Land Rover unveils the 542bhp Range Rover Sport SVR
Jaguar Land Rover will this week unveil the Range Rover Sport SVR, a speed machine that will become the fastest model in the company’s history. While images and teaser videos have already been enjoyed across the internet, it will be unveiled in production form the first time at the Pebble Beach motoring event in California this weekend.
The SVR gets its blistering speed from a supercharged 5.0L V8 that offers a staggering 542bhp; it’s the same engine which can be found in the F-type R coupe and the XFR-S saloon. It means that it rockets from standstill to 60mph in just 4.5 seconds, continuing to accelerate until reaching its top speed of 162mph; impressive stats for a 4×4 of any kind.
The SVR is a creation of the Jaguar Specialist Operations Unit, which is headed by former Land Rover boss John Edwards. It is a clear move by the marque to keep up with other names in the SUV market, joining a long list of supercharged powerhouses that include the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, BMW X5 and X6 M, and the Mercedes Benz ML63 AMG. With a host of features and improvements resulting in an on-road performance you will never tire of. Part of the secret behind this is thanks to the recalibrated Dynamic Active Rear Locking Differential, sending the torque to the rear wheel with the most traction to ensure it sticks to the line.
The drive is sent to all four wheels thanks to the reconfigured ZF-supplied eight-speed automatic transmission, which can be controlled through either the steering wheel-mounted paddles or the gearstick. Also aiding the SVR in the corners is the Active-Roll Control System. Replacing anti-roll bars with a hydraulic pump on each axle, it works to control body roll and enables the car to deliver great performance out of the corner. In addition to this, weight has also been added to the variable-ratio electronic steering system. As it’s an off-roader at heart, the SVR also comes equipped with permanent four-wheel drive and an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, meaning you can tackle any terrain you are faced with.
Not only will it drive like a dream, it will also sound superb thanks to the two-stage active exhaust with electronically controlled valves. Only two of the four pipes are open at low revs, but at engine speeds of around 3000rpm, all the valves open and a crackle has even been tuned in. Land Rover bosses say the result is a ‘racecar-like soundtrack’. The designers at the Jaguar Specialist Operations Unit soon realised that a few aesthetic tweaks were needed to match the ferocious power offered under foot, something that the new front bumper with larger air intakes and a new grille finish help to deliver. Another change is the new rear bumper, which has an integrated diffuser. There are also four exhaust pipes and a race-inspired rear spoiler.
Inside, the designers have made no compromise on comfort, with the new and luxuriously trimmed sports seats offering a faultless ride for both driver and passenger. Owners will get to choose between four different colour schemes, as well as whether they want the standard aluminium or optional carbon fibre trim throughout.
It’s thought that orders for the SVR can be made in October, with good spec cars costing north of £100,000. It will undoubtedly be one of the quickest 4x4s the world has ever seen and Romans International will have access to some of the first cars on the market so please get in touch.