(November 16, 2016) LOS ANGELES — Big-wave surf legend Laird Hamilton and members of the exclusive Silicon Beach Surfers club have given the new Land Rover Discovery the surfing seal of approval. Laird was joined by future surf star, eight-year-old Jett Prefontaine, and surfers from the exclusive Californian surf club at Point Mugu in Malibu, as he reconfigured the premium SUV’s seats from the water.

The New Discovery Dynamic Design Pack makes its public U.S. debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show today. Land Rover says it combines unbeatable all-terrain capability with unrivaled versatility and a revolutionary new exterior design.

In an effort to match British adventurer Bear Grylls, who rearranged the New Discovery’s seats in mid-air, Laird used the InControl Remote app to operate Land Rover Intelligent Seat Fold technology from the water. He and Jett also carried their boards on the vehicle’s specially-designed Aqua Rack and used the SUV’s Powered Inner Tailgate and Activity Key before hitting the water.

Hamilton said, “The new Land Rover Discovery could have been made as the ultimate surfer’s SUV. Its specially-designed Aqua Rack makes it easy to transport your boards, the Powered Inner Tailgate is the perfect place to sit in shelter from the elements and the Activity Key is awesome.

“You can even adjust the vehicle from the surf! Remotely rearranging the seats to make space for your friends, or activating the climate control to cool the vehicle before you catch the last wave of the day, has to be the ultimate in convenience.”

Silicon Beach Surfers is a tight-knit invitation club of 500 surfers from the media, tech and entertainment industries in Los Angeles. 



Discovery Dynamic Design Pack

The Dynamic Design Pack gives the New Discovery a stealth-like appearance with a host of exterior detail changes. The optional pack is available on HSE and HSE Luxury models and comprises of 21- or 22-inch Satin Dark Grey finish cast alloy wheels, a Black or Corris Grey contrast roof and purposeful new front and rear bumpers. In addition the grille, fender vents, door mirror caps and vehicle script on the hood are all finished in Narvik Black.

Inside, there’s a choice of three colors, each with contrast stitching. A Titanium Mesh finish, Windsor leather upper facia and door tops, and dedicated carpet mats with Nubuck binding complete the upgrade.

Hamilton used the ‘Sand’ mode of the new Terrain Response system to drive the New Discovery on the beach close to the shore before removing the surfboards from the roof-mounted Aqua Rack, which can carry a pair of boards.

The duo then used the Powered Inner Tailgate feature while preparing to enter the water before locking the vehicle with the unique-in-segment Land Rover Activity Key. The clever waterproof wristband allows you to lock and unlock the vehicle without the need to carry a conventional key fob.