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Velvet Motorworks Revives the Iconic Range Rover L322 With Retro Styling and Modern Tech

The Range Rover L322, one of the most beloved luxury SUVs of the 2000s, is making a bold comeback — this time with a retro-inspired twist and cutting-edge upgrades. The revival is spearheaded by Estonian startup Velvet Motorworks, which is reimagining the third-generation Range Rover as a handcrafted, limited-production masterpiece that blends nostalgia with innovation.

Velvet Motorworks Range Rover L322 restomod concept with retro design

Originally launched in 2001, the L322 represented a new era for Land Rover, engineered under BMW’s guidance but brought to market under Ford’s ownership. Over the years, it became a symbol of understated elegance and powerful capability, with facelifts in 2006 and 2010 keeping it fresh. Now, nearly 25 years later, Velvet Motorworks wants to give this modern classic a second life.

A Vision Rooted in Passion

Velvet Motorworks’ founder, Mihkel Külaots, revealed his deep personal connection to the project:

“I was a teenager when the L322 first came out, and I vividly remember seeing it in real life for the first time. I was amazed by how powerful and luxurious that boxy machine felt. Now, with the earliest examples over 20 years old, these vehicles deserve a proper tear-down, rebuild, and a bit of extra character – not just a restoration, but a revival of a modern classic.”

Retro-Inspired Exterior With a Modern Edge

Unlike typical restomods, Velvet Motorworks strikes a delicate balance between retro cues and contemporary flair. The exterior features:

  • Custom LED headlights with circular graphic elements.
  • A reimagined vertical-slat grille.
  • Off-road–inspired bumpers.
  • Larger alloy wheels paired with a lifted suspension for added presence.

These updates give the Range Rover a distinctive character while paying homage to its heritage.

Handcrafted Interior and Advanced Tech

Although no official photos of the interior have been released yet, Velvet Motorworks promises a handcrafted cabin that merges luxury craftsmanship with modern connectivity. Expect premium leather, bespoke trim options, Apple CarPlay, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to enhance both comfort and safety.

Performance and Engineering

Under the hood, all builds will use the Jaguar-sourced 4.2-liter supercharged V8, originally rated at 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS). Velvet Motorworks will elevate performance with hardware and software upgrades, alongside a selectable active exhaust system for added drama.

Each vehicle will undergo a complete restoration process, including chassis reinforcements and suspension tuning, ensuring that the analog driving feel of the L322 is preserved while comfort and handling are improved.

From Digital Renders to Reality

At present, the project exists in 3D renderings, created by CGI artist Nils Piirma, who has also collaborated with Koenigsegg and Genesis. Velvet Motorworks plans to unveil the first working prototype by mid-2026, with customer deliveries expected in late 2026.

Production will be strictly limited, with each example tailored to order and built in Estonia. Pricing details remain undisclosed, but the company has already begun accepting applications of interest from enthusiasts worldwide.

This bold project could mark the beginning of a new wave of modern-classic revivals, blending heritage design with state-of-the-art technology.

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