hong Kong s auto shows, the new XF is a breath of fresh air every time. The car s exterior is distinctively dynamic with its fluid lines and modern styling. With roots in racing, Jaguar s history has been defined by incredible successes including the birth of the legendary E-TYPE, three consecutive wins at 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the creation of the classically British sports car, the F-TYPE. The design of the Jaguar XF is inspired by the F-TYPE, and adheres to Jaguar s design philosophy that champions simplicity, clean lines, and power while maintaining perfect proportions and a sense of sportiness. Since its debut in 2007, the XF has received numerous awards and has become the pride of Jaguar. Under the leadership of Design Director, Ian Callum, Jaguar s design language has gradually evolved from the more vertical front end and shorter front overhang to the longer wheelbase, the revolutionary design of the original XF paved the way for its successor, a car that now takes its place between the mid-size XE and the luxury XJ saloons. 51